April 25, 2024
Research suggests that nature-based experiences can have a positive impact on mental health. In a recent pilot study, researchers explored this relationship among college students and staff, with a specific focus on birdwatching. In the 100+ participant study on a college campus, taking at least one 30-minute birdwatching walk each week for five weeks was found to increase well-being and decrease psychological distress - more so than generic nature walks. Future research should continue evaluating birdwatching and other accessible activities as potential tools to support young people’s mental well-being. To learn more, see the study in Journal of Environmental Psychology.
April 10, 2024
In a study following 1,200 Canadian youth from age 5 months to 23 years, researchers investigated whether patterns of media use – television, video games, computers, and reading – were associated with psychotic experiences (PEs) in young adulthood. In particular, computer use that increased until age 15, then decreased, was associated with higher PEs at age 23 compared to lower use, even when adjusting for other factors such as family and childhood characteristics. While more research is needed, the study suggests there may be shared risk factors for both certain patterns of youth media use and future psychotic experiences. To learn more, see the study in JAMA.
March 19, 2024
Despite the efficacy of the antipsychotic clozapine in treating schizophrenia, research suggests that its use is somewhat limited. A new study investigates the role of demographic factors in this discrepancy. Analyzing six years of electronic health record data from more than 3,000 adults with schizophrenia in a multifacility health system, researchers found that Black patients with schizophrenia were less likely to receive a clozapine prescription than white patients. Further research is needed to better understand how race may impact the use of clozapine in an individual’s treatment plan. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.
March 13, 2024
After incarceration, it can be extremely difficult for people to stay connected to mental health services. A new study explores how different types of jail-based mental health providers may affect service engagement following release. Analyzing data from 10 jails, researchers found that individuals with serious mental illness who stayed in a jail with a for-profit mental health provider were less likely to engage with community services after release compared to those in a jail with a nonprofit provider. Additional research into the factors that can help or hinder engagement with services is critical to ensure people receive the care they need when re-entering the community. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.
February 24, 2024
Mental illness and substance use during pregnancy may lead to adverse maternal and birth outcomes, and recent research highlights concerning trends for both risk factors. Based on analysis of 2012-2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, the prevalence of any mental illness (AMI) and serious mental illness (SMI) among pregnant individuals has increased over the past decade, and the use of two or more substances (tobacco, alcohol or marijuana) has increased disproportionately among those with SMI. The researchers suggest compassionate, tailored strategies to best serve pregnant individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatry Research.
February 10, 2024
Climate change is a known public health concern, and recent research emphasizes the potential impact on youth mental health. Reviewing data from over 38,000 high school students in 22 urban public school districts across 14 states, researchers found that adolescents experiencing the greatest number of climate-related “disaster days” were more likely to experience mental distress when exposed within the past 2 or 5 years compared to those who experienced fewer disaster days. Notably, no significant association was found between mental distress and exposure to disaster days in the past 10 years or to individual disaster events. To learn more, see the study in Preventive Medicine Reports.
February 8, 2024
Analyzing 10 years of blood samples from individuals receiving treatment for schizophrenia, schozoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder at a VA Medical Center, researchers recently identified biomarkers that predicted the experience of high levels of hallucinations and delusions, respectively. Notably, some of the identified biomarkers are targeted by existing medications, suggesting that biomarker-based treatment protocols may be able to offer more individualized pharmacological care than the typical trial-and-error approach. Further research is needed, but the study represents progress toward more objective diagnosis and treatment of psychosis conditions. To learn more, see the study in Molecular Biology and a summary in NIH Research Matters.
January 26, 2024
In a recent qualitative study, researchers explored the feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI) as a source of mental health support. Fourteen participants with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression engaged in one immersive virtual reality therapy session with an AI therapy avatar. Participants overall considered the digital avatar empathetic, understanding, and supportive of a therapeutic relationship, but some indicated a preference for the deeper engagement possible with a human therapist. Personal comfort with AI varies and more research is needed to determine clinical effectiveness, but AI-driven therapy may one day represent another tool to support mental health. To learn more, see the study in npj Digital Medicine.
January 11, 2024
Inclusion of BIPOC individuals (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) in clinical research is critical for understanding how conditions develop in different populations. In a systematic review, researchers explored participant data from 12 North American multisite research studies of clinical high risk for psychosis and first episode psychosis (FEP). Most ethnoracial groups were appropriately represented in high risk studies based on their share of the U.S. population; Black participants were overrepresented in FEP studies. Inclusion of BIPOC individuals in both types of studies is encouraging, but opportunities exist to most effectively incorporate diverse backgrounds into psychosis research. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.
January 5, 2024
Amidst increasing popularity of semaglutide medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic, concerns have been raised that the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) agonist medications may increase suicidal thoughts. In a recent study, researchers analyzed electronic health records for 240,000 people being treated for excess weight or obesity with either semaglutide or a non-GLP1R medication. Treatment with semaglutide was associated with lower risk for suicidal ideation compared to non-GLP1R medications across demographic groups. Findings were replicated in 1.5 million people with type 2 diabetes being treated to lower blood pressure. To learn more, see the study in Nature.
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