Research

New research suggests that noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS), a form of brain stimulation therapy, may help train the brain to more appropriately respond to threats. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial among participants without mental health conditions to measure their reaction time and response levels to images. Participants who received nVNS had quicker reaction times overall, increased responsivity to negative images, and decreased responsivity to positive images. In other words, participants’ “fight or flight” response was efficient and appropriate based on the stimulus they were viewing. Future research should focus on testing nVNS in individuals with mental health conditions, particularly those related to stress and threat perception, such as PTSD and anxiety. To learn more, see the study in Brain Stimulation.      

Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) are often prescribed treatment with methadone, which requires travel to specialized facilities and strict supervision. Recent findings from a randomized controlled trial suggest treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone that can be taken from home may produce similar results with increased flexibility. Patients in the buprenorphine/naloxone group were shown to have improved outcomes in opioid-free urine drug screens compared to those in the control group treated with methadone. Both groups had comparable rates of retention and adverse events.While the findings are promising, further research is needed to develop and evaluate accessible options for treating OUD. To learn more, see the study in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

New research suggests a potentially important role for the microbiome-gut-brain axis in treating individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). In a randomized controlled trial, 21 patients were given a probiotic supplement in conjunction with antidepressants for one month. Compared to the control group, those given a probiotic showed greater improvement in depressive symptoms and emotional processing based on neural imaging. Further research should continue exploring the benefits of probiotic supplementation for managing symptoms of depression. To learn more, see the study in Translational Psychiatry.

To understand how COVID-19 affects youth mental health outcomes, researchers analyzed over 3 million records of children with no prior history of mental illness who had received either a positive diagnosis or negative test of COVID-19. Overall, 7.1 % of children with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis experienced onset of a mental illness – twice the rate of those without a COVID-19 diagnosis. The findings further detail the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasize the need for appropriate supports in response. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.

This month, The Trevor Project released results from its fourth annual National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health in which it surveyed 34,000 youth aged 13-24. Almost half (45%) of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide last year, with youth of color reporting higher rates of suicide attempts. More than half (60%) of LGBTQ youth wanted mental health care in the past year and were unable to receive it. The report also found that having access to affirming homes and schools as well as supportive parents, caregivers and friends, serve as protective factors against suicidality. To learn more, see the results from the 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health.   

A recent study found a significant decrease in the number of mental health services offered in Spanish despite the growth of the Hispanic population nationwide. Between 2014 and 2019, there was a 17.8% decrease in the proportion of mental health treatment facilities offering services in Spanish, impacting 44 out of the 50 states. These changes coincide with an upward trend in mental health disorders among Hispanics with a 60% increase in serious mental health conditions and 34% increase in major depressive episodes. The study concludes that offering more mental health services in Spanish is one way to deliver culturally responsive health care and promote equity across populations. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.  

A systematic review and meta-analysis examined 13 studies to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns influenced the symptoms and treatment plans of individuals with eating disorders (EDs). Selected studies included populations from the U.K., U.S., and other countries. During the pandemic, about 60% of individuals with EDs reported a worsening of symptoms such as binge eating, purging, food restriction, and concerns surrounding food intake, as well as increases in anxiety and depression related to their ED. The researchers also found that individuals with EDs may have difficulties engaging with telehealth – one of the key methods of health care access during the pandemic. To learn more, see the study in the Journal of Eating Disorders.