Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
Researchers found that the original Mona Lisa painting is often seen as happy, and participants identified happy faces more quickly and with greater certainty. The study suggests that our brain has a bias towards positive facial expressions.
A nutritional supplement kit, developed to counter mood-altering brain changes linked to depression, virtually eliminated the 'baby blues' among women. The kit, consisting of three supplements, was found to reduce depressive symptoms and increase resilience against sad events.
A new perspective paper warns that the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act poses a threat to critical mental and behavioral health services for people with autism and other disabilities. The author, David S. Mandell, calls on the scientific community to use evidence to guide policy in this area.
Researchers found strong correlations between nature exposure and positive markers of mental health, revealing a quantifiable impact. The study used dose-response modeling to uncover threshold effects that may guide urban planning and reduce the societal burdens of mental illness.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health warn that renewed focus on debunked autism-vaccine links diverts attention from growing threats to healthcare services. The Affordable Care Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are under attack, posing a serious risk to essential protections.
A large population study found that people who experience weight discrimination are less likely to be physically active. This is due to feelings of self-consciousness and negative stereotypes, leading to a lack of confidence to exercise in public.
A national analysis found that frequent social media use is associated with increased social isolation, even when controlling for demographic factors. The researchers suggest that social media may displace authentic social experiences and elicit feelings of envy, contributing to feelings of isolation.
A meta-analysis of 186 studies found that patients are more likely to refuse treatment with only psychotropic drugs compared to psychotherapy. The rates of premature termination were also higher for pharmacotherapy alone, particularly for anorexia/bulimia and depressive disorders.
A study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that implementing a completely tobacco-free environment led to positive changes in attitudes and reduced patient agitation. The findings also showed no change in fire-related incidents.
A Veterans Affairs study of mental health patients found that accessing clinician notes can foster trust through transparency and consistency. However, patients also reported concerns about errors, outdated information, and gaps in diagnoses, which erode trust.
A study at UBC's faculty of medicine found that young people value positive interactions with peers, group therapy, and emotional support from service providers. Meanwhile, youth reported feeling pigeonholed by their mental illness and experiencing impersonal encounters with support workers.
A recent study found that children exposed to severe deprivation in Romanian institutions aged 0-3 experience mental health problems in early adulthood. Despite living in supportive families, these children had higher rates of social, emotional, and cognitive problems throughout their lives.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine has found no link between cat ownership and psychotic symptoms in children. The research, which followed nearly 5,000 people from age 13 to 18, controlled for other factors such as household overcrowding and socioeconomic status.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that targeting the biological clock in cancer cells can inhibit tumor growth. By 'repairing' the malfunctioning clock, tumors grew nearly half as fast as those without such intervention, suggesting a potential new way to treat cancer in humans.
Children who move into poverty are more likely to suffer from social, emotional and behavioural problems than those who remain out of poverty. The study found that this is due in part to the adverse effect of poverty on mothers' mental health, which partially explains the negative impact on children's mental health.
A large-scale study found that genetics accounts for about eight percent of people's differences in self-reported tiredness/low energy. Most of these genetic contributions overlapped with mental and physical health conditions, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking and weight.
A study by Northwestern University found that delinquent youth are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and engage in unprotected vaginal sex with high-risk partners as they age. This risk is particularly pronounced among African American males, who are over four times more likely to have multiple partners.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that career military women were happier and had better physical and mental health than the general population. They also reported positive experiences, such as satisfaction with their work with wounded troops and civilians in Vietnam.
Researchers found that older adults living in poor neighborhoods with high homicide rates experience more depressive symptoms. Neighborhood factors like violence, poverty, and safety perception contribute to depression, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions.
A researcher argues that permitting some individuals to continue self-injuring in mental health units can be a more respectful and less harmful approach than traditional methods. This harm reduction strategy aims to reduce the risk of serious injury while acknowledging the individual's autonomy.
Suzanne Gage, a scientist and podcast host, has been awarded the 2016 AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science. Her podcast, 'Say Why To Drugs,' aims to counter misinformation and myths surrounding recreational drugs, reaching an audience of young adults.
A multidisciplinary team from Care New England, Brown University, and the University of Michigan will conduct a five-year research study on novel approaches to suicide risk assessment. The study aims to identify how changes in speech patterns relate to changes in suicide risk using smartphone technology.
A federal law aimed at ensuring equal insurance benefits for physical and mental health care has led to modest increases in healthcare utilization among children with autism spectrum disorder. Despite these gains, researchers highlight the need for stronger enforcement of the parity law to ensure adequate access to services.
Saint Louis University research suggests that formal volunteering in civic service programs can improve the health, mental health, and social life of US veterans. After participating in a six-month volunteer program, more than half of the participants reported better health and emotional well-being.
A University of Michigan study reveals that immigration fears among Latino mothers can lead to lower birth weights and preterm births. The research found a 24% increased risk of low birth weight among Latina babies born after the historic Postville immigration raid in 2008.
A new study reveals that male and female African-American veterans receiving outpatient mental health services have lower patient activation rates than White veterans. The study also found a weaker relationship between African-American veterans and their mental health providers, leading to significantly lower medication adherence rates.
Researchers found that successful quitters had a considerable improvement in their depression and 66.3% described no or minimal symptoms during a one-year follow-up. Stop smoking services can be effective in supporting people with depression, particularly with increased visits.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that teenagers with mental health problems who receive treatment experience a greater decrease in depressive symptoms than those without. By age 17, service users were more than seven times less likely to report clinical depression compared to untreated individuals.
The Chapman Perelman Foundation has awarded a $1 million gift to Columbia Psychiatry to expand on-site clinical psychiatric services at NYC Family Justice Centers. This partnership aims to provide comprehensive care and healing to survivors of domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives.
A study by University of Colorado School of Medicine students found that nearly half believe marijuana has significant physical health benefits and 37% think it has mental health benefits. Despite this support, many medical students expressed hesitancy to recommend marijuana themselves due to a lack of data and training.
Research suggests that the Affordable Care Act has effectively reduced the uninsured rate among people with mental illness and substance use disorders, but significant barriers to treatment persist. Despite increased insurance coverage, access to services such as counseling and medication remains limited.
Medical students in Colorado express strong support for marijuana legalization, but hesitate to prescribe it due to limited data and training. Most believe further research is needed on its physical and mental health benefits.
The 2016 Center for Collegiate Mental Health Annual Report reveals that college students' mental health needs have increased due to national prevention and awareness efforts. Counseling centers are adapting by providing more rapid-access services, but routine treatment capacities may be impacted.
The American Psychological Association emphasizes the importance of psychologists in patient-centered medical homes, highlighting their role in improving health outcomes, decreasing costs, and enhancing patient experience. Behavioral health problems are prevalent among medical patients, compounding care delivery and effectiveness.
A new Northwestern University study found that 13 speedy mini-apps, IntelliCare, significantly reduced depression and anxiety in participants who used them up to four times a day. The apps offer various exercises and strategies to improve mental well-being, resulting in a 50% decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Patients with mental health emergencies in Massachusetts wait an average of 16.5 hours for hospital admission and 21.5 hours for transfer to another facility compared to 4.2 hours for medical patients.
A national sample of post-9/11 veterans found that most successfully navigate the transition to civilian life, with high employment rates and job satisfaction. However, PTSD was associated with impairments in work and family functioning, highlighting the need for interventions to mitigate its negative effects.
The University of Illinois Chicago will continue its research on risk and protective factors for drinking among lesbian or bisexual women, led by Tonda Hughes. The five-year study aims to examine the impact of stressful experiences on psychological suffering and hazardous drinking in adult sexual-minority women.
Smokers with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are motivated to quit, yet many don't receive treatment or counseling. Researchers found that only 13% of patients who wanted medication to aid quitting received it.
The Friendship Bench program has shown significant results in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among participants. After six weekly therapy sessions, patients who received problem-solving therapy on the benches had fewer symptoms of depression (14%) compared to those in a control group (50%). The program has the potential to im...
A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found that homeless adults with mental illness and a history of traumatic brain injury are more likely to experience adverse health conditions, increased use of emergency departments, and suicidal risk. The research highlights the need for specialized services such as clinical treatm...
A survey of nearly 1,850 airline pilots found that many are managing depressive symptoms due to fear of stigma and job impact. The study highlights the importance of assessing pilots' mental health and increasing support for preventative treatment.
Research from the Turnaway Study reveals that women who were denied an abortion reported anxiety symptoms and lower self-esteem after being turned away. However, these effects improved over time, suggesting that access to abortion is essential for women's psychological well-being.
Psychologists analyzed links between provider burnout, quality of care, and patient safety across various medical disciplines. The meta-analysis found a consistent relationship between higher levels of burnout and lower levels of both quality and safety.
A new study finds that middle-aged patients with psychosis are incurring significant costs in long-term care facilities and with hospitalization, highlighting the need to address both mental and physical health in younger patients. Chronic psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, are associated with high health care costs due to you...
Young people struggle to access mental health services due to technology limitations, research finds. Search engines and content providers can improve accessibility by making useful material more visible.
According to a study published in BMC Psychiatry, pets offer significant support for individuals managing long-term mental health conditions. Participants reported that their pets helped manage stigma associated with their condition and provided unconditional validation during times of crisis.
Research found that US school shootings were lower in states with mandatory background checks on gun purchases and higher spending on mental health services and public education. The study analyzed media coverage of school shootings between 2013-2015, finding a link between state-level factors and the frequency of these incidents.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University links avoiding spiritual struggles with poorer mental health outcomes, including higher levels of depression and anxiety. People who fully engage with these struggles report better mental health than those who avoid them.
A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that black gay men (BGM) have a flattened diurnal cortisol curve and elevated evening levels, suggesting an unhealthy stress response. The research highlights the need for more expansive studies on HPA-axis functioning among racial/ethnic and sexual minority men.
A study published by Chapman University researchers found that higher psychological well-being is associated with greater levels of physical activity in older adults. The study, which followed 9,986 English adults over 11 years, suggests that boosting mental health may encourage physical activity and improve overall well-being.
A new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that only one in five people with depression in high-income countries receive minimally adequate treatment. The global average for adequate treatment is even lower, with one in 27 people with depression in poorest countries receiving sufficient care.
A new study reveals a sustained reduction in inpatient suicides at VA mental health units from 2000 to 2015, thanks to the Mental Health Environment of Care Checklist. The checklist guides staff in eliminating physical hazards that raise the risk of patient suicide or self-harm.
Psychologists warn that lying about Father Christmas can erode children's trust in their parents, while also being a way for adults to re-enter childhood imagination. The authors argue that the harsh realities of adult life may require a 'better' creation to believe in.
A comprehensive community-based effort led to a significant drop in suicide rates, with a 38.3% decrease in overall deaths and attempts. The program, developed by the tribe in collaboration with Johns Hopkins researchers, tracks and triages individuals with suicidal thoughts and provides culturally tailored interventions.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that home-based telemental health for depression can deliver a similar quality of life and patient satisfaction as in-person visits, overcoming barriers such as mobility issues and transportation costs. The trial enrolled 241 depressed elderly veterans who received eight ...
A new initiative called Street Triage has been shown to reduce police detentions under the Mental Health Act by 56% in the first year. The service combines mental health professionals with dedicated police officers to provide quick and effective care for individuals in crisis.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that men who conform strongly to traditionally masculine norms are more likely to have poorer mental health outcomes. Furthermore, these individuals are also less likely to seek psychological help, highlighting the potential harm of sexist attitudes on men's menta...
A study proposes that peer-led services can connect student veterans to resources and healthcare services, increasing retention rates and ensuring academic success. Peer-led supportive services offer a sense of community, bridging the gap between military culture and university life.
A new study found that nurse-led medicines monitoring can prevent serious adverse side effects of mental health medicines and recognize previously unnoticed health problems. The research, published in the Nursing Standard, showed that Profile-driven monitoring helped identify life-threatening issues and unmet needs in patients.