Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
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.
Weight gain in females with a family history of mood disorders begins before the onset of mood disorders, highlighting the need for childhood interventions. Early interventions can prevent adverse mental and physical outcomes in this vulnerable group.
The study, which analyzed data from older adults with peptic ulcer disease, revealed that approximately 1 in 8 individuals developed depression for the first time during the pandemic. Women, those who felt lonely, and those with functional limitations were at higher risk of depression. Targeted screening and intervention are being reco...
A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology – Series B found that having more children can produce economic, social, emotional, and biological burdens that impact health, especially chronic conditions and depression. In contrast, adults with fewer children were more likely to report poor self-rated health in certain countries.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that the widely prescribed sedative alprazolam XR may be less effective than believed, with publication bias inflating its efficacy by over 40%. This suggests caution for patients and clinicians starting a prescription for panic disorder.
A study of 340,000 pregnant women in southern California found a significant association between long-term exposure to antepartum and postpartum air pollution and increased risks of postpartum depression. The findings highlight the importance of identifying modifiable environmental risk factors to improve maternal mental health.
A new national study finds that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents in the US are more than twice as likely to report binge eating than their heterosexual peers. Stressors like discrimination and stigma can lead to poor self-esteem and disordered eating.
The study found significant increases in psychological distress among females, younger individuals, Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, and those experiencing financial worries or loneliness. Mental health deterioration was also linked to overcrowded dwellings during the first wave of the pandemic.
The Mental Health GPS service, a data-backed care navigation platform, received 2,384 calls in its one-year pilot. Caller concerns included work/personal, depression, and general anxiety, with the service providing continuous support and resources to callers.
A meta-analysis of 40 studies involving 310,000 youths found low treatment rates for depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. Targeted interventions to improve psychiatric disorder treatment rates are urgently required.
A comprehensive study found that an enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may damage mental health for some single adults without dependent children. The Paycheck Plus Experiment, conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, revealed mixed results between two cities, Atlanta and New York.
A study by researchers in the US and Indonesia found that women exposed to the 2004 tsunami had lower cortisol levels 14 years later, linked to stress and 'burnout' of the HPA-axis. The research provides insights into the long-term impacts of climate change on populations worldwide.
A study of 222 US hospitals found that 79.4% of patient-facing websites did not mention abortion, with limited information provided when it was mentioned. This lack of disclosure may contribute to stigma surrounding abortion care.
A study by Rutgers University finds that gun violence is tied to poverty, unemployment, and racial segregation, leading to poorer health and well-being in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The research highlights the need for long-term investments to reduce firearm-related violence and improve health outcomes.
A long-term study found that changes in core autism characteristics are related to the development of mental health challenges during elementary school years. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors may help reduce anxiety for autistic individuals.
The American Academy of Pediatrics hosted its 2023 National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C., presenting original research on topics such as the national opioid crisis, obesity prevention, and mental health challenges. The AAP also released two new policy statements: one proposing bold reforms in Medicaid and CHIP, and anoth...
A school-based cycling program improved adolescents' psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, certain groups, such as males and students from high socio-economic status families, showed reduced improvements in mental well-being.
A study of 15,000 dogs found that body size significantly impacts aging patterns, with smaller dogs living longer and experiencing slower decline rates. Larger dogs show an earlier onset of age-related decline but maintain cognitive health longer.
A study by the Complexity Science Hub analyzed work discourse on Reddit between 2018 and 2021, finding that mental health concerns significantly contributed to the surge in quit rates. The study suggests that companies can improve working conditions by prioritizing employees' relational and self-fulfillment needs.
A new trial combining an Alzheimer's medication with two other drugs may amplify its effects and arrest disease progression. The trial, funded by a $150M grant, will recruit 900 participants with early-onset Alzheimer's.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores residents' perspectives on police involvement in mental health crises. Residents are divided on the need for police presence during these incidents, but many support co-deploying officers with healthcare professionals to reduce friction and improve response effectiven...
Researchers have created detailed cell maps of the human brain and nonhuman primate brain, paving the way for new generation of treatments for mental disorders. The study reveals a comprehensive inventory of brain cells, their organization, and gene regulation, setting the stage for developing targeted therapies.
The article highlights that mental health problems and disorders are common in the working population, affecting 15% of adults of working age. Interventions focus on individual-level support, but proactive measures are needed to protect and promote workers' mental health and wellbeing.
A new study found that body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy varies widely among women, influenced by complex factors such as positive and negative experiences. Negative body image can have serious effects on the mother and baby, including depression, anxiety, and poor quality interactions. The research highlights the importance ...
Researchers measured metabolite concentrations of two herbicides in urine samples from Ecuadorian adolescents and found negative associations with attention, memory, and language. Glyphosate was also linked to social perception issues.
A large population-level study found that patients with mental health conditions experienced fewer disruptions in care after the transition to virtual psychotherapy, with a shorter time between appointments. Individuals with depressive, anxiety, or bipolar disorders were more likely to maintain consistent visits.
Research found that poor sleep quality is associated with less muscle strength and mass, more body fat, anxiety, and depression in obese older people. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep quality to prevent negative health outcomes in this population.
A new study found that Latinx middle schoolers with depression or anxiety are more likely to develop sleep problems, unhealthy weight gain, and sedentary behavior in high school. Prompt mental health treatment may help teens overcome these issues and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A UMass Amherst study explores gender differences in HIV-related stigma and social support among people living with HIV experiencing food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. Women described outright rejection, violence, and disempowerment, while men's experiences were more subtle.
Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents had major depressive disorder, with less than half receiving mental health treatment. Racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly Latinx, experienced the lowest treatment rates.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that every additional 360m of green space is associated with higher odds of anxiety and depression. The study, which analyzed data from over 2 million adults in Wales, highlights the need for improved public green spaces to address mental health inequalities.
The study found that increased exposure to night-time light increases the risk of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD severity. In contrast, increasing daytime light exposure can act as a non-pharmacological means for reducing psychosis risk and depression.
A new American Heart Association advisory introduces the concept of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which affects nearly every major organ. The approach highlights the importance of screening for CKM-related conditions and addressing social factors to prevent progression.
Researchers found that antidepressant escitalopram increases synaptic density in the brain over weeks, leading to greater brain plasticity. This explains why effects of antidepressants take time to kick-in, with significant differences in synapse density between treatment and placebo groups.
A major European study found that almost all patients with skin diseases face embarrassment, leading to a huge psychological toll. The study also revealed that stigmatization is a major impact of skin diseases on personal and professional life.
A study using data from over 10,000 UK participants found that young children with warm parental relationships tend to display more socially-desirable behaviors like kindness, empathy and generosity. This association holds even after accounting for mental health factors.
A Swedish study finds that fathers' parental leave is associated with a 34% decrease in alcohol-related hospitalizations among fathers, as well as smaller decreases over time. The policy change led to increased fathers' use of parental leave, which may explain the observed health benefits.
A study comparing exercise and antidepressants found that both treatments have similar benefits for mental health but exercise improved physical health markers. However, patients struggled to stick with the exercise routine due to higher drop-out rates.