A new study investigates the rates of sleep impairments and adverse mental health in COVID-19 patients. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted individuals and populations around the globe in a variety of ways. The implications on public mental health have been particularly significant, as recent studies have highlighted increased rates of anxiety disorders and depression since the […]
Mental Health
New potential therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder
A pilot study was done of a new medication on a group of adolescents. How does it work, what were the results, and were there any side effects? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects roughly 1 in 44 eight-year-olds in the United States as of 2018.1 Its manifestations can vary significantly between individuals; however, it is often […]
COVID-19 infection increases risk of mental health outcomes
A new study published in the British Medical Journal reports on the risks of negative mental health outcomes in patients who had COVID-19 infection. Researchers compared information from patients who survived SARS-CoV-2 infection with a group of people who had not been infected with the virus. The researchers also compared this information with a ‘historical control’ group […]
Can wearable devices screen for depression?
A new study investigated whether wearable activity trackers could detect biomarkers associated with depression, and whether this could be an effective screening method for depression. Depression is a very common mental health condition, affecting roughly five percent of adults globally.1 Depressive disorders are complicated, and they ultimately impact people in different ways. However, they can bring significant […]
Autism may be detectable under 15 months of age
Two studies have emphasized the need for early screening and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unlike previous research that suggests children should be screened at or after age three, these studies show that autism may be detectable within the first 15 months of life.1 Early treatment between age 1-2 showed significantly more alleviation in ASD […]
COVID-19 more common in people reporting stress, anxiety, and depression, study finds
A new study has found that people who reported higher amounts of stress, anxiety, and depression, were more likely to contract COVID-19. Researchers set out to determine whether these factors were associated with the risk of COVID-19 infection. In addition, they also investigated whether these factors had any correlation with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms […]
Is online therapy for depression effective?
An analysis of over 80 studies investigates the potential effectiveness of online therapy for depression in comparison to traditional, in-person sessions. The current COVID-19 pandemic initiated changes to many industries, including the medical field. When the pandemic first started, many private healthcare providers exchanged in-person office visits for remote appointments. Given that COVID-19 is still a pressing […]
Viewing nature videos on social media during the COVID-19 lockdown improved mental well-being, according to study
Do you enjoy watching videos of cute animals on social media? Do you find that it helps you cope with stress? If you do, you are not alone. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that engaging with nature-related content through social media has provided important support for well-being.1 This University of Surrey […]
Insulin resistance and depression are linked, according to study
A recent study by Stanford University suggests that being insulin resistant may contribute to the development of major depressive disorders.1 This link between insulin resistance and depression may lead to the development of more effective treatment and prevention options for those with depressive disorder. Depressive disorders are the number-one cause of disability.2 People who develop […]
Depression in parents and their children – is there a connection?
A new study investigates whether depression in parents around the time of pregnancy is associated with increased rates of depression in their children. Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is a mental health condition that can often affect mood, concentration, sleep, and eating habits.1 In 2017, over seven percent of U.S. adults experienced at least […]
How much free time do you need to be happy?
Having too much time can be as bad as having too little time. People are often busy and are looking for more free time to contribute to their sense of well-being.1 But how much free time do you need to be happy? Free time is often associated with a higher sense of well-being, but we […]
Can exercise reduce anxiety?
Exercise has a variety of health benefits, but can exercise be associated with a reduced risk of anxiety disorders? Regular exercise can positively affect physical health by improving cardiovascular and lung health, building lean muscle mass and strong bones, and promoting healthy weight management. Studies suggest that daily physical activity may help reduce the risk […]
Depression in mothers affects mother-infant relationship
A recent study examined whether the quality of a mother’s relationship with their infant will be affected by a history of depression. Psychologists have long been interested in the importance of a mother’s relationship with her child, and in particular, how depression in mothers may affect that relationship. Many studies have examined the effects of […]
Scientists may have found a natural anti-anxiety supplement
There may be a natural anti-anxiety supplement available, according to a recent study. Beta-sitosterol, an already established natural cholesterol-lowering supplement, has shown promising anti-anxiety effects. In the study published May 18, 2021, researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science tested the effect of beta-sitosterol on the anxious responses of mice placed in stressful settings. Although […]
Music and mental health
Music therapy can have many influences on mental health, as one less-traditional form of treatment for mental illness. Treatments for mental illnesses can be very wide ranging, from psychotherapy, to medications, to exercise and diet. One less traditional type of treatment is music therapy, which can involve anything from listening to the creation of music […]