A study identified three key factors that predict the first occurrence of nonsuicidal self-harm in adolescent girls: low conscientiousness, high avoidance, and parental substance abuse history. These psychological vulnerabilities were found to distinguish girls who initiated self-harm from those who did not.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 9, 2020
A Rutgers study found that smoking is linked to poorer mental health, more frequent substance use, and social determinants of disparities in marginalized populations. The research suggests a need for comprehensive tobacco treatment addressing psychosocial drivers and systemic stressors.
Research suggests that media portrayals of suicide can increase suicidal ideation and behavior if not done sensitively, but also highlight the potential for positive outcomes when portrayed in a supportive manner. Filmmakers have a significant responsibility to ensure their content does not harm viewers, particularly those with a histo...
A review highlights the potential of treating space travelers with treatments targeting the gut microbiome to protect against negative health effects. Promoting a healthy gut microbiome may be key to reaching Mars in one piece.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that financial strains such as high debt, low income, and unemployment are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts. The study, conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need to consider financial stressors in mental health interventions.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that performing acts of kindness and helping others can improve one's mental and physical health. The study, which analyzed 201 independent studies, showed a modest link between prosocial behavior and overall well-being, with younger givers and women reporting stronger relationsh...
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have been awarded a $6.6 million grant to develop a novel neuromodulation device for treating mental health disorders by synchronizing brain waves and reducing energy consumption.
A study from Duke University and Barnard College found that the pandemic accelerated mental decline in parents and children, with multiple hardships exacerbating negative effects. The research highlights the need for pediatricians to screen for mental health problems and provide support to families struggling during the crisis.
The HRSA Special Collection examines key challenges faced by populations served by the Health Resources and Administration, including maternal depression, newborn screening, and regional disparities in Black infant mortality. Research findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.
A study published in The BMJ found that workers exposed to sexual harassment in their workplace are at greater risk of suicide and attempting suicide. Workplace interventions focusing on the social side of the work environment could help reduce suicide rates.
A national study found a 12-fold increase in remote delivery of mental health care as psychologists shifted to telepsychology due to the pandemic. Many expect to continue treating patients remotely after the pandemic ends.
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused immense problems at a macro socioeconomic level and has taken a toll on the physical and mental well-being of individuals worldwide. Caregivers, physicians, and others directly dealing with patients are likely experiencing trauma consequences and burnout syndrome.
A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that atheists and agnostics sleep better than Catholics and Baptists. 73% of atheists reported getting seven or more hours of sleep per night, compared to 63% of Catholics and 55% of Baptists.
Researchers identified areas of the brain that regulate efforts to deal with fatigue, which could lead to new strategies for healthy individuals and therapies for those with depression, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The study used MRI scans and computer modeling to analyze brain activity and behavior in participants.
Andrew Subica, a UC Riverside researcher, has been awarded two NIH grants to develop culturally tailored interventions for Pacific Islanders' mental health treatment and engagement in opioid use disorder treatment. The studies aim to address the significant research gap on opioid use disorders in Pacific Islander populations.
Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center developed an online assessment tool to help patients and providers make informed decisions about choosing mental health apps. The tool, currently featuring over 200 apps, allows users to filter by safety, ease of use, and user privacy.
Researchers found that social media information can predict various personality traits and attributes, such as extraversion and IQ, using Twitter data. The study's machine learning approach may provide a new way for mental health diagnostics and personalized nudges.
A new study found a significant increase in Google searches for 'panic attack' and 'anxiety attack' during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team analyzed data from January 2004 to May 2020, revealing severe acute anxiety-related searches reached record highs, particularly between March 16-14, 2020.
Researchers propose a simplification in measuring public attitudes towards people with autism, using a single 'thermometer scale' survey. They found that non-autistic students rated autistic people relatively favourably, averaging 71/100, but there is still a long way to go in understanding and changing negative attitudes.
A new analysis from Harvard Medical School and Hunter College found that 2.3 million teachers and 28.6 million adults are at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to age or chronic diseases. The study also highlights the need for comprehensive clinician mental health support in the post-pandemic era.
New research from UCL and King's College London finds that telemedicine may not work for everyone, with major challenges to be addressed for its effective adoption. Mental health staff report concerns about reduced referrals, visits to services, and access to physical healthcare for people with mental health conditions.
Research using UK Biobank data found that people who experienced childhood maltreatment were five times more likely to have four or more long-term health conditions. The study also linked childhood maltreatment to increased social isolation and poor self-rated health in adulthood.
Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia confirms that smiling can alter perception of facial expressions and body language, generating more positive emotions. The study found that facial muscular activity stimulates the amygdala, releasing neurotransmitters to encourage an emotionally positive state.
The expansion will train 48 fellows in addiction medicine or psychiatry to provide high-quality prevention and treatment services for vulnerable populations. This training aims to address access disparities and stigma, with a focus on community-based care.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys aim to develop new therapies for schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and substance abuse by identifying potential drug targets in 'orphan' receptors. The team has created an innovative platform called LIFT to screen small molecules and validate these receptors as bonafide drug targets.
The OU Health Sciences Center will expand a national program dedicated to suicide prevention with a $38 million five-year grant. The program aims to address workforce development, education, evidence-based prevention strategies, and public awareness to help people at risk of suicide. Key findings include increased focus on culturally r...
A new study by the Yale School of Public Health found that approximately 30% of women and 17% of men in the US have experienced a major depressive episode. The study also showed that mental health programs can benefit a larger segment of the population than previously thought.
A study by Cooley et al. found that white Americans tend to compare their status to other white Americans, leading to negative emotions and poor physical health. In contrast, Black Americans more often compared their status to others within their own group, resulting in better mental well-being.
A new study found that texting intervention as an add-on to mental health treatment programs improved symptoms and increased participant engagement. The research team developed a text-messaging-based psychotherapy tool that was clinically promising, safe, and feasible for people with serious mental illness.
New research map highlights huge variation in ADHD services across the UK, with only 12 dedicated services providing full NICE-recommended treatment. The study found patchy provision of dedicated ADHD services and disparity in service labelling, affecting service users and healthcare workers.
A new study from UC Davis Health found that combining thoracic surgery with a quitline e-referral program significantly improves tobacco cessation rates. The study showed that surgical patients who participated in the program were three times more likely to remain smoke-free at six months compared to those without the intervention.
A new study found that geographical areas with high levels of lithium in public drinking water had correspondingly lower suicide rates. Lithium, known for its anti-suicidal effect, is widely used as a medication for mood disorders and has potential preventative use to combat dementia.
A recent study reveals that nearly three-quarters of women experience good psychological well-being prior to partner abuse, yet more than half are diagnosed with a mental illness after. Professor Nicole Moulding calls for a new approach focusing on societal issues and support beyond medication and counseling.
Researchers are investigating the link between impaired brain hubs and mental health issues using cutting-edge methods. The study aims to understand how hub regions contribute to altered brain network function and behavior, potentially leading to better treatments for brain disorders.
Research finds that frequent social media use can negatively impact depressive symptoms among LGBTQ youth, but a social media-free summer camp shows promise in reducing symptoms. After attending the camp, participants experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, particularly those with high pre-camp social media use.
A RAND Corporation report highlights shortcomings in treating veterans with co-occurring disorders, emphasizing the need for standardized evidence-based treatments and regular evaluations. The study recommends incorporating veterans' preferences into care decisions and exploring telehealth options during the pandemic.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that improving subjective well-being through online and in-person interventions had positive effects on self-reported physical health. Participants who received the intervention reported increasing levels of happiness and fewer sick days compared to control participants.
A new University of Toronto study found that individuals with suboptimal mental health died on average 4.7 months earlier than those in excellent mental health. The study, which followed 12,424 adult Canadians from 1994 to 2011, also identified key factors associated with premature mortality.
Researchers discover that alcohol activates microglia in the brain, altering geometry and increasing dopamine diffusion, which may promote addiction. This study provides a new understanding of alcohol's effects on the brain and suggests potential treatments.
A new study found that police officers are at a higher risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) than the general public, with 38.9% reporting a TBI resulting in loss of consciousness. Officers with a history of TBI also experienced higher levels of post-concussion symptoms and mental health issues, including depression and PTSD.
A study found that Gulf Coast children who were exposed to the oil spill had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing physical and mental health problems. The impacts persisted years after the disaster, with physical health issues being 4.5 times more common in directly exposed children.
A study by Penn State researchers found that every COVID-19 death will impact around nine surviving close family members, including grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and children. The multiplier effect may help raise awareness about the disease's ripple effects and inform policies on family leave and paid leave.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive list of 317 US mental health units in correctional facilities, finding that most units offered group therapy and had dedicated staff. The review suggests that smaller unit sizes and more individualized services could improve outcomes for inmates with serious mental illness.
Researchers have found that a history of rape is associated with dysfunctional breathing and late-onset asthma diagnosis, particularly in women. Nearly 20% of women reported being raped, and those who experienced trauma were more likely to develop respiratory problems at 38 years old.
A Rutgers-led study found that community and law enforcement partnerships can significantly improve PTSD screening and treatment for children who witness home violence. The Child Trauma Response Team model, which provides immediate outreach and victim safety assessments, showed a three-fold increase in child PTSD screens among families...
A large-scale US study reveals associations between high levels of outdoor and artificial light at night with less sleep and increased risk of mood disorders among teens. Teens living in areas with high levels of outdoor artificial light tend to report later bedtimes and shorter sleep duration.
A University of Houston study found that insufficient sleep alters children's emotional health, particularly in response to positive emotions. The research highlights the importance of assessing and prioritizing healthy sleep habits for emotionally vulnerable children.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that short, frequent walks in blue spaces significantly improve well-being and mood. Researchers measured participants' blood pressure and heart rate before, during, and after walks in a beach environment versus urban environments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on mental health, highlighting the need for online platforms to facilitate social support and continued mental health care delivery. The study discusses effective strategies for utilizing online platforms during the pandemic.
A study found that sleeping less than normal impairs positive feelings, reducing joy, enthusiasm, and attention. Participants experienced a flattening of emotions when they slept less, scoring worse on accuracy tests. This impact persists for multiple days after sleep deprivation, affecting mental health.
A study of 75,000 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders found that those who experienced a mood disorder or hospitalization prior to diagnosis were at the highest risk for suicide. The researchers suggest increasing age limits for first episode psychosis programs and extending clinical follow-up care as potential solutions.
A large-scale study of over 212,000 active duty Army personnel found that those with stable positive character strengths prior to deployment were less likely to struggle with mental health issues after returning home. In contrast, those with lower character strengths experienced further declines and were at higher risk for major mental...
Boston University School of Medicine's Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) has received a $1.9 million grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation to provide online groups, peer support, and social connections for female veterans. The program aims to improve mental health, social support, and well-being for women veterans across the US.
A University of Melbourne-led study developed a world-first framework that identifies health practitioners' readiness to address family violence. The CATCH model highlights five vital themes: Commitment, Advocacy, Trust, Collaboration, and Health system support.
A study found that individuals with bipolar disorder who switched to high-deductible health plans experienced a moderate decrease in nonpsychiatrist mental health outpatient visits. However, rates of psychiatrist visits, medication use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations remained unchanged.
A global study found a 20% increase in cardiovascular events and death among middle-aged participants with four or more depressive symptoms. Depression is now considered an important risk factor for heart disease and early death alongside traditional factors like smoking and high blood pressure.
A study analyzed 156 workers' sitting behavior, revealing that switching postures tends to occur later in the workday. Participants were more likely to stand if active in recent hours, but switching was not associated with physical fitness levels.
The Building Wealth and Health Network program at Drexel University's Center for Hunger-Free Communities reduces food insecurity by promoting healing and financial control through group experiences. Participants are 55% less likely to experience household food insecurity after completing the 16-session program.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing health disparities among ethnic minorities and migrants, who face higher risks of infection and severe illness. Economic hardship during the recession further marginalizes these groups, making them more vulnerable to mental health issues.
One in five Australian mothers is not receiving critical perinatal mental health checks, according to a University of Queensland study. The study found that older mothers and those with emotional distress are less likely to be screened for mental health issues.