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Study examines depression in the last year of life

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that 59.3% of individuals had depression in the last month before death. Depression symptoms escalated gradually from 4 to 1 months before death, with certain groups experiencing higher rates, such as women and younger adults.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 6, 2019

Increased risk of suicide for teens who visit emergency for self-harm

Youth who self-harmed were five times more likely to have repeat visits to the emergency department and eight times more likely to die from suicide than their non-self-harming peers. Serious mental conditions, including anxiety and substance abuse issues, were common among adolescents with recurrent self-harm hospitalizations.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 4, 2019

Cannabis use disorder is declining among young adolescents and young adults

Research suggests that the prevalence of cannabis use disorder has decreased among frequent users between 2002-2016, with significant declines observed across all age groups. This decline may be attributed to changes in social attitudes and perceptions of risk associated with cannabis use, as well as increased legalization.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateOct 30, 2019

Study: In the long run, drugs and talk therapy hold same value for people with depression

A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that individuals with new diagnoses of major depression should have access to both antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, as the costs and benefits are equivalent after five years. This study provides insights into treatment decisions and could inform future care and insurance coverage.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019

Psychiatric diagnoses 'neither necessary nor sufficient' for access to NHS care in UK

A new UK study finds that psychiatric diagnoses are seldom used as entry criteria for NHS mental health services, instead relying on broad clusters of difficulties and the specialist skills of staff. This challenges the long-held assumption that diagnoses are essential for accessing care, opening the way for alternative and more scient...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Mental Health·DateOct 28, 2019

The Lancet Psychiatry: Insufficient evidence that medicinal cannabinoids improve mental health

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of medicinal cannabinoids in relieving depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis. Despite some low-quality evidence suggesting pharmaceutical THC may improve anxiety symptoms, the overall risks and ne...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 28, 2019

Study finds no link between youth contact sports and cognitive, mental health problems

A new study of nearly 11,000 youth followed for 14 years found that adolescents who play contact sports are not more likely to experience cognitive impairment, depression, or suicidal thoughts later in life. In fact, football players were less likely to suffer from depression in early adulthood compared to other groups.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateOct 21, 2019

Investigating the full spectrum of suicide

A recent study published in Injury Prevention described a method for categorizing self-injury mortality, allowing closer examination of national trends in suicide and drug-related deaths. The study found that suicide is likely underreported for females due to less violent and less obvious methods.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalInjury Prevention·DateOct 15, 2019

Violence linked to social isolation, hypervigilance and chronic health problems

Exposure to violence negatively impacts physical and psychosocial health in urban adults. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with limited physical activity, poor nutrition, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Chronic hypervigilance also linked to increased blood pressure, memory impairment, and anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 7, 2019

Long-term mental health benefits of gender-affirming surgery for transgender individuals

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that gender-affirming surgery significantly reduces mental health treatment use among transgender individuals with gender incongruence. The study, which analyzed over 2,500 individuals, showed a 8% reduction in mental health treatment odds for every year since receiving ...

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2019

Expanding Medicaid means chronic health problems get found & health improves, study finds

A new study by Michigan Medicine and University of Michigan found that nearly one in three low-income people with chronic illnesses discovered a new condition after enrolling in expanded Medicaid. Half of those with chronic conditions reported improved overall health within a year of coverage, with similar improvements in mental health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019