2023

SAMHSA Releases NSDUH LGB Behavioral Health 2021-22 Report

June 1, 2023

The most recent update of results from SAMHSA’s 2021-2022 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) highlights mental health disparities faced by sexual minority adults, particularly bisexual females. More than half of all bisexual females had any mental illness (AMI) in the past year (53.9%), compared to 38.7% of lesbian and 25.4% of straight females. 43.3% of bisexual males experienced AMI in the past year, compared to 37.5% of gay and 18.1% of straight males. About 1 in 5 (19.5%) bisexual females and 14.4% of bisexual males experienced serious mental illness in the past year. Future surveys will ask respondents about their sex assigned at birth, gender identity, and sexual identity regardless of age in hopes of better capturing the experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals. To learn more, view the report from SAMHSA.

Lived Experience-Led Research to Address Early Death in People with Serious Mental Illness

May 26, 2023

Compared to the general population, people diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) face a shorter life expectancy by approximately 10 to 25 years. In May, a virtual roundtable convened 40 individuals – many with firsthand or caregiving lived experience – to address this disparity. Participants drafted an eight-point ranked recommendation to increase the lifespan of people with SMI including, but not limited to,  understanding the impacts of trauma, furthering the role of support systems, redefining clinical education, and examining outcomes meaningful to those with SMI. The effort represents an important shift toward highlighting lived experience in identifying research priorities. To learn more, read the article in JAMA.

Study Reviews Suicide Intervention for Veterans

May 24, 2023

Caring Letters is a suicide prevention intervention in which individuals receive letters of care and support with the goal of facilitating connection and lowering suicide risk. The Department of Veterans Affairs implemented a Caring Letters program in 2020 for all Veterans who contact the Veterans Crisis Line. A recent study adds to the evidence that the intervention is effective for this population. Researchers interviewed 23 Veterans who received nine letters over one year that included messages of support and mental health resources. Most participants reported that the letters had a positive impact, with some indicating they were more likely to engage with resources. However, they also offered areas for improvement. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.

Racism as a Risk Factor for Psychosis

May 1, 2023

The social determinants of health framework is commonly used to conceptualize the cultural and structural factors affecting mental health. A new review applies this framework specifically to psychosis-related health outcomes in communities of color, demonstrating that structural factors such as racial discrimination, food insecurity, and police violence are significant risk factors for psychosis within these communities. These findings inform a more nuanced understanding of the increased rates of psychosis and disparities in mental health treatment of Black and Latinx populations across the US – a critical step to developing policies and practice to address these issues. To learn more, read the article in Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.  

Providers and Public Believe Mental Health Workforce Shortage Will Have Negative Impact

April 25, 2023

The mental health workforce is already experiencing a shortage, and by 2025, estimates suggest the U.S. will have 31,000 fewer practitioners than necessary to meet demand. A recent survey of 750 behavioral health workers and 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing found both groups are concerned that the shortage will negatively impact society. More than three quarters (76%) of behavioral health workers worry specifically about the potential loss of life due to workforce shortages. The report advocates for public policy changes to address provider concerns – such as increased caseload and burnout - to improve recruitment and retention of this critical workforce. To learn more, see the report from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. 
 

Interpersonal Therapy for Depression During Pregnancy

April 19, 2023

Providing brief and recurrent interpersonal therapy may be an effective strategy in reducing depressive symptoms during pregnancy. A randomized clinical trial of 234 pregnant adults with elevated depression symptoms treated patients with either enhanced usual care (EUC) or MomCare. EUC consists of maternity support services with optional mental health counseling while MomCare is a culturally relevant intervention of weekly, interpersonal therapy sessions with psychoeducation. Overall, participants in the MomCare group showed a greater reduction in depressive scores compared to participants receiving EUC. Future research will focus on whether children born to individuals undergoing the MomCare intervention experience a reduction in risk for their own mental health concerns. To learn more, see the study in JAMA Psychiatry.
 

Initial Research on TikTok’s Mental Health Impacts

April 19, 2023

FDA Approves Over-the-Counter Naloxone Spray

March 29, 2023

Naloxone, commonly known under the brand name Narcan, is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Until this year, all forms of naloxone had been designated as prescription-only. After hearing from an expert advisory panel, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the sale of over-the-counter naloxone hydrocholoride nasal spray nationwide in March. The decision removes a critical access barrier to the life-saving treatment, thereby reducing overdose deaths and the associated stigma. Implementation will be ongoing in the coming months with pending information on the cost of the medication. To learn more, see the news release from the FDA.   

Survey Suggests Better Integration of 988 with Mobile Crisis Teams May Be Needed

March 20, 2023

Nearly a year since the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, there is still uncertainty about its role within the mental health system. One goal of 988 is to connect callers in urgent need of support with a mobile crisis team (MCT) in their area. However, a national survey of MCT personnel found that only a third of respondents (32%) indicated that their MCT could be reached by 988. Respondents were most likely to report that their MCT could be dispatched by calling the MCT directly (65%) or through 911 (54%). The findings highlight the need to continuously evaluate and improve 988 integration in communities, as well as the importance of communicating how individuals can reach an MCT if needed. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.  

National Poll Finds Pets Support Mental Health

March 1, 2023

The latest results from the APA’s Healthy Minds Monthly Poll suggest that pets are beneficial for owners’ mental health. In a national poll of 2,200 American adults, more than half of all pet owners reported that their pets positively impact their mental health, including 87% of dog owners and 86% of cat owners. Among respondents who indicated a positive impact, over two thirds identified specific benefits such as reduced stress and anxiety (69%), unconditional love and support (69%), and companionship (69%). Despite associated worries of pet ownership, the findings suggest that having a pet is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing. To learn more, see the poll results from the APA.