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 reveals that Latinx immigrant adults are extorted an average of $804 during their journey to the US southern border. The most common perpetrators were police officers and immigration officials. Experts say extortion should be considered an extreme stressor, which can inform mental health treatment for newly arrived immigrants.
A cross-sectional study of commercially insured patients suggests that there may be meaningful heterogeneous associations between cannabis policy and state-level outcomes, as well as between cannabis policy and drug class, with implications for patient substance use and mental health outcomes.
A large-scale prospective cohort study found a positive association between regular mobile phone use and incident cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in smokers and individuals with diabetes. Poor sleep patterns, psychological distress, and neuroticism may be key mechanisms underlying this association.
A recent study demonstrates how real-time haptic feedback can enhance interoceptive awareness, improving mental and physical health. Participants showed improved accuracy in heart rate discrimination tasks after receiving haptic feedback, suggesting a deeper connection between the mind and body.
Researchers created a mouse model to study relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), revealing the syndrome impacts the entire body and affects males and females differently. REDs leads to hormonal and reproductive issues, insomnia and fatigue, bone weakness and injury, and anxiety and depression.
A study found that ketamine clinics have inconsistent policies on pregnancy-related safeguards, including inadequate warning systems and contraception prescription. This is concerning given the potential harm of ketamine to developing fetuses.
A new study using manifold learning and signal processing techniques identifies a significant correlation between adolescent brain activity and mental health symptoms. The approach, called exogenous PHATE, combines brain activation data with environmental variables to improve detection of existing symptoms and predict future ones.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that individuals with pre-existing disabilities are more than twice as likely to develop long COVID. The research found that chronic illnesses and mental illness/psychiatric disabilities were the most common types of disabilities among those experiencing long COVID.
The September issues of APA journals focus on depression risk factors and treatments, as well as noninvasive brain stimulation therapies. The American Journal of Psychiatry explores the promise of these therapies in treating depression.
A post hoc analysis found semaglutide treatment did not increase the risk of developing depression or suicidal ideation and was associated with a small reduction in depressive symptoms. Monitoring for mental health concerns is essential for individuals with obesity to receive proper support and care.
The Abundance Index for Workers (AIW) measures psychological wealth and well-being in the workplace. The study validates its effectiveness using data from the Tsukuba Salutogenic Occupational Cohort Study, demonstrating a more accurate assessment of worker well-being.
A new UMass study identifies key factors influencing exercise among nursing students, including intrinsic motivation, social support, demographic identifiers, and health-tracking technology. The research aims to help nurses build healthy habits before entering the workforce.
A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that hope is more beneficial than mindfulness in helping people manage stress and stay professionally engaged. The study found that hopeful individuals experience less distress, are more engaged with their work, and feel less tension related to their professional lives.
The Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute has received $55 million in NIH funding to accelerate the development, evaluation, and implementation of improved healthcare interventions. The grant will support the development of effective health interventions for more patients more quickly, with a focus on ad...
A new Swedish registry study found that girls with mental illness or neurodevelopmental conditions have lower HPV vaccination coverage compared to their peers. The study involved over 115,000 girls and found significant differences in vaccination rates among those with psychiatric diagnoses or receiving psychotropic medications.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found associations between depression and unhealthy commodities such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling, social media, ultra-processed foods, and air pollution. The review also highlighted links between these commodities and suicide, self-harm, and anxiety.
A study of 8,000 community-dwelling adults reveals that loneliness in later life is strongly associated with death ideation, but engaging in social activities, particularly religious services, can protect against this. The research highlights the critical issue of social disconnection and its link to a 'wish to die' among older adults.
Research suggests that diagnostic labels for people experiencing mild mental health issues can increase empathy and support, but also undermine perceived agency and expectations of overcoming problems. This study found varying responses depending on the disorder, with some conditions eliciting high empathy and accommodation support.
A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that in-person contact is crucial for reducing loneliness in older adults, while phone and digital contact are less effective. The study revealed that even weak social ties can benefit from in-person visits, leading to lower levels of reported loneliness.
Research reveals that maternal prenatal smoking can limit a child's academic performance and put them behind their peers at school. The systematic review of 19 studies and 1.25 million participants found that 79% of studies reported reduced academic achievement in children exposed to maternal prenatal smoking.
A new NIH-funded study found minor changes in youth mental health overall, but significant variations depending on age, race, gender, and pre-existing mental health. Children with clinically significant problems before the pandemic improved, while others experienced declines or no change.
A longitudinal cohort study found differential susceptibility and resilience for mental health problems during the pandemic associated with prepandemic mental health and sociodemographic characteristics. The study's findings have implications for recovery and may provide novel insights into causes of youth mental health problems.
Researchers found that intensive outpatient group- and family-based CBT that integrates telehealth can lead to significant improvements in pediatric anxiety and OCD symptoms. The hybrid model showed lasting gains for children even after treatment ended, with most families continuing to meet with clinicians after discharge.
Researchers found a significant association between air pollutant exposure and emergency room visits for mental disorders in communities that were once denied mortgages due to race. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in these neighborhoods increased ER visits by 1.04% and 0.44%, respectively.
Researchers found that people with chronic diabetes complications are up to three times more likely to have a mental health condition, while those with mental health disorders are up to two and a half times more likely to experience sustained diabetes complications. The study highlights the importance of screening for both risk factors.
Researchers found that people with sensory disabilities tend to have worse mental health, with vision impairment most strongly associated with loneliness and poor self-rated mental health. Strategies like patient communication, public policies, and technology interventions can help mitigate the negative effects of sensory decline.
A new study of 18 million people reveals a higher incidence of mental illnesses for up to a year following severe COVID-19, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. Vaccination appeared to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 on mental health.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) moderately improves mental health and quality of life in people with past or current cancer. CBT was more effective for younger individuals and in-person delivery compared to technology-based platforms.
A cohort study found elevated depression and anxiety levels in unvaccinated people with COVID-19 diagnosis compared to before or without the virus. Vaccination was associated with lower incidence of mental illnesses after hospitalization for COVID-19.
A new study by UCL researchers surveyed 1,114 UK women aged 16-80 who enjoy cold water swimming, finding most swim in the sea year-round and that longer swims occur in summer. The authors highlight pollution risks and call for improved safety measures and accessibility.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that children with persistently raised inflammation are at a higher risk of experiencing serious mental health disorders, including psychosis and depression, in early adulthood. The research also discovered that those who experienced inflammation at a young age were more likely to devel...
A study found that neuroticism can negatively affect general and inhibitory self-control, while a positive correlation was seen for extraversion and conscientiousness. Understanding the nuanced interplay between personality traits and self-control is essential for developing effective interventions.
Researchers found significant differences in effect sizes depending on studies' approach, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive understanding of ACEs' multifaceted impacts. The study suggests a critical need for varied strategies to understand, prevent, and reduce ACEs' effects on individual development and societal well-being.
A 15-minute gamified workplace wellness program increased participants' average daily physical activity levels by 12 minutes per day, with 95% meeting physical activity guidelines. Participants also reported improvements in fitness, energy, overall health, sleep quality, and mood.
Researchers at UCSF have developed intelligent brain pacemakers that use AI to monitor and adjust brain activity in real-time, providing personalized treatment for Parkinson's patients. The approach, called adaptive deep brain stimulation, has shown promise in reducing symptoms such as movement problems and insomnia.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that digital switching, such as swiping through videos, actually increases boredom and reduces satisfaction with content. Participants reported feeling less engaged when watching a single video versus rapidly switching through multiple short videos.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that engaging in arts and crafts activities can significantly boost people's sense of life's worth, happiness, and satisfaction. The study, which analyzed over 7,000 participants, showed that the positive effects of crafting were comparable to being employed.
Rates of methamphetamine-related psychiatric hospitalizations increased by 68% over the study period, while opioid-related hospitalizations decreased by 22%. The lack of resources to manage methamphetamine use is believed to contribute to this trend.
A study of 1,300 emerging adolescents found that higher parental technoference levels were associated with increased anxiety symptoms, inattention, and hyperactivity. The findings highlight the need for parents and emerging adolescents to discuss digital technology use and mental health as part of routine care.
Researchers analyzed national Medicaid data to identify perinatal and postpartum outcomes among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Autistic pregnant people had significantly higher probability of postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression compared to other groups.
A new study finds that policing incidents are linked to higher rates of psychiatric hospitalization among young people in heavily policed neighborhoods. The association is stronger in neighborhoods with a larger proportion of Black residents and persists even after controlling for crime levels.
A new study found that job strain and effort-reward imbalance at work increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. The research suggests that recognizing and addressing psychosocial stressors at work can foster healthy environments.
A nationwide children's hospital implemented an automated Caring Contacts texting system to provide ongoing care and support to youth at risk for suicide. The intervention helped patients feel hopeful and supported, with 83% reporting feeling moderately to very hopeful and 88% feeling moderately to very supported.
Research from King's College London suggests that childhood maltreatment, particularly neglect, is associated with significant cognitive deficits. The study, published in Lancet Psychiatry, used court-documented records and adult recall to test the relative associations of maltreatment with cognitive abilities.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center are developing a new model of care delivery to reach out to cancer survivors with depression, using a mobile app-based treatment called Moodivate that delivers behavioral activation. The grant aims to provide timely and tailored mental health treatment to this growing population.
A study of 12,000 Canadian respondents aged 65+ found that socially independent older adults born in Canada are most satisfied when living solo, while socially dependent immigrants who live alone experience lower life satisfaction. Personality-based social dispositions play a key role in how older adults feel about their living arrange...
A study of nearly 30,000 US caregivers found that comprehensive mental health coverage laws reduced difficulties in accessing care for children. Caregivers from diverse backgrounds faced more challenges, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive services.
A study by Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that Black employees are more likely to attribute workplace mistreatment to racial prejudice and make a pessimistic attribution. This leads to higher rates of depression compared to white employees. Organisations must create an inclusive workplace to reduce workplace mistrea...
After two major health policy shifts, pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety received slightly more psychotherapy and paid less out-of-pocket costs. Despite the positive trends, only about 10% of women with private insurance received psychotherapy in 2019 to 2020.
A new study found that autistic youth born in underserved neighborhoods are more likely to have greater ADHD symptoms. The Child Opportunity Index, which tracks neighborhood traits, was used to assess the relationship between environment and ADHD symptoms.
A study found that individuals exposed to famine in early gestation had a two-fold likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, with extreme variations in intensity across provinces. The research highlights the importance of policies aimed at preventing events like the Holodomor from happening again.
A cohort study found that childhood and adolescent depression symptoms were associated with impaired adult psychosocial functioning. The study highlights the importance of screening and monitoring children and adolescents for depression to inform policymaking regarding young adult mental health and psychosocial outcomes.
Researchers found that air pollution affects people differently, causing some to feel less aroused and more negative. The study suggests that this effect can contribute to increased anxiety risk and inform climate adaptation planning.
Researchers found that reactivating therapeutically-altered memories during sleep leads to more brain activity related to memory processing, associated with a reduction in PTSD symptoms. Targeted memory reactivation (TMR) also reduced the inclination to avoid traumatic memories in patients.
A new study by Charles Sturt University in Australia found that exposure to pro-anorexia content on TikTok leads to decreased body image satisfaction and increased internalization of beauty standards. Women who spend more time on the app are also more likely to experience disordered eating behaviors.
Mark Lumley, a distinguished professor at Wayne State University, received the 2024 Nathan W. Perry Jr. Award for Career Service to Health Psychology. He was recognized for his decades-long contributions to the field of health psychology, particularly in chronic pain disorders.
A new poll finds that over 30% of people in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person with a health issue or disability, while 1 in 10 juggle taking care of three or more people. The majority of caregivers are caring for someone with a physical disability or mobility problem, followed by memory or thinking issues.
In Illinois, youth emergency room visits for depression and anxiety decreased significantly after the COVID-19 shutdown and plateaued at lower rates. Social media use is believed to be a contributing factor, with increased smartphone usage leading to reduced social interaction and sleep disturbances.
A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.
A new study reveals that law enforcement officers experience a high prevalence of head injuries and related mental health symptoms, including PTSD and depressive symptoms. The survey found that 74% of officers reported a lifetime history of one or more head injuries.