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ECT sessions shape depression treatment outcomes

A comprehensive review reveals that early ECT sessions show substantial improvement, but subsequent sessions may lead to diminishing returns and cognitive side effects. The researchers propose a response-guided sequential treatment strategy, categorizing patients into three groups based on their response patterns.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 3, 2025

Low calorie diets linked to heightened risk of depressive symptoms

Research finds that following a low-calorie diet is associated with a heightened risk of depressive symptoms, especially in men who are overweight. The study analyzed data from over 28,500 adults and found that calorie-restrictive diets were linked to higher cognitive-affective symptom scores in men.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2025

Digital games facilitate learning about mental illness

A new study by University of Cologne researchers found that digital games can effectively teach people about depression, reducing stigma and increasing empathy. The study showed that participants who watched gaming videos on the topic reported improved knowledge, emotional responses, and motivation to learn more about depression.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 2, 2025

Experiences with discrimination may raise rise of early psychotic episodes: NYU study

A new NYU study suggests that experiences with discrimination, racial inequality, and police violence may contribute to the development of psychosis in low-income young adults of color. The research found a higher incidence of psychotic episodes among Blacks, Latinos, and Indigenous respondents compared to white respondents.

SourceNew York University·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2025

How social media influencers impact FOMO in young consumers

A new study at Ohio State University found that young consumers who shop online and experience fear of missing out (FOMO) tend to feel lower levels of social, psychological, and financial well-being. However, having a stronger attachment to a social media influencer is linked to improved feelings of well-being in those areas. The study...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2025

Mother’s warmth in childhood influences teen health by shaping perceptions of social safety

A new UCLA Health study found that maternal warmth in early childhood predicts better physical and mental health outcomes for teens by shaping their perceptions of social safety. Children who experience more maternal warmth at age 3 have more positive social safety schemas, leading to improved health outcomes at age 17.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

Mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, and road injuries among the top causes of death and disability for millions in the ASEAN region

The study reveals alarming increases in mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, and road injuries across the ASEAN region. Mental disorders affect over 80 million people, while cardiovascular diseases claim 37 million lives, with smoking and road injuries exacerbating the problem.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateMay 27, 2025

Peer support groups make a difference in nurse wellbeing

Research by Dr Alannah Cooper found that peer support groups promoted social support in the workplace, leading to improved wellbeing scores among mental health nurses. The intervention addressed underlying issues with workplace conditions, highlighting the importance of flexible attendance and supportive nurse managers.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2025

Study finds significant declines in maternal mental health across US

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals a concerning decline in self-reported mental health among mothers in the US between 2016 and 2023. The percentage of mothers reporting excellent mental health dropped sharply from 38% to 26%, while those rating their mental health as fair or poor increased by 63.6%.

Cannabis use disorder is increasing rapidly, especially among older adults and people living with HIV

A new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Dental flosser for at-home stress monitoring

Researchers developed a dental floss pick with a built-in sensor that accurately measures cortisol levels in saliva, mimicking blood levels. The device takes around 10 minutes to report results and has been shown to be sensitive enough to detect small increases in cortisol indicative of stress.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 14, 2025

Physical activity + organized sports participation may ward off childhood mental ill health

Research suggests that physical activity and organized sports participation can help ward off childhood mental ill health, with benefits seen in boys. However, findings indicate sex differences in protective effects, with boys showing stronger associations between physical activity and lower risk of depression, anxiety, and addiction.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2025

Cannabis-related hospital visits rising, often tied to mental health conditions: Study

A new study found that cannabis-related hospital visits increased by 20% in Arizona between 2016 and 2021, with nearly eight times more patients having a primary diagnosis of a mental health disorder. The study suggests easier access to cannabis may be partly responsible for the trend.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 7, 2025

Race and ethnicity often not reported in trials of medications for mental health conditions

A new study found that only 39% of clinical trials report the race or ethnicity of participants involved. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive reporting and recruitment practices to ensure studies better reflect diverse populations globally. This is crucial for developing inclusive, effective, and equitable treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 2025

Inclusive peer support groups are expanding at US colleges, but stable funding is needed

A new study found that collegiate recovery programs with multiple funding sources served twice as many students, providing dedicated space and relapse management support. These programs offer inclusive All Recovery meetings, which provide a welcoming space for students on different recovery journeys to connect and heal.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2025

Knowing your Alzheimer’s risk may ease anxiety but reduce motivation for healthy habits

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that learning one's Alzheimer's risk can decrease negative emotions like depression and anxiety, but also leads to decreased motivation for maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized disclosure processes to sustain healthy behaviors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeSurvey·DateMay 7, 2025

New study shows obesity linked to long COVID

A recent study by Edith Cowan University has found a significant association between excess weight and long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after COVID-19. The researchers suggest that this link could be due to an exaggerated inflammatory response linked to fat tissue, which may store the virus and increase its spread.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalPLOS One·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 7, 2025

Racism in schools harms Black youths’ mental health

A new study by the University of Ottawa reveals a clear link between racism in schools and symptoms of depression among Black students. The research identifies how academic racism hinders Black youths and their social and economic contribution to Canadian society.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalResearch on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 6, 2025

Adolescents with mental health conditions use social media differently than their peers, study suggests

A study by the University of Cambridge found that adolescents with mental health conditions spend an average of 50 minutes extra on social media each day compared to their peers. They also report higher levels of social comparison, mood changes due to online feedback, and lower self-control over time spent on platforms.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 5, 2025