As Fentanyl Overdoses Rise, So Does Use of ‘Party Drug’ Test Strips
Latest Mental Health News FRIDAY, Feb. 18, 2022 (HealthDay News) Potent and poisonous, the synthetic opioid known as fentanyl has infiltrated nearly every corner of the U.S. illegal street drug market, experts warn. In the process, it’s killing addicts and recreational “party drug” users alike. “This is the time of fentanyl, a drug that’s 50 […]
Mental speed hardly changes over a lifespan: Study shows that the speed of cognitive information processing remains largely stable over decades
Mental speed — the speed at which we can deal with issues requiring rapid decision-making — does not change substantially over decades. Psychologists at Heidelberg University have come to this conclusion. Under the leadership of Dr Mischa von Krause and Dr Stefan Radev, they evaluated data from a large-scale online experiment with over a million […]
Your Risk Of A Mental Health Disorder Increases After COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating mental health consequences for millions of people around the world, from children still reeling from the impact of extended school closures to older adults who’ve struggled with bouts of profound isolation. New research published this week shines a light on another group of people whose mental health and well-being […]
AHA News: Does Kindness Equal Happiness and Health?
Latest Mental Health News TUESDAY, Feb. 15, 2022 (American Heart Association News) Could kindness be a magic elixir that makes us happier – and healthier? Research suggests acts of kindness like donating money, volunteering and mentoring can boost the giver’s emotional health, but science also is studying how altruism improves physical health. Acts of kindness […]
Psychosis Risk Rises When People Abuse ‘Speed’
Latest Mental Health News TUESDAY, Feb. 15, 2022 (HealthDay News) Amphetamines can pull people into a vicious cycle of addiction, but new research now shows that people who abuse these stimulants are also five times more likely to develop psychosis than non-users. The effect of “speed” on neurotransmitter signaling in the brain often causes psychosis […]
When Psychiatric Care Is Far Away, Telehealth Fills the Gap
Latest Mental Health News FRIDAY, Feb. 11, 2022 (HealthDay News) Telehealth took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a new study shows even people with serious mental health conditions can benefit from online appointments. The findings are good news for rural folks who live miles away from psychiatrists and psychologists. “This study showed that patients […]
Pandemic Has Been Devastating to Mental Health of Disabled Americans
Latest Mental Health News TUESDAY, Feb. 8, 2022 (HealthDay News) Loneliness, isolation and fears about contracting COVID-19 have turned life upside down for people with disabilities, causing high levels of depression and anxiety, a new survey finds. Even before the pandemic, individuals with disabilities were more likely to experience social isolation than their peers without […]
U.S. Justice Dept. Might Allow Safe Injection Sites to Curb Opioid Deaths
Latest Mental Health News TUESDAY, Feb. 8, 2022 (HealthDay News) There are indications the U.S. Justice Department may be open to the idea of allowing safe injection sites, a year after it won a court battle against them. The department told the Associated Press that it is “evaluating” safe injection sites and speaking with regulators […]
Many Who Use Both Pot & Booze Say They’ve Driven Intoxicated
Latest Mental Health News TUESDAY, Feb. 8, 2022 (HealthDay News) Among U.S. drivers who use both alcohol and pot, over 40% say they’ve driven under the influence, a new study finds. “Alcohol and cannabis are two of the most common substances involved in impaired driving and motor vehicle crashes in the U.S.,” said study author […]
Loneliness Can Be Unhealthy Heartbreaker for Older Women
Latest Mental Health News MONDAY, Feb. 7, 2022 (HealthDay News) It’s a fate many older women fear: loneliness and isolation as they age. Now, new research suggests those feelings may also predispose them to heart disease. The findings may be especially relevant now because of social distancing required by the pandemic. “We are social beings. […]