Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
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.
Researchers developed a framework to estimate economic benefits of urban parks, finding improved mental health and air quality lead to significant cost savings. The Quaker Foods City Square park in Peterborough, Ontario, yielded estimated annual benefits of over $4 million, justifying financial investment.
A new study found that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores compared to heterosexual women. In contrast, gay and bisexual men were more likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies among sexual minority adults in France.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a potential link between hormonal birth control and an increased risk of postpartum depression. The study suggests that women who experienced depression related to hormonal changes before pregnancy may be more susceptible to postpartum depression.
A systematic review of 64 intervention studies and 41 implementation studies found that case management increases wellbeing in the short term but has no impact on employment, mental or physical health, or substance use. Intensive in-person meetings with a case manager are more beneficial than mixed remote/in-person meetings.
A new pilot study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that an AI voice-based virtual coach improved depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as problem-solving skills, in patients. The Lumen app delivered a form of psychotherapy, resulting in changes in brain activity and reduced psychological distress.
People who consumed kind acts after a terrorist attack reported fewer negative emotions and more positive perceptions. Lighthearted news also showed an emotional buffering effect. The study suggests that positive news can mitigate the negative impact of bad news, promoting good mental health.
Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.
Research finds past obesity associated with greater depressive symptoms and impaired psychological wellbeing, even after weight loss. Past obesity may be 'psychologically scarring', increasing the risk of early death by around 30%.
A nationwide register-based study found significant increases in psychiatric diagnoses among Finnish children and adolescents during the pandemic, with notable rises in eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights concerns about gaps in services and accessibility during times of crisis.
A recent study by Mississippi State University faculty members found that individuals with hoarding tendencies who own multiple pets are at risk of poor animal health. Households with eight or more animals were associated with worse health outcomes for the animals.
A Rutgers University study found that Black adults, particularly women, who experience discrimination and crime are more likely to own firearms. The study also showed that firearm ownership is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts among Black adults.
A Pharmacy PhD student from the University of Huddersfield has won a prestigious award to present her research on how community pharmacies can contribute to preventing suicide in low and middle-income countries, particularly in Nigeria. She aims to raise awareness of suicide and train pharmacists to recognize signs and risk factors.
A study of 700 participants found that time outdoors doesn't always reduce smartphone screentime. However, visits to nature reserves or forests saw significant declines in screentime compared to urban locations. Participants who visited wilder areas spent more time disconnected from their smartphones and regained attention.
A new Dartmouth study reveals high rates of childbirth fear in US pregnant people, associated with factors such as racism, low income, and pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these fears, leading to increased stress and anxiety during labor.
New research reveals that people experience strongest suicidal thoughts in winter, specifically in December, with a daily peak between 4-5 am. This finding contradicts the common assumption that suicide rates are highest in winter.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that brain transmission speeds continue to increase into early adulthood, reaching a plateau around age 30-40. This may help clinicians offer therapies to treat disorders such as anxiety and depression that emerge during late adolescence and early adulthood.
A new study in PLOS ONE examines how individuals coped with stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies were associated with higher quality of life. Emotion-focused coping strategies may be most helpful when stressors are unpredictable or outside of individuals' control.
Frequent YouTube users under 29 have higher levels of anxiety and depression, according to a study. Neutral or positive online relationships between creators and followers can also occur, but these can exacerbate issues when replaced for face-to-face interactions.
The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute will run the Data Coordination Center for the Scalable and Systematic Neurobiology of Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Disorder Risk Genes (SSPsyGene) Consortium. The team will coordinate an initial selection of 250 relevant genes from nearly 30,000 protein coding genes in the human genome.
Experts urge clinicians to adopt a whole-of-person approach to medical care to address chronic disease and mental health issues related to child abuse and neglect. A trauma-informed biopsychosocial model of health can help reduce the negative impacts of exposure to serious child abuse and neglect.
A new study found that social support, sense of community, and depressive symptoms played a role in changes to an online gaming site's social structure over time. Members who reported more social support and a greater sense of community were more likely to form communication ties and connect with others.
A new University of Ottawa study found that educated Black individuals in Canada were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to distrust in the healthcare network. The survey revealed that health literacy and racial discrimination played a significant role in this mistrust.
A study of over 6.5 million individuals found that those in their 20s and 30s with mental disorders have up to three-fold increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Regular health checks and medication may help prevent these conditions.
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's survey highlights mental health and addiction as rising concerns in rural areas, while access to quality healthcare remains a significant issue. Economic stability is also a key priority, reflecting the impact of poverty on healthcare access.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that women exposed to domestic abuse have a significantly higher risk of developing asthma and other atopic diseases. The research, led by the University of Birmingham, analyzed patient records and found a 52% increased risk of atopic disease ...
A Columbia University study found that casual cannabis use by adolescents raises the risk of depression, suicidality, and problem behaviors. Nondisordered cannabis users were 2-2.5 times more likely to have adverse mental health outcomes and behavioral problems compared to teens who didn’t use cannabis.
A recent study found that online art breaks can significantly improve mood and reduce anxiety in participants. The research team discovered that individuals with high levels of aesthetic responsiveness benefit more from interactive art experiences, suggesting a personalized approach to online art interventions for well-being.
Researchers found that people who perceived cognitive difficulties during COVID were more likely to experience physical symptoms of long COVID. The study suggests a psychological component for lingering SARS-CoV-2 symptoms in some patients.
Hoarding disorder affects 2% of the population with clutter in homes and excessive acquisition of possessions. The new guidance provides best practice for diagnosing and supporting those affected.
The study found that current 75- and 80-year-olds experience fewer depressive symptoms than those who lived in the 1990s, attributed to improved health and education. However, satisfaction with life was not significantly different between cohorts.
A recent NIH study reveals that young men with cannabis use disorder are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. The study analyzed health records data from over 6 million people in Denmark and found that as many as 30% of schizophrenia cases among young men aged 21-30 might have been prevented by averting cannabis use disorder.
A major international study found that women taking certain epilepsy medicines during pregnancy are at a higher risk of having children develop severe psychiatric disorders. The study, which analyzed data from 38,000 children, highlights the importance of carefully weighing the risks and benefits of medication use during pregnancy.
A study found that people with severe mental illness have lower attendance rates at cancer screenings, particularly for bowel, breast, and cervical cancers. This disparity is widest among those living in more deprived parts of the country and from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The latest May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on new treatments for conditions like trichotillomania, social anxiety disorder, and opioid use disorder. Additionally, a special issue of Focus journal explores suicide preventive interventions and knowledge.
The study found that endocrine, musculoskeletal, and vascular diseases were the most common causes of hospitalization in individuals with depression. Depression is considered a potential target for preventing both physical and mental health issues.
Over the past decade, pediatric emergency department visits related to mental health concerns have significantly increased, with a 5-fold rise in suicide-related cases. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced crisis and emergency mental health services for young people, particularly those experiencing suicidal symptoms.
A large study found that people with dementia are at higher risk of self-harm within the first 12 months after diagnosis. The researchers emphasize the importance of providing psychosocial and mental health supports to patients upon diagnosis, particularly men, who are more likely to develop dementia after self-harm.