Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
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.
A systematic review found that FDA-issued warnings about antidepressant use among youth led to a decline in pediatric mental health care and an increase in suicides. The study suggests that these warnings, intended to encourage physician vigilance, had unintended consequences.
A study by UC San Francisco found that more screen time is associated with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, and aggression in 9-10 year olds. The effects were small but consistent, with activities like video chatting and playing video games strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
A recent study found that tau protein buildup disrupts the salience network, a crucial communication network in the brain, leading to behavioral changes. The study used advanced medical imaging to analyze the brains of 128 people with early-stage dementia and showed a strong association between tau disruption and behavioral symptoms.
A new study by NYU researchers reveals that more than 60% of the US population has access to certified community behavioral health clinics, which provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. The clinics are expanding crisis mental health services, including mobile crisis response teams and stabilization.
Researchers found that enhancing soundscapes with diverse bird sounds in vineyards improved tourists' experiences, making them feel freer from work and more relaxed. By conserving biodiversity, outdoor businesses can create a positive impact on customers' mental and physical health.
A study of over 1,329 adults and 1,907 caregivers found that two-thirds of adults with food allergies and three-quarters of adult caregivers reported psychological distress related to food allergy. The biggest barrier to access to psychological help was cost, highlighting the need for free or low-cost support.
Researchers have created the largest and most complete map of the fruit fly brain, detailing over 50 million connections between neurons. The study provides critical information about brain wiring and underlying signals, paving the way for future studies on larger-brained animals.
This study reveals a higher prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal behavior among transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The findings align with previous research, indicating significantly higher rates of mental health-related health service use among this group.
The latest APA journal issues explore schizophrenia spectrum disorders, PTSD treatment, and college mental health. Research highlights include new approaches to psychosis treatment and findings on mental health in higher education.
Research from five European countries suggests that migration in adolescence may increase the risk of psychosis in later life. Migrants from racially minoritized backgrounds face an even higher risk of developing psychotic disorders.
A global study reveals that women's environmental quality of life explains a substantial 46% of their overall health and well-being. The study found that younger women report poorer environmental quality of life, while older women experience improved quality of life after age 45.
According to a study from Linköping University, 29% of current and former Swedish cheerleading athletes reported experiencing psychological abuse. The most common reason was feeling frozen out of the community or being manipulated, while lack of support from coaches and injuries were also major contributors to athletes quitting the spo...
A survey of 4,426 LGBTQ+ adults in the USA found that those who underwent conversion practice experience poor mental health, including depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Transgender participants reported greater mental health symptoms overall.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that integrating suicide care into routine primary care visits reduced the rate of suicide attempts by 25% within 90 days. The integrated care model also led to a significant increase in safety planning and assessments for depression, alcohol, and drug use.
A new Columbia University School of Nursing-led study explores how patients view the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve mental health care. The survey found that 49.3% of participants considered AI beneficial for mental health care, but with concerns over incorrect diagnoses and patient autonomy.
A new study analyzing over five million births found a 10.6% increase in preterm births between 2011 and 2022, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions became more common, while protective factors such as prenatal care and WIC participation declined.
As of 2019, over 1.4 million US children have lost a family member to a drug overdose, according to a USC Dornsife study. The trend shows younger children are increasingly affected, with 5-year-olds experiencing loss at the same rate as 10-year-olds 15 years ago.
A study by researchers from the University of Tokyo found that people with adverse childhood experiences are more likely to commit physical or verbal abuse against older adults. The study, which analyzed over 13,000 responses in Japan, revealed that psychological factors were a key contributor to this behavior.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.
Childhood obesity has surged globally, with nearly half of all overweight children under 5 years old found in Asia. The authors highlight the need for coordinated efforts to address this epidemic, including increased physical activity and healthier diets.
A multinational study found that people with unmedicated mental illness are less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with a 9% lower vaccination rate compared to the general population. Individuals with substance use disorder were also 16% less likely to receive the vaccine.
Researchers found that weekend warrior and regular physical activity patterns were associated with substantially lower risks of over 200 diseases. Weekend warrior activity was found to be just as effective at decreasing risk as more evenly distributed exercise activity.
A new study from the University of South Australia highlights the importance of validating children's pain experiences to prevent chronic pain. Researchers found that by demonstrating acceptance, understanding, and legitimacy, parents and doctors can help children feel heard and believed, leading to better emotional regulation skills a...
A new study by MIT researchers identifies characteristic in prison facilities that exacerbate an incarcerated person's vulnerability to summer heat. The findings highlight the need for policymakers and community leaders to address this growing concern, particularly as climate change worsens heat-related risks.
A new study published in PLOS Mental Health found a relationship between daily sunlight exposure, physical activity, and depressed state. The research used wrist-based activity sensors to collect data from individuals with depression and those without, revealing that more depressed states were associated with lower daytime activity.
Researchers identified the external globus pallidus as responsible for impaired decision-making in mice with Parkinson's disease treated with pramipexole. Hyperactivation of this region was linked to poor risk-taking behavior and reduced effectiveness of treatments.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a specific brain circuit that may protect against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans with traumatic brain injury. The study suggests using neurostimulation therapies on this circuit could treat PTSD, offering a new potential non-invasive treatment option.
Video games created as mental health interventions can be modest tools in improving the mental well-being of children and teens with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. These digital mental health interventions showed a reduction in symptoms related to ADHD and depression, but not for anxiety.
New research identifies critical gaps in mental health care for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders experience high rates of comorbid conditions, such as major depressive episode and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study found that only 26% received minimally adequate treatment.
Research found that patients leaving hospital prematurely, known as 'before medically advised' (BMA) discharge, have a significantly higher risk of drug overdose in the following month. This increase is due to factors such as persistent pain and untreated addiction after hospital discharge.
This study suggests that gamified digital mental health interventions can be an effective treatment option for youth with ADHD or depressive disorders. The findings provide new information for pediatricians and healthcare professionals seeking innovative solutions for pediatric mental health care.
A study by Amsterdam UMC found that nearly three-quarters of Dutch elite athletes report sport-related distress, while forty percent of their coaches do so as well. The most common mental health problems among athletes are related to their performance and life events, with unfavorable alcohol consumption also prevalent.
The Boston Clinic implemented an innovative embedded neuropsychological assessment program to improve access to disability assessments for US citizenship applicants. The program provided crucial assessments to 34 patients, with 36% qualifying for N-648 forms despite initial normal cognitive screenings.
A 6-month study found that psilocybin offered similar improvements to SSRI escitalopram in depressive symptoms, but with greater social functioning and psychological connectedness. Psilocybin may offer an alternative for those not responding to SSRIs, but its benefits are still being studied.
Researchers identify specific brain area and activity patterns associated with postpartum depression risk in pregnant women. They propose a potential test based on these findings to help detect high-risk individuals.
The LYFE-III study will digitize the intervention and make it freely available, assessing its effectiveness. The current research builds on previous studies that focused on parenting skills enhancement and substance abuse prevention among Latino youth.
A new study led by Uppsala University researchers found that a single treatment session playing the video game Tetris can reduce PTSD symptoms. After five weeks and six months, participants showed significant improvements in reducing intrusive memories and alleviating other symptoms.
A study by University of California San Diego researchers found that displaced Syrian refugees with higher self-compassion levels reported fewer poor mental health outcomes. The study surveyed 272 participants and explored the relationship between self-compassion and resilience in mitigating mental illness.
A new study highlights the challenges faced by women in relationships with partners diagnosed with ADHD, finding a link between their symptoms and higher rates of depression. Engaging in health-promoting activities can reduce depressive symptoms and improve well-being for these women.
Researchers at Fujita Health University have discovered a key signaling pathway involved in aversive learning, which may help develop treatments for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. By identifying 221 candidate substrates of ROCK, the study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying aversive learning.
Researchers comprehensively reviewed cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease, highlighting the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in motor and non-motor symptoms. Studies showed abnormal α-synuclein aggregation, neurodegeneration, and altered functional connectivity between the cerebellum and other brain regions.
A recent survey found that Norwegian Afghanistan veterans are struggling with mental health issues, including PTSD and problematic anger. Anger problems among veterans have received little attention internationally, but the study highlights the need for a holistic approach to treating these issues.
A new study found that individuals with eating disorders have a higher risk of death and poor health outcomes due to abnormal electrolyte levels. The research, led by ICES and The Ottawa Hospital, included over 6,000 individuals with an eating disorder, revealing that 32% had abnormal electrolyte levels.
A study found that employees who reduced private smartphone use by an hour a day showed improved work satisfaction, motivation, and mental health. The intervention also led to decreased depressive symptoms and increased feelings of control.
A study analyzing 200 'fitspiration' videos on TikTok found that most presented incorrect or harmful information, promoting idealised views of body types and triggering negative body image issues. The content often featured sexualisation, body shaming, and excessive dieting, with most influencers lacking credible health qualifications.
A groundbreaking article proposes a transdiagnostic framework that views neurodivergent conditions as points on a spectrum rather than distinct categories. This approach acknowledges the shared characteristics and complex interplay between these conditions and recognizes their frequent overlap with mental health challenges.
A significant increase in drug overdose rates was recorded in Colombia between 2010 and 2021, with a notable rise among young women. The study found that the pandemic contributed to higher levels of anxiety and mental health problems, leading to overuse of drugs, particularly tranquilizers/sedatives/antidepressants.
Researchers are decoding genetic mutations in high-risk genes for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. A new collaborative project aims to characterize the genetic origins of these disorders using human stem cells.
A new poll shows that 21% of people aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, with 12% using it at least monthly. The study highlights potential risks of cannabis use, including risky driving and addiction, as well as the importance of discussing its use with healthcare providers.
A University of Colorado Boulder study of 10,000 pre-teens found that increased wildfire smoke exposure was linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other internalizing symptoms. Repeated high-level exposures had a greater impact on risk than annual averages or maximum levels.
A new study from City St George's University of London found that approximately 1 in 20 adults are closely related to someone who has been the victim of a serious assault. These 'indirect victims' face numerous health challenges, including mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study sugg...
The Centre for Research and Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims argues that the prevalence of homicide grief in Black communities is a pandemic. The researchers recommend strategies such as promoting research, enhancing early detection, and improving culturally responsive support services to address this issue.
Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate matter during the second trimester face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression. The study also discovered a sustained effect of air pollution on symptoms of depression for up to three years after birth.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) that prevents chronic neurodegeneration by targeting mitochondrial fission. P110, a small peptide agent, has been shown to halt the process and protect the brain from damage.
A Danish study reveals that only children and those with half- or step-siblings enter puberty significantly earlier than children with biological siblings. The study found a two-month difference in girls' pubertal timing and a smaller but still significant gap for boys.
A UBCO study found that patients face barriers when discussing psychedelics with physicians due to stigma and perceived lack of knowledge. The study analyzed data from 800 adults who use psychedelics, revealing that nearly 60% felt less satisfied with communication about psychedelics compared to previous conversations.
A new study finds that excessive social media use is associated with a higher risk of eating disorder symptoms in 9-14-year-olds, including binge eating and distress over weight gain. Problematic screen use may contribute to unhealthy behaviors and addictive tendencies.
A recent study by OHSU researchers reveals that the US has a higher rate of firearm deaths compared to other countries with similar sociodemographic profiles. The study found that despite comparable mental health disorder rates, US firearm death rates are 20 times greater than those in other countries.
A new viewpoint review explores the impact of TAAR1 genetic variations on mental health and drug development. The study suggests that rare TAAR1 mutations may contribute to psychiatric symptoms by altering brain function.