Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A comprehensive scoping review of 37 studies found that Ukrainian children exposed to a decade of war face high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidality, and self-harm. Children who had been forcibly displaced, exposed to violence, or separated from parents faced higher risks of mental health problems.
A Finnish registry study found that severe infections, such as cystitis and bacterial disease, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study examined nationwide health registry data and identified 29 diseases linked to dementia risk, including mental disorders, Parkinson's disease, and alcohol-related mental disorders.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that community-based parenting programmes like Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities can improve family wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Parents who participated reported higher levels of mental wellbeing and improved relationships with their children.
A large-scale study of over 421,000 individuals found no link between psychosocial factors and cancer incidence. However, some psychosocial factors were associated with a higher risk of lung cancer, which decreased after adjusting for known risk factors.
The study identified six sleep health dimensions in young adolescents: irregularity, timing, duration, social jetlag, weekend oversleep, and continuity. Greater irregularity was associated with higher concurrent transdiagnostic mental health symptoms, while shorter duration was linked to increased symptoms at follow-up.
A statewide cohort study found childhood mortality is significantly higher among children bereaved by parental drug overdose, homicide, and suicide. Parental homicide was associated with the highest risk of mortality in children, highlighting the need for research into potential explanations such as family restructuring and mental health.
A study found that inflammation markers may signal depression in women with type 2 diabetes, but vary based on depression symptoms and measures. The research suggests a path toward precision mental health by identifying specific inflammatory biomarkers linked to different dimensions of mental health.
A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...
Researchers from SWPS University develop Post-Game Depression Scale (P-GDS) to capture players' experiences after finishing video games. The study reveals RPG fans are most at risk of intense P-GD, associated with stronger depressive symptoms and lower well-being.
Research suggests that persistent pain drives progressive changes in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in emotional regulation. This can shape whether people develop depression or remain emotionally resilient. The study's findings challenge the idea that depression is an inevitable consequence of long-term pain.
A new Northwestern University study has discovered a novel biomarker of schizophrenia that could also serve as a new drug candidate to treat the cognitive symptoms of the disorder. The study found that levels of the protein Cacna2d1 signal are reduced in patients with schizophrenia, resulting in overactive brain circuits.
Dr. Phillips's laboratory identifies abnormalities in prefrontal-striatal-limbic circuitry as biomarkers for bipolar disorder before symptoms appear. Her team tracks neural network development from infancy through young adulthood.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that brief interventions after a suicide attempt can significantly reduce re-attempts. Participants who received these interventions were 28% less likely to attempt suicide again than those receiving usual medical care.
A concerning rise in adolescent obesity has been found, with overall rates climbing to 15.9% in 2023. Obesity patterns also reveal a decline in weight-loss attempts, with females more likely to attempt weight loss but fewer adolescents reporting efforts in 2023.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $1 million to 10 senior scientists conducting innovative research in neurobiological and behavioral science. The grants will support studies focused on critical mental health challenges such as depression, autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia.
A new study by the University of Technology Sydney found that regular Group Clinical Supervision can meaningfully reduce burnout among midwives. The program provided a confidential setting for small groups to reflect on their experiences and develop strategies for managing emotional demands.
A new pediatric mental health care model, P2C3, combines primary care and psychiatry to improve access and training for future pediatricians. The model, which has completed over 1,500 visits and cared for over 400 patients, has shown durable and scalable results, reducing fragmentation and providing timely access to mental health care.
A new study finds that widowed men experience poorer physical and mental health, while widowed women show resilience and improved well-being after losing their spouse. The study highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to support recovery after spousal loss.
A new study found that legalizing online sports betting in the US has led to a significant rise in binge drinking frequency among young men, particularly those who already report binge drinking. The study's findings highlight the need for policymakers to consider the broader behavioral impacts of gambling liberalization.
A UK study found that a 12-week ketogenic metabolic therapy program led to significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores. The program, delivered remotely, showed a 62% reduction in depression symptoms and a 46% reduction in anxiety, with 100% of participants completing the program.
The study found that wildfire exposure and its socioeconomic consequences were associated with increased psychological distress beyond the burn zone. Integrating mental health care, housing stability, and economic recovery are crucial for disaster response and climate resilience strategies.
A new study found that high levels of air pollution can amplify the risk of suicide associated with heat stress, especially during the warm season. The researchers analyzed 7,500 suicide cases in Utah and found a strong synergistic effect of heat and nitrogen dioxide.
Emerging research across conceptual frameworks, biomarker science, digital phenotyping, and artificial intelligence synthesizes a translational pathway toward a more biologically grounded and clinically useful approach to psychiatric diagnosis. The current system falls short due to standardized clinical language and lack of biological ...
A UNIGE study shows that connected devices can gather valuable data to help prevent neurological and mental disorders. The study found that AI-analysed data from smartwatch and smartphone data can accurately predict emotional and cognitive fluctuations, with error rates ranging from 5-20%.
A large survey of stroke survivors under 50 found that they experience more difficulties concentrating and have poorer mental health days compared to older survivors. Younger survivors who were not working faced the greatest challenges in their recovery, highlighting the need for unique support services.
A new PET imaging study reveals that ketamine relieves treatment-resistant depression by altering AMPAR in brain regions, providing potential biomarker for personalized treatment. The study found that ketamine increased AMPAR density in several cortical regions and decreased it in reward-related areas, strongly correlating with reducti...
Researchers have synthesized modified versions of psilocin that retain therapeutic activity while producing fewer hallucinogenic-like effects. The compounds, including 4e, demonstrate favorable stability for absorption and enable a gradual release of psilocin, potentially mitigating hallucinogenic effects.
A large representative study found that 3 in 10 Indigenous adults meet criteria for healthy functioning, highlighting the importance of addressing structural barriers and promoting culturally meaningful pathways to wellness. Financial security, physical activity, and reduced chronic illness were key predictors of healthy functioning.
A new study suggests that over 40% of UK adults are happy to use ChatGPT for mental health support due to long waiting times for traditional services. However, experts caution that AI should not replace human healthcare professionals and raise concerns about the potential impact on education and physical health.
A new study by Brown University and Harvard Medical School found that telemedicine does not substantially increase access to mental health care for those in rural or underserved areas. Despite its convenience benefits for existing patients, telemedicine did not lead to a significant expansion of care access for these populations.
Structured exercise improves depression, psychotic symptoms, cognitive performance and cardiometabolic health in people with mental illness. Integration into psychiatric care using the 5A model can help address lack of exercise as a symptom and risk factor, reducing mortality.
A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.
Higher ultraprocessed food consumption in Canadian preschoolers was associated with increased emotional symptoms by age 5. Replacing UPF with minimally processed foods may support healthier behavioral development and long-term mental health.
A South Australian survey found high levels of eco-anxiety and distress linked to the algal bloom, with many participants reporting persistent worry and feelings of helplessness. The study highlights the need to recognize eco-anxiety as a legitimate public health concern.
A study found that individuals trying to diet are more likely to choose unhealthy snacks when feeling negative emotions, but emotional awareness is the key to maintaining healthier eating habits. Practicable strategies like mindfulness exercises and checking in with feelings can help dieters stay on track.
A new longitudinal study found that children's behavior problems are significantly linked to parental burnout, regardless of partner deployment status. Protecting children's resilience requires bolstering caregivers' emotional resources and external support to avoid burnout's negative impact on family well-being.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on treating bipolar disorder, preventing PTSD symptoms, improving access to eating disorder care, and more. Journal highlights include advancements in schizophrenia treatment and a retrospective analysis of suicide deaths in U.S. immigration detention.
A new study found that only 5.6% of mental health facilities offer treatment in at least one Asian language, and this number has been declining since 2021. The shortage is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where linguistically concordant services are scarce.
A new Simon Fraser University study reveals the full range of emotions kids and teens feel around climate change, including anger, apathy, and feelings of betrayal. The research highlights the need to support young people's emotional well-being and provide them with tools to build resilience and hope.
A recent study published in CANCER found that adults with cancer who developed mental health conditions within the first year after diagnosis had a significantly higher likelihood of dying over the next few years. The analysis of data from University of California-affiliated hospitals revealed a 51% increased risk of death among those ...
A new poll finds that pets contribute to healthy aging benefits for older adults, including increased sense of purpose and reduced stress. However, 31% of pet owners aged 50+ report that owning a pet strains their budget, mainly due to financial costs.
A new study analyzing global Google Trends data reveals a sharp increase in online searches for crisis hotlines, particularly in recent years. The findings suggest that digital help-seeking signals can provide timely insight into population distress and demand for crisis resources.
A new study found that Black young adults experiencing high levels of online racism are more likely to use digital mental health tools. The research also showed that these individuals were more likely to engage in online mental health communication, regardless of their anxiety or depression symptoms.
A systematic review found that post-disaster mental health problems may peak 9-18 years after the event, with depression being the most common issue. The study suggests that long-term recovery approaches are needed to alleviate mental health burdens, particularly for at-risk communities.
A new study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that creativity improves daily well-being, but professional creatives experience a 'creative hangover' with more negative emotions the next day. This research challenges the idea that creativity is always good for mental health.
The study reveals that psychosis does not follow a single trajectory but is influenced by individual differences and treatment. It shows that cortical volume reduction, particularly in regions with high serotonin and dopamine receptor density, is a hallmark of the disease.
This cross-sectional study highlights critical gaps in accessible mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms to address systemic inequities and provide disability-informed care.
A study analyzing data from 44,000 adults found that those with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression. The study also highlights significant healthcare treatment and access barriers facing this population.
The Brain Gym program combines brain science and practical tools to strengthen cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and stress management. Early adopters include the Dallas Police Department, recognizing the importance of accessible brain health support.
A new study from Aarhus University finds that early puberty is associated with an increased risk of general psychological distress, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of psychiatric medication. Girls who enter puberty early may have twice the risk of receiving psychiatric medication for mental health conditions compared to their peers.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that stellate ganglion block enhances the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for treating PTSD, leading to faster symptom reduction and improved outcomes.
A national US study of tens of thousands of college students found that excessive social media use is linked to higher odds of loneliness. Students who spent 16 hours or more on social media per week were 38% more likely to feel isolated.
A nationally representative study found that 1 in 5 US households have a parent-perceived mental health treatment need for their children. The study also revealed significant difficulties in accessing care, with 21.8% citing it as the reason for unmet needs.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute reveals that one in five US households reported a child needing mental health treatment, yet nearly a quarter didn't receive it. The study also found disparities among families with single parents, multi-child households, homeschooling families, and uninsured households.
A cross-sectional analysis found that nearly half of mental health visits and 29 million non-mental health telehealth visits occurred annually. The study suggests that telehealth has become an essential component of care for older and medically vulnerable adults, raising concerns about rolling back telehealth flexibilities.
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.
Research found problematic screen use in early adolescence strongly linked to higher risks of mental health problems, sleep disturbance, and suicidal behaviors. The study emphasizes the importance of reducing addictive features on digital platforms and families taking steps to mitigate its impact.
A federally funded research initiative at Oregon Health & Science University examines the safety and effectiveness of state-regulated access to psilocybin, a psychedelic substance used for treating mental health conditions. The five-year study aims to assess the impact of legal psychedelic services on substance use disorders.
A landmark report reveals increasing levels of high and very high psychosocial risk across Australian higher education, driven by weaknesses in safety systems. The study offers universities a clear roadmap for action to prioritize staff wellbeing and create workplaces that support the wellbeing of their people.