Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
Researchers found that a short Q뺪bout family history can predict a patient's approximate risks for developing depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders and their future illness severity. Family history is the quickest and cheapest way to sort out whether mental illnesses will run in families.
A new study by CAMH researchers found that 1 in 25 deaths worldwide are directly linked to alcohol consumption. The burden of alcohol-attributable disorders is highest among men and younger people.
The Lancet report reveals that 3.8% of global deaths are attributable to alcohol, with the majority being caused by injuries, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver cirrhosis. Men drink more than women, and the risk is higher in developing countries.
A comprehensive review of studies on young offenders' health highlights the need for prioritizing mental and physical health for successful rehabilitation. The review found that young offenders often experience poor health due to factors such as substance abuse, trauma, and social disadvantage.
A new survey found that 17.5% of Chinese adults have a current mental disorder, with mood and anxiety disorders more common in women and individuals over 40. Despite this high burden, only 8% of those with mental illness have received professional help.
A new study found that 14-year-olds with greater family obligation reported fewer depressive symptoms by 16, suggesting a protective effect against depressive symptoms. This strong family bond may provide teenagers with a sense of security during adolescence and beyond.
A new review published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reveals widespread inequalities in medical care for individuals with mental health conditions. Despite similar or more frequent medical contacts, those with pre-existing mental health problems often receive poorer quality care.
Group Health has received a $1 million grant to study the effectiveness of treatments for depression. The project will use electronic medical records to track health outcomes and identify best matches for patients.
The University of Missouri's public health program has received a grant to combat human trafficking in rural areas. Faculty and students will work with local organizations to raise awareness, conduct surveillance, and provide resources for victims. The program aims to address human trafficking as a public health concern.
Research published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reveals that adults who witnessed interparental violence as children are more likely to experience depression, intimate partner violence, and alcohol dependence. The study highlights the importance of early prevention and screening for domestic violence.
A study by ICES found that doctors in Ontario's Family Health Network (FHN) model had fewer visits with chronically ill patients and provided less after-hours care. The FHN model pays doctors based on a capitation payment system, whereas the fee-for-service model paid per visit.
Former inmates face significant health risks without Medicaid coverage upon release, including increased drug use and mortality. States can follow New York's lead by suspending Medicaid benefits instead of terminating them, allowing for smoother re-enrollment process.
Researchers found that engaged workers are not necessarily committed to their organization. Engaged employees require resources to perform well and may leave if they don't receive necessary support. Managers must balance pressure from bosses with motivating and keeping employees engaged.
A new study found that children's ability to stay focused on a task and react less negatively to situations at age 7 predicts better general health and fewer illnesses 30 years later. Supporting this idea, superior attention spans and positive outlooks in youth had the most significant effects on adult health.
A consortium of 29 EU and Chinese institutions will review TCM research, proposing guidelines and priority areas for future studies. The project aims to harmonize Western and Chinese approaches to medicinal therapeutics.
A new UW program aims to correct misconceptions about mental health, highlighting the use of derogatory language in media reports. The project's report found nearly one-third of stories used negative terms, while only 6% employed positive language.
A three-year study of over 200 African American teens aged 14-18 found that older teens who experienced more racial bias felt less positive about being Black. The study suggests bolstering youth's feelings about their racial group membership, especially positive views on being African American.
The Medical College of Georgia is part of a large national study examining the genes of 10,000 patients with schizophrenia and 10,000 healthy individuals. The study aims to pinpoint variations that can improve disease diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in American Journal of Public Health found that 15% of fifth-grade students reported experiencing racial or ethnic discrimination, which may lead to symptoms of depression, ADHD, and other mental health disorders. The study highlights the need for parents, clinicians, and teachers to address this issue and provide...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that mothers of multiples have a 43% increased risk of moderate to severe depressive symptoms nine months after giving birth. Only 27% of mothers with depressive symptoms reported seeking professional help.
A study of over 3,000 women found that physical abuse from intimate partners results in significantly higher healthcare costs, with a 42% increase in annual spending compared to non-abused women. Women who experienced ongoing physical abuse had the highest health care costs.
A National University of Chicago study found that elderly individuals experiencing loneliness face higher risks for poorer mental and physical health. Those who adapt to alone time without developing strong feelings of loneliness tend to fare better.
A Kansas State University researcher found a link between employee psychological well-being and cardiovascular health, using an efficiency-based measure called pulse product. Those with higher levels of psychological well-being had lower pulse product scores, indicating a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.
A new study by the University of Kansas found that positive emotions are crucial for maintaining physical health globally, especially among the poorest populations. The research, based on data from over 150,000 adults in more than 140 countries, showed a strong link between emotional well-being and physical health.
Threats to Palestinian life and well-being have intensified since 2000, including killings, injuries, and destruction of homes and properties. Access to basic services like fuel, electricity, water, and sanitation is disrupted by Israeli restrictions and military incursions.
Research found that young ex-military personnel are up to three times more likely to take their own lives than civilians, with those under 24 years old and in lower ranks being most vulnerable. The study suggests exposure to adverse experiences during military service may play a role in the increased suicide risk.
A new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study found that two-thirds of psychiatric patients referred for care following an emergency room visit are met with voicemail or long waits. Only 10% of calls resulted in an appointment scheduled within two weeks.
A UK survey found that only 30% of mental health workers discuss sexual health issues with service users, despite 80% agreeing it's an important part of their role. The study also revealed low levels of awareness about HIV risks among people with schizophrenia, leading to concerns about infection rates and staff safety.
The Observatory on Mental Health Systems will develop research, monitoring, and evaluation programs at national and district levels, improving the human rights of people with mental illness. The observatory's work in Asia and the Pacific region aims to scale up effective mental health services in low- and middle-income countries.
Research by K-State professor Thomas Wright shows that happy employees perform better, exhibit higher job satisfaction, and receive better pay. The benefits of psychological well-being can lead to a competitive advantage, with studies indicating significant correlations between well-being and job performance.
A study found that individuals with mental illness were more likely to report violence if they also had a history of substance abuse or dependence. However, severe mental illness alone did not predict future violent behavior.
Researchers at CAMH have detected evidence that DNA is not the only carrier of heritable information, with epigenetic factors playing a significant role. This finding challenges traditional genetics principles and may provide new insights into human disease causes.
A new study from Indiana University suggests that meager levels of physical activity can significantly improve the mood of individuals with serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia. The study found a positive association between physical activity level and positive mood, particularly among ...
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that foster children with a history of inpatient mental health treatment are more likely to experience frequent placement disruptions and have lower chances of reunification with their families. The study highlights the need for continued follow-up and referrals to community menta...
Researchers found that adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have a stronger sense of spirituality tend to experience fewer depressive symptoms and better emotional well-being. In contrast, patients with IBD are at risk for numerous psychosocial difficulties, including increased mental health problems and social stigma.
A study found that psychiatric patients in Medicare plans with equal cost sharing for mental health services had higher use of those services compared to those in plans with greater cost sharing. Individuals in full-parity plans were more likely to visit a mental health practitioner within 7 and 30 days after a hospitalization.
A new study found that when the price of mental health services is equivalent to primary care co-payments, more people will seek follow-up care after an initial hospitalization for a mental illness. This leads to improved quality of care and reduced costs.
Nationwide Finnish study reveals that well-developed outpatient services and higher outpatient-to-inpatient ratios are associated with a significantly reduced risk of death by suicide. Emergency services operating 24/7 also showed a risk reduction of 16%.
Two Canadian studies found that 20% of people with mental health issues also have substance use problems, with rates highest in BC and lowest in Quebec. Improved integration of mental health and addiction services is needed to address co-occurring disorders.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded over $18 million in grants to four Washington State-based research organizations. These initiatives focus on advancing vaccine development, improving cardiac resuscitation technology, and delivering mental health and substance abuse services in rural communities. The awardees include Lawrenc...
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund awarded four Washington State-based research organizations over $18 million in grants to advance vaccine development, improve cardiac resuscitation technology, enhance rural mental health services, and develop targeted intracellular drug delivery mechanisms.
A study by UCLA researchers found that approximately 4.7% of the nation's population suffers from persistent depression or anxiety disorders. Many individuals who remain ill receive modest increases in medication use but no significant increase in counseling, highlighting a need for improved treatment and insurance arrangements.
A 15-year follow-up of a childhood social development intervention found improved mental health, sexual health, and educational and economic achievement among participants. The Seattle Social Development Project showed positive effects on behavior management, refusal, social skills training, and academic development in elementary schoo...
A new study found that an elementary school intervention program led to improved mental health, sexual health, and economic outcomes in young adults. Participants who received the full intervention showed stronger effects on positive functioning in young adulthood.
A study found that extended-release naltrexone improves mental health, social functioning, general health, and physical functioning in alcohol-dependent patients. The medication reduces drinking and increases quality of life, making it a cost-effective treatment option.
A study by University of Toronto sociologist Adam Isaiah Green found that gay men deemed less desirable are more likely to engage in risky behavior and experience psychological problems. The research highlights the negative consequences of being marginalized due to low levels of 'erotic capital',
A cross-sectional survey in northern Uganda found that IDPs experience negative effects on physical and mental health due to factors like gender, age, income, distance from home areas, food security, and sense of safety. The study also highlights the importance of emotional support using family ties for better mental health.
The Rutgers Center has received a second $8 million NIMH grant to expand its research into co-occurring substance use and abuse. This expansion will allow the center to investigate new areas of mental health services issues that arise when individuals with mental illness interact with the criminal justice system.
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health has identified three effective treatments for childhood anxiety disorders: a combination therapy with psychotherapy and antidepressant medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and an antidepressant medication alone. The study found that 81% of children in the combination treatmen...
Research suggests that most individuals' end-of-life treatment preferences do not change over three years, regardless of physical or mental decline. However, those who initially desired aggressive care and lacked advance directives showed the greatest changes in their wishes.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that depression symptoms are associated with a nine percent increase in heart-related hospitalizations and a 43 percent increase in non-heart related hospitalization visits after a heart attack. Depression caused the greatest increase in health service use in those patient...
The Movement for Global Mental Health aims to scale up mental health services globally through citizen advocacy and action. Key findings include the establishment of national taskforces in Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as progress in Brazil.
Researchers found that family interventions, including parental supervision and open communication, significantly reduced risky sexual behaviors among teens with mental health issues. Family involvement also showed promise in reducing HIV risk among juvenile offenders.
A study of over 900 homeless individuals in Toronto found that 58% of men and 42% of women had a history of traumatic brain injury, leading to poorer physical and mental health status. The findings suggest that traumatic brain injury may be a causal factor contributing to homelessness through cognitive or behavioral sequelae.
Depression is linked with increased morbidity and mortality in heart patients, and routine screening can help identify those at risk. Heart patients benefit from mental health treatment options, including behavioral therapy, physical activity, and medication.
A University of Missouri poverty expert found that the emotional stress associated with food stamp participation is higher than previously thought, particularly during the application and transition processes. The researcher suggests modifying the program by implementing a web-based application system to alleviate negative effects.
A new study found that American children are three times more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medication than their European counterparts. The differences in practice may be attributed to various factors, including diagnostic classification systems, government cost restrictions, and the use of direct-to-consumer drug advertising.
The Asian Journal of Psychiatry aims to bridge a knowledge gap in psychiatric research and development across Asia, focusing on regional mental health issues. The first issue includes reports on psychosocial responses to disasters, highlighting the need for evidence-based literature on psychiatric disorders in the Asian continent.
A new £1.25 million trial will teach over 7,000 school pupils a positive thinking programme to prevent depression, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques. The programme is designed to give children skills to promote positive thinking and coping.
A recent study published in the Journal of Homosexuality found that internalized homonegativity, or negative attitudes towards homosexuality, is a stronger predictor of poor mental and sexual health among gay men than the act of being homosexual itself. The research suggests that positive attitudes towards homosexuality are associated ...