Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
Researchers found that women who chose their birthing position voluntarily were more satisfied with the birth experience. Around three quarters of mothers gave birth lying on their side or back, but up to 40% stated they didn't choose their position. Women who had autonomy over their birthing position reported higher satisfaction rates.
The November issues of APA journals focus on research related to substance use disorders, including a special issue on the topic. The American Psychiatric Association has published several studies and guidelines on these topics, providing valuable insights for mental health professionals.
A new study found that people from more affluent backgrounds are less likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. Those with higher education levels, managerial occupations, and wealth were also more likely to recover from mild cognitive impairment and improve their health.
Pennington Biomedical researchers will lead courses, presentations, and speaker panels at ObesityWeek 2024, showcasing exceptional obesity research. The center's faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and staff will engage with global potential collaborators and demonstrate progress in metabolic health.
A new study from the University of Vaasa finds that strong organisational support and favourable working conditions improve expatriates' well-being, leading to better job outcomes. The research identifies crucial factors such as job autonomy, social support, and work-family balance in shaping the expatriate experience.
A new study from the University of Toronto finds that childhood neglect is associated with a range of mental and physical health problems in adulthood. The presence of a supportive adult and higher socioeconomic status largely attenuate this relationship.
A Michigan Medicine study of over 18,500 adults found that obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a higher risk of dementia symptoms or diagnosis at every age level. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than men, especially as they aged.
A pilot randomized controlled trial found that telephone-delivered therapy reduced mental health symptoms and improved treatment completion rates among refugee children. The adapted programme, called t-CETA, was delivered by local trained lay counsellors and showed significant benefits compared to in-person treatment.
A team led by Dr. William Killgore is investigating a non-invasive treatment for insomnia using magnetic pulses that suppress the default mode network in the brain. Preliminary findings suggest that this approach can improve sleep quality in individuals with chronic insomnia.
A systematic review reveals exercise reduces alcohol dependence while improving mental and physical health in patients with alcohol use disorder. The study also found that exercise interventions can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
Researchers found that AI doctors who recall patients' social information, with privacy control offered, increase patient satisfaction. Human doctors don't require social or medical information to establish a close relationship with patients.
A new study led by CAMH shows that a combination of therapies can slow cognitive decline in older adults with conditions increasing the risk of dementia. Participants receiving Cognitive Remediation plus transcranial direct current stimulation experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those receiving a control intervention.
Researchers tested a model of depression care in Malawi using the country's existing HIV delivery system, involving clinical officers and community personnel. The intervention showed improvements not only in depression but also in other chronic health conditions and household members' wellbeing.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a significant association between genetic predisposition and sexual trauma with increased risk for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. The research highlights the importance of considering social and environmental factors in human genetics studies.
The Ask the Experts series offers practical psychological insights to address common challenges, such as exam anxiety, supporting loved ones with dementia, and managing technology use. The books provide clear advice grounded in science and easy to apply.
The partnership aims to create, study, and implement digital health solutions to address mental and behavioral health conditions. Researchers will use ecological momentary assessment and digital sensors on a patient's mobile phone to monitor cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
The Prevention Research Center of Michigan is expanding community-academic partnerships to tackle vacant lots and create safer neighborhoods. The project aims to reduce crime, boost social capital, and increase physical activity opportunities for African American and Latino adults in Flint.
Researchers develop transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as a non-invasive therapy for brain-related issues, with potential for personalized treatments. A 'search and rescue tool' for the brain, TUS enables precise targeting of specific areas before treatment.
A new study by UCLA Health reveals that standard medical record surveillance methods miss youth with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, boys, and Black and Hispanic youths. Machine learning algorithms improved detection rates when incorporating additional data from visit notes.
A comprehensive review of global evidence highlights the devastating effects of family violence on mental and physical well-being. The study, involving over 3 million individuals, reveals a strong connection between family violence and various adverse health outcomes.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that rising inflation and bank rates led to increased discrimination against Black people in the UK, resulting in poorer general and mental health outcomes. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of the cost-of-living crisis on minority groups.
A magnetic field applied to both sides of the brain has been shown to rapidly treat depression in patients who have not responded to standard treatments. The therapy, known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), targets two areas of the brain implicated in depression and corrects imbalances in key processes.
Researchers at UCLA Health found an association between childhood attention problems and increased psychosis risk, with genetic variants acting as a middleman. The study used data from over 10,000 children to explore the relationship between attention span variability and psychotic-like symptoms.
The study found a significant decrease in the percentage of adolescents reporting current marijuana use, from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021. Marijuana use was most prevalent among 12th graders, with a notable decline in usage rates across all grades.
Researchers identified stability and predictability as key factors associated with good mental health in refugees. Building individual skills and capabilities to cope and thrive is crucial to promote well-being. Social engagement and support from both the refugee's own community and the host community also linked to increased wellbeing.
A new Concordia study reveals that bilingualism is associated with larger and healthier hippocampi in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The research found no evidence of hippocampal atrophy in bilinguals across the continuum of Alzheimer’s development.
Researchers are combining large datasets to understand the impact of environmental factors on mental health and develop new ways to reduce the burden. A 4-step approach is being used to integrate complex data across many studies, resulting in a detailed perspective of individuals within their environment.
A systematic review of 12 studies found that urban green spaces are associated with lower rates of heat-related ill health and death, particularly among vulnerable groups. Additionally, urban greenery is linked to better mental health and wellbeing, potentially mitigating the negative effects of high temperatures.
The UCLA Urology department has been awarded $6 million to continue the IMPACT program, providing comprehensive prostate cancer treatment for underinsured and uninsured Californians. The program has helped over 2,300 men receive treatment services since its inception.
Researchers found substantial improvements in life expectancy free of psychological distress among Japanese population, with younger individuals benefiting most. However, older adults, particularly men, were more likely to experience distress due to various reasons, including widowhood.
A large cohort study found that mothers with eating disorders were more likely to have children with psychiatric disorders, while those with pre-pregnancy BMI outside the normal range also showed an increased risk. The findings suggest that clinicians should consider these factors when preventing offspring mental illness.
A recent study published in Value in Health found that depression and other mental health issues result in a significant annual loss of 99,570 PALYs at work and 256,086 PALYs in home and volunteer work among Finns aged 18–79 years. This burden is particularly evident among women aged 18–34 years.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that methadone is more effective than buprenorphine/naloxone in reducing treatment discontinuation rates among individuals with opioid use disorder. The risk of mortality was low and did not differ significantly between the two medications.
A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective treatment for depression when administered at home. Researchers reported significant improvements in depression severity and remission rates compared to a placebo control group.
Younger adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer have later-stage disease with more aggressive types of tumors. Obesity, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, and symptoms are strongly associated factors. These findings highlight disparities in colon cancer incidence among younger adults, particularly non-Hispanic Black patients.
A study from the University of Surrey found that 99.73% of undergraduate medical students in Afghanistan exhibit symptoms of nomophobia, a fear and anxiety related to being without a mobile phone. Gender, age, and marital status are significant factors influencing nomophobia levels, with married individuals showing higher mean scores.
A recent poll found that 74% of people over 50 would not trust health information generated by artificial intelligence. Only 32% of older adults reported it's very easy to find something accurate online. Health systems, academic institutions, and government agencies can use the results to improve health information accessibility.
A new article in Journal of Palliative Medicine highlights the growing role of for-profit entities in home health and hospice care, which can compromise care quality and patient welfare. The authors emphasize the need for research and regulatory responses to address these trends and ensure better care for seriously ill older adults.
A new study by Concordia researchers found that one-third of adult childhood cancer survivors experience a severe fear of cancer recurrence, which can cause real distress. The study highlights the need for improved treatment and screening for this understudied population.
A new study highlights the need for educational psychologists to engage with TikTok to address self-diagnosis of mental health and neurodiversity conditions. The platform's vast amount of inaccurate content can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate self-assessment, emphasizing the importance of raising accurate content.
The National Institutes of Health has announced the winners of the RADx Tech for Maternal Health Challenge, an $8 million prize competition to develop innovative diagnostics for postpartum maternal health. Six finalists won grand prizes of $525,000 each, and two runner-up teams won prizes of $300,000 each.
A recent Finnish study found that good physical fitness from childhood is associated with fewer stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. The study also showed that improving physical fitness can help prevent mental health problems.
A WSU-led study found that older adults tend to experience more discomfort in high heat, but it doesn't affect their mood as much as younger adults. Emotional responses to heat are highly individualized and moderated by age.
Soaring house prices, employment uncertainty, and lack of affordable education contribute to increased mental health problems among young people. Mental health practitioners are urged to consider intergenerational inequities in their support, particularly for those with serious mental health issues.
A first-of-its-kind study assesses how closely patients' perceptions of network adequacy align with those of insurers. The survey found strong support for definitions related to timely access, specialty care, and mental health care, as well as broader concepts like public transportation access and cultural competency.
A Dartmouth study introduced a smartphone app to monitor student mental well-being, which was recognized for its impact on the development of mobile and wearable health technology. The app found strong correlations between student mental health and academic performance, social interactions, and behavior.
A new study found that people with severe mental illness are more likely to experience fragility fractures than the general population. The researchers analyzed GP records of over 440,000 people between 2000 and 2018 and found a significant association between severe mental illness and fragility fractures.
The Northwestern Mental Health, Earlier Center will address the youth mental health crisis by targeting early signs of vulnerability to mental health problems in toddlers through routine pediatric care. The center aims to foster self-regulation skills and reduce mental health risk by promoting developmental health promotion frameworks.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that students who feel a sense of belonging at their university are more likely to binge drink than those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 university students, suggests that feeling connected to the university is associated with higher rates of substance use.
A study found that speakers smiled more when listeners smiled more, especially in same-sex conversations. Smile synchronization is essential in creating social bonds and fostering positive feelings.
A study from the University of Kansas found that parents trust AI-generated text, like ChatGPT, more than healthcare professionals' content. Parents rated ChatGPT as more trustworthy, accurate, and reliable in many cases, even when there were significant differences in ratings.
A new citizen science study has found that a person's subjective impression of their own memory problems is strongly linked to modifiable risk factors for dementia. The research used a smartphone app to gather data from 3,327 people and found a stronger association between subjective memory impairment and risk factors such as depressio...
New research suggests parenting programs that address both mental health and parenting skills can improve children's development. However, these programs often fall short in providing effective mental-health support for parents, who may struggle with depression during the perinatal period.
A recent Canadian study reveals that transgender populations in Canada experience a significantly higher prevalence of serious mental disorders and suicidality compared to cisgender peers. The study, published in JAMA, is based on data from nearly 10,000 Canadians aged 15 or older.
A scoping review reveals a lack of understanding about subtle and covert abuse in intimate relationships, with potential widespread impact. The study identifies key behaviours, including undermining, limiting, and withholding, which can lead to long-term emotional and psychological harm for victims.
A recent study found that smokers report higher rates of chronic pain, poor mental health, and severe work limitations due to pain. Quitting smoking can reduce prescription opioid use and associated health problems, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment programs.
A cross-sectional study reveals a significant risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic transgender and gender-nonconforming US college students. The study emphasizes the importance of providing targeted support to address this issue.
A cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) app has been found to significantly prevent increases in depression in young people who are at high risk of developing the condition. The study, which involved over 3,700 participants across four countries, suggests that the CBT app can be an effective public health measure.
A longitudinal study tracked one person's brain activity for five months, revealing how daily life affects brain function. The research found that physical activity positively influences brain regions, while subtle shifts in mood and heart rate leave lasting imprints for up to fifteen days.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that food insufficiency increased after pandemic-era SNAP emergency allotments expired, leading to greater use of food pantries and difficulty paying household expenses. Black SNAP participants reported higher anxiety symptoms than white participants.