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Being Sardinian puts a smile on the face of the elderly

A new study reveals that Sardinians' active lifestyle, social connections, and access to healthcare contribute to lower levels of depression among the elderly. In contrast, residents from Northern Italy face higher rates of depression due to factors like limited social support and high-stress lifestyles.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateMay 22, 2014

Teens who participate in sports show lower levels of hazardous drinking

A new study reveals that adolescents who participate in sports exhibit significantly lower rates of hazardous drinking compared to their non-athletic peers. This finding contradicts earlier research, suggesting that organized sports participation may have a protective effect against alcohol misuse among young offenders.

SourceWiley·JournalCriminal Behaviour and Mental Health·DateMay 19, 2014

E-cigarettes and mental health

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that people living with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions are twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes and three times as likely to be current users. They also face a higher risk of trying e-cigarettes in the future.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 13, 2014

Collaboration between psychologists and physicians important to improving primary health care

A partnership between psychologists and physicians can produce a comprehensive, integrated personal care plan that includes attention to mental and medical disorders. The collaboration can help improve diagnosis, address substance abuse issues, and incorporate health behavior change, leading to better primary health care outcomes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 8, 2014

New care approach eases depression among women

Women who received collaborative care for depression at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic showed significant reduction in symptoms, with more than half experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder as well. The approach, called Depression Attention for Women Now, improved patient engagement, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 7, 2014

Age does not predict success for those in court-based mental health treatment programs

New research by Kelli Canada finds that older adults in mental health courts experience the same substance use and housing instability as younger adults, challenging assumptions about age as a protective factor. This study highlights the need for tailored assessments and effective treatment plans to address the unique needs of older ad...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateApr 9, 2014

First UK study of ketamine for people with severe depression

Researchers at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford conducted a UK study on the use of ketamine intravenous infusions in people with treatment-resistant depression. The study found that 29% of patients experienced benefit that lasted at least three weeks, while 15% took over 2 months to relapse.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateApr 2, 2014

Research method integrates meditation, science

A team of Brown University researchers have developed a methodology to integrate mindfulness experiences with brain imaging, allowing for the formation of testable hypotheses about the science and mental health benefits of meditation. By employing structured coding of self-reported personal experience, they can correlate mental states ...

Psychiatric complications in women with PCOS often linked to menstrual irregularity

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to experience anxiety and depression due to menstrual irregularities. The study also found that body hair growth was strongly associated with anxiety, while obesity was linked to hostility.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research·DateMar 24, 2014

Access to social workers could keep veterans out of criminal justice system, MU researchers find

University of Missouri researchers have found that access to social workers can address veteran's needs and prevent entry into the criminal justice system. Social workers play a key role in treating veterans with multifaceted treatment plans tailored to their individual needs, reducing substance abuse and mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Forensic Social Work·DateMar 6, 2014

Waiting for a donor heart: Motion prolongs survival

A new study found that patients with advanced cardiac insufficiency who remain active and have low levels of depression can significantly increase their chances of surviving the waiting period for a donor heart. The researchers recommend psychological counseling to help patients stay physically active and reduce symptoms of depression.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 6, 2014

Returning vets face 'warring identities' distress

A recent study explores the mental state of returning veterans, finding that many struggle with identity conflict and feel 'alien' among family and friends. The research highlights the need for broader dialogue around veteran experiences beyond diagnosable illnesses like PTSD.

SourceBrown University·JournalSociety and Mental Health·DateMar 6, 2014

Experts call for prison health improvements

The article highlights the need for improved prison healthcare, citing that over 95% of prisoners will return to the community with significant health burdens. Experts recommend alternatives to imprisonment, improved oversight, and a 'risk-needs-responsivity' model to address chronic medical conditions and substance abuse after release.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 3, 2014

Effective treatment for youth anxiety disorders has lasting benefit

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that 80% of youth responders to CBT and sertraline maintained positive treatment response over a 6-month follow-up period. The study also showed that combined therapy had greater benefits, with fewer youth failing to achieve responder status.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 27, 2014

Greece's deepening health crisis

A new study reveals that Greece's health system is deteriorating due to severe austerity measures, leading to a rise in infectious diseases and mental health issues. The country has experienced significant cuts to its healthcare budget, resulting in reduced access to medical care for many patients.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 20, 2014

Mental health patients up to 4 times more likely to be infected with HIV, Penn study finds

A new Penn Medicine study found that mental health patients are up to four times more likely to be infected with HIV than the general population. Researchers tested over 1,000 patients in care and detected several new HIV cases, highlighting the need for routine testing in mental health settings.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 13, 2014

Smoking cessation may improve mental health

Researchers found that quitting smoking is associated with lower rates of mood/anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder. The study analyzed data from over 4,800 daily smokers and found significant improvements in mental health outcomes after quitting or reducing cigarette smoking.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2014