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Psychology - Health - 02.10.2023 
Calls for verbal abuse of children by adults to be formally recognised as form of child maltreatment
A new systematic review by researchers at UCL and Wingate University has highlighted the importance of identifying childhood verbal abuse by adults as a standalone subtype of child maltreatment, to ensure targeted prevention and address the lasting harm it can inflict. Child maltreatment is currently classified into four subtypes: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
Health - Psychology - 29.09.2023 
Increased risk of depression and anxiety when in higher education
Young people who are in higher education in England face a small increased risk of depression and anxiety, compared to their peers who are not attending higher education, finds a new study led by UCL researchers. The research paper, published in The Lancet Public Health , is the first to find evidence of higher levels of depression and anxiety among higher education students compared with their peers.
Life Sciences - Psychology - 28.09.2023
Health - Psychology - 20.09.2023
Psychology - 14.09.2023
Psychology - 31.08.2023
Health - Psychology - 31.08.2023
Health - Psychology - 21.08.2023
Life Sciences - Psychology - 15.08.2023
Health - Psychology - 14.08.2023
Psychology - Health - 14.08.2023
Psychology - Health - 11.08.2023
Health - Psychology - 25.07.2023 
Experts call for urgent mental health support for people living with long term autoimmune diseases
More than half of patients with auto-immune conditions experience mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, yet the majority are rarely or never asked in clinic about mental health symptoms, according to new research from the University of Cambridge and King's College London.
Psychology - Social Sciences - 10.07.2023
Health - Psychology - 06.07.2023
Health - Psychology - 05.07.2023
Social Sciences - Psychology - 29.06.2023
Psychology - Social Sciences - 27.06.2023 
Reading for pleasure early in childhood linked to better cognitive performance and mental wellbeing in adolescence
Children who begin reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence, a study of more than 10,000 young adolescents in the US has found.
Psychology - 21.06.2023
Health - Psychology - 21.06.2023
Psychology
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A new systematic review by researchers at UCL and Wingate University has highlighted the importance of identifying childhood verbal abuse by adults as a standalone subtype of child maltreatment, to ensure targeted prevention and address the lasting harm it can inflict. Child maltreatment is currently classified into four subtypes: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
Young people who are in higher education in England face a small increased risk of depression and anxiety, compared to their peers who are not attending higher education, finds a new study led by UCL researchers. The research paper, published in The Lancet Public Health , is the first to find evidence of higher levels of depression and anxiety among higher education students compared with their peers.
Doll play allows children to develop and practice social skills regardless of their neurodevelopmental profile
Neuroscientists from Cardiff University have found that doll play could benefit children with varying social communication styles, including those who display neurodivergent traits commonly associated with autism. Part of a long-term study commissioned by Mattel, researchers monitored the brain activity of 57 children aged 4 to 8 years with varying levels of autistic traits.
Neuroscientists from Cardiff University have found that doll play could benefit children with varying social communication styles, including those who display neurodivergent traits commonly associated with autism. Part of a long-term study commissioned by Mattel, researchers monitored the brain activity of 57 children aged 4 to 8 years with varying levels of autistic traits.
Young people’s mental health deteriorated at greater rate during the pandemic
Young people's mental health deteriorated during COVID-19, with higher levels of depression and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties than before the pandemic hit, a comprehensive new study has shown. Researchers led by Professor Willem Kuyken at Oxford University's Department of Psychiatry compared the mental health difficulties and well-being of thousands of UK secondary school pupils who experienced three lockdowns, with a group of students who participated in the same study before the coronavirus pandemic emerged in 2020.
Young people's mental health deteriorated during COVID-19, with higher levels of depression and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties than before the pandemic hit, a comprehensive new study has shown. Researchers led by Professor Willem Kuyken at Oxford University's Department of Psychiatry compared the mental health difficulties and well-being of thousands of UK secondary school pupils who experienced three lockdowns, with a group of students who participated in the same study before the coronavirus pandemic emerged in 2020.
First reliable test for dementia in people with hearing loss
Researchers have developed the first reliable test for dementia in people with hearing loss, following an international study led by The University of Manchester scientists. One in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK, and more than 75% of people over 75 have hearing problems. This means hearing loss commonly occurs alongside dementia.
Researchers have developed the first reliable test for dementia in people with hearing loss, following an international study led by The University of Manchester scientists. One in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK, and more than 75% of people over 75 have hearing problems. This means hearing loss commonly occurs alongside dementia.
New research explores the link between baby birthweight, length of pregnancy and future cognitive problems
A new study has explored the link between infant birthweight, gestational age and future cognitive problems. Published today in JAMA Network Open, scientists have shown how the relative birthweight of infants associates with cognitive performance at five years of age. The results broadly indicate that a large birthweight is good for IQ, but this is relative to gestational age (the week of pregnancy the baby is born - for a healthy nine-month pregnancy this is 40 weeks).
A new study has explored the link between infant birthweight, gestational age and future cognitive problems. Published today in JAMA Network Open, scientists have shown how the relative birthweight of infants associates with cognitive performance at five years of age. The results broadly indicate that a large birthweight is good for IQ, but this is relative to gestational age (the week of pregnancy the baby is born - for a healthy nine-month pregnancy this is 40 weeks).
Remote GP appointments as effective as in-person care for some conditions
Virtual GP and other primary care consultations can be as effective as face-to-face appointments for a range of health conditions. This is according to a new study by researchers at Imperial College London, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. It found health outcomes for patients who saw doctors remotely at least matched those for in-person care for mental illness, alcohol misuse, weight management and advice on quitting smoking.
Virtual GP and other primary care consultations can be as effective as face-to-face appointments for a range of health conditions. This is according to a new study by researchers at Imperial College London, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. It found health outcomes for patients who saw doctors remotely at least matched those for in-person care for mental illness, alcohol misuse, weight management and advice on quitting smoking.
Adults were psychologically resilient to the Covid-19 pandemic
Adults in England largely appeared to be psychologically resilient to developing depression or anxiety during the pandemic, a study by University of Manchester researchers has shown. The analysis of data from 16.5 million people attending general practice and 41 thousand respondents to a survey where people reported their symptoms over time, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, shows that while mental distress reported in the surveys increased in the short term during the first two waves of the pandemic, the numbers affected quickly returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Adults in England largely appeared to be psychologically resilient to developing depression or anxiety during the pandemic, a study by University of Manchester researchers has shown. The analysis of data from 16.5 million people attending general practice and 41 thousand respondents to a survey where people reported their symptoms over time, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, shows that while mental distress reported in the surveys increased in the short term during the first two waves of the pandemic, the numbers affected quickly returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Reduced grey matter in frontal lobes linked to teenage smoking and nicotine addiction - study
Findings may demonstrate a brain and behavioural basis for how nicotine addiction is initiated and then takes hold in early life, say scientists. Smoking is perhaps the most common addictive behaviour in the world, and a leading cause of adult mortality Trevor Robbins Levels of grey matter in two parts of the brain may be linked to a desire to start smoking during adolescence and the strengthening of nicotine addiction, a new study has shown.
Findings may demonstrate a brain and behavioural basis for how nicotine addiction is initiated and then takes hold in early life, say scientists. Smoking is perhaps the most common addictive behaviour in the world, and a leading cause of adult mortality Trevor Robbins Levels of grey matter in two parts of the brain may be linked to a desire to start smoking during adolescence and the strengthening of nicotine addiction, a new study has shown.
Link found between academic pressure and mental health problems in adolescence
A new study led by UCL researchers has found a positive association between academic pressure or proximity to exams and mental health issues among young people. The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, reviewed 52 studies involving students who attended either primary school, secondary school or sixth-form college across the globe, between 1991 and 2022.
A new study led by UCL researchers has found a positive association between academic pressure or proximity to exams and mental health issues among young people. The research, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, reviewed 52 studies involving students who attended either primary school, secondary school or sixth-form college across the globe, between 1991 and 2022.
Mindfulness should be about more than just ’me’ - new study
A new review from Bath's Centre for Mindfulness and Community challenges common interpretations of what the practice of mindfulness should look like. Published on Monday 14 August 2023 Last updated on Monday 21 August 2023 Is looking after kids in the summer stressing you out? In need of a relaxing break? Maybe it's time to unwind and practice some calming mindfulness.
A new review from Bath's Centre for Mindfulness and Community challenges common interpretations of what the practice of mindfulness should look like. Published on Monday 14 August 2023 Last updated on Monday 21 August 2023 Is looking after kids in the summer stressing you out? In need of a relaxing break? Maybe it's time to unwind and practice some calming mindfulness.
Social media use interventions alleviate symptoms of depression
Receiving therapy for problematic social media use can be effective in improving the mental wellbeing of people with depression, finds a new study by UCL researchers. The research, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research , found that social media use interventions could help adults for whom social media use has become problematic or interferes with their mental health.
Receiving therapy for problematic social media use can be effective in improving the mental wellbeing of people with depression, finds a new study by UCL researchers. The research, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research , found that social media use interventions could help adults for whom social media use has become problematic or interferes with their mental health.
More than half of patients with auto-immune conditions experience mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, yet the majority are rarely or never asked in clinic about mental health symptoms, according to new research from the University of Cambridge and King's College London.
In-person mindfulness courses help improve mental health for at least six months
Adults who voluntarily take part in mindfulness courses are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the programmes, compared to adults who do not take part, a new analysis pooling data from 13 studies has confirmed. This study is the highest quality confirmation so far that the in-person mindfulness courses typically offered in the community do actually work for the average person.
Adults who voluntarily take part in mindfulness courses are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the programmes, compared to adults who do not take part, a new analysis pooling data from 13 studies has confirmed. This study is the highest quality confirmation so far that the in-person mindfulness courses typically offered in the community do actually work for the average person.
One in five young adults experiencing severe distress in England
The number of people reporting feelings of severe distress in England has steadily risen since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL, King's College London and the SPECTRUM Consortium. The research, published in JAMA Network Open , establishes that rising levels of severe distress are being reported in all age groups and population subgroups outside of older adults aged over 65, with young adults aged 18-24 showing the most striking rise.
The number of people reporting feelings of severe distress in England has steadily risen since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL, King's College London and the SPECTRUM Consortium. The research, published in JAMA Network Open , establishes that rising levels of severe distress are being reported in all age groups and population subgroups outside of older adults aged over 65, with young adults aged 18-24 showing the most striking rise.
Poor air quality found to affect mental health in many ways
Poor air quality affects mental health in many ways, according to a new review of evidence published in the British Journal of Psychiatry . Led by Professor Kam Bhui at the University of Oxford's Department of Psychiatry , researchers in the UKRI-funded BioAirNet programme, analysed existing studies looking at the effects of both indoor and outdoor air pollution across the life course, from birth and pregnancy, to adolescence and adulthood.
Poor air quality affects mental health in many ways, according to a new review of evidence published in the British Journal of Psychiatry . Led by Professor Kam Bhui at the University of Oxford's Department of Psychiatry , researchers in the UKRI-funded BioAirNet programme, analysed existing studies looking at the effects of both indoor and outdoor air pollution across the life course, from birth and pregnancy, to adolescence and adulthood.
Adverse childhood experiences are ’strong predictor’ for adolescent cannabis use
A new study from psychiatric epidemiologist Dr Lindsey Hines calls for greater support to help young people avoid problematic drug use. Young people who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences between the ages of 0 - 12 years, including parental drug misuse, are at highest risk for developing problematic adolescent cannabis use as teenagers, according to a new study.
A new study from psychiatric epidemiologist Dr Lindsey Hines calls for greater support to help young people avoid problematic drug use. Young people who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences between the ages of 0 - 12 years, including parental drug misuse, are at highest risk for developing problematic adolescent cannabis use as teenagers, according to a new study.
Children who begin reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence, a study of more than 10,000 young adolescents in the US has found.
Why you’re more likely to drink when you’re happy than when you’re sad
Robin Bailey , University of Bolton Adrian Wells , University of Manchester There's a long-held belief that people drink alcohol in excess to drown their sorrows. But recent research into mood and drinking has found the opposite is also true. Using data from 69 studies (12,394 people in total) in the US, Canada, France and Australia, all of which employed surveys to assess mood and drinking levels, the researchers found no evidence that people drank more on days when they felt down.
Robin Bailey , University of Bolton Adrian Wells , University of Manchester There's a long-held belief that people drink alcohol in excess to drown their sorrows. But recent research into mood and drinking has found the opposite is also true. Using data from 69 studies (12,394 people in total) in the US, Canada, France and Australia, all of which employed surveys to assess mood and drinking levels, the researchers found no evidence that people drank more on days when they felt down.
Eating disorders and self-harm rose among teenage girls during the pandemic - new UK study
Pearl Mok , University of Manchester Alex Trafford , University of Manchester Evidence tells us the COVID pandemic and measures put in place to contain the virus negatively affected the mental health of adolescents and young people in the UK and elsewhere. One review study published in August 2021 estimated that the global prevalence of children and adolescents with depression and anxiety had doubled since the start of the pandemic.
Pearl Mok , University of Manchester Alex Trafford , University of Manchester Evidence tells us the COVID pandemic and measures put in place to contain the virus negatively affected the mental health of adolescents and young people in the UK and elsewhere. One review study published in August 2021 estimated that the global prevalence of children and adolescents with depression and anxiety had doubled since the start of the pandemic.
