Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Psychiatry for December 2019. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Severity of Autism Symptoms May Vary in Monozygotic Twins
TUESDAY, Dec. 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is markedly heritable, with probandwise concordance of 96 percent, but there is variation in the severity of symptomatology above the diagnostic threshold, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in Behavior Genetics.
fMRI Measures May Predict Psychiatric Symptoms in Children
TUESDAY, Dec. 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures may be able to predict symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or major depressive disorder in children, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Neither Psychotherapy Nor Medications Favored for PTSD
TUESDAY, Dec. 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the evidence is insufficient to determine whether trauma-focused psychotherapy or medications are more effective for symptom reduction, according to a review published in the December issue of Psychiatry Research.
Machine Learning System Makes More Alerts for Med Errors
TUESDAY, Dec. 31, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A machine learning system can generate clinically valid alerts for medication errors that might be missed with existing clinical decision support (CDS) systems, according to a study published in the January issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.
Closures of Automotive Assembly Plants Tied to Opioid OD Deaths
MONDAY, Dec. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Automotive assembly plant closures from 1999 to 2016 were associated with increases in opioid overdose mortality, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Yoga Has Positive Effect on Brain Structure, Function
MONDAY, Dec. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Yoga has a positive effect on the structure and/or function of various brain regions and networks, including the default mode network, according to research published online Dec. 26 in Brain Plasticity.
Number of Children With Opioid Poisonings Increasing
MONDAY, Dec. 30, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The severity of pediatric admissions for acute opioid ingestions, especially following attempted suicide, increased from 2005 to 2018, according to a study published online Dec. 19 in Clinical Toxicology.
Depression May Worsen QOL in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Patients with coexisting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and depression tend to have higher disease activity and lower quality of life than patients without depression, according to a review published online Dec. 19 in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Prescribing Practices Can Mitigate Opioid Overdose Risk for Teens
FRIDAY, Dec. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Older teens may have similar risk factors for prescription opioid overdose as adults, according to a study published online Dec. 16 in JAMA Pediatrics.
News of Vaping-Related Injury Getting Vapers’ Attention
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Survey results show more than eight in 10 informed vapers are more cautious and likely to reduce vaping as a result of news of vaping-related illnesses and deaths, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Many Hospitals Fail to Provide Instructions for Patient Portals
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many hospital patient portals fail to educate patients fully and set expectations for secure messaging, according to a study recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Many Do Not Discuss Menopause Concerns With Their Provider
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The majority of women experience symptoms and health concerns associated with menopause, but more than one-third never discuss these concerns with health care providers, according to a report released by HealthyWomen and WebMD.
Aging Smart, Aging Well Report
Overdose, Relapse After Buprenorphine Discontinuation High
THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Buprenorphine treatment may be needed for several years after an opioid overdose to reduce the risk of overdose and other adverse events, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Patient Share of Out-of-Network Costs Rising
TUESDAY, Dec. 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network (OON) care grew rapidly for privately insured Americans from 2012 to 2017, according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.
12 Million U.S. Residents Drove Under Influence of Marijuana in 2018
TUESDAY, Dec. 24, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In 2018, 12 million U.S. residents reported driving under the influence of marijuana in the previous 12 months, according to research published in the Dec. 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Enrollment in Affordable Care Act Holds Steady for Third Straight Year
MONDAY, Dec. 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Enrollment in Affordable Care Act coverage for next year has surpassed 8 million, a sign that many Americans still turn to the government health insurance program to help pay for their medical care.
Standardized Screening for ASD Recommended at 18, 24 Months
MONDAY, Dec. 23, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Standardized screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is recommended at ages 18 and 24 months in primary care, according to a clinical report published online Dec. 16 in Pediatrics.
Executive Summary
Clinical Report
Opioid-Related Suicides Down, Rate of Unintentional Deaths Up
FRIDAY, Dec. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The rate of opioid-related suicides as well as unintentional deaths significantly increased from 2000 to 2017, according to a research letter published in the Dec. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Cognitive Symptom Score From EHR Predicts Risk for Dementia
FRIDAY, Dec. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A cognitive symptom measure identified in discharge summaries can predict the risk for dementia, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
Low Education Link to CVD Risk Partly Due to Income, Job Strain
FRIDAY, Dec. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The correlation between low education and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) is partly due to income and work stress, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in the European Heart Journal.
Gabapentinoids, Opioids Combo Carries Risk for Breathing Problems
FRIDAY, Dec. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — New warnings about the risk for dangerous breathing difficulties when gabapentinoids are used with opioids or by certain patients must now appear on product labels, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday.
Private Care Program for U.S. Vets Gets $8.9 Billion in Budget Deal
THURSDAY, Dec. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A controversial program meant to get more U.S. veterans to use private health care received $8.9 billion as part of a government spending bill approved by the House.
AP News Article
Menopause Linked to Increase in Sleep-Onset Insomnia
THURSDAY, Dec. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Postmenopausal women more often have sleep-onset insomnia disorder and are more likely to screen positive for obstructive sleep apnea, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in Menopause.
Misuse of Nonopioid Medications Appears to Be on the Rise in U.S.
THURSDAY, Dec. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Misuse/abuse, use in suicide attempts, and hospital admissions associated with gabapentin and baclofen have significantly increased among U.S. adults since 2013, according to a study published online Dec. 1 in Clinical Toxicology.
Cannabis Use Up, Especially Among Those With Depression
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Cannabis use is increasing rapidly among people with depression, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in Addiction.
FDA to Allow States to Import Prescription Drugs From Other Countries
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Federal health officials have unveiled plans to allow prescription drug imports from Canada and other foreign nations.
Most Students Who Use E-Cigs Vape Nicotine and Marijuana
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — About three-quarters of students who use electronic cigarettes report vaping nicotine, marijuana, and multiple substances, according to a study published online Dec. 16 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
FDA Approves Sale of Low-Nicotine Cigarettes
TUESDAY, Dec. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved the sale of two reduced-nicotine cigarettes.
Suicide 30 to 50 Times Higher After ED Visit for Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation
TUESDAY, Dec. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Emergency department patients presenting with deliberate self-harm or suicidal ideation are at substantially increased risk for suicide in the year following discharge, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in JAMA Network Open.
Benzodiazepines With Opioid Agonist Tx May Up Mortality Risk
TUESDAY, Dec. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Coprescription of benzodiazepines and opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is associated with an increased risk for drug-related poisoning (DRP) mortality in opioid-dependent individuals, according to a study published online Nov. 26 in PLOS Medicine.
Outcomes Worse for Rural Residents With Chronic Conditions
MONDAY, Dec. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Rural Medicare beneficiaries with complex chronic conditions have higher preventable hospitalization and mortality rates than their urban peers, which is partially explained by reduced access to specialists, according to a report published in the December issue of Health Affairs, a theme issue on rural health.
Burnout Rates Exceed 50 Percent for Pediatric Residents
MONDAY, Dec. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Most pediatric residents surveyed at programs in 2016, 2017, and 2018 reported burnout, according to a study published online Dec. 16 in Pediatrics.
Mindfulness Program May Help Lower Blood Pressure
MONDAY, Dec. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Participants in a mindfulness program have significant improvements in self-regulation skills and reductions in blood pressure, according to a small study published online Nov. 27 in PLOS ONE.
Domestic Abuse Increases Risk for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue
MONDAY, Dec. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — There is an association between a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) and the development of functional syndromes, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), in women, according to a study published online Dec. 6 in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
Hahn Confirmed as New FDA Chief
FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Stephen Hahn, M.D., was confirmed as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a 72-18 Senate vote on Thursday.
The New York Times Article
U.S. Will Have Three-Digit Number for Suicide Prevention Hotline
FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A new three-digit number in the United States to contact a suicide prevention hotline is being created by federal officials.
AP News Article
Mental Health Disorders May Affect Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes
FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) undergoing hip arthroscopy, those with psychological impairment are less likely to achieve a favorable outcome, according to a review published online Dec. 12 in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Single Antidepressant Dose of Intravenous Ketamine Safe
THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A single, low-dose ketamine infusion is relatively free of side effects for patients with treatment-resistant depression, according to research recently published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Shortage of Applied Behavior Analysts Found for Children With Autism
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The supply of applied behavior analysis (ABA) providers for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) falls short of the benchmark in 49 states and Washington, D.C., according to a study published online Dec. 11 in Psychiatric Services.
Use of Pain, Sleep Drugs Ups Risk for Frailty in the Elderly
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Prescription pain and sleep drug use is significantly associated with an increased incidence of frailty, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
U.S. Primary Care Doctors Face Challenges in Coordinating Care
TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Physicians from the United States and other high-income countries report difficulties with care coordination, with a substantial proportion of U.S. physicians not receiving timely notification or the information needed from specialists or other sites of care, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in Health Affairs.
Low-Dose Aspirin May Cut Dementia Risk in Women With Diabetes
TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Long-term use of low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk for dementia in women with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in Diabetes Care.
U.S. Health Care Spending Up 4.6 Percent in 2018
TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In 2018, U.S. health care spending increased 4.6 percent, a faster rate than that seen in 2017, according to a report published online Dec. 5 in Health Affairs.
2016 to 2019 Saw Increase in Medical Students With Disabilities
MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — From 2016 to 2019, there was an increase in the proportion of medical students reporting disabilities, according to a research letter published in the Nov. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Half of U.S. Physicians Recommend Complementary Health Approaches
MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — More than half of office-based physicians recommend complementary health approaches (CHAs) to their patients, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Moderate, Severe Depressive Symptoms Common in Lung Cancer
MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For newly diagnosed patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), depressive symptoms are common and often accompanied by other symptoms, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in Lung Cancer.
Effects of Omega-3 Fish Oil Mixed for ADHD Symptoms in Youth
MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The effect of omega-3 fish oil supplements on cognitive symptoms in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may vary according to endogenous levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), according to a study published online Nov. 20 in Translational Psychiatry.
Retail Prescription Drug Prices Fall for First Time in 45 Years
FRIDAY, Dec. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Retail prescription drug prices in the United States fell by 1 percent last year, a new government report shows.
AP News Article
Rural Population Underrepresented Among Medical Students
FRIDAY, Dec. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In 2017, less than 5 percent of all incoming medical students were rural students, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs, a theme issue on rural health.
Social Media Use Tied to Disordered Eating in Young Teens
FRIDAY, Dec. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Use of social media (SM), particularly platforms with a strong focus on images, is associated with disordered-eating (DE) thoughts and behaviors in young adolescents, according to a study published online Dec. 3 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
2007 to 2014 Saw Decrease in U.S. Incidence of Alzheimer Disease
FRIDAY, Dec. 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — From 2007 to 2014, there was a decrease in the diagnosed incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a study published online Dec. 4 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Seven Deaths in California From Infections Tied to Black Tar Heroin
THURSDAY, Dec. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Infections linked to injections of black tar heroin have killed seven people in San Diego County in the past two months, health officials said Wednesday.
NBC News Article
County of San Diego Press Release
Daily Cannabis Use Tied to Lower Illicit Opioid Use for Chronic Pain
THURSDAY, Dec. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with chronic pain who use daily cannabis have lower odds of using illicit opioids, according to a Canadian study published online Nov. 19 in PLOS Medicine.
E-Cigarette Smokers Have Increased Odds of Depression
THURSDAY, Dec. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Current and former electronic cigarette users have increased odds of depression compared with never users, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in JAMA Network Open.
Playing Analog Games Tied to Less Relative Cognitive Decline
THURSDAY, Dec. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Playing analog games is associated with less relative cognitive decline, according to a study published online Nov. 18 in the Journals of Gerontology: Series B.
6.5 Percent of Adults Report Prescription Opioid Analgesic Use
THURSDAY, Dec. 5, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 6.5 percent of adults aged 20 years and older reported using a prescription opioid analgesic in the previous 30 days during 2013 to 2016, according to a report published in the December Health E-Stats, a publication of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Services Affected by Rural Hospitals Joining Health Systems
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — While affiliating with health systems may boost a rural hospital’s financial viability, the affiliation is often associated with reductions in critical services, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs, a theme issue on rural health.
Adults Not Living in Metro Areas Have Reduced Access to Care
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Adults not living in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are more likely to have reduced access to or use of health care services, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in the National Health Statistics Reports, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Physician Depressive Symptoms Tied to Higher Risk for Medical Errors
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Physicians showing depressive symptoms are at higher risk for medical errors, according to a review published Nov. 27 in JAMA Network Open.
Concussion May Up Risk for Suicide in High School Students
TUESDAY, Dec. 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — High school students with a history of sports-related concussions might be at an increased risk for suicide, according to a study published online Nov. 11 in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Deportation Worry May Raise Risk for Hypertension in Women
TUESDAY, Dec. 3, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Deportation worry is associated with an increased risk for incident hypertension in women, according to a study published online Nov. 27 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Overall, 8.5 Percent of Suicide Acts in U.S. Are Fatal
MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 8.5 percent of suicidal acts are fatal, with higher rates for males and older adults, according to a study published online Dec. 3 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Childhood Adversity Linked to Borderline Personality Disorder
MONDAY, Dec. 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to childhood adversity is associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), according to a review recently published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.
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