Articles tagged with Mental Health
A new study finds that involving community groups in depression care improves mental health outcomes among low-income patients. The community engagement approach, which included collaborative planning with diverse services programs, resulted in increased physical activity, lower hospitalizations, and improved stability in daily life.
Dr. Chrystyna Kouros' research project aims to understand barriers to treating depression in Hispanic youth, with a focus on ethnic differences in parental and child attributions about symptoms. The study seeks to fill an important gap in the literature by examining ethnicity as a moderating factor.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has released a summary report highlighting the need for improved policies to address drinking behaviours in Ontario. The report recommends 10 policy improvements to decrease alcohol-related harms and costs in the province.
The development of mobile-presence medical devices can help fill the void of limited healthcare infrastructure and access to medical professionals in remote locations. Pilot tests have successfully connected obstetricians with pregnant women in Bolivia, enabling real-time monitoring and diagnostic imaging.
A new study from the University of New Hampshire finds that sibling aggression is associated with significantly worse mental health in children and adolescents. The study analyzed data from a national sample of 3,599 children and found that even mild instances of sibling aggression can lead to increased mental health distress.
A recent study found that survivors of intimate partner violence are not receiving adequate mental health services, with most experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or depression. Despite having access to services, social stigmas, shame, and lack of information prevent many from seeking help.
Outpatient treatment significantly reduces arrest rates for people with mental health problems, saving the government $95,000 per individual. Providing mental health care not only benefits individuals but also society as a whole.
A University of Missouri researcher studied how stories influence patients' decision-making when behavior change is not the desired outcome. The study found that including patient stories in decision aids can make them more trustworthy and emotional, but may not affect treatment choice.
A new study found that wider retinal venules are associated with lower IQ scores and cognitive deficits in older adults, even after accounting for health and lifestyle factors. The findings suggest that the processes linking vascular health and cognitive functioning begin much earlier than previously assumed.
Researchers developed an avatar system to control hallucinations in schizophrenia, showing promise in reducing frequency and severity of episodes. The therapy does not address delusions directly but improves overall effect.
A systematic review found that women who have experienced domestic violence are more likely to develop perinatal mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. High levels of symptoms were linked to increased odds of experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy or over a lifetime.
Effective mental health interventions can be implemented by trained non-specialized providers in HIV care, reducing the opportunity costs of care. Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for successful integration of mental health services into comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment platforms.
A Michigan State University project is developing a measurement system to capture team effectiveness in real time, providing instant feedback to astronauts. The system consists of badges that measure activities such as heart rate, motion, and vocalization to identify potential issues with team cohesion.
A study of elite male strength athletes found a strong connection between anabolic steroid use and depression, concentration problems, and aggressive behavior later in life. The study suggests that anti-doping efforts remain crucial in sports due to the cyclical relationship between substance abuse and mental health issues.
Collaborative care models integrate NCD care and mental health services in primary care settings, strengthening healthcare systems and reducing costs. Implementation of these models requires investments in human resources and research to address the global burden of mental health and non-communicable diseases.
A recent study on young adult crack users in Brazil highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to address this pressing issue. The research reveals extensive socio-economic marginalization, health problems, and involvement in crime among these individuals, emphasizing the importance of adequate services.
Researchers found that people with higher vagal tone experience more positive emotions, which in turn increase social connections. This leads to improved physical health through the upward spiral effect. The study suggests that positive emotions are a crucial psychological nutrient for building health.
A study by Dr. Ann-Marie Conn found that out-of-home placements can lead to significant improvements in mental health problems among school-age children who have been maltreated, with a decrease in symptoms for 6- to 10-year-olds. However, the benefits were not seen for younger or older children.
A study found that nearly one in five children and teens at risk for suicide report having guns in their homes, with 15% knowing how to access both. The research emphasizes the importance of parents understanding gun risks and encourages ED screening tools.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that schools significantly associated with adolescent mental health service use. Schools that engage in early identification of emotional problems were more likely to receive mental health services.
A new study from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment shows Medicaid coverage substantially reduced depression and eliminated catastrophic medical expenditures, increasing diabetes diagnosis and medication use among low-income adults. However, it had no detectable effect on physical health outcomes such as hypertension, high choleste...
The new series aims to help achieve a Grand Challenge in Global Mental Health by redesigning health systems to integrate mental, neurological, and substance use disorders with other chronic-disease care. Integration is essential for achieving desired outcomes for priority health programs.
A local GP intervention program has been found to positively impact the lives of women living in fear of their partner, improving their safety planning and mental health outcomes. The study, led by Associate Professor Kelsey Hegarty, tested the effectiveness of screening and brief counseling for abused women in primary care settings.
A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that portion sizes significantly affect food intake, even with mindful eating education. Despite teaching participants about external factors influencing eating habits, they consumed more food when given larger portions.
A public-private partnership (PPP) successfully addressed the mental health needs of people in post-conflict northern Uganda, establishing five psycho-trauma centers and increasing clinic attendance from 300 to over 3,000. The most common diagnoses were depression, PTSD, epilepsy, and substance use disorders.
A groundbreaking study, funded by £2m from the National Institute for Health Research, will examine ways to improve service user and carer involvement in decisions about their care. The research aims to develop a training package for mental health professionals and test its effectiveness in improving care planning.
A study in Australia found routine screening and counselling for partner violence did not improve women's quality of life, safety planning or mental health. However, counselling reduced depressive symptoms and trained doctors had more safety discussions with women.
A new study by King's College London and University of Arizona scientists has found deep similarities in brain regulation between arthropods and vertebrates, shedding light on evolution and disease mechanisms. The discovery suggests a common evolutionary origin for brain circuits underlying behavioral choice.
A global study found that a common backbone of prejudice exists in 16 countries, unfairly painting people with conditions like depression and schizophrenia as undesirable for close relationships and positions of authority. The study, led by Indiana University sociologists, analyzed data from 19,508 participants across diverse cultures ...
A new study found that Google searches for information on all major mental illnesses followed seasonal patterns, with winter queries consistently higher than summer ones. This suggests that mental illness may be more strongly linked to seasonal patterns than previously thought.
The study found that 37% of parents and step-parents who killed their children had some form of mental illness, with mood disorders being the most common diagnosis. Additionally, fathers were more likely to kill their children than mothers, and were more likely to use violent methods of killing.
Researchers from CAMH found that people with mental illnesses are more than seven times more likely to use cannabis weekly compared to those without a mental illness. The study also shows that individuals with mental illness were 10 times more likely to have a cannabis use disorder.
A study by ASPS Member Surgeon Dr. Brian I. Labow and colleagues found that persistent breast enlargement negatively impacts adolescent males' general health, social functioning, mental health, self-esteem, and eating behaviors. Early intervention and treatment for gynecomastia may be necessary to improve negative physical and emotiona...
Eight new grants bring health considerations into education policy, with a focus on school integration and cross-race understanding. An HIA in Kentucky will examine the potential health benefits and risks of coal plant retirement, while a project in Puerto Rico will assess the impact of sanitation infrastructure improvements.
Despite declining smoking prevalence, people with mental health disorders remain significantly more likely to smoke and are less likely to receive cessation support from their GP. GPs can effectively intervene with nicotine replacement therapy and other medications, but often miss opportunities due to unequal consultation rates.
A UK study found that compulsory community treatment (CTOs) for mentally ill patients did not reduce rates of hospitalization. The study compared 166 patients under CTOs with 167 patients released under Section 17 leave and found no significant differences in readmission rates or clinical outcomes.
A large community sample of adolescents found that regular family suppers were associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems, greater emotional well-being, and higher life satisfaction. The study suggests that family mealtimes provide opportunities for open interactions and teaching positive health behaviors.
A one-day training program designed by U of A medical researchers led to officers being more likely to recognize mental health issues during calls and less likely to use physical force. The training resulted in long-term behaviour change and saved the police force $80,000 due to increased efficiency.
Young servicemen under 30 are more likely to have a conviction for violent offending, with 20.6% vs 6.7% in the general population. Combat exposure and mental health issues also significantly increase the risk of violent behavior among military personnel.
A groundbreaking study explores the psychological impact of parental deportation on US-born children, who face separation from their families and uncertain futures. The research aims to understand what circumstances lead to better or worse outcomes for these children.
A global panel of concussion experts has developed new guidelines for evaluating and treating concussions, which emphasize the importance of medical clearance before returning to competition. The guidelines also suggest a gradual return to activities after the first week post-injury.
Deaf individuals need culturally sensitive treatment to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment due to communication challenges. Clinicians should seek specific training and education to become culturally competent providers, especially those working with Deaf patients.
A new RAND Corporation report highlights the challenges faced by military caregivers, who often toil long hours with little support. The study identifies broad areas where future work is needed to ensure these 'hidden heroes' receive recognition and addressed.
A new imaging-genetics study from CAMH found that a specific version of the microRNA-137 gene is associated with younger age at onset and distinct brain features in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that developing tests to screen for this gene could help treat patients earlier and more effectively.
A new CAMH study shows that alcohol is the third leading cause of disease and injury worldwide, with vast differences in drinking patterns across regions. The research found that North Americans and Canadians drink significantly more than the global average, with a detrimental drinking pattern characterized by bingeing.
Prisoners in Canada often experience worse health than the general population, with higher rates of communicable diseases and mental health issues. A well-organized and coordinated healthcare system is needed to address these complex needs.
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that police and firefighters are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders after exposure to traumatic events. Protective services workers who recently joined the profession were more likely to develop mood or alcohol use disorders.
A recent study published in the BMJ found that home-based telehealth had no effect on quality of life, anxiety, or depressive symptoms for patients with chronic conditions. The study, which involved over 1,500 participants, suggests that concerns about telehealth's potential benefits are unfounded.
A study of over 180,000 people in Scotland found that those with multiple chronic health conditions and mental illness had significantly higher rates of unplanned hospital admissions. The risk was further increased among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, highlighting the need for better coordinated care and prioritization of ...
Professor Barbara Sahakian emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health, citing one in four adults suffering from a mental disorder. She advocates for regular monitoring and early detection through innovation and technology to promote prevention and effective treatment.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that people who yearn for a more intimate partnership and those who crave more distance are equally at risk for having a problematic relationship. The study's lead author, David M. Frost, PhD, suggests that finding a way to attain an idealized level of closeness...
A study found that only 63% of US counties have mental health facilities providing outpatient specialty services for youth, highlighting significant gaps in care. The article emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to address these disparities and ensure access to quality mental health services for all youth.
Researchers found that young adults who interacted with computerized avatars experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms over three months. The avatar-based intervention improved self-management skills and helped participants rehearse office visits ahead of time.
A cross-sectional study found that around 1 in 10 young teens with mental health issues also drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and use cannabis on a weekly basis. The prevalence of this pattern of substance use increases with age and is linked to poorer mental and physical health outcomes.
A new study finds that shame about past alcoholism is linked to increased risk of relapse and declining physical and mental health in recovering addicts. Behavioral displays of shame were found to predict likelihood of relapse, severity of relapse, and worsening health over time.
A study found that mental health parity reduced total and out-of-pocket spending for patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, and adjustment disorder. Despite no significant change in service utilization, individuals with more severe illnesses experienced lower expenses due to the policy.
A new peer-reviewed journal will identify crucial LGBT healthcare needs and provide a much-needed authoritative source for LGBT health research. The journal will promote optimal healthcare for millions of sexual and gender minority persons worldwide by focusing on their specific health concerns.
A systematic review found that yoga has positive effects on mild depression and sleep complaints, as well as improving symptoms associated with schizophrenia and ADHD in patients on medication. The review of over 100 studies highlighted the benefits of yoga for mental health illnesses, except for eating disorders and cognition problems.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that targeted psychological interventions significantly reduced drinking behavior among high-risk teenagers. The 'Adventure Trial' intervention showed a 29% reduced risk of problem drinking and delayed risky drinking behavior over two years.
A recent study found that extraversion predicts neural activity in the brain's reward evaluation region, which may influence decision-making. Additionally, research suggests that personality traits such as conscientiousness are linked to better health outcomes, including lower obesity and higher life expectancy.