Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
British households that normally buy more alcohol saw a 17-fold increase in purchases, while those in socially disadvantaged locations also boosted their buys. Overall alcohol purchases didn't change after COVID-19 lockdowns, but sales data suggest an rise in alcohol-related problems.
A recent study from Texas A&M University found that repeated exposure to major disasters can lead to reduced mental health scores, with cumulative impacts being more significant. The study highlights the need for public health interventions targeting individuals and communities affected by hazards.
Researchers found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse developed blunted cortisol profiles, associated with health problems like depression and anxiety. Epigenetic age acceleration also contributed to these effects. The study aims to understand resilience to trauma and develop interventions for those affected.
A new study found that nature exposure removes negative body image triggers and strengthens coping mechanisms, promoting healthy thought processes and realistic appraisals of body image threats.
A study found that the first day of quitting smoking is harder for women than men, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Women also have more difficulty maintaining long-term abstinence, with larger health warning labels on cigarette packs associated with reduced odds of one-day relapse among them.
A recent study found that consuming traditional forms of media, such as books and music, has negligible effect on anxiety and happiness levels in adults. However, engaging with newer types of media, like social media and video games, was linked to lower happiness and higher anxiety levels.
A study published in Developmental Psychology found that short Taekwondo courses improved primary school children's self-regulation and reduced symptoms of conduct disorders. The classes were well-received by pupils and led to higher levels of value placed on self-control, according to the researchers.
Researchers found that psilocybin doses of 10mg or 25mg administered simultaneously to up to six participants had no adverse effects. The study also showed promise for treating treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.
A new study by National Jewish Health finds that adjusting school start times can benefit parents' sleep, particularly those with children in middle and high school. Parents reported improved sleep duration and reduced daytime fatigue after the start time adjustments.
The January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on the factors underlying alcohol and cannabis use, as well as their interactions with other psychiatric illnesses. The journals also address disparities in coercive treatment for psychosis and provide insights into mental health services delivery.
A Kaiser Permanente study shows that well-designed depression screening programs can effectively identify patients in need of behavioral health care and increase referrals. The program was successfully integrated into the patient care workflow of medical oncology teams, leading to improved mental health care for breast cancer patients.
A new interdisciplinary treatment method has shown significant improvements in reducing overeating episodes and emotional issues among individuals with morbid obesity. The treatment combined mental health care with somatics, resulting in a nearly 30% reduction in overeating episodes and improved emotional well-being.
Researchers link wu-wei, a practice of non-doing or non-striving, to improved focus and flow states in athletes. By adopting wu-wei, athletes can achieve extraordinary performance without feeling like they're exerting effort.
Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.
A recent study by Xuedi Li and colleagues found that excessive screen time was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that parents should monitor their child's screen use to mitigate potential mental health effects.
A study found that schools account for only 2.4% of variation in social-emotional-behavioral difficulties, depressive symptoms, and well-being among 11-14 year olds. School climate was associated with mental health, despite its small impact.
A recent study of 5,000 older adults in England found that levels of depression, loneliness, and poor quality of life increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that the pandemic's impact on mental health continues to worsen over time.
A survey study found links between problematic smartphone use and low sense of control, fear of missing out (FOMO), and repetitive negative thinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that physical activity and mindfulness practices may help reduce such use.
Scientists have discovered recently evolved regions in the 'dark genome' that code for proteins associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These protein biomarkers could help distinguish between the two conditions and identify patients at risk of psychosis or suicide.
A global survey of 10,000 children and young people found that nearly half report feeling anxious and distressed due to government inaction on climate change. The study concludes that governments must take collective action to protect the mental health of young people by addressing climate change.
A US study found that stigma surrounding depression decreased significantly over two decades, while stigmas towards other mental health disorders remained stagnant or even increased. The research suggests that anti-stigma efforts can lead to more progressive attitudes and improved support for those with mental illness.
A new study found that children and adolescents with persistent high levels of anxiety are more likely to develop psychosis in their early 20s. Treating early anxiety by targeting stress hormones and non-resolving inflammation during childhood and teenage years could help prevent young adults from developing psychosis.
Research by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio scientists found that mice missing one copy of the Tbx1 gene exhibit slower cognitive processing. The gene's deletion led to diminished myelin insulation around nerves, impacting signal conduction between brain regions.
Research in Sweden, Bhutan, and Turkey finds that low maternal mental health affects children's attentiveness, social understanding, and decision-making skills. Small community support and social networks can mitigate this impact.
Families of children with serious illnesses have higher rates of healthcare use and physical/mental health issues compared to those without such conditions. The study included 6,900 children and found significant associations between family health outcomes and the child's condition.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.
A study of 2,000 Canadian children found a strong association between childhood food insecurity and poorer mental health and social functioning at age 15. Researchers suggest that addressing food insecurity in childhood may have long-term benefits for adolescents' mental well-being.
A study published in CMAJ found that people using cannabis during pregnancy and lactation do so to manage symptoms such as nausea and mental health problems. The motivations for use change when they become pregnant, with some stopping due to fear or stigma, while others continue to use it for symptom management.
A University of Birmingham-led study found that patients with a recorded history of gum disease are at higher risk of developing mental ill-health (37%), autoimmune diseases (33%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and cardiometabolic disorders, particularly Type 2 diabetes (26%). The study used UK primary care data to explore the associat...
Middle-aged women with higher self-compassion had thinner carotid artery walls and less plaque buildup, linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk. The findings persisted even when controlling for behaviors and psychological factors.
Research reveals that American middle-aged adults experience worse mental health than their peers in other countries, while the protective effect of education wanes. Education previously shielded against depression and memory difficulties, but its benefits are now diminishing.
Research shows autistic adults on Medicaid have higher odds of co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and epilepsy, compared to the general population. Racial and ethnic disparities are also evident, with Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults facing higher odds of certain conditions.
Researchers compared injury patterns among men and women presenting to emergency departments with intimate partner violence (IPV) injuries. The study found that male victims were more likely to have severe injuries, such as lacerations and gunshot wounds. In contrast, female victims were more likely to have facial bruises.
A study by the University of Exeter found that pressure to achieve high grades, be popular and beautiful, contributes to anxiety in teenage girls. The pressure to live up to societal expectations can lead to mental health issues, with older girls at greater risk than boys.
Researchers found that successful mental health programs built on social connectedness, accountability, trust, and resilience can effectively address the needs of individuals with chronic health conditions. These elements are interconnected and crucial for developing effective interventions.
Younger children report need for social interaction, while older students seek support for anxiety and educational pressures. The study surveyed 6291 young people in Wales to understand factors influencing their wellbeing during the pandemic.
A US survey found that dog owners experienced fewer negative psychological impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic compared to potential dog owners. The study suggests that dog ownership may have played a role in mitigating the mental health effects of isolation and confinement.
Research by Aston University psychologists found that children who watched adults eat green vegetables with positive facial expressions consumed more than double the amount of those vegetables. The study suggests that smiling while eating can encourage children to try and eat more, especially less popular vegetables like broccoli.
A new study by Nathan Grant Smith and colleagues found that straight men use anti-gay slurs not due to their sexual orientation but to protect traditional masculine norms. The study suggests that threatening straight men's status can trigger the use of such slurs, highlighting a significant problem in our culture.
A Curtin University study found that mobile devices helped families strengthen relationships and bond over online activities, such as video calls and games. However, some participants reported devices as a source of distraction, disrupting family interactions.
A new report proposes a clearer definition of treatment-resistant depression, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The study found that only about a third of studies in TRD enroll participants who met the most common definition, highlighting the need for a standardized approach.
The QUENCH network aims to discover how the quality of urban ecosystems affects nature-connectedness and health. Funded by £312,000 from NERC, UKRI, the project brings together experts in environmental science, health, psychology, social sciences, and more.
A meta-analysis of trials on digital interventions for depression found that computer- and smartphone-based treatments are effective but require human support to achieve outcomes similar to face-to-face therapy. The study also highlights the potential role of AI and wearable devices in preventing mental illness.
A study identified three major areas for organizations to reduce burnout and increase work engagement: balancing job demands and resources. Clinicians cited policies that hinder care delivery as a key factor, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
A Geisinger study found that adults with rare genetic causes of mental health disorders are more likely to have chronic illnesses like diabetes and dementia. The research also discovered that these individuals had twice as many annual emergency room visits compared to a control group without the genetic conditions.
Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that digital interventions improved depression symptoms over control conditions, but the effect was not as strong as face-to-face psychotherapy. Digital treatments with human components were most effective in reducing symptoms, particularly when accompanied by human guidance.
A new study found that childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for prescription opioid misuse among young adults. Participants who reported four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly three times more likely to be at risk for opioid misuse, with a 13% higher likelihood compared to those with zero to three ACEs.
A systematic review found that remote care presented challenges for new patients, those without a private space at home, and individuals with schizophrenia or severe anxiety. Despite the benefits of increased convenience and accessibility, concerns were raised about safety, privacy, and confidentiality in remote care.
Researchers discovered that appealing to athletes' sense of 'future guilt' through psychological intervention was a more powerful initial reaction than education programmes highlighting the risks of doping. The study also found that receiving useful information about doping strengthened athletes' confidence to resist temptation.
Research by University of Kent and Nottingham Trent University found that video and text-based messaging apps have a negative effect on the mental wellbeing of young people over 16 during Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite this, face-to-face contact is positively associated with wellbeing compared to digital contact.
A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.
A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.
A study of 2,657 young adults found that those with eating disorders and self-harm experienced increased symptoms of depression and anxiety during the pandemic. Lifestyle changes showed little effect on mental health problems in this group.
A study found that the percentage of psychiatrist visits involving psychotherapy dropped to 21.6% between 1996 and 2016, with rural and Black/Hispanic patients experiencing significant declines. The shift towards medication management is attributed to economic factors and a national shortage in psychiatric services.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of home health care workers rate their general health as fair or poor, with 1 in 5 reporting poor mental health. Factors contributing to poorer health include low household income, cost barriers, and history of depression.
A recent study published in lambda nordica suggests that recognizing the psychological, social, and physical effects of shame on HIV patients is crucial for enhancing their medical treatment. The research argues that healthcare workers should be more aware of how shame contributes to poor health outcomes, particularly in individuals wi...
A UConn study found that supporting surviving parents can reduce youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children. The Family Bereavement Program improved parenting skills and needs, leading to reduced aversive self-views and increased child positive connectedness.
A recent study found that Black adults experience more pronounced mental health challenges than white adults in response to COVID-19 pandemic stresses. Younger Black adults are particularly vulnerable, with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to their older counterparts.
A new study found that bowel cancer patients are at high risk of clinical levels of depression, with over a third experiencing symptoms up to five years after surgery. The study identified risk factors such as pre-existing depression and anxiety, low social support, and poor health.