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.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital to Expand Mental and Behavioral Health Research

Nationwide Children’s Hospital has created a new Institute for Mental and Behavioral Health Research, significantly expanding opportunities to seek a better understanding of mental and behavioral health in children and to develop better diagnostics, treatment and preventative strategies.

SMART Recovery Meetings for Alcohol Recovery Appeal to People with More Social and Economic Stability and Lower Spiritual Leanings, Compared to Alcoholics Anonymous

Certain characteristics of people seeking remission from alcohol use disorder (AUD) are linked to their choice of recovery meeting, a new study suggests. Informal peer recovery groups—mutual-help organizations—play a crucial role for many individuals with AUD or other drug disorders. Such groups are proliferating and differ substantially in approach.

Wintertime blues? Health expert offers tips to combat seasonal affective disorder

Millions are affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) every year. The annual pattern of winter depression and melancholy suggests a strong link between your mood and the amount of light you get during the day, says Lina Begdache, assistant professor…

How can we preserve our cognitive health as we age?

National Healthy Aging Month (September) is underway. Professor Liz Stine-Morrow, a researcher at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, studies the conditions and strategies that augment cognitive health and make us effective…

Worries about artificial intelligence, surveillance at work may be connected to poor mental health

Employees’ concerns about the use of artificial intelligence and monitoring technologies in the workplace may be negatively related to their psychological well-being and lead them to feel less valued, according to a survey from the American Psychological Association.

Psychiatrist Available to Discuss National Suicide Prevention Month

Psychiatrist Liat Jarkon, D.O., director of the Center for Behavioral Health at New York Institute of Technology, is available for interview/comment on this and other mental-health-related topics. Contact [email protected].   In 2021, an estimated 1.7 million suicide attempts took place in the United States. In addition,…