Add BrightSurf on Google Email

BU study: increasing mental health staffing may reduce suicides among veterans

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...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Neurodegenerative disease risk more than doubled among former Scottish international rugby union players

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Federal surveys missing as many as 43 percent of individuals with disabilities, KU study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Children with food allergy-related anxiety can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy

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.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Grandparents who stopped caring for grandchildren during the pandemic had worse mental health

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

October issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover opioid and cannabis use disorders, suicide prevention, treatment in prison and more

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.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2022

Men's experiences of sexual racism differ in two online dating communities

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 ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2022

The pros and cons of telemental health

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalInteractive Journal of Medical Research·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 28, 2022

Offering healthcare services at livestock marts will help to remove stigma about seeking help among agricultural community, study shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2022

Being lonely and unhappy accelerates aging more than smoking

A recent study published in Aging-US found that feeling lonely, unhappy, or hopeless increases one's biological age more than smoking. The research used digital models of aging to analyze the effects of various factors on aging rates, revealing a significant correlation between mental health and accelerated aging.

SourceDeep Longevity Ltd·JournalAging-US·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2022

Looking at images of people smiling at you extends antidepressant effects of ketamine

A clinical trial found that using positive words and images during the window of heightened brain plasticity after a single ketamine treatment can help maintain depression relief for at least one month. Researchers developed an automated intervention to pair ketamine with computer-based training, showing promising initial findings.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 2022

Myths busted: New studies show telemedicine is effective, doesn’t reduce access to care

Two new studies published in NEJM Catalyst demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of telemedicine in addressing access barriers and improving health outcomes. The research highlights the benefits of telemedicine for patients with transportation challenges, mental health services, and overall quality of care.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNEJM Catalyst·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

As health problems stack up, so do serious financial woes, study shows

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2022

Online yoga programs may improve knee function in the short term

A randomized trial found that a 12-week online yoga program improved knee function in participants, but did not significantly reduce knee pain during walking. The study suggests that unsupervised online yoga programs can be feasible and improve physical function, but more research is needed to sustain the effectiveness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2022

COVID-19 took serious toll on Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander mental and physical health

Two UC Riverside-led studies found 30% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 1 in 5 reported a close family member's death due to the virus. The research also highlighted high levels of substance use, depression, anxiety, and unmet treatment need among NH/PIs during COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPublic Health Reports·TypeSurvey·DateSep 16, 2022

COVID-19 amplified hardship for many Harvey victims

A recent study by Rice University, Notre Dame, and Environmental Defense Fund reveals that COVID-19 exacerbated the economic and mental health consequences of Hurricane Harvey. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 participants, found a distinct distinction between acute effects and secondary stressors.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2022

Personalized prediction of depression treatment outcomes with wearables

Researchers developed a unified machine learning model that analyzes data from patients with and without treatment, predicting depression outcomes better than separate models. The approach enables personalized medicine by designing treatment plans specific to each patient's needs.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 13, 2022

Problems persist for kids exposed to cannabis in the womb

Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that children exposed to cannabis in the womb continue to exhibit increased signs of psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety. The study, which followed over 10,500 children, revealed no significant changes in psychiatric condition rates as they aged into adolescence.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 12, 2022

Older adults with regular activity routines are happier and do better on cognitive tests, study finds

A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that older adults with consistent daily routines are happier, less depressed, and have better cognitive function. Participants who rose early, stayed active throughout the day, and followed a regular routine performed better on cognitive tests than those with disrupted patterns.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 12, 2022

Fix up Earth to exit COVID-19: Critical link between environment, pandemics

A new study by Flinders University researchers highlights the critical link between environmental degradation and pandemics, emphasizing the need for urgent ecosystem restoration efforts to aid in COVID-19 recovery. The study suggests that up to 95% of land on Earth will be degraded by 2050 if effective measures are not taken.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2022