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Preventing the inexcusable human rights violations of people with mental and psychosocial disabilities: an unresolved global crisis

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...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 16, 2011

Rebooting psychotherapy

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateSep 13, 2011

Violence remains in top 10 causes of death

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.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateSep 6, 2011

School-based mental health screening for teens results in connection to care

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.

SourceTeenScreen National Center for Mental Health Checkups at Columbia University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2011

Gene combination increases risk of lung cancer, particularly in light smokers, CAMH study finds

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.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 17, 2011

25 percent of Ontarians hospitalized for depression required ER visit or readmission within 30 days

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.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 3, 2011

Even privately insured have hard time getting psychiatric care in Massachusetts: Harvard study

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.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 21, 2011

Positive teens become healthier adults

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 19, 2011

Resilience amongst the long-term ill

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.

A gut-full of probiotics for your neurological well-being

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.

SourceWiley·JournalBioEssays·DateJul 5, 2011

Workplace mental health disability leave recurs sooner than physical health leave, CAMH study shows

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.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

Migration interception practices are a major threat to health

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 14, 2011

Screening helps African-American students connect with school-based mental health services

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.

Lifelong gap in health between rich and poor set by age 20

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJun 8, 2011

UK Government plans for mentally ill prisoners are unrealistic, research suggests

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.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalInternational Journal of Law and Psychiatry·DateJun 7, 2011

People with mental illness have higher mortality after heart attacks but receive inferior care

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 31, 2011