Research

Despite the efficacy of the antipsychotic clozapine in treating schizophrenia, research suggests that its use is somewhat limited. This study investigates the role of demographic factors in this discrepancy.

After incarceration, it can be extremely difficult for people to stay connected to mental health services. A new study explores how different types of jail-based mental health providers may affect service engagement following release.

Mental illness and substance use during pregnancy may lead to adverse maternal and birth outcomes, and recent research highlights concerning trends for both risk factors. Based on analysis of 2012-2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, the prevalence of any mental illness (AMI) and serious mental illness (SMI) among pregnant individuals has increased over the past decade, and the use of two or more substances (tobacco, alcohol or marijuana) has increased disproportionately among those with SMI. The researchers suggest compassionate, tailored strategies to best serve pregnant individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use.

Climate change is a known public health concern, and recent research emphasizes the potential impact on youth mental health. Reviewing data from over 38,000 high school students in 22 urban public school districts across 14 states, researchers found that adolescents experiencing the greatest number of climate-related “disaster days” were more likely to experience mental distress when exposed within the past 2 or 5 years compared to those who experienced fewer disaster days. Notably, no significant association was found between mental distress and exposure to disaster days in the past 10 years or to individual disaster events. To learn more, see the study in Preventive Medicine Reports.

Analyzing 10 years of blood samples from individuals receiving treatment for schizophrenia, schozoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder at a VA Medical Center, researchers recently identified biomarkers that predicted the experience of high levels of hallucinations and delusions, respectively. Notably, some of the identified biomarkers are targeted by existing medications, suggesting that biomarker-based treatment protocols may be able to offer more individualized pharmacological care than the typical trial-and-error approach. Further research is needed, but the study represents progress toward more objective diagnosis and treatment of psychosis conditions. To learn more, see the study in Molecular Biology and a summary in NIH Research Matters.

In a recent qualitative study, researchers explored the feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI) as a source of mental health support. Fourteen participants with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression engaged in one immersive virtual reality therapy session with an AI therapy avatar. Participants overall considered the digital avatar empathetic, understanding, and supportive of a therapeutic relationship, but some indicated a preference for the deeper engagement possible with a human therapist. Personal comfort with AI varies and more research is needed to determine clinical effectiveness, but AI-driven therapy may one day represent another tool to support mental health. To learn more, see the study in npj Digital Medicine.