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Don’t be like Darth Vader – study shows negative emotions spark success... but there’s a price

A study by University of Essex found that negative emotions such as anxiety and anger can fuel success, but are linked to poor health and lack of strategic thinking. Positive perceptions and feelings of control, on the other hand, lead to enjoyment of learning and desire for success.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Study examines COVID-19 pandemic's effect on Black, Latina women's mental health

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that nearly one-third of Black and Latina women experienced depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Women who prayed reported different effects on depression rates among these two groups, highlighting the need for targeted coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2023

Psychedelics may help people reinvent themselves

Researchers found that psychedelics combined with talk therapy can help people see themselves as nonsmokers, leading to a higher success rate in quitting smoking. The study suggests that psychedelics can reshape self-perceptions to help break free from old habits and addictions.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalKennedy Institute of Ethics Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2023

Palliative care doesn’t improve psychological distress

A Rutgers study found no statistically significant improvements in patient or caregiver anxiety, depression, or psychological distress in palliative care interventions. The researchers identified conceptual and methodological problems in the literature, including excluding patients with existing mental health conditions from studies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 24, 2023

CAMH study first to examine contextual factors associated with higher rates of suicide in the Americas

A CAMH-led study examines national suicide rates in 33 countries over 20 years, identifying eight population-level factors associated with suicide rates. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences when developing suicide risk reduction initiatives.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Mystical and insightful psychedelic experience may improve mental health

Researchers found that individuals who scored high on questionnaires assessing mystical and insightful nature of their psychedelic experiences reported improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms. A challenging experience while on these substances was also beneficial, especially in the context of mystical and insightful experiences.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or medications in managing depression. The review of 97 reviews and 1039 trials shows that exercise interventions, especially those lasting 12 weeks or less, can significantly reduce mental health ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023

Dynamic expression of brain serotonin receptors across the menstrual cycle provides clues about premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Researchers discovered a significant increase in serotonin transporter density in the midbrain of patients with PMDD during the periovulatory phase, which was associated with increased depressed mood. The study suggests that taking SSRIs at specific times during the menstrual cycle may help target these changes and alleviate symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

After 25 years of AI health tech research computers are slowly beginning to listen to patients

A review of 25 years of AI health tech research found that only 24% of studies include patient-reported outcomes, but there has been an increase in recent years. Experts emphasize the importance of integrating patient voices into AI models to support personalized care and prevent digitalization of healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 22, 2023

Celebrity tweets likely shaped US negative public opinion of COVID-19 pandemic

An analysis of 13 million tweets suggests that celebrity tweets, particularly from politicians and news anchors, played a significant role in shaping public opinion on the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring social media activity to combat misinformation and promote health-protective behaviors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Health & Care Informatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2023

Satisfying mid-life relationships linked to lower multiple chronic disease risk in older age

Research published in General Psychiatry found that satisfying mid-life relationships are linked to a lower risk of accumulating multiple long-term conditions in older age. The study, which included 13,714 Australian women, suggests that stronger social connections and higher relationship satisfaction are associated with a lower risk o...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Tablet-based screening doubles detection of psychosis symptoms in youth

A study found that a 21-question pre-visit survey on a tablet significantly increased the detection of psychosis symptoms in young people. However, it did not reduce the time between first psychotic symptoms and treatment. The technology-based screening improved clinical decision-making but highlighted challenges in scaling up programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 17, 2023

AI could improve mental health care

A new study from Lund University suggests that allowing patients to describe their mental health in free language can provide more precise diagnoses than traditional rating scales. The AI-tool, developed by researchers, enables doctors to analyze patients' answers and provides individualized care.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 16, 2023

Social media use linked to symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian boys and young men

A recent study from the University of Toronto found that greater screen time is associated with more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young people. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 adolescents and young adults and found that social media use, texting, TV watching, and video chatting were linked to muscle dysmor...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateFeb 15, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal study highlights epilepsy trends in China between 1990 and 2019

A Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of epilepsy across China, finding significant increases in incidence and prevalence rates between 1990 and 2019. The study also showed a general decrease in age-standardized DALY rates with increasing socio-demographic index.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Hospitality and real estate sectors have highest rates of common mental health problems, study finds

Common mental health problems, such as depression, are prevalent in the hospitality and real estate sectors, with significant gender disparities found across various industries. The study highlights the need for industry leaders to address underlying issues contributing to higher rates of mental health problems among female workers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

Overweight and obesity prevalent and poorly managed among adults with type 1 diabetes

A recent study found that adults with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk of being overweight or obese, but only half receive lifestyle recommendations to manage their weight. The study also highlighted the importance of individualized patient education in improving weight management for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

Childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence, study suggests

A new study suggests that childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence. Researchers found that addressing mental health difficulties when children are young can alleviate the effects of early-life adversity on later cognition.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

Regenstrief-led study shows enhanced spiritual care improves well-being of ICU surrogate decision-makers

A Regenstrief-led study found that enhanced spiritual care for family members of ICU patients resulted in a clinically significant decline in anxiety and improved spiritual well-being. The study demonstrated the importance of chaplains to the long-term psychological health of surrogate decision-makers.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateFeb 8, 2023

Can I come, too? How tourism can include people whose health conditions usually keep them at home

A research project from Edith Cowan University highlights the impact of excluding people with chronic diseases on tourism and proposes strategies for accessible travel. The industry can accommodate vulnerable travelers by implementing initiatives such as caregiver support, education, and technological advancements.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 7, 2023

Copy-cat? Youth with few friends conform to stay in a friend’s ‘good graces’

Researchers found that children with fewer friends are more susceptible to influence from partners who have more friends, promoting compatibility and reducing dissimilarity. Conformity helps preserve existing friendships by strengthening similarities and reducing potential sources of conflict.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

Least wealthy people more likely to have mental health disorder later in life

A nationwide Finnish study found that around 58% of people with low educational attainment by age 30 will have a diagnosis of a mental disorder by age 52. The study also showed a stronger association between lower socioeconomic position and later diagnoses of substance misuse or schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Study finds adverse impact of climate on mental health in Bangladesh

A recent study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that climate-related events have a profound impact on mental health outcomes in Bangladesh. The research, published in Lancet Planetary Health, reveals a high correlation between temperature increases, humidity levels, and the prevalence of depression and anxiety.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2023

Study highlights nationwide reliance on emergency departments for mental health care

Researchers found that some states, such as Ohio and Nevada, have the highest per-capita visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions, while others, like Colorado and West Virginia, have the lowest. Heavy reliance on emergency departments is problematic due to a lack of suitable care in these areas.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Uncertainty about breast cancer risk and screening choices and perceived risk heighten with breast density awareness following mammography

Awareness of breast density increases perceived risk and uncertainties about screening choices in Spanish-speaking women. However, these effects are short-term and do not persist over time, suggesting that educational outreach may help clarify implications for personal risk and screening decisions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateFeb 2, 2023

Self-help metacognitive therapy – which aims to reduce rumination – significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in recovering heart disease patients, according to new randomized controlled trial

A new randomized controlled trial found that self-help metacognitive therapy significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in recovering heart disease patients. The study suggests this treatment approach may be beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease who struggle with rumination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2023

‘Racial uplifts’ aid Asian American well-being

A new study by Cornell University researchers has discovered the benefits of positive everyday racial encounters for Asian Americans. The study found that experiencing 'racial uplifts' - such as bonding over ethnic music or food, or sharing culture with others - reduces negative feelings and increases positive feelings and self-esteem.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJan 31, 2023

Poor literacy linked to worse mental health worldwide, study shows

A new study by the University of East Anglia finds a significant association between low literacy and poor mental health outcomes across multiple countries. People with lower literacy skills are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of addressing literacy as part of mental health services.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMental Health and Social Inclusion·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 26, 2023

Gambling advertising restrictions could reduce harm

A systematic review of 70 research papers found that exposure to gambling advertising increases intentions to gamble and gambling activity, leading to greater risk of harm. The study also showed that restrictions could particularly benefit children and young people, as well as adults already vulnerable to gambling-related harms.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPublic Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 25, 2023