Articles tagged with Mental Health
A new study tracking 554 UK undergraduates from May 2020 to May 2021 found high levels of psychological distress and anxiety during the pandemic. Students reported significantly lower wellbeing, happiness, and life satisfaction compared to pre-pandemic levels.
A new study reveals that transgender people seen in the emergency room are sicker than cisgender individuals and more likely to be admitted to hospital. The research found a significant increase in ER visits by transgender patients between 2006 and 2018, with over half of these visits linked to chronic conditions or mental health issues.
Research reveals people who maintained healthy sex lives during the pandemic used various coping mechanisms, such as goal-setting, expanding their sexual repertoire, and fostering intimacy. These strategies were rated more useful by those who tried them, with relational and educational approaches yielding greater satisfaction.
Research reveals that women with PCOS experience significant body image concerns, including greater self-classification as overweight and lower body satisfaction scores. This correlation may increase the risk of developing eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
A study by Swansea University found that teaching mental health literacy in schools significantly improves pupils' knowledge, behaviours, and intentions to seek help. The Guide Cymru programme, developed with Action for Children, demonstrates a positive impact on young people's wellbeing.
A new study found a 67% increase in hospital encounters for benzodiazepine-related toxicity among young adults and a 44% rise in youth aged 18 or below in Ontario between 2013 and 2020. The increased risk is attributed to the growing presence of non-pharmaceutical benzodiazepines in the unregulated opioid supply.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that limiting social media usage to 30 minutes a day significantly improved mental health outcomes, including lower anxiety, depression, and loneliness scores. Participants who exceeded the time limit still showed improvement, highlighting the importance of self-limiting behavior.
A new pilot study published in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrates the potential role of probiotic supplementation in supporting mood and mental health in adults with Major Depressive Disorder. The study found significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores over an eight-week period, with notable benefits seen from week four onwards.
A systematic review of evidence found that Covid-19 led to an initial rise in depression and anxiety disorders across Europe, but rates did not return to pre-pandemic levels for many services. The pandemic exacerbated existing treatment gaps, with potential long-term repercussions.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
Four state policies associated with increased telehealth access for mental health care in U.S. facilities, but disparities found in counties with higher Black resident populations and Medicaid acceptance. The expansion has improved mental health care accessibility during the pandemic.
According to the study, 18.6% of adolescents experience low mood, with girls more likely to suffer from the condition, affecting 25.1% of them. The research highlights contextual factors such as sexual violence and physical inactivity as contributing to these gender differences.
A study by academics at the University of Cambridge found that lockdown children continued to play, adapting their habits to their changed circumstances. Despite limited options, children displayed positivity, confidence, and optimism about playing, with play persisting as a feature of their lives during the pandemic.
A new study reveals that only one in four adolescent residential treatment centers across the US provides buprenorphine, a proven tool in fighting opioid addiction. The lack of access to this medication undercuts US efforts to alleviate the overdose epidemic, which claimed over 109,000 lives in 2022.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the quality of life and self-esteem of children with short stature are associated with coping skills and social supports, rather than their height. The researchers suggest that addressing short stature through a broader, psychosocial approach might have a more positive impac...
A large-scale study found that women who used combined contraceptive pills were at a greater risk of developing depression than those who did not. The risk was particularly high for teenage users, who had a 130% higher incidence of symptoms of depression.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that employees who frequently interact with AI systems are more likely to experience loneliness, insomnia, and increased after-work alcohol consumption. However, these effects may be mitigated by equipping AI systems with social features or limiting their use.
A new study found that LGB adults are more than twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors compared to straight peers. Depression, anxiety, and experiences of discrimination and bullying contribute to these increased risks.
The US has implemented laws banning transgender youth from competing in sports according to their gender identity. However, existing evidence does not support these restrictions, as they would deprive vulnerable trans youth of physical, mental, and social benefits. The article proposes changes to promote a more inclusive and fair athle...
Researchers found that rare brain tumor patients struggle to access therapy and experience devastating psychological impact after diagnosis. The study calls for improved mental health services and specialized support for these patients.
Researchers found that glial cells in the gastrointestinal tract respond to stress signals from the central nervous system, leading to inflammation and exacerbating IBD symptoms. Chronic stress can impair treatment efficiency for IBD patients using steroids.
A study found that autistic individuals who experience Medicaid coverage disruptions are more likely to receive an intellectual disability diagnosis later. This could be due to the fact that autism diagnoses alone may not be sufficient for retaining Medicaid coverage in states without specific criteria.
A University of Chicago Education Lab study found that a school-based group counseling program can significantly reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Black and Latina girls. The program, Working on Womanhood (WOW), was found to reduce PTSD symptoms by 22% among adolescent girls in Chicago neighborhood schools.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis offers a fine-grained scale to understand how people use social media, revealing four categories: belief-based, consumption-based, image-based and comparison-based. Each category is associated with unique personality traits and behavioral characteristics.
A large-scale registry study found that older autistic adults have a significantly higher risk of injury, especially self-inflicted, and physical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and anaemia. Autistic individuals had a seven-fold risk of self-harm compared to non-autistic people.
A new study followed over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for three years, finding that social participation was associated with successful aging. Those who engaged in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and less likely to develop physical or mental problems.
A randomized clinical trial found that peer health coaching improved mental health-related quality of life in veterans with cardiovascular disease risks. The study suggests a peer-support model integrated into primary care can lead to well-being improvements beyond blood pressure control.
A survey of clinician-researchers found concerning rates of sexual harassment and negative perceptions of climate in academic medicine, with a significant impact on mental health. Minoritized groups were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to transform culture.
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that children and teenagers who volunteer tend to flourish mentally and physically. Volunteers were in better physical health, had a more positive outlook on life, and were less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems.
Kennesaw State University has received a $4.45 million federal grant to bring Master of Social Work students and trained student teachers into five rural northwest Georgia counties to address high poverty rates and other stressors that exacerbate mental health issues among students.
A new study found that 63% of children on Medicaid do not receive mental health services within six months after a firearm injury. Children who survive firearm injuries are at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes, including newly diagnosed trauma-related disorders and substance use.
The study found that only 28% of US youth-serving mental health facilities offered LGBTQ-specific services, highlighting the need for expansion of these services, particularly in underserved areas. Public mental health facilities were less likely to provide such services due to cost concerns.
Research in the US and UK replicates a New Zealand study finding that childhood attention and behavior problems are linked to lower educational attainment, financial struggles, and poor mental and physical health. The studies also found that impulsivity problems predicted greater involvement in the criminal justice system.
Researchers confirm increased protein marker of inflammation in long COVID patients' brains, impacting depression and cognitive symptoms. CAMH study provides hope for new treatments using anti-inflammatory medications.
A Northwestern University study found that mental health can negatively impact sexual health in strong relationships among men who have sex with men. The research suggests that strong relationships may actually increase stress, leading to worse sexual health when depression is present.
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on substance use disorders, opioids, and youth self-harm and suicide. The articles highlight the importance of addressing these issues to improve patient outcomes and reduce stigma.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.
Researchers at the University of Arizona studied the impact of grief on heart function and found a significant association between grief severity and elevated systolic blood pressure response. Grief can cause a marked rise in blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiac events.
A study of 4,260 adults found that smoking cessation was associated with improved anxiety and depression outcomes. Sustained cessation for at least 15 weeks showed promise as a strategy for improving mental health in this population.
A study by the University of Bonn found that providing health information increases whole grain consumption, but the effect is modest. Despite receiving daily information for two weeks, participants showed a significant increase in consuming whole grains only four weeks later.
A University of Houston study explores why Hispanic individuals experience higher levels of loneliness and its link to hazardous drinking in the US. The research aims to identify predictors of loneliness and provide insights into developing targeted interventions to improve health outcomes among Hispanic communities.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to less accurate recollections of event timing, particularly for events in 2021. Participants who struggled with timeline accuracy also exhibited higher levels of depression, anxiety, and lower resilience.
A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry found that obesity significantly increases the likelihood of developing mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, across all age groups. Women were found to be at a higher risk for most diseases compared to men.
The prevalence of depression among adolescents increases with age, affecting up to 1 in 4 youths during the pandemic. More than 60% of adolescents with MDD also have co-occurring mental health conditions, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
A study by Japanese researchers identifies the involvement of angiotensin II-AT1 and prostaglandin E2-EP1 systems in high-salt-induced hypertension and emotional/cognitive impairment, offering potential therapeutic targets for dementia prevention.
Researchers can reduce stigma in scientific literature by implementing practices such as referencing language guides, updating terminology, and connecting with the community. This change is crucial for promoting non-stigmatizing language and respecting preferred terms used by individuals living with HIV.
A national study published in Sleep Health found that screen habits linked to better sleep include keeping devices out of the bedroom and avoiding screens before bedtime. The study analyzed data from 10,280 preteens aged 10-14 and found that 15.5% reported trouble falling or staying asleep in the past two weeks.
A significant increase in illicit ketamine seizures in the US has raised concerns about the risks of non-medical and recreational use, as well as the presence of fentanyl. The study found a 349% rise in seizures from 2017 to 2022, with the highest numbers reported in Tennessee, Florida, and California.
A Danish nationwide cohort study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those over 70, had a significantly higher risk of developing new-onset mental disorders compared to the general population. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed increased mental disorder risk similar to non-COVID-19 hospitalizations.
A UC Riverside-led study created a virtual village to connect older people living with HIV, reducing social isolation and depression. The virtual space provided health, community-based, and personal resources, facilitating positive connections and friendships.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that fewer boys aged 15-19 commit suicide in Swedish regions with higher bipolar diagnoses. The study, which analyzed registry data from 2008 to 2021, showed an inverse association between population-adjusted bipolar diagnoses and confirmed suicides among males.
A systematic review of research on gender-affirming hormone therapy among transgender people found that the therapy reduces depressive symptoms and psychological distress. The study analyzed data from 46 relevant journal articles and identified inconsistent findings across other areas, warranting further investigation.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that US high school students who experience violence at school are more likely to carry weapons. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 participants and found that nearly half of males who experienced violence carried a weapon, as did nearly a third of fema...
A new randomized, controlled trial aims to integrate nutritional counseling with food-generating activities among people with HIV and food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. The project seeks to reduce viral loads, increase ART adherence, and improve overall health outcomes.
A digital gratitude intervention showed initial improvement in well-being among health care workers, with significant gains in positive affect. However, these benefits were largely lost by month three, suggesting a need for sustained interventions to support long-term mental health.
Research published in Children and Youth Services Review found that approximately two-thirds (63%) of adult survivors of childhood physical abuse are in complete mental health. Barriers to achieving this include a lack of social support, chronic pain, and a history of mental illness like depression or substance use disorders.
Primary care clinicians reported a range of experiences with telemedicine, from ease of adoption to challenges in conducting physical exams and diagnostic testing. The study also found that telemedicine had both positive and negative impacts on providers and patients, highlighting the need for clear regulations and adequate staffing pr...
A team of researchers developed a deep-learning model called WearNet that uses Fitbit data to detect depression and anxiety. The study found that WearNet performed better than state-of-the-art machine learning models in detecting these conditions, producing individual-level predictions.
The study found a significant increase in mental health diagnoses among female youth, especially adolescents, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend was most pronounced for eating disorders, with vulnerable populations showing marked increases.
A cross-sectional analysis of 2,200 individuals with sickle cell disease found associations between employment status, sex, age, and depression with pain frequency. Comprehensive treatment for SCD must consider the full experiences of patients, including mental health impacts on pain reduction.