This Week in Mental Health

Conversations about mental health have grown exponentially over the last decade, with more and more people committing to personal and collective wellness. While we have a ways to go before mental health awareness, education and treatment are accessible to all, each day brings new and positive strides within the field. 

Our This Week In Mental Health series covers the latest happenings in research, treatment, human interest stories, and more. Stay updated on new developments so you’re better equipped to navigate the world, and most importantly, your own recovery.

Here’s what’s happening the week of January 18th.

Medication

Injectable Risperidone Shows Positive Results in Phase 3 Trial

A study showed positive results for the long lasting injectable drug Risperidone, a Schizophrenia medication. The phase 3 clinical trial showed that patients injected every month had an 80% reduction risk, and patients injected every 2 months had a 62.5% reduction risk. It’s said that around 80% of those with schizophrenia have multiple relapses within the first five years of treatment. A second part of the phase 3 studies will look at the long-term effects of the injectable drug. 

Learn more here.

Research

New California State Bill Seeks to Reduce Wait Times for Mental Health Follow-up Visits

In California, State Sen. Scott Wiener proposed a new bill (SB221) that requires health plans and insurers to provide timely follow-ups for patients seeking mental health and substance use treatment. Long wait times for follow-up visits are also recently exacerbated by the pandemic, leaving many places to be short staffed while an influx of new patients seek support. The senator is pushing for mental health to be treated with the same level of urgency as other medical issues. 

Learn more here.

Discrimination May Increase Risk of Anxiety Disorders Regardless of Genetics

Tufts University and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health released a study stating that, “discrimination was positively associated with anxiety and negative affect... even after accounting for genetic confounds.” The study differentiated discrimination as everyday, major, and chronic job. This new research suggests that discrimination alone is a risk factor for mental health disorders, whether on a personal or systemic level.

Learn more here.

Personalized Brain Stimulation Alleviates Severe Depression Symptoms

UCSF released a case study showing promising results for personalized targeted neuromodulation (the alternating of nerve activity) in order to relieve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Research in the past has not personalized stimulation to each patient, but the study suggests that stimulation at multiple sites could better alleviate symptoms. This study will help a larger five year clinical trial that will “identify brain signatures that reflect individual participants’ symptoms.”

Learn more here.

Adulthood Alcohol Problems Linked to Adolescent ADHD

The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) 2021 Annual Conference had many presentations on new findings, with one of the studies stating a direct link with pediatric ADHD and likelihood of alcohol problems during adulthood. Past research has focused on younger age groups and how they are affected by factors like parental knowledge of daily activity. However, this newest study shows that factors like parental knowledge don’t influence as strongly into adulthood, particularly around the age of 30.

Learn more here.

110% Increase in People Using Online Eating Disorder Support Groups

Organization Bodywhys, based in Ireland, reported a 110% increase in people seeking their online eating disorder support groups — whether someone is experiencing an eating disorder for the first time, are trying to prevent a relapse, or are a relative/close friend wanting to help someone with the disorder. This podcast episode dives into why quarantine has brought so many people to seek help, the misrepresentation of eating disorders, being contextual with recovery, how to find support, and more.

Learn more here.

Study Finds Increase in Drinking Among People with Anxiety and Depression During COVID-19

NYU School of Global Public Health released a study about the increase of drinking during the pandemic. In particular, older adults (over 40) were twice as likely to increase their drinking if they have anxiety or depression.  Researchers surveyed people from the U.S. in March and April, and received 5,850 survey responses.

Learn more here.

Advocacy

Mel C Opens Up About Depression Struggles

Mel C of the Spice Girls recently talked about her depression to Graham Norton on the Virgin Radio show. She talks about the struggles of fame and how she kept her depression and eating disorder a secret. She is now an advocate, and urges people to reach out for help if they need it.

Learn more here.

Camila Cabello Supports Mental Wellness for Activists

Camila Cabello launched the Healing Justice Project, which “will focus on giving frontline activists access to mental health support.” She has chosen ten organizations, such as QLatinx and Black Leaders Organizing Communities, to receive grants that will help with the “toxic stress” that grassroots organizers face. She has committed to continue funding the project and raising awareness for activism mental wellness.

Learn more here.

Jae of DAY6 on Panic Attacks, Medication, & Mental Health in K-Pop

K-pop member Jae of DAY6 opens up about his struggle with anxiety and panic disorder. After ignoring his mental health to keep up with tours and performances, he finally began to seek help when a panic attack landed him in the hospital. In this interview, he opens up about the struggles of dispelling stigma as a performer, the journey of starting medication, and more.

Learn more here.

Olympic Gold Medalist Emily Seebohm Opens Up About Eating Disorder

Emily Seebohm, Australian swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, talks about her experience with having an eating disorder. She initially revealed about her disorder on her Instagram. She explains how nervous she was to share, but that the message was important to her and probably relatable to other athletes. She is set to compete at the next summer Olympics.

Learn more here.