Articles tagged with Mental Health
Researchers at Rutgers University found that patients who participate in multiple outpatient visits early in treatment are more likely to continue care. Nearly half of these patients remained in treatment for six months or more, compared to just 2.9% of those with less frequent visits.
A new study reveals that people with strong emotions are more interested in interacting with cats, contrary to the common perception that cat interactions are less appealing. The research found that universities can benefit from including both dogs and cats in their animal-assisted interventions to reach a broader audience.
A study published in Anthrozoös found that having a pet can improve mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those who are less resilient. Owners who spent more time interacting with their pets reported better mental health.
A new study found that living in a community with easy access to grocery stores and affordable, healthy food is associated with lower heart failure death rates. The research analyzed data from nearly 3,000 counties in the US and found that food insecurity is linked to increased rates of death from heart failure.
A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who played video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory. The researchers observed higher brain activity in regions associated with attention and memory, suggesting that practicing tasks related to imp...
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in understanding schizophrenia by analyzing individual brain cells. The study identified specific neurons and networks affected by the disease, suggesting that targeting these areas could lead to new treatment options.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) publishes special issues on the impact of anti-Black racism on patient health and healthcare professionals. Research by Black health scholars and practitioners sheds light on systemic inequities, including cancer care disparities and gaslighting in academic medicine.
A study of over 17,000 first-year medical residents found a strong correlation between hours worked and depression symptoms. Working long hours was associated with a larger rise in depression symptoms, pushing some residents into moderate or severe depression.
A study published in Body Image found that social media use is associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Engaging with content from friends and family was found to have a significantly stronger negative impact on appearance satisfaction compared to celebrities or influencers.
A UK study has found that officers with strong support networks and a sense of meaningful work have lower rates of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), highlighting the need for improvements in police working lives.
Researchers found a moderate increase in anxiety and depression among the general population during the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on mental health varied significantly by population after that period.
Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.
A study found that 16.5% of American adults with diabetes ration their insulin, with younger adults and the uninsured being most affected. Insulin rationing is often linked to cost concerns, with many patients delaying purchases or taking less insulin than needed.
A systematic review found scarce evidence supporting social prescribing's effectiveness in improving social support, physical function, or primary healthcare use. The link worker model showed promise in reducing hospital admissions and improving self-rated health for those with multiple conditions in deprived communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant decrease in hospital admissions for first-time clinical depression and recurrent depression, while outpatient treatment remained stable. This shift implies that many patients did not receive appropriate care for their condition, potentially leading to long-term quality of life loss.
Researchers found a healthy diet and avoiding stressful news helped prevent anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Engaging in physical exercise, staying outdoors, and drinking water also showed protective effects on mental health.
A new study by UCL researchers found that talking therapies on the NHS can improve the mental health of people with dementia, with 63% experiencing a reduction in symptoms. The therapy proved clinically beneficial, even though response rates were lower than those without dementia.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of managing PAD based on a person's experience of symptoms, rather than relying solely on clinical measures. This approach aims to improve patient-centered care and outcomes, particularly for individuals with severe limb ischemia or comorbidities.
New research by Frank Schroeder's team reveals two parallel biosynthetic pathways for serotonin production in C. elegans, challenging the long-held assumption that serotonin is made and quickly broken down. The findings suggest new therapeutic targets for treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Research links COVID-19 symptoms to poor mental health and lower life satisfaction in people of all ages, with those over 50 showing strongest association. The study, combining data from 11 UK longitudinal studies, highlights the need for ongoing support after infection.
A study finds that menthol cigarettes are used by nearly two out of five adult smokers, with Black smokers using them at an alarming rate. The CDC is considering banning menthol-flavored cigarettes due to concerns over their impact on public health, particularly among young people and marginalized groups.
Listening to birdsong reduces anxiety and paranoid perceptions in healthy individuals, whereas traffic noise generally worsens depressive states. This study provides evidence for the positive influence of birdsong on mental health, with implications for further research and potential applications.
A recent MU study found that COVID-19 significantly impacted the academic experiences of African international students, with travel limitations, restricted employment opportunities, and family concerns making it difficult to focus on studies. The findings highlight the need for tailored support from universities during times of crisis.
Research in Zambia suggests children infected with HIV are more likely to struggle with cognitive and mental health issues despite well-controlled disease. Early intervention through better nutrition and antiretroviral therapies may improve neurological function.
A study of over 100,000 emergency room visits and 95,000 mental health hospitalizations found that less than half received follow-up care within 30 days. Having established primary care and mental health care before an acute psychiatric service use is crucial for improving follow-up rates.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening children under 7. Anxiety disorders are common in childhood and adolescence, associated with increased risk of future anxiety or depression. A 2018-2019 survey found 7.8% of children ages 3-17 had a current anxiety disorder
The USPSTF concludes that screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) is insufficient for children under 12, while recommending it for adolescents. Screening for suicidal ideation and attempts is also recommended for all ages in question.
A new study found that mental health-related incidents remained relatively stable despite pandemic restrictions, contradicting claims of increased incidents. Researchers recommend focusing on preventative measures like housing and social services to address mental health issues.
The study found anxiety, insomnia, and depression were prevalent mental health issues among quarantined individuals. Around 70% of mental health issues resolved with brief counseling sessions, highlighting the need for targeted support in disaster responses.
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted nine non-research articles authored by Dr. Paul McCrory, who was the journal's editor-in-chief from 2001 to 2008. The retraction follows an internal investigation into allegations of publication misconduct made by researcher Dr. Nick Brown.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
A study of 18 countries found that adults with good mental health reported more blue space experiences as children. This was associated with greater intrinsic value on natural settings and more frequent visits as adults, leading to better mental wellbeing.
A Rutgers-led study of over 2,700 pairs of twins found that adolescent alcohol misuse is associated with poorer life satisfaction, physical symptoms, and self-rated health in midlife. The study's findings suggest that teenage drinking may have long-lasting indirect effects on physical health and well-being.
A new review finds that people with borderline personality disorder face discrimination, inadequate treatment, and stigmatizing experiences in healthcare services. The authors call for improved training, education, and resources to address these issues and provide better support to patients and their families.
Adolescent athletes who had their sports cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced significant improvements in physical activity and quality of life after resuming sports. Despite this, anxiety and depression rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. People with psychotic disorders are 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia than those without a psychotic disorder, according to the review.
Researchers found that machine learning models outperformed traditional risk prediction models in predicting suicide-related outcomes. These models can identify patterns associated with suicide risk and have been shown to correctly predict 66% of people who would experience a suicide outcome.
A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that increasing mental health providers at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities likely reduced suicide-related events among veterans who recently returned from active service. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 veterans and found a significant reduction in su...
Research has found that former Scottish international rugby union players are at a significantly increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor neurone disease. The study's findings suggest that strategies to reduce head impact and traumatic brain injury in all sports are necessary.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown biological contributor to postpartum depression: impaired autophagy, which limits the body's ability to clean up old genetic material. This finding may lead to new treatments and early identification of women at risk before they become ill.
New research from the University of Kansas found that two common federal survey question sets are missing significant numbers of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and chronic health conditions. The study suggests that these gaps indicate undercounting of disability funds, services, and healthcare resources.
A new study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that targeted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly lessens food allergy-related anxiety for both children and parents. The treatment included proximity exposure sessions with the patient, resulting in improved symptoms and quality of life.
The study found that rates of severe psychological distress and self-harm were higher among victims of sexual assault or harassment than those who did not experience such violence. If sexual violence were eradicated, researchers estimated a 16.8% drop in self-harming girls and an 8.4% decrease in boys.
A UCL-led study found that grandparents who stopped looking after their grandchildren during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The study also found that reduced grandparental childcare provision was linked to lower life satisfaction and quality of life among grandparents.
A University of Essex study found that over 90% of deaf people struggled to communicate while wearing masks, with 76% missing vital information and 59% feeling disconnected from society. The researchers hope their findings will inform public policy in future health emergencies.
A new study found that fewer Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients qualify for anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatments, which may slow Alzheimer's progression. The treatment's effectiveness depends on the presence of amyloid plaques, with lower incidence in minorities.
A two-week intervention targeting the circadian system helped shift teens' bedtime by an hour and a half earlier, increasing total sleep time by approximately an hour. The study also found improved concentration, reduced irritability, and better morning alertness in participants.
Injured mice that received gabapentin showed improved rehab compliance due to mental barriers. Removing dividers between individual exercise lanes increased willingness to participate in group rehab, boosting performance and recovery. The study suggests social support may be beneficial for individuals with spinal cord injury.
A new research paper has demonstrated that psychological factors, such as feeling unhappy or being lonely, add up to 1.65 years to one's biological age, significantly impacting overall health and longevity.
The October issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry focus on diagnosis and treatment of opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder. Psychiatric Services features research reports on issues related to mental health services for people with serious mental illness.
A machine learning model developed by Carnegie Mellon University can accurately predict how stay-at-home orders affect people with multiple sclerosis. The model uses passively gathered smartphone and fitness tracker data to identify factors that signal changes in health.
A recent study published in Acta Oncologica found that young women who have had cancer are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual problems, including loss of libido and intimacy issues. The study, which surveyed nearly 700 women, suggests that the type and intensity of cancer treatment can influence a patient's sex life.
A new study emphasizes the need for a collective approach to build digital resilience in children, involving home environments, schools, policymakers, and internet corporations. The findings highlight the importance of considering contextual factors such as family support in promoting tailored approaches.
A recent study found that patients who filled prescriptions for folic acid experienced a 44% reduction in suicidal events over a two-year period. Filling a prescription for folic acid was associated with a decreased risk of attempting suicide, even after adjusting for various confounding factors.
A Finnish study of 1,064 teachers found that those with persistent turnover intentions are more likely to experience burnout, cynicism, and poor work environment fit. Positive experiences and autonomy in the workplace can mitigate these risks.
Researchers identified 7 core categories of behaviors important for human-dog bonds, including attunement, communication, and physical affection. These behaviors may be incorporated into robotic systems to provide mental health benefits for humans.
A recent survey found that 99% of Black men in online dating reported encountering racialized sexual discrimination. Men who primarily used Grindr reported more frequent instances of white men rejecting them due to their skin color, while those who used Jack'd experienced greater prevalence of same-race physical objectification. These ...
A UK-based trial found that texting young people to encourage safer sex behaviors did not reduce rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea reinfections. The study suggests that health communication interventions should be rigorously evaluated to improve outcomes for this age group.
A recent study found that telemental health can be effective in reducing treatment gaps and improving access to mental health care, especially for marginalized groups. However, it is crucial to consider individual preferences, circumstances, and technological access when implementing this approach.
Research from the University of Exeter found that farmers and auction operators believed putting health hubs in livestock marts helped break down barriers to seeking support. The study also revealed that stoicism, fear of being judged, and lack of availability were significant deterrents for farmers.