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.
A study by the University of Granada found that people's attitude towards their past experiences significantly influences their perception of health and quality of life. Individuals with a negative view of the past tend to have worse physical and mental health indicators, including depression, anxiety, and reduced physical strength.
Rescue and recovery workers suffered high rates of asthma, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to inhalation of toxic dust. The study also found a significant burden of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder among these workers.
A long-term study of WTC workers found a high incidence of asthma, PTSD, depression, and other conditions. Over one in five responders had multiple health problems, and nearly 10% experienced symptoms of all three.
A new supplemental issue of Journals of Gerontology Series B explores the relationship between cognitive aging and health, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The studies presented in the issue aim to understand the complex interplay between age-related socioeconomic, racial/ethnic, gender, and health disparities.
A new study from the University of Missouri finds that trusting neighbors is associated with better self-reported health. Respondents who reported trusting their neighbors also reported better health on average, despite factors such as income and education level.
A new study found that school-based mental health screening for teens can effectively identify adolescents at risk and connect them with follow-up care. The screening, provided by TeenScreen, identified nearly three-quarters of high school students at risk who weren't receiving treatment.
Women's sexual satisfaction is linked to their overall quality of life and perception of successful aging, even as physical health declines with age. Approximately 67% of women reported being moderately to very satisfied with their sex lives across different age groups.
A CAMH study found that a specific gene combination significantly increases lung cancer risk, particularly among light smokers with two high-risk variants of the nicotine metabolic and nicotinic genes. The genetic risk was higher in lighter smokers, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to reduce lung cancer risk.
Research highlights acceptance's importance to humans, while rejection leads to poor physical and mental health. DeWall recommends seeking support after rejection to cope with its negative effects.
Researchers found a connection between erectile dysfunction and social networks shared by heterosexual men and their partners. Partner betweenness, where a male partner has weaker relationships with his confidants than his female partner, is linked to increased risk of ED.
Research suggests that almost 1 million US criminal cases are compromised each year due to a lack of understanding about Miranda warnings. According to psychologist Richard Rogers, defendants often incorrectly believe their silence can be used against them in court.
A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that 25% of people hospitalized for depression in Ontario needed emergency care or were readmitted within 30 days. The research highlights the need for better integration of care and transition planning for patients with mental illness.
Residents of Sri Lanka who were internally displaced during the civil conflict have a higher prevalence of war-related mental health conditions. The study found that displacement is significantly associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
New research shows that Australian women who experience gender-based violence have a higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders, dysfunction, and disability. Around 15% of women report sexual assault, with those experiencing multiple types of violence facing even higher rates of mental illness.
Charles was chosen for her article, 'Strength and Vulnerability Integration: A Model of Emotional Well-Being Across Adulthood,' which presents a strong theory with empirical examples. The Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) model posits that effective emotion regulation strategies can preserve well-being in older adults.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that heavy smokers who quit experience an increase in MAO-A levels, a mood-related brain protein. This finding may explain why heavy smokers are at high risk for clinical depression and provides potential targets to prevent sad mood during cigarette withdrawal.
A study published in JAMA Network found that women who experience gender-based violence have a higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders, including anxiety, mood disorder, and substance use disorder. The researchers also found that the association is particularly strong for exposure to multiple forms of GBV.
A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that people who abused methamphetamine had a 76% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those with no disorder. The study analyzed nearly 300,000 hospital records in California over 16 years.
A recent study led by Amy Przeworski at Case Western Reserve University found that people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibit four distinct interactive styles - intrusive, cold, nonassertive, and exploitable - which manifest their worries in different ways.
Ana Luisa Laws, a University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work student, is one of five students in Texas to receive the Hogg Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship program aims to attract students to mental health careers and support their advanced studies and professional practice.
A Harvard study reveals that access to outpatient psychiatric care in Massachusetts is severely limited, even for those with private insurance. The researchers found that only a small percentage of facilities listed by the largest insurer offered appointments within two weeks of a simulated patient's call.
A new study suggests that people with higher levels of optimism may be less likely to have a stroke. The research found that each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9 percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up period.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers with high positive well-being had reduced risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors and reported excellent health in young adulthood. Positive psychological characteristics during adolescence are linked to improved long-term health outcomes.
A new gene, MAN1B1, has been identified as the cause of recessive intellectual disability in five families. The gene codes an enzyme involved in quality control functions in cells, leading to faulty proteins being released into the body.
A study by Understanding Society reveals that individuals with long-term debilitating physical illnesses exhibit similar mental well-being as those without such conditions. The research, based on data from 40,000 UK households, also shows that over half of those experiencing high levels of distress report positive overall mental health.
Research found that pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, and less lonely compared to non-owners. Pet ownership also benefited individuals experiencing rejection by providing a sense of comfort and companionship.
The NIH-funded research network will evaluate potential harmful contaminants and assess their relationship to health outcomes, focusing on community health and resiliency. The four-year program will support population-based and laboratory research at four institutions and partner with over a dozen community organizations.
A global study has identified five key grand challenges in mental health, focusing on integrating screening into primary care, improving medication access, and strengthening training for healthcare personnel. The study aims to guide research funding agencies and clinicians in tackling mental illness worldwide.
The Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health Initiative identifies top 40 barriers to better mental health globally, focusing on increasing discoveries in research and improving access to evidence-based care. The initiative seeks to build a community of funders dedicated to supporting research that will significantly improve the lives ...
A large cohort study found that socioeconomic class and smoking are strongly associated with premature menopause, affecting quality of life. Women with premature menopause were more than twice as likely to report poor quality of life, with impacts lasting up to 10 years after diagnosis.
Researchers propose a new field of microbial endocrinology linking probiotics to neurological function. Studies show that neurochemicals produced by gut microbes can influence behavior and immune response. Probiotic intestinal microbiota may deliver beneficial effects through direct uptake from the gut.
A CAMH study reveals that mental health disability leaves cost approximately $51 billion a year in Canada and recur sooner than physical health leaves. Workers who have had a previous mental health episode are at higher risk of having another one, highlighting the need for effective prevention programs to help people stay at work.
A new report by University of Manchester researchers highlights the link between alcohol misuse and high suicide rates in Northern Ireland, particularly among young people. The study found that alcohol dependence was a factor in 60% of patient suicides, with mental health patients also struggling with substance misuse.
A team of researchers at Sam Houston State University will study a new mental health court in Montgomery County, evaluating its effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates and improving life skills. The three-year project aims to assess the program's cost-effectiveness and jail diversion outcomes.
The study highlights the potential health risks associated with migration interception practices, including immigration detention and visa restrictions. Health professionals must engage in discussions about migration and humanitarian protection to consider the broader impact on health and welfare.
African-American middle school students are more likely to consent to mental health screening and access school-based services. The study found that 71.7% of African-American students referred for screening accessed recommended services, compared to 76.2% of white students.
A study by McGill University found that socio-economic status affects Canadians' health-related quality of life from a young age. The research analyzed data from 17,000 Canadians and found that poorer individuals start out less healthy than their wealthier counterparts and remain so over their lifetimes.
Research suggests that UK government plans to divert mentally ill prisoners into mental health services are unlikely to succeed due to a lack of suitable facilities. The study found that only a small percentage of psychotic prisoners receive treatment, and those who do often face significant barriers to follow-up care after release.
A CWRU researcher studied the effectiveness of the In Our Own Voice program in reducing mental illness stigma and improving mental health literacy among teens. The study found that girls who participated in the program showed improved knowledge of mental illness, but more interaction with presenters was needed to reduce stigma.
The Information-Motivation-Strategy (IMS) Model identifies three categories to guide clinicians in helping patients follow prescribed treatments. The model highlights the need for effective communication, motivation, and overcoming practical barriers. By implementing this strategy, physicians can improve patient adherence and achieve h...
A study of over 2,900 pediatric patients found that 12% returned to the ER within six months of their initial visit, despite having an outpatient mental health provider. The majority of ER visits stemmed from behavioral problems or minor psychiatric crises.
Research reveals that individuals with significant mental ill health experience higher than expected mortality rates following acute coronary events such as heart attacks. The study found that these patients receive inferior care, including fewer life-saving interventions and lower rates of essential coronary care procedures.
A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that female drink-driving offenders are more likely to be older, better-educated, and separated or divorced. Rehabilitation programmes for women can intensify feelings of guilt and shame, leading to reoffending.
A recent study found that prayer about health issues increased dramatically among American adults over the past three decades, with 49% of respondents praying in 2007. The study also revealed correlations between prayer and socioeconomic factors, such as income and education level.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that young drivers who engage in risky behavior, such as speeding and using mobile phones while driving, are at a greater risk of psychological distress. The study also discovered that women are more likely to experience increased psychological distress compared to men.
Research finds that school victimization in middle and high school is associated with depression, suicide attempts, STDs, and HIV risk in young adulthood. The study highlights the importance of addressing anti-LGBT bullying at schools to reduce health disparities among LGBT youth.
A systematic review found that t'ai chi is effective for fall prevention and improving psychological health, with general health benefits for older people. However, its effectiveness for other conditions such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis is contradictory.