Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A new study by the University of South Australia found that dedicated nature play areas are underutilized at schools, with most being used for play instead of learning. Researchers are encouraging teachers to incorporate more outdoor learning to boost student wellbeing and development.
A new study found that specific biomarkers in blood can predict PTSD likelihood, diagnose disorder, or monitor treatment response. Researchers discovered four biomarkers with significant differences between those with PTSD or sub-threshold PTSD and those with high resilience.
A study of over 1,186 participants from various countries found that art evokes positive emotions, often despite dealing with sad or scary topics. The researchers discovered that human figures in art pieces can elicit empathy and mirroring, which contributes to the emotional experience.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers analyzed tens of thousands of student data to determine the impact of early class start times on attendance, sleep behavior, and academic performance. The findings suggest that students who attend early morning classes often lose an hour of sleep and experience lower grades.
A study of 110,780 participants in the UK Biobank found that individuals with a lifetime history of mental illness had metabolite profiles suggesting they were biologically older than their actual age. This may contribute to shorter lifespans and increased age-related diseases among those with mental health problems.
Researchers have found that depression and anxiety sufferers who experienced traumatic childhoods tend to grow up as angry adults. The severity of childhood trauma is also correlated with the level of adult anger, with emotional neglect increasing irritability and physical abuse leading to anger attacks or antisocial personality traits.
A new study reveals that childhood emotional trauma and sexual abuse are strongly associated with psychiatric symptoms in women, while childhood emotional and physical neglect increase the risk of symptoms in men. The research analyzed data from over 791 volunteers worldwide.
Researchers found that exposure to human sweat odors, extracted from underarm sweat, reduced social anxiety in patients undergoing mindfulness therapy. The study showed a 39% reduction in anxiety scores compared to a 17% reduction in the control group.
Receiving buprenorphine after a nonfatal opioid overdose significantly lowers the risk of subsequent overdose death. The medication was associated with a 62% reduction in risk, highlighting the need for lifesaving treatment following these events. Current evidence shows low uptake of buprenorphine and other medication-assisted treatments.
A major European study confirms a significant drop in suicides over the last decade, with 15 countries showing a 20% decrease in rates. The study suggests that active measures to prevent suicide may be linked to this decline.
A new report reveals that children born into the poorest fifth of families in the UK are 12 times more likely to experience poor health and educational outcomes by age 17. This clustering of adverse outcomes is linked to early childhood disadvantage, with modest reductions seen when lifting families out of poverty.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that melatonin prescription was associated with a lower risk of self-harm in young people with psychiatric disorders, particularly adolescent girls. The risk of self-harm increased before treatment initiation and decreased afterwards.
The Octapharma USA grant supports the Immunoglobulin National Society's breakfast symposium on PANS/PANDAS, a subset of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with strep. The program will focus on diagnosis criteria, pathogenic mechanisms, and current treatment options for challenging cases.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study found that regular mindfulness activities can improve engineering graduate student emotional well-being and resilience. Students who participated in a mindfulness training program reported significant improvements in emotional well-being, stress management, and focus.
The study found a significant association between the loss of abortion rights and increased mental distress in females of reproductive age. Restricting access to abortion may disproportionately affect lower socioeconomic status individuals, leading to greater economic and mental health burdens.
A WVU researcher is working on a biopsychosocial intervention to help people with chronic hip pain move and regain mobility. The intervention, called HIPS, combines mindfulness techniques like self-compassion and progressive relaxation with goal-setting and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce pain and increase physical activity.
A new study found that coronavirus lockdowns led to increased emotional and behavioral difficulties in children, particularly those with families experiencing co-habitation issues. Caregivers in Turkey reported higher levels of worry about COVID-19 infection, yet showed lower family co-existence difficulties.
A county-based approach in Pennsylvania's Medicaid program integrates behavioral health and physical health services, resulting in improved access to care and better outcomes. This model has been recognized as a national best practice, with the state ranking among the top three for addressing mental health challenges.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that anticipating stress related to political elections can cause adverse physical health effects. However, engaging in problem analysis can help preserve health by mentally engaging with anticipated problems.
A scoping review of 50 studies across 17 countries found a strong association between social media usage and body image concerns, poor mental health, and disordered eating. The study suggests that excessive social media use can have negative effects on young people's self-esteem and overall well-being.
A clinical trial found that moderate salt restriction reduced blood pressure and depressive symptoms without adverse effects in patients with primary aldosteronism. The study suggests a feasible approach to improving care for these patients and may also benefit those with essential hypertension.
Researchers found that older adults with depression exhibit accelerated biological aging, poor physical and brain health, and worse cardiovascular health. This association suggests opportunities for preventive strategies to reduce disability associated with major depression in older adults.
CHOP researchers found that adolescents with strong relationships with their parents have improved mental and physical health, lower substance use, and higher relationship satisfaction. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 participants and controlled for various factors.
A study found a consistent and widespread decline in activity following the onset of COVID-19 in the US, with vulnerable populations at higher risk. The researchers discovered that even after most COVID-19-related restrictions were relaxed, daily step counts persisted at a lower level.
Researchers found that certain personality traits, such as emotional stability and conscientiousness, are consistently associated with people's satisfaction in life, social connections, and career. These findings suggest that personality plays a stable role in shaping overall satisfaction across the adult lifespan.
Researchers found that peer support specialists with a shared life experience were most valued for providing emotional and housing/employment support, helping inmates recover from opioid use disorder. Participants appreciated the empathetic and trustworthy relationships established with their peer navigators.
A community-engaged approach to research prioritizes the concerns of participating communities, leading to a better reflection of community needs and issues. By incorporating CBPR, researchers can minimize biases and increase public trust in science.
New research by Anglia Ruskin University found that attending live sporting events boosts life satisfaction and sense of life being worthwhile, while reducing loneliness. The study used data from over 7,200 adults living in England and suggests that watching live sport can be an effective public health tool.
A team of UCF researchers is working on a new project to educate the next generation of nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers to improve heart health in medically underserved communities. They are using high-fidelity simulation scenarios to foster inter- and intradisciplinary care.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that exercise was well-tolerated by patients with mental or physical illness and resulted in decreased suicide attempts. The research debunks the myth that these individuals are not motivated to participate in physical exercise regimes.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) can improve daily functioning and reduce perceived pain among patients with chronic low back pain. Statistically significant improvements were observed in domains such as sleep, reaching, and bending forward.
A study of 318 mothers found significant associations between antenatal COVID-19-related stress and poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes. Infants also showed increased negative affectivity, highlighting the need for public health prioritization of pregnant individuals during pandemics.
The study found that intimate partner violence experiences during the pandemic were associated with increased mental health symptoms and negative health factors in younger female participants. The authors highlight the need for screening and interventions to prevent severe long-term health consequences.
A study by researchers from the University of Cambridge found that robots can be a useful tool to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace. The experiment used two different robot wellbeing coaches, with participants showing a better connection and positive perception with a toy-like robot compared to a humanoid-like robot.
A new study suggests CANDOR programs can improve staff's well-being and increase retention rates, addressing the growing concern of burnout among healthcare workers. The program aims to promote honesty in medical error situations, supporting both patients and healthcare professionals.
Researchers discovered that great apes deliberately spin themselves to dizzy, mimicking human behaviors like whirling dervishes. This study suggests that humans may have inherited the need for altered states from their evolutionary ancestors.
A University of Houston study found rural Americans are more anxious and depressed, with reduced openness and neuroticism compared to urban residents. Access to mental health services is believed to be a contributing factor.
A report by Northumbria University found that 40% of military widows feel lonely or socially isolated, with some feeling abandoned by the military community. The researchers are calling for improvements to support available, not just after bereavement but in the months and years following.
A new poll shows a decline in loneliness and isolation among older adults, but one-third still experience these feelings, especially those with poor health or disabilities. The study highlights the importance of social interaction for overall mental and physical health, and the need for a concerted effort to address these issues.
A Rutgers study found that healthcare providers rarely screen their patients for firearm access, with only 17.1% of participants being asked about it. Researchers argue that adding screening to standard practice can provide resources on secure storage to families at risk.
Researchers found that autistic adolescents in states without Medicaid waivers had a higher risk of disenrollment, especially after age 22. In contrast, those living in waiver-enabled states remained more likely to stay enrolled.
Researchers say parents' well-intentioned efforts to protect children from harm have inadvertently deprived them of independence and opportunities for self-directed play. This decline in 'child's play' is linked to rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among school-aged children.
A new study reveals that school shootings are associated with a 7-14% increase in stress-related emergency department visits in surrounding communities. The research also highlights the need to prevent gun violence to mitigate community-wide costs. School shootings were found to worsen mental health and increase health system costs.
A comprehensive review of 137 studies from around the world found minimal changes in mental health during the pandemic. Women and certain groups experienced worsening symptoms due to multiple responsibilities and care work.
A study from Swansea University found that reducing social media use by 15 minutes a day can significantly improve physical health and psychological well-being. The results showed a 15% improvement in immune function, 50% improvement in sleep quality, and 30% fewer depressive symptoms.
A recent study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a relatively small impact on mental health, with general population symptoms showing little change. However, specific groups such as women and certain age groups experienced worsening of depression symptoms, while others showed improvement in mental health and anxiety symptoms.
A new study from George Mason University College of Public Health found that mental health symptoms worsened in Black youth who interacted with the juvenile justice system during transition to adulthood. Connectedness, particularly to family and community, was a protective factor against declining mental health.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.
A study of over 1,300 children aged 9-13 found a significant increase in substance use when combining hair analysis with survey results, nearly doubling the estimated number of child drug users. This suggests that hair analysis is a more accurate method for assessing adolescent substance abuse than self-reporting alone.
A Georgetown University study found that black people in rural North Carolina have better mental health than white people, with rural black residents experiencing fewer mentally unhealthy days. The paradoxical finding has implications for addressing mental health disparities in rural areas.
A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that private forests in Denmark have a significant impact on property values. Forest owners attribute great value to their trees and landscapes, leading to increased quality of life and financial gains.
Primary care physicians recommend screening adolescents and young adults for cyberbullying and social media misuse, citing the need for timely intervention due to underreported incidents. Screening tools like R-OBVQ, CBVS, CABS, and MARC can help identify potential risks.
The March issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on major depression treatment advances and suicide risk screening for Indigenous populations. Journalists can access the publications by emailing press@psych.org.
A Kingston University student has highlighted the importance of school nurses in addressing the rising number of eating disorders among children and young people. Research and clinical experience have shown that there is an urgent need for early intervention, prevention, and accessibility to help young people living with eating disorders.
Research shows that parental social support and psychological control significantly impact LGBTQ youth's depressive symptoms. High psychological control, however, was linked with more depressive symptoms in those whose parents did not know their identities.
Researchers found adult smokers with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia drink the most caffeine, while those with mental illness are at highest risk of negative health consequences. The study suggests mood, metabolism, and self-medication may explain use patterns among this population.
A recent study found that sexting is associated with negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Participants who only sent sexts reported more mental health issues than others. The study highlights the need for further research into the correlations between sexting and mental health.
This special supplement from Annals of Family Medicine highlights the work of six HRSA-funded academic units focused on advancing health care equity and improving primary care practices. The articles cover topics such as workforce training, mental health care seeking, socioeconomic issues, and whole-person oriented healthcare.
A study published by Queen Mary University of London found that feeling supported at work reduces the risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Improving workplace aspects such as manager approachability, consistent information, and staffing levels can significantly protect mental wellbeing in healthcare professionals.
Research from Lancaster University found that new caregivers during COVID-19 experienced a sharp decline in their own mental health, with the most significant impact occurring during national lockdowns. Existing carers also saw a decline in mental well-being, particularly during the third lockdown.