Research

Nearly a year since the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, there is still uncertainty about its role within the mental health system. One goal of 988 is to connect callers in urgent need of support with a mobile crisis team (MCT) in their area. However, a national survey of MCT personnel found that only a third of respondents (32%) indicated that their MCT could be reached by 988. Respondents were most likely to report that their MCT could be dispatched by calling the MCT directly (65%) or through 911 (54%). The findings highlight the need to continuously evaluate and improve 988 integration in communities, as well as the importance of communicating how individuals can reach an MCT if needed. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.  

The latest results from the APA’s Healthy Minds Monthly Poll suggest that pets are beneficial for owners’ mental health. In a national poll of 2,200 American adults, more than half of all pet owners reported that their pets positively impact their mental health, including 87% of dog owners and 86% of cat owners. Among respondents who indicated a positive impact, over two thirds identified specific benefits such as reduced stress and anxiety (69%), unconditional love and support (69%), and companionship (69%). Despite associated worries of pet ownership, the findings suggest that having a pet is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing. To learn more, see the poll results from the APA.  

Early intervention has been identified as crucial for improving outcomes in the treatment of individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP). A retrospective longitudinal, cohort study of Medicaid claims data for over 6,000 youth and young adults with FEP examined if early treatment initiation and engagement helped reduce deliberate self-harm (DSH). While treatment initiation within 14 days of diagnosis was found to significantly decrease the risk of DSH, treatment engagement within 90 days of diagnosis was not. Given such findings and that individuals with psychosis are at an increased risk for suicide, developing new treatment plans specifically targeting self-harm could help better meet the needs of patients with FEP. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.  

In February, the CDC released a trends report analyzing a results from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2011-2021. Youth mental health has worsened in the past decade, with 42% of high school students reporting feeling sad or hopeless in 2021 – compared to 28% of students in 2011. Additionally, about 1 in 5 students reported seriously considering suicide and 1 in 10 attempted suicide at least once in the past year. The report further highlights the experiences of adolescent girls characterized by higher rates of reported sadness or hopelessness (57%), attempted suicide (13%), and sexual violence (18%) compared to their male peers. To learn more, see the report from the CDC.  

Research has shown that social determinants of health such as environmental quality influence a person’s health outcomes. A longitudinal, cohort study of 8.9 million Medicare recipients sought to understand the association between long-term exposure to common air pollutants and a diagnosis of depression in older adults (aged 64 and older). When accounting for other environmental factors, exposure to fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone was associated with an increased risk of depression – with the risk increasing the longer the exposure. To learn more, see the study in JAMA Network Open.    

A national poll of more than 700 LGBTQ youth ages 13-24 found that recent anti-LGBTQ policies and debates cause anger, sadness, stress and fear. Overall, seven in ten LGBTQ youth reported that debates about state laws restricting LGBTQ youth rights have negatively impacted their mental health, with trans and non-binary youth most likely to indicate a negative impact (86%) of all reported groups. Additionally, youth reported experiencing online harassment, problems with family and friends, and not feeling safe seeking medical care as a result of anti-LGBTQ policies and debates. Advocating for laws protecting the rights of LGBTQ youth can help prevent negative mental health impacts. To learn more, see the report from The Trevor Project.  

Continuing outpatient mental health services after a psychiatric hospitalization is critical to prevent readmissions or involvement with the criminal justice system. However, a retroactive analysis of Medicaid claims data for approximately 18,000 patients who were hospitalized in psychiatric units found racial disparities in receipt of follow-up care. While 60% of patients overall attended outpatient mental health services within 30 days of discharge, Black (55%) and Native American/Alaska Native (56%) patients were significantly less likely than white (64%) counterparts to receive follow-up care. Community factors including county poverty levels and urbanicity were found to have the most significant impact on variation in follow-up care. To learn more, see the article in Psychiatric Services.