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 found that nearly a third of adults with severe mental illness were not screened for diabetes, highlighting the need for improved integration of behavioral health and primary care. The study suggests that addressing barriers to screening in vulnerable populations is crucial.
Experts argue that banning smoking in all areas of psychiatric hospitals can lead to better patient engagement with treatment and improved mental health. Studies show that patients with serious mental health problems are more likely to die prematurely due to smoking-related diseases.
Experts warn that chemsex, involving psychoactive drugs for extended periods, poses significant health risks, including HIV and mental health problems. Limited data hinders advice from clinicians, and funding for specialized services is waning.
A study by King's Centre for Military Health Research found that UK military personnel's symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression increased in the months following their return from Afghanistan. The researchers highlighted the need for greater psychological support during this transitional period to help troops adjust to civilian life.
A new study has identified 28 barriers to mental health services for US adolescents affected by bullying, including inadequate screening and counseling by medical providers. The findings highlight the need for improved communication between medical providers, school officials, and parents to ensure access to mental health services.
Research finds that men who process negative feelings with aggressive music react negatively to the emotion, while females exhibit increased activity in the mPFC. The study suggests long-term effects of music listening styles on brain activity and mental well-being.
A new study by King's College London researchers provides the first clinical evidence on the mental health impact of human trafficking, finding high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among patients. The study reveals complex needs of trafficked individuals, including childhood abuse and adulthood trauma.
A new study from the University of Michigan Injury Center found that positive peer influences are associated with reduced dating violence among teenagers. The research analyzed individual and social factors, including alcohol use, mental health, and social connections, to identify risk and protective factors for dating violence.
Only four out of 27 mental health apps accredited by the NHS provide scientific proof that they work, with many failing to demonstrate clinical effectiveness. The authors urge removal of these apps from the NHS library to prevent potential harm and waste of money.
A Pitt research team will study nearly 10,000 children from ages 9-10 to investigate the effects of marijuana, alcohol, and other substances on developing brains. The study aims to understand predictors of substance use and its consequences.
A study by CAMH found that 52.8% of workers with significant depressive symptoms did not recognize a need for help, leading to a 33% decrease in work productivity if this barrier is removed. Employers can target these barriers to increase the use of mental health services among workers.
A new study has identified partner molecules of cell-waste disposal proteins, which regulate the body's clock. The researchers found that ligase Fbxl3 regulates Cry proteins and Seven in absentia 2 (Siah2) targets RevErbα on a 24-hour cycle.
The new handbook aims to understand what causes children's mental health problems and provide practical guidance for improving services. It highlights the importance of early intervention and developing models of care based on psychological evidence to prevent long-term problems and offer effective help.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that regular face-to-face social interactions with family and friends significantly lower the risk of depression, while phone calls and digital communications have less impact. Study participants who met up frequently had the lowest level of depressive symptoms.
A pilot study found nearly half of pediatric ED patients exhibit mental health symptoms, underscoring the need for early identification and treatment. The study aims to reduce stigma and provide quality medical care by incorporating mental health screening into emergency department assessments.
A world-first trial by the University of Melbourne has successfully reduced risk-taking behavior in teenagers through trained doctors. The study found that after discussions with GPs, young people reported fewer instances of illicit drug use, sexually transmitted illnesses, and unplanned pregnancies.
A multicentre clinical trial found that adding an antipsychotic medication to treatment for depression in older adults significantly improves symptoms and reduces the risk of suicidal thoughts. The study showed a 44% remission rate for treatment-resistant patients, compared to 29% with a placebo.
The NIH has launched a landmark study examining the effects of adolescent substance use on brain development. The study will track 10,000 children from ages 9 to 10 and beyond, assessing exposure to substances, mental health, cognitive skills, and brain structure.
The University of Houston will provide free, rapid-HIV testing and counseling to UH students and young people in the surrounding community, with a focus on minority groups. The new grant expands testing to other minority youth and veterans, aiming to increase awareness and early detection of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.
A national school-based mental health program reduced mental health symptoms and improved school attendance among participating students. The program, established in Chile, teaches key mental health skills to children, parents, and teachers.
A new study will follow 800 recently released detainees from the Genesee County Jail in Flint, Michigan, and the Department of Corrections in Cranston, Rhode Island, to track mental health outcomes and compare two intervention strategies.
A $13 million NIH grant will fund a collaborative effort to build reproducible assays to model autism spectrum disorder. The project, called COPACABANA, uses a universal stem cell model derived from patient tissue to study the effects of individual genetic variation on mental health diseases.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between energy drink consumption and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in teenagers. Researchers discovered that teens who reported TBI were seven times more likely to consume at least five energy drinks in the past week.
A large study found that adhering to healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of depression. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 was also linked to a significant reduction in depression risk, although this effect may be explained by similarities with the Mediterranean diet.
Hispanics struggle with depression, but cultural concerns and stigma hinder seeking care. A new project uses a culturally sensitive comic-book style education tool to overcome barriers and encourage treatment.
Single grandparents caring for grandchildren are at a higher risk of poor physical and mental health compared to single parents. The study found that solo grandparents fare worse in four critical health areas: physical health, mental health, functional limitations, and health behaviors.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a new molecular 'switch' that controls the properties of neurons in response to changes in their neural network. This finding suggests that the brain's hardware is tuneable and could lead to breakthroughs in education policy and neurological therapies.
The Harvard Review of Psychiatry presents a timely update on new trends and developments in geriatric psychiatry. The special issue discusses policy changes, new diagnostic classifications, and research driving change in mental health care for older adults.
A long-term study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal found that ex-prisoners with common psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and alcohol abuse are more likely to commit violent crimes after release. The study estimated that up to a fifth of violent reoffending by former male prisoners can be attributed to diagnosed p...
Researchers found older women who forgave others were less likely to report depressive symptoms, while older men reported the highest levels of depression when they both forgave and felt unforgiven by others. Forgiving oneself did not significantly reduce depression in this study.
A new study of over 20,000 men and women in the UK found that women living in poor areas are almost twice as likely to develop clinical anxiety disorder as those in richer areas. In contrast, men's levels of generalized anxiety disorder remain unaffected by their socio-economic status.
A recent study at Washington University School of Medicine found that quitting smoking after a heart attack leads to immediate improvements in chest pain, daily life, and mental health. The benefits became apparent as little as one month after quitting, with more pronounced effects after a year.
A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports that repetitive sacral root magnetic stimulation (rSMS) can significantly reduce the frequency of nighttime bedwetting. The treatment also improved mental health scores, including social functioning, vitality, and mental health.
A new study suggests that women and men in the military have similar rates of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after combat. The study found that 6.7% of women and 6.1% of men developed PTSD, with no significant differences in severity.
A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that individuals with a genetic subtype of schizophrenia who were born with low birth weight or prematurely had nearly one in two risk of developing schizophrenia. This is compared to those without schizophrenia, where the risk was lower.
Researchers investigating care structures for Kenyan orphans find institutionalized children are healthier than those living with family members. The new study will determine the causes of this disparity and assess cost-effectiveness of different care models.
A telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced symptoms of worry, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression in rural older adults. The therapy was more effective than a non-directive supportive therapy approach in improving overall mental health outcomes.
A study of 408 teenage males found that chronic marijuana use was not linked to later physical or mental health issues such as depression, psychotic symptoms or asthma. The researchers controlled for other factors that could have influenced the findings, including cigarette smoking and access to health insurance.
Researchers developed a novel dimensional method to differentiate between expectable and problematic early childhood misbehavior. The study found that children with normal irritability levels had a high risk of clinical problems, highlighting the need for early identification and intervention.
A new study from Lund University in Sweden found that nearly all adolescents who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced improved mental health two years post-op. However, 13% showed severe depression and 20% did not feel better mentally after weight loss.
A new study reveals that Hurricane Sandy's effects on New Jersey residents are still being felt two and a half years after the storm. The study found that 27% of residents with damaged homes experienced moderate or severe mental health distress, while mold was significantly associated with asthma and mental health distress.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that individuals with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis are twice as likely to develop generalized anxiety disorders. Women with IBD have four times the odds of anxiety compared to men, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that seniors receive prescriptions for mental health medications at more than twice the rate of younger adults. However, they are much less likely to be getting their mental health care from a psychiatrist, raising concerns about potential interactions with other medications.
Researchers at Scripps Florida will study RORs, molecules that regulate circadian rhythm and carbohydrate metabolism, to better understand their role in neurological disorders. The new grant aims to expand the understanding of these receptors and develop experimental compounds for treating conditions like depression and bipolar disease.
This special series of articles explores the core psychological processes underlying maladaptive thought processes like worry and rumination. The research highlights cutting-edge methodologies and advances our understanding of these processes.
A 30-year longitudinal study shows that frequent social interactions at age 20 and quality relationships at age 30 are beneficial for well-being later in life. Meaningful social engagement starts having its greatest impact at age 30, but is also beneficial at any age.
A new study from King's College London found that many of the same genes affect GCSE results in a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and humanities. The research suggests that genetic factors explain over half of the differences between children's educational achievement across all disciplines.
A Stanford study reveals that juvenile inmates are more likely to be hospitalized for mental health problems and have longer hospital stays compared to non-incarcerated young people. Mental health diagnoses, particularly depressive disorders, substance abuse, and conduct disorders, were common among detained youth.
A new study aims to increase the accessibility of mental health research in community clinics by developing practical measures for implementing evidence-based practices. The project will explore two methods for integrating measurement-based care into routine clinical work.
Researchers at UTHealth found that mental illness was the most common reason for hospitalizing children ages 10-14, while pregnancy/birth was a leading cause for adolescents. The costs were staggering, with $51 million spent on mental disease-related hospitalizations of teens aged 15-17.
Patients with COPD in remission showed improved lung function and quality of life after practicing Liuzijue qigong (LQG) for 6 months. The exercise program, combining meditation and walking, demonstrated marked benefits in mental health as well.
A new study by researchers from King's College London found that antidepressants were prescribed more often and used more regularly in countries with higher levels of healthcare spending. Attitudes towards mental illness, such as viewing people with a mental illness as 'dangerous', were also associated with higher use of antidepressants.
A new study by a Baylor University professor found that licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) have positive attitudes towards integrating their clients' religion and spirituality into discussions, but are not doing it in practice. LCSWs fear proselytizing or lack knowledge on how to discuss clients' beliefs, leading to a disconnect ...
The study analyzed data from 9,791 Army personnel who attempted suicide and found that enlisted soldiers were 98.6% of all suicide attempts, with a higher rate than officers. Risk factors for enlistment soldiers included age, education level, mental health diagnosis, and deployment status.
A recent study by University of Illinois economists found that marijuana users between 18-24 years old drastically reduced their marijuana use when they turned 21 and gained access to alcohol. The study suggests that alcohol may be substituting for marijuana, with women showing a greater decrease in marijuana use than men.
A retrospective study found that women with epilepsy have an increased risk of maternal death and adverse outcomes during delivery. The authors identified 80 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies among women with epilepsy, compared to 6 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies without epilepsy.
A new study reveals that almost one in four psychiatric patients in Ontario hospitals are restrained using control interventions. This can damage therapeutic relationships and stigmatize patients, with health-care providers administering medication to manage dangerous situations.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that virtual training for veterans with PTSD and individuals with severe mental illness significantly increases their chances of getting a job offer. The program teaches them how to ace job interviews by building rapport with the interviewer.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that young people from poor nations can benefit from mental health treatment, even with untrained lay workers. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy showed a nearly 82% reduction in trauma symptom scores compared to usual treatment.
Researchers found that women with below-average heart rate variability were more likely to experience difficulties with sexual arousal, highlighting the link between physiological and psychological factors in female sexuality. The study's findings could lead to the development of new treatments for female sexual dysfunction.