Mental Health Weekly最新文献

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.

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.

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.

As behavioral health systems across the country continue to struggle with rising demand, workforce shortages and fragmented care, a new player is stepping into the policy arena with an ambitious reform agenda. Healthsperien's newly formed Center for Behavioral Health has launched Action for Progress, an initiative designed to bring together national leaders, advocacy groups and system experts to push for structural change in how behavioral health care is financed, measured and delivered.

Adults living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are facing far more than the daily challenges of inattention or impulsivity. New research suggests they may also be confronting a substantially shorter life span. A new analysis shows that adults diagnosed with ADHD die years earlier than their peers in the general population — an average of nearly seven years earlier for men and more than eight years earlier for women. These numbers don't just signal a statistical variation; they paint a troubling picture of a population whose health risks accumulate in ways that too often go unaddressed.

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.

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.

Adults living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are facing far more than the daily challenges of inattention or impulsivity. New research suggests they may also be confronting a substantially shorter life span. A new analysis shows that adults diagnosed with ADHD die years earlier than their peers in the general population — an average of nearly seven years earlier for men and more than eight years earlier for women. These numbers don't just signal a statistical variation; they paint a troubling picture of a population whose health risks accumulate in ways that too often go unaddressed.

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.

A new eating disorder treatment program for children has been formed to provide them with developmentally appropriate, age-tailored support to build lasting recovery skills and an opportunity to heal in an environment best suited for their age. The Denver-based Eating Recovery Center (ERC) pediatric-focused treatment track is designed specifically for children ages 8–12 who require inpatient or residential eating disorder care.