The digitalization of modern society has introduced complex sociological challenges for children and adolescents by altering the structure of their daily lives and social interactions, say researchers of a new study published in Nature. These changes often result in increased sedentary behavior and disrupted routines, creating barriers to maintaining optimal mental health, according to the study, “Excessive screen time is associated with mental health problems in US children and adolescents: physical activity and sleep as parallel mediators.” This study explored the relationships between screen time and child and adolescent mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, behavior or conduct problems and ADHD. Additionally, it examined whether physical activity, sleep duration and bedtime regularity mediate these relationships. Researchers analyzed data from 50,231 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years from the United States National Survey of Children's Health 2020-2021. The analysis utilized exact natural effect and structural equation modeling to investigate the mediating effects, researchers indicated. Regarding daily screen time, more than four hours was associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, behavior or conduct problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Physical activity was the strongest mediator, accounting for 30.9% to 38.9% of the association, followed by irregular bedtime (18.4% to 23.9%) and short sleep duration (4.16% to 7.24%). Researchers found that prolonged screen time is associated with poorer mental health through the mediation of physical activity, bedtime regularity and short sleep duration. Interventions should address these behavioral shifts by prioritizing physical activity and regular sleep routines to effectively mitigate mental health problems among young people, they suggested.
{"title":"Study links high screen time to mental health concerns in youth","authors":"Valerie A. Canady","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34751","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34751","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The digitalization of modern society has introduced complex sociological challenges for children and adolescents by altering the structure of their daily lives and social interactions, say researchers of a new study published in <i>Nature</i>. These changes often result in increased sedentary behavior and disrupted routines, creating barriers to maintaining optimal mental health, according to the study, “Excessive screen time is associated with mental health problems in US children and adolescents: physical activity and sleep as parallel mediators.” This study explored the relationships between screen time and child and adolescent mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, behavior or conduct problems and ADHD. Additionally, it examined whether physical activity, sleep duration and bedtime regularity mediate these relationships. Researchers analyzed data from 50,231 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years from the United States National Survey of Children's Health 2020-2021. The analysis utilized exact natural effect and structural equation modeling to investigate the mediating effects, researchers indicated. Regarding daily screen time, more than four hours was associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, behavior or conduct problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Physical activity was the strongest mediator, accounting for 30.9% to 38.9% of the association, followed by irregular bedtime (18.4% to 23.9%) and short sleep duration (4.16% to 7.24%). Researchers found that prolonged screen time is associated with poorer mental health through the mediation of physical activity, bedtime regularity and short sleep duration. Interventions should address these behavioral shifts by prioritizing physical activity and regular sleep routines to effectively mitigate mental health problems among young people, they suggested.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is proposing a major redesign of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), unveiling a forward-looking model aimed at keeping pace with rapid advances in neuroscience, genetics and global mental health research. During a virtual press briefing on Jan. 20, APA leaders said the effort marks the most significant conceptual shift since the DSM-III and reflects a commitment to building a more dynamic, scientifically responsive framework.
{"title":"APA outlines new future DSM model for global scientific scope","authors":"Valerie A. Canady","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34746","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34746","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is proposing a major redesign of the <i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)</i>, unveiling a forward-looking model aimed at keeping pace with rapid advances in neuroscience, genetics and global mental health research. During a virtual press briefing on Jan. 20, APA leaders said the effort marks the most significant conceptual shift since the <i>DSM-III</i> and reflects a commitment to building a more dynamic, scientifically responsive framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":"3-4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The National Association for Behavioral Healthcare will hold its annualmeeting March 2–4 in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit https:www.nabh.org.
{"title":"Coming Up…","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34753","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mhw.34753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><b>The National Association for Behavioral Healthcare</b> will hold its annualmeeting <b>March 2–4</b> in <b>Washington, D.C.</b> For more information, visit https:www.nabh.org.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146136113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is proposing a major redesign of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), unveiling a forward-looking model aimed at keeping pace with rapid advances in neuroscience, genetics and global mental health research. During a virtual press briefing on Jan. 20, APA leaders said the effort marks the most significant conceptual shift since the DSM-III and reflects a commitment to building a more dynamic, scientifically responsive framework.
{"title":"APA outlines new future DSM model for global scientific scope","authors":"Valerie A. Canady","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34746","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34746","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is proposing a major redesign of the <i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)</i>, unveiling a forward-looking model aimed at keeping pace with rapid advances in neuroscience, genetics and global mental health research. During a virtual press briefing on Jan. 20, APA leaders said the effort marks the most significant conceptual shift since the <i>DSM-III</i> and reflects a commitment to building a more dynamic, scientifically responsive framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":"3-4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The nation's behavioral health system is straining under the weight of rising mental illness, escalating substance use, and preventable deaths. While policymakers often focus on funding and service capacity, a quieter but equally urgent issue is coming into sharper view: the workforce itself. Providers who reflect the communities they serve — in race, ethnicity, language, lived experience and geography — may be one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for improving outcomes, according to new research published last month in Nature Mental Health.
{"title":"A representative workforce is key to easing U.S. BH crisis","authors":"Valerie A. Canady","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34748","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34748","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The nation's behavioral health system is straining under the weight of rising mental illness, escalating substance use, and preventable deaths. While policymakers often focus on funding and service capacity, a quieter but equally urgent issue is coming into sharper view: the workforce itself. Providers who reflect the communities they serve — in race, ethnicity, language, lived experience and geography — may be one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for improving outcomes, according to new research published last month in <i>Nature Mental Health</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":"5-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nearly a year after Chappell Roan used her Grammy acceptance speech to call for better workplace benefits for artists, a new mental health resource inspired by that moment has launched. Backline Care, the nonprofit she partnered with last year to create an industry mental health fund, has debuted B LINE — a 24/7 mental health and crisis support hotline for music professionals and their families, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Recently launched with lead sponsorship from Spotify, B LINE offers confidential, real-time support via phone (1 855 BLINE99) or text (254 639). Counselors are trained to assist those working across the music ecosystem — from performers to crew members — who often face high stress, financial instability and lack of access to care. Backline founder and Executive Director Hilary Gleason said the hotline fills a critical gap: “One piece was missing: real-time access to care. B LINE changes that.” The initiative comes amid growing concern about mental health in the music industry. MusiCares' 2025 survey found that 15.4% of respondents knew a colleague who died by suicide in the past year. Additional support for B LINE comes from Noah Kahan, Live Nation, AEG Presents, Adyen, and others.
在查佩尔·罗安在格莱美获奖感言中呼吁为艺术家提供更好的工作场所福利近一年后,受那一刻的启发,一个新的心理健康资源应运而生。据《好莱坞报道》报道,去年她与非营利组织Backline Care合作创建了一个行业心理健康基金,并推出了B LINE——为音乐专业人士及其家人提供全天候心理健康和危机支持热线。BLINE最近在Spotify的主要赞助下推出,通过电话(1855 BLINE99)或短信(254 639)提供保密的实时支持。咨询师接受过培训,以帮助那些在音乐生态系统中工作的人——从表演者到工作人员——这些人经常面临巨大的压力、经济不稳定和缺乏护理。Backline创始人兼执行董事希拉里·格里森(Hilary Gleason)说,热线填补了一个关键的空白:“缺少了一个部分:实时获得护理。B LINE改变了这一点。”这一举措是在人们越来越关注音乐行业的心理健康之际提出的。MusiCares的2025年调查发现,15.4%的受访者在过去一年中知道有同事自杀。对B LINE的额外支持来自Noah Kahan, Live Nation, AEG Presents, Adyen等。
{"title":"In Case You Haven't Heard…","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34754","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mhw.34754","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Nearly a year after Chappell Roan used her Grammy acceptance speech to call for better workplace benefits for artists, a new mental health resource inspired by that moment has launched. Backline Care, the nonprofit she partnered with last year to create an industry mental health fund, has debuted B LINE — a 24/7 mental health and crisis support hotline for music professionals and their families, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Recently launched with lead sponsorship from Spotify, B LINE offers confidential, real-time support via phone (1 855 BLINE99) or text (254 639). Counselors are trained to assist those working across the music ecosystem — from performers to crew members — who often face high stress, financial instability and lack of access to care. Backline founder and Executive Director Hilary Gleason said the hotline fills a critical gap: “One piece was missing: real-time access to care. B LINE changes that.” The initiative comes amid growing concern about mental health in the music industry. MusiCares' 2025 survey found that 15.4% of respondents knew a colleague who died by suicide in the past year. Additional support for B LINE comes from Noah Kahan, Live Nation, AEG Presents, Adyen, and others.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amid a gradual shift in the public's mindset about the therapeutic potential of historically stigmatized drugs, Northwell Health's research operation is launching an ambitious research and clinical initiative to explore the potential of psychedelics in behavioral health treatment.
{"title":"Psychedelics center will pursue research, clinical applications","authors":"Gary Enos","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34745","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34745","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Amid a gradual shift in the public's mindset about the therapeutic potential of historically stigmatized drugs, Northwell Health's research operation is launching an ambitious research and clinical initiative to explore the potential of psychedelics in behavioral health treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The California Department of Public Health delayed emergency staffing rules for acute psychiatric hospitals after significant outcry from hospitals, nurses, law enforcement and lawmakers, CalMatters, a nonprofit newsroom, reported Jan. 28. The proposed rules, which would increase the required number of health workers on staff, were set to take effect Jan. 31, roughly one month after the department first published them. Instead, the department said in a letter to health care facilities that the rules will go into effect June 1. The emergency rules stem from a San Francisco Chronicle investigation that linked cases of physical assault, sexual assault and death to low staffing levels at for-profit acute psychiatric hospitals. The investigation revealed a loophole in state regulations that allowed acute psychiatric hospitals to employ fewer staff than general hospitals. Acute psychiatric hospitals treat people — sometimes involuntarily — experiencing mental health crises and who pose an immediate threat to themselves or others. The proposed rules would require acute psychiatric hospitals to have at all times at least one licensed nurse per six adult patients or one licensed nurse per five pediatric patients. The health department would also fine hospitals $15,000 to $30,000 for each day they are out of compliance. But hospitals, law enforcement organizations and behavioral health groups say the state's aggressive implementation timeline will inadvertently lead to the closure of dozens, if not hundreds, of psychiatric beds throughout the state. Carmela Coyle, president and chief executive of the California Hospital Association, said the four-month delay “averts an immediate crisis in the availability of psychiatric hospital care in California” but still leaves the system vulnerable to closures.
{"title":"California MH hospitals say new staffing rules could force service cuts","authors":"Valerie A. Canady","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34752","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34752","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The California Department of Public Health delayed emergency staffing rules for acute psychiatric hospitals after significant outcry from hospitals, nurses, law enforcement and lawmakers, CalMatters, a nonprofit newsroom, reported Jan. 28. The proposed rules, which would increase the required number of health workers on staff, were set to take effect Jan. 31, roughly one month after the department first published them. Instead, the department said in a letter to health care facilities that the rules will go into effect June 1. The emergency rules stem from a <i>San Francisco Chronicle</i> investigation that linked cases of physical assault, sexual assault and death to low staffing levels at for-profit acute psychiatric hospitals. The investigation revealed a loophole in state regulations that allowed acute psychiatric hospitals to employ fewer staff than general hospitals. Acute psychiatric hospitals treat people — sometimes involuntarily — experiencing mental health crises and who pose an immediate threat to themselves or others. The proposed rules would require acute psychiatric hospitals to have at all times at least one licensed nurse per six adult patients or one licensed nurse per five pediatric patients. The health department would also fine hospitals $15,000 to $30,000 for each day they are out of compliance. But hospitals, law enforcement organizations and behavioral health groups say the state's aggressive implementation timeline will inadvertently lead to the closure of dozens, if not hundreds, of psychiatric beds throughout the state. Carmela Coyle, president and chief executive of the California Hospital Association, said the four-month delay “averts an immediate crisis in the availability of psychiatric hospital care in California” but still leaves the system vulnerable to closures.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Feb. 4 announced a $59 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, following her $30 million investment in the organization in 2022, states the NAMI news release. The additional support represents a rare second investment, nearly doubling the original contribution, and strengthens the Alliance's ability to support individuals and families affected by mental illness. “This is a remarkable gift for NAMI,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. “It reflects great confidence in our mission, the work happening across the Alliance, and how we've continued to lead with our values. We are deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her continued trust and partnership.” NAMI is in the early days of this work and is taking a thoughtful, transparent approach as it considers how the gift can best advance its mission and strategic priorities. As part of this process, NAMI will convene a Blue Ribbon Committee, led by Gillison, with representation from field leadership, the board, national staff and philanthropic experts. The committee will guide recommendations focused on driving meaningful, long-term impact.
{"title":"NAMI announces $59 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott","authors":"Valerie A. Canady","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34750","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34750","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Feb. 4 announced a $59 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, following her $30 million investment in the organization in 2022, states the NAMI news release. The additional support represents a rare second investment, nearly doubling the original contribution, and strengthens the Alliance's ability to support individuals and families affected by mental illness. “This is a remarkable gift for NAMI,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. “It reflects great confidence in our mission, the work happening across the Alliance, and how we've continued to lead with our values. We are deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her continued trust and partnership.” NAMI is in the early days of this work and is taking a thoughtful, transparent approach as it considers how the gift can best advance its mission and strategic priorities. As part of this process, NAMI will convene a Blue Ribbon Committee, led by Gillison, with representation from field leadership, the board, national staff and philanthropic experts. The committee will guide recommendations focused on driving meaningful, long-term impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Otsuka Pharmaceutical has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company's New Drug Application for centanafadine for priority review. The pharma giant developed the drug to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and could emerge as the first approved therapy in a new pharmacologic class. The agency has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of July 24, 2026. Centanafadine is a once-daily, extended-release capsule designed to curb the reuptake of a trio of crucial neurotransmitters —norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. If regulators sign off on the drug, it would be the first ADHD drug to incorporate all three mechanisms. Four Phase 3 clinical trials evaluated centanafadine across pediatric, adolescent and adult populations and appear to support the company's case. In those studies, the drug met its primary efficacy endpoints. It also produced statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in ADHD symptoms.
{"title":"New ADHD treatment receives FDA fast track designation","authors":"Valerie A. Canady","doi":"10.1002/mhw.34749","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34749","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Otsuka Pharmaceutical has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company's New Drug Application for centanafadine for priority review. The pharma giant developed the drug to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and could emerge as the first approved therapy in a new pharmacologic class. The agency has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of July 24, 2026. Centanafadine is a once-daily, extended-release capsule designed to curb the reuptake of a trio of crucial neurotransmitters —norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. If regulators sign off on the drug, it would be the first ADHD drug to incorporate all three mechanisms. Four Phase 3 clinical trials evaluated centanafadine across pediatric, adolescent and adult populations and appear to support the company's case. In those studies, the drug met its primary efficacy endpoints. It also produced statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in ADHD symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":100916,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health Weekly","volume":"36 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146139496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}