Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Psychiatry for May 2017. 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.
Considerable Humanistic Impact for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) interferes with sleep and daily activity, impairing work productivity, and patients frequently report angioedema, according to a study published online May 19 in Allergy.
Late Teen Emotional Stability Inversely Tied to Mental Illness
WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Emotional stability assessed in late adolescence is inversely associated with serious mental illness (SMI), according to a study published online May 24 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Gender Minority Adults More Likely to Report Poor Health
WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Gender minority adults have a higher rate of health issues than their cisgender peers, according to a research letter published online May 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Prep Course Found Beneficial
WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Participation in a mindfulness-based childbirth preparation course, the Mind in Labor (MIL), is associated with improvement in women’s childbirth-related appraisals and psychological functioning, according to a study published online May 12 in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
Social Psychology May Help With Physician Error Disclosure
TUESDAY, May 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Lessons from social psychology can be used to improve behavioral changes in terms of error disclosure, according to research published online May 18 in Medical Education.
High-Risk Pools May Represent Step Back for U.S. Health Care
TUESDAY, May 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Proposed legislation as part of the American Health Care Act, which includes the option of high-risk pools, is not likely to reduce costs, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online May 23 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
ACOG: Assess All Active Women for Female Athlete Triad
TUESDAY, May 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — All active females should be assessed for components of the female athlete triad, with further evaluation if one or more components are identified, according to a Committee Opinion published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Sleeping Sickness Medication May Help Lessen ASD Symptoms
TUESDAY, May 30, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Suramin, a drug first used in the early 1900s to treat sleeping sickness, has shown promise in an early trial as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to research published online May 26 in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.
New Health Care Act Could Result in 23 Million Losing Insurance
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Republican-led bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that passed the House this month would result in 23 million Americans losing their health insurance coverage, according to a report issued by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
New Bill Intends to Repeal Limits on Physician-Owned Hospitals
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would repeal the federal law essentially banning construction of physician-owned hospitals and making it difficult for these facilities to grow, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Streptococcal Throat Infection Linked to Mental Disorders
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with streptococcal throat infection have increased risks of mental disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tics, according to a study published online May 24 in JAMA Psychiatry.
No Proof Special Diets, Supplements Work for Autism
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is no solid evidence that any diet changes or supplements to ease symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) work, according to research published online May 26 in Pediatrics.
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Cognitive Decline Linked to Visual Field Variability
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients diagnosed as having glaucoma or glaucoma suspects, cognitive decline is associated with increased visual field variability, according to a study published online May 18 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
CDC: Alzheimer’s Mortality Up 55 Percent From 1999 to 2014
FRIDAY, May 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — As more baby boomers age, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have risen 54.5 percent, and in many cases the heavy burden of caregiving has fallen on loved ones, according to research published in the May 26 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
New Interactive Module Aims to Clarify Professional Boundaries
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new interactive training module in medical ethics can help physicians to understand professional boundaries, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Path to Empathy Deemed As Vital As Being Empathetic
THURSDAY, May 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Different paths to perspective of another’s experience are associated with varying effect on helpers’ health during helping behavior, according to a study published online April 16 in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.
APA: Americans Believe Tx Not Punishment Best for Opioid Crisis
TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 (HealthDay News) — More than a quarter of Americans — and one in three millennials — say they know someone addicted to opioids, according to a new survey released May 22 by the American Psychiatric Association.
Gender Confirmation Surgeries Up 20 Percent From 2015 to 2016
MONDAY, May 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports a nearly 20 percent increase in transgender-related surgeries in the first two years of collecting data on these procedures.
Nine of Ten Practices Surveyed Have Dismissed Patients
MONDAY, May 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The majority of medical practices have dismissed patients, according to a research letter published online May 15 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
No Link to Cognition in Diabetes Prevention Program Study
MONDAY, May 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Outcomes Study (DPPOS), exposure to metformin or lifestyle intervention is not associated with cognition, according to research published online May 12 in Diabetes Care.
Glucose Peaks Linked to Cognitive Decline, Dementia in Diabetes
FRIDAY, May 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Glucose peaks are associated with cognitive decline and dementia among individuals with diabetes, according to a study published online May 12 in Diabetes Care.
Tips Provided to Help Physicians Plan for Retirement
THURSDAY, May 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should consider their retirement and plan ahead at all stages of their career, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Region in Brain Associated With Fear of Uncertain Future
THURSDAY, May 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Individuals who have difficulty coping with the uncertainty of the future may have an unusually large striatum, according to research published online May 18 in Emotion.
Treatment in Hospital by Older Doctors Tied to Higher Mortality
WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Hospitalized patients 65 and older may face a slightly higher risk of dying within a month of their admittance when treated by an older versus younger physician, according to research published online May 16 in The BMJ.
CDC: Slowing of Decline in Number of Uninsured Adults
WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The decline in the number of Americans without health insurance stalled in 2016 after five years of progress, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Tuesday.
HRT Not Advised for Disease Prevention Post Menopause
WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Using hormone therapy to prevent chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and bone loss, in postmenopausal women may do more harm than good, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says.
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Plan Suggested for Reducing Health Care Costs
TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Health care costs can be reduced, with a nine-step plan suggested as a starting place, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Life Expectancy Slighter Shorter With Parkinson’s, Dementia
TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with degenerative brain diseases die about two years earlier compared with people who don’t have these conditions, according to report published online May 15 in JAMA Neurology.
Tai Chi Can Help Relieve Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For breast cancer survivors, tai chi is as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy and more effective than medication in treating insomnia and reducing the risk for sleep loss-related health issues, including depression, fatigue, and a weakened immune system, according to a study published online May 10 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
10 Minutes of Meditation Can Up Focus for Patients With Anxiety
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Ten minutes daily of mindful meditation can improve focus among patients with anxiety, according to a report published in the May issue of Consciousness and Cognition.
Hospitals Need to Be Prepared for Ransomware Attacks
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Hackers are increasingly targeting hospitals, using viruses to lock their computer systems and hold sensitive medical data and other files hostage, according to an observation piece published online May 11 in The BMJ.
CDC: Drinking Rates Have Dropped for High School Students
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Drinking among U.S. high school students has decreased in recent years, according to research published in the May 12 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Children Express Positive Views of Digital Tracking by Strangers
FRIDAY, May 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Both children and adults view object tracking as acceptable for owners, but only children express positive evaluations of tracking another person’s possessions, according to a study published online May 7 in Child Development.
Practice Prices Linked to Some Measures of Care Coordination
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — High-price practices have higher scores on certain measures of care coordination and management, but the overall relationship between higher prices and quality and efficiency of care is weak, according to a report published in the May issue of Health Affairs.
Outpatient Wait Times Are Longer for Medicaid Recipients
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid patients have slightly longer waits at medical appointments than those with private insurance, according to a report published in the May issue of Health Affairs.
Guidelines Issued on Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Nurses
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a joint position statement published online May 2 in the Journal of Addictions Nursing, the Emergency Nurses Association and International Nurses Society on Addictions present guidelines relating to substance use disorders for nurses and nursing students.
ADHD Meds Associated With Reduced Risk for Car Crashes
THURSDAY, May 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Taking medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is tied to lower odds of car accidents involving patients with ADHD, according to a study published online May 10 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Responsibility for Most of Dementia Care Falls to Women
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — When it comes to the daily care of Americans with dementia, most of the responsibility is still falling on family members, with women handling the lion’s share, according to a viewpoint piece published online May 8 in JAMA Neurology.
Increases in Rates of Insured Don’t Harm Continuously Insured
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Increases in insurance coverage from 2008 to 2014 were not associated with worse access to care for continuously insured adults, according to a study published in the May issue of Health Affairs.
Low Body Mass Index Not Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — There is no link between low body mass index (BMI) and risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published online May 9 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Postmarket Safety Events for 32 Percent of Novel Therapeutics
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2010, 32 percent of novel therapeutics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had a postmarket safety event, according to a study published in the May 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Evidence-Based Medicine Course Beneficial for Critical Thinking
TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An evidence-based medicine (EBM) course has some positive effect on medical student critical thinking (CT), according to a study published online April 27 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
Low-Dose Aspirin No Aid Against Cognitive Decline
TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Low-dose aspirin does not protect against cognitive decline, according to a review published April 20 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Most Physician Mothers Report Perceived Discrimination
TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A considerable proportion of physician mothers report perceived discrimination, according to a research letter published online May 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
More Women Than Men Leaving Practice of Medicine
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — More women than men leave the practice of medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Early Puberty in Girls May Be Risk Factor for Physical, Sexual Abuse
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Girls with early pubertal development may be more vulnerable to abuse from a boyfriend, according to research published online May 8 in Pediatrics.
Open-Label Placebos Seem to Have Positive Clinical Effect
MONDAY, May 8, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Compared with no treatment, open-label placebos seem to have a positive clinical effect, according to a review published online April 27 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine.
Poll: Many Americans Concerned About ACA Repeal
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Only one in five Americans support a repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a new HealthDay/Harris Poll reveals.
Stair Walking Combats Fatigue Better Than Caffeine
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Easy stair walking may boost energy more effectively than drinking caffeine, according to research published online recently in Physiology & Behavior.
CMS Releases Resources to Help With Payment System
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently added three new online resources to assist physicians already participating in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and those exploring the opportunities available.
Obesity, Sex Predict Remission for Antidepressant Medications
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Obesity and sex are differential predictors of acute remission for commonly used antidepressant medications, according to a study published in the March-April issue of Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry.
BDNF Gene Mutation May Speed Up Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s
THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A gene mutation appears to speed up the loss of memory and cognitive skills in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published online May 3 in Neurology.
Post-Election Political Talk Adding to Workplace Stress
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new survey of American workers finds political conflicts in the workplace are creating stress and taking a toll on job performance. The poll was conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Gender Differences in Depression Tend to Appear About Age 12
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Gender differences in depression diagnosis and symptoms start to appear around the age of 12, according to research published online April 27 in the Psychological Bulletin.
New Rx for Sleeping Pills Can Up Risk of Hip Fracture
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Older patients are at greater risk for hip fractures for two weeks after they start taking prescription sleeping pills, according to a review published online April 27 in PLOS ONE.
Half of U.S. Doctors Receive Payments From Industry
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2017 (HealthDay News) — About half of U.S. doctors received payments from the pharmaceutical and medical device industries in 2015, amounting to $2.4 billion, and any form or amount of compensation can influence prescribing behavior, according to research published in the May 2 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on conflict of interest.
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Silent Seizures May Contribute to Alzheimer’s Pathology
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Undetected seizures may contribute to some symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as confusion, according to research published online May 1 in Nature Medicine.
Aging Substantially Ups Risk for Needing Help With Money, Meds
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Many seniors over age 85 need help with finances and/or managing their medications, according to research published online April 5 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Social Outcomes Good for Uncomplicated Childhood Epilepsy
TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Young adults with uncomplicated epilepsy who remain seizure-free do as well as siblings without the disorder in education, employment, driving, and independent living, according to a study published online April 4 in Epilepsia.
Drug-Impaired Driving Continuing to Rise in the United States
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In fatal vehicle crashes, illicit drugs are now more likely to have played a role than the use of alcohol on its own, according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.
Decreased Cortical Thickness Seen in Type 2 Diabetes
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) — particularly those who are overweight or obese — have decreased cortical thickness in several areas of the brain, according to research published online April 27 in Diabetologia.
Screen Size, Shape Affect User Perception of Smartwatches
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Large screens are more effective for promoting the hedonic (perceived attractiveness) and pragmatic (perceived control) qualities of smartwatches, while round and square screens are associated with hedonic and pragmatic quality, respectively, according to a study published online April 21 in the Journal of Computer Mediated Communication.
Prevalence of Bullying Down in U.S. Schools
MONDAY, May 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Bullying in schools appears to be on the decline, according to a study published online May 1 in Pediatrics.
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