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Duration in immigration detention and health harms

A cross-sectional study found that detained immigrants experience high rates of poor health, mental illness, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Longer detention periods are associated with higher health harms, emphasizing the need for improved immigration detention conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 24, 2025

Study tracks physical and cognitive impairments associated with long COVID

Researchers tracked nearly 1,000 people with post-COVID-19 syndrome, finding persistent physical and cognitive impairments that worsened with exercise intolerance. The study's findings support the inclusion of cognitive and exercise testing in clinical evaluation for patients with suspected post-COVID-19 syndrome.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2025

Multiple sclerosis linked to higher risk of mental illness during and after pregnancy

A new study found that people with multiple sclerosis experience a significantly higher risk of perinatal mental illness compared to those with other chronic conditions. Depression and anxiety were the most common conditions reported, with half of people with MS living with a mental illness in the first year postpartum.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

Recommendations for studying the impact of AI on young people's mental health  proposed by Oxford researchers

The paper highlights the need for a critical re-evaluation of how we study digital technologies' impact on young people's mental health. Oxford researchers call for a collaborative evidence-based framework to regulate AI integration into online platforms, ensuring its safety and benefits for children and adolescents.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 21, 2025

Study identifies benefits, risks linked to popular weight-loss drugs

A recent study published in Nature Medicine analyzed over 2 million veterans taking GLP-1RA medications, finding benefits to cognitive and behavioral health while revealing increased risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions. The study also showed decreased risks of seizures, addiction, suicidal ideation, and neurocognitive disorders.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2025

Reducing teens’ psychological stress could save billions for US budget, study suggests

A new study finds that improving adolescent mental health can lead to increased labor force participation and lower public assistance usage, resulting in significant economic benefits. Clinically significant psychological distress in adolescence is associated with lower annual wages and reduced labor force participation 10 years later.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

Cambridge leads first phase of governmental project to understand impact of smartphones and social media on young people

A new research project led by Cambridge will review existing studies on the impact of smartphones and social media on children's mental health and wellbeing. The team aims to provide policymakers with high-quality insights to inform future action, considering factors such as online habits, emerging technologies, and vulnerable groups.

Researchers from Pennington Biomedical serve on global commission on clinical obesity that goes beyond BMI in defining obesity as a disease

The Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity proposes a new model for diagnosing clinical obesity based on objective measures of illness at the individual level. The proposal aims to settle the ongoing dispute around the idea of obesity as a disease, providing a medically coherent framework for diagnosis.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 15, 2025

Preventing clinical depression: Early therapeutic interventions offer protection

Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2025

Does job strain compromise long-term sleep quality?

A recent study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that high job strain at the start of a nine-year study led to increased sleep disturbances among middle-aged workers. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 workers and discovered significant associations between higher job strain and poorer sleep quality.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateJan 8, 2025

Climate change linked with worse HIV prevention and care

Climate change is associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced testing and increased risk behaviors, leading to higher new infections and poorer treatment adherence. Researchers identified links between extreme weather events and HIV-related challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions and strategies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCurrent Opinion in Infectious Diseases·DateJan 8, 2025

More than half of college students report alcohol-related harms from others

A new study reveals that more than half of US college students experience alcohol-related harms caused by others. The findings show that students who identified as White, cisfemale, or transgender, and those living with roommates, were at greater risk. Commonly reported harms included social harm, sleep disruptions, and emotional hurt.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateJan 7, 2025

‘Sandwich carers’ experience decline in mental and physical health

A new study by UCL researchers has found that people who care for both their children and older family members – known as 'sandwich carers' – experience a significant decline in both mental and physical health. The study, which analysed data from around 2,000 sandwich carers, highlights the need for better support and resources to help...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPublic Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025

Multilingualism improves crucial cognitive functions in autistic children

A new study reveals multilingualism enhances executive function skills, including focus, understanding perspectives, communication, and reduces repetitive behaviors in both autistic and non-autistic children. Parents of multilingual households report stronger overall executive function compared to mono-lingual households.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAutism Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2025

Loneliness linked to higher risk of heart disease and stroke and susceptibility to infection

New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that loneliness is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and susceptibility to infection. The study analyzed proteins in blood samples from over 42,000 adults, revealing 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins associated with loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2025

Psychedelic drug therapy may address mental health concerns in people with cancer and addiction

Two studies suggest that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can improve mental health outcomes for patients with cancer and alcohol use disorder, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts, while also promoting lasting personality changes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 2, 2025

Smartphone app can help reduce opioid use and keep patients in treatment, UT Health San Antonio study shows

A new study by UT Health San Antonio found that a smartphone app can help patients with opioid use disorder reduce their days of opioid use and stay in treatment longer. The app combined contingency management behavioral therapy and recovery support from peers, reducing opioid use by 35% compared to medication only.

Singapore ranks 10th globally in readiness for a rapidly ageing society: Study by NUS and Columbia University

A recent study by NUS and Columbia University ranked Singapore among the top 10 nations globally for its readiness to address the challenges of an ageing population. The study found that Singapore performed well in key domains such as well-being, security, and equity, with strengths in healthcare systems and social cohesion.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Aging·DateDec 27, 2024

New study reveals how brain stimulation improves cognition, decision-making in mental health disorders

Researchers developed a preclinical model of brain stimulation therapy that enhances the brain's ability to process conflicting evidence. This improvement in cognitive flexibility could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like depression, ADHD, and addiction.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2024

New study highlights ethical challenges in conducting cannabis research in Canada

A recent study published in Social Science & Medicine reveals the complexities of conducting cannabis research in Canada, where researchers face structural barriers and concerns about scientific integrity. The study suggests key solutions to increase public funding, enhance transparency, and promote independence in research.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateDec 19, 2024