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What links cannabis use and psychosis? Researchers point to the brain’s dopamine system

Researchers have found that people with cannabis use disorder have elevated dopamine levels in a brain region associated with psychosis. This could explain why frequent cannabis use increases the risk of hallucinations and delusions. The study's findings may help doctors educate patients about the potential risks of frequent cannabis u...

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2025

Incarcerated individuals and those with recent criminal-legal involvement report significantly higher rates of mental health diagnoses than other community members, calling for reforms in community mental health support

A national survey reveals significantly higher rates of five mental health conditions in incarcerated individuals and those with recent criminal-legal involvement compared to community members. The study emphasizes the critical need for informed care and treatment to address the high rates of incarceration and improve community support.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 9, 2025

New study reviews decades of findings on effects of physical work environments on firms’ organizational processes and outcomes

Researchers analyzed decades of findings to understand how physical work environments influence organizational processes and outcomes, including employee health and motivation, as well as a firm's resource position and reputation. Effective design can enhance task accomplishment and shape intangible assets.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Management·DateApr 8, 2025

Tech-assisted peer therapy effective for perinatal depression in lower income countries

A University of Liverpool study shows that a novel tech-assisted intervention combining peer-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy with a digital app is as effective as standard therapy in treating perinatal depression. The programme, led by Professor Atif Rahman, reduces depressive symptoms significantly and offers a scalable soluti...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 8, 2025

Exposure to wildfire smoke linked with worsening mental health conditions

A new study found that exposure to fine particulate air pollution from wildfire smoke was associated with increased visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions. The study suggests that wildfire smoke may play a direct role in worsening mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2025

The use of TikTok and Instagram has a greater impact on girls’ psychological well-being during adolescence, according to a study by UPF and the UOC

A study by UPF and UOC found that girls who use Instagram and TikTok have a more negative perception of the impact on their psychological well-being than boys. Girls tend to feel more observed and pressured by their outward image and require more external positive feedback.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalRevista de Comunicación·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2025

My robot therapist: The ethics of AI mental health chatbots for kids

Experts argue that AI mental health chatbots for kids may impair social development and worsen existing health inequities. Pediatric therapists rely on family relationships to ensure child safety, but AI chatbots lack this contextual information. The authors advocate for careful consideration of data representation and potential misuse.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2025

Psychedelics and sex: New research explores perceived impacts on sexuality and intimacy

A recent study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that psychedelic experiences can enhance participants' perceptions of their relationship quality, attraction to their current partner, and sexual activities. Additionally, approximately 10% of participants reported influences on their gender identity and expression.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2025

Discrimination-related depression, anxiety pronounced among multiracial, White, Asian populations

A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that over half of US adults experience some form of discrimination, which can lead to higher chances of depression and/or anxiety. Discrimination-related mental health issues were particularly pronounced among multiracial, White, and Asian populations.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2025

New study challenges the ‘monogamy-superiority myth’, as non-monogamous people report just as happy relationships and sex lives

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the U.S. and Europe found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction levels between individuals in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is often viewed as inferior to monogamy due to stereotypes and media narratives.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMar 26, 2025

Sensor technology uses nature’s blueprint and machinery to monitor metabolism in body

Researchers developed a sensor platform that tracks multiple metabolites continuously, offering a window into disease onset and health status. The technology harnesses natural biochemical processes, enabling reliable detection of over 800 metabolites, with potential applications in diagnosing metabolic disorders and optimizing fitness.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2025

Study finds knowledge of genetics and genomic medicine crucial for mental health providers to deliver informed, personalized care

A new study emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders for mental health providers. Key findings highlight the application of genetic information in risk assessment, diagnosis, treatment selection, and patient education, while also considering ethical considerations.

SourceRady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 26, 2025

Smartwatches may help control diabetes through exercise

A new study found that smartwatches paired with a health app can encourage people with newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes to start and maintain purposeful exercise, leading to improvements in blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure. The programme also helped participants lower cholesterol and improve their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2025

Why does one person develop schizophrenia while another does not? A leading psychiatric geneticist investigates the answer

Dr. Consuelo Walss-Bass shares her groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. She also discusses her work with induced pluripotent stem cells to develop personalized psychiatry and reduce stigma around mental health.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2025

New study reveals high levels of anxiety and emotional distress following the April 2024 Iranian missile attack

A new study reveals high levels of peritraumatic distress (41%) and anxiety (19%) among adults in Israel five days after the Iranian drone and missile attack. The study highlights the need for early identification and timely therapeutic intervention to mitigate long-term psychological harm.

SourceReichman University·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

White-collar crimes: ‘Fall from grace’ and the stigma of reentry into society

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that middle-class white-collar offenders face unique challenges during reentry into society, including stigma, anxiety, and fear of public exposure. Despite these challenges, they tend to secure employment and stable housing more easily than non-white-collar offenders.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJustice Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2025

Nearly half of depression diagnoses could be considered treatment-resistant

A new study suggests that nearly half of depression diagnoses could be considered treatment-resistant, with 48% of patients trying at least two antidepressants and 37% trying four or more. This highlights the need for better treatment options to support patients who don't respond to first-line medications.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2025

Anxiety disorders in children can be screened through school health care

A new study from the University of Turku screened school-age children for anxiety and found that a Master Your Worries programme reduced symptoms of generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. The study also showed that lighter digital study materials can reduce anxiety symptoms in children.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2025

Why are night owls at greater risk of depression?

A new study published in PLOS One found that people with an evening chronotype have poorer sleep quality, higher alcohol consumption, and act with less mindfulness than morning chronotypes. The association between chronotype and depression symptoms may be mediated by differences in mindfulness, sleep quality, and alcohol consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateMar 19, 2025

New study shows promise for gamified mHealth App in managing MS-related fatigue

A new gamified mobile health app, More Stamina, has been shown to effectively manage MS-related fatigue by helping users track their daily activities and energy expenditure. The study found that the app facilitated conversations between MS patients and their families, improving understanding and support.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2025

Shorter waiting times for young children with autism

A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·TypeCase study·DateMar 18, 2025

BBRF awards $1 million in 2025 Distinguished Investigator Grants to advance mental health research, with transformative support from WoodNext Foundation

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) has awarded $1 million in Distinguished Investigator Grants to 10 senior scientists conducting groundbreaking research on mental health. The grants will support projects exploring critical areas such as opioid use disorder, depression in pregnant women, and the effects of psychedelics on ...

Gender gap in teenage depression is twice as large in London than in Tokyo, new study finds

A new study has found that teenage girls in London experience higher levels of depression than their Tokyo counterparts, with the gap doubling to twice as large by age 16. The research also suggests that social influences and cultural contexts play a significant role in shaping mental health outcomes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2025

Mass General Brigham study finds relationship between doomsday clock and patterns of mortality and mental health in the united states

A new Mass General Brigham study explores the connection between the Doomsday Clock and mortality and mental health in the United States, finding higher rates of Alzheimer's disease, suicide, and substance-related disorders at closer clock settings. The study suggests a potential bridge between global events and individual well-being.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2025

AI models are skilled at identifying appropriate responses to suicidal thoughts

A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that AI models can identify appropriate responses to suicidal thoughts with high accuracy. The findings suggest that these large language models can be surprisingly discerning, but may overrate the appropriateness of clinician responses, indicating a need for further improvement.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2025

For teens' mental health, strong friendships matter more than social media use, NIH study finds

A new NIH study funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program found that teens with strong, high-quality friendships tend to have better mental health. The study suggests that emphasizing ways to bolster the quality of their social relationships could help address the current youth mental health crisis.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2025

Adolescent boys who experience violence have up to 8 times the odds of perpetrating physical and sexual intimate partner violence that same day, per South African study collecting real-time data over mobile phones

A new study published in PLOS One found that adolescent boys who experience violence are at a significantly increased risk of perpetrating physical and sexual intimate partner violence. The research collected real-time data over mobile phones and revealed that these boys have up to 8 times the odds of committing such acts on the same day.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateMar 12, 2025

Transgender and gender diverse people less likely to receive follow-up after a mental health hospitalization

A study found that transgender and gender diverse individuals have lower access to appropriate mental health care and support following a psychiatric hospitalization, yet better follow-up after an emergency department visit. The study suggests that transphobia in the hospital system contributes to this disparity.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalTransgender Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2025