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Esketamine nasal spray effective against depression

A Phase IIIb study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that esketamine nasal spray achieved higher remission rates (27.1%) compared to quetiapine extended-release (17.6%) in patients with treatment-resistant depression, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for this population.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2023

Esketamine nasal spray: an option for patients with treatment-resistant depression

A new study reveals that esketamine nasal spray is effective in treating treatment-resistant depression, with 27.1% of patients achieving remission after 8 weeks compared to 17.6% on quetiapine XR. Long-term data shows sustained remission rates at 21.7% for esketamine NS and 14.1% for quetiapine XR.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2023

Is AI in the eye of the beholder?

Researchers discovered that users' prior beliefs about an AI chatbot's motives significantly impact their interactions with the agent. Priming users to believe certain things about the AI's empathy, neutrality, or manipulation influences their perception of its trustworthiness and effectiveness.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 2, 2023

Fatty liver disease patients likely to suffer from personality disorder

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that individuals with fatty liver disease are three times more likely to have a personality disorder than those without. Lifestyle modifications, such as changes in diet and exercise, can prevent disease progression but often fail to be implemented due to mental health factors.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Gastroenterology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

October issues of American Psychiatric Association journals look at factors influencing depression and PTSD, guidance on handling drugs laced with fentanyl, and more

The latest American Psychiatric Association journals offer insights into depression and PTSD factors, as well as guidance on handling drugs laced with fentanyl. The October issues also feature a joint commentary on nuclear war's impact on health professionals.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2023

Study reveals more depression in communities where people rarely left home during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study found that reduced mobility during the pandemic led to greater risk for depressive symptoms, even after controlling for local COVID-19 activity and other factors. The research suggests that increasing social engagement and limiting social isolation may be crucial for mitigating mental health impacts during future pandemics.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2023

Life satisfaction may not enhance cognitive functioning among some older adults

A new study suggests that life satisfaction has limited benefits for cognitive function in older adults experiencing health or socioeconomic challenges. High life satisfaction was associated with increased cognitive functioning among most individuals, but it was less beneficial for those with low SES, poor health, or adverse psychologi...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalSSM - Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2023

New study provides evidence for more effective brain-based treatment of chronic back pain

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.

Women seeking credibility in health care feel ‘on trial,’ struggle with constraints of double binds

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers highlights the struggles women face in establishing credibility for their medical problems and receiving proper treatment. These women engage in 'credibility work,' where they meticulously gather evidence, marshal witnesses, and carefully manage their appearance to convey validity. H...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunication Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2023

New program helps health professionals and community members determine health risks and create medical interventions for people experiencing homelessness

The CARE program, a rapid risk assessment tool, gathered data on immunization status, general health risk, and support needs of people experiencing homelessness. Automated dashboards provide secure, real-time information on resident needs, enabling health professionals to mitigate risks associated with homelessness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 22, 2023

Pediatric endocrinologists concerned for safety amid divisive political climate

A new study found pediatric endocrinologists are concerned about threats to their personal safety and the impact of transgender health bans on medical practice. The researchers surveyed 223 pediatric endocrinologists, with 56% providing gender-affirming care, and identified safety concerns, pressures on hospitals, and threats against p...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateSep 19, 2023

Genetics influence the risk of blood clots in oral contraceptive users

A new study from Uppsala University has found that women with a high genetic predisposition for blood clots are six times more likely to develop a blood clot during the first two years of using contraceptive pills. This knowledge could be used to identify women at risk and counsel them on alternative methods of contraception.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

Job strain combined with high efforts and low reward doubled men’s heart disease risk

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal reveals that men who experience job strain combined with high efforts and low reward have doubled the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the pressing need to proactively address stressful working conditions to create healthier work environments.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateSep 19, 2023

Certain community health care worker programs often exploit volunteers, Mount Sinai researchers report

A systematic review of 117 reports from 19 countries found that over half of volunteer community health care workers experience labor exploitation, including sub-minimum-wage pay and excess work hours. The study highlights the need for fair compensation and safe working conditions to improve quality of care and overall health outcomes.

Peer-led patient navigation helps minoritized patients engage in their own mental healthcare

A pilot study shows significant improvements in self-reported mental health and depression among racially and ethnically minoritized veterans who received peer-led patient navigation. The program, developed by the Regenstrief Institute, supports patients in identifying their healthcare priorities and communicating with clinicians.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateSep 14, 2023

Study: Many primary care providers & adult patients wary of discussing firearms

A new study reveals that over half of adult patients skip questioning about firearms on screening questionnaires, while surveyed primary care providers are often uncomfortable discussing firearm safety with most patients. The study suggests a need for more research and improved training on firearm-related topics for primary care clinics.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 14, 2023

High rate of mental health problems & political extremism found in those who bought firearms during COVID pandemic

A new study suggests that people who bought firearms during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have higher rates of recent suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, and intimate partner violence compared to other firearm owners and non-gun owners. Pandemic firearm buyers also tend to hold extreme beliefs, including anti-vaccination view...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 14, 2023

Targeted ultrasound can change brain functions for up to an hour after intervention

A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

Older adults with digestive diseases experience higher rates of loneliness, depression

A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that older adults with digestive diseases are more likely to report loneliness, moderate to severe depression, and poor-or-fair health. The research emphasizes the importance of considering psychosocial factors in gastrointestinal health care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 12, 2023

Study finds probation associated with poorer health for Black Americans

A new study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice found that Black Americans experience poorer self-rated health and chronic conditions when associated with contact from the criminal justice system. Probation was identified as a strong driver of lower health outcomes, due to its stressful nature and lack of economic and social r...

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2023

Doctoral student’s "fear of positivity" research could assist with effective depression treatments

A doctoral student's research explores how avoiding positive experiences may contribute to depression development and maintenance. The study, based on the theory of reward devaluation, suggests that individuals learn to distrust happiness and positivity after experiencing negative outcomes.

SourceMississippi State University·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2023

NIH study explores the role of caregiver pandemic-related stress in child behavior

A recent NIH study found that caregiver pandemic-related stress was associated with increased child behavior problems, while higher levels of emotional and instrumental support reduced these issues. The research suggests that support for caregivers positively impacted child behavior outcomes across diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

SourceDuke Clinical Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023