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Heroin use in US

A recent study examined changes in heroin use and addiction among US adults over 16 years. Heroin use disorder increased significantly between 2002 and 2018, affecting approximately 800,000 adults in the country.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 11, 2020

Review of evidence finds excessive smartphone, social media use may be linked to youth mental health

A new review in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests an association between excessive smartphone and social media use and mental distress among adolescents. The authors provide guidance for physicians, parents, and teachers on how to help teens achieve a healthy balance between device use and other aspects of their lives.

Psychology: High volumes of mental health-related tweets associated with crisis referrals

A study published in Scientific Reports found that high volumes of mental health-related tweets were associated with a significant increase in crisis referrals to two London hospitals. The researchers analyzed data from 2010-2014 and observed a 5-15% rise in crisis episodes on days with higher-than-average tweet activity discussing dep...

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

Story tips: Fusion squeeze, global image mapping, computing mental health, Na+ batteries

Researchers have developed a new computational tool for simulating fusion plasmas, which could help hold and squeeze superheated gas in extreme conditions. Additionally, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created an approach to scan massive datasets of large-scale satellite images more efficiently, allowing for faster map...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateFeb 6, 2020

Helping patients with binge eating disorders: There's an app for that

A new study found that a behavioral therapy-assisted smartphone app delivered via telemedicine was an effective treatment for symptoms of binge eating disorders. Patients who received the app-based treatment reported significant reductions in binge days and achieved higher remission rates compared to those receiving standard care.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2020

When caregivers need care

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that caregivers are more likely to neglect their own health due to cost concerns. The study revealed a significant gap in healthcare access and utilization among caregivers, with 26% having no insurance coverage compared to non-caregivers.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·DateJan 23, 2020

New tool assesses risk of depression in adolescence

Researchers developed a predictive tool to identify adolescents at high risk of depression in young adulthood using data from Brazilian adolescents. The tool demonstrated strong performance in Brazil but weaker results in UK and New Zealand samples due to differences in diagnostic measures, highlighting the need for local adaptation.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 21, 2020

Some surprisingly good news about anxiety

A new University of Toronto study reveals that seven in ten Canadians with a history of generalized anxiety disorder are free from the condition, with 40% achieving excellent mental health. Social support and spiritual coping also play significant roles in recovery.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJan 7, 2020

The Lancet Public Health: One in two people who are homeless may have experienced a traumatic brain injury in their lifetime

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that one in two homeless people have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in their lifetime, with almost one in four experiencing moderate or severe TBI. The findings highlight the need for healthcare workers to be aware of the burden of TBI in this population.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateDec 5, 2019

Bullying others increases the risk of developing mental health problems and vice versa

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health suggests there is a two-way relationship between bullying perpetration and internalizing problems among US youth. Bullying perpetration increased the risk of developing internalizing problems, while experiencing internalizing problems increased the probability of bullyi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 4, 2019

LSE study calls for improved mental health support

The study found that the current system of immediate psychological help after a terrorist attack is inadequate, with most people seeking external help and expressing dissatisfaction with their GP's response. The researchers recommend improving the system to provide better support sooner.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Health Services Research & Policy·DateNov 26, 2019