Articles tagged with Mental Health
A study of 3,000 middle-aged and older women found that those who perceived gender discrimination reported declines in wellbeing over time, including more depressive symptoms, loneliness, and lower quality of life. Perceived sexism was linked to depression, loneliness, and poor life satisfaction six years later.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that fear specifically provokes different types of time-bound decision making for women versus men. Women experiencing fear tended to prioritize smaller short-term gains compared to men, while men's decisions appeared unaffected by their emotional state.
A new RAND report emphasizes the importance of collaboration and effective planning in achieving interoperability between 988 and 911 emergency telephone systems. The report found that local champions can aid efforts by establishing priorities, convening stakeholders, and brokering difficult conversations.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate does not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. In contrast, valproate has been linked to a heightened risk of ASD.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with lower income or education levels are more likely to develop medical conditions related to alcohol abuse. The research suggests that these groups may benefit from additional screening by clinicians to evaluate their alcohol consumption and identify related conditions.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that middle-aged adults in the US tend to report significantly higher levels of loneliness compared to their European counterparts. The study suggests that cultural norms, socioeconomic influences, and social safety nets between the two regions may contribute to the 'lo...
University of Missouri researcher Kelli Canada is using a $2.8 million grant to transform prison conditions in four Missouri prisons. Her multi-pronged mission includes staff training, physical space changes, skill building for residents, and community connections.
A study published in American Psychologist reveals that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, with baby boomers reporting the highest overall levels. The research suggests that loneliness is a persistent issue across generations in both the US and Europe.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a method to determine the clinical potency of psilocybin and psilocin in Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. This technique uses liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, allowing for accurate extraction and measurement of the strength of the mushrooms.
People with dementia experience declines in social well-being as their disease progresses, while caregivers become isolated due to caregiving responsibilities. Experts recommend screening for loneliness and finding ways to keep individuals socially connected to improve quality of life and reduce health outcomes.
The Lancet Public Health paper emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in bereavement care, with researchers advocating for transitional care models that integrate hospital and community-based support. The proposed model aims to bolster community capacity to support grievers and prioritize bereavement as a vital part of ethical health...
A study by King's College London found that lonely 12-year-olds are more likely to be out of education and employment, and consider themselves less employable. The researchers suggest addressing loneliness in early adolescence could yield economic benefits through increased productivity.
A new study published in the journal Stroke found that African American veterans with PTSD had a significantly higher risk of re-hospitalization after a stroke compared to those without PTSD. This was not observed among white veterans. The study highlights the importance of targeted care for high-risk populations and reducing modifiabl...
A study of partners and adult children of stroke survivors found higher risks of mental health conditions and self-harm or suicide. The findings highlight the potential consequences of stroke on family members, particularly partners.
The Child Opportunity Index 3.0 finds significant inequities in opportunity for children of different races and ethnicities in US metros, with White kids living in high-opportunity neighborhoods and Black and Hispanic children facing large gaps. The index ranks neighborhoods by a Child Opportunity Score ranging from 1-100.
Researchers found that explicitly teaching socioemotional skills in PE lessons can have a key role in supporting students' communication skills, handling stress and accepting failure. This approach can be integrated into everyday teaching to ensure young adolescents enjoy positive outcomes linked to wellbeing and academic success.
A new self-guided digital CBTi program has shown significant improvements in sleep and mental health symptoms among adults with insomnia. The 'Bedtime Window' program is designed to increase accessibility to CBTi, reducing reliance on sleeping pills for insomnia treatment.
A four-year study by Dartmouth researchers tracks changes in student mental health during college, identifying key populations and stressors. The study found that first-year and female students are at risk for high anxiety and low self-esteem, while sophomores experience increased social activity but higher stress levels.
Adolescents with high adverse childhood experiences showed improved mental health scores with in-person schooling and engaging in healthy behaviors. Positive affect and lower perceived stress were significantly higher among those with in-person schooling, suggesting a protective factor.
Spending time with dogs increases alpha-band oscillations, associated with relaxed wakefulness, and beta-band oscillation strength, linked to heightened concentration. Participants reported reduced fatigue, depression, and stress after dog-related activities.
A new study finds that individuals who received therapy for anxiety prior to the COVID-19 pandemic did not experience an increase in anxiety symptoms during its peak. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) provided tools to manage symptoms, according to researchers.
A Photovoice project documented the lives of Seattle-area pet owners experiencing homelessness, revealing the benefits of human-animal bonds on mental and physical health. The study also identified barriers to services and recommendations for improved policies.
A Phase III clinical trial showed that cancer patients who received specialized mental health support experienced lasting improvements in quality of life, reduced pain, depression, and fatigue. The intervention also led to lower risk of cardiovascular disease in family caregivers and substantial cost savings for the healthcare system.
A new study finds that Latinx children with unreliable access to food at age 4 are nearly four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease later. The researchers recommend earlier screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and ensuring public meal programs offer nutritious meals.
A new study found that socially prescribed creative play enhances parents' social networks, creative parenting approaches, and mental health, while improving children's developmental milestones and skills. Parents who participated in the programme reported better wellbeing and connections with others.
A study analyzing nationally representative data found that youth experienced a sustained increase in mental health issues between 2006 and 2019. The findings suggest that treatment and prevention strategies must address preexisting psychiatric needs in addition to the pandemic's direct effects.
A landmark study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that COVID vaccines are safe to administer during pregnancy, with no abnormal delays in infants when tested at 12 months and 18 months. The study of over 2,200 infants from across the country also found an increased risk of delay among male infants at 12 months but not at 18 months.
A NJIT professor is developing a training model for mental health professionals to better support Jewish students on college campuses, which have seen a surge in antisemitism. The program aims to create a strong therapeutic alliance and understand cultural factors that contribute to the issues.
A Rutgers University study links housing hardship among low-income new mothers with increased rates of depression and anxiety. The research highlights the importance of government housing assistance in reducing mental health risks for renter households.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties in children with epilepsy compared to standard care. The Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) treatment uses a modular approach to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders by 40%.
Researchers found that pre-existing mental health diagnoses lead to a greater emotional burden and prolonged recovery time after a concussion. The study also discovered a 'dose-response' effect, where more mental health diagnoses correlate with increased emotional symptoms and longer recovery periods. Boys with prolonged recovery exper...
A new study from Karolinska Institutet has found a clear link between childhood adversity and the risk of mental illness later in life. The research suggests that genetics and environment play a significant role in contributing to adult psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for targeted health care interventions within families ...
Researchers found that people with greater mental distress, lower self-control, and higher extraversion were more likely to take up vaping. Interventions addressing these factors could be effective in preventing vaping uptake among non-smoking adults.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that higher Body Mass Index (BMI) is significantly associated with worse mental health in women, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. The research adjusted for lifestyle and demographic factors, suggesting a stronger link between excess weight and mental health issues in this population.
A study using twin data suggests an association between adverse childhood experiences and poor mental health in adulthood. Targeted interventions may be associated with reduced risks of future psychopathology.
A new approach to menopause is needed, focusing on empowering women with high-quality information and empathic clinical care. The experience of menopause varies for each person, and an individualised approach can help women navigate this life stage.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new treatments across the lifespan for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. The March issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry highlights several studies with these findings.
A new study reveals that young adults look and feel older on stressful days, especially when they lack control over their lives. Researchers found a significant correlation between stress levels and subjective age in younger adults.
A new study suggests that personal recovery, defined as living a full meaningful life despite illness limitations, can prevent serious mental health problems. Key elements of recovery include understanding mental health challenges, finding purpose and meaning, and receiving support.
A UC Riverside-led study found that moderately anxious children from minoritized groups are hypervigilant to threats, exacerbating their general state of anxiety. The study used MRI scanners and involved preadolescent Latina girls from low-income families.
Only half of European countries have national guidelines for treating child victims of sexual abuse, leading to unequal and potentially severe consequences. The existing guidelines are often outdated and fail to incorporate the latest scientific insights.
A recent study from Amsterdam UMC and the University of Glasgow found that loneliness increases physical frailty, leading to a higher risk of depression, falls, and cognitive decline in older adults. The research analysis more than 130 studies and revealed that reduced social functioning is associated with physical decline in older adu...
Researchers found a causal link between air pollution and suicide rates in China, estimating that reducing air pollution has prevented 46,000 deaths. The study isolated the effect of pollution on mental health by using weather conditions to tease apart confounding factors.
The American Gastroenterological Association has proposed a 12-point plan to enhance IBD care in the US, focusing on insurer-mandated barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy. The plan aims to improve treatment access and quality for over three million Americans living with IBD.
A new study found that frequent cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, even after controlling for tobacco use and other cardiovascular risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 430,000 adults in the US and found that smoking cannabis was significantly linked to cardiovascular risks.
A University of Waterloo study found that urban spaces with nature elements can significantly reduce anxiety and boost positive outcomes in adolescents. After just two minutes in a natural setting, youth scores decreased by up to 13%.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine consensus study report highlights different effects of social media on adolescent mental health. Research is recommended to address specific harms such as cyber-stalking and harassment, as well as promote healthy social media use through digital literacy curricula.
Researchers found that specific auricular acupuncture improved the recovery rate for depression to 58%, compared to 43% for non-specific treatment. The study also showed no severe adverse effects, with most participants reporting mild pain at the needle application site.
A new study from the University of Toronto found an association between poor sleep and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young adults. Participants who reported greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms had shorter sleep duration and difficulty falling or staying asleep more than half the time.
A meta-analysis of 30 studies involving 3,501 women found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved anxiety, depression, memory, and concentration difficulties. CBT was also the most cost-effective option for menopause management.
A new smartphone application using AI and facial-image processing software detects the onset of depression before symptoms appear. MoodCapture captures facial expressions and surroundings, then evaluates them for clinical cues associated with depression.
New research reveals women's cardiovascular disease risks differ by age, lifestyle factors, and mental health conditions. Studies show sedentary behavior increases risk of death from all causes, while preeclampsia is linked to diet, highlighting need for targeted prevention strategies.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers report that worsened anxiety and depression can predict the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patients with more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms were more likely to progress from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Flinders University uncovered a major breakthrough in understanding the gut-brain axis, revealing that serotonin released from gut cells must communicate via diffusion to activate sensory nerve endings. This discovery has profound implications for drug development and treatments of mental health and digestive problems.
A large clinical trial found that an intervention for pregnant women in Pakistan significantly reduced the likelihood of developing moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression after birth. The intervention, led by Dr. Pamela J. Surkan, was administered by non-specialized providers and showed promising results.
A new study found that mass shooting lockdown drills help children who have been exposed to violence feel safer, contradicting previous research conclusions. Lockdown drills may be a way to help students who have been exposed to violence feel safer in schools.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement offers the latest knowledge on neurodevelopmental outcomes in people of all ages with congenital heart disease. The statement highlights that neurodevelopmental difficulties are common complications faced by individuals with congenital heart disease, affecting their ability to funct...
A new study from Texas A&M University suggests that city dwellers who have more exposure to urban green spaces require fewer mental health services. The researchers used the NatureScore database to assess mental health at the neighborhood level and found a correlation between urban nature exposure and better mental health.
Research finds that living in violent neighborhoods can alter a child's brain to detect threats more easily, leading to poorer mental health. Nurturing parents can help protect kids from these detrimental effects by reducing exposure to community violence and promoting resilience.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that vision impairment is linked to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as social isolation among older adults. The research emphasizes the need for enhanced support and care for individuals with vision impairment.