Improving children’s access to care could mitigate the health consequences of exposure to neighborhood violence

A new collaborative study between Boston Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia finds exposure to neighborhood violence among children was associated with unmet health needs and increased acute care utilization.

Poor sleep health associated with muscle dysmorphia in Canadian young adults

Getting enough sleep is crucial for our body to maintain vital health functions and is especially important for the growth and development of adolescents and young adults. But a new study from the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work found an association between poor sleep and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, the pathological pursuit of muscularity that is increasing in prevalence among young people.

Expanding Federal Programs May Help to Increase the Behavioral Health Workforce

In a new paper published in the American Psychiatric Association’s Psychiatric Services, Stony Brook University IDEA Fellow, Briana Last, PhD, and co-authors provide a comprehensive review of one federal policy that has been increasingly used to address the country’s behavioral health provider shortage crisis: loan repayment programs (LRPs).

Obesity drugs and mental health: UTSW expert says GLP-1s may exacerbate problems for some patients

New weight-loss drugs have helped people with their diabetes, obesity, even high blood pressure. But how they affect our mental health is a much more complicated issue, says Dr. Carrie McAdams, a psychiatrist and eating disorders expert at UT Southwestern…

Podcast: Experts in Health: The unexpected ways that drama improves our health

Dr Catherine Rees, Reader in Drama at Loughborough University, discusses the various ways that applied theatre and the arts are making an unexpected but significant impact in improving the public’s health and wellbeing.

Podcast: Experts in Health: Colin Jackson CBE talks about anxiety attacks, coming out, and dealing with retirement

Decorated athlete and sports broadcaster Colin Jackson CBE discusses his mental health struggles, his experience after coming out as gay, and the difficulties he faced when retiring from international athletics.

Study finds childhood bullying linked to distrust and mental health problems in adolescence

A new study, co-led by UCLA Health and the University of Glasgow, found that young teenagers who develop a strong distrust of other people as a result of childhood bullying are substantially more likely to have significant mental health problems as they enter adulthood compared to those who do not develop interpersonal trust issues.

Study Pinpoints Which Zoom Features Improve Focus—And Which Ones May Not

Research from a New York Institute of Technology psychology expert offers insight that could help remote students and workers combat “Zoom fatigue.”

A new path to recovery: Specialized unit looks to take mental health patients out of the emergency room for better care

The EmPATH unit at Overlook Medical Center will put adult behavioral emergency patients into a setting in which they will get the appropriate care more quickly, thereby lessening volumes and wait times in the emergency department, and, ultimately, reducing the need for inpatient hospitalization.

Study finds LA County pilot program to aid gravely disabled residents could improve housing, hospitalization rates

A UCLA Health-led evaluation of Los Angeles County’s pilot program aimed at bolstering aid to gravely disabled homeless residents found the initiative could offer a promising framework to improve housing and health outcomes for this vulnerable population while also relieving overburdened psychiatric hospitals.

Go Red For Women, doctor shares important heart health tips.

Hafiza Khan, MD, at Baylor Scott & White Health, shares important heart health tips for women. What You Need to Know: Take time to focus on yourself Hormonal changes can affect the stability of a woman’s heartbeat Maintain a good…

Psychologist Calls Attention to Social Media as a Public Health Hazard

In New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ State of the City speech, he discussed protecting kids’ mental health in the face of excessive social media usage.  Dr. Anthony Anzalone, a clinical psychologist at Stony Brook Medicine, also agrees that social media…

Overcoming the stigma: study recommends steps to move past barriers of brain health conversation

Approximately four of five primary care clinicians consider themselves on the front lines of brain health. In the U.S., clinicians are the first point of contact for patients worried about memory loss and are most likely the first to detect and evaluate patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

High school students who report using alcohol, cannabis or nicotine at higher risk for suicidal thoughts and other mental health disorders

High school students who reported using cannabis, alcohol, or nicotine were more likely to have thoughts about suicide, feel depressed or anxious, have unusual experiences, and exhibit inattention or hyperactivity, according to recent survey-based study conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the University of Minnesota.

Experts assess states’ case in lawsuit against Meta over youth mental health concerns

Meta, the parent company of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, faces federal lawsuits from 42 states’ attorneys general asserting that the company intentionally crafted features to make children and teens become addicted to their products. Virginia Tech experts Mike Horning and Donna Wertalik offer their perspectives on what the lawsuits mean for social media companies and users.

Key Medicare payment model fails to improve mental health

A widespread Medicare program that aims to improve health care and lower costs by providing financial incentives to doctors and hospitals resulted in no improvements in mental health care, according to a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Yale School of Public Health.

Stigma felt by opioid-dependent moms impacts the health care received by their babies

The rate of opioid use among pregnant women in the United States quadrupled between 1999 and 2014 and continues to rise — an alarming trend that researchers from the University of Missouri and University of Iowa say has exposed the stigma felt by opioid-dependent mothers and how their shame has negatively impacted the health care received by their infants.

AHS RESEARCHERS: GIVE ADRD CAREGIVERS MORE INFORMATION IN CLINICAL TRIALS

For clinical trials centered on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, what types of information are family caregivers given during the research process? A research team nested in the College of Applied Health Sciences recently evaluated that question by analyzing ADRD trials from the past 30 years.