Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
The study, published in Journal of Mental Health, demonstrates the positive clinical outcomes of NewAccess in addressing known barriers to access of evidence-based early intervention for depression and anxiety in Australia. The program offers free therapy with no co-payment, accessible by phone, face-to-face, or self-referral.
The new app, called neureka, uses brain games and self-reflection challenges to collect data on mental health and dementia research. It aims to identify modifiable risk factors for disorders of the mind and capture complex datasets to develop individualized understanding of brain health.
A new survey found a more-than-threefold increase in U.S. adults reporting symptoms of psychological distress from 3.9% in 2018 to 13.6% in April 2020. Young adults, adults in low-income households, and Hispanics expressed the highest psychological distress.
A RAND Corporation study found that behavioral health integration is possible in various medical practices, with adaptation to each practice's needs being key to success. Financial sustainability remains a challenge, despite the effectiveness of integration in improving patient care and reducing mental illness burden.
A new study found that lower body fat percentage is associated with higher levels of N-acetyl aspartic acid in white matter, a marker of neuronal health. Fitter adults show improved structural brain connectivity.
Former child soldiers in Sierra Leone who were accepted by their families and communities experienced improved emotional and social well-being. The longitudinal study of over 500 former child soldiers found that stigma was a significant barrier to their recovery, with some experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress dis...
A new review suggests that lockdown's effects on children's mental health may be long-lasting, with young people who experience loneliness being up to three times more likely to develop depression. The study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing play and social interaction during the transition back to school.
Researchers found that frequent cannabis users are unaware of effective harm reduction techniques, such as avoiding driving after use. Public health practitioners need to better inform users about these strategies to minimize costs and risks associated with cannabis use.
A new study from the University of Bristol found that users of high-potency cannabis are four times more likely to report associated problems than users of lower-potency strains. The research used data from a long-term health study and controlled for other factors, such as frequency of use and early mental health symptoms.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of people with depression also suffered from anxiety, leading to a higher risk of long-term depression. The researchers highlight the need for integrated anxiety screening and culturally adapted therapies to address this complex combination of mental health issues.
Researchers found that people who believe depression is biologically caused tend to think it is more severe and long-lasting, but are also more optimistic about treatment. Those with a genetic or brain-related perspective on depression are less likely to hold negative attitudes towards individuals with the disorder.
A new study reveals that medical personnel working with COVID-19 patients in China have higher rates of anxiety, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to the general population. The study collected data from over 30,000 healthcare providers during the pandemic's peak.
Coronavirus infections can cause delirium in hospitalized patients, which increases the risk of death or extended hospital stay. Long-term effects may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue.
A randomized noninferiority clinical trial found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for health anxiety had similar effects to traditional face-to-face treatment. The study involved 204 adults with health anxiety and showed that online therapy was effective despite limited therapist-patient interaction.
A study found that an optimal minimum legal age of 19 for non-medical cannabis use balances the risk of adverse outcomes with the potential benefits. This age limit is lower than previously recommended ages, but higher than the current age of 18 in Canada.
Visits for mental health disorders rose 60%, while deliberate self-harm increased 329%. The rate of substance use disorders also saw a significant rise. To address this, researchers recommend improved preparedness and screening for suicidal ideation in emergency departments.
A recent OSU study highlights the grange as a community-based organization with close ties to public health goals. The grange's physical buildings and similar missions make it an ideal partner for health initiatives, including blood drives, mental health awareness classes, and food programs.
Patients who visited the emergency department for an opioid overdose are 100 times more likely to die by drug overdose in the year after being discharged. Those who experienced a sedative/hypnotic overdose had overdose death rates 24 times higher and suicide rates 9 times higher than the general population.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona discovered a direct link between the rurality of an environment and improved mental well-being in older adults. The study found that individuals living in rural areas had significantly better levels of mental well-being compared to those residing in urban o...
Researchers developed a set of recommendations to manage the mental health of frontline medical workers, including clear communication, training, and infection control procedures. These changes aim to reduce psychological distress among clinicians during viral outbreaks.
Children with chronic health conditions may experience higher rates of mental illness in early adolescence, according to new research. The study found that children with chronic health problems showed higher rates of mental illness at 10 years and continued to be associated with poor mental health at ages 13 and 15.
A study by NYU researchers found that peer support specialists with criminal and psychiatric histories can lead more empowered, meaningful, and productive lives. The role offers a possibility for employment despite past limitations, leading to increased hope and community reintegration.
A University of Queensland study reveals that people with mental disorders are significantly more likely to develop other health conditions. Women with anxiety disorders have a 50% increased risk of heart conditions or stroke over 15 years, and men with substance use disorders have a 400% increased risk of gut or liver disorders.
Researchers developed an AI system that analyzes linguistic patterns to predict a youth's risk for committing acts of school violence. The system matches the clinical judgements and accuracy of psychiatrists 94 percent of the time, demonstrating its potential to help address youth violence at schools.
New research suggests that upward income mobility is associated with a trade-off between well-being and cardiometabolic health. Despite improved mental health, individuals who experience upward mobility may fare worse in terms of heart health compared to those with consistent disadvantage or advantage.
A study published in Advances in Preventive Medicine found that Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence are more likely to have some form of mental illness or substance dependence. Social support and being older were also associated with better mental health outcomes.
Adults with spinal cord injuries are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders (19.3% vs 14.1%) and depressive disorders (29.3% vs 9.3%). The study highlights the need for understanding mental health needs in this patient population to improve quality of life.
The CUNY SPH Weekly COVID-19 Survey found that New Yorkers are more cautious than some in other parts of the country, with a strong sense of solidarity with all Americans. The survey also revealed concerning trends in mental health challenges, including high rates of anxiety and depression among residents.
A new study found that people aged 40-49 are at a high risk of 'pre-frailty', a precursor to frailty and increased mortality risk. The study suggests that individuals can take proactive steps to improve their health by addressing factors such as poor nutrition, mental state, lung function, and sleep quality.
A student-led campaign at Indiana University reduced stigma around mental illness, with results rivaling well-funded programs. The initiative increased awareness and inclusion among students, resulting in a significant decrease in prejudice.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, emphasizing the need for effective physical distancing strategies. The study found that prolonged social isolation can lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A study from Hubei, China offers potential methods to focus on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors propose strategies to promote mental well-being and reduce stress among individuals affected by the pandemic.
A new study provides early evidence that COVID-19 lockdowns affect people's mental and physical health, with adults in more affected locations experiencing lower life satisfaction. Researchers found that exercising less than 2.5 hours per day was associated with positive life satisfaction in these areas.
A study published in The BMJ found that children with parents who have mental illness are at a higher risk of injuries, especially during the first year of life. The risk is highest for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A recent study by the University of Portsmouth found that almost 40% of UK security guards suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to frequent episodes of verbal and physical abuse. The research also highlighted a lack of provision for employee mental health and wellbeing services by security companies.
A new program in Boston improves child health by 32 percentage points and reduces anxiety and depression among parents within six months. Coordinated housing services address families' specific needs, leading to better overall health outcomes.
A universal health passport scheme has been shown to improve the mental health of military veterans by providing a sense of control and continuity of care. The VUP pilot project reduced anxiety and gave participants a single document to access various services, promoting feelings of pride and identity.
A study published in CMAJ found that self-reported mental health issues and service use in Ontario increased between 2002 and 2014, with a significant rise in the number of people reporting fair or poor mental health status. The increase in help-seeking behavior suggests improved awareness and reduced stigma around mental health issues.
A fast-fail trial has identified the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) as a potential target for treating anhedonia. The study found that participants who received a KOR antagonist showed increased activation in brain circuits involved in reward and pleasure, leading to reduced anhedonia scores.
A nationwide survey of over 230,000 US adolescents found increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among those seeking mental health care. The proportion of adolescent girls reporting treatment or counseling rose significantly, while boys' usage declined.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that hotter temperatures increase the probability of reporting bad mental health in the US. People are willing to pay several dollars to avoid each additional hot day in terms of its impact on self-reported mental health.
Researchers examined changes in adolescent mental health problems and care settings, finding shifts towards more specialized services and online care. The study highlights the need for improved mental health support for adolescents, particularly in rural areas where access to care is limited.
A survey of 1,300 Chinese healthcare workers found high rates of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress. The study highlights the need for support systems to protect these frontline workers from burnout.
Dr. Gwenith Fisher has made significant contributions to occupational health psychology, particularly regarding the aging workforce and its impact on society and work organizations. She is a leader in I-O psychology, currently serving on four editorial boards and authoring over 50 peer-reviewed articles.
A multistate study found that youth with mental health diagnoses, especially mood disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use, have higher suicide risks. However, those who received more mental health visits within the six-month period before death had lower suicide rates.
A study of almost 800 children found that those who get the fewest hours of sleep are at greatest risk of developing psychiatric difficulties later. Children's sleep was measured with motion sensors every night for a week, and clinical interviews were conducted to measure mental health difficulties.
A study of over 20,000 American trans adults found that having access to identification documents reflecting their identified gender is associated with reduced psychological distress and lower rates of suicidal thoughts. The authors suggest policy changes to increase access to gender-concordant IDs, including reducing fees and administ...
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that having gender-affirming documents improves mental health among transgender adults. The research, conducted by Drexel University researchers, analyzed data from 22,286 adults and found that those with their preferred name and gender on all identification documents were less li...
Dr. Nathan A. Bowling has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) as a Fellow, demonstrating his impact on employee attitudes, counterproductive work behavior, and self-report questionnaires. With over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters published in prestigious publications.
A study by CAMH and ICES found that only 2-3% of patients with urgent mental health needs can access publicly-funded psychotherapist physicians. The authors suggest allowing non-physician clinicians to provide CBT as a solution to improve access.
A Michigan State University study found that toxic masculinity can lead to social isolation among aging men, negatively affecting their health and well-being. The researchers suggest an alternative understanding of masculinity can help alleviate social isolation.
A national paid maternity leave policy of at least 12 weeks can reduce postpartum depression, infant mortality, and improve mother-child interactions. Paid leave also has economic benefits, including increased breastfeeding duration and wage stability.
Research reveals that mothers with chronic depression in poor rural communities experience increased health problems, distrusted doctors, and a worse outlook on life. Their children also suffer from emotional and behavioral issues due to lack of childcare options and support.
A new training program called DOORS helps patients with serious mental illness develop skills to use digital health tools, such as monitoring symptoms and setting wellness goals. The program, developed based on self-determination theory, focuses on three key elements: competence, autonomy, and relatedness.
A large observational study found that patients on Community Treatment Orders spent more time in psychiatric hospitals and had a higher rate of readmissions compared to those without CTOs. The study suggests that CTOs may have the opposite effect, contrary to previous uncontrolled studies.
A study of over 2,800 Americans aged 50+ found that lonely individuals experience more burdensome symptoms at the end of life and receive more intense care. They are also more likely to die in nursing homes and use life support.
A nine-year observational study found that Universal Credit's roll-out was associated with a 6.6% increase in psychological distress among unemployed recipients, affecting all social groups equally. The study suggests that the welfare reform may exacerbate pressures on mental health and social care services.
The prevalence and incidence of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in veterans receiving care from the VA health system increased significantly over the past decade. The rate of new diagnoses also rose steadily, with nearly one percent of patients diagnosed with ADHD.
A commonly used anti-psychotic medication has been linked to potentially adverse changes in brain structure, particularly a thinning of the cortex. The study found these changes were more prominent in elderly participants and those who experienced relapse of psychotic symptoms.
The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) will help researchers better understand eating disorders and enable the design of new treatments. Up to 5% of the population will experience an eating disorder, with genetic factors involved in some cases.