Articles tagged with Mental Health
Dr. Eric J. Nestler's research has fundamentally reshaped global understanding of addiction and depression by focusing on resilience rather than pathology. His laboratory identified distinct molecular, cellular, and circuit changes in resilient brains that maintain normal behavioral function despite exposure to drugs or stress.
A new guide published by Oxford University Press provides essential resources for parents of adolescents with autism. The book covers various challenges they face during this critical period, including social connections, puberty, and sexuality. It also offers extensive lists of resources to support these young individuals.
A new dual-action program combines arts sessions for people with dementia with wellbeing sessions for their carers, helping families rediscover connection and confidence. The program was co-designed with those affected by dementia and has been shown to promote social interaction and reduce isolation.
A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that the US suicide rate is lowest in December, with a significant decline during the year-end holiday season. However, some news outlets continue to perpetuate the false myth that suicides increase around the holidays.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that school reopenings significantly reduced mental health diagnoses among children, including anxiety and depression, by 43% compared to periods before schools reopened. The benefits were especially pronounced among girls.
Researchers at Cornell University used psilocybin and the rabies virus to map brain connectivity changes, finding that psilocybin weakens negative thinking loops and strengthens sensory-motor responses. The study suggests potential therapeutic applications for depression treatment.
The symposium will feature experts sharing cutting-edge research and insights on AI in clinical settings, aiming to improve chronic health outcomes and expand access to mental healthcare globally. The event is a unique platform for networking and collaboration, highlighting innovative approaches that move the field forward.
A recent study by Melissa Villodas found that interventions delivered with individual psychological and behavioral needs in mind can achieve higher completion rates. Tailoring interventions based on participant feedback can also improve treatment completion, especially for younger individuals with fewer years of incarceration.
A study of 349 new parents found intrusive thoughts and psychotic-like experiences more prevalent than thought, causing severe distress linked to higher parenting stress and lower satisfaction. The research highlights the need for normalisation, stigma reduction, and targeted support for affected parents.
A study by University of California - Merced sociologist Daisy Verduzco Reyes found that Latinx college graduates experience improved emotional well-being after the COVID-19 pandemic student loan repayment pause, with 37 participants carrying over $26,000 in debt.
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark reveals that depression is significantly more common among women with gynaecological disorders—both before and after receiving a diagnosis. The study highlights the need for earlier detection and a more integrated approach between somatic and psychiatric care.
A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.
Research suggests that owning a family dog during adolescence can boost mental well-being and social support by altering the gut microbiota. The study found that adolescents with dogs had higher mental health scores and lower social problems compared to those without dogs.
Research finds certain psychological disorders are associated with positive attributes like heightened creativity, empathy and resilience. People with mental illnesses may grow and develop unique strengths despite their struggles.
A recent study by UCLA Health investigators found that mental health conditions significantly raise the likelihood of developing liver cancer among US veterans living with cirrhosis and hepatitis C. The study suggests that these disorders limit access to hepatitis C care, reducing the chance of a cure.
Dr. Paul Lucassen's research on adult neurogenesis reveals the link between early life experiences, lifestyle factors, and depression/dementia risk. His work has implications for therapeutic approaches to brain health and disease.
The December issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature updates on substance use disorders, depression, and borderline personality disorder treatment. New research on trauma interventions in schools aims to improve mental health support for students.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals who received emergency or hospital care for hallucinogen use are at a higher risk of developing mania and bipolar disorder. The study revealed a six-fold increased risk of mania diagnosis within three years for those who received such care.
Research found a heightened risk of preschool wheeze and school age asthma associated with maternal eating disorders. The study suggests including dedicated support for these disorders in maternal healthcare to improve respiratory health.
A new study found that long-term antidepressant use has increased by nearly 20% among young people aged 10-24, raising concerns about potential overprescribing. The study also found no meaningful improvement in efforts to wean patients off antidepressants, highlighting the need for a stronger framework for safely tapering medications.
A new review emphasizes the importance of smell health, highlighting its role in nutrition, cognitive function, and psychological resilience. Researchers call for a global campaign to promote smell health through education, awareness, and targeted public health policies.
A new study of 500 combat soldiers found that computerized attention training significantly reduces the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The training involves identifying neutral and threatening images, gradually training soldiers to direct more attention towards potential threats.
Research by George Mason University professor Melissa Villodas found that neighborhood amenities are linked to mental health in various ways across different racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic and Black youth had higher rates of anxiety when living in neighborhoods with sidewalks compared to White youth.
A major meta-analysis found that nitrous oxide can offer fast-acting depressive symptom relief for adults with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. The study showed significant improvements in mood within 24 hours, but repeated dosing over several weeks was needed to sustain clinical benefit.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
A study from the University of Seville found that patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders show significant reductions in structural similarity between different brain regions, particularly in the temporal, cingulate, and insular lobes. These alterations are associated with cognitive deficits and severe symptoms.
Drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day may slow the biological ageing of people with severe mental illness by lengthening their telomeres, equivalent to 5 extra biological years. However, no such effects were observed beyond this daily amount.
A new scholarship has been established at NUS Medicine to support students in the Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy programme, enabling them to train as mental health professionals. The S$3 million gift from the Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation will cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend for 18 months.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC's most aggressive housing quality enforcement programs reduced hazardous housing violations in targeted buildings by half, but did not lead to measurable changes in short-run health care utilization. Despite significant housing quality improvements, the a...
A 1-week social media detox in young adults was associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The study's findings suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of reducing social media use for mental health concerns.
A study by the University of Göttingen explores how people experience nature in protected landscapes, finding that these areas foster local identity, support learning about nature, and provide spaces for recreation. The research identified five central narratives: learning, regional heritage, care, multifunctional use, and collaboration.
Researchers identified 12 genes linked to canine behaviour also associated with human traits like anxiety, depression, and intelligence. The study provides insights into understanding dog emotional worlds and tailoring training or care to suit their needs.
A global survey of over 747 ECT recipients and 201 relatives found 25 adverse effects, with 17 reported by more than half of participants. Women, bilateral ECT, and multiple courses were linked to severe harm, contradicting claims of modern ECT's safety.
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
A new study shows that AI-assisted interviews can diagnose mental illnesses with higher accuracy than traditional rating scales. The AI assistant Alba was able to differentiate between diagnoses that often overlap and received positive feedback from participants for its empathic and supportive user experience.
The study gathered measures of wellbeing, anxiety, depression, sleep, eating behaviours, social support and self-compassion across the draft year, at pre-, mid- and end-of-season. Players with higher self-compassion and stronger social support reported far better mental health overall.
A new study found that remote work can improve quality of life by providing choice and autonomy, but poor support can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased job satisfaction. The research highlights the importance of access to amenities like green spaces and local services for sustainable remote work.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that about a quarter of U.S. service members and veterans who start psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) quit before finishing treatment. The study analyzed 181 studies covering over 124,000 military participants and discovered significant diffe...
A study by Fisabio found that children who owned 'other animals' had a protective effect against emotional problems, while cat ownership at ages 4-5 showed a mild association. The study suggests that less demanding pets may help create stable relationships and enhance psychological well-being.
A University of Sydney-led study found that 42% of Australian adults experienced traumatic events as children, leading to a 50% higher risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders. Childhood trauma is linked to chronic physical health conditions and can have lifelong consequences.
The American Psychological Association's new health advisory emphasizes that generative AI chatbots and wellness applications lack scientific evidence to ensure user safety. Despite their low cost and accessibility, these tools are not a substitute for systemic solutions to the mental health crisis.
A 10-year follow-up study by PLOS reveals that Dutch servicemembers injured in Afghanistan maintained their quality of life. The findings suggest long-term stability for those affected by battle-related injuries.
A new study found a significant link between omega-3 intake and ADHD symptoms among Palestinian adolescents. Lower omega-3 consumption was associated with higher ADHD symptom scores, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition in supporting cognitive health.
A recent landmark study identifies adenosine as the critical mediator of rapid antidepressant action, connecting ketamine, ECT, and hypoxia. The discovery raises questions about the potential interference of caffeine with these treatments, highlighting the need for further research on adenosinergic modulation in depression.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that growing awareness of ADHD may lead some young adults to mistakenly believe they have the disorder. However, a short educational session on the nocebo effect reduced the likelihood of mistaken diagnosis.
A Portuguese theatre company collaborated with doctors and patients to develop a play about bipolar disorder, which was performed in front of an audience of over 300 people. The play's emotional engagement helped facilitate the assimilation of scientific information and contributed to reducing stigma surrounding mental illness.
A federally funded clinical trial tested an intervention to prevent suicides among people recently released from jail, reducing suicide attempts by over half. The safety planning intervention involved in-jail programs and telephone check-ins for six months.
Researchers found a novel link between shared brain-gene patterns and autism symptom severity in children with autism and ADHD. The study suggests that focusing on specific symptom dimensions and their biological correlates may lead to more precise recognition and treatment approaches.
Cambridge scientist Dr Chris Macdonald creates the most effective treatment for public speaking fear using VR overexposure therapy. The platform has demonstrated remarkable results in reducing anxiety and improving performance.
The navigate-kidney study finds that community health workers enhance holistic, patient-centered care through improved patient engagement and emotional wellbeing. This integration into dialysis care teams may lead to better outcomes for patients with kidney failure.
A majority of U.S. adults report feeling isolated and stressed due to societal division, with nearly seven in 10 saying they need more emotional support. The survey found that loneliness can have real consequences for stress management and health, highlighting the importance of connection and social support.
A recent study revealed sharp increases in mental distress among international students in the US, with anxiety rising from 20% to 36%, depression from 20% to 35%, and suicidal ideation from 5% to 10%. Despite modest increases in counseling services, the gap between psychological needs and access to care remains significant.
Researchers found somatoform disorders impact 4.6% globally, with 662 years of life lost per 100,000 people due to these conditions. The study highlights the need for increased resource allocation and awareness about these often-diagnosed-incorrectly disorders.
A nationwide study found that involuntary psychiatric patients have a significantly higher risk of suicide, particularly during the first month after discharge. The risk is elevated for several years and is associated with factors such as age, diagnosis, and previous self-harm.
A recent analysis of data from seven countries found that higher levels of greenness are associated with a 7% reduction in hospital admissions for all cause mental disorders. The protective effect increases with greater exposure to greenness, suggesting that urban design and health policy can be improved to protect mental health.
Researchers have discovered that stress hormones can silence crucial neuronal genes by interacting with long noncoding RNAs and the polycomb repressive complex 2. This mechanism may provide a new understanding of how stress affects gene expression, particularly in relation to synaptic function and calcium signaling.
A recent survey conducted by Orlando Health found that over one-third of men (38%) would rather endure stressful situations than discuss their prostate health. The reluctance to address this common issue often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, affecting men's quality of life.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation invites educators to explore a public-health approach for strengthening mental health in schools. This approach emphasizes the importance of incorporating universal screening and school-based mental health initiatives in the classroom.
A new study found that parental emotional support helps protect children from anxiety and distress during wartime. Parents who encouraged open conversations and validated emotions created a safe space strengthening their children's resilience in the face of conflict.