Articles tagged with Mental Health
The US life expectancy gap between men and women has widened to 5.8 years, with COVID-19 and 'deaths of despair' being major contributors. Life expectancy in the US dropped to 76.1 years in 2021, driven by increases in deaths from drug overdoses, suicide, and accidents.
The COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose epidemic significantly contributed to the widening gender gap in US life expectancy. Chronic metabolic disease and mental illness are also thought to play a role in the growing disparity.
A new study from the University of Houston reveals a significant association between positive childhood experiences and lower binge-eating disorder characteristics, as well as higher scores for intuitive eating. College students with fewer positive childhood experiences were more likely to exhibit disordered eating behaviors.
Experts call for urgent measures to address discrimination against patients fleeing war or conflict zones, those with serious mental illnesses, and frail elderly patients. Guidelines for treating advanced breast cancer should prioritize patient preferences and involve multidisciplinary care teams.
A systematic review found that climate change-related concerns are linked to less positive attitudes towards reproduction and a desire for fewer children or none at all. The study identified four key factors: uncertainty about the future of an unborn child, environmentalist views on overpopulation and overconsumption, meeting family su...
A new study published in BMJ Mental Health reveals that people with severe mental health issues are almost twice as likely to experience multimorbidity, a combination of chronic diseases. The research emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to address this critical issue.
A recent study found that 72% of eczema patients experienced poor mental health symptoms for 1-10 days within the past month. Additionally, 35% reported never discussing their mental health with their allergist and 57% were never asked about it.
A new study published in Nutrients shows that daily strawberry consumption for 12 weeks reduced interference in memory and depressive symptoms among middle-aged, overweight adults with self-reported mild cognitive decline. The findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory actions of anthocyanins found in strawberries may be responsible.
A study by the University of Plymouth and Nottingham Trent University found that reading and writing poetry had a substantial positive impact on participants' wellbeing during the pandemic. Poetry helped reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, as well as supporting social and cultural recovery.
A study involving UOC researchers confirms that smartphone-based interventions can significantly reduce depression symptoms, especially when combined with professional support. Users prefer simple apps and those with more serious depression use them more.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus and Johns Hopkins University found that hundreds of ketamine clinics make false or misleading statements about their treatments. The study highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about potential risks and benefits of these therapies, especially given the high financial costs i...
A new study suggests that infection with the common cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii may contribute to frailty in older adults. Among those infected, individuals with higher 'serointensity' or antibody levels to the parasite were more likely to be frail, highlighting a potential link between latent infection and inflammation.
A nationwide Medicare program aimed at promoting better healthcare and reducing costs by tying payments to quality and cost outcomes has shown no improvement in mental health care. The study found that patients with depression or anxiety received inadequate treatment, with those in accountable care organizations getting even less care.
Research highlights the association between traumatic events and insufficient/excessive sleep duration in US children. The analysis of over 100,000 children found that traumatic events magnify the adverse effects of poor sleep on cardiovascular health.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that approximately 1 in 5 mothers delayed or forgoed needed care in the postpartum year. Medicaid beneficiaries reported lower health care use and higher social needs, such as food insecurity and intimate partner violence.
A new study reveals that gunshot injuries among youth lead to significant increases in psychiatric disorders and healthcare spending. Family members of survivors experience long-lasting trauma effects, including a sharp increase in fathers' mental health visits after the loss of a child.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that child and adolescent survivors of firearm injuries experience significant increases in pain disorders, psychiatric disorders, and substance use disorders. Families of victims also face substantial mental health effects, including increased psychiatric disorders and health...
Researchers developed a prediction model to identify people at high risk of postpartum complications, focusing on social and structural determinants of health. The study found that Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to experience postpartum hospitalizations due to racial inequities in maternal mortality.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found that non-European individuals in Sweden have a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms, but limited access to specialist care. The study reveals a significant gap between those with disordered eating and those receiving specialized treatment.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.
A large-scale investigation found that one in seven people in the US reported having had long Covid by the end of 2022. Long Covid is associated with anxiety, low mood, and physical mobility problems. The risk of these symptoms appears to be lower for those who have been vaccinated.
A new study found that sensory differences exacerbate loneliness and poor mental health in Autistic adults, highlighting the need for inclusive social spaces. The research also showed that financial inequalities and lack of employment opportunities contribute to feelings of isolation among Autistic individuals.
Researchers at UCLA and Charles Drew University are receiving NIH funding to tackle the HIV epidemic, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as youth, transgender individuals, and Black Americans. The projects will explore innovative implementation strategies to enhance community engagement and support high-quality services.
The Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine addresses the rising stressors causing mental health issues among healthcare professionals, including revenue generation, administrative issues, and patient satisfaction metrics. Physicians advocate for meaningful reforms, including adjustment of healthcare system expectations, cultural ...
A new UK study found that teenagers are more likely to visit their GP about depression and anxiety at the start of the school year. The research analyzed data from over 5 million people in England and suggests that support for adolescents around mental health issues should be focused during the autumn.
Researchers found that cognitive decline quickened by 50% in the first year of the pandemic, with factors like loneliness, depression, and decreased exercise contributing to the impact. The study suggests that lockdowns had a lasting effect on brain health in people aged 50+, raising concerns about increased risk of dementia.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that prior adversity exposure alters adult brain reactivity and increases susceptibility to mental health problems. This study may help identify how adversity impairs coping mechanisms and produces enduring mental health issues.
The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...
A new NIH study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents with pre-existing mental, emotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities. The findings reveal that these teens faced more severe effects, including lower life satisfaction, compared to their peers.
A University of Florida study found that 36% of people with HIV who own pets reported delaying health care, not seeking it or expecting to do so in the future. Pet ownership can provide emotional and social support, but also poses barriers such as financial concerns and housing access issues.
A University of Missouri study found that opioid-dependent mothers experience stigma, leading to withdrawal from healthcare and negative outcomes for their infants. The research highlights the need for compassionate support and education to promote better health outcomes.
A new study found that employees who prioritize career advancement are strongly affected by abusive leadership, while those prioritizing job security remain unaffected. Abusive supervisors can stifle employees' initiative and work to improve business practices.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased prevalence of depression symptoms and PTSD across eight nations, with food insecurity and job loss being major contributing factors. Higher income was linked to higher depression symptoms, while lower income was associated with higher PTSD symptoms.
Two studies reveal emerging awareness of the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline among policymakers and the general public. However, knowledge and use of the lifeline vary significantly based on mental health status, with those in serious distress more likely to have heard of and used the service.
A virtual, home-based exercise program using cognitively enriched tai ji quan improved global cognition and reduced walking interference associated with dual tasking in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The intervention also showed favorable improvements in cognition, function, executive function, and working memory.
The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause offers updated guidance on assessing and treating women with menopausal health issues. The toolkit includes new advice on hormone therapies, bone health, and treatment guidelines, aiming to improve care for women globally.
A study by Washington State University found that viewing objectified images of female fitness influencers can negatively impact mental health, especially among younger women. However, a positive message such as 'Love your body' can mitigate this harm and boost self-compassion in the short term.
A McLean Hospital study found that nearly 600 individuals trained in trauma-informed care reported significant gains in knowledge and improvements to organizational policies. However, the study's findings suggest that lasting changes may require more time and involve larger-scale organizational transformations.
A recent study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and colleagues found that Rumination-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RF-CBT) can reduce rumination in adolescents. The study also showed correlated shifts in brain connectivity, suggesting that RF-CBT can help young people break the painful mental loops that contribu...
A three-year USDA grant will train healthcare and social workers in five high-risk rural Missouri counties to address childhood trauma and reduce opioid overdoses. The training covers topics such as ACEs, positive childhood experiences, and trauma-informed care.
A large-scale study found that metformin can reduce weight gain and increase adherence to treatment in youth with bipolar disorder. The medication, typically used for Type 2 diabetes, was effective in preventing weight gain and showed promise as a potential solution to this common side effect of SGAs.
A groundbreaking clinical trial launched by the U.S. Army aims to find new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military personnel and veterans. The trial will test multiple drug candidates and examine biological indicators to determine potential treatments.
Researchers identified a novel measure, the 'd factor', linking distractibility with ADHD symptoms and hyperfocus. The study found strong statistical links between external distraction, intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering, suggesting a general distractibility trait.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with severe mental illness were 50% more likely to die from all causes following a COVID-19 infection. The research also highlighted regional disparities and differences in mortality risk based on ethnicity and geographical location.
A patient at OHSU received a single stimulator implanted in the brain to effectively control two life-altering conditions: seizures caused by epilepsy and compulsive behavior caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment, known as responsive neurostimulation system (RNS), has dramatically improved Pearson's quality of life.
A new study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted end-of-life care, with a growing burden on first-time carers and reduced formal care support services. Researchers advocate for improved resources for wider end-of-life care education, health and social care staff, and identification and assessment of carers.
A new study, funded by a $3 million grant, aims to investigate whether treating insomnia can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The SHADES trial will recruit 200 patients and compare those who receive modernized collaborative care with standard primary care for insomnia.
Researchers developed a new way to diagnose bipolar disorder using a simple blood test that can identify up to 30% of patients. The test, combined with digital mental health assessments, can differentiate between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
A new study suggests an artificial intelligence tool can detect distress in hospital workers' conversations with therapists during the pandemic. The tool analyzed digitalized session transcripts to identify common phrases tied to mental illness using natural language processing.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that homeless individuals have a 7 times higher rate of sudden cardiac death compared to the general population. Non-cardiac causes, such as overdoses and unrecognized infections, are more common among homeless people.
A review of trials comparing ACT and CBT for depression found mixed results, but suggested that traditional CBT may have a slight edge. The research highlights the need for more reliable trial results to inform treatment decisions.
Mental health crises among children and adolescents requiring emergency department care skyrocketed during the pandemic and have stayed elevated despite a return to normalcy. Studies found increased rates of youth mental health-related visits, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and eating disorders.
New research suggests that father's depression during the child's first year of life doubles the odds of a child having three or more adverse childhood experiences by age 5. Adverse childhood experiences, including household dysfunction and child maltreatment, can have lifelong effects on children's health and wellbeing.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that suspension from school is tied to a big drop in grade point average (GPA), especially for Black and Latinx children. The average GPA decline across all students who experienced an exclusionary school discipline (ESD) event was 0.88 points, with Black students seeing the largest decline...
Researchers from Nemours Children's Health present studies on body image, sports attrition, social determinants, and obesity, highlighting fresh approaches to keeping children healthy. Dr. Steven Selbst receives the prestigious Jim Seidel Distinguished Service Award for emergency medicine contributions.
Research reveals nearly 80% of emergency department encounters involving transgender or gender diverse youth ages 10 and older screened positive for suicide risk. The majority of those who identify as transgender or gender diverse screened positive for suicidal ideation.
A recent study found that social media is a significant factor in body image issues affecting teenaged athletes, with many quitting sports due to perceived imperfections. The research suggests that promoting diverse and realistic images of athleticism can help reduce dropout rates among young girls, who are more likely to quit sports t...
A new genetic study found that consistently sleeping less than five hours a night may raise the risk of developing depressive symptoms. The study, published in Translational Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 7,000 people and found that short sleep was associated with the onset of depressive symptoms.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that accurate perception of partner's behavior is key to maintaining relationships. Relationship satisfaction acts as a moderating factor between relationship maintenance and commitment.
A new study found that muscle dysmorphia symptoms are associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Canadian adolescents and young adults. The study highlights the need for greater awareness and proper identification of muscle dysmorphia symptoms to prevent future suicidal ideation and suicide planning.