CHICA is a child health improvement through a computer automation system that promotes timely screening for autism spectrum disorder. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that computer automation together with clinical decision support could lead to improved screening in pediatric primary care practices. Researchers performed a randomized clinical
Mental Health
In a recent study, researchers report the association of depressive symptoms in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most common autoimmune arthritis caused by the improper functioning of the body’s defense system. Research has shown that depression is among the most common mental health disorders associated with RA. However, the prevalence of
New research examined whether social media use is associated with negative mental health outcomes in youths. Over the past decade or so, the use of smartphones and social media has become increasingly common. The prevalence of smartphones makes social media platforms more easily accessible, from anywhere, at any time. Social media has been associated with
A recent study looked at the effects of problematic internet use on motivation for studying, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Since the increase in the prevalence of laptops, smartphones, and other technological devices within classrooms, researchers have devised numerous studies investigating how technology and the internet affect study habits. Confusion and uncertainty have sparked a debate
Recent research supports an association between specific components of the diet and mental health. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians experiences mental health condition or illness in a given year. Approximately 50% of the population will have or have already had a mental illness by the age of forty. Mental
Reading the news can be stress-inducing at the best of times. When the news is particularly worrying, many of us experience levels of anxiety so high that we can have difficulty coping. So how can we stay (reasonably) anxiety-free when the media bombards us with headlines that spook us? Share on PinterestDoes the news get
People may think that valuing happiness leads to a happier life. However, new research has found that wanting to feel happy can also have a negative outcome. Previous studies have concluded that excessively valuing happiness can cause a person to feel less happy. In some cases, it may even be associated with symptoms of depression.
A new, largest-of-its-kind study finds more evidence of the genetic underpinnings of schizophrenia. The findings may ultimately lead to the development of new drugs. Share on PinterestResearchers have uncovered a new gene that may explain the onset of schizophrenia. The new study appears in the journal Nature Neuroscience. Elliott Rees, a research fellow at the
Feeling depressed before and during a menstrual period is common. Experts believe that these emotional changes occur as a result of fluctuating hormone levels. Most people who menstruate will experience some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including moodiness and headaches. However, some individuals can develop more severe symptoms, such as depression and anger. Hormones can
New research examines the impact of educating adolescents about substance abuse, depression, and anxiety on mental health. Being a teenager is difficult, and many teenagers find it difficult to manage stress. In addition to mental health struggles, the use and abuse of illicit drugs is also high in this age group. This is dangerous because
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are both eating disorders in which a person tries to lose weight in unhealthful ways. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 0.6% of adults in the United States experienced anorexia between 2001 and 2003, compared to 0.3% who experienced bulimia. There are essential differences between anorexia and bulimia,
Alcohol can make a person feel depressed and may even trigger or worsen depression. Depression is also a risk factor for using alcohol, since people who feel depressed may use alcohol to ease their symptoms. Several studies, including a 2013 study that used a nationally representative sample, have found that people who drink to manage
A new report has found that more than half of the people with mental health conditions currently confined in Los Angeles county jails would benefit from mental health treatment in specialized community centers instead of incarceration. Share on PinterestThousands of LA jail inmates would benefit from receiving mental health support away from prison, a new
New research shows how the use of a multisensory illusion may help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The new method could bypass the disadvantages of exposure therapy. Share on PinterestContamination fears may cause people with OCD to wash their hands excessively. In 1998, researchers Matthew Botvinick and Jonathan Cohen of the University of Pittsburgh, PA, detailed
Most of us are familiar with the physical health effects of smoking, but can the habit also affect our mental and emotional well-being? A new study suggests that it can, after finding a link between smoking cigarettes and depression. Share on PinterestA new study examines the link between mental health and smoking among students. The
The world has been facing a suicide crisis over the past few years. In the United States alone, tens of thousands of people die by suicide each year. But new research shows that a $1 increase in the minimum wage might prevent thousands of deaths. Share on PinterestAs little as a $1 increase to the
Anxiety commonly causes a change in appetite. Some people with anxiety tend to overeat or consume a lot of unhealthful foods. Others, however, lose their desire to eat when they feel stressed and anxious. Anxiety is a mental health condition that affects 40 million adults in the United States each year. Changes in appetite are
Seven common types of depression are: Major depressive disorder Share on PinterestA person with major depressive disorder may feel guilty, worthless, and hopeless. Major depressive disorder is the classic form of depression. People with major depression experience symptoms that may include: sadness feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness difficulty sleeping changes in appetite fatigue irritability
New research illustrates the challenges that families of children with autism experience in society. Autism is often noticed within the first year of life, and while there is no actual cure, treatments such as behavioral therapy, educational therapy, and medications can help manage symptoms. Family often plays a role in the treatment of autism as
Anger is an emotion that everyone feels sometimes, but if a person is feeling angry a lot of the time, they may be experiencing depression. In many cases, medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these treatments can help provide symptom relief. In this article, we look at the connection between anger and depression,
Mother-infant interactions were examined to see if a mother’s positive and negative emotions have an effect on her and her child’s brain waves. Our social interactions can be influential to our wellbeing. Certain brain regions are highly associated with emotional processing. The fronto-limbic network is involved in emotional processing, while the basal ganglia are associated
Ecstasy — or methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) — is a recreational drug that is illegal in the United States. However, some researchers believe that it could aid in mental health therapy. A new study in mice puts this idea to the test. Share on PinterestNew research in mice investigates what gives MDMA its positive effects on sociability.
It’s Christmas Day, and you want to enjoy yourself — that’s only natural. In this feature, we provide some quick tips that will allow you to have the fun you are hoping for without affecting your health too significantly. Share on PinterestChristmas does not need to overturn healthful living completely. The holiday period is, commonly,
Both depression and anxiety can be debilitating. Also, it is not unusual for these conditions to occur together. When this happens, it can be particularly challenging. This article explores how depression and anxiety may be linked, as well as the treatment options available. Share on PinterestA person with MADD may experience symptoms of both anxiety
Eco-anxiety refers to a fear of environmental damage or ecological disaster. This sense of anxiety is largely based on the current and predicted future state of the environment and human-induced climate change. According to a 2018 national survey, almost 70% of people in the United States are worried about climate change, and around 51% feel
A recent article published in eNeuro looked at the auditory cortex of mice who were exposed to darkness for one week. They found that dark exposure altered neuronal networks that allowed mice to have more sensitive hearing. The outer, middle and inner ear are responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural-electrical signals that travel to
Scientists investigate the use of genetic testing for ASD, and whether it can predict if children are likely to develop autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of complex brain development disorders and is characterised by three main features; impaired social interaction, restrictive interests, and repetitive behaviours. ASD is usually diagnosed during
Verbal abuse occurs when someone repeatedly uses negative or demeaning words to gain or maintain power and control over someone else. Verbal abuse in itself may not involve physical contact, but it can still cause emotional or psychological harm and progress toward violence. Keep reading to learn more about verbal abuse, including the different types,