A research project sheds light on the body image benefits of pup play, a role play in which people pretend to be dogs.
Tag: Mental Health
Beyond the ban: FSU expert available to comment on the effects of social media on youth mental health
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Australia created worldwide attention when the country approved a social media ban for children 16 years old and under, marking one of the most aggressive policies at curbing youth addiction to apps like Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.Vanessa Dennen, a professor of Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies at the Florida State University Department of Educational Psychology & Learning Systems, has been actively researching the cognitive, motivational and social elements of computer-mediated communication.
Psychiatry Updates Winter 2024
Designed for 10–17-year-olds who do not require inpatient psychiatric care but are at elevated risk, the L-SPARC Clinic offers a lifeline of personalized, evidence-based care. Within one week of…
FAU Receives $6M Grant to Propel Expansion of The FAU Marcus Institute of Integrative Health
The grant from the late Bernie Marcus and The Marcus Foundation will enable the FAU Marcus Institute of Integrative Health to expand its operations to provide more services and conduct more research. The institute also will enhance educational programs and expand community wellness initiatives, ultimately aiming to create a national model that demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive integrative health as the optimal approach for achieving overall well-being for everyone.
Worried about a pregnant woman’s stress and mental health? Her saliva may hold the key.
New research out of Michigan State University found that the number and type of microbes present in the saliva of pregnant women differ according to whether they are experiencing life stress and symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Launches Center for Equity in Child and Youth Health and Wellbeing
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing has established a Center for Equity in Child and Youth Health and Wellbeing.
NJ Becomes First State to Have Statewide Law Enforcement & Mental Health Alternative Response Program in Nation
ARRIVE Together of Middlesex County, NJ, run by University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) at Rutgers Health, has expanded its partnerships to include the East Brunswick, South River and Cranbury police departments, making New Jersey the first state in the nation to have a statewide law enforcement and mental health alternative response program.
UC San Diego Health Study Sheds Light on Nurse Suicide Rates During COVID-19 Pandemic
Using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System, a study published in The Journal of Nursing Administration found risk of suicide highest in female nurses as opposed to their male counterparts. Led by Judy E. Davidson, DNP, RN, nurse…
Grandparents help grandkids in many ways – but the reverse may be true too, poll suggests
A new poll looks at how grandparents are involved in their grandchildren’s lives, and how this relates to mental health and lonelines.
Max! Millie! How four-legged friends can ‘heel’ military veterans
Dogs are the bounding balls of energy that greet us at the door, and the beloved companions that curl up with us at night, yet for many military veterans, they’re also a vital support, helping manage their everyday wellbeing and promote positive mental health.
SLU Study: Integrative Palliative Care Critical to Improve Mental Health Among Pancreatic Cancer Patients
For patients facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, a compassionate approach to care can be transformative. Yet, a new study published in Healthcare reveals that palliative care, a service focused on enhancing the quality of life for those with serious illnesses, remains significantly underutilized among pancreatic cancer patients in the United States.
How COVID-19 transformed family dinners
While the lockdowns associated with COVID-19 pandemic led many families to eat more meals at home, they had an additional benefit: an increase in the quality of family time during those dinners, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
Rutgers Receives $3.3 Million Federal Grant to Recruit Counselors for High-Need Schools
Members of the Graduate School of Education will train and place 30 school counselors in four New Jersey schools to help address youth mental health
The Vandal Theory Podcast – Season 7, Episode 6: Education Inequalities and Student Mental Health
Question: What types of things do you imagine are harder for first-generation students to navigate while attending college, versus their peers whose parents also attended?
Critical steps and more research needed to support physicians’ mental health, experts say
A review of what’s known about the crisis in physician well-being, and what can be done to address it, also suggests a need for action by health systems, and more research.
APA POLL: FUTURE OF NATION, ECONOMY AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION TOP U.S. STRESSORS
More than 7 in 10 adults said the future of the nation (77%) is a significant source of stress in their lives, with the economy (73%) and the 2024 U.S. presidential election (69%) following closely behind, according to the latest Stress in America™ survey released today by the American Psychological Association.
Easy-to-use tool helps screen for anxiety, depression in children having surgery
A new, computerized, mental health assessment tool may allow doctors to quickly identify children experiencing anxiety or depression before surgery, suggests new research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.
UNPAID CAREGIVING IS UNDERVALUED BY SOCIETY
Americans believe volunteering to help strangers contributes more to society than providing care for family or friends, even though they contribute billions of dollars’ worth of labor in unpaid caregiving every year, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
WashU researchers use genetics to find psychopathology risks
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are identifying behavioral, environmental and neural factors through which genetic risk for mental health problems is expressed in youth
CHLA Psychologist Co-Hosts National Institute of Mental Health Webinar Focused on Disability, Equity and Mental Health
Key takeaways from Dr. Schwartzman’s presentation:Autistic people are frequently excluded from mental health research due to various factors.Including autistic individuals and scientists in the design of autism-focused research studies is crucial to effective research.Dr. Schwartzman’s lab is investigating tools to assess depression and suicide risk in autistic youth, testing autism-adapted cognitive behavioral therapy, and studying the needs of autistic youth and families following a suicide attempt.
Brain Imaging of Neuromelanin May be Key to Understanding Extensive Substance Use
A study that used a specialized type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), named neuromelanin-sensitive MRI, showed that this type of MRI signal was increased in regions of the midbrain in young adults ages 20 to 24 who had an extensive alcohol and drug use history. The findings are published early online in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Survey finds 25% of adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD
A new national survey of 1,000 American adults commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine finds that 25% of adults now suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD but only 13% have talked to their doctor about it.
Multi-state center provides mental health support for farmers, agricultural workers
Agricultural producers and farm workers experience stressful working conditions that result in anxiety and depression at higher rates than the general population. At the same time, access to mental health care is often lacking in rural areas. In response, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded four regional farm and ranch stress assistance networks in 2019.
Study explores stress, social support, and mental health for men and women farmers
Agriculture is a stressful occupation, and farmers struggle with anxiety and depression at higher levels than the general population. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines differences in mental health challenges for men and women farmers, focusing on the role of social support in mitigating stress.
Experts offer advice for supporting children’s mental health
Prioritizing mental health is not only important for adults, but for children as well. “Stress and anxiety are normal parts of life that we all experience in order to keep us safe,” said Samantha Kempker-Margherio, assistant professor of psychology in Virginia Tech’s College of Science.
Hurricane Milton: Rutgers Mental Health Experts Available
Experts from Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care are available to speak regarding mental health during the approach of Hurricane Milton and its aftermath: Frank Ghinassi, President and CEO for Rutgers Health University Behavioral Health Care Stephanie Marcello, Chief Psychologist and…
World Mental Health Day: experts available
This week, ahead of World Mental Health Day: Mental Health at Work on Thursday, October 10, experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are available for interviews to discuss mental health in the workplace. Ron Goetzel, PhD,…
USU Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Offers Essential Mental Health Resources for Helene Aftermath
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, the Uniformed Services University (USU) Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) has developed a series of vital mental health resources aimed at helping individuals, families, healthcare professionals, first responders and community leaders navigate the emotional aftermath of the disaster. These resources offer practical guidance to foster resilience, address trauma, and promote recovery across affected populations.
Mental health and self-care during election season: MSU experts can comment
MSU experts can comment on the role emotions play during election season and how to take care of yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news.
Specially Designed Video Games May Benefit Mental Health of Children and Teenagers
In a review of previous studies, a Johns Hopkins Children’s Center team concludes that some video games created as mental health interventions can be helpful – if modest – tools in improving the mental well-being of children and teens with anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
UC San Diego Health and San Diego County Partner on Behavioral Health Care Hub
UC San Diego Health and San Diego County partner on behavioral health care hub at East Campus Medical Center.
Rutgers and New Jersey Partner to Provide Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care Practices in Newark and Elizabeth
Behavioral health professionals at Rutgers will work with the state to increase and improve the delivery of mental health and substance use services to the underserved communities of Newark and Elizabeth under a $4.5 million federal grant.
People prefer working with higher-paid colleagues
When given the choice, people prefer to collaborate on work projects with higher-paid colleagues, but they want to hire subordinates with a lower pay history than theirs, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder at Risk of Liver Disease May be Less Commonly Referred for Liver Treatment if they are primarily seen for Mental Health Disorders
People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who are at risk of advanced liver disease are less likely to be referred for liver evaluation and care if they present primarily with alcohol-related mental health issues or a mental health diagnosis, according to a study of referral practices in Virginia’s largest health system. The findings point to the possibility of widespread missed opportunities for treating three conditions that commonly co-occur: AUD, mental health disorders, and liver disease. Recent years have seen notable increases in the USA in alcohol-related deaths, mental health disorders, and hospital admissions relating to alcohol use and concurrent mental health conditions. AUD is a significant cause of liver disease, and both addiction and co-occurring mental illness can be barriers to successful liver treatment. Integrating AUD treatment, mental health care, and hepatology (liver care) is necessary to improve outcomes, but data suggests this approach is not the norm. For the st
Self-Compassion is Related to Better Mental Health Among Syrian Refugees
A survey of Syrian refugees living in Jordan reveals that higher levels of self-compassion are associated with better mental health. The findings suggest that interventions teaching self-compassion have the potential to boost the mental health of displaced individuals.
How to fight ‘technostress’ at work
For many people, constant pings, buzzes and flashes on their phones, computers and other devices are just a normal part of working life—which, thanks to technology, extends to all hours.
MSU expert: How adults can help prevent youth suicide
Crystal Cederna is an associate professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health in the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She has worked with more than 4,000 youth patients and families and sees a clear need for preventive mental health.
MSU researchers seek to expand access to successful postpartum depression prevention program
A Michigan State University-led research team now offers a program that can help prevent postpartum depression. And they want to make sure all pregnant people can benefit.
Hopelab Names Inaugural Cohort of Six HBCU Researchers to Drive Black Youth Wellness Initiatives
In the context of the increasing focus on mental health and equity in our society, Hopelab, a leader in advancing these outcomes for young people, is excited to announce the selection of six researchers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as recipients of its inaugural Translational Science Fellowship.
‘Time for a paradigm shift’ in depression research
Scientists have high-tech tools to understand the biological factors that underly depression – from gut bacteria to genetics. But they have yet to be integrated in an effective manner, according to leading researchers. “It is time for a paradigm shift…
It’s not your life span you need to worry about. It’s your health span.
We’re living much longer than our ancestors, but is that always a good thing?
With many people living well into our late 70s or beyond, more of us are also spending a greater portion of our lives—sometimes a decade or more—saddled with physical and mental health conditions that can make it challenging to accomplish the tasks of daily life.
Childhood trauma linked to major biological and health risks
A new study led by UCLA Health found that a person’s sex and their unique experiences of childhood trauma can have specific consequences for their biological health and risk of developing 20 major diseases later in life.
Cannabis and older adults: Poll shows current use patterns, beliefs and risks
One in 5 older adults used cannabis products that include THC in the last year. Among them, 20% said they drove within 2 hours of using cannabis, and a similar percentage said they experience at least one potential signs of addiction.
Researchers uncover shared cellular mechanisms across three major dementias
Researchers have for the first time identified degeneration-associated “molecular markers” – observable changes in cells and their gene-regulating networks – that are shared by several forms of dementia that affect different regions of the brain.
What will it take to make mental health coverage and care better?
New mental health parity rules from the federal government aim to address issues with access and insurance coverage, but multiple experts from the University of Michigan say more effort is needed.
COVID-19 lockdowns prematurely aged teenage brains, UW study shows
New research from the University of Washington found lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in girls. When measured in terms of the number of years of accelerated brain development, the mean acceleration was 4.2 years in females and 1.4 years in males.
The science of suicide prevention
The mental health of Canadians young and old is a complex topic that appears frequently in the media. In Canada, about 12 people die by suicide each day, and it is the second-leading cause of death for youth and young…
Sleep-deprived, cyberbullied teenagers addicted to smartphones now a common global phenomenon
A survey of 50,000 primary and secondary school students has found a clear link between night time phone use, sleep deprivation, cyberbullying and poor mental health.
Physical health has its yardsticks. Mental health is still searching for the right ruler
A national initiative led by the National Institutes for Mental Health is now underway to find figurative “rulers” that can accurately measure and compare the quality of the various mental health treatments available.
UC Irvine study reveals health impacts of repeated wildfires and smoke exposure
Irvine, Calif., Aug. 28, 2024 — University of California, Irvine public health researchers have published a study in the journal Environmental Research Health highlighting the compounded effects of frequent wildfires and smoke exposure on physical and mental health, local economies and community resilience in Southern California.