Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A new study by Lehigh University's Sirry Alang found that people who independently seek mental health care are more likely to rate their treatment as effective compared to those who are coerced into care. Demographic and socioeconomic factors shape perceptions of treatment effectiveness.
A national analysis found a significant increase in unhealthy days among sexual minorities in Indiana following the passage of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This rise was not seen in neighboring states or heterosexual populations, suggesting the law's impact on public health.
A survey found that Americans wish doctors discuss their mental, spiritual, and lifestyle factors with them. Most patients want to talk about why they're healthy, non-drug treatments, and factors influencing overall well-being.
A study published in CMAJ found that immigrant and refugee youth are more likely to visit emergency departments for new mental health issues, highlighting gaps in access to outpatient mental health care. The study suggests that barriers to primary care services, including language and cultural differences, contribute to this issue.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 2 million US residents and found a correlation between rising temperatures and increased mental health issues, suggesting climate change poses a risk to human well-being. The study suggests that even small increases in temperature can have significant impacts on mental health.
A new study finds that for every 1% increase in depression diagnoses, opioid overdose deaths rise by 25-35%. The researchers emphasize the need for doctors to screen for depression before prescribing opioids and for better access to mental health care.
A study found that non-VA healthcare providers are uncertain about how to care for veterans due to limited knowledge of resources and coordination problems. Despite the need to identify health conditions related to military service, many providers fail to ask about veteran status.
A comprehensive review by the European Psychiatric Association recommends exercise as a key treatment for mental health conditions, reducing symptoms of depression and schizophrenia. The guidelines suggest structured exercise, two to three times a week, can improve cognition, cardiorespiratory health, and overall well-being.
The UTHealth Homeless Outpatient Mental Health Expansion Services Program provides treatment and recovery support to 500 individuals ages 18 and older with serious mental illness experiencing homelessness.
A study of 10th-graders in Los Angeles finds that most teens who have tried marijuana use it in multiple forms, including smokable, edible, and vaporized products. The research raises concerns about the health implications of cannabis use among adolescents amid a growing market with sleek packaging and health benefits claims.
A new study found that an online insomnia program using digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improved not only insomnia symptoms but also daytime functioning and overall health. The program, called Sleepio, was used by 1,711 participants and showed significant improvements in global health and mental wellbeing.
A study published in the BMJ found a consistent causal effect of higher BMI on lower mental wellbeing. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to rule out other factors and found that individuals with higher BMI were less happy and satisfied with their lives.
Playing golf regularly is associated with increased longevity and reduced risk of heart disease, as well as improved mental health for those with disabilities. To maximize these benefits, golfers should aim to play for 150 minutes a week and prioritize sun protection and injury prevention.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that adults with irregular sleep patterns weigh more, have higher blood sugar, and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Regular sleep schedule was associated with better heart and metabolic health outcomes.
A York University study found that difficult people who practiced acts of kindness had the greatest reductions in depression and increases in life satisfaction. Researchers tracked over 640 participants who were mildly depressed and asked them to complete online compassion training exercises.
A study of college students reveals significant disparities in mental health treatment across race and ethnicity, with white students receiving more treatment than students of color. The study found that half of white students received treatment, compared to one-quarter of African American and Asian students.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified four clusters of personality types using comprehensive data from over 1.5 million questionnaire respondents. The findings challenge existing paradigms in psychology and provide new insights into human behavior.
A Drexel University study found that undocumented Latino immigrants have lower rates of healthcare use and signs of chronic disease, despite being less likely to see a doctor. This dichotomy may be due to lack of access to preventive services or mental health care.
A review paper published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that high levels of optimism can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. Optimistic patients were more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity, healthy eating and not smoking.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that internet- and telephone-assisted trainings for parents and children with disruptive behavior at age 4 significantly reduced child behavioral problems and increased parental skills. The program showed positive long-term outcomes, i...
A recent study of 9,650 US soldiers who attempted suicide reveals that nearly one-third had no prior mental health diagnosis. Risk factors for attempting suicide were similar across both groups, but being in the first year of service and certain sociodemographic characteristics increased the risk in soldiers without a prior diagnosis.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that two-thirds of current and three-quarters of former cancer patients aged 50+ are mentally flourishing. The researchers discovered that factors such as marital status, income, and childhood experiences can influence mental health outcomes.
A recent study found that on-again, off-again relationships are associated with higher rates of abuse, poorer communication, and lower levels of commitment. Researchers suggest that partners who regularly break up and get back together should re-examine their relationship dynamics to prioritize their well-being.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that pregnant women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy were significantly more likely to have used marijuana during pregnancy. Women with severe nausea and vomiting had nearly four times greater odds of prenatal marijuana use than those without symptoms.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente are conducting a three-year study to examine the role of opioid use in suicide risk and develop better tools for clinicians. The study aims to improve powerful prediction models that can identify patients at high risk for suicide.
The study discovered that patients' primary motivations behind cosmetic procedures are physical health, psychological well-being, and aesthetic appearance. Patients primarily pursue these procedures to look younger, fresher, and more confident.
Researchers found that the anonymous forum provides a safe space for men to express emotions and connect with others who have experienced similar struggles. The study suggests that this online platform can help address the unique challenges faced by males in seeking mental health support.
A researcher will investigate the effects of capoeira, a Brazilian dance-martial art, on anxiety and self-efficacy in various populations. The study aims to develop creativity-based interventions to supplement traditional mental health approaches.
A randomised controlled trial found that care from peer support workers with lived experience of mental health conditions reduced the likelihood of readmission for people who had recently left acute mental health care. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a lower rate of readmission to acute care among participants who received p...
A three-week intensive outpatient treatment program reduced PTSD symptoms by more than half in military veterans, with over 90% sticking to the program. The program combined evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy with wellness interventions, showing that concentrating therapy over consecutive days can be an effectiv...
A UCSF-led study of first-time offenders aged 12-18 found that adolescents identifying as non-heterosexual were more likely to experience depression, self-harm, substance abuse, and poorer mental health. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions to support these youth
A 2013 measles outbreak in New York City resulted in 58 confirmed cases, with most unvaccinated individuals affected. The outbreak, triggered by an unvaccinated adolescent's return from London, required a significant public health response, including nearly $400,000 and over 10,000 personnel hours.
A study of serious case reviews of sudden unexpected infant deaths found that domestic violence, mental health problems, and substance misuse were common factors. Most cases occurred in hazardous sleep environments, with cosleeping and parental intoxication contributing to the risk.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimated that approximately 1 in 8 children aged 2-9 years in India have at least one neurodevelopmental disorder. The most prevalent disorders were hearing impairment and intellectual disability, with about one-fifth of affected children having two or more conditions.
An international survey of 16,000 employees and managers in 15 countries found that managerial support for depression is associated with lower rates of workplace absenteeism. Managers who offered help and support had employees take fewer days off work, while those who avoided discussing the issue led to more absences.
A new study by USC researchers links digital media use to increased risk of ADHD symptoms in teenagers. The study found that teens who frequently used smartphones and multimedia devices were twice as likely to show symptoms of ADHD.
A training programme called Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Programme improves child behaviour, concentration, and mental health by focusing on positive conduct and ignoring minor disruptions. Teachers who underwent the training reported improved teaching practices and increased student compliance.
Carolyn B. Murray, a professor of psychology at UCR, has been awarded the 2018 Dr. William Montague Cobb award for her research and activism addressing health disparities in African American communities. She will receive the honor on July 16 at the Annual NAACP Convention.
A study from Lawson Research Institute and Western University found that patients experienced lasting improvements in managing symptoms, academics, work performance, and relationships. Patients credited a collaborative partnership with their care provider for keeping them engaged in treatment.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center found that warm handoffs have no association with improved attendance at behavioral health intake appointments. The most significant predictor of attendance was time from referral until appointment, contradicting previous theories on the effectiveness of warm handoffs.
A recent study found that suppressing fears during a health scare can lead to higher levels of fear and emotional suppression. Researchers suggest that providing quality information and preparing the public for disease outbreaks can help mitigate this cycle.
Patients with mental health diagnoses report similar benefits from accessing doctors' notes as those without such diagnoses. Accessing online medical records can help patients feel in control of their care and improve medication adherence.
Research found that popular mental health apps portray mental health as ubiquitous and manageable through self-help apps, potentially leading to overdiagnosis. The study's authors caution that this approach can be problematic, especially for those with severe mental health issues, who may need external support.
The US refugee resettlement program is struggling to cope with a changing sociopolitical climate, particularly with regards to Syrians. Researchers found that organizations are struggling to obtain basic resources for refugees upon arrival, including housing and job placement.
A new study published in Brain Stimulation reveals that people undergoing voluntary and involuntary electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have similar outcomes, providing reassurance for those who received involuntary treatment. The study found that both groups showed significant improvement, but individuals receiving involuntary ECT were mo...
Researchers tested a new approach to caring for people with multiple long-term conditions, which aimed to improve health-related quality of life and patient experience. The '3D' approach simplified complex drug treatment and considered mental health, but showed no improvement in quality of life, challenging current UK guidelines.
A California study found that student mental health peer organizations increase students' perceived knowledge about mental health, decrease stigma, and promote helping behaviors. The study involved 1,129 students from 12 colleges, demonstrating the potential of student-run initiatives to shape a more supportive climate on campus.
A new study shows that people with schizophrenia are over-represented among those who die by suicide, particularly young people. Researchers emphasize the importance of assessing suicide risk in younger patients with schizophrenia, especially early in their illness.
A national survey found that low SES individuals experienced significant increases in negative affect, while positive affect and life satisfaction declined. In contrast, high SES individuals showed minimal changes or opposite trends.
Research by the University of Plymouth shows that personal and appreciative responses to online feedback can significantly improve patient experiences. The study identifies 19 key factors, including prompt replies, tailored content, and signposting to key services, as essential for effective engagement.
Researchers investigated how factors like social motivation differ in the population to understand contributing factors of poor mental health. They found that low social drive is linked to social isolation and poorer mental health outcomes.
A study by Daniel Casasanto at Cornell University reveals that left-handed individuals' emotions are housed in the right side of their brains, contradicting traditional models. This suggests a revised approach to treating anxiety and depression, with strong left-handers potentially benefiting from an opposite treatment.
A new study by UCSF found that people with severe mental illness are more than twice as likely to have Type 2 diabetes. Racial minorities face even higher risks, with Hispanic patients having a 36.9% incidence rate.
A recent review of over 70 clinical trials found that rheumatoid arthritis treatments alone are unlikely to improve mental health outcomes. Instead, integrated psychological support alongside routine care may achieve optimal mental health outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and depression.
The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on NCDs reports that the Sustainable Development Goal for reducing premature deaths from NCDs by a third by 2030 will not be met at current rates. The commission proposes six recommendations to address this issue, including increased political leadership, prioritization, and improved financing.
A study found that only 20 percent of young people diagnosed with anxiety will stay well over the long term, regardless of treatment. Regular mental health checkups may be a more effective way to treat anxiety than current models.
A new study links divorce to increased risk of smoking and lower physical activity levels, which can lead to early mortality. Divorced individuals report lower life satisfaction, predicting poorer health outcomes.
Kaiser Permanente researchers developed new models predicting suicide risk by combining electronic health record data with standardized depression questionnaires, identifying high-risk patients more accurately. The approach could inform decisions on follow-up care, referrals, and personal safety plans.
A population epidemiology study found no association between high-lithium concentration groundwater and diagnoses of bipolar disorder or dementia. The study accounted for local healthcare resources and demographics, a factor known to influence mental health diagnosis rates.
A comprehensive study published in Psychological Medicine found a strong link between depression and cognitive decline in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 71,000 participants, revealed that people with depression experienced a greater decline in cognitive state than those without depression.