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The early bird may just get the worm

A new study from the University of Ottawa reveals that morning types tend to have superior verbal ability, contrary to previous research suggesting that evening types have an advantage. The study found that accounting for factors like bedtime and age, morning individuals outperformed their evening counterparts in verbal intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCurrent Research in Behavioral Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 4, 2022

Having suffered trauma during childhood triples the risk of suffering a serious mental disorder in adulthood

A recent study analyzing over 93,000 cases reveals a direct link between childhood trauma and the risk of developing a mental disorder in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of treating psychological trauma in patients and investing in prevention programs to reduce the risk of suffering a mental disorder.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2022

Substance use disorders linked to poor health outcomes in wide range of physical health conditions

Researchers found that people with substance use disorders are more likely to die from or experience shorter life-expectancies when developing certain physical health conditions. The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, analyzed patient records from Czech nationwide registers and suggests a link between substance use disorders an...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022

Traumatized communities

Researchers developed NETfacts to address severe trauma in communities, combining individual treatment with collective process. The results show that both NET and NETfacts significantly reduced posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, as well as stigma and violence.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2022

November issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover genetic underpinnings of psychiatric illness, use of acute mental health care by children and more

The American Journal of Psychiatry focuses on the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric illnesses, while Psychiatric Services reports on community-based treatment programs for people with serious mental illness. The latest Focus journal issue explores borderline and other personality disorders.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 2, 2022

Women healthcare workers faced heightened moral distress during pandemic: study

A recent study by Simon Fraser University researcher Julia Smith found that women healthcare providers experienced 'double distress' in both their workplaces and homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers listened to stories of women participants to understand the challenges they faced, including inadequate staffing, lack of c...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNursing Ethics·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2022

Autistic women have increased risk of mental illness

Researchers found that autistic women are more vulnerable to psychiatric conditions and hospitalization than men, with a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and self-harm. The study suggests that healthcare needs to be expanded for young adults, especially autistic women, to detect mental illness in time.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2022

Tracking mental health over the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that psychological factors such as coping abilities play a significant role in individuals' risk or resilience to mental health disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain connectivity within specific brain networks also predicted individual vulnerability to anxiety and depression symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2022

Video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children

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...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 24, 2022

Huge unveiling of schizophrenia brain cells show new treatment targets

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Special anti-Black racism issues of CMAJ focus on patient health and health professionals

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 24, 2022

Just part of a larger picture

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 18, 2022

How do mushrooms become magic?

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.

1.3 million American adults with diabetes ration their insulin due to cost; younger adults and the uninsured are most likely to ration

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022

Patients with clinical depression “stopped seeking treatment” during the COVID waves

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.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 15, 2022

New insights into how serotonin regulates behavior

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.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

COVID-19 pandemic hurt academic experience for African international students, MU study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

New research highlights lack of follow-up care for youth and young adults after hospitalization or ER visit for mental health

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.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

Mental health issues in quarantined cruisers

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.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateOct 11, 2022

ACP says federal government needs to improve health support for indigenous communities

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2022

Adults who misused alcohol as teens report dissatisfaction and poor health in midlife

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2022

Borderline personality disorder-related stigma undermines patient care and efforts to reduce suicide

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health Systems·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 7, 2022