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A modified Delphi consensus of the Youth Fitness International Test (YFIT) battery

Researchers from the University of Granada and the Public Health Agency of Canada identified the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents, with a degree of scientific agreement exceeding 85%. The top tests include the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index.

SourceJournal of Sport and Health Science·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeSurvey·DateDec 17, 2024

Teens with a reduced response to rewards are more susceptible to depression

Researchers found that a blunted response to reward feedback in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidal ideation. This study contributes to understanding neural risk factors for mental health disorders and developing new methods to assess mental health risks.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 17, 2024

Trends in school mental health and substance use education

Research from 2008-2020 shows an increase in emotional/mental health and suicide prevention in schools, but a decrease in substance use prevention, particularly among middle schools. This shift highlights the need for targeted teacher training and resource allocation to address emerging trends in school mental health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 12, 2024

Women born prematurely are at greater risk of committing suicide

A new Nordic study found that women born prematurely have a nearly 80% higher risk of committing suicide compared to those born at full term. However, premature-born men do not show the same elevated risk. The researchers analyzed birth data and causes of death for nearly 37,000 individuals in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Loneliness and isolation: Back to pre-pandemic levels, but still high, for older adults

A new national study reveals that loneliness and social isolation have returned to pre-pandemic rates for older Americans, affecting 33% of adults aged 50-80. Those with poor physical or mental health face even higher rates, highlighting the need for clinicians to screen patients for these issues and connect them with community resources.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeSurvey·DateDec 11, 2024

Secret of the female orgasm uncovered by psychologists

A study by University of Essex researchers found that women who notice and attend to internal bodily signals, such as heartbeats and sensual touch sensations, experience more frequent orgasms. The research suggests that focusing on the body rather than the mind can lead to increased orgasm satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024

American Psychiatric Association publishes updated practice guideline on the treatment of borderline personality disorder

The updated practice guideline provides recommendations for evidence-based assessment, treatment planning, and psychosocial interventions, as well as pharmacotherapy treatments. It highlights the effectiveness of structured psychotherapies in treating borderline personality disorder and notes that no pharmacotherapy has been found to b...

What social rejection teaches your brain

A USC study reveals that forming social ties relies on learning from positive outcomes, such as rewards, and tracking relational value. The findings help explain why we are drawn to certain people and how we navigate relationships, with implications for mental health and social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2024

Family income predicts adult problems more than neighborhood poverty

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that household income is a stronger predictor of several major health-related problems for 17-year-olds than growing up in a poor neighborhood. The study also found that family income has a more consistent impact on health outcomes across different neighborhood groups.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

“Missing link” between brain and body inflammatory signals identified in the skull

A study from King's College London reveals that the dural sinuses and skull bone marrow act as a likely interface between the central and peripheral immune systems, suggesting a potential link between brain and body inflammatory signals. The research highlights areas of the skull that work as 'traffic lights' between the two systems.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBrain·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

Loneliness and social isolation among US older adults

A recent study found that US older adults aged 50-80 commonly experience loneliness and social isolation, with high rates reported across various sociodemographic groups. These findings highlight the significant impact of social isolation on physical and mental health in this age group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 2024

Special needs children respond positively to new emotional literacy programme in new RCT

A new emotional literacy programme adapted for special schools has shown promising results, suggesting significant benefits for children with learning disabilities. The study found improvements in mental health and behaviour among participants, highlighting the potential of such programmes in improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPublic Health Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

New study finds neurobiological evidence of peripartum depression in women, distinguishing it from major depressive disorder

Researchers have identified structural grey matter differences in the brains of women with a history of peripartum depression compared to those without. The study found that hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and childbirth may be key to understanding this condition.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 5, 2024

UT Health San Antonio study links genetic changes to social behavior differences in autism, schizophrenia

A UT Health San Antonio study found that brain volume changes correlate with social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Tbx1 deficiency was associated with decreased brain volume in the amygdala and surrounding cortical regions, affecting desire for social interaction.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Why some individuals believe fake news and conspiracies

A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that individuals with high credulity are more susceptible to fake news and vaccine hesitancy. Mistrust was also linked to conspiracy thinking and difficulty distinguishing between real and fake news, particularly in those exposed to childhood adversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Has childhood exposure to lead in gasoline contributed to mental illness?

Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a significant association between childhood lead exposure and mental health symptoms. The study estimated that 151 million excess mental disorders were attributable to lead exposure by 2015, with differences most pronounced for people born between 1966 and 1986.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2024

20th century lead exposure damaged American mental health

A new study finds that lead exposure during childhood altered the balance of mental health in the US population, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The research estimates that 151 million Americans have experienced psychiatric disorders as a result of lead exposure.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2024

Home and neighborhood environments impact sedentary behavior in teens globally

A multinational study of 14 countries found that having a personal social media account was linked to higher total sedentary time in both males and females. Adolescents who reported less recreational screen time lived in walkable neighborhoods and had better perceptions of safety.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2024

Re­cent stud­ies high­light the pos­i­tive im­pacts of artis­tic and cul­tural ac­tiv­i­ties on phys­i­cal and men­tal health

Researchers at the University of the Arts Helsinki found that art and cultural activities support social factors, foster a sense of belonging, and improve stress management. Engagement in creative activities positively impacts well-being across all age groups, from newborns to the elderly.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 29, 2024

Study reveals impact of trauma on health care professionals in Israel following 2023 terror attack

A study of 129 healthcare professionals in Israel following the 2023 terror attack found high levels of burnout and low well-being among primary care clinicians treating traumatized evacuees. The researchers emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing healthcare personnel's mental health to ensure quality care for trauma survivors.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 25, 2024

Brigham researchers use fitness tracker data and machine learning to detect bipolar disorder mood swings

Researchers used fitness tracker data and machine learning to detect bipolar disorder mood swings with 80.1% accuracy for depression and 89.1% accuracy for mania. The study's findings move the field toward personalized algorithms suitable for all patients, regardless of compliance or device access.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeObservational study·DateNov 25, 2024