Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A recent study of 5.9 million individuals found that the risk of developing a second mental health disorder is increased, even 15 years after an initial diagnosis. Younger people are significantly more at risk of developing multiple mental health disorders over time.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that technology use has at most a 0.4% association with adolescent wellbeing, surpassing the negative effect of eating potatoes. Activities like getting enough sleep and eating breakfast had a stronger positive association with wellbeing.
A team of researchers developed the Integrated Intervention for Dual Problems and Early Action (IIDEA) program to provide culturally tailored care for Latino immigrants. The study found that IIDEA reduced mental health symptoms but did not show an effect on alcohol and drug outcomes for participants with mild symptoms.
A large study found that missing general practice appointments is associated with an increased risk of death, especially among patients with long-term mental health conditions. Patients with more health conditions had a higher risk of missing appointments and dying within the year.
Researchers found that patients with more long-term conditions were more likely to miss appointments and had a higher risk of mortality. Patients with mental-health-based LTCs were associated with a higher risk of missing appointments than physical LTCs.
A large cohort study found that exposure to statins, blood pressure medications, and diabetes treatments reduced rates of psychiatric hospitalization and self-harm in patients with serious mental illnesses. The study suggests that these commonly used drugs may have repurposed benefits for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorde...
The University of Chichester is conducting the first nationwide study of child maltreatment in Australia, exploring its prevalence, impact, and co-occurrence with various forms. The research aims to inform public health interventions and provide evidence for targeted prevention strategies.
A study found that therapists can improve treatment outcomes for adolescents with depression by regularly assessing symptoms and augmenting treatment. Implementing this approach led to better symptom reduction compared to waiting until Week 8, according to a 16-week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial.
A study published in Heliyon found that Facebook users who engage in social comparison are more aware of their physical ailments. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between Facebook use and perceptions of physical symptoms.
A large Canadian study found that having a confidant was crucial for achieving complete mental health after a stroke, while childhood maltreatment and chronic pain were significant predictors of poor well-being. The study identified over two-thirds of stroke survivors as being in optimal mental health.
A new review by Michigan Medicine researchers shows that opioids are a key contributor to the rise in suicides and drug overdoses in the US. The study calls for improvements in pain care, mental health care, and medication-assisted opioid addiction care to reverse this deadly trend.
A new multi-site brain imaging study found that people with schizophrenia-related disorders use their brains differently when imitating emotional faces, but not in categorically different ways. The study suggests a data-driven approach to identify novel biomarkers for mental health symptoms.
A study of 1,736 trauma patients found that female gender and low education levels were associated with worse long-term recovery. Patient sociodemographic factors outweighed injury severity in predicting long-term outcomes.
A new report provides guidance on how hospitals can implement universal suicide risk screening of youth in medical settings, using a 3-tiered clinical pathway system. The ASQ tool is used as the first screen, followed by a brief safety assessment and a comprehensive evaluation if necessary.
A recent study found that moderate to severe loneliness persists across the adult lifespan, particularly during late-20s, mid-50s, and late-80s. However, researchers also discovered a strong inverse association between wisdom and loneliness, suggesting that wiser individuals are less lonely. The study highlights the need for solutions ...
Researchers urge employers to integrate mental health first aid into a broader system of support for employees. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health recommends a 'prevention first' approach that tackles root causes of mental health issues through good management and organizational culture.
A new study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine suggests that workplace resilience programs may not have a positive impact on employees' mental health and wellbeing. The researchers found no evidence that a specific program improved recruits' mental health and attitudes towards mental illness after training.
A meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found that Internet-based interventions significantly reduced mean weekly alcohol consumption and improved adherence to low-risk drinking limits. Older adults and those with lower education levels showed greater treatment response, while human-guided interventions had a stronger impact...
A 12-week-long mobile phone-based intervention encouraging Chinese smokers to quit resulted in a 6.5% success rate, significantly higher than control group rates. Researchers suggest this approach could improve population health and be considered for large-scale use in China.
A strong committed relationship provides a critical sense of belonging and motivation for living, buffering the risk of suicide among National Guard members. The study found that higher couple satisfaction reduces the association between mental health symptoms and suicide risk.
A new study found that regular visits to museums, theatres, or cinemas can lower the chances of developing depression in people over 50. The research also showed that cultural activities have similar benefits to exercise and eating a balanced diet for mental health.
A recent study by the University of Waterloo found that mental health patients unable to perform basic activities experience significantly longer discharge delays. Researchers identified cognitive impairment, age, and socio-demographic factors as key predictors of delayed discharges.
A study published in Sexual Medicine found that sexual activity improves wellbeing in older adults, with both sexes experiencing benefits. For older women, activities like kissing and fondling are more closely linked to enjoyment of life, while intercourse is more important for men.
A study of 4,843 UK adolescents found that those identifying as sexual minorities experienced more depressive symptoms and self-harm than their heterosexual peers, starting at age 10. Depressive symptoms declined from age 18, but this decline was not seen in all groups.
Veterans in mental health care support measures to address firearm access, such as screening by clinicians and gun locks. The VA could consider working with veterans to develop and implement these programs to prevent suicide.
A systematic review by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that repressive policing increases the risk of violence, poorer health, and HIV/STI rates among sex workers. Reforms are urgently needed to protect their safety, health, and rights.
A new UCL-led study found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth experience higher depressive symptoms starting at age 10 and persisting through adolescence. The study also showed that LGBQ young people are four times more likely to self-harm with suicidal intent than their heterosexual peers.
New research finds First Nations children and youth are more likely to experience physical pain and mental health conditions, yet face barriers to accessing specialist care. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to improve healthcare access and management for this vulnerable population.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that nearly half of people covered by expanded Medicaid felt their physical health improved, while more than a third reported improvements in mental or dental health. Enrollees who were employed also reported better job performance and had easier times looking for jobs.
Researchers found that disaster media coverage can have lasting effects on children's mental health, impacting not only in school but also in response to future disasters. Teachers and parents are often the first source of support for students affected by disasters.
A study found that only 53% of UK schools have received staff training on self-harm, highlighting the need for comprehensive training to support students. Despite this, many schools see themselves as a site for prevention and intervention activities, indicating a positive approach to addressing adolescent self-harm.
Sleep problems are prevalent and increasing among young adult students, with women experiencing a higher prevalence of insomnia. The study suggests that sleep issues warrant attention as a public health concern in this population.
Despite unmet need for treatment of substance use disorders, telemedicine use for this condition remains woefully underused. The study found that telehealth visits for substance use disorder accounted for only 1.4 percent of all telehealth visits, highlighting a significant gap in access to care.
A study by UC Berkeley found that married couples who aged show more humor and tenderness towards each other, leading to lower rates of defensiveness and criticism. The researchers tracked the emotional interactions over a period of 13 years, revealing an increase in positive behaviors like affection and enthusiasm.
A recent study found that despite a rise in telehealth participation, vulnerable populations continue to have limited access. Lack of accessible providers remains a major barrier for Medicaid beneficiaries, those with lower incomes, and rural communities. State policies alone may not be enough to increase adoption.
A new study from the University at Buffalo found that U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers who experience greater feelings of guilt and other negative emotions about never having been deployed are more likely to misuse alcohol. The study, which examined data from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal study of the health and well-b...
A new study shows that fewer Americans have serious psychological distress, but those with less distress are getting more outpatient mental health care. The growth in treatment is driven by people with little or no distress, while those with serious distress often don't receive the care they need.
A recent study from UC Davis identifies a healthy personality prototype, characterized by low neuroticism and high openness to feelings, warmth, positive emotions, and agreeable straightforwardness. Individuals with healthy personalities tend to be better adjusted, with higher self-esteem and lower aggression.
The project aims to improve diabetes management for Latinos through telementoring sessions, empowering primary care providers with advanced training. La Clínica del Pueblo and George Washington University launched the first ECHO site in the region to address high diabetes prevalence and long waitlists.
A randomised controlled trial found that a whole-school approach using restorative practice improved student-reported indicators of bullying and mental wellbeing. The programme also showed small but significant benefits for smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use among students.
A new study highlights the need for a shift in mental health provision based on public views and individual perspectives. Mental health professionals should adapt their practice to acknowledge patients' beliefs and preferences, rather than relying on assumed assumptions.
A recent University of Waterloo study found that high school students with positive mental health are less likely to consume cannabis. The study suggests that marijuana prevention programs should focus on promoting mental wellbeing instead of abstinence.
A study by Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health and Science University researchers found that in-person social contact significantly reduced symptoms of depression and PTSD in veterans. In contrast, Facebook interaction frequency did not affect risk for these conditions.
A recent MPIDR study suggests that young adults who move back home after independence experience an increase in depressive symptoms. The study also found that men and minority groups are more likely to be living with their parents, while those who live independently are less depressed and financially better off.
A Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health campaign targeting youth aged 14-24 showed impressive results in changing public attitudes toward mental health. The 'WhyWeRise' campaign increased support for people with mental illness and empowered youth to mobilize around mental health activism.
A collection of 17 innovative projects showcases the benefits of patient-oriented research, including improved health outcomes and enhanced care. Patient partners contributed to study design, recruitment, and data collection, highlighting the value of lived experience in research.
A UMass Amherst-led research team is using a 'community mobilization' approach to reduce Alaska Native youth suicide rates by promoting community conversations and increasing safety. The PC CARES program has shown promising results, with participants learning skills and taking actions for prevention.
A study published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine found that regular exercise among Japanese expatriates can reduce time spent sitting down and improve mental health. Compared to non-exercisers, those who exercised regularly spent 135 minutes less time sitting and had a higher quality of life score.
A large study found that people who experience major injuries requiring hospital admission are at substantially increased risk of being admitted for mental health disorders. The study also revealed a higher risk of suicide among these patients, with 70 suicides per 100,000 patients per year compared to the general population.
Rutgers is creating a regional Mental Health Technology Transfer Center to train mental health practitioners and support the implementation of evidence-based research. The center will focus on increasing access to treatment, prevention, and recovery services for underserved populations.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University finds that around one in three LGB individuals who are bullied at school will experience similar bullying in the workplace. The study also examines the impact on job satisfaction and mental health, finding a negative association between bullying and job satisfaction.
A nationwide study found that mental health diagnoses and treatment among college students increased substantially between 2007 and 2017. The study also revealed a significant decrease in mental health stigma over the same period.
A study found that US children and adolescents' mental health diagnoses have increased by 78.5 emergency department visits per 100,000 children between 2012 and 2016. Non-Latino black children faced the highest rates of mental health-related diagnoses, at nearly double the rate of non-Latino white children.
A new study found that individuals with serious psychological distress (SPD) are half as likely to quit smoking as those without the condition. The researchers suggest that disparities in smoking rates between those with and without mental health problems may be contributing to these low quit rates.
A new study found that around one in 10 people are considering opting out of a proposed new system that aims to increase organ donation by presuming consent. The research suggests that campaigns targeting feelings and emotions may be more effective than interventions that present facts.
The American Psychiatric Association and the American Telemedicine Association have released new best practices for videoconferencing-based mental health services, covering topics such as emergency situations, technical considerations, and patient selection. These guidelines aim to enhance the delivery of effective and safe telemental ...
Research at Arizona State University found that high-achieving schools, despite being less risky than poverty or racism, still pose pressure on teens to excel, affecting their mental health. The quality of the parent-child relationship plays a significant role in predicting depressive symptoms and anxiety levels among adolescents.
A study analyzing academic and news articles finds that racism and violence are major factors contributing to mental health issues in colleges. Mobile technologies may help address these needs by providing access to treatment and peer support.
A recent study from Binghamton University found that the general public struggles to differentiate between obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). Researchers analyzed phone interviews with hundreds of participants, revealing that those with higher education levels were more likely to r...
Older adults who self-harm are at higher risk of dying from unnatural causes, including suicide. A large observational study found that nearly 90% were not referred for specialist mental health assessment after visiting their GP.