Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A survey of over 3,400 university students found that one in five reported problematic smartphone use, associated with lower grades, mental health problems, and more sexual partners. Problematic smartphone use was also linked to higher rates of alcohol misuse and ADHD-like symptoms.
A new study from Oregon State University found that military veterans exposed to combat were more likely to exhibit signs of depression and anxiety in later life. The study suggests that combat experience has a unique impact on mental health trajectories in late life, independent of other health issues or stressful life events.
A large study found that people with both physical illnesses and mental disorders experience a significant increase in frequent visits to emergency departments, compared to those with multiple physical illnesses or mental illness alone. This synergy between physical multimorbidity and mental disorders can lead to a greater impact on pu...
A new study by Ohio State University finds that 81% of women who have experienced domestic violence have suffered a head injury, while 83% have been strangled. The research suggests that brain injury caused by blows to the head and oxygen deprivation are ongoing health issues for many survivors.
A University of Birmingham study found nearly one in eight homeless individuals received support for substance dependence, while nearly one in five had access to alcohol misuse treatment. The study also identified a high prevalence of infectious hepatitis C among the homeless population.
A La Trobe University study found that peer-led support programs for carers significantly improved carer well-being, reducing psychological distress by 8.6% and increasing positive feelings by 7.6%. The program also increased carers' knowledge of mental health conditions and improved communication with the person they care for.
A two-year social marketing campaign in California significantly encouraged more people to seek care for symptoms of mental distress. Exposure to the campaign increased recognition of mental illness and advocacy for those affected.
A new study found that evidence-based therapies for youth with mental health problems are slow to catch on, despite city efforts to showcase their value. Clinicians who work in 'proficient cultures' were more likely to use these approaches.
A recent study found a 60% increase in suicide deaths among young black males and a 182% increase among young black females between 2001 and 2017. Safe firearm storage and adequate mental health services are crucial to reducing these rates.
Adverse mental health outcomes, including anxiety and poor sleep scores, were associated with concerns over US immigration policy among Latinx adolescents. High scores on an assessment tool indicating worries about immigration policy were also linked to adverse outcomes.
A new study found that patients who meditate or listen to calming music before receiving written health information are more likely to pay attention and retain the details. The researchers recommend using this time wisely by relaxing in the waiting room, such as meditating or listening to calming music.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that using 3D scanning and modeling software can help young adult women appreciate their bodies for their utility and role, rather than just their appearance. Participants who digitally painted 3D avatars reported increased body appreciation and lower depressive and anxiety symptoms.
A study by Syracuse University researchers found that frequent vacationers have lower risks of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that using available vacation time can lead to tangible health benefits.
A recent study found that nearly half of America's firefighters experience high levels of physical and emotional burnout, with insomnia and PTSD linked to increased risks. Researchers emphasize the need for fire departments to prioritize sleep and mental health to reduce burnout and improve response times.
A new scoring system measures the impact of living with multiple chronic illnesses, revealing a faster decline in thinking and memory abilities for those with higher scores. People with higher multimorbidity scores are also more likely to die by suicide and experience poor mental well-being.
A 15-year study tracking former child soldiers in Sierra Leone reveals that earning acceptance from families and communities is crucial for their mental health and social integration. The research highlights the importance of addressing stigma and improving social supports to help these individuals recover from childhood trauma.
A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine found that working one day a week can provide significant mental health benefits, reducing the risk of mental health problems by an average of 30%. Working longer hours did not provide further boosts to wellbeing. The researchers suggest that the ideal
Research reveals social media has a detrimental effect on mental health in Indonesia, exacerbating envy and resentment due to high levels of inequality. The study calls for public health interventions to promote wise social media use and prevent increased mental illness.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies found associations between sexting and increased rates of sexual activity, multiple sex partners, and mental health risks like anxiety and depression among teens. Younger adolescents were more likely to experience stronger links between sexting and these outcomes.
A survey of over 900 RMD patients revealed that pain caused one in ten to have suicidal thoughts, highlighting the huge impact of pain on mental health. Poor sleep quality also had a negative influence on pain, with two thirds of patients rarely or never feeling fully rested.
Research from the University of Exeter found that spending at least 120 minutes in nature a week significantly boosts psychological wellbeing. The study's findings suggest two hours of natural exposure is crucial for promoting overall health and wellbeing.
Research links persistent child poverty in the UK to poor physical and mental health, including a higher risk of obesity and mental ill health. The study, based on the UK Millennium Cohort Study, suggests urgent action is needed to reduce child poverty for healthy futures.
A $1.6 million NIH grant supports a study using virtual reality (VR) to improve perspective-taking skills in youth with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD). The research aims to assess the effectiveness of VR-based interventions in increasing empathy and reducing disruptive behaviors.
New estimates from the World Health Organization reveal that one in five people living in conflict-affected areas has a mental health condition, including depression and anxiety. The prevalence of severe mental health conditions is 5%, with moderate conditions affecting 13% of the population.
A five-year study at Boston Children's Hospital reports success with a program bringing behavioral health services into primary care pediatricians' offices. The program increased children's access to behavioral health care, with only minor increases in cost, and got high marks from participating pediatric practices.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that persistent poverty affects nearly a fifth of UK children, leading to poorer mental, social, and behavioral development. Children experiencing poverty also face worse educational outcomes, employment prospects, and earning power into adulthood.
A new USC study suggests that viewing viral videos of police shootings and detained immigrants may be spurring mental-health issues in adolescents of color. The research found that Hispanic participants reported more depressive symptoms, while female participants reported more depressive and PTSD symptoms than male participants.
A new study found that insufficient sleep is associated with a wide variety of mental health symptoms in college students, including depressed mood, hopelessness, anger, anxiety, and desire to self-harm. The risk of experiencing these symptoms increases by over 20% for every additional night of insufficient sleep.
A new study suggests that sleep disturbances are associated with mental health problems among survivors of a natural disaster, even two years after the event. The research found significant positive correlations between sleep disturbances and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and symptoms of depression.
A new Health Economics study found that U.S. children's mental health worsened as the economy weakened, with special education services for emotional problems rising. The effects were seen across sexes and ages, suggesting policy responses to poor economic conditions may have larger benefits than anticipated.
A new study found that LGBTQ adolescents who experienced weight-based victimization had increased odds of alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, and cigarette use, as well as poorer self-rated health, higher depressive symptoms, and lower self-esteem.
A new Lancet Series highlights persistent failures by governments and health institutions to address gender equality despite its impact on health. The series presents evidence-based recommendations to reduce gender inequality, reform workplaces, fill data gaps, empower civil society, and strengthen accountability.
A systematic review found CBT to be effective in improving the mental health of children with long-term physical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pain, and epilepsy. The study also highlighted the importance of building supportive relationships and considering a range of needs in treatment plans.
Researchers at Edge Hill University identified three main personality profiles: Fearful, Malevolent and Socially Apt. These profiles influence how easily people are persuaded by authority figures or limited-time offers.
A recent study shows a dramatic rise in opioid overdose deaths among American veterans, mainly caused by heroin and synthetic opioids. The research emphasizes the need to provide care to veterans with non-prescription opioid use disorder, independent of prescription opioid use.
A recent study found that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression were more likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation services following an episode of ischemic heart disease. This contrasts with previous research suggesting mental health conditions may hinder patient engagement in care.
A new study by ISGlobal found that adults who had close contact with natural spaces during childhood may have a better mental health than those with less exposure. The results show lower scores in mental health tests for participants with lower childhood exposure to nature.
A new study from UVA School of Medicine suggests that co-located mental health services improve HIV viral suppression rates among vulnerable populations, with a notable increase in older and white patients. The researchers are calling for more Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics to expand their on-site mental health services.
A new health IT intervention improves detection and treatment of mental health disorders in Cambodian refugees, with primary care providers detecting depression six times more likely to diagnose. The program also leads to higher rates of evidence-based trauma-informed care.
A review of 52 studies involving 13,000 elite athletes found stigma was the main barrier to seeking help, with poor understanding of mental illness, busy schedules, and gender stereotyping also playing a role. Coaches and sports governing bodies are key to changing the culture and promoting mental wellbeing.
People with strong life purpose are more likely to accept health messages and experience less decisional conflict. A study found that those with a stronger sense of purpose have less activity in brain regions associated with conflict-processing, making it easier for them to make healthier choices.
Northeast Ohio Medical University has received a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to collaborate with other Ohio medical schools on developing a comprehensive curriculum for pain management and opioid use disorder treatment. The project aims to improve systems of prevention and treatment f...
Researchers used MRI scans to examine the brains of 1,327 individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals, finding that cortical anatomy varies significantly between groups. The study also found that brain differences are more pronounced in girls with ASD, particularly those with lower cognitive ability.
A study by University of California San Diego researchers found that optimism, wisdom, and social connections protect against declining cognitive and physical health. Conversely, loneliness increases the risk of mental decline. The findings can inform new interventions for aging populations.
The world is not on track to achieve global targets to reduce harmful alcohol use, according to a study of 189 countries' alcohol intake. The total volume of alcohol consumed globally per year has increased by 70%, with low- and middle-income countries driving the increase.
A new study found that higher mental well-being in midlife is associated with greater physical activity. Different exercise activities are linked to various dimensions of well-being, including emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
A 18-year study of thousands of Americans found that people who persist in their goals and have a positive outlook tend to experience less depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. The study suggests that perseverance and optimism can create resilience against mental health disorders.
The website nowmattersnow.org uses dialectical behavioral therapy to reduce suicidal thoughts and negative emotions in users. Nearly one-third of visitors experienced significant reductions in suicidal thoughts and emotional intensity after using the site.
A new study found that college students' perception of how much their peers are drinking is a key predictor of whether they will increase their alcohol use. The study examined genetic risk, roommates' drinking habits, and peer perceptions to find that the most influential factor was students' perception of peer drinking habits.
The NIH study found that a sudden increase in demand for suicide prevention services occurs after celebrity suicides, with a significant spike in calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The researchers emphasize the need for increased funding and efficient allocation of existing resources to ensure surge capacity.
A recent study found a significant increase in youth suicide deaths following the release of '13 Reasons Why,' highlighting the need for responsible reporting on suicide. The series' portrayal of suicidal behavior has been criticized for potentially promoting simplistic explanations and glorifying the decedent.
Loneliness is a common emotional state in older adults linked to declines in health and increased healthcare usage. Social prescribing may alleviate loneliness by connecting lonely individuals with community supports.
From 1998 to 2015, US spending on outpatient care for depression increased by 43%, primarily due to expanded insurance coverage for mental health conditions. The study analyzed national survey data and found a significant association between increased healthcare spending and improved mental health treatment outcomes.
New study finds a modest increase in depression treatment rates, but non-financial barriers persist. Medicaid expenditures for mental health conditions have increased significantly, while uninsured individuals experience a decrease in care.
A large Australian study has identified key factors contributing to poor mental health among bisexual individuals, including relationships with straight partners and negative self-perceptions. The research highlights a significant need for support and education to improve the mental well-being of bisexual Australians.
Research by Lancaster University reveals that school bullying increases the risk of mental health problems and unemployment by 40% and 35%, respectively, at age 25. Bullying also reduces income and academic achievement, particularly among those who experience persistent or violent forms of bullying.
Treatment at Canada's only early intervention program for youth with mood and anxiety disorders leads to improved symptoms, functioning, and access to psychiatric care in the most appropriate settings. Patients who disengage from treatment have less severe symptoms than those who stay engaged.
A major study by the Ontario Child Health Study found that one in five Ontario children and youth suffer from a mental disorder, with a significant increase in anxiety and depression. The study also revealed that many children have contact with other health providers and settings, often through schools.
Activists argue that pre-treatment mental health assessments of trans people are dehumanizing and unjustified, treating self-reports of gender dysphoria as if it were a mental illness. Informed consent should replace these assessments, respecting patients' autonomy and lived experience.
Research finds increased indicators of despair, including depression and suicidal ideation, among Gen X-ers in their late 30s and early 40s, regardless of demographic group.