Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A new study found that suicidal thoughts and self-harm among childbearing women nearly tripled between 2006 and 2017, with significant increases seen among Black, low-income, and younger individuals. The prevalence of maternal suicidality increased from 0.2% to 0.6%, affecting an estimated 24,000 individuals.
A study of 3,000 adults in Tokyo found that frequent greenspace use and green views from home increased self-esteem, life satisfaction, and happiness while reducing depression and loneliness. Nearby nature serves as a buffer against the adverse impacts of stressful events on humans.
A feasibility study led by Sage Bionetworks is developing a global mental health program that empowers youth to guide data collection, sharing, and usage. The project leverages mobile phones and connected technologies to collect data on youth's lived experience with mental health self-management.
A national survey of over 1,000 young US adults finds alarming levels of loneliness associated with significant mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of providing access to psychological help and promoting social connectedness to address these problems.
A recent UCL-led study found that UK teenagers are increasingly dieting to lose weight, with girls being more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The research also showed that boys are becoming more likely to try to gain weight, and both sexes are overestimating their weight.
UC San Diego's integration of student medical records with its electronic health record platform improved care coordination, access to vital medical information, and resources. The system enabled same-day video visits, rapid turnaround of radiology results, and accessible COVID-19 testing.
Women who experience combined intimate partner violence suffer greater damage to their health and are more likely to attempt suicide. The study found that combinations of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse were associated with long-lasting harm to health.
A new survey of 13,000 Welsh participants found that around half showed clinically significant psychological distress, with severe effects affecting 20%. The study highlights the need for public sector services to prepare for increased mental health problems in vulnerable groups.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that people with low aerobic and muscular fitness are nearly twice as likely to experience depression. The study also found a 60% greater chance of anxiety in individuals with low fitness levels over a seven-year follow-up.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that loneliness is a leading cause of depression in older adults, with nearly one in five cases potentially preventable. The research, led by UCL researchers, suggests that subjective experiences of loneliness contribute to depression up to 12 years later.
Dr. Sonia Y. Angell receives the American Heart Association's 2020 Chairman's Award for her dynamic leadership in public health and promotion of cardiovascular health. Her notable achievements include enacting regulations to ban trans fatty acids, launching coalitions to reduce sodium and sugar in food supply.
Researchers from the University of Seville found that AI can detect birth defects, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth earlier using data on environmental pollution. AI systems can also help monitor women's mental health during pregnancy, improving public health in disadvantaged areas.
A new paper in Nature Ecology and Evolution outlines strategies to improve fieldwork safety for researchers from diverse backgrounds. The authors recommend proactive measures such as notifying others of data collection locations and training supervisors to address these issues.
A Rutgers study found that telehealth reliance highlighted digital divides among vulnerable populations, while financial challenges and staff shortages impacted service delivery. Behavioral health care staffs were concerned about clients' basic needs and social isolation, as well as their own safety risks amidst the pandemic.
A recent study by UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country reveals that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety, with similar mental health statuses, receiving more psychotropic drugs. The research highlights the need for policy intervention to address gender inequalities in mental health.
A pan-European project recruits young people aged 16-22 to use an app designed to learn about emotions, develop resilience, and build well-being. The app's data helps researchers understand mood, emotion, and mental health in young people.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that teens who spend more time on extracurricular activities and less time on screens have better mental health. The study also found that girls are particularly affected by excessive screen time, which can lead to anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Researchers found significant variation in the effectiveness of collaborative care programs for depression in primary-care clinics. Clinics with more intensive implementation support and those that had several years of practice achieved better outcomes. Patients who are more severely depressed or have fewer resources may also have wors...
A recent study found that very rural areas in the US have significantly fewer mental health services for young people, with only 3.9% of rural ZIP Codes having facilities that serve youth. This lack of access exacerbates the already high suicide rate among rural youth, highlighting the need for increased resources.
The study found that adults in states voting for Hillary Clinton experienced 54.6 million more days of poor mental health, compared to Trump-voting states, with increases observed in older adults, women, and white individuals. Depression rates also rose in Clinton-voting states after the election.
Active individuals showed lower incidence of anxiety and depression compared to non-active individuals during the pandemic, despite reduced exercise. The study found a connection between physical activity, mental health, and sleep problems, but no difference in sleep quality among those who changed their exercise habits.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. will publish Journal of Correctional Health Care, a national, peer-reviewed journal focusing on correctional health care. The journal provides education for healthcare providers serving the incarcerated population, covering topics such as clinical care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
The need for collaborative care among healthcare professionals to address mental health demands in the COVID-19 era is highlighted. The authors emphasize the importance of this approach to ensure timely and effective support for individuals struggling with mental health issues during this critical time.
A new study from the American Cancer Society found that active older adults have better overall physical and mental health. Higher amounts of regular moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity and lower duration of sedentary time are associated with higher global mental and physical health.
A study published in Cambridge University Press found a significant link between symptoms of depression and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection among adults in Soweto. Those with childhood trauma or existing poverty were more likely to experience increased depressive symptoms.
The project aims to employ people formerly injected drugs and provide a robust recovery ecosystem by aiding recovery and physical health, with state-certified peer navigator/recovery coaches at the forefront. The goal is to create a comprehensive and sustainable approach to support those in recovery.
A study by King's College London found that people tend to believe they are less likely to contract COVID-19 than others, leading to comparative optimism and potentially poorer compliance with lockdown guidelines. This perception of low risk can make individuals more relaxed about future lockdown measures, increasing the likelihood of ...
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in mental health disorders and substance use issues, with evidence indicating a significant increase in these conditions. Researchers have found that the pandemic's impact on daily life has contributed to this rise.
The study aggregates mortality, morbidity, mental health conditions, and economic losses to estimate the total cost of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The estimated cost is $16 trillion, with an optimistic assumption that the pandemic will be substantially contained by fall 2021.
A new study has found that both mothers and fathers with mental health problems are more likely to have a baby born prematurely. Men with persistent mental health issues were more likely to have a preterm birth, while women with anxiety and depression during pregnancy also increased the risk.
A survey study in Texas found that a significant portion of police officers experience mental illness and utilize mental health care services. The study highlights the need for improved mental health support within law enforcement agencies.
A German study found that only 2.6% of asylum seekers received a diagnosis for depression, while 1.4% received a diagnosis for anxiety disorder and 2.9% for PTSD symptoms. Many diagnosed individuals did not receive treatment, highlighting the need for urgent improvements in mental health care.
A study found that psychosocial resilience is positively associated with cardiovascular health among Black adults, independent of neighborhood context. Higher psychosocial resilience scores were linked to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, even in neighborhoods with high rates of heart disease and stroke.
A University of Michigan researcher found that religious Muslims experienced the largest decline in mental health, with a 11 percentage point rise, compared to other groups. The study suggests that sociopolitical events can have negative consequences for educational and social outcomes among affected groups.
Internet searches for mental health issues in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic increased significantly, revealing a surge in searches for conditions such as anxiety and depression. The study analyzed changes in search trends to better understand the impact of the pandemic on mental health.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that users' desire to help others with mental health problems is a powerful driver for using chatbots. The researchers surveyed 1,114 U.S. adults who had used chatbots for mental health services and discovered that helping others was twice as motivating as helping oneself.
A recent study found that the 2016 US presidential election led to an increase in anxiety and depression among Muslim college students. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 students and discovered a significant association between the election outcome and mental health outcomes.
A uOttawa-led research project aims to examine how primary care providers can offer better healthcare for people living with serious mental illness. The study will analyze the primary health care experience of this population group and identify ways to improve the system.
A new study finds that over half of women with menopause symptoms in Northern California are using cannabis to manage hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. The study also shows that more than a quarter of participants express interest in trying cannabis for menopause symptom management.
Research finds that even low levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can impact a child's brain development, leading to anxiety, depression, and poor attention. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, suggests that any alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with subtle yet significant behavioural and psyc...
A Dartmouth-led study reveals that pediatric mental health boarding is a prevalent and understudied issue, affecting 40,000 to 66,000 youth admitted to hospitals each year. The research team found key risk factors for children, including age, suicidal thoughts, and seasonal hospital visits.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing global mental health issues, fueled by worsening social determinants, job insecurity, and fear of infection. Millions are at risk of being pushed back into extreme poverty, a crisis that could reverse years of development in vulnerable countries.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to high rates of loneliness among UK adults, with 26.6% of respondents reporting loneliness. Risk factors included younger age groups, separation or divorce, and poor sleep quality.
A study found that lockdown mental health problems amongst family carers are up to 10 times higher, with severe anxiety rates five times higher than non-carers. The research highlights the need for better support and services for informal carers during future lockdowns.
A study analyzing electronic health records found a significant reduction in diagnoses for common physical and mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included a 50% drop in Type 2 diabetes diagnoses, with reductions of up to 44% seen in malignant cancer and circulatory system diseases.
A new Canadian study reveals that childhood sexual abuse survivors experience a higher incidence of genitourinary problems, such as urinary tract infections and pain during sex. The research also found that psychological distress is partly responsible for the physical trauma, highlighting the need for a combined approach to treatment.
A University of Illinois Chicago team has been awarded over $4 million to establish a research center focusing on the health and function of people with serious mental illness. The center will test interventions to help patients access medical care, learn illness self-management strategies, and rebuild their lives.
Researchers found that only 70.8% of children received any follow-up treatment for mental illness within the first three months, varying widely by ZIP code. Many children were prescribed strong drugs with little evidence of effectiveness, despite generally recommended therapy as a first line of treatment.
Lockdowns cause disproportionate harm to children, affecting education and mental health. The authors argue that measures must balance young people's rights to education with community protection, prioritizing evidence-based interventions.
A new study published in Emotion journal found that older adults who took weekly 15-minute 'awe walks' for eight weeks reported increased positive emotions and less distress. Participants showed a visible shift in their selfies, featuring landscapes instead of themselves, and experienced significant boosts in daily prosocial emotions.
Experts will discuss the challenges of mental health in times of pandemic, including social isolation and uncertainty. The virtual panel discussion aims to provide insights into the effects of protective policy measures on human mental health.
A five-part series outlines a therapeutic risk management approach for assessing and managing the risk of 'other-directed violence' in patients with psychiatric disorders. The approach focuses on five essential elements: screening, assessment, and management of the risk of ODV.
The new center, led by Ezemenari Obasi, aims to accelerate cutting-edge research and implement findings in real time for community health. It will launch an app to help African Americans quit smoking and pursue careers in health equity science.
A novel study explores how Black patients with mental health concerns evaluate verbal and non-verbal communication during treatment, revealing significant fear of being negatively judged based on stereotypes. The research provides suggestions for creating environments that foster person-centered care and reducing provider burnout.
A novel approach is being tested to deliver care to those with moderate depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence. Researchers at UIC are developing a voice-enabled, AI virtual agent named Lumen to deliver Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to patients with moderate, untreated depressive and/or anxiety symptoms.
A qualitative study found that telepsychiatric collaboration improved the ability of primary care physicians to serve patients with mental health needs. Rural clinics adopted telehealth methods, enabling all staff members to better diagnose and assess mental health issues.
High-performing VA primary care clinics have fully-staffed teams, clearly defined roles, and leadership responsible for implementing team-based care. These processes enhance patient engagement in care, leading to better adherence to treatment, intermediate health outcomes and mental health reports.
Primary-care physicians and rural clinic staff improve their ability to diagnose and treat common mental health disorders using a collaborative care model with telepsychiatry. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, found that this approach enhances primary-care doctors' skills in treating behavioral health disorders.
A machine learning system has been developed that can predict the development of Bipolar Disorder up to 4 years before onset in young people. The system identified risk factors such as suicidal tendencies and financial problems, allowing doctors to take preventative measures.
A study analyzed public blogs and stream-of-consciousness essays to find that individuals with a larger negative emotion vocabulary tend to experience more psychological distress and poorer physical health. Conversely, those with a positive emotion vocabulary report better well-being and physical health.