Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A 10-year study by Brigham Young University reveals that teenage girls who spent more than two to three hours a day on social media were at a higher risk of suicide as emerging adults. The study suggests that parental guidance and moderation are key to mitigating the negative effects of social media on mental health.
Researchers developed a machine learning method to accurately diagnose patients with mixed symptoms, revealing that depression plays a greater role in psychosis than thought. The study highlights the need for better treatments and more accurate diagnostic methods.
A West Virginia University-led study combines most drug overdose deaths with all suicides into an expanded self-injury category, exposing a mental health crisis across the United States. The research found that the national annual average percentage change in the self-injury rate was 4.3%, compared to 1.8% for suicide rates.
Linda Teplin's 15-year study examines the psychosocial outcomes of incarcerated youth, finding disproportionate effects on African Americans and Hispanics. The research highlights the need for public health and criminal justice reform to address these inequities.
A study published in Current Psychology found that both positive and negative childhood experiences can manifest as anxiety or other mental health disorders in adulthood. Researchers believe adaptability plays a key role in determining adult mental health.
A new study found that people with BPD are becoming more knowledgeable about the disorder and available treatments, but may still face significant challenges in finding appropriate help. Experts highlight the need for improved services, including public subsidies for specialized services and increased training for health professionals.
A pilot program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine provided scheduled mental health appointments to 80 resident physicians, with 23 attendees and high survey satisfaction rates. The program successfully addressed barriers to care, including time, confidentiality concerns, and cost.
Research highlights three common risk factors for maternal mental health problems: changes to work, marital conflicts, and pandemic-related distress. Mothers with stronger support networks, including grandparents, are less likely to experience mental health issues.
People with severe mental disorders have a significantly increased risk of dying from COVID-19, with mortality rates almost four times higher than in the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over eight million individuals, highlights the importance of addressing both mental and physical health problems in this group.
A new computerized adaptive screener has been developed to identify youth at risk for attempting suicide, correctly identifying 82.4% of youth who went on to attempt suicide in the three months following screening. The screener, CASSY, offers an easy-to-use way for providers to detect youth suicide risk in emergency department settings.
A study found that nearly a third of US teens and young adults prescribed psychoactive drugs misuse them, with stimulants and tranquillisers being most frequently misused. The likelihood of misuse increases with age, highlighting the need for comprehensive health promotion approaches among youth.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that children with autism experience a significant decline in physical activity between ages 9 and 13. The study suggests that interventions targeting this age range can help maintain healthy rates of physical activity. The research also highlights the importance of physical activity fo...
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark shows that a programme of football exercises as part of school lessons can increase health knowledge in children. The programme improved health knowledge in areas such as diet, exercise, hygiene, and wellbeing for both boys and girls.
A new study found that mobile apps with artificial intelligence improve the health status of migrants by 5.3%, while also increasing social integration by 2.7%. The study, conducted at Anglia Ruskin University, surveyed new migrants and refugees in Greece over a 10-month period.
A researcher at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is studying the impact of a poverty-focused model on health outcomes for low-income individuals. The Transition to Success model aims to address social determinants of health, reducing healthcare use and improving conditions.
Research found negative mental health effects from lockdowns spike, then fade as people adjust to new normal. Searches for isolation and worry decreased after peaking, while those for exercise, Netflix, and cooking increased.
Researchers found that street trees close to homes decrease depression rates, particularly among disadvantaged groups. The study analyzed data from almost 10,000 Leipzig inhabitants and found a strong association between tree proximity and reduced antidepressant prescriptions.
A survey of US adults found that 41% delayed or missed medical care due to fear of COVID-19 transmission and financial setbacks. The study highlights the need for policy interventions to limit forgone care, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A study of 323,200 participants from 99 countries found that friendships have health benefits regardless of location. In cultures with more individualism, those without resources benefit most from friendships for physical and psychological health.
A new study provides the first national estimate of systemic lupus erythematosus in the US, finding that approximately 72.8 out of every 100,000 people nationwide have the condition, which affects mostly women and disproportionately affects certain ethnic groups.
A new study reveals nearly 78% of children with autism have at least one mental health condition, with anxiety and depression prevalent among pre-school age children. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention to increase effectiveness of mental health treatment.
A study by UC Davis VPRP found that 4% of California adults experienced violence, leading to severe distress and social problems. Firearm involvement in violent events was associated with increased socioemotional consequences, including higher levels of perceived threat and reduced social functioning.
A study by Kayla Follmer and Jake Follmer found that low-grade forms of workplace mistreatment can amplify suicidal thoughts in employees with depression or bipolar disorder. The researchers surveyed 279 American adults and discovered that perceived mistreatment, job engagement, and suicidal ideation are linked.
Research suggests that only a small fraction of violent acts are attributable to mental illness, with most perpetrators not having a diagnosable mental illness. The special issue articles review treatments to prevent violence, violence against family members, risk assessment, mass shooting events, and gun violence prevention.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that more than half of US university students experienced high levels of psychological impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, which surveyed 2,534 students across seven US universities, identified risk factors such as gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and health conditions.
Researchers are developing mobile telehealth robots to support remote exams, enable isolated people to interact with their communities, and protect healthcare workers from COVID-19. The robots will use advanced tactile sensing, manipulation, and haptics technologies to provide a sense of presence and touch.
A new study from King's College London finds that nearly half of ICU staff are likely to meet the threshold for PTSD, severe anxiety, or problem drinking. The researchers found poor mental health was common among ICU clinicians, particularly nurses, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research reveals a significant drop in people seeking help for mental illness and self-harm during the first UK lockdown, with treatment gaps greatest for working-age individuals and those from deprived areas. The study found that anxiety disorders decreased by 47.8% and antidepressant prescriptions dropped by 36.4%.
Two multi-year studies will investigate patient experiences with mental-health teletherapy services, including effects on engagement and treatment outcomes. Researchers aim to identify traits of individuals who benefit most from digital therapy, and develop personalized entry points to teletherapy.
A comprehensive analysis by RAND Corporation reveals that transforming the US mental health care system is possible. The report emphasizes the need to integrate behavioral health into general health care settings, provide supportive housing for the homeless, and promote comprehensive mental health education.
A study by Michigan Medicine finds that more than half of patients who received telepsychiatry during the pandemic want to continue with virtual mental health care even after COVID-19 ends. The convenience, avoiding exposure to the coronavirus, and patient experience factor heavily into this preference.
A UK survey conducted before and during the pandemic reveals that women and ethnic minorities experienced a significant increase in average mental distress, with BAME men experiencing a greater average increase than White British men. The study suggests that the pandemic may have particularly affected the mental wellbeing of these groups.
The 1907 Trailblazer Awards support pioneering early-career mental health researchers Dr. Benjamin Bartelle, Dr. Laura Lewis, and Dr. Katherine Scangos with two-year grants valued at over $120,000 each. Their projects aim to advance our understanding of depression symptom severity in major depression and develop novel treatments.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, children have difficulty reading emotions on masked faces, which can affect their social interactions. The study suggests that this inability may be more pronounced in everyday life.
A longitudinal study of first-year university students found that those enrolled in the University of Vermont's Wellness Environment program had improved mood levels and fewer attention problems compared to non-participants. The study suggests that colleges and universities should track students' emotional health and develop specific p...
Researchers recommend that GPs adopt a more open questioning style when discussing self-harm and suicide with patients, acknowledging the possibility of a positive response. This can help alleviate stigma and encourage patients to disclose their thoughts, ultimately leading to better mental health outcomes.
A University of Bath expert cautions that digital trackers for mental health are not yet fit for purpose due to unclear links between online and offline behavior. The researcher highlights concerns over privacy, data protection, and the potential impact on vulnerable populations.
A new study found that young people who prefer to stay up late are more impulsive, anxious, and likely to engage in substance use. The research suggests that improving sleep hygiene could reduce these behaviors among young adults.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that male managers are more likely to hold negative attitudes toward depression, especially in senior positions. The research, which surveyed over 2,600 managers in Sweden, found that female managers had a significantly lower proportion of negative attitudes towards the mental disorder.
A study of 6,769 people from 77 countries found that those under strict lockdowns were more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Access to outdoor spaces and views of nature reduced symptoms during lockdowns, particularly in areas where people were not allowed to visit parks.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that young adults with higher levels of perceived social support reported lower levels of depression and anxiety symptoms one year later. This suggests that promoting and leveraging social support can be beneficial for mental health outcomes.
Researchers found that police officers investigating child exploitation are vulnerable to moral injury, PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to exposure to traumatic images. The study suggests ways to enhance professional support to improve management of psychological distress.
The NIH Office of Research on Women's Health is hosting a three-day virtual meeting series to celebrate its 30th anniversary, featuring events on sex and gender in health and disease, biomedical careers, and the advancement of women in research. The series includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, and a poster session, providing o...
A new study from the University of Cambridge found a significant increase in depression symptoms among children during the first UK lockdown. The study, which followed 168 children over time, showed that even small increases in emotional problems and anxiety were observed.
A study found a significant rise in depressive symptoms among children aged 7-12 in England during the UK-wide lockdown. The effect size was medium to large, indicating a substantial impact on mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing health disparities in pediatric care, with increased gaps in physical and mental health services. Telehealth can help bridge these gaps, reducing healthcare disparities.
Recent studies found a significant rise in mental health themes in popular rap songs over the past two decades. Lyrics from top hits analyzed for evidence of anxiety, depression, suicide, and related mental health issues are reported to be more common now than they were two decades ago.
A study by USC researchers found that working from home negatively impacts physical and mental health, increases distractions, and reduces productivity. Nearly 1,000 respondents reported experiencing one or more new physical health issues, with women and parents of toddlers and infants being disproportionately affected.
New research suggests that US states adopting voucher and charter school choice laws witnessed declines in suicide rates among young people. Private schooling was also associated with better mental health in adulthood, even after controlling for important sociodemographic factors.
A new special edition of Rehabilitation Psychology examines the diverse ways caring for an individual with TBI impacts well-being, including family life, mood, physical health, sleep and social relationships. A unique tool called the TBI-CareQOL Measurement System helps standardize measures for quality of life in caregivers.
A large-scale survey of over 1,300 Syrian school children found negative impacts from nine years of conflict, including high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), problematic anger, and mental health issues. Girls reported worse mental and physical health than boys and a higher probability of PTSD.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that three percent of primary school-aged children have self-harmed by age 11-12. Factors associated with self-harm include persistent symptoms of depression or anxiety, bullying, and poor emotional control. Early intervention strategies are necessary to address these issues.
The study found disparities in COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome among children, with higher rates among Hispanic and African American populations. These findings suggest that racial and ethnic disparities exist in the severity of COVID-19 illness in pediatric patients.
A recent study found that divorcees experience poorer mental and physical health compared to the background population. Higher levels of conflict during the divorce process predict worse mental health outcomes regardless of other factors. Targeted interventions early in the process may help mitigate these effects.
An observational study found that receiving unemployment insurance is associated with improved mental health, better healthcare access, and lower health-related social needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests a positive correlation between unemployment insurance receipt and these outcomes.
A new paper calls for psychiatrists to adopt skills and a mindset shift to help eliminate defects in healthcare organizations. The authors propose that psychiatrists become 'systems engineers' to identify and address systemic issues contributing to suboptimal care.
A new study found that young people's anxiety levels increased significantly during the first COVID-19 lockdown, doubling from 13% to 24%, and remained high even after restrictions were eased. The study highlights the need for mental health support and interventions to address emerging inequalities.
A study of 1 million Danish children found that growing up in low-income families increases the risk of developing mental disorders later in life. Children born into the lowest parental income quintile had a 25.2% chance of developing a clinically diagnosed mental disorder by age 37.
A new study of Canadians aged 45-85 found that 24% of refugees were in psychological distress compared to 13% of non-refugee immigrants and those born in Canada. The researchers believe pre-migration traumas, lack of social support, and chronic health conditions are contributing factors.
A rapid review found extensive evidence of an association between loneliness and increased risk of mental health problems for children and young people. Loneliness is associated with both depression and anxiety, with some studies suggesting a three-fold increase in depression among lonely youth.