Articles tagged with Mental Health
A study on women-only Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Brazil found that participants experienced rejection and loneliness due to social stigma. The women-only format provided a safe space for self-expression and reclaimed dignity, differing from mixed meetings where men-focused testimonials prevailed.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased delivery of mental health counseling through telehealth, with 47.9% of outpatient visits transitioning online by December 2020. Unequal access to mental health care was found among older adults, Black and Hispanic people, and those with lower incomes.
A study of 2,100 adolescent young carers in the UK found that 28% considered self-harming and 12% contemplated harming others. The pressure of caring for a family member or friend can lead to poor well-being and distress, particularly among girls.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
Lockdowns during COVID-19 led to significant increases in depression, anxiety, and exhaustion among women in India, particularly those with vulnerable social positions. The study suggests that policymakers should consider supportive measures to limit economic devastation and target aid to vulnerable households and women.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has been awarded two $3.25 million and $3.25 million NIH grants to study cardiovascular health among a diverse population of school-aged children. The research, led by Jerica Berge, will address social and structural determinants of health in primary care settings.
A Synapsy study has identified a new neural pathway involved in social interaction, distinct from the traditional reward system. This discovery may hold key to understanding and treating autism spectrum disorders.
Research finds that increased parental expectations and criticism are associated with higher levels of perfectionism among college students, which can lead to negative mental health consequences. Parents' anxious expectations can perpetuate a lifelong trait, with perfectionist parents raising perfectionist children.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that only 5.4% of individuals with opioid use disorder received treatment as part of their criminal justice involvement. The study also identified predictors of treatment access for justice-involved individuals, including demographics and substance use severity.
A recent Sri Lankan twin study reveals that genetic factors contribute to approximately one-third of the variation in depressive symptoms, while environmental influences account for around two-thirds. The study also found a strong association between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life.
A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry found that pharmacogenetic testing significantly improved symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study involved 276 patients and showed a nearly two-fold increase in remission rates compared to treatment as usual.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
A significant proportion of youth with substance use and depression show early improvements in depression during treatment for substance use. Lower frequency of cannabis use at baseline is a predictor of early depression response. Both additional CBT or community treatment improved depression symptoms in those without an early response.
The rate of older adults treated for substance abuse increased sharply from 2000 to 2017, with a notable rise in cannabis and cocaine use. This trend is attributed to decreasing stigma around substance abuse, allowing more older adults to seek help through self-referrals.
A recent brain imaging study has found evidence of weakening connections between key brain areas in adolescents at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder. This study suggests that early intervention strategies may be effective in preventing the progression towards major changes in the brain.
A Rutgers study of New Jersey nurses reveals that the combined effect of COVID-19 fears and workplace racism has a devastating impact on nonwhite workers. The research found that nurses of color experience higher levels of emotional distress due to these factors.
Researchers found that patients with psychosocial and behavioral therapy had lower risk of medication discontinuation in the first 180 days after treatment. Therapy may help reduce high attrition rates commonly observed early during treatment.
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 46,158 participants shows a sharp rise in depression and anxiety levels following the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. The prevalence of diagnosed depression increased from 4% to 32%, while anxiety diagnoses rose from 5% to 31%. Experts are calling for greater evidence-base...
Adults conceived via IVF show improved social relationships and environment quality of life, according to a new study. The research also found associations between positive psychosocial factors, such as family financial situation and relationship with parents, on adult quality of life.
A new study finds that clinics supporting patients throughout the entire FIT process improve return rates and reduce colorectal cancer-related illness. Additionally, a telephone survey for dementia detection shows promise as a low-cost diagnostic tool, especially in primary care settings.
According to a systematic review of over 16 million young people from 25 countries, children with disabilities experience higher rates of violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.
People with severe mental illness experience increased likelihood of health problems and poorer physical health due to inadequate pain management. Current treatments are often excluded from clinical trials, and low physical activity is a common issue in both conditions.
Twelve new research projects aim to level up health and wellbeing across the UK through cultural and natural interventions. The programme, funded by AHRC and partners, will generate evidence for place-based approaches to creative health, generating insights into local cultural activities and natural spaces.
The study found that 43% of transgender and gender diverse students identified as nonbinary, with similar numbers identifying as pansexual (1.7%) as gay or lesbian (1.6%). Many LGBTQ+ youth reported depressive symptoms and experiences of identity-based bullying.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University found that a 7-week healthy cooking course improved participants' general health, mental health, and self-perceived mental well-being. Cooking confidence also increased significantly, particularly among women, who reported improved mental health benefits despite no changes in diet quality.
Researchers found data analysis, accounting, cleaning, and banking to be the most boring jobs, while religion, watching TV, and bird watching were among the dullest hobbies. Stereotypically boring people are often disliked and avoided due to preconceptions, leading to social ostracization and increased loneliness.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that medical marijuana users were more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) than expected, particularly those seeking relief from anxiety and depression. The study suggests that the current system of dispensing and using medical marijuana may be contributing to this issue.
A recent study found that age-adjusted suicide rates among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans receiving care in the VHA system increased by nearly 150% over two decades. The youngest age group, aged 18-39 years, had the highest suicide rate of 66.0 per 100,000 person-years.
A new report has provided the first scientific consensus on healthy daily light exposure to support sleep, alertness, and well-being. The recommendations aim to optimize lighting in workplaces, public buildings, and homes to promote healthier body rhythms and improve overall health.
A new study found that more than half of local public health departments experienced harassment during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over one-third of public health officials who resigned or were fired reported incidents of harassment.
A retrospective analysis of nearly 30,000 patients found that those who received lithium were less likely to develop dementia. The study supports the possibility that lithium could be a preventative treatment for dementia.
Researchers found that people with severe alcohol use disorder reported missing 32 days of work each year, while those without the condition missed around 13 days. The study suggests that addressing alcohol use disorder in the workplace could lead to economic incentives and improved employee health.
A new study found that excessive daytime napping among seniors is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. After a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, daytime napping duration triples, suggesting that the brain's wake-promoting neurons may be affected by dementia pathology.
Brainwide association studies need thousands of individuals to yield higher reproducibility, as smaller samples often uncover strong but spurious associations. Larger sample sizes lead to more likely reproductions of correlations, with effect sizes decreasing as the number of participants increases.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health-related emergency department visits surged, revealing persistent racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
The US Preventive Services Task Force concludes that there is not enough evidence to recommend routine screening for eating disorders. Eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa are associated with short- and long-term adverse health outcomes including physical, psychological, and social problems.
A study by Tohoku University researchers found that adolescent carers in the UK reported higher psychological distress and lower mental well-being scores during the pandemic. The study highlights the urgent need for better psychosocial support for young carers, including psychoeducational sessions to build resilience.
A study in rural Ethiopia found that community-based rehabilitation, supported by local health centers and medication, reduced symptoms and improved functioning for individuals with schizophrenia. Community-based rehabilitation workers also helped participants access healthcare services and support their families.
A new study found that severe COVID-19 illness is associated with increased risk of long-term adverse mental health effects. Non-hospitalized patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to experience depressive symptoms up to 16 months after diagnosis, with those bedridden for seven days or more having higher rates of depress...
A recent study found that individuals with a history of neurological or psychiatric conditions are at increased risk of developing a second condition. Women and men differ in their risk, with women being more likely to develop dementia after experiencing an earlier stroke.
A Rutgers study found that individuals who die by suicide with a firearm are more likely to disclose suicidal thoughts to others but less likely to seek mental health treatment. Approximately 90% of firearm-related suicides result in death, compared to less than 5% for other methods.
A new study from Rice University finds that two-thirds of Muslims, half of Jews and more than a third of evangelical Protestant Christians experience workplace discrimination in different ways. Muslims and Jews feel targeted by anti-Islamic and antisemitic rhetoric, while Christians are perceived as judgmental for taking moral stances.
A new study calls on tour operators to mitigate the cost of their staff's emotional labor, arguing changes would be easy and quick. The tourism industry relies heavily on recruiting extroverts to work as resort reps, but even they need support to maintain a façade of happiness.
A Swedish study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that victims of sexual and gender-based harassment in the workplace are at a higher risk of prescribed psychotropic medication. The study analyzed over 23,000 participants and found a 20% increase in medication use among those who experienced harassment.
A new study from the University of Toronto reveals that immigrants are twice as likely to fear being targeted of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada compared to Canadian-born residents. Additionally, migrants expressed greater health concerns related to vaccines and accessing healthcare during the early days of the pandemic.
A study found that an eight-week mindfulness-based program during pregnancy reduced the risk of health problems in offspring, as measured by autonomic nervous system responses. Infants whose mothers underwent the program had a faster cardiovascular recovery from stressful interactions and more self-soothing behavior.
A new study led by UC San Francisco reveals that 87% of seniors with dementia would stop at least one medication if their doctor said it was possible. Polypharmacy contributes to challenges with adherence and adverse interactions, but most patients are willing to reduce their medications.
A study highlights the need for adequate training for teachers to provide mental health support for children. Experts recommend integrating comprehensive training into teacher training courses and investing in schools as hubs for children's services.
A study published in Health Data Science found a positive correlation between COVID-19 cases and mental health concerns on Twitter. The majority of mental health-related tweets were posted by middle-aged and senior users, with males expressing concerns more frequently than females.
A study of nearly 158,000 US residents found that immigrants had increased financial worries in areas like retirement and medical costs, despite lower overall rates of psychological distress. However, serious psychological distress was associated with higher levels of financial worry in non-US-born individuals.
A recent study found that nearly 30% of youth with benzodiazepine or stimulant overdoses had prescribed these medications in the prior month. Physicians may need to weigh the risks and benefits of these medications more closely, particularly for youth at high risk of self-injury.
A study of nearly 600,000 adults found that those diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease at younger ages. This highlights the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors for these individuals as early as possible.
A recent systematic review found that COVID-19 led to a 28% reduction in mental health service use among children and young people. The largest decrease was recorded in emergency department visits for mental health issues, with a 40% reduction on average.
A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B found that female informal caregivers who provide intensive care at home experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those caring for a loved one within the home reported more depressive symptoms and anxiety compared to those caring ...
A study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior reveals subgroups of firearm owners in the United States who can be trusted to discuss safe storage. The study found that certain groups, such as those owning multiple firearms or shotguns and rifles, may require more individualized conversations about safe storage.
A new study found that music and auditory beat stimulation can significantly reduce state anxiety in people with moderate trait anxiety. The treatment was more effective than music alone or pink noise for reducing somatic anxiety, while music alone was more effective for reducing cognitive state anxiety.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that individuals without jobs or stable housing experience worse depression symptoms when treated with therapy or antidepressants. The researchers analyzed data from nine studies involving over 4,800 participants and discovered that unemployed patients had 28% poorer outcomes compar...
A recent study found that only 56.9% of transgender respondents felt treated equally in routine appointments, while 48.2% reported their primary care doctor was supportive of gender-affirming care needs. The researchers recommend incorporating transgender healthcare into medical school curricula to improve care for transgender patients.