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Psychiatry
Restricted abortion access linked to increased suicide risk in young women
Restricted abortion access linked to increased suicide risk in young women
Research from the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia determined that this association exists for women of reproductive age, findings that hold potential clinical, policy, and ethical implications.
Managing mental health amid gun violence
Managing mental health amid gun violence
In 2021, Philadelphia saw a record number of 486 homicides by shooting as well 1,846 non-fatal shootings. According to clinical psychologist Leah Blain, exposure to trauma, including to gun violence, increases the risk of negative health outcomes.
Parental nicotine use and addiction risk for children
Parental nicotine use and addiction risk for children
In research done using rats, Penn Nursing’s Heath Schmidt and colleagues found that males that engaged in voluntary nicotine use had offspring more likely to do so, too. Some offspring also developed impaired memory and anxiety-like behavior.
Inflammation is not always linked to depression
Inflammation is not always linked to depression
A new Penn Medicine study finds that late-life depression is not linked to inflammation when other inflammatory conditions are excluded, but that depression occurs independently of inflammation.
The pandemic’s psychological scars
The pandemic’s psychological scars
It’s been a long and uncertain road, with some groups shouldering a disproportionately greater burden of mental anguish from COVID-19. Yet now there’s a glimmer of hope. Has the page finally turned?
Hospitalizations for eating disorder increased during pandemic
Hospitalizations for eating disorder increased during pandemic
Researchers can’t yet pinpoint definitive reasons, though they surmise it was a combination of factors, including stress, an outsized focus on weight gain and personal appearance, and maybe even symptoms of COVID-19 itself.
The immune link between a leaky blood-brain barrier and schizophrenia
The immune link between a leaky blood-brain barrier and schizophrenia
Research from the School of Veterinary Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia points to the involvement of the immune system the brain as a contributor to mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
The path to deeper connections, even amidst a pandemic
The path to deeper connections, even amidst a pandemic
A new book from Penn’s Edward Brodkin and psychology doctoral candidate Ashley Pallathra focuses on the science and practice of attunement, the process by which people can most effectively connect to themselves and others.
Anxiety in a post-COVID world
Anxiety in a post-COVID world
A return to the next normal post-pandemic may trigger anxiety for people anticipating a more public-facing life after a year of isolation.
A tool for more inclusive autism screening
A tool for more inclusive autism screening
A new visual screening tool for autism spectrum disorder may reduce disparities in diagnoses, especially when English is not a family’s primary language.
In the News
CNN
How just 39 minutes of sleep can make or break your child’s health, happiness and school day
Ariel Williamson of the Perelman School of Medicine says that quality of life outcomes in sleep studies for children can resonate with families, teachers, and public health officials.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Depression can get better. These four Philadelphians are living proof
David Mandell of the Perelman School of Medicine says that with good treatment people can go for years without experiencing the major symptoms of depression.
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St. Louis Public Radio
Wash U professor’s work leads federal officials to listen to mental health patients
In a co-written Op-Ed in the Journal of the American Medical Assocation, Rinad S. Beidas of the Perelman School of Medicine criticized mental health patients’ exclusion from federal health surveys.
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The New York Times
Why do so many men avoid doctor’s visits?
Nora Brier of the Perelman School of Medicine says that avoidance can worsen the anxiety and fear triggered by potential visits to the doctor’s office.
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CBS Philadelphia
Penn study shows signs of Alzheimer's disease prevention
A study by Roy Hamilton of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues suggests that the drug lecanemab may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or forestall its effects before they occur.
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Business Insider
The 4-day workweek: Science explains why it could improve our minds, bodies, and companies' bottom lines
Philip Gehrman of the Perelman School of Medicine says that while work can be rewarding and fulfilling, it's also stressful and takes time that we'd like to spend doing other things.
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