Articles tagged with Mental Health
A South African study found a strong link between low language ability and ADHD-type attention problems, as well as depressive symptoms in adolescents. The research highlights the need for better support for children with reduced language ability to prevent long-term mental health issues.
A nationwide trial led by Drexel University is investigating the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) delivered via telemedicine to reduce anxiety and depression among cystic fibrosis patients. The study aims to improve lung function and optimize mental and physical health outcomes.
Research found that people experiencing storm and flood damage are about 50% more likely to experience poorer mental health, even when the damage is minor. The study suggests that climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of storms and floods in the UK, highlighting the need for mental health support.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that young adults with a history of parental incarceration and juvenile justice involvement are nearly three times more likely to have depression or PTSD compared to peers without any experience with the criminal justice system. Anxiety is also nearly twice as common in this population.
A childhood history of personal involvement in the juvenile justice system and parental incarceration is associated with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder in young adulthood. Having either experience with the criminal justice system as a child increases risk of adverse mental health outcomes.
Research reveals that individuals who experienced financial, housing-related, or job-related hardships during the Great Recession showed increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and problematic drug use. These findings suggest that government-funded mental health support may be a sound investment to stimulate economic recovery.
More than 1 million Canadians have alcohol use disorders, but most never receive professional help. Improved screening and medication are available to address this issue.
Studies find that older Chinese Americans with depressive symptoms experience increased functional disabilities, mobility issues, and comorbid chronic health conditions. Comorbidity increases emergency room visits, hospitalizations, medical costs, and mortality rates among this population.
The University of Arizona Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW) has launched the Lighthouse Project, a five-year initiative providing trauma-informed services to unstably housed LGBTQ young adults in Tucson. The project aims to target 300 homeless individuals and offers a range of services, including mental health support, ...
Women with breast cancer who experience depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions are more likely to use opioids and have lower survival rates. Researchers recommend alternative pain management options like physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture to improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study of over 400 teenagers found no significant link between smartphone usage and poor mental health outcomes. In fact, adolescents who sent more text messages reported feeling better, suggesting a potential positive impact of digital technology on their well-being.
Researchers estimate that over 72 per 100,000 people in the US are affected by prurigo nodularis, a skin disease characterized by itchy bumps. The study also found associations with other conditions, including HIV, kidney disease, and mental health disorders.
A new study by researchers at the University of Warwick and others found that living within 300m of urban green space is associated with greater happiness, sense of worth, and life satisfaction. The study used data from 25,518 people in London and found that proximity to green space was more important than lifestyle factors.
A study by the University of Vermont found that visitors to urban parks use happier words and express less negativity on Twitter after their visit, with a lasting effect. The impact is comparable to the mood spike on Christmas Day, highlighting the importance of green spaces for mental health.
A recent study found that rural communities in the Northwest face significant health disparities and lack access to timely data. The SHARE-NW project is working to identify and visualize data to help address these issues and promote health equity.
A study of over 1,200 US college students found that gender minority students are between two and four times more likely to experience mental health problems than their cisgender peers. The research highlights the need for colleges and universities to take action to protect and support trans students on campus.
A comprehensive dementia care program staffed by nurse practitioners significantly reduced patients' behavioral problems and depression, as well as lower the distress of caregivers. The study's findings suggest that such programs are a promising approach toward improving the psychological health of patients and caregivers.
A Veterans Health Administration program significantly improved access to mental health and primary care services for veterans with behavioral health needs. The initiative resulted in 11% more mental health visits, 40% more primary care visits, and a 9% higher average annual cost per patient.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine found that depression is the single largest driver of substance use during pregnancy. Pregnant women with depression were 2.6 times more likely to use cannabis and twice as likely to smoke cigarettes and use alcohol while pregnant.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the need for increased awareness of mental health disorders among adults with cerebral palsy. The research team found that adults with cerebral palsy have a higher age-standardized prevalence of mental health disorders compared to those without the condition.
A study suggests that maternal sensitivity and early brain structure interact to influence attachment disorganization. High levels of maternal sensitivity in infants with larger left hippocampi were associated with lower attachment disorganization.
A Rutgers-Camden study reveals that individuals with poor physical or mental health are more likely to commit crimes and return to prison. The researchers found that limited employment opportunities and family conflict exacerbate recidivism, highlighting the need for improved healthcare in prisons.
Research from the University of Sydney found that electric fans lowered core temperature and cardiovascular strain in hot, humid conditions, but were detrimental in very hot, dry conditions. The study highlights the limitations of using heat index values to recommend fan use during heat waves.
Research reveals that students identifying as black or Latino are more likely to socially distance themselves from peers with a mental illness, indicating persistent mental illness stigma. Targeted anti-stigma interventions may benefit boys of color and Latina girls, who exhibit higher levels of discomfort around mental illness.
This observational study found that exposure to more tree canopy was associated with a lower likelihood of psychological distress and better self-rated general health. However, no green space indicator was consistently linked to depression or anxiety, and low-lying vegetation had mixed results.
University of Washington researchers found that parents and teachers who received a bonding curriculum in elementary school reported better health and socioeconomic status as adults. The study, which followed participants since fifth-grade, showed enduring effects on physical health, mental well-being, and civic engagement.
An international team developed a framework for cities to quantify and incorporate nature's benefits on mental health, considering elements of nature, contact, interactions, and benefits. This tool aims to address environmental justice and health disparities in underserved communities.
A study by Michigan State University reveals that crime rates, not racial bias, predict fatal police shootings. The findings show that black officers are more likely to shoot black citizens due to demographics, but this does not support the idea of white officer bias.
The UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Center is participating in the U.S. POINTER study, a landmark trial examining the effects of lifestyle modifications on brain health. The study aims to expand research on slowing cognitive decline and will enroll 400 adults at risk for Alzheimer's over 18 months.
A new study by University of Queensland researchers found that patients' physical health is often overlooked in pursuit of treating mental illness. Conditions like diabetes serve as a stark example, with rates twice as high in those with mental illness compared to the general population.
A first-of-its-kind study found that neighborhood economics, education, and perceptions of social disorder are linked to poor mental health in urban black men. Neighborhood deprivation and disconnectedness are also associated with poor physical health outcomes.
A Rutgers University researcher collaborated with the World Health Organization to gather input from people with common mental health issues on how their disorders are described in diagnostic guidelines. The study aimed to improve access to treatment and reduce stigma by incorporating personal experiences into diagnostic manuals.
A global commission has released a blueprint for protecting physical health in people with mental illness, highlighting key factors driving poor health and presenting initiatives for health policy and clinical services. The report reveals a broad range of mental illnesses are associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A national study reveals children without insurance are 3.3 times more likely to be transferred for mental health emergencies than those with private insurance. The study highlights inequities in care based on insurance coverage, creating additional burdens on the patient, family, and healthcare system.
A national study found that child psychiatric telephone access programs significantly increased the proportion of children receiving mental health services. States with statewide programs had higher treatment rates compared to those with partial or no programs. The study suggests that expanding these programs could bolster the number o...
A study by the University of Birmingham found that homeless individuals in the UK often experience casual neglect, discrimination, and inadequate resources when accessing NHS services. Specialist healthcare centers for homeless people show high satisfaction rates but are underfunded.
A new study from The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice found that care management and coordination activities in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) were not associated with improved outcomes or lower spending for patients with complex medical and social needs. Researchers analyzed data from over 1....
The University of Pittsburgh's new Bioengineering in Psychiatry Training Program aims to prepare students with engineering and quantitative science backgrounds for careers in mental health research. The program will focus on neuroimaging, neurostimulation, and neural engineering to address key areas of mental health research.
A new study finds that patients with mental health conditions are less likely to be prescribed the most effective drug, varenicline, for quitting smoking. However, research suggests that varenicline is associated with better mental health outcomes and higher quit rates compared to nicotine replacement therapy.
Dr. Tallie Z. Baram's team will investigate how unpredictable parental and environmental signals influence infant vulnerability to cognitive and emotional problems. They aim to identify novel factors contributing to mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and devise precise interventions.
Research shows that gay men in China's 25-29 age group are eight times more likely to feel criticized and rejected compared to those aged 20 or younger. This is largely due to social pressure and family expectations, according to a study by Assistant Professor Thomas Lee.
A new study suggests that local food initiatives can improve psychological well-being by fostering connection to nature, satisfying basic needs, and promoting better diets. Participants in local food projects scored higher on standardised measures of well-being than non-participants.
Research links poor social relationships to bone loss in postmenopausal women, suggesting that reducing negative interactions may limit bone loss and reduce fractures. High levels of psychosocial stress were associated with lower bone mineral density over six years.
Researchers discovered that people who experience boredom often have more anxiety and depression. To cope, individuals can shift towards left brain activity, engaging themselves in activities like reading or planning meals.
A new study published in Psychiatry Research has concluded that psychiatric diagnoses are scientifically worthless as tools for identifying discrete mental health disorders. The study found significant overlap in symptoms between diagnoses and highlighted the limitations of diagnostic manuals such as the DSM.
A new study by UK and US researchers found that WHO mental health diagnostic descriptions often focus on external symptoms, leading to alienation and misunderstanding among patients. The research recommends incorporating more information about the felt-experience into the guidelines to improve understanding and empathy for service users.
A survey of over 3,400 university students found that one in five reported problematic smartphone use, associated with lower grades, mental health problems, and more sexual partners. Problematic smartphone use was also linked to higher rates of alcohol misuse and ADHD-like symptoms.
A new study from Oregon State University found that military veterans exposed to combat were more likely to exhibit signs of depression and anxiety in later life. The study suggests that combat experience has a unique impact on mental health trajectories in late life, independent of other health issues or stressful life events.
A large study found that people with both physical illnesses and mental disorders experience a significant increase in frequent visits to emergency departments, compared to those with multiple physical illnesses or mental illness alone. This synergy between physical multimorbidity and mental disorders can lead to a greater impact on pu...
A new study by Ohio State University finds that 81% of women who have experienced domestic violence have suffered a head injury, while 83% have been strangled. The research suggests that brain injury caused by blows to the head and oxygen deprivation are ongoing health issues for many survivors.
A University of Birmingham study found nearly one in eight homeless individuals received support for substance dependence, while nearly one in five had access to alcohol misuse treatment. The study also identified a high prevalence of infectious hepatitis C among the homeless population.
A La Trobe University study found that peer-led support programs for carers significantly improved carer well-being, reducing psychological distress by 8.6% and increasing positive feelings by 7.6%. The program also increased carers' knowledge of mental health conditions and improved communication with the person they care for.
A two-year social marketing campaign in California significantly encouraged more people to seek care for symptoms of mental distress. Exposure to the campaign increased recognition of mental illness and advocacy for those affected.
A new study found that evidence-based therapies for youth with mental health problems are slow to catch on, despite city efforts to showcase their value. Clinicians who work in 'proficient cultures' were more likely to use these approaches.
A recent study found a 60% increase in suicide deaths among young black males and a 182% increase among young black females between 2001 and 2017. Safe firearm storage and adequate mental health services are crucial to reducing these rates.
Adverse mental health outcomes, including anxiety and poor sleep scores, were associated with concerns over US immigration policy among Latinx adolescents. High scores on an assessment tool indicating worries about immigration policy were also linked to adverse outcomes.
A new study found that patients who meditate or listen to calming music before receiving written health information are more likely to pay attention and retain the details. The researchers recommend using this time wisely by relaxing in the waiting room, such as meditating or listening to calming music.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that using 3D scanning and modeling software can help young adult women appreciate their bodies for their utility and role, rather than just their appearance. Participants who digitally painted 3D avatars reported increased body appreciation and lower depressive and anxiety symptoms.
A study by Syracuse University researchers found that frequent vacationers have lower risks of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that using available vacation time can lead to tangible health benefits.
A recent study found that nearly half of America's firefighters experience high levels of physical and emotional burnout, with insomnia and PTSD linked to increased risks. Researchers emphasize the need for fire departments to prioritize sleep and mental health to reduce burnout and improve response times.