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Study: Facing suicide attempts as a teenager could predict heart disease later in life

A study found that teenage boys and girls close to someone who tried to kill themselves may face a higher rate of risk factors for heart disease in their twenties. Young adult men had higher blood pressure and systemic low-grade inflammation, while young adult women were more likely to be overweight/obese and have high blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 7, 2016

WSU researcher improves mental health evaluations

A new assessment tool has been developed to gauge the risk of patients with mental illnesses committing crimes, improving upon the current evaluation system. The tool aims to strike a balance between patient rights and freedoms and public safety, facilitating quicker evaluations and hospitalizations for high-risk patients.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology·DateApr 28, 2016

Young gay and bisexual men 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than older counterparts

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that young gay and bisexual men in the UK are significantly at risk of poor mental health compared to their older counterparts. The research reveals that these men are six times more likely to attempt suicide or self-harm, as well as twice as likely to be depressed or anxious.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateApr 26, 2016

New report calls for effort to reduce negative attitudes toward people with disorders

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a multipronged evidence-based national strategy to reduce stigma toward people with mental and substance use disorders. The report highlights the need for coordinated efforts supported by government, long-term funding, and ongoing evaluation.

Study links gang membership and depression

A recent study found that gang membership is associated with increased levels of depression and suicidal thoughts among middle- and high-school students. The research, conducted by Michigan State University and Bowling Green State University, highlights the negative impact of gang involvement on mental health outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCriminal Justice and Behavior·DateApr 13, 2016

New toolkit can improve primary healthcare for people with developmental disabilities

A new evidence-based toolkit will help family health teams in Ontario provide more proactive care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The toolkit includes a four-step process to implement health checks, resources for clinicians and patients, and examples of how to embed the tools into Electronic Medical Records.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateApr 1, 2016

Psychiatric diagnoses in young transgender women

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that nearly 41% of young transgender women had one or more mental health or substance use disorders. The study also revealed a significant increase in depression, anxiety, and substance abuse among Latina young transgender women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 21, 2016

New international research reinforces the link between public policy and life expectancy

A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals that policy changes in three countries led to significant declines or gains in life expectancy. The research found that effective substance use policies can reverse declining trends, while failed policies can lead to abrupt and drastic drops in life expectancy.

New staffing model reveals unintended consequences in public mental health clinics

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that therapists working as independent contractors in public mental health clinics reported less willingness to adopt evidence-based psychosocial practices and had lower knowledge about them compared to salaried employees. This shift may be driven by budgetary reasons, with agencies...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMar 9, 2016

When it comes to predicting depression, race may matter more than was thought

A new study found that standard depression screening tools may not work as well for black Americans as they do for whites. However, listening to black participants' own descriptions of their mental health may help predict risk. Self-rated health was found to be a key predictor of later depression in black participants.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 3, 2016

Public health should be part of Canada's missing and murdered Aboriginal women inquiry

The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges that public health be involved in the upcoming inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women. The root causes of interpersonal violence and health disparities are linked to a legacy of colonization, cultural genocide, and societal neglect, Dr. Kirsten Patrick explains.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 29, 2016