Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A DVD designed to help people prepare for an MRI scan led to a significant reduction in anxious patients and improved scan quality. The study found that the DVD helped patients feel less anxious and more confident about taking the scan, leading to more successful scans and better patient outcomes.
A meta-analysis of 203 articles from 29 countries found that individuals with mental health disorders have a relative risk of mortality 2.22 times higher than the comparison population. The majority of deaths among people with mental health disorders are due to natural causes, with a median potential life lost of 10 years.
Research from Oregon State University finds that identifying the population of people with mental illness who have frequent contact with police can help allocate limited resources. The study suggests using mental health courts and maximizing existing systems to reduce police interaction with the mentally ill.
A new study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that university students who focused on the benefits of abstaining from alcohol reduced their overall drinking levels. Participants who imagined strategies for non-drinking also reported fewer binge drinking episodes and more favorable perceptions of non-drinkers.
A major study by McGill University and the University of Edinburgh found that long-term smoking causes thinning of the brain's cortex, accelerating cognitive decline. Stopping smoking helps restore part of the cortex's thickness, but recovery is slow and incomplete.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered a psychedelic drug that prevents the development of allergic asthma in mice. The study identified a potent anti-inflammatory mechanism for treating asthma, which could one day be administered via an inhaler or daily pill.
Research found significant disparities in mental and physical health of 11-15 year olds between affluent and disadvantaged youths. The study suggests that addressing socioeconomic inequalities is crucial for population health.
A global study found that socioeconomic differences in adolescent mental and physical health increased between 2002 and 2010, with poorer youth more likely to be less active, have larger BMI, and report more symptoms. The study highlights urgent action needed to tackle inequities in adolescent health.
Researchers at the University of Houston explore the interplay between four key risk factors and food insecurity in families. A mother's poor health is found to be a determining factor in extreme food insecurity cases, while financial strain affects non-poor households experiencing marginal food security.
Research by the University of Manchester's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness found that high staff turnover and complaints were associated with higher patient suicide rates. The study suggests that mental health services should closely monitor these factors to ensure patient safety.
A new international collaboration reveals a vital relationship between diet quality and potential nutritional deficiencies and mental health. The study finds that nutrient-based prescription has the potential to assist in managing mental disorders at an individual and population level.
A recent study published in Personal and Ubiquitous Computing found that texting is the most popular feature used by patients with mental illness, whereas downloading apps was the least popular. The study suggests that texting may be a more suitable treatment aid due to its accessibility and familiarity among patients.
The system analyzes video data to extract clues such as heart rate and eye pupil radius, while also analyzing Twitter posts and keystroke rates. The program can accurately detect emotions, with a high correlation between its predictions and users' self-reported feelings.
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found a significant elevation of brain inflammation in people with clinical depression. Brain scans revealed increased activation of immune cells, which play a key role in the brain's inflammatory response.
Sexual offending treatment programs in prisons and hospitals have been shown to be ineffective in reducing recidivism rates, with most offenders releasing back into society posing the same level of risk as before treatment. Experts argue that only proven treatments should be used to rehabilitate offenders effectively.
Grand Challenges Canada funds BasicNeeds' award-winning model for mental health treatment in resource-poor countries, enabling access to care for nearly 75% of the world's people with mental illness. The model generates sustainable impact, enabling 86% of people with mental health problems to access treatment and report reduced symptoms.
A CAMH survey found that nearly four in 10 workers are reluctant to disclose mental health problems to their managers, citing concerns about career impact and stigma. However, the study also reveals that supportive policies and positive relationships with managers can encourage disclosure and create a more supportive work environment.
A study found that giving employees more control over their work schedules can improve sleep quantity and quality, reducing the risk of chronic disease and early mortality. Participants experienced an average gain of nearly an hour of sleep per week compared to those without flexible scheduling.
The Crime Victims' Institute at Sam Houston State University has released a new series on human trafficking, shedding light on the prevalence of sex trafficking victims worldwide. The research reveals that approximately 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked annually, with 70% of those forced into the sex trade internationally.
Researchers at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute found that glucocorticoid tablets can synchronize peripheral biological clocks in white blood cells, improving synchronization of the body's internal clocks. This breakthrough could lead to innovative therapies for travelers, night-shift workers, and those with sleep disorders.
A new research published in the Journal of Public Health found that bisexual women are more likely to self-harm and experience eating problems compared to lesbians. Bisexual women reported 64% higher rates of eating problems and 37% higher rates of deliberate self-harm than lesbians.
A significant portion of state and federal prisoners are not receiving treatment for mental health conditions, with 26% reporting a diagnosis compared to 18% in the general population. The lack of access to adequate mental health services can lead to higher recidivism rates after release.
Researchers found that 'normal' metabolizers had better quit rates with varenicline versus the nicotine patch, while slow metabolizers could benefit from the patch. The study suggests tailoring treatment to an individual's nicotine breakdown speed may be a viable strategy to improve quit rates.
The Georgia State University School of Public Health has received a five-year contract to coordinate Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (YMHFA) and other professional development efforts. The program will teach citizens to support adolescents experiencing behavioral health or addiction challenges.
A study found that optimistic individuals have significantly better blood sugar and total cholesterol levels, are more physically active, and have healthier body mass indexes. They were also less likely to smoke and had a stronger association with cardiovascular health when socio-demographic characteristics were factored in.
A survey of Boston teachers found that while many provided classroom-based support after the 2013 Boston Marathon attack, others lacked clear policies and training to help students cope with trauma. The study suggests that teachers play a crucial role in supporting student mental health following crises like terrorist attacks.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found Ohio's Behavioral Health/Juvenile Justice initiative benefits young offenders diverted to community-based agencies for mental health treatment and substance abuse help. Most showed improvements in functioning and decreased delinquency symptoms.
Research suggests that in certain cultures, such as Japan, expressing anger is associated with reduced biological health risk, rather than increased risk. In contrast, in Western societies like the US, managing or suppressing anger is linked to better health outcomes.
A longitudinal cohort study of 49,739 women found a dose-response relationship between PTSD symptoms and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers also identified antidepressant use and elevated body mass index as significant contributors to the association.
Researchers found that better physical functioning is associated with remission of general anxiety and PTSD symptoms in critically ill patients. The study suggests that clinicians should check for a full range of mental and physical phenomena to care for critical illness survivors.
A health promotion program combining gym membership with trained health coaches significantly improves fitness and weight loss in people with serious mental illness. The In SHAPE program, a 12-month program, showed more than half of participants achieving clinically significant reductions in cardiovascular risk.
The University of Missouri (MU) School of Social Work, in partnership with the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), has received a $1 million grant to expand training to mental and behavioral health professionals in Missouri. The project aims to improve access to services among high-need young adults aged 16-25.
A recent study by Caltech neuroeconomists found that the speed at which people factor in healthiness affects their ability to exercise self-control. On average, taste information begins to drive food choices 200 milliseconds before health information does.
A study of Ontario adults found that nearly 17% reported a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), with those who had TBI more likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as opioid use and smoking. The study suggests a link between TBI and substance abuse, highlighting the need for preventive action against TBI.
Researchers found associations between extraversion and pro-inflammatory genes, as well as conscientiousness and reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression. These findings support the idea that personality traits influence health and longevity.
Johns Hopkins researchers are using Twitter posts to gather important information about common mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder. Their techniques have yielded fresh numbers on cases of these illnesses, allowing for analyses that were previously difficult or expensive to obtain.
Scientists at CAMH have discovered a novel drug target that could lead to better antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia patients. The discovery, led by Dr. Fang Liu, identifies a protein combination that disrupts symptoms without side-effects.
A new study found that low-crime, walkable neighborhoods reduce severe depressive symptoms in older Latino adults. The 12-month and 24-month follow-up results showed a significant reduction in depression among participants living in safer neighborhoods.
A CAMH survey found that 2.2% of Ontario adults seriously contemplated suicide in the last year, with significant increases in self-rated poor mental health and cannabis use. The report also showed declining rates of non-medical prescription opioid use and a decrease in smoking prevalence.
A Penn Medicine study found that people with mental illness are more likely to have been tested for HIV than those without. The study also found that those with schizophrenia and bipolar disease had the highest rate of HIV testing.
Human sex trafficking is a significant public health issue affecting the US, with an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 victims worldwide annually. The average age of entry into the sex trade for children is between 12 and 14, with lasting mental and physical health consequences.
A new UK study published in BJPsych found that women with mental illness are significantly less likely to undergo mammography screening for breast cancer. This disparity could account for 90 avoidable deaths per year in the UK, highlighting the need for comparable care and education.
Researchers found that psychosocial counseling significantly reduced repeat suicide attempts and deaths by suicide, with benefits lasting up to five years. The study's findings suggest that talk therapy-focused suicide prevention can be an effective strategy for populations at high risk of suicide.
The Lancet highlights that current efforts to prevent violence against women and girls are inadequate, with 1 in 3 women experiencing physical or sexual violence. The series urges policy makers, health practitioners, and donors to take five key actions to address the crisis.
A Rutgers study reveals that 75 percent of patients with at least four hospital stays between 2008-2011 were diagnosed with one or more behavioral health conditions. The study also found that 40 percent of preventable inpatient hospitalizations were associated with behavioral health conditions.
A telemedicine-based collaborative care model successfully engaged rural veterans with PTSD in evidence-based psychotherapy, improving clinical outcomes. The study found that patients who attended eight or more sessions of cognitive processing therapy experienced significant improvements in PTSD severity.
A new analysis from a long-term study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found a strong relationship between low credit scores and poor cardiovascular health. The study also suggests that personal attributes such as self-control, planning ahead, and perseverance can predict both better financial status and better health.
A new study suggests that big data predictive analytics can identify high-risk US Army soldiers prior to hospital discharge, highlighting a targeted approach for suicide prevention. The analysis of 53,769 soldiers revealed that 5% of hospitalized individuals accounted for 52.9% of post-hospital suicides.
A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of employees who have been diagnosed with depression reported challenges related to thinking on the job, resulting in reduced productivity. The Right Direction initiative aims to increase awareness of depression in the workplace and provide resources for employers to support their employees.
Mental health experts in The BMJ warn that UK immigration detention systems are broken and prioritize deterrence over protection, causing harm to detainees' physical and mental health. Experts call for NHS England to ensure detainees are screened for mental health problems and facilities maintain NHS standards.
Research found that most participants underestimated weight and incorrectly identified body shapes, even among healthcare professionals. The study's findings have important implications for weight management support and advice, as many individuals may not be receiving the help they need due to inaccurate assessments.
The HIP HOP PSYCH initiative aims to use hip-hop lyrics and music to improve people's mental health, address stigma towards mental illness, and increase diversity within the psychiatric profession. By integrating hip-hop into psychotherapies, psychologists can refine their tools to make therapies more relevant to specific populations.
A study by home health care nurses found that Depression Care for Patients at Home (Depression CAREPATH) had no effect on the full sample of patients, but showed benefits among those with moderate to severe depression. The intervention improved depression scores in patients with a score of 10 or greater, particularly at three months.
Researchers found a correlation between depression and certain acoustic properties in patients' speech, including breathier tone and increased jitter and shimmer. A phone app could use this information to analyze patients' speech and provide feedback and support.
Michigan AHEC will use the funds to develop its infrastructure, promote health career preparation initiatives, and provide clinical experiences for underrepresented minorities. The goal is to address primary care shortages in underserved communities across Michigan.
A study by CWRU researcher Joseph Galanek found that training correctional officers on mental illness symptoms improves prison safety, security, and humane treatment of inmates. The research showed that trained officers could use their discretion to respond to mentally ill inmates without rigidly enforcing prison rules.
A recent study published in The Lancet highlights the need for comprehensive policy changes to address homelessness. Homeless individuals are not only sick physically and mentally but also have lower life expectancy.
Two studies found that new soldiers are equally likely to have experienced major episodes of mental illness as civilians, but more likely to have a combination of disorders. Rates of pre-enlistment suicide thoughts and plans are similar to matched civilians, but higher rates later in the Army career suggest chronicity of suicidality
A recent study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that nearly 21% of youths screened positive for mental health issues requiring follow-up. Female detainees were more likely to screen positive than male detainees, with significant disparities in service utilization based on race/ethnicity. The findings underscore the need f...
A new UK study has found that teenage self-harm is associated with a higher risk of developing mental health and substance misuse problems as adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 4,700 adolescents, reveals that even non-suicidal self-harm can increase the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and other issues.