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White, pink noise improve focus for children with ADHD

A systematic review of 13 studies found that white and pink noise improved cognitive performance in children and young adults with ADHD, but had no effect on those without the condition. Researchers believe this could be a promising new tool to empower individuals with ADHD to live healthier and more productive lives.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 1, 2024

Risks of anxiety, suicide attempt may rise significantly after cardiovascular hospitalization

A new analysis found that people hospitalized for heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions within the first year after hospitalization. Early mental health screening and intervention are crucial for patients and their loved ones.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 31, 2024

Youth suicide and preceding mental health diagnosis

A cross-sectional study found that 60% of youth suicide decedents lacked a preceding mental health diagnosis, with racial and ethnic minorities having lower odds of diagnosis. The study highlights the need for equitable mental health identification and lethal means counseling to prevent youth suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 30, 2024

The sooner the better: teaching healthy habits in elementary school reduces abdominal fat

A large-scale study published in JACC shows that promoting healthy habits in elementary school children can effectively reduce abdominal fat and obesity markers. The study found that early intervention, particularly during the first three years of school, was more effective than delayed interventions.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

New study highlights the importance of psychological resilience in helping kids recover from concussions

A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2024

The secret to finding balance: improving interoception

A new Reichman University study demonstrates how external representation of physiological signals can improve internal balance. The researchers created an immersive multisensory environment that mirrors the user's breathing pattern, leading to significant improvements in interoceptive sensibility and flow among users.

SourceReichman University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Older adults want to cut back on medication, but study shows need for caution

A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 2024

HR departments ‘not trusted’ to deal with bullying

A new study published in the Journal of Business Ethics found that HR departments fail to address workplace bullying adequately, with employees describing them as weak and ineffective. The research suggests systemic failures due to factors such as legal ramifications, reputational damage, and concerns about losing perpetrators.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

‘Floating duck syndrome’ tricks people into working hard but failing to achieve their goals

A study found that 'floating duck syndrome', where individuals present themselves as effortlessly high-achieving, leads to underinvestment of effort towards goals and spreading oneself too thinly. This phenomenon is exacerbated by social media platforms and institutional public relations, causing individuals to invest too much total ef...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

UBC Okanagan study raises concerns about partner violence in queer relationships

A UBC Okanagan study reveals that 98% of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence, with 70% showing symptoms consistent with a brain injury. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches to address IPV in queer relationships and acknowledges the intersectional nature of oppression.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 23, 2024

Bipolar disorder & alcohol: It’s not as simple as ‘self-medication’

A new study suggests that even temporary increases in drinking can have lasting effects on bipolar symptoms, but the opposite isn't true. The research found that individuals with bipolar disorder who drink more than typical for them are more likely to experience an increase in depressive and/or manic symptoms over six months.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2024

Protect the child, save the adult: An opportunity to cut welfare costs by nearly 40%

Research from University of South Australia finds that individuals who experienced child abuse or neglect are three times more likely to receive government income support payments. Cumulative income support payments for those with no protection contact were $38,570, while those in out-of-home care received $181,743.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2024

Targeted career support for care-experienced academics would help create a new “effective pipeline”, study says

A new study suggests that targeted career support for care-experienced academics could help boost the number of future care-experienced people in academia. The research found that these individuals face unique challenges in their educational journeys and often struggle with mental health and financial insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHigher Education·TypeSurvey·DateJul 22, 2024

Factors contributing to early dropout of psychiatric treatment among foreign residents

Young Japanese-speaking migrants have higher rates of early treatment dropout due to inadequate observed conversational fluency, emphasizing the importance of tailored language support. Researchers suggest that language proficiency influences early self-discontinuation of psychiatric treatment among foreign residents in Japan.

SourceToho University·JournalBMJ Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2024

Mental health apps may help those waiting for care, study finds

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that mental health apps can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in individuals waiting for their initial psychiatric appointment. The study, which involved over 2,000 patients, showed improvement in all groups, regardless of the app used.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 18, 2024

More than one-third of adults with medical debt and depression or anxiety delayed mental health care in previous 12 months

A recent study found that one-third of adults with medical debt and depression or anxiety delayed mental health care in the previous 12 months. Medical debt significantly increases the likelihood of delaying or forgoing mental health care among those with these conditions. The study highlights the need for healthcare systems to improve...

Breastfeeding priorities most important to parents

A collaborative effort between The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and Reaching our Sisters Everywhere identified key components of a successful breastfeeding journey as defined by parents and families. The findings aim to inform research priorities and promote patient-centered outcomes in infant and young-child feeding.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

University of Cambridge students who undertook an 8 week mindfulness course were still reporting more frequent experiences of disembodiment and of unity a year later, in randomized controlled trial examining altered states of consciousness

University of Cambridge students who undertook an 8-week mindfulness course reported increased frequencies of disembodiment and unity up to a year after the program. The randomized controlled trial found long-term effects of mindfulness on altered states of consciousness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2024

Mental health training for line managers linked to better business performance, says new study

New research from the University of Nottingham found that mental health training for line managers is strongly associated with better business outcomes, including improved staff recruitment and retention, customer service, and reduced long-term mental health sickness absence. The study suggests that providing such training could save c...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Stress-related cell damage linked to negative mental and physical health effects among caregivers

Researchers at Rice University found that chronic stress impacts cellular health, leading to decreased energy levels and increased inflammation, which can result in dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other health problems. Caregivers with less leftover cellular energy experience fewer positive emotions and have lower physical functioning.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Living in greener neighborhoods during midlife can slow cognitive decline

A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Children with conduct disorder show widespread brain structural differences – new international study

Children with conduct disorder show significant reductions in brain surface area and volume of subcortical regions compared to typically developing children. These findings suggest that the development of the brain is different in individuals with CD, highlighting the need for further research into this under-recognized condition.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Playing Dungeons and Dragons can support mental health

A new study finds that playing Dungeons and Dragons can positively impact players' mental health by providing a space for creative expression, social support, and escapism. The game's immersive nature allows players to feel a sense of control and autonomy, leading to increased personal growth and skills development.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalInternational Journal of Role-Playing·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

UMass Amherst awarded $2.1 million to advance the science of engagement in community-academic research partnerships

The study aims to empower underrepresented populations in health research through a novel approach called engagement mapping, which identifies barriers to research partnerships and co-designs strategies to address them. The pilot study will test the feasibility of this approach with community advisory councils at two institutions.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers find parent and caregiver support linked to decreased depression and suicidal thoughts in LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ youth

A study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience depression and suicidal thoughts compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. However, those who reported parental support showed significantly reduced rates of these symptoms.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2024

Neighborhood impact on children's well-being shifted during COVID-19 pandemic, ECHO study suggests

A new ECHO study reveals that neighborhood characteristics played a lesser role in child well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. The pandemic altered how people interacted with their neighborhoods, making factors like green spaces and recreation less important.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2024

New "disembodied disconnect hypothesis" offers fresh perspective on digital technology's impact on social interaction

A new study introduces a novel hypothesis that digital technologies affect human sociality and mental health, particularly among youth. The Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis suggests cultivating rich personal relationships in face-to-face communities to counterbalance disembodied digital interactions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 10, 2024