Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A study with 116 participants found associations between microRNAs in extracellular vesicles and mental health disorders such as depression and ADHD. While no biomarkers were identified, the results suggest genetic material can be non-invasively accessed through blood samples.
A systematic review of 53 studies found significant increases in depression symptoms among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with female individuals and those from higher-income backgrounds most affected. Anxiety symptoms also rose slightly during this time.
A new study found that people exposed to moderate aircraft noise were less likely to get the minimum recommended sleep each night. The risk increased among those living near airports or large water bodies, as well as those with no hearing loss. Exposure levels as low as 45 dB were associated with short sleep duration.
Researchers at Columbia University found that increased access to mental health care is associated with lower suicide rates in the US. The study used a new method to measure access to care and found that areas with shorter travel times to providers had significantly lower suicide rates.
The study found that the program increased access to mental health care for thousands of New Jersey residents, with practitioners serving patients in 13 languages and underserved racial or ethnic minority groups. Increasing access to mental health services is crucial during the pandemic, especially given a shortage of providers.
A recent study reveals that many children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not receiving adequate treatment. The findings highlight the need for improved communication and access to outpatient mental health care for children with ADHD.
Researchers from Nemours Children's Health present findings on pediatric mental health, HPV vaccination strategies, primary hypertension in youth, and the effects of social media on pediatric care. The studies aim to improve child well-being and provide innovative approaches to addressing pressing topics.
A new study by York University researchers reveals that one in three family members of those with serious mental illness experience stigma, feeling blame, failure, and loneliness. The study highlights the need to reach out to this marginalized group, who have been overlooked in previous research.
Researchers have created a new manual to study human diseases, using evolutionary genomics to analyze genetic risk. The manual reveals the importance of highly constrained genes that unite mammals, providing insights into neurological disorders and psychiatric conditions.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School and the Institute of Mental Health found that anxiety and depression in Singapore cost 2.9% of the GDP, or nearly S$16 billion, due to healthcare resource usage, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.
A new study from the University of Chicago shows a direct link between social determinants of health and suicide risk, with counties experiencing high levels of social vulnerability having nearly double the suicide rate as those with lower levels. The study proposes several public health policies to address these disparities.
A new study found that integrating mental health services into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) can improve access to and engagement in mental health care for Medicaid-enrolled children. The TEAM UP model of integrated behavioral health care was shown to increase mental health-related primary care vi...
A new study found six suicide clusters, four overdose clusters and nine alcohol-related liver disease clusters in the US west, southeast and Appalachia/rust belt. These co-occurring clusters suggest specific regions at increased risk for deaths of despair warranting public health intervention.
Bilingual individuals from cultures where mental health is stigmatized may be more open to treatment when presented with information in their second language. Studies found participants recommended therapy more strongly in English compared to Chinese, suggesting a potential counteractive effect of cultural norms.
Research at King's College London found a higher prevalence of HIV diagnoses among people who use mental health services in South London. The study suggests that there is a complex relationship between HIV and mental illness, with potential risks for both acquiring HIV or developing mental illness.
Researchers at the University of South Australia analyzed Instagram fitspiration accounts, finding nearly two-thirds published dubious fitness information. Hyper-sexualized content, objectification, or nudity was present in around a quarter of accounts, promoting unhealthy body shapes and driving body image issues.
A large-scale study has linked accelerated biological aging to an increased risk of depression and anxiety in older adults. Adults with more advanced biological age were found to be more likely to develop depression and anxiety over time compared to peers who were biologically younger.
Research suggests that problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. Adolescents experiencing mental health problems showed similar patterns of brain activity, which were largely apparent in the frontal lobes.
A new study reveals an association between poor air quality in India and impaired cognition in infants under two. The study found that air quality was poorer in homes that used solid cooking materials like cow dung cake, and that reducing cooking emissions could have benefits to infants' emerging cognitive abilities.
The rate of suspected suicide attempts by poisoning among children and adolescents ages 10-19 increased 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019. The most common substances involved were acetaminophen and ibuprofen, highlighting the need for comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.
The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) WAVES program aims to address the shortage of mental health service providers in high-need schools. With a five-year, $6 million grant from the US Department of Education, FAU will train 119 school counselors to reduce barriers to degree completion and improve student outcomes.
A review aims to consolidate existing knowledge on athletes' help-seeking for mental health, highlighting the need to understand their attitudes and experiences with services. Athletes face challenges in accessing support, with lower rates of help-seeking compared to the general population.
A recent study found a significant rise in cannabis exposures in suspected suicide attempts, with the majority involving other substances. The data highlights the need for increased mental health services and awareness about the risks of cannabis use, particularly among youth.
A University of Minnesota study found that TikTok can serve as both a haven and a hindrance for users struggling with mental health. The platform offers a sense of self-discovery and community, but its algorithm can repeatedly expose users to harmful content, leading to distressing spirals.
Researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences identified 17 factors that can predict ADHD symptoms in childhood, including sex, cigarette smoke exposure, and mother's urinary tract infections. The study suggests that prenatal information may help identify children at risk of developing ADHD, particularly when combine...
A new study from the University of Georgia and CDC found that 20% of suicides between 2003 and 2020 were related to issues like breakups, conflict, divorce, and mental health problems. Intimate partner problems were more common among individuals who experienced mental health issues, life stressors, and recent legal issues.
Approximately 30% of the U.S. population lives in a jurisdiction that has implemented taxes specifically for mental health services, generating over $3.57 billion annually. These taxes often provide a stable revenue stream and are more politically feasible than traditional funding methods.
A new study found a strong association between the prevalence of prescription stimulant therapy for ADHD and rates of prescription stimulant misuse among middle and high school students. Schools with higher numbers of students on stimulant therapy had significantly higher rates of misused stimulants, highlighting the need for education...
A new study suggests that comparing one's earnings relative to peers can induce negative emotions leading to physical pain. The study found this link persisted in both rich and poor countries, regardless of income level.
Patients with depression before or after a breast cancer diagnosis have lower survival rates compared to those without depression. Diagnosing and treating depression at the time of breast cancer diagnosis and beyond is crucial for improved patient care and survival.
West Virginia University is launching an innovative in-school mental health program to address a critical provider shortage and youth mental health crisis. The program, called the Mountaineer School-Based Mental Health Fellows Program, will place six advanced counseling graduate students in Harrison County schools each year.
A new tool has been developed to measure customer aggression in the retail sector, which can lead to emotional exhaustion and job stress among employees. The scale identifies four types of aggressive behaviors, including being ignored or having fake negative reviews posted online.
A Wayne State University researcher has received a $1.95 million grant to study the regulation of inositol synthesis and its effects on essential cellular functions in human cells. The study aims to identify mechanisms that regulate inositol synthesis and determine its impact on cell signaling and metabolism.
Despite the decline in most services, FQHCs reported an increase in patient visits for substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted infections. Quality-of-care measures also plummeted, with only one measure returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder have erratic sleep patterns and rigid daily routines, predictive of worse symptoms. The study suggests varying daily routines and incorporating movement can improve brain health and reduce negative mental health symptoms.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study the molecular causes of pediatric bipolar disorder by growing brain cells in the laboratory. The approach identified significant changes linked to the psychiatric condition, including a gene mutation that may be responsible for the disorder.
A machine learning model has been developed to predict a patient's risk for a sleep disorder using demographic, lifestyle, physical exam results, and laboratory values. The model identified depression, weight, age, and waist circumference as the greatest predictors of a sleep disorder diagnosis.
A nationwide study found that poor family cohesion among bereaved youth is strongly associated with negative psychological effects years after the loss. The research highlights the importance of supporting families during parental illness and immediately after the loss to improve long-term health and well-being.
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant increase in weekday screen time among school-aged children, with boosts of up to 1.35 hours per day. This finding suggests that children used screens to fill time previously spent at school or participating in extra-curricular activities.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo used artificial intelligence and Twitter to develop a database and models that can detect depression and anxiety before clinical diagnosis. The study found that BERT performed best in predicting depression and anxiety, with a statistically significant difference from LogReg.
A new 'enhanced primary care' model has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels among patients with severe mental illness. The study, conducted at UNC WakeBrook, showed significant improvements in screening for people with severe mental illness compared to usual primary care.
A randomized controlled trial of High School FLASH, an LGBTQIA+ inclusive evidence-based sex education curriculum, found that the program reduced homophobic and transphobic beliefs among both LGBTQ and straight/cisgender students. The study also showed improved feelings of safety and connection to peers among LGBTQ students.
A Rutgers study found that nearly one in five LGBTQ people experienced an increase in intimate partner violence after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Those living in the southern US were more likely to report this increase, with intimate partner violence also linked to greater depressive symptoms.
A study of high school students in Brazil found that excessive smartphone use is associated with thoracic spine pain (TSP), affecting girls more than boys. The research highlights the importance of health education programs to combat this issue and promote physical activity and good posture.
Cornell University researchers found that teens' trust in COVID-19 news on social media is key to their well-being. Higher levels of trust are linked to a positive sense of social well-being and lower levels can lead to stress. News literacy programs are crucial for young people to discern fact-based sources from misinformation.
Research in NYC neighborhoods suggests gentrification improves mental health outcomes among White populations, yet has adverse effects on Black and Latino communities. The study analyzed data from 2002-2015 to understand the relationship between neighborhood changes and serious psychological distress.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals significant racial wealth gaps and disparities in health outcomes among young adults. The study found that white and Hispanic individuals with higher wealth had better health outcomes, but Black respondents showed a more nuanced relationship between wealth and health. Policymakers argue...
A study by Catherine Maclean investigates the effect of state and local paid sick leave mandates on individuals with mental health disorders. The research aims to estimate causal relationships between PSL mandates and access to mental healthcare, as well as indicators of quality care received.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals a significant variance in Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services across US states. The study found that Nebraska, Alaska, and Arkansas reimburse at the highest rates, while Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Maine reimburse the least for the same set of services.
A new study finds that Latinx students experienced higher rates of depression and anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a risk of 1.5 to 2 times more likely than their peers. The study highlights the need for practical and efficacious programs to address the mental health needs of adolescents in school settings.
A study of 7,500 Irish children found that harsh discipline increases the risk of developing lasting mental health problems. Children exposed to 'hostile' parenting at age three were 1.5 times likelier to have high-risk mental health symptoms by age nine.
A CAMH-led study found that the probability of using a gun as a means of suicide among Americans increases with alcohol consumption. The study suggests that responsible gun ownership and awareness of alcohol's increased risk are crucial in preventing gun-involved suicides.
Research shows that higher Body Mass Index (BMI) in the oldest old is associated with a range of health issues. The study also found significant differences between women and men in terms of mental health concerns related to BMI.
Overdose mortality among people aged 65 and older has quadrupled, driven by illicit drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and synthetic opioids. Researchers call for updated Medicare coverage and harm reduction supplies to curb the trend.
A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.
A national analysis of pediatric hospitalizations from 2009 to 2019 found a significant increase in mental health diagnoses, with attempted suicide being the leading cause. The study highlights the growing importance of addressing mental health concerns in children and adolescents.
Researchers investigated perspectives of Black patients on shared decision making (SDM) during medical appointments. They identified preferences for humanistic communication, the need for doctors to account for family members' roles in decision-making, and a growing mistrust in doctors. The study's findings offer insights for adapting ...
Almost 40% of family practitioners work collaboratively with behavioral health professionals, highlighting gaps in access to integrated services in independently owned practices and Southern US locations.
A recent renaissance in psychedelic research investigates the cognitive effects of these drugs, shifting from mathematical modeling to behavioral and clinical studies. Studies have found that psychedelics can increase spontaneous creative insights while decreasing task-specific creativity, as well as affect memories in a malleable way.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to accurately diagnosing cannabis use disorder, particularly for individuals who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The current diagnostic manual may misdiagnose these individuals due to the rapid increase in state-level legalization of medical marijuana.