Articles tagged with Mental Health
A new project developed by the University of Birmingham and Mind in Camden aims to improve understanding and response to people who hear voices, particularly when linked to suicidal thoughts. The resources encourage listening, curiosity, and collaboration to help individuals make sense of their experiences and feel more supported.
A national study found that pediatric mental health treatment patterns rebounded and exceeded pre-pandemic levels, driven by new patients seeking care. Antidepressant prescriptions rose significantly among girls, with a notable increase in the youngest children.
A new book identifies nine types of procrastinators, from worriers to thrill seekers, and offers strategies for overcoming the problem. Procrastination causes serious harm to finances, health, relationships, and careers, but can be overcome with the right approach.
A survey of Illinois emergency departments found that many hospitals lack pediatric mental health specialists and struggle with timely access to evaluation by a mental health professional. The study proposes practical solutions, such as investing in mental health staffing, therapeutic activities, and real-time bed tracking to improve c...
Researchers from Penn, NYU, and the Linguistic Data Consortium create virtual patients with adjustable psychiatric symptoms to simulate real-world conversations. The STELLAR platform aims to augment clinician training practices with essential conversation scenarios.
A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may provide additional benefits for mental health, particularly among older adults. The research found that individuals with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet had less decline in emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The e-BOCCHI program, developed to address adolescent loneliness, showed statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Participants demonstrated improvements in help-seeking skills compared to baseline, but modest improvements in loneliness and self-esteem scores.
The Digital Badge Program addresses concerns about AI chatbots and mobile applications for mental health support, providing feedback to developers on regulation, safety, data protection, and usability. The program's focus on continuous refinement allows companies to address deficiencies before earning a badge.
A new study by Swansea University introduces a One Health Sustainability Framework linking biodiversity, ecological condition, and environmental sustainability with wellbeing outcomes in nature prescribing. The framework highlights the need to understand what kinds of nature and how much are needed to support health in a sustainable way.
Researchers from Wroclaw Medical University analyzed the available literature on psychedelics and ADHD. While some studies reported short-term improvements, these findings cannot determine treatment efficacy due to study design limitations. The current evidence is insufficient to support psychedelics as a treatment for ADHD.
The July 2026 issues of APA journals showcase promising findings on social determinants of health, digital therapeutics, and other topics. Researchers explore substance use patterns and telehealth initiatives in rural communities.
Dr. Logan Townsend joins Pennington Biomedical to study the connection between metabolic disease and mental health, investigating circulating factors influencing anxiety and depression. His research program aims to improve both metabolic and mental health outcomes.
A cohort study found that upper secondary school settings are associated with mental health trajectories in adolescents, suggesting a link between peer environments and risk of mental disorders. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors in understanding adolescent mental health.
A new clinical trial led by University College London researchers found that ten weeks of cognitive rehabilitation can help people with long Covid symptoms such as brain fog achieve their goals in returning to work and hobbies. The treatment yielded benefits that lasted for at least six months for most participants.
A systematic review found that creatine monohydrate may reduce depressive symptoms in people taking standard antidepressants, with two trials showing significant benefits. However, three trials showed no effect, and the evidence is not yet settled due to limitations such as small sample sizes and biased patient enrollment.
Researchers at University of Toyama found three risk factors for mother-infant bonding disorders: difficulty holding a fussy baby, low happiness about pregnancy, and lack of social support. These factors predict increased risks of developmental delays and child abuse.
Researchers found limited benefits to under-twos' screen time and a lack of guidance for parents, calling for targeted support and reduced screen time. The iADDICT group recommends no intentional screen time for under-twos to mitigate developmental concerns and promote healthier habits.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that even modest changes in weather can impact mental health service demand, with increases during hot weather and low sunshine. Fluctuations in temperature and sunlight exposure were linked to shifts in unscheduled healthcare use, with rainfall appearing to have little consistent effect.
A new UNC study explores how social media can address youth loneliness. Peer-driven social media content, featuring relatable individuals, was found to be more effective at encouraging participants to seek in-person social interaction than control content.
A study of 87,577 adults found that average daytime light exposure above 1,000 lux reduced dementia risk by 16%. Longer exposure to bright light was associated with an even greater reduction in risk. Daytime light exposure was stronger predictor of dementia than established risk factors.
A decade of canine research suggests that genetically engineered Beagles could be a complementary and welfare-conscious model for autism treatments. The study gathers findings on the behavior and traits of these dogs in relation to human autism, including signs of treatment with oxytocin and psychedelics.
A new article by Trevor van Mierlo highlights the importance of trust in digital behavioral health. Key findings include the need for dynamic governance and verifiable audit trails to address mistrust issues.
Most adults in Singapore living with anxiety or depression are open to receiving support from peers, even if they haven't sought professional help. Peer support is identified as a potentially important complement to existing healthcare infrastructure, offering a community-based pathway to encourage more people to seek help earlier.
A Hiroshima University study finds that practical digital skills, positive financial attitudes, and self-protection are more consistently associated with lower old-age anxiety than traditional financial knowledge alone. The study suggests that financial education may need to move beyond knowledge alone in the digital age.
Researchers developed a groundbreaking approach to prioritize schizophrenia-associated genes by analyzing genetic data from over 102,000 individuals. This study uncovered 641 previously unrecognized genes associated with schizophrenia, shedding light on the complex interactions between distant genetic variants.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists is calling for stronger safeguards to address the growing problem of home delivery of ketamine and the lack of physician oversight in ketamine clinics. The risks are not theoretical, with a recent case resulting in death after at-home ketamine prescription.
The article explores ways clinicians can deliver care tailored to each patient's unique needs, priorities, and identities. Research highlights the importance of considering life transitions in supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Research links childhood adversity to mitochondrial function changes later in life, with threat and deprivation associated with unique biological signatures. The study adds to understanding how early-life adversity impacts mental and physical health across the lifespan.
Fathers who take longer periods of parental leave, up to 14-40 weeks, are less likely to develop depressive symptoms than those with shorter leave. This is because sustained time at home helps build a closer connection with their child and establishes everyday routines.
A new study published in JMIR Serious Games suggests that playing open-world adventure games can lower loneliness levels and increase stoicism in adults. The research found that specific types of games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Yoshi's Crafted World, provide a 'digital diet' for emotional well-being.
Research at UCLA finds that childhood abuse and neglect alter cellular energy production, affecting physical and mental health. Mitochondria in cells produce more energy in response to stress, but this can lead to maladaptive effects over time.
A new study from Northwestern University found that fathers without access to paid leave face higher levels of anxiety and depression. The study highlights the critical role paid paternity leave plays in supporting new dads' mental health following the birth of their baby.
A new study found that teenagers who report their caregivers' phone use is distracting and attention-seeking are more likely to have insecure attachment styles. This can lead to negative consequences for their future health and wellbeing.
The study found that an abortion ban in Texas was associated with a worsening of maternal mental health among reproductive-age mothers. This highlights the need for strengthened support for post-Dobbs policy environments.
A longitudinal study found modifiable factors like emotion regulation, social support, and sleep quality influence psychological resilience in female athletes. Greater resilience was linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and perceived stress.
A major new study found that mental health and behavioural changes, such as depression, anxiety, and emotional instability, are common in people who survive encephalitis. The research suggests that routine mental health screening and support are crucial for post-encephalitis care.
A recent analysis found that rural US Veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) are more likely to have co-occurring conditions but less likely to receive SMI care. Rural Veterans also face challenges in accessing telehealth and multidisciplinary care.
A survey of over 5,700 Chinese adolescents found significant associations between screen time, body weight, and mental health with sleep quality. Rural adolescents and girls fared worse overall, highlighting the need to address these factors to improve sleep.
Researchers at Rutgers University link GLP-1 medication use to reduced violent behavior, finding a substantial weakening of the relationship between impulsivity and aggression among users compared to non-users. The study suggests these medications may work like cognitive behavioral therapy, reducing impulsive actions.
A team of researchers from Hiroshima University has identified a unique molecule, GPR3, that rapidly responds to upstream signals and induces downstream signaling in neurons. This discovery sheds light on the early stages of neuronal development and its dysregulation in neurological disorders.
Youth who have contact with the US legal system may experience increased risk of mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hostility, and psychoticism. The study found that having two or more concurrent contacts with the legal system has a significant impact on long-term mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that interacting with pets during stressful moments does not reduce negative emotions and can even intensify them in cat owners. On the other hand, dog owners experienced improved emotional well-being when interacting with their dogs.
Researchers at USC are conducting a clinical trial to determine whether mindfulness meditation training can augment the potential benefits of psilocybin therapy for mental well-being and cognitive function. The study will evaluate the effects of psilocybin within an eight-week mindfulness meditation training program.
A study found that depression shapes children's attention to happy and sad faces, with changes based on family history. Children of mothers with a history of depression showed increased attention to sad faces when experiencing depressive symptoms.
A new study reveals that smell loss can have a devastating impact on quality of life, comparable to conditions like Parkinson’s, stroke, and diabetes. Patients with smell disorders experience significant emotional, social, and psychological suffering, often rivaling those with chronic illnesses.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers shows that internet-based CBT can significantly reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety in women with broken-heart syndrome, a condition often triggered by extreme stress. The treatment also helps patients better cope with emotions related to their illness.
A new study from Georgetown University's Berkley School of Nursing found that youth-led environmental design can foster a unique form of 'Situated Strength' among high school students in rural Appalachia. The project transformed an unused concrete pad into a multifunctional wellness space, supporting emotional regulation and resilience.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that higher exposure to gun violence among Black and Hispanic Americans explains persistent racial disparities in both general health and chronic health diagnoses. The study suggests that reducing gun violence exposure may be an important pathway for improving health equity in the US.
A study found that 18% of college students used AI for mental health, with those having more severe symptoms and Asian students being more likely to do so. The use of AI may pose risks, such as undermining emotional regulation or perspective-taking.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that a laxative drug, Prucalopride, improved executive function and memory in patients with depression. The research suggests that targeting serotonin receptors may help alleviate cognitive problems associated with depression.
A study of 585 older adults found that different patterns of depressive symptoms are associated with disability-free survival, differing between men and women. Stronger feelings of 'worthlessness' were a significant risk factor for men, while 'anxiety' was a bigger risk factor for women.
Leading child psychologist Dr. Barish argues that grandparents have a crucial role to play in helping children develop a sense of purpose beyond personal success and in providing emotional support. He recommends practices like volunteering together and frequent family conversations about kindness and understanding.
A new study reveals that written exposure therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, comparable to intensive treatments. The narrative writing process allows patients to confront memories, fostering a sense of control over their experiences.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that women with HIV are more likely to die from preventable trauma-related conditions like substance use and mental illness. The researchers say these causes are largely missing from official death records, highlighting the need for broader goals in HIV care beyond just controlling the virus.
Adolescents who spend at least two hours a day on social media are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and poorer wellbeing, with the strongest effects seen in girls aged 12–13 years. The study, which followed almost 1,200 children from age nine to 19, highlights the need for policies that reduce excessive screentime.
A new study found that a low-cost, simple intervention using a self-help workbook paired with brief phone support significantly improves the mental health of displaced refugees. The program reduced psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and improved wellbeing and daily functioning among participants.
A new Canadian study reveals that social anxiety disorder now affects nearly 1 in 7 adults, up from 8% in 2002. Young people are most at risk, and early life experiences, such as childhood trauma, and lack of social support play a significant role.
A recent study published by the University of the Basque Country found that girls are the biggest consumers of psychotropic drugs among adolescents in most European countries. The research team analyzed data from 32 European countries and discovered a significant link between consumption rates, gender equality, and economic level.
A pilot study by Penn State researchers found that wearing a cooling cap for 30 minutes can improve a person's sense of well-being and reduce depressive symptoms. The study also showed an increase in alpha brain waves, indicating a calming effect.
College students who take more daily steps tend to have better sleep quality and reduced mental health issues. The study, published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine and Chronobiology International, found that excessive sedentary behavior can lead to negative mental health outcomes.