Articles tagged with Mental Health
Global mental health faces significant funding challenges, with over 70% of the burden in low- and middle-income countries. A new framework is proposed to address this issue, highlighting the need for a coherent evidence base and sustained political support.
A new study published by King's College London reveals that stroke is the leading cause of death among older people in low- and middle-income countries. The study also highlights the importance of education and social protection in prolonging life, with education being a strong protective factor against mortality.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that work-focused psychotherapy can help employees return to work faster and improve their mental health over time. Employees who received this therapy were able to fully return to work on average 65 days earlier than those in standard therapy, with significant impro...
The GHSU Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior has received the 2012 Award for Creativity in Psychiatric Education from the American College of Psychiatrists. The program's Project GREAT initiative focuses on recovery from mental illness, empowering patients to be part of their own care.
A study found that fathers with depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of emotional or behavioral problems in children. The research identified factors such as poverty, unemployment, living with a child with special health care needs, and maternal depression as predictors of paternal depressive symptoms.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that blacks with higher education levels are less likely to seek mental health services than their white counterparts. Cultural barriers such as stigma, lack of knowledge, and trust play a significant role in this disparity.
Researchers have provided experimental evidence confirming Alan Turing's 1950s theory on how biological patterns such as tiger stripes are formed. The study identifies the specific morphogens involved in this process, including FGF and Shh, and demonstrates a mechanism that is widely relevant in vertebrate development.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that depressed heart attack patients are more likely to be re-admitted for cardiac events and have longer hospital stays, with 14% more days of hospitalization compared to happier counterparts. The study suggests that investing in extra psychiatric support may have a large positive payoff.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found that patients taking antidepressants before hip replacement surgery reported greater pain and lower satisfaction with their procedure. Assessing a patient's mental health status prior to surgery is crucial for predicting outcomes.
Researchers found that comparing downward to others who are worse off can lead to immediate positive feelings, while upward comparisons may improve physical health measures and hope for improvement. However, the effects can be negative in both cases, highlighting the need for better understanding of social comparison dynamics.
A new study found that post-surgical phone support significantly improved physical activity and function in high-risk knee replacement patients. Telephone emotional support was well-received by all patients, particularly those with poor emotional health or morbid obesity.
Research on 850 participants found frequent house moves during childhood were associated with poorer overall health and psychological distress. Illicit drug use during adolescence and adulthood was independently linked to childhood house moves.
Research shows that better mental health services and safer hospital environments lead to a significant reduction in suicides among specific patient groups. The study's findings are based on data from 12,881 suicides in 91 mental health services between 1997 and 2006.
Researchers analyzed data from England and Wales, finding that services implementing recommended interventions saw a significant decrease in suicide rates. The provision of 24/7 crisis care was associated with the largest reduction in fatalities, while local policies on patients with dual diagnosis and multidisciplinary reviews also sh...
A cross-sectional analysis found that strengthening mental health systems features can facilitate access to psychotropic medicines, while country development plays a different role in promoting affordability.
A nationwide study reveals that most young people who present to emergency departments with deliberate self-harm are discharged without receiving a mental health assessment. The study found that only 39% of patients discharged to the community received a mental health assessment while in the emergency department.
A recent meta-analysis by CAMH found a complex relationship between alcohol consumption and ischaemic heart disease, with varying risks depending on gender, drinking patterns, and overall health outcomes. The study concludes that lower drinking limits for women are needed to inform safe drinking levels.
A new study suggests that a parent's education level can affect the mental health of their offspring. Higher levels of parental education are linked to fewer mental health issues in adult children.
A group of international health experts is calling for a special UN session to focus global attention on mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. The authors outline three broad areas of action needed, including enhancing access to evidence-based care and expanding knowledge about MNS disorders.
A new study from CAMH found that treatment of depression while working increases productivity, with workers experiencing moderate depression 2.5 times more likely to be highly productive compared to those without treatment.
Researchers found that people with schizophrenia showed greater brain activity during tests inducing delusional thinking, including the cortical midline structures and dopamine regions. This effect was not seen in a comparison group without schizophrenia.
A longitudinal study of over 17,000 youths found that frequent school absences are associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems during adolescence. Students who were chronically absent in one year tended to have more depression and antisocial problems in subsequent years.
A new study found that individuals with mood and anxiety disorders are more likely to abuse opioids. Non-medical prescription opioid use was associated with an increased risk of developing any mood disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and all anxiety disorders. Early identification and treatment of mood and anxiety di...
A unique Swedish study of 691 widower men showed that finding a new partner within four to five years of losing their wife significantly reduced the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. In contrast, those who remained single faced higher risks and were more likely to use sleeping pills and antidepressants.
A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that individuals exposed to the 9/11 disaster are at risk of developing heart disease, respiratory illness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Volunteers who were not affiliated with organizations were more highly exposed to hazardous chemicals and had poorer health outcomes.
A new pilot study in Rhode Island aims to improve depression in nursing home rehabilitation patients through telemedicine. Geriatric mental health specialists will work with patients at the Evergreen House Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, testing the program's effectiveness.
Researchers found that boosting a woman's confidence makes her better at spatial tasks like parking and map-reading. A study by the University of Warwick discovered that confidence levels play a key role in women's ability to perform these tasks, suggesting skills can come more easily if a woman feels good about herself.
A University of Michigan Health System-led analysis of federal data found that over half of women who killed themselves had a known mental health diagnosis, with mood disorder being the most common. The study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors in pregnant and postpartum women to intervene and prevent suicide.
The 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey reveals declining teen smoking rates, with 9% of students smoking cigarettes compared to 12% in 2009. Binge drinking and driving after cannabis use remain concerns, with 22% of teens reporting hazardous drinking behaviors and 16% being drunk or high at school.
A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that nearly 40 percent of young adults who tried suicide made their first attempt in elementary or middle school. This suggests that early mental health programs may be necessary to address chronic mental health problems, which often begin during childhood and adolescence.
A new study found that 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week significantly improves sleep quality, with participants feeling less sleepy during the day. The study's results support mounting research linking regular exercise to various health benefits, including improved daytime alertness.
Challenges in LMICs require balanced expensive and low-cost research methods to prioritize problems. Good governance can help optimize resource use, ensuring more effective mental health research.
A new study shows a 20-percentage point jump in colonoscopy screenings among New Yorkers ages 50 and older, erasing disparities across several demographic populations. The campaign aimed to address growing disparities in colon cancer mortality rates, particularly among blacks, Hispanics, and women.
A study by Concordia University found that employees with acute, chronic or episodic illness report higher rates of presenteeism, with caregivers in early education reporting the highest rates. Presenteeism can be influenced by job insecurity and social obligation, but research suggests it may not always be a productive option.
The WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme aims to reduce the treatment gap for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in low- and middle-income countries. The programme provides evidence-based management recommendations to improve access to treatment and care.
Former football players experience cognitive difficulties and worse physical and mental health compared to non-athletes. Adopting healthy dietary habits and regular exercise can help mitigate these effects, according to a University of Missouri study.
A Canadian study found a link between heavy methamphetamine use and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The research compared methamphetamine users to those with other substance dependencies and found a 1.5-3-fold higher risk of diagnosis.
The Mayo Clinic has developed a new tool kit, Action Signs, to help identify symptoms of mental health disorders in youth. The toolkit aims to improve diagnosis and care for up to 75% of youth with mental health disorders who are currently not identified or receiving necessary treatment.
The University of Missouri's Missouri Partnership for Educational Renewal (MPER) has developed a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in schools. With training efforts, school districts like Parkway School District have implemented standardized responses to address suicidal students before a tragedy occurs.
Rutgers University has established a stem cell repository to study mental health disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. The repository will provide researchers with induced pluripotent stem cells derived from individuals with these conditions, enabling them to better understand the causes of mental disorders.
A new issue of The Counseling Psychologist discusses the contributions of counseling psychologists to disaster research and response. The article highlights the need for a multisystem analysis and response, which counseling psychologists can provide.
A new RAND Corporation study found that the US Department of Veterans Affairs provides high-quality mental health care to its veterans, comparable to privately insured and Medicare/Medicaid populations. The study highlights areas for improvement, including increasing evidence-based treatments and addressing regional variations in care.
Dr. William E. Bunney, a renowned UCI psychiatrist, has been awarded the prestigious Institute of Medicine's 2011 Rhoda & Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health for his groundbreaking research on mood disorders. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of biological factors and treatment options for depression...
The Hogg Foundation has awarded Scott & White Healthcare a $638,853 five-year grant to establish an internship program for doctoral psychology students. Thirteen interns will receive supervised training and experience, expanding the healthcare system's mental health services.
Dr. Thomas Rid argues that cyber warfare has never taken place and is unlikely to occur in the future due to the lack of lethality in most attacks. He suggests that modern cyber attacks are more sophisticated versions of traditional sabotage, espionage, and subversion.
The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health highlights the need for improved child and adolescent mental health services in low-income and middle-income countries. The authors call for early interventions to prevent long-term health and socioeconomic burdens.
A survey of 87 mostly developing countries shows improvement in awareness of mental health issues among leaders, but poor political will and limited resources remain major barriers. Successful examples include mental health campaigns in Nigeria and Uganda's integration of services into primary care.
A critical shortage of 1.18 million mental health workers threatens global mental health, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt. Community-based programs and task-shifting approaches are proposed as cost-effective solutions to fill this gap.
Human rights violations against people with mental and psychosocial disabilities are pervasive in low-income and middle-income countries due to stigma and discrimination. The authors advocate adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework and implementing evidence-based strategies to prevent these viola...
A review of studies published in The Lancet reveals that investing in mental health interventions can improve economic status. The research highlights the need for integrated mental health services as a key strategy for addressing poverty and promoting human development.
A new study from CAMH found a specific gene linked to suicidal behaviour, particularly in those with the methionine variation of the gene
A study published in Pain found that observers estimate lower pain intensity and are perceptually less sensitive to patients they don't like. Researchers used video fragments of patients experiencing shoulder pain and asked participants to rate pain severity and likability.
Research suggests that referring patients with mental health problems to talking therapies reduces their use of healthcare services and sick leave. Patients who received therapy had fewer hospital admissions, outpatient appointments, and emergency care services, but were prescribed more antidepressants.
Self-reported mental health disabilities among US non-elderly adults rose by 2.7% from 1997-99 to 2007-09, equating to nearly 2 million disabled adults. The increase was mainly among those with significant psychological distress and unmet mental health care needs.
Several prominent scientists respond to a call for rethinking the current approach to mental health care, highlighting innovative programs like those developed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The authors emphasize the need to reduce the burden of mental illness in the United States through improved treatment and accessibility.
A recent study found that only 13% of teens with suicidal thoughts received mental health visits, and even fewer (26%) received services the year prior. This highlights the need for improved screening by primary care providers to identify suicidal tendencies.
Most US medical schools provide inadequate mental health coverage to their students, with co-pays and coinsurance rates as high as 20%, discouraging them from seeking necessary treatment. This can have serious consequences for the students' well-being and ultimately affect patient care.
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine have developed a special issue to examine violence prevention. The issue highlights the complexities of violence and its deep impact on society, with significant monetary effects estimated at over $70 billion annually.
A new study by the American Psychological Association suggests that volunteering to help others can lead to a lower risk of mortality. Volunteers who reported altruistic values or social connections as their main motivations lived longer than those with self-centered reasons for volunteering.
Women who drink one drink a day during midlife may have better overall health when older than those who don't drink or consume more alcohol. Regular moderate consumption is linked to lower risk of chronic diseases and cognitive impairment.