Articles tagged with Mental Health
A recent analysis of published and unpublished studies found that Functional Family Therapy is not consistently more or less effective than other treatments, including individual, family, and group interventions. The available evidence also raises concerns about the quality of the therapy's evidence base.
Research reveals e-cigarettes carry potential health risks, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of e-cigarette use on the heart and lungs.
A significant rise in ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions was observed in the UK over the past two decades, with a higher increase among adults. The study found that ADHD was more commonly diagnosed in children and boys than girls and women, and that the number of individuals receiving medication for ADHD increased significantly.
A study in The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (JANAC) found that people with HIV who smoke have higher rates of comorbid health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. These comorbidities are associated with demographic factors such as age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
A new study by UCL researchers found that men who previously used antidepressants are over 30 times more likely to take antidepressants in the first year after having a child. Social deprivation was also a key factor in this risk. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 primary care electronic health records and suggests that mental ...
A study of 10,000 Australians found that engaging in frequent adult literacy activities and active mental pursuits was associated with lower dementia risk over 10 years. In contrast, social outings did not show a significant association.
The Multicultural Psychology Consultation Team (MPCT) fosters a network of clinicians and leaders interested in increasing access for people with rising identities. The team's efforts focus on building cultural humility, multiculturally responsive clinical care, and supporting providers delivering care.
Hispanics along the US-Mexico border are 17% less likely to receive mental health treatment due to stigmatization and mistrust of services. Researchers have identified barriers such as long waitlists, provider turnover, and lack of follow-up support.
LSU Health New Orleans' School of Nursing has been awarded $2.6 million by the Health Resources and Services Administration to increase nurse practitioners and midwives trained for underrepresented populations, particularly in rural areas. The funding will also enhance curriculum and provide tuition support.
A new study found that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are ideal spaces to educate and guide US youth of color on healthy weight management. Nearly 1 in 4 adolescents experienced obesity from 2017 to 2020, with youths of color experiencing disproportionately higher rates.
A new study by VCU researcher David Chester found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control, but rather can be the result of successful self-control to inflict greater retribution. The study argues for a more nuanced view of aggression and challenges common interventions aimed at reducing violence.
A study by Harvard Medical School found a sharp increase in young people visiting hospital emergency departments for mental health crises during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend, driven by a surge in girls' visits, highlights the critical need for policies to increase resources for mental health care.
A University of East Anglia study finds that providing access to housing, debt, and benefit advice within food banks can help lift people out of poverty. The 'Making a Difference' initiative sees representatives from Citizens Advice and Shelter posted within food bank services, offering personalized support to vulnerable individuals.
Researchers tracked daily lifestyle diaries and photographs from over 1,000 participants to understand the impact of Covid-19 on physical and mental health. The study found that people with limited resources struggled more during lockdowns, while those with more control and financial stability coped better.
During the pandemic, acute care use for mental health conditions among youth increased notably, particularly among adolescent females. Prolonged boarding in emergency departments and waiting for inpatient psychiatric care are concerning trends that require interventions to address.
A new talking therapy called Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) has shown encouraging early signs of being more effective and cheaper to deliver than current Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). ADePT targets building wellbeing alongside reducing depressive symptoms, with promising results in a pilot trial.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School are developing tools to detect early symptoms of depression, psychosis, and suicidality using biomarkers and advanced technologies. The project aims to provide early prevention and detection, potentially saving lives by intervening earlier in a condition's trajectory.
Researchers identified three neurobehavioral profiles that distinguish individuals with elevated mania vulnerability based on reward sensitivity and sleep-circadian characteristics. These profiles can help detect mania risk and provide targets for early interventions.
A new analysis of 13 studies confirms that in-person mindfulness courses reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months. The research found that roughly half of participants experienced a small to moderate reduction in psychological distress after completing the programmes.
A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.
The study found an association between COVID-19 pandemic exposure and delayed childhood development in children aged 5. Variations in development widened during the pandemic, regardless of age, emphasizing the importance of identifying and supporting affected children.
A Lehigh University professor has received $4 million in NIH grants to develop an AI-driven approach for precision mental health diagnosis and care. The project aims to identify biomarkers in the brain that can predict treatment response and personalize interventions for patients with depression and other mental disorders.
The latest issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature articles on social determinants of health, youth mental health screening, and AI in psychotherapy. Journalists can access publications by emailing press@psych.org.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new target for treating HIV infection by blocking the neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2) enzyme. Inhibiting this enzyme can prevent HIV replication and kill infected cells, offering a promising therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that people who retrospectively reported childhood maltreatment had more depressive episodes than those without a record of maltreatment, regardless of whether they had an official court record. Early interventions may help prevent emotional problems by addressing memories of abuse and neglect.
A new study finds nearly two-thirds of Medicare Advantage psychiatrist networks contain less than 25% of all psychiatrists, leaving many seniors without access to mental health care. The research suggests that this limited coverage may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, delays in care, and foregone treatment.
Researchers found that students with high levels of 'eudaimonia', or feelings of competence, motivation, and self-esteem, outperformed their peers in GCSE-level assessments, especially in Maths. However, life satisfaction was not linked to academic performance.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that depression after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has distinct abnormalities in brain circuitry compared to traditional major depressive disorder. The study proposes a new name for TBI-associated depression: 'TBI affective syndrome.'
A South African study found that interacting with children can promote a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing anxiety and depression in retirement home residents. The program, which includes activities like playing games and reading, also boosts mood and emotions.
A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.
Researchers at Korea University Medicine identified a new neuroimaging-based biomarker for MDD, the local gyrification index (LGI), which shows decreased cortical folding in patients. LGI values reflect long-drawn developmental processes and are stable markers compared to previous biomarkers.
A study of commercially insured adults with chronic noncancer pain found that state medical cannabis laws did not lead to a reduction in the use of opioid or nonopioid pain treatments. The researchers also suggested slow implementation and reluctance among healthcare leaders may have contributed to these findings.
A study led by Lund University researchers found that brief admissions by self-referral can effectively reduce the need for acute visits, admissions, and longer treatment periods among adolescents with borderline personality disorder. The method empowers patients to determine when they need treatment, enhancing their autonomy and sense...
A newly developed risk calculator based on 11 key factors can accurately predict suicide risk in those who have self-harmed within 6-12 months. The OxSATS scoring system may help inform treatment decisions and resource allocation, pending further validation.
A new study found that young people exposed to adverse childhood experiences between ages 0-12 are at high risk of developing problematic adolescent cannabis use. The research, led by Dr Lindsey Hines, analyzed outcomes for over 5,000 participants and found a strong correlation between ACEs and regular cannabis use in teenage years.
A new study from Aarhus University found that people with mental health issues are less likely to accept offers of colorectal cancer screening. The research showed that those with severe mental disorders had a 13.8 percentage point lower participation rate compared to those without mental illness.
A team of scientists identified the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex as a key region in predicting rumination, which is linked to depression. The study's findings suggest that dynamic connectivity between brain regions can be used to decode rumination patterns.
A systematic review of 41 studies involving 7,800 participants found that psychosocial interventions led to decreased healthcare utilization in most services. The greatest reductions were seen among caregivers and individuals with mental illnesses, particularly when interventions were delivered one-on-one by health professionals.
Researchers found that while parents and educators recognize the benefits of nature play, they struggle with certain aspects, particularly risk. A key move will be to boost educators' knowledge about nature-based learning to promote enabling factors.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pediatrician and family collaboration can address obesity. The study showed that three times as many children in the treatment group had a clinically meaningful reduction in body mass index (BMI), resulting in improved cardiometabolic outcomes.
A recent study found that daily fluctuations in COVID-19 worry are linked to negative emotions during daydreaming. In contrast, nighttime dreams are more influenced by individual differences. The research suggests that relying on general questionnaires may not capture the complexities of inner experiences.
A new study found that feelings of loneliness were less common in people who reported a purposeful life, regardless of their age. The study, which surveyed over 2,300 adults in Switzerland, found a slight uptick in reports of loneliness for people in their 70s and beyond.
A new study by University College London researchers estimates that between 150,000 and 500,000 adults aged 20-49 and 250,000 to 600,000 adults over 50 may be undiagnosed with autism. This brings the total autistic population in England to over 1.2 million, approaching double the government's cited figure.
Incoming collegiate student-athletes who reported prior COVID diagnosis showed significantly higher depression scores, while most participants had mental health scores within established diagnostic thresholds. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mental health in this population after COVID recovery.
A new study by George Mason University Assistant Professor Rodman Turpin found that open discussion of sexuality with parents can reduce the negative mental health effects of discrimination on Black sexual minority men and transgender women. Participants who had supportive parents experienced lower levels of depression related to discr...
A new study by UC San Francisco found that California's emergency department capacity has not kept up with patient demand, leading to long wait times. The number of high-severity visits increased by nearly 68 percent, while low-severity visits declined by 63 percent.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
A study found that social isolation is associated with a decrease in hippocampal volume, poorer cognitive performance, and an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's dementia. Conversely, maintaining a healthy social network can help preserve brain structure and function.
A survey study of 18,000 respondents across seven countries found that civil violence exposure was associated with an elevated risk of mental disorders for many years after initial exposure. The findings suggest that policymakers should consider these associations when projecting future mental disorder treatment needs.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for anxiety disorders in older adults. Anxiety disorders are commonly occurring mental health conditions often unrecognized in primary care settings, leading to substantial delays in treatment initiation.
New research found that social infrastructure in rural communities can provide essential support to older, non-white adults. This study highlights the importance of community spaces in promoting healthy aging among Black and Hispanic older adults, who are disproportionately affected by loneliness and mental health issues.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that women who turned 35 in recent years and those without children are most at risk of excessive alcohol consumption. The study's findings highlight the need to address unhealthy drinking habits among middle-aged women, particularly those without children.
Research by Fiona Baker of SRI's Human Sleep Lab highlights the deep connections between adolescent sleep and overall health. Studies have shown that poor sleep patterns can affect brain development, weight gain, cognitive decline, and socioemotional difficulties in adolescents.
A nationwide study in the UK found a significant rise in eating disorders and self-harm among adolescent girls between March 2020 and March 2022. The rate of eating disorder diagnoses was 42% higher than expected, with 3,862 observed cases compared to 2,713 projected cases.
The USPSTF recommends regular screening for depression in the adult population to address its significant impact on daily functioning. Major depressive disorder can lead to increased mortality if left untreated.
A new patient-guided intervention using telemedicine has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression in dialysis patients. The Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) trial found significant improvements in energy levels and pain severity that persisted for six months after treatment.
Researchers developed outcome indicators to measure health issues in children with cancer, allowing for improvement in care and treatment. The indicators consider physical, psychosocial, and neurocognitive outcomes, providing a clear and comparable measurement of quality of survival.
Finnish older golfers experience significant increases in physical activity levels, including moderate exercise and walking. Quality of life also remains high, with over 90% reporting good well-being during the pandemic.
A McMaster University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for new mothers can lead to adaptive changes in infant brain functioning and reduce post-partum depression symptoms. The study tracked 73 pairs of mothers and babies undergoing PPD treatments between 2018 and 2020.