Articles tagged with Mental Health
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is providing $4.4 million in funding to support three research teams investigating ways to improve the application of mental health research in Canada.
A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that Western cultures tend to emphasize psychological symptoms of depression, while East-Asian cultures emphasize somatic or physical symptoms. The study also revealed a link between cultural differences in thinking styles and symptom reporting.
A study found visual impairment associated with increased suicide risk due to its negative effects on health and activities of daily living. Improved treatments for visual impairment and related health issues may help mitigate this risk.
A questionnaire of Swiss schoolchildren revealed truancy and school fear linked to life events, parental behavior, and school environment. 6.9% experienced school fear at thirteen years old, increasing to 18.5% at sixteen years old, with girls more likely than boys.
A new drug has been shown to rapidly improve neuropathology and cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease. The treatment, PBT2, targets synaptic metals and has been found to reduce amyloid beta levels and inhibit AD-like neuropathology within hours and days.
A recent study found that pregnant women and those who have recently given birth are vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. However, pregnancy alone is not associated with an increased risk of most prevalent mental disorders. Post-partum women may face a higher risk of major depressive disorder.
A Finnish study has found that hazardous drinking is common among the general population, with 5.8% of participants meeting the criteria. Hazardous drinkers are at risk but not yet dependent on alcohol, and may not experience significant harm despite their heavy consumption.
Research published by The University of Manchester's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness reveals a significant link between alcohol and drug misuse and Scottish suicide and homicide rates. The study found that Scots are almost twice as likely to kill or take their own lives compared to ...
Researchers found that actively engaging in health control strategies can prevent chronic health problems and functional limitations in older adults. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that these strategies may be particularly effective in preventing decline during the early stages of physical aging.
A new report by CAMH estimates that implementing six interventions would result in cost savings of about $1 billion per year, saving close to 26,000 years of life lost due to premature death. Brief interventions were the most effective measure to avoid other alcohol-attributable criminal activities.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that foster care programs with high-quality services and low caseloads significantly reduced rates of major depression, substance use disorders, and physical health issues among adult alumni. The results show a 50% reduction in rates compared to public system alumni.
Researchers found that individuals who chose not to express thoughts and emotions about traumatic events reported fewer diagnosed physical and mental disorders over time. The study suggests that a universal approach to trauma counseling may be unwarranted and could result in misappropriation of resources.
A University of Alberta study found that almost 600 recent graduates showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms over seven years. Expressed anger declined over time after graduation, indicating improved mental health.
Researchers plan to reduce binge drinking by providing workplace information and employee commitments, with a focus on raising awareness of health effects. They will follow up with employees to assess long-term behavior change.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that US teens adopted as infants may be at a greater risk for emotional and behavioral problems. Adoptees were more likely to have contact with a mental health professional and experience disruptive behavior disorders compared to non-adopted adolescents.
TV portrayals of mental health professionals often depict them as incompetent, untrustworthy, and even buffoons, leading to negative perceptions about seeking psychological services. The study suggests that this can contribute to lower intentions to seek therapy, exacerbating the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that workers with increased work flexibility reported fewer sickness absences and improved job commitment. This suggests that implementing flexible work arrangements can contribute to better health outcomes and productivity for employees.
Researchers at CAMH have identified a new gene, CC2D2A, associated with a previously unknown form of intellectual disability characterized by retinitis pigmentosa. The mutation affects protein function, leading to faulty cell activity and the disorder.
Dr. Lin Mei has been recognized by a mental health research charity for his schizophrenia studies, which focus on altered brain cell communication. His research suggests that a balance of brain cell excitation and inhibition may be key to understanding the disease.
Researchers mapped brain regions for social standing and money rewards, finding that both engage the same reward circuitry. This discovery sheds light on complex social behaviors and could lead to better understanding of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
For patients with obstructive sleep apnea and nasal blockages, nasal surgery is associated with significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life. The procedure led to notable reductions in snoring, daytime sleepiness, and overall health status, particularly in reducing role limitations caused by physical or emotional problems.
A study found that cultural identity influences mental health in adolescents, with different effects for girls and boys. Clothing preferences were also a significant factor, with traditional clothing associated with improved mental health outcomes.
Research suggests that young people who dress according to their own ethnic group are less likely to have subsequent mental health problems than those who don't. Cultural identity expressed through clothing is found to be a healthier option for adolescents in multicultural societies.
Researchers discovered disparities in depression among older Hispanics in the US, with Puerto Ricans having higher rates than other groups. The study found nearly 7% of Puerto Ricans suffer from major depression, compared to 2.8% of Mexican Americans and 2.5% of Cuban Americans.
A randomized controlled trial found that spending time with farm animals improved patients' self-efficacy and coping ability, particularly those with schizophrenia and long-lasting psychiatric symptoms. The study suggests that farm animal-assisted therapy may be a beneficial treatment option for individuals with mental health conditions.
A recent WHO multi-country study found that ever experiencing physical or sexual partner violence is linked to poor health overall and specific health problems. Women who experienced partner violence reported more emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or attempts than those who never experienced abuse.
Long-term mental health problems in childhood are associated with mid-life depression and anxiety in adulthood. Workplace stressors such as lack of control and low social support significantly increase the risk of these conditions.
The adolescent brain experiences increased connectivity and integrative processing, with gray matter peaking in childhood and declining thereafter. These changes enable increased executive functioning, novelty seeking, and risk-taking behaviors during adolescence.
Researchers found PTSD associated with increased mental healthcare utilization and hospitalizations in urban primary care patients. Trauma exposure was also linked to substance dependence and depression, but not necessarily to increased healthcare use apart from mental health visits.
A study published in Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health found that pathological gamblers exhibit cognitive rigidity, which hinders their ability to learn from mistakes. This rigidity affects the prefrontal region of the brain, leading to impulsive behavior and compulsive gambling.
Researchers found that even short periods of exercise (10-30 minutes) can significantly improve quality of life for postmenopausal women, including social functioning and general health. The study's results support the idea that any amount of physical activity is beneficial, even if it's just a little bit every day.
Researchers found approximately one in every two hundred genes showed an epigenetic difference in the brains of psychiatric patients. These changes were noted on genes involved in neurotransmission, brain development, and other processes linked to disease origins.
A new study found that regular low-intensity exercise can significantly reduce fatigue symptoms and increase energy levels by 20 percent in sedentary people. The researchers discovered that low-intensity exercise is more effective than moderate-intensity exercise in reducing fatigue, with a 65 percent reduction compared to 49 percent.
A recent study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that only about one-fifth of employed men and women are completely satisfied with their marital and parental time pressures. Dr. Susan Roxburgh's research highlights the differing expectations of men and women when it comes to balancing work, family, and personal life.
Researchers have developed a new classification system, The Range of Possible Changes Model, to help eliminate inconsistencies in evidence-based treatments. This model sorts pertinent information from multiple studies, allowing researchers to draw reliable conclusions amidst inconsistent results.
A new study suggests that living in poor neighborhoods can lead to poorer parenting, which in turn affects preschoolers' verbal and behavioral outcomes. The study found that less neighborhood cohesion and family dysfunction are associated with inconsistent and punitive parenting styles.
The Wellcome Trust plans to increase its spending from £2.5 billion to almost £4 billion over the next five years, supporting biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing. The charity will invest in large-scale projects globally, including major initiatives in neuroscience and mental health.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that immigrants living in neighborhoods with a small proportion of their own ethnic group are at increased risk for psychotic disorders. The research confirms the importance of environmental and social experiences in contributing to these disorders.
A new study by Temple University finds that women who stopped being religiously active were more than three times likely to suffer generalized anxiety and alcohol abuse/dependence. Conversely, men who stopped being actively religious experienced decreased major depression.
Children exposed to terrorist attacks show elevated symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and general anxiety disorder. Media coverage of terrorism can result in substantial distress in exposed youth.
A study found that teachers provide valuable information to schools about adolescent health issues due to their daily interactions with students. Teachers are concerned about handling mental health and behavioral problems but desire additional staff development workshops.
Research suggests that bereavement increases mortality risk from multiple causes, including suicide and illness. Studies have consistently shown a higher risk of death among bereaved individuals, particularly in the early weeks and months after loss.
A study of 1,043 residents found that almost half had evidence of an anxiety or mood disorder five to seven months after the hurricane. The rate was highest among New Orleans residents, who were more likely to develop such disorders following physical adversity, property loss, and stressors associated with the slow government response.
A recent study found that only 14% of arm pain is likely to be caused or aggravated by arm straining activities, contradicting previous data from Labour Force Surveys. The survey results indicated that nearly half of respondents experienced arm pain in the past year, with many attributing it to their job.
Researchers found that treating patients with psychiatric disorders for hepatitis C yields a sustained viral response without increased risk of side effects. The study suggests using a multidisciplinary team and anti-depressant agents can lessen depressive reactions during treatment.
A study found a long-term positive impact on physical functioning in patients with osteoarthritis who underwent hip replacement, but no significant improvement in vitality or mental health. Patients with more severe OA showed the most improvement in physical functioning.
A comprehensive review by CAMH researchers highlights the importance of family doctors advising patients to quit smoking, doubling quit rates. The article also provides guidance on pharmacotherapy options and non-pharmacologic methods for quitting.
Researchers tested a pilot program to change older adults' beliefs about aging, resulting in increased physical activity and improved mental health-related quality of life. The program, which combined attribution retraining with weekly exercise classes, showed significant increases in walking levels and age-expectation survey scores.
The University of Minnesota's first-ever comprehensive report on college student health reveals alarming trends in mental health, obesity, and financial well-being. The study found that nearly two-fifths of students surveyed fall within the overweight or obese categories, while excessive computer/Internet use affects academic performance.
A study of U.S. soldiers found that mental health concerns and needs increase several months after returning from the Iraq war, with a significant portion not being identified by initial screening. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention and better resources for DoD mental health care.
A new study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that teens who have sex at an early age are less likely to exhibit delinquent behavior in early adulthood. The researchers analyzed data from 534 same-sex twin pairs and discovered a link between early sex and better relationships later on.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study finds that psychological factors, including traumatic life events like abuse, accelerate HIV disease progression and mortality. The research suggests that clinicians should screen patients for depression and trauma to improve health outcomes.
A panel of experts proposes a definition of recovery as a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health, and citizenship. The proposed definition includes classification of duration of sobriety and recognition of the importance of personal health and citizenship in achieving true recovery.
Research highlights the importance of child health psychologists in disease prevention, citing the impact of early lifestyle choices on later-life health. Experts emphasize the need for more targeted prevention programs and increased involvement of child health psychologists in public health efforts.
A new University of Missouri-Columbia study highlights the importance of religion and spirituality as positive health coping mechanisms for persons with chronic disabilities. The research suggests that healthcare providers should encourage religious practices to improve patient outcomes.
Ninety-eight percent of psychiatric nurses believe service shortages play a role in inadequate care for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), while only three percent have received post-graduate training. Providing specialist services and skills training are favored options to improve BPD care.
A large study found that adult height significantly impacts quality of life, with short individuals experiencing lower physical and mental well-being. Increasing height by a small amount can improve perceived health, equivalent to losing significant weight for obese individuals.
A five-year study will investigate patterns of interaction between parents and preschool children to better understand the effects of child maltreatment. The research seeks to identify relationship patterns underlying the severity and type of maltreatment, aiming to inform the development of more effective family therapies.
A new study from UC Berkeley found that people with low self-esteem respond more strongly to rejection themes, but those with better attention control skills can tone down their reactions. Researchers suggest training the mind to focus and behavioral therapy may help improve attention control and reduce negative effects of rejection.
The University of Iowa has been awarded a four-year $1.2 million grant to develop evidence-based guidelines for caring for elderly patients with mental health issues. The grant will support the creation of new curricula and competencies in geropsychiatric nursing, aiming to improve mental health care for America's older population.