A new US-based study examines the link between prenatal fluoride and childhood social, emotional and behavioral functioning. Higher fluoride exposure levels during pregnancy were associated with a higher chance of children showing neurobehavioral problems, including emotional reactivity, anxiety and somatic complaints.
A new study at Hebrew University found that guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves depression and insomnia symptoms over time. The study emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance and attachment styles in predicting treatment outcomes.
A new scale, SMNS, measures social media's impact on nightmares, finding a link between excessive social media use and negative mental health outcomes. The study suggests that responsible social media use can help mitigate the occurrence of social media-related nightmares.
The Planetary Child Health & Enterics Observatory (Plan-EO) is developing an online tool to identify diarrheal disease transmission hotspots and accelerate treatment deployment. The dashboard will provide up-to-date epidemiological estimates and predictions, enabling public health communities to make informed decisions and save lives.
The study found that brain circuits associated with emotion, reward, and pain processing predicted adolescents' stress, negative emotions, and mental health. Greater robustness of the salience network conferred emotional resilience, while weaker connections in certain parts of the brain were linked to higher stress and sadness.
A new study finds that listening to mental health podcasts reduces stigma, supports the development of mental health literacy, and increases help-seeking. The research highlights the importance of accessible platforms for education and encourages listeners to develop self-compassion and positive attitudes towards help-seeking behavior.
A study of over 2600 people found a significant correlation between loneliness and various mental health problems, including depression and psychosis. The researchers suggest that loneliness can increase the risk of developing these conditions, although causality cannot be determined.
Researchers found that cerebrospinal fluid immune cells in persistent brain fog from long COVID bear a closer resemblance to viral infections than Alzheimer's disease or post-infectious processes. Recovery from long COVID symptoms is often very slow, with cognitive improvement after two years.
A web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention has been shown to effectively reduce binge eating episodes and improve various mental health outcomes in patients with binge eating disorder. This scalable solution bridges the treatment gap for this condition, offering a promising alternative to traditional therapies.
A UCL-led team of researchers warn that climate change will aggravate brain conditions such as stroke, migraine, and dementia. The study, which reviewed 332 papers, found that extreme temperatures and weather events can disrupt sleep, exacerbate cognitive impairment, and lead to increased hospital admissions and mortality.
Researchers propose expanding research on nature's scents and olfactory cues to better understand their impacts on human health. The study aims to investigate the complex links between smell, nature, and human well-being, including the potential for unconscious biochemical processes.
A study found a dose-dependent association between adolescent body mass index and mental health, with the strongest link observed over time. The U-shaped relationship was consistent across sex and grade levels, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing body image and mental health.
Researchers at SMU found that combining behavioral activation and savoring therapies significantly improved students' positive and negative moods. The study suggests that this approach can be an effective standalone strategy or complement to traditional treatment for depression.
A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that reflecting on one's teenage years can provide valuable insights for young adults. Participants advised their younger selves to create a safe space, look around and take perspective, and look inwards and trust themselves.
A recent study published in the Ochsner Journal found alarming increases in daily vaping device use among US adolescents from 2015 to 2021. The percentage of EVP use increased significantly over this period, with a greater increase among girls than boys and higher rates among whites and Blacks.
A new study found that transgender preteens reported 13 hours of daily recreational screen time, which was 4.5 hours more than their cisgender peers. The researchers highlight the importance of managing the risks associated with excessive screen use for this vulnerable population.
A plant-based diet is associated with a 47% lower risk of prostate cancer progression in men. Eating one or two extra servings of healthy foods daily can significantly reduce the disease's worsening chances.
A new study published in Addiction journal found that high-potency cannabis use between 16 and 18 doubles the risk of psychotic experiences from 19 to 24. Researchers analyzed data from the Children of the 90s study, which tracked over 14,000 individuals from birth to age 24.
A new assessment tool developed by researchers at Northwestern University predicts suicidal thoughts and behaviors with an average accuracy of 92%. The tool uses a simple picture-ranking task along with contextual variables to identify individuals at risk of self-harm.
A new study reveals that teenagers who perceive their households as more unstructured and disorganized than their siblings develop more mental health problems in early adulthood. The findings suggest that psychologists could develop interventions to modify adolescents' perceptions of their home environments.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are developing evidence-based mobile health interventions to treat substance use disorders. By leveraging smartphones, they aim to create highly tailored interventions delivered at the right time for individuals, reducing stigma and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that adults with higher depression symptoms are less likely to engage in physical activity, while being more active is linked to better mental health. The research suggests that current physical activity can have a lasting impact on future depression symptoms and vice versa.
The updated guidelines cover eight primary topic areas, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment selection, and strategies to prevent recurrence. The recommendations are organized by lines of treatment based on the level of evidence supporting each therapy, with an emphasis on safety, tolerability, and feasibility.
Research from the University of Birmingham found that children who experienced chronic lack of sleep from infancy were more than twice as likely to develop a psychotic disorder in early adulthood. Persistent sleep problems also increased the risk by nearly four times. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that addressing sl...
A study reveals childhood maltreatment causes an estimated 41% of suicide attempts, 35% of self-harm cases, and 21% of depression in Australia. The researchers advocate for policy-driven prevention and interventions to address childhood abuse and neglect.
A study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that approximately 60% of women with disabilities perceive no risk associated with weekly cannabis use. Women with disabilities are more likely to view cannabis as harmless than those without disabilities, highlighting the need for effective screening and dissuasion strategies.
A recent study in Saudi Arabia assessed the effectiveness of an educational program improving epilepsy care among caregivers. The intervention showed a significant decrease in knowledge gaps, with 23.2% having sufficient knowledge post-intervention compared to 60% before.
Researchers found a significant increase in time dedicated to LGBTQI+ health content in medical school, but gaps persist in curriculum and faculty training. The median time dedicated to these topics increased from 6 hours in 2011 to 11 hours in 2022.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that less than 15% of US college students can administer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. Despite this, nearly 62% of students can identify signs of an overdose and nearly 67% feel comfortable calling emergency services.
A pediatric observation unit with a psychiatric comanagement model significantly lowers pediatric emergency department length of stay and inpatient psychiatric admission rates. This innovative approach also avoids contributing to 30-day readmission rates, presenting potential savings for inpatient psychiatric resources.
A new study published by the University of Bath found that adolescents are more vulnerable to cannabis use disorder than adults, despite using cannabis less frequently. The study showed that adolescents reported greater negative impacts on daily functioning and symptoms of cannabis use disorder.
A new study finds that birdwatching can improve subjective well-being and reduce psychological distress in college students compared to nature walks or a control group. Birdwatching was found to yield higher gains in well-being and more reduction in distress than nature exposure.
A Swansea University-led study investigates the impact of omega-3 supplements on children's behavior, mood, and mental wellbeing. The research aims to identify which children may benefit most from supplements and how they can be best identified.
Researchers found that Mental Health First Aid training improved correctional officers' ability to distinguish between mental health challenges and other issues. The training also positively impacted their attitudes toward referring incarcerated individuals to mental health professionals. However, there is a need to enhance the mental ...
A new poll suggests health-related costs are a major concern for older Americans of all backgrounds, with five out of six very concerning issues involving health costs. Nearly half say they're very concerned about the cost of prescription medications, while nearly half also express concerns about dental care.
A new study suggests that consistent physical activity throughout middle-age is associated with a higher health-related quality of life in women. Even those who start exercising in their mid-50s can experience significant benefits for physical health, especially in functional functioning.
A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia can accurately predict if a patient receiving cancer care will require mental health services. The AI analyzes oncologist's notes and identifies subtle clues that suggest a patient may benefit from early psychiatric or counselling interventions.
A new study found no correlation between increased social media use and decreased interaction with friends offline, contrary to previous assumptions. Children with symptoms of social anxiety who used social media excessively were at risk of developing poorer social skills.
A new study by University of Surrey students reveals that viewing expert testimony during the high-profile trial led to highly prejudicial views of both parties' mental health difficulties. The research found these views were considerably more negative than their initial attitudes towards mental illness.
Researchers developed a virtual reality environment for teens to reduce stress and improve mood. The system showed promise in reducing stress levels without significant effects on anxiety and depression.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University and colleagues finds that private equity firms have expanded to mental health facilities, mirroring growth in other healthcare sectors. The research suggests that these acquisitions may prioritize profits over access for patients.
The Hulen Place Clinic, serving 3,725 homeless individuals in Riverside County, has received a $500,000 funding boost from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The clinic provides primary care, mental health services, and preventive care to low-income residents.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that women in the perimenopausal stage are significantly more likely to experience depression. The meta-analysis of seven studies involving over 9,000 women from around the world reveals a 40% increased risk of depressive symptoms during this life-stage.
A UT Arlington student has made a groundbreaking connection between worm behavior and brain disease in humans. Through her research, she found that worms with mutations in neurodegeneration genes exhibit abnormal reactivity to stimuli, similar to those affected by schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.
Men with prostate cancer who listened to mindfulness audio recordings during radiation therapy experienced significant reductions in fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The study found that the mindfulness intervention was more effective than listening to relaxing music during treatment.
Researchers found a genetic link between higher circulating levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk for bipolar disorder. The study suggests that altering arachidonic acid synthesis pathways may reduce bipolar disorder risk, particularly in those with compromised pathways.
A new study found that loneliness grows as people age, with a U-shaped pattern of higher levels in younger and older adulthood. Factors associated with persistent loneliness include social isolation, lower education, income, and functional limitations, as well as being divorced or widowed, a smoker, or having poorer health.
A study of LGBTQ+ summer camp youth found that polyamorous teens reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than their peers. Many felt unsafe being open about their relationships in their home communities, highlighting the need for support and acceptance.
Research from the University of South Australia found that COVID-19-induced financial hardships led to significant effects on people's mental health, including anxiety and loneliness. Anticipated income losses had a more profound impact on mental wellbeing compared to actual losses.
Researchers identified a genetic link between higher levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk of bipolar disorder. Arachidonic acid, found in meat, seafood, and human milk, may hold potential for lifestyle or dietary interventions to prevent or treat the condition.
A new study suggests that stimulating specific areas of the brain can affect heart rate in individuals with depressive disorders. The researchers found high accuracy in identifying optimal treatment spots using heart rate measurements during brain stimulation.
Researchers surveyed 260 chronic cannabis users, finding they are motivated to exert effort while high and not lazy. Chronic use also affects self-regulation, leading to increased impulsivity and decreased thoughtfulness.
Researchers developed an algorithm that uses stochastic differential equations to identify key data points in noisy data, improving early warning signal accuracy. The approach can be applied to various domains, including ecology and mental health, and has been validated through simulations.
A national US study found that nearly a quarter of children with symptoms of brain injuries or concussions were not checked for the condition. Younger children were more likely to be overlooked. Routine checks can help ensure these children receive necessary care and support their mental and social well-being.
Research from the University of Exeter found that physical activity in natural environments can prevent six non-communicable diseases, including depression and type 2 diabetes. The study estimated that nature-based physical activity prevented 12,763 cases of disease in England annually, saving £108.7m in healthcare costs.
Scientists have identified a shared gene module in people with depression and cardiovascular disease, providing new markers for both conditions. The study found that genes involved in inflammation are associated with both diseases, explaining why they often occur together.
A nationally representative study of 25,000 participants found that US adults with post-COVID-19 condition are more likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms than the general population. Individuals with these symptoms reported higher rates of cost-related barriers to accessing mental health treatment.
A large-scale study revealed a profound link between dietary patterns and brain health, with a balanced diet associated with better mental health, superior cognitive functions and higher grey matter in the brain. The researchers suggest that gradual dietary modifications can lead to healthier food choices and improved wellbeing.
A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.
Researchers analyzed language use around ageing to infer wellbeing, discovering 'language markers' that provide insight into healthy aging narratives. The study's findings suggest a new approach to understanding wellbeing in older adults.