A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescents who are more physically active have a lower risk of developing depression symptoms. The research followed 873 participants from age 6 to 18 and found that physical activity protected against depression symptoms in adolescence.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in depressive symptoms among US adults, with younger individuals being disproportionately affected. Worsening mental health trends were observed across the population.
Children from disadvantaged neighborhoods show blunted response to reward and loss, especially those with family history of depression. Growing up in chronically stressful environments may dampen reaction to good or bad events, increasing depression risk.
Previous depression survivors exhibit reduced motivation for everyday tasks but become equally motivated with large and certain rewards. This research sheds light on subtle motivational deficits persisting in recovered depression, guiding targeted treatment for sustained recovery.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 1, 2025
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found an increase in use of only psychotherapy, from 11.5% to 15.4%, and a decline in patients taking medication only, from 68% to 62%. The shift may be attributed to various factors beyond the COVID pandemic.
A study found that ayahuasca users with a history of anxiety or depression, or those using it in non-traditional settings, were more likely to report adverse mental states. However, some 'adverse effects' like visual distortions were associated with better reported mental health outcomes.
A study published in PLOS One found that conservatives tend to rate their mental health higher than liberals, likely due to stigma surrounding the term. However, when respondents were asked to rate their overall mood instead, the gap disappeared, revealing a more nuanced picture of mental well-being.
Researchers identified how the brain assigns positivity or negativity to social experiences through a complex neural circuitry involving the hippocampus. They discovered that serotonin and neurotensin release opposing signals in the ventral CA1 region, which can be leveraged for future therapies.
International experts urge cities to embed nature in infrastructure for better health, climate resilience, and equity. Urban greening benefits include cooler streets, cleaner air, improved mental health, and greater biodiversity.
Research at the University of Bristol has linked mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia to immune response, suggesting a fundamental change in understanding causal mechanisms. The study identified 29 potential biomarkers that could be used for novel therapeutics in mental health conditions.
A new study reveals a concerning rise in type 2 diabetes among depression inpatients in Beijing from 2005 to 2018. Depression and type 2 diabetes co-occurrence is understudied, but the research found 9.13% of depression patients had T2DM, with significant age, sex, and socioeconomic factors linked to elevated risk.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
A new study reveals that individuals with anxiety and depression tend to focus on jobs where they feel less confident, rather than those where they perform well, leading to persistent low self-belief. Positive feedback boosts overall self-belief, while negative feedback reduces it in all participants.
A new study found that increased perceived stress can lead to worsened respiratory symptoms and decreased quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study also examined the association between stress and platelet activation, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation.
SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2025
A study by Emory University researchers has found that spiritual health practitioners' personal experiences with psychedelics drive their careers in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The study introduced a novel training approach, emphasizing self-literacy and reflective learning to balance personal experience with cl...
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered a critical mechanism for mental health, where dopamine signals enable fear extinction. Dopamine activates specific amygdala neurons tied to reward, driving fear extinction and opening up new avenues for treating fear-related disorders like PTSD.
A virtual crisis prevention program for autistic children and their families has shown significant improvement in confidence, preparedness, and knowledge around crisis management. The 3-session program guided caregivers through a four-stage framework, equipping them with practical tools to navigate challenging situations.
Research found parents of children struggling with school attendance experience distress across all aspects of life, rating it as the second most threatening event. Supporting a child with school attendance difficulties imperils parental mental health and causes significant impact on daily mood and anxiety levels.
A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that exercise can improve brain health and mitigate cognitive decline, even when ketone production in the liver is impaired. The research found that endurance exercise can prevent cognitive impairment caused by compromised hepatic ketogenesis.
A study from the University of Missouri found that caregiving stress looks different for adults who are only children compared to those with siblings. Adult only children faced greater emotional and financial strain, while support from friends or extended family improved mental health for caregivers with siblings.
The percentage of publicly insured children receiving mental health or neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis increased significantly between 2010 and 2019. Most diagnostic categories showed increases, emphasizing the importance of accessing appropriate services in safety net systems.
A new study reveals that Australian women veterans experience gendered disempowerment and abuse within military service and transition, with experts calling for more support systems. The study found a 107% higher suicide rate among ex-serving female ADF members compared to the general population.
A recent study published in The Gerontologist found no difference in spatial working memory between older people with autistic traits and those who are neurotypical. Most participants maintained their cognitive ability over time, suggesting that autism is not associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.
A study of 580 Palestinian adults found that individuals who experienced traumatic events were more likely to develop eating disorders. Sociodemographic factors such as gender, age, and education level also played a significant role in the development of eating disorders among Palestinians.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a smartphone app that teaches core techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat subthreshold depression and anxiety. The app, RESiLIENT, was tested in the largest-ever individually randomized trial of its kind, showing promising results with no serious adverse effects.
A new study by the University of Bath found that London's Low Emission Zones significantly reduced harmful pollutants, resulting in lower sick leave rates and improved mental well-being. The introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones also delivered substantial cost savings.
A new precision treatment approach for depression gives patients personalized recommendations based on multiple characteristics such as age and gender. The study, published in PLOS One, examined the outcomes of clinical trials involving over 10,000 patients to develop a clinical decision support tool.
A study of 50-90 year olds across 29 countries found that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, unlike other countries. The reasons for this vary by country, but factors like unemployment, depression, and poor health contribute to the problem.
A recent study by the University of Zurich examined the connection between retinal nerve connections and schizophrenia. The researchers found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia tend to have thinner retinas, which can be detected using non-invasive retinal measurements.
Researchers surveyed 654 people who planned to take psychedelics, finding a weak correlation between lifetime psychedelic use and delusional ideation. The study suggests that schizotypal traits may not be caused by taking psychedelics, with only 1/3 of participants experiencing lingering hallucinatory sensory experiences after four weeks.
A Northwestern University study found virtual group singing can be an effective tool for promoting well-being and social connection during isolation. Participants reported high satisfaction with the sing-alongs, which helped evoke emotional resonance and promote intellectual engagement.
Research from the University of Ottawa reveals distressing levels of violence in Ontario schools, with workers facing normalization of violence and lack of support. The report highlights the consequences of austerity cuts on education systems, leading to overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and delayed access to assessments.
Researchers at UT Arlington's CIHI are developing innovative solutions to address complex health needs in children with disabilities, behavioral health issues, and medical conditions. The projects aim to improve healthcare services, enhance quality of life, and promote healthier aging through cutting-edge research and model organisms.
Researchers at UCLA Health are launching a clinical trial to test whether wearable nerve stimulation can ease ADHD symptoms in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. The study aims to improve focus and behavior by gently stimulating the trigeminal nerve, which is linked to attention and executive function.
The percentage of children under 18 with anxiety and depression rose steadily from 2016 to 2022, while physical health problems like asthma and severe headaches decreased. Experts emphasize the need for more support for parents and schools to address youth mental health.
A large US youth sample shows increased rates of anxiety and depression from 2016 to 2022. In contrast, asthma and severe headaches or migraines decreased in this cohort.
A study published in Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice found significant improvement in depressive symptoms and emotional well-being in adolescents after receiving inpatient psychiatric care. The study highlights the effectiveness of pediatric inpatient psychiatry units in improving mental health outcomes.
A study found that psilocybin use increased nationwide since 2019, particularly among young adults and older adults with conditions like depression and anxiety. The researchers urge better education, tracking, and health system preparedness as poison center calls rise.
A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that song lyrics play a central role in helping individuals regulate their emotions. Analyzing over 2,800 'coping songs' chosen by people from 11 countries, researchers identified patterns between lyrical themes and emotional goals.
Research from Rutgers Health finds that children exposed to paternal depression at kindergarten entry are more likely to have behavioral difficulties and poor social skills at age 9. Fathers' mental health is crucial in supporting their children's development, and early intervention can help improve well-being for both parents and kids.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that people with medical debt are significantly less likely to receive mental health care treatment. The research found that nearly 34% of respondents with medical debt forwent mental health care in the following year, compared to just 6.3% without medical debt.
A survey study found that more than 1 in 7 adults carried medical debt in 2023, with 1 in 3 forgoing mental health care the following year. Medical debt may exacerbate treatment gaps by raising thresholds for seeking care and eroding patient trust.
Researchers found that most people are open to their friends asking to join plans, but hesitate to self-invite due to concerns about offending others. The study's findings suggest that people tend to underestimate the likelihood of getting invited and overestimate how much others consider them.
A new systematic review found that viewing art can improve eudemonic wellbeing and boost personal growth. The benefits were observed in various locations, including museums, galleries, clinics, and hospitals, as well as through virtual reality.
Research published by the American Psychological Association finds that positive maternal parenting in childhood can foster key personality traits such as openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. Twin study data suggests that modest changes in these traits could lead to significant population-wide benefits.
A new study from the University of Bath found that combining step tracking with mindfulness training boosts people's desire to exercise. Participants who used a mobile app for daily mindfulness practices increased their activity by 373 minutes per week compared to those who only stepped tracked.
A study by the University of York showed that nature-based activities can improve mood and anxiety levels in patients with mild to moderate mental health conditions. Activities such as gardening, tending allotments, and care farming had the most impact on participants.
Researchers developed a computational model that reproduces intricate protein structures at postsynaptic densities, crucial sites for learning and memory. The model reveals details on how these proteins organize into unique structures through liquid-liquid phase separation, enabling sustained activation of downstream signaling pathways.
A Northwestern University study found that justice-involved youth with higher doses of incarceration had poorer outcomes, including lower education and employment rates. The study suggests that early interventions are crucial to reducing recidivism and promoting positive outcomes for these young individuals.
Research finds that comprehensive drug policies, including harm reduction measures, are positively associated with perceptions of governmental support and trust in local government. In rural US communities, residents' trust in their local government increases when they perceive the government as supportive of these policies.
A nationwide Finnish register-based cohort study found that young people with mental disorders are less likely to become parents compared to those without such diagnoses. The strongest associations were for schizophrenia and depression, with men being 38% less likely to become fathers due to depression diagnosis.
A study suggests that perceived stress and depression are key factors in the relationship between insomnia and hazardous drinking. Insomnia can lead to heavy drinking through stress, while drinking can lead to insomnia through depression.
The Moodivate app improved depression symptoms clinically meaningfully among primary care patients, achieving reductions twice those of standard-of-care therapy. App users were also 3 times more likely to achieve a clinically meaningful improvement and 2.3 times more likely to attain depression remission.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of multidimensional sleep health in reducing cardiometabolic risks. The statement reviews evidence on the relationship between sleep and various health factors, including body fat, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
A new study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that self-harm rates among California teens have increased significantly, particularly among multiracial girls. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 2005 to 2021 and revealed a nearly 75% increase in self-harm rates among multiracial adolescents since 2...
The new guideline prioritizes health and quality of life for children and adolescents with obesity, focusing on outcomes such as mental health and cardiovascular risk factors. It recommends a combination of interventions, including nutritional, physical activity, and psychological support, to help manage obesity.
This cohort study examines associations between childhood neighborhood factors and adolescent mental health, highlighting air pollution's impact on young children. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive interventions in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
A new study found that death rates from alcohol in England increased by a fifth in 2020, rising further between 2020 and 2022. The largest increases were among men, people from deprived areas, and those aged 50-69, mainly due to liver damage caused by alcohol.
Researchers have found that puberty triggers significant changes in brain connectivity patterns in individuals with a rare genetic disorder tied to autism. The study suggests that synaptic dysfunction during development may contribute to the condition's behavioral challenges.