Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Persons diagnosed with PCOS face 8-fold increase in suicide risk

A study of 18,000 women found those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were 8 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to control group. This increased risk is attributed to higher likelihood of psychiatric conditions such as depressive disorders and anxiety disorders associated with PCOS. Researchers emphasize the ne...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2024

Mental health care during the COVID-19 era remains inaccessible to many distressed US adults

A recent study found that mental health care access remained inaccessible to many distressed US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of serious psychological distress among adults increased from 3.5% to 4.2%, while outpatient mental health care use decreased among older and unemployed adults.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2024

Primary care housing intervention linked to improved patient health outcomes

Participation in a primary care-based housing program was associated with reduced outpatient visits, improved physical and mental health, and increased feelings of connection to healthcare clinics. The study found that integrated support from the program's care team led to better health outcomes and more stable housing solutions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Availability of mental telehealth services in the US

A recent study of 1,404 mental health facilities found that mental telehealth services are not equally accessible across the US, with disparities observed at local levels. The findings suggest widespread inequalities in who has access to these services, highlighting the need for targeted solutions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateFeb 2, 2024

Ketamine helped many severely depressed veterans, study shows

A study of 215 veterans found that nearly half experienced significant depression score drops, while about one quarter saw a halving of their scores. About 15% achieved full remission after six weeks of ketamine infusions, suggesting the treatment can provide substantial relief for those with complex mental health needs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

The Lancet Public Health: Transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people more likely to have a long-term mental health condition, first England-wide study suggests

A recent English study found that transgender men and women are at a higher risk of long-term mental health conditions (16.4% and 15.9%, respectively), while non-binary individuals face an even higher risk (47.2%). The study also highlights the need for improved support systems and staff training to address these disparities.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Prenatal substance exposure and childhood mental health

Research found associations between prenatal substance exposure and neurobehavioral problems in children, but controlling for environment and genetics eliminated many links. Prenatal alcohol exposure was significantly correlated with sleep problems and mental health issues despite compensatory brain responses.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 30, 2024

Psychology research: Women more sensitive to cocaine

A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men due to fluctuations in sex hormones. The study discovered that the female sex hormone estradiol enhances the rewarding effects of cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity among females.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Geisinger College faculty, graduate students publish paper shining light on conflicts of interest in guidelines for psychiatric care

A study published by Geisinger College faculty and graduate students found that 55% of DSM-5-TR panel members received payments from industry, highlighting the need for stricter standards. The researchers argue that individuals with financial ties to industry should not have decision-making authority in guideline development.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalBMJ·DateJan 25, 2024

Contrasting characteristics and outcomes of sports-related and non–sports-related traumatic brain injury

This study found that sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result in higher rates of functional limitations six months after injury. In contrast, patients with non-sports related TBI exhibit better mental health and post-concussion symptom recovery. The findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of TBI outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 24, 2024

Death rate higher than expected for patients with functional, nonepileptic seizures

A Michigan Medicine-led study found that patients with functional seizures have a death rate almost 2.5 times higher than expected, comparable to epilepsy and serious mental health conditions. The study highlights the need for improved access to holistic, multidisciplinary treatment for functional neurological disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Furry fruit improves mental health – fast

A study published in The British Journal of Nutrition found that kiwifruit supplementation improved vitality and mood within four days, peaking around 14-16 days. Vitamin C intake also showed benefits, but to a lesser extent, improving mood until day 12.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateJan 24, 2024

The more the merrier: Research shows online interventions with social support help middle-aged adults with obesity lose weight

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Mansoo Yu found that online weight loss interventions with counseling and social support are effective for middle-aged adults with obesity. The study identified two key features: professional health coaching and access to social support from other users, which led to significant long-...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Older adults spend 3 weeks each year receiving health care outside of the home

A cross-sectional study of over 6,500 adults aged 65+ found that older adults spent an average of 20.7 days per year receiving healthcare outside the home. The 'health care contact days' metric can help evaluate care and identify areas for improvement, such as coordinating tests with visits and reducing Friday office visits.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 22, 2024

Don’t look back: The aftermath of a distressing event is more memorable than the lead-up, study suggests

Researchers found that traumatic memories immediately following a distressing event are more memorable than the moments leading up to it. This discovery has implications for eyewitness testimonies, therapies for PTSD, and understanding memory decline in brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Paediatric care for non-White children is universally worse across the USA; policy reform urgently needed to address disparities

Inequities in pediatric care span broad specialties and systems, including neonatal, emergency, palliative, and mental health care. Policy reforms are crucial to address deep-rooted structural racism and disparities in housing, employment, insurance, and the criminal justice system.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 17, 2024

Singapore study reveals impact of early life adversity on a child’s brain development

A Singaporean study found that children exposed to elevated levels of early life adversity exhibit an accelerated pattern of brain development during preschool years. This accelerated pace may lead to adverse cognitive and mental health outcomes. The study suggests that early intervention may be effective in preventing these consequences.

News media trigger conflict for romantic couples with differing political views

A study by University of Illinois professor Emily Van Duyn found that news media consumption can trigger conflicts in couples with differing political views. Couples often struggle to decide which media to follow, leading to disagreements over news sources and content. This conflict can also affect the relationship, causing individuals...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPolitical Communication·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2024

Early study shows health benefits of creative arts therapies and nutrition education for postmenopausal women

A recent study from Drexel University explored an art therapy intervention to address the health needs of overweight, postmenopausal women. The integrated approach showed significant improvements in psychosocial wellbeing, quality of life, and body image, with participants also experiencing decreases in BMI and blood pressure.

SourceDrexel University·JournalArt Therapy·DateJan 11, 2024

More siblings mean poorer mental health for teens

A study of 9,400 Chinese and 9,100 American eighth graders found that teens from larger families had poorer mental health. Closely spaced siblings were linked to the worst impacts on well-being. The 'resource dilution' explanation suggests that each child gets fewer parental resources as the family size increases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

About 22 high school age adolescents died each week from overdoses in 2022, driven by fentanyl-laced prescription pills

A new study found that fentanyl-laced prescription pills are driving a surge in overdose deaths among high school age adolescents in the US. The death rate for this group has increased to 5.2 per 100,000, with Arizona and Colorado experiencing rates double the national average.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2024