Research

A recently published study investigated the experiences of 8,500 veteran patients between 2015 and 2020 in primary care who were referred to behavioral and/or mental health care programs. After controlling for variables, White veterans were nearly two times more likely to be prescribed antidepressants in primary care settings compared to Black veterans. This holds true for those with severe depression as well. These findings emphasize the disparity and bias in quality of treatment Black patients face despite having access to care. Future research should continue exploring these disparities and identify methods to combat them. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.  

This month, the CDC released results from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES), the first national survey analyzing the wellbeing of high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report shows how high school students’ mental health has worsened with 37.1% reporting poor mental health during the pandemic. A sense of school connectedness to peers and adults – even virtually – was identified as a protective factor against poor mental health, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. The report highlights the pivotal role schools can play in supporting youth mental health outcomes and calls for increased support. To learn more, see the reports from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey.  

For individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are often the first approaches to treatment. Medication or a combination of psychotherapy and medication may be introduced if significant improvement does not occur. In a recent review of treatment guidelines and prior research, the authors note that combination therapy may also be used as a first line treatment, primarily when symptoms are severe. Evidence suggests this protocol may be appropriate due to the potential effectiveness of combination therapy over monotherapy. However, more research is needed to determine which therapeutic approach is appropriate at various points in a person’s treatment. The authors indicate that early diagnosis may be a key factor in treatment success and outcomes. To learn more, see the study in Comprehensive Psychiatry. 

New research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have worsened maternal mental health outcomes. Researchers from the University of Maryland surveyed 670 post-partum patients at the height of the pandemic in 2020. Approximately 1 in 3 met the criteria for post-partum depression, triple the pre-pandemic rate of 1 in 8. Additionally, about 1 in 5 experienced symptoms of major depressive disorder. Of those who met the criteria for post-partum depression or major depressive disorder, 18.75% also experienced thoughts of self-harm. Worrying about contracting COVID-19 was a significant risk factor for developing depression. Understanding how to provide social support for post-partum mothers – especially during public health emergencies – is important for improving maternal mental health outcomes. To learn more, see the study in BMC Research Notes.  

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) – schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder – often experience challenges to their physical health and have a shorter life expectancy compared to the general population. Based on analysis of 600,000 electronic health records, researchers found that adults with SMI had an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those without. After adjusting for age, sex, and other factors, individuals with bipolar disorder had the highest risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years. Researchers attributed the findings to side effects of psychiatric medication, smoking, elevated body mass index, a higher co-morbidity of diabetes, and decreased preventative care. To learn more, see the study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.  

Early intervention has been shown to improve outcomes for individuals with psychosis, and new research suggests the strategy has economic advantages as well. Researchers found that early intervention treatment after an initial psychotic episode reduced health care costs by more than $50,000 per quality-adjusted life year, and individuals experienced fewer hospitalizations and more years of employment. Investing in timely, targeted mental health care is not only critical to individual well-being, but economically worthwhile for individuals and the health care system overall. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.