Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Grace Guan, Merav Mofaz, Gary Qian, Tal Patalon, Erez Shmueli, Dan Yamin, Margaret L. Brandeau
Summary: Wearable devices can detect physiological responses following COVID-19 vaccination that may not be captured by patient self-reporting. These devices are more sensitive than questionnaires in determining when participants returned to baseline levels. This has important implications for gathering improved data on patient health, including active surveillance of vaccine safety.
NPJ DIGITAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tammi R. A. Kral, Helen Y. Weng, Vikramjit Mitra, Theodore P. Imhoff-Smith, Erdrin Azemi, Robin I. Goldman, Melissa A. Rosenkranz, Sarah Wu, Andrew Chen, Richard J. Davidson
Summary: Mind-body interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can improve well-being by increasing awareness and regulation of physiological and cognitive states. This study found that lower baseline respiration rate (RR) is associated with better psychological well-being and that MBSR can decrease RR, leading to improved medical symptoms. Overall, this research suggests that physiological markers, such as RR, can indicate higher well-being in individuals who engage in wellness practices.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
David Eddie, Julianne L. Price, Marsha E. Bates, Jennifer F. Buckman
Summary: This review highlights the bidirectional pathways between the brain and cardiovascular system, which play a crucial role in addiction and excessive substance use, and suggests that cardiovascular-focused adjunctive interventions could be beneficial for problematic substance use and addiction.
CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Merav Mofaz, Matan Yechezkel, Grace Guan, Margaret L. Brandeau, Tal Patalon, Sivan Gazit, Dan Yamin, Erez Shmueli
Summary: This study evaluated the short-term reactions to the booster vaccine dose using smartwatches and daily questionnaires. The findings showed that the reactions to the booster dose were similar to the second dose and greater than the first dose. Younger participants and those without underlying medical conditions had more apparent reactions. The study supports the safety of the booster dose and emphasizes the importance of integrating wearables in clinical trials.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Dicle Aras, Aysberg Samil Onlu, Tugay Durmus, Caner Cengiz, Damla Guler, Yagmur Guler, Alkan Ugurlu, Monira I. I. Aldhahi, Mehmet Gulu
Summary: This study examined the immediate effects of a short video-based body scan mindfulness practice on the heart rate variability and cognitive performance of professional female basketball players after the first half of a simulated basketball game. The results showed that both types of mental intervention helped to reduce the physical demand, effort, and frustration levels back to baseline, as well as restore heart rate variability parameters to their initial levels.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lina Radmark, Walter Osika, Martin Benka Wallen, Eva Nissen, Gunilla Lonnberg, Richard Branstrom, Eva Henje, Renee Gardner, Emma Fransson, Hakan Karlsson, Maria Niemi
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effects of a Mindfulness Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) intervention on heart rate variability (HRV), serum inflammatory markers, and self-assessed mental health. The results showed that participants who received MBCP reported a significant reduction in perceived stress and an increase in mindfulness compared to the control group. However, the intervention had no significant effect on postnatal depression, inflammatory serum markers, or HRV measures in this sub-study.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Mark A. Ilgen, Jennifer H. Olson-Madden, Amanda Price, Lisa A. Brenner, Cheryl A. King, Frederic C. Blow
Summary: Veterans receiving substance use disorder treatment are at high risk of suicidal behaviors. This study compared Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) with a supportive psychoeducational control condition (SPC) and found no significant differences in primary outcomes. However, secondary outcomes indicated that preparatory behaviors for suicide were less common in the CBT-SP group.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kar Fye Alvin Lee, Elliot Chan, Josip Car, Woon-Seng Gan, Georgios Christopoulos
Summary: This study found that frequency-domain HRV features derived from lower sampling rates are almost perfectly in agreement with features derived from higher sampling rates, and these features can predict cognitive fatigue. This has significant implications for designing low-cost wearables to monitor cognitive fatigue.
Article
Physiology
Aravind Natarajan
Summary: This study focuses on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measured during mindful breathing meditation. Two commonly used HRV metrics, root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR), are computed in terms of Fourier components. The study finds that RMSSD preferentially weights higher frequency Fourier modes, making it unsuitable for mindful breathing meditation which emphasizes slow breathing. A new metric called the autonomic balance index (ABI) is proposed, which uses Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia to quantify the contribution of the parasympathetic nervous system to HRV. The study applies this metric to HRV data collected during two different meditation techniques and shows that the autonomic balance index is significantly elevated during mindful breathing, making it a good signal for biofeedback during meditation sessions.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandya Subramanian, Patrick L. Purdon, Riccardo Barbieri, Emery N. Brown
Summary: The study revealed a strong relationship between behavioral state of consciousness and autonomic dynamics, with prediction models showing AUC greater than 0.75. Analysis highlighted the roles played by different autonomic activities and physiological indicators in relation to propofol-induced unconsciousness.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chun-Ting Lai, Chun-Yu Chen, Sheng-Chieh She, Wei-Jen Chen, Terry B. J. Kuo, Hui-Ching Lin, Cheryl C. H. Yang
Summary: The study demonstrated that Lactobacillus brevis ProGA28 can alleviate stress-related sleep disturbances by increasing parasympathetic activity and reducing anxiety-like behaviors.
Article
Psychiatry
Andrea Andorfer, Sabina Kraler, Paul Kaufmann, Ewald Pollheimer, Christoph Spah, Juergen Fuchshuber, Christian Rominger, Claudia Traunmueller, Andreas Schwerdtfeger, Human-Friedrich Unterrainer
Summary: The main objective of this study was to compare the psychophysiological stress response of inpatients participating in the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) or Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) program. The results showed that MSC was not superior to PMR training. However, more research is needed to further confirm these initial findings.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Emily C. Helminen, Tory L. Ash, Emily L. Cary, Samantha E. Sinegar, Pam Janack, Robert DiFlorio, Joshua C. Felver
Summary: Problematic substance use during adolescence predicts adverse outcomes, and research suggests that stress-related substance use disorders may develop differently across genders. This study examined the role of mindfulness in buffering the association between stress and substance use, and found that different mindfulness facets may have different effects for girls and boys, indicating a need for tailored prevention and intervention strategies.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Sheri -Michelle Koopowitz, Sarah M. Cotton, Anne Uhlmann, Kevin G. F. Thomas, Dan J. Stein
Summary: Methamphetamine abuse is associated with cognitive deficits in various domains. This study aimed to compare the executive function performance of methamphetamine-dependent individuals with and without methamphetamine-induced psychosis. The results showed that methamphetamine-induced psychosis was associated with impairments in verbal generativity and inhibition, indicating the importance of these executive function subdomains in treatment adherence and relapse prevention.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Victor Oswald, Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse, Jitka Annen, Charlotte Martial, Aminata Bicego, Floriane Rousseaux, Corine Sombrun, Yann Harel, Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville, Steven Laureys, Karim Jerbi, Olivia Gosseries
Summary: Self-induced cognitive trance (SICT) is a voluntary non-ordinary state of consciousness characterized by lucid yet narrowed awareness of external surroundings. It is gaining attention for its potential clinical applications. A study investigated the impact of SICT on the cardiac and respiratory signals of 25 participants proficient in SICT. The results showed increased heart rate, decreased high-frequency HRV, and specific increases in respiratory amplitude, phase ratio, and RRV during SICT, indicating a hyperarousal state of the autonomic nervous system.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Angela M. Haeny, Brian D. Kiluk, Charla Nich, Donna M. LaPaglia, Kathleen M. Carroll
Summary: The study found that the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) demonstrated measurement invariance across Black and White adults with cocaine use disorder, and suggested that BIS impulsivity may be associated with poorer cocaine treatment outcomes among White but not Black adults.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Corinne N. Kacmarek, Brian T. Yates, Charla Nich, Brian D. Kiluk
Summary: This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of computer-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The results suggest that CBT4CBT may be a cost-effective addition to standard outpatient treatment for AUD, but does not fully offset related costs.
ALCOHOL-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Irene Gonsalvez, Jason J. Li, Courtney Stevens, Justin A. Chen, Cindy H. Liu
Summary: The study found that individuals, especially women, with a history of depression are more likely to experience daytime sleepiness in college settings. Therefore, incorporating sleep hygiene into mental health initiatives, particularly on college campuses, is crucial to address this issue.
BEHAVIORAL SLEEP MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Education & Educational Research
Justin A. Chen, Christine Crawford, Micaela Owusu, Aava Bushra Jahan, Veronica Faller, Christopher Palmer, Nhi-Ha Trinh
ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Jason J. Li, Sunah Hyun, Courtney Stevens, Justin A. Chen, Cindy H. Liu
Summary: This study found a high prevalence of sexual and gender minority (SGM) students among undergraduates, with binge drinking being common and significantly associated with the number of sexual partners, especially among SGM students. Interventions targeting alcohol use should be tailored to SGM students, including those who identify outside of the LGBT spectrum.
AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS
(2022)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Justin A. Chen, Sara Macchiano, David Beckmann, Wei-Jean Chung, Sarah Gartaganis, Jeff C. Huffman
Summary: This column discusses the implementation of a multidisciplinary, team-based care model in an outpatient psychiatry practice at a large urban academic medical center. The authors explain how the innovative care model was chosen, funded, and executed to address issues such as long patient wait times, lack of clinical supports, and provider dissatisfaction. They also discuss the organizational changes made to achieve shorter intake wait times and financial sustainability while maintaining high-quality care for patients.
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Bryan Benitez, Tami Frankforter, Charla Nich, Brian D. Kiluk
Summary: This study found that people reduced their drug and alcohol use on days close to their therapy sessions when they were getting treated for a substance use disorder. This might be because what they learned in therapy came to mind more easily on those days.
PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Xiaoqiao Zhang, Ga Tin Finneas Wong, Cindy H. Liu, Hyeouk Chris Hahm, Justin A. Chen
Summary: This study aims to identify stressors affecting international students' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results reveal that uncertainty and anxiety, fears regarding xenophobia, limited understanding by educators and school staff, and increased awareness of racial and cultural identity are the main stressors. Suggestions for educators and mental health professionals include gaining knowledge about common stressors, addressing race and racism issues, creating shared affinity spaces, and promoting psychoeducation to support resilience among international students.
JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Abdelrahman ElTohamy, Sunah Hyun, Anjeli R. Macaranas, Justin A. Chen, Courtney Stevens, Cindy H. Liu
Summary: This study analyzed the mental health of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that it had a significant negative impact on their well-being. Financial hardships and bereavement were identified as major stressors, while testing positive for COVID-19 showed a lesser impact on psychological distress levels.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ivo H. Cerda, Anjeli R. Macaranas, Cindy H. Liu, Justin A. Chen
Summary: Immigrants, mainly from Latin America and Asia, make up 13.7% of the US population. They face disparities in mental health care due to structural barriers influenced by racist policies and assumptions, leading to lower rates of mental health service usage. Anti-immigration policies, labor exploitation, financial exploitation, and culturally insensitive mental health services contribute to these disparities. Despite ample research evidence, there has been a lack of structural reform and financial investment to address these barriers, resulting in significant costs to immigrant populations and society. Proposed strategies include economic and financial policy reforms, community education initiatives, and collaborative interventions with immigrant communities to promote access to culturally appropriate mental health care for those in need.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Abdelrahman ElTohamy, Jessica J. Wang, Justin A. Chen, Courtney Stevens, Cindy H. Liu
Summary: This study suggests that online course delivery model is associated with higher levels of psychological distress among college students. Colleges should be aware of this mental health burden and consider providing in-person components and support for students.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Anjeli R. Macaranas, Abdelrahman ElTohamy, Sunah Hyun, David H. Chae, Courtney Stevens, Justin A. Chen, Cindy H. Liu
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to racist incidents targeting minorities in the U.S. This study found that both direct and vicarious racial discrimination were associated with psychological distress among college students of different racial groups.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Sylvia H. M. Wong, Courtney Stevens, Cindy H. Liu, Justin A. Chen
Summary: This study is the largest multi-institutional study to date on the correlates of prescription stimulant misuse (PSM) among US college students. It found that psychological disorders, substance abuse, and other addictive behaviors are associated with PSM. Additionally, academic difficulty, White race, and male gender are also associated with misuse behavior.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Ayana Jordan, Stephanie Quainoo, Charla Nich, Theresa A. Babuscio, Melissa C. Funaro, Kathleen M. Carroll
Summary: Reports suggest disparities in substance-use outcomes for minoritised racial and ethnic populations, but few of these disparities have been supported by randomised clinical trials. A systematic review of RCTs on Black or Latinx adults with non-nicotine substance use disorder found limited studies specifically reporting outcomes by race or ethnicity. Significant differences were found in studies evaluating baseline differences in social determinants. This review emphasizes the need for optimisation of RCTs to improve treatment for historically excluded communities.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Tat Shing Yeung, Sunah Hyun, Emily Zhang, Fifi Wong, Courtney Stevens, Cindy H. Liu, Justin A. Chen
Summary: This study investigates the prevalence and correlates of mental health symptoms and diagnoses in international college students in the US. The results show that international students are less likely to report anxiety, comorbid depression and anxiety, or other psychiatric diagnoses, but they are more likely to report suicide attempts and overwhelming depression.
JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH
(2022)
