Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
Researchers from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions found that traumatic life events do impact the perception of trauma-related imagery. Viewers' personal history of adversity and trauma was associated with stronger reactions to images depicting injury/trauma.
A Pusan National University study finds that heatwaves significantly impact public health among individuals with disabilities, increasing the risk of hospitalizations by 1.07 times. This results in a substantial economic burden, highlighting the need for well-informed public health policies to address these vulnerable groups.
Influencers who disable social media comments are perceived as less sincere, less receptive to consumer feedback, and incur professional consequences. This behavior can undermine their ability to connect with followers, even when the displayed comments are mostly negative in nature.
A new WhatsApp-based program has shown significant improvements in treating depression among older adults in Brazil. The Viva Vida program used simple audio messages and images to provide education on depression and behavioral activation, with a 10-point improvement in symptom reduction between intervention and control groups.
Researchers found low alignment between hospitals and health departments, particularly concerning social determinants of health, despite both entities having formal responsibilities to their communities. The top identified health needs included mental health, substance use, and obesity.
A study by the University of Toronto found that 43% of Canadians with a history of bipolar disorder were symptom-free and 23.5% had achieved complete mental health. Factors contributing to psychological flourishing included having a trusted confidant, using spirituality as coping mechanisms, and absence of disabling chronic pain.
Researchers developed a nine-week, phone-delivered positive psychology program called PATH to improve psychological well-being in blood cancer patients. The intervention had promising effects on patient-reported outcomes, with high participation and completion rates.
A study by URV researchers found that 1.5% of children have ASD and 5% have ADHD, with a combined prevalence of 3.5%. These conditions increase the risk of abuse, isolation, or social exclusion in schoolchildren.
A new study led by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a virtual emotion-centered program called TunedIn can reduce diabetes distress by half and improve glucose control. The program incorporates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and was delivered virtually to 276 adults with Type 1 diabetes.
A new study reveals that depression and antidepressant use are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women. Epigenetic age acceleration, measured by GrimAge DNA methylation age acceleration, partially mediates the relationship between antidepressant use and increased mortality risk.
A new study led by UCSF found that COVID-19 vaccine side effects like headache and tiredness indicate a strong immune response. Those with more symptoms had nearly double the antibody levels of those without, suggesting the vaccine is effective in preventing infection.
A new study finds that adolescents with higher levels of social anxiety symptoms are more likely to report increased suicidal thoughts and depressive symptoms two years later. Early intervention for social anxiety may be crucial in preventing these mental health issues.
A new study at the University of Toronto reveals a significant association between photo filter use and increased symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among adolescents and young adults. The research found that frequent use of photo filters is linked to greater muscle dissatisfaction and overall muscle dysmorphia symptoms, particularly among ...
Research from Penn Nursing found that nurses in hospitals with the highest share of Black patients face greater moral distress, poor leadership communication, and limited access to PPE. The study highlights the need for innovative solutions to support nurses in day-to-day care and reduce physical and emotional burdens.
A Bangor University study found that looking at nature during urban walks reduces anxiety and enhances restorative feelings. Guided participants focused on greenery, such as trees, for improved mental well-being metrics.
The number of calls to US poison centers has increased sharply, with a 233.9% rise in intentional exposures among adults. The severity of unintentional exposures also increased, with 37.4% more cases resulting in severe harm and 65.3% more deaths.
Researchers found that restricting menthol flavor in cigarettes while making nicotine replacement therapy more available can decrease socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use. The study used an online platform to simulate the effects of policy changes on purchase behavior, showing that policies must consider interplay to be effective.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that one in three people reports symptoms after discontinuing antidepressant treatment. The nocebo effect, where negative expectations contribute to symptoms, is estimated to be responsible for half of these effects.
Researchers found that eating more than one gram of sodium per day increases the likelihood of eczema flares by 22%, making it easier for patients to manage their symptoms. Eczema affects over 31 million people in the US and can be difficult to cope with when unpredictable.
A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.
Researchers found that restricting screens in bedrooms and at mealtimes has the biggest impact on reducing screen time and addictive behavior. Parents who model healthy practices at home also see a decrease in their child's screen use. Limiting and monitoring screen time can reduce usage by 1.29 hours and 0.83 hours, respectively.
A literature review of neuroimaging studies found altered brain signaling in teenagers with internet addiction, affecting attention and emotional processing. The study suggests that internet addiction may impact development and well-being in adolescents.
A study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that veterans paired with service dogs for three months had significantly lower self-reported PTSD symptom severity, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. They also experienced a 66% lower odds of receiving a PTSD diagnosis.
A new study found that healthy sleep has a positive impact on gratitude, resilience, and flourishing in adults. Measures of flourishing, resilience, and gratitude improved with sleep extension and worsened with sleep restriction.
A new study found that internet addiction in adolescents can lead to changes in the brain's neural networks, resulting in addictive behaviors and tendencies. The study, published in PLOS Mental Health, reviewed 12 articles involving 237 young people aged 10-19 with a formal diagnosis of internet addiction.
A holistic approach to mental health management involves integrating medication with lifestyle changes, social support, and community engagement. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental factors affecting mental health, emphasizing individual rights and dignity.
A nationwide Australian survey highlights the importance of centering lived experience in future mental health research. The study, which gathered insights from people with mental health conditions and their families and carers, emphasizes the significance of connections and experiences over individual conditions.
Drug-involved infant deaths in the US increased by 120% from 10.8% in 2018 to 24.4% in 2022, with the highest proportion occurring in 2021. The most common causes of death were assault, poisoning, and psychostimulants.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that first-line MRI-based screening for prostate cancer is less effective and more costly than first-line PSA testing. Despite free MRI costs, the first-line approach resulted in increased false positives and overdiagnosis without substantial reductions in mortality.
Longitudinal study finds that higher baseline body mass index is associated with more depressive symptoms over time. Children's cognitive performance also declines as they enter adolescence, highlighting the importance of monitoring children with overweight or obesity for depression problems.
A recent study from the University of Toronto analyzed data from 912 participants aged 16-30 and found that nearly 60% used protein bars and over half used whey protein powders. The study highlights alarming symptoms, including fatigue, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems, with only 9.8% perceiving their use as problematic.
A new study found that benevolent humour among medical assistants improves their job satisfaction and receives more positive feedback, while dark humour like sarcasm has negative effects. The study suggests using humour consciously and appropriately in patient interactions.
A new study by OHSU and Lines for Life finds that a crisis intervention program using social media to monitor youth can deter suicidal behavior. The Safe Social Spaces program has avoided 163 instances of self-harm through supportive dialogue with over 3,000 young people.
Researchers found that an inpatient treatment approach using high-energy refeeding can improve both physical and psychological health in adults with eating disorders. The study, led by Fiona Salter, investigated 97 voluntary hospital patients and found significant improvements in weight change and psychological wellbeing.
A new study presented at SLEEP 2024 conference found that better sleep health is associated with lower levels of loneliness. The association was strongest among younger adults, suggesting that improving sleep could have a beneficial effect on loneliness, especially in young people.
Researchers at George Mason University used artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 3.6 million patients and create personalized antidepressant recommendations. The free website MeAgainMeds.com provides evidence-based guidance for clinicians and patients, enabling faster symptom relief and reduced medication trial time.
US college student mental health challenges rose with a notable increase in PTSD and acute stress disorder diagnoses. Factors contributing to this rise include pandemic-related stressors and traumatic events.
A study published in World Psychiatry found that the content we consume online has a greater impact on our health than the amount of time spent online. The report highlights the importance of taking an individualised approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning.
Early-life air and noise pollution exposure were associated with increased risk of psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety from adolescence to young adulthood. Interventions to reduce pollution exposure could potentially improve population mental health.
A study of community health clinic teams found that power imbalance between racial and role groups affects team dynamics and DEI efforts. The study highlights the need for leadership to invest time in developing relationships, recognizing staff contributions, and taking antiracist actions.
A Rutgers Health study examines the role of racially coded language in labeling Black men who experienced a firearm-related injury. The researchers found that adopting a survivor identity may facilitate resilience and post-traumatic growth, while internalizing a victim identity could exacerbate trauma reactions.
A study of over 9,000 participants found that small increases in fine particulate matter during pregnancy and childhood were associated with more psychotic experiences and depression symptoms later in life. Higher noise pollution exposure in childhood and teenage years was linked to increased anxiety symptoms.
A five-year study found that 61% of individuals still experienced binge-eating disorder 2.5 years after their initial diagnosis, and 45% at 5 years. Most participants showed improvements, but relapse was common among those in remission.
A new study found that regular automated text message reminders connecting staff to a mental health platform called Cobalt improved depression and anxiety scores among employees. The study showed that users' self-reported depression symptom scores improved by roughly 11 percent six months after engaging with the platform.
Researchers from the University of South Australia have developed a new coating that targets the gut microbiome to improve antipsychotic medication absorption, mitigating unwanted weight gain. The reformulated Lurasidone reduces weight gain by 8-fold and boosts serotonin levels by over 250%.
A large-scale study found that mental disorders can be transmitted within social networks formed by school classes. The researchers analyzed population-wide registry data and discovered a strong link between the number of classmates diagnosed with a mental disorder and an individual's risk of receiving a diagnosis later in life, partic...
A national US study finds approximately one in nine children have ever received an ADHD diagnosis, with 11.4% of children aged 3-17 currently living with the condition. The study also highlights socioeconomic and geographic factors influencing diagnosis and treatment patterns.
Researchers create largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. The study uses postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors to map gene regulation networks across different stages of brain development and multiple brain-related disorders.
A new study found that economic difficulty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a cascade of connected problems for parents, resulting in higher levels of depressive symptoms and poorer relationship quality. This was then associated with harsh parenting practices, which in turn linked to increased internalizing behaviors in children.
Two studies published in Science reveal significant advances in understanding the molecular biology of neuropsychiatric disease, including a comprehensive map of regulatory components of the brain. The research provides critical insights into the pathogenesis of mental health disorders and holds promise for therapeutic applications.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have received a $16.4 million grant to advance mental health care for children, leveraging machine learning and novel clinical measures to improve prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions across childhood and adolescence. The project aims to create an actionable ...
A study of young people in contact with mental health services found that half met criteria for problematic smartphone use. The study also revealed high levels of sleep disturbance and self-harm among the participants.
A new study reveals that preteens are using online dating apps at an alarming rate, with LGB adolescents being 13 times more likely to report engagement. The study also found that preteen boys spend more time on screens than girls, highlighting the need for guidance and media literacy programs to mitigate risks.
A new study suggests that teens using cannabis are at an 11 times higher risk of developing a psychotic disorder compared to those not using cannabis. The research found a strong association between cannabis use and risk of psychotic disorder in adolescence, but not in young adulthood.
A recent study found that mental disorders can be transmitted within adolescent peer networks, highlighting the importance of social connections in mental health. The research suggests that these networks play a significant role in shaping mental health outcomes among adolescents.
A longitudinal study of LGBTQ+ youths found that transitioning gender identities is not associated with depression. Instead, higher rates of depression were linked to bullying and victimization. The study followed 366 young people ages 15-21 and measured depressive symptoms periodically over three years.
A new study found that spending money on experiences, such as concerts, restaurants, or travel, increases feelings of social connection and similarity with others. In contrast, buying material goods has a lesser effect on these connections. The research suggests that this could lead to improved health and happiness.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that the UK's asylum process is damaging to the mental health of displaced people. The research highlights the need for community activities and employment opportunities to improve their wellbeing, rather than relying on antidepressants.
A longitudinal study found that boys experienced a significant increase in depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging later in the first year and then early into the second year. In contrast, girls' symptoms decreased during the school-closure phase but returned to pre-pandemic levels after schools reopened.
Researchers found that exercise increased neuron growth in the hippocampus, rewiring neural circuits to help mice forget strong, traumatic memories. This approach may offer new treatments for PTSD and drug addiction.