Mental Health News and Research

Latest Mental Health News and Research

Cultural activities may improve health and protect against depression

If you paint, dance or play a musical instrument - or just enjoy going to the theatre or to concerts -- it's likely that you feel healthier and are less depressed than people who don't, a survey of nearly 50,000 individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds from a county in mid-Norway shows.

14 Dec 2009

Eggs of marine animals is the best dietary source of Omega 3 fatty acids

The roe of hake, lumpsucker and salmon is the best dietary source of Omega 3, according to a study carried out by researchers at the University of Almer-a (UAL). The scientists analysed the eggs, or roe, of 15 marine animals, and found all of these contained high levels of these fatty acids, which are essential to the human body.

14 Dec 2009

New biosensors show how schizophrenia drugs alter brain chemistry

Scientists have resolved a question about how a popular class of drugs used to treat schizophrenia works using biosensors that reveal previously hidden components of chemical communication in the brain.

14 Dec 2009

UnitedHealthcare completes previously announced acquisition of Health Net

UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group company, and Health Net, Inc. today announced that UnitedHealthcare has completed the previously announced acquisition of Health Net of the Northeast’s licensed subsidiaries and has obtained rights to renew Health Net’s membership in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

14 Dec 2009

Survey provides comprehensive look at prevalence of common mental disorders

Only about half of American children and teenagers who have certain mental disorders receive professional services, according to a nationally representative survey funded in part by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The survey also provides a comprehensive look at the prevalence of common mental disorders.

14 Dec 2009

VNA of Greater Philadelphia expands its home health and specialty services in Bucks County

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Greater Philadelphia is expanding its traditional home health and specialty services to patients who reside in lower Bucks County.

14 Dec 2009

CAMH offers tips for holiday-related stress

The holiday season is filled with festivities and family gatherings, but for some people this season can also be very stressful. Sometimes we need help to cope or stay safe and healthy.

13 Dec 2009

Innovative approaches to develop more effective interventions to reduce obesity

The National Institutes of Health is launching a $37 million program that will use findings from basic research on human behavior to develop more effective interventions to reduce obesity.

13 Dec 2009

New vehicle headrest to prevent whiplash injuries

Whiplash neck injuries among drivers and their passengers who have been shunted from behind are a major cause of long-term health problems and, in extreme cases, death.

11 Dec 2009

Eating disorder groups say BMI fuels weight-prejudice and urge to focus on health and lifestyle

In an unprecedented show of concern, The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA), Eating Disorder Coalition (EDC), International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals (IADEP), and National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) have joined forces and are urging focus on health and lifestyle rather than weight as a measurement of well-being.

11 Dec 2009

People of diverse communities are at increased risk for depression and suicide

Americans do not believe that they know much about depression, but are highly aware of the risks of not receiving care, according to a survey released by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

11 Dec 2009

NIH launches a $37 million program to reduce obesity

The National Institutes of Health is launching a $37 million program that will use findings from basic research on human behavior to develop more effective interventions to reduce obesity.

11 Dec 2009

Psychologists can help people deal with anxiety and depression symptoms more effectively

From Thanksgiving to New Year's, there are many wishes for everyone to have a blissful and celebratory holiday season. But for many people, the holidays bring more misery than mirth, particularly at a time when the ailing economy can't seem to recover quickly enough and money worries remain on people's minds.

10 Dec 2009

UnitedHealth Group invests $5.4M in The Help Group’s tax-exempt revenue bonds

The Help Group received $5,395,000 in capital that will support development of its newest campus serving Los Angeles-area children, adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders.

10 Dec 2009

Targacept commences TC-5619 Phase 2 study of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia

Targacept, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as NNR TherapeuticsTM, today announced that it has initiated a Phase 2 clinical proof of concept trial of TC-5619 in cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.

10 Dec 2009

Schizophrenia: Once-monthly INVEGA SUSTENNA not inferior to bi-weekly RISPERDAL CONSTA

Treatment with once-monthly INVEGA® SUSTENNA(TM) is not inferior to treatment with bi-weekly RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, according to new data from a comparative study of both treatments in patients with schizophrenia. Results of the 13-week clinical trial were released this week.

10 Dec 2009

Computer-based intervention reduces anxiety and depression among people with facial disfigurement

Using Face IT - a new computer-based teaching aid that includes interactive videos - can reduce anxiety, depression and appearance concerns among people with facial disfigurement.

10 Dec 2009

CMHA calls to extend Employment Insurance benefits and Pharmacare program for mentally-ill patients

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), National supports several of the recommendations of "In From The Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness", Report of the Subcommittee on Cities of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology tabled yesterday in Ottawa.

10 Dec 2009

Cell transplants may yield new therapies for dementia patients

Nerve cells transplanted into brain-damaged rats helped them to fully recover their ability to learn and remember, probably by promoting nurturing, protective growth factors, according to a new study.

10 Dec 2009

Behavioral intervention can improve cognitive performance in children

Carnegie Mellon University scientists Timothy Keller and Marcel Just have uncovered the first evidence that intensive instruction to improve reading skills in young children causes the brain to physically rewire itself, creating new white matter that improves communication within the brain.

10 Dec 2009