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Scientists identify key to learning new words

Researchers have identified a unique pathway in the human brain that enables word learning, which is distinct from other species. The arcuate fasciculus connects auditory regions with motor areas, facilitating the connection between sound and articulation of words.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2013

Outgoing people lead happier lives

Research at University of Southampton reveals that youthful extroversion and emotional stability significantly influence happiness and well-being in later adulthood. Neuroticism, on the other hand, is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJul 17, 2013

Mental disorders in 13.5 percent of Canadian Forces personnel deployed to Afghanistan

A study published in CMAJ found that 13.5% of Canadian Forces personnel who served in support of the Afghanistan mission between 2001-08 had a mental health disorder related to their deployment. The most common disorders were posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, with PTSD being found in 8% of personnel.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 2, 2013

1 in 5 UK NHS staff report bullying by colleagues

Research published in BMJ Open found that 19.9% of respondents had been bullied by colleagues within the past six months, with medical and dental staff reporting the highest levels of bullying. The study also highlighted the impact of bullying on psychological distress, job satisfaction, and increased intentions to leave the profession.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 1, 2013

Involving community group in depression care improves coping among low-income patients, study finds

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.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2013

Mobile health devices can improve health care access in developing countries, remote regions

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 17, 2013

Domestic violence and perinatal mental health

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 28, 2013

Integrating mental health care into HIV care

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 2013

Building a better team -- on Mars

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.

Anabolic steroids may affect future mental health

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 20, 2013

Mental health and NCDs

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 14, 2013

Expanding Medicaid -- mental and financial health improve, but no improvement shown in physical health

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...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 1, 2013

Integrating mental health care: New series

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 30, 2013

PPP meets mental health needs in northern Uganda

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 16, 2013

IU study: 'Backbone' of mental illness stigma common in 16 countries studied

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 ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 10, 2013

Gynecomastia has psychological impact on adolescent boys, reports plastic and reconstructive surgery

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...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateApr 2, 2013

Missed opportunities to help smokers with mental illness

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.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 27, 2013

Family dinners nourish good mental health in adolescents

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 20, 2013

Training program developed by U of A medical researchers leads to police using less force

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateMar 18, 2013

Global consensus on concussion in sport

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMar 11, 2013