Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A Simon Fraser University researcher is traveling to Vietnam to study the lack of accessible services for people with mental disorders. The project aims to understand how health workers can be integrated into primary care to provide effective interventions.
The UTSA Institute for Health Disparities Research and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will provide comprehensive services to young minority adults through the Oh Snap! program. The program aims to reduce substance abuse and HIV/AIDS transmission among 18-24 year olds in the greater San Antonio region.
A new study published in the Journal of Urology reports that prostate cancer patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) experienced changes in mental and emotional well-being during treatment, with no significant decline in emotional quality of life two years after treatment. Investigators recommend counseling men about p...
A recent study published in Medical Care found that psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia and emotional distress have a significant impact on work-related outcomes. The study suggests targeting symptoms, rather than disorders, may help lessen the work impact of mental health issues.
A recent study from UC San Diego found that nearly half of patients experience shame or guilt during doctor visits, with weight and sex being common triggers. Focusing on behaviors rather than self-attributions can lead to positive changes in patient behavior and health outcomes.
A study found that cognitive training can benefit older adults for up to 10 years, improving their ability to conduct everyday tasks. The training was effective in reducing difficulty with tasks such as using the phone, tracking medication use, and managing finances.
Smoking rates among adults with mental illness have not declined as significantly as those without mental illness between 2004 and 2011. However, those who received mental health treatment had a significantly higher rate of quitting smoking at 37.2%, compared to 33.1% for those without treatment.
A new qualitative study by DePaul University School of Nursing researchers found that a nonclinical care setting, referred to as 'The Living Room,' is perceived as helpful and positive for individuals in emotional distress. The program, staffed with peer counselors, provides a safe and calm space for patients to receive treatment and s...
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that moving to a greener area improves mental health and the effect continues long after the move. The research team analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found significant and sustained improvements in mental health for those who relocated to greener areas.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University finds that released inmates with severe mental illness prioritize basic needs like housing and food over mental health services. The study suggests that social workers and policymakers must ensure that both basic and treatment needs are met during the transition from jail to community.
A study published in JAMA Network found that prolonged exposure therapy significantly improved PTSD symptoms and depression in adolescent girls with a history of sexual abuse. The therapy was more effective than supportive counseling, with participants showing greater improvement in general functioning.
The 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey found that one in eight students took prescription opioids recreationally, while 14% reported driving under the influence of cannabis. Hazardous drinking among youth remains a concern, with 8% reporting injuries or harming others while intoxicated.
A Baylor University study finds that Libyan civilians trained by American mental health professionals experience significant healing through peer-led groups, leading to a dramatic reduction in symptoms. The approach has implications for other countries with limited access to mental health services.
A new RAND Corporation study reveals that private contractors working in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other conflict environments report higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression than military personnel. Despite the challenges, many contractors struggle to access mental health resources.
The new journal Mental Health & Prevention aims to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to present their work and keep up-to-date with the latest advances in mental health promotion. The journal will publish high-quality reviews, original research, and other papers related to prevention strategies.
A psychiatric nurse brings a fresh perspective to caring for troubled teens in foster care with mental health issues. Research found that adding a mental health nurse can address high rates of psychotropic medication use and improve continuity of care.
A study published in Cerebral Cortex found that mice raised without a father exhibited impaired social behavior, increased aggression, and altered brain anatomy. The findings suggest that paternal presence during critical growth periods is essential for healthy child development.
A study by The University of Manchester shows that improved safety measures and specialist community services can reduce suicide rates among patients at risk. Implementing key recommendations, such as crisis resolution and information sharing with criminal justice agencies, is crucial in preventing suicide deaths.
Four years of sustained regular physical activity boosted the likelihood of healthy ageing sevenfold compared with consistent inactivity. Participants who became physically active reaped benefits, being more than three times as likely to be healthy agers.
Einstein-Ferkauf researchers have been awarded a $2.5 million NIH grant to develop a telephone-based approach to improving diabetes self-management and treatment outcomes in primary care. The program aims to reduce complications, emotional distress, and improve medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes.
A new study from King's College London suggests that maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure prior to conception can boost women's chances of an uncomplicated pregnancy. The research found a high intake of fruit during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of an uncomplicated pregnancy.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that frequent interruptions in children's sedentary time can have a positive impact on their health. The research, which analyzed data from over 500 children aged 8-11, showed that breaks in sedentary behavior were associated with lower risk scores for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A new Cochrane review shows that non-specialist health workers, such as doctors and nurses, can alleviate depression and anxiety in people with mental health problems. Non-specialists may also help treat maternal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol abuse, although the benefits may be smaller.
A study of teens and young adults found a link between poor mental health and casual sex, with each contributing to the other over time. Researchers found that those who engaged in casual sex were more likely to later seriously consider suicide.
A new study by Duke University professor E. Jane Costello found that more than half of adolescents with psychiatric disorders receive no treatment. Treatment rates vary greatly depending on the disorder and provider, with teens suffering from phobias or anxiety disorders being the least likely to be treated.
A study by Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University found that older adults with severe mental illness have a higher rate of medical emergency department visits and longer hospital stays. The study highlights the need for more intensive care models that consider psychosocial factors.
A recent study found that adults with developmental disabilities, such as autism and Down syndrome, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The research suggests that these individuals require more comprehensive and coordinated care, including preventive measures like cancer screening, to manage their complex health issues. ...
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates depression as the second leading cause of global disability burden, ranking first in Central America and Southeast Asia. Disability from depression affects mostly people in their working years, with women more than men.
A new analysis examines factors affecting integration of mental health and substance abuse treatment services with medical care at community health centers. Health centers were more likely to offer behavioral health services if they were larger or located in areas with more psychiatrists and psychologists per capita.
A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization finds that mid-level health workers, such as midwives and nurses, can deliver clinical outcomes comparable to physicians in certain services. The research analyzed 53 studies conducted in 18 countries and suggests opportunities for all countries to exploit.
Researchers identified barriers to mental health care access, including inadequate community support and lack of tailored psychological interventions. A new model of care, incorporating community groups and well-being services, improved awareness and use of mental health services among underserved populations.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychological and health promotion interventions by non-mental health specialists improved symptoms in women during the perinatal period. The study, conducted in middle-income countries, suggests promise for psychosocial interventions in low- and middle-income settings.
A longitudinal review found moderate exercise can prevent episodes of depression, even at low levels (20-30 minutes/day). Researchers analyzed over 26 years of research to demonstrate the impact of physical activity on mental health.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that maternal anxiety and depression can lead to increased risk of emotional and disruptive problem behaviors in children as early as 18 months old. The study also highlights the importance of early prevention and intervention, particularly for mothers with high levels of ...
A small group of homeless people are extremely high users of ERs, with some individuals visiting the hospital over 8 times a year. These frequent users often have multiple complex healthcare needs and require more than just emergency care.
A new study published in Health Affairs examines the pursuit of improved physical and mental health through various initiatives, including expanding home-delivered meal programs for seniors. The study also explores the economic benefits of biosimilars and how delaying aging could increase life expectancy by an additional 2.2 years.
A recent study analyzing Swedish news articles found that words related to happiness often appear with personal pronouns and names, highlighting the importance of relationships in collective happiness. The research also found that words like iPhone and Google rarely appear with the word for happiness.
A 2-year study found that two 90-minute group therapy sessions significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and behavior problems in British youth. The interventions targeted specific risk factors for mental health issues and were delivered by trained educational professionals.
A large-scale genetics study is underway to investigate the genetic causes behind increased rates of schizophrenia and psychiatric disorders in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients. The four-year grant from the NIMH will advance understanding of this under-recognized neurogenetic condition and potentially inform new treatments.
Researchers found that comprehensive, community-based mental health programs in California promoted independent living among people with serious mental illness. Non-white patients and those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders were less likely to benefit from these programs.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that approximately one-third of teens with bipolar disorder developed substance abuse. Risk factors identified included experimentation with alcohol, cannabis use, and certain mental health conditions.
A new study found that over half of Ontarians with major depression did not use physician-based mental health services, highlighting a gap in accessing clinician-based care. Research suggests that women are more likely to seek help and that cultural and stigma barriers may contribute to underutilization.
A majority of underage students in Ontario who smoke or drink obtain their substances from friends or family members. The survey found that males are more likely to buy cigarettes from corner stores than females, while females are more likely to receive alcohol from a friend or family member.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that chronic care management did not result in increased abstinence from alcohol among individuals with alcohol and other drug dependence. The study compared participants receiving chronic care management with those receiving usual primary care, but no significant difference was found.
Researchers discovered that levels of certain fats in cerebral spinal fluid can predict cognitive decline in HIV patients. The findings suggest that these fat markers reflect changes in brain metabolism, disrupting the 'garbage disposals' and leading to cognitive declines.
A new study published in JAMA found that a 'pay for performance' program rewarding doctors on quality of care yields better health outcomes than traditional fee-for-service models. The program improved blood pressure control rates among patients with diabetes, with significant benefits observed in high-risk populations.
A study found a link between early-onset Parkinson's disease and a genetic deletion on chromosome 22, shedding light on molecular changes that lead to the disease. The deletion is associated with abnormal protein accumulations in the brain and may delay diagnosis by up to 10 years.
A new research study aims to identify key points for engaging young people in mental health treatment. The study will explore the factors that contribute to episodes of crisis care for young adults, with a focus on improving treatment engagement.
Research reveals a significant relationship between chronic illness and household food insecurity, with adults experiencing more severe food insecurity as their health problems increase. The study suggests that managing chronic illnesses imposes additional financial burdens, limiting individuals' ability to afford food.
Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue symptoms in patients with post-polio syndrome. The treatment, applied for 15 days, showed significant improvements in physical functioning and social functioning, as well as a decrease in depression scores.
Despite ample evidence supporting its effectiveness, psychotherapy is on a decline in the US. This stems from a lack of definition, adoption, and articulation of its own evidence base, whereas medications have done so. Research shows that many therapists prioritize personal experience over evidence-based treatment.
A new study led by Tel Aviv University researchers found that Holocaust education trips can cause mental health issues in Israeli teenagers, including anxiety, adjustment, and mood disorders. While most affected teens exhibited pre-existing risk factors, others experienced stressors like bullying during the trip.
English stop smoking services have increased their reach and impact threefold over 10 years, helping more than 20,000 smokers achieve long-term abstinence. However, considerable variability exists in outcomes across local areas, requiring further investigation.
The WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) was adapted for Nigeria to address the substantial treatment gap. The adaptation process involved a multi-step approach, including situational analysis, focus group discussions, and pilot testing, to contextualize the guide for the Nigerian context. The resultin...
A large population study of over 20,000 psychedelic users found no link between LSD and mental health problems. Instead, researchers discovered a significant association with fewer mental health issues.
A study from the Université de Montréal found that the program improves parenting style and boosts children's psychological adjustment, leading to higher well-being levels. The three key dimensions of optimal parenting—structure, warmth, and autonomy support—showed significant increases.
A study led by Dr. Elizabeth Osuch found a correlation between the activation of the putamen region in the brain and bipolar disorder symptoms. The discovery may lead to a definitive biological marker for differentiating between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment.
Parmelee is recognized for her innovative contributions to gerontological treatment, practice, or service, particularly in the areas of pain management and caregiving. She has shaped the fields of gerontology, psychology, and medicine through her research on chronic pain and mental health.
A new report by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that two in five youth receiving services experience significant concurrent mental health and substance use problems. The study also showed that increased collaboration between service providers can enhance services for youth.
Regular exercise regimen helps mitigate neurocognitive impairments in patients living with HIV, reducing risk factors like high blood pressure and lipids. Exercise also improves working memory and processing speed.