After reviewing the health records of more than one million persons, researchers report that individuals who had been hospitalized with an infection as children were 84% more likely to have received a diagnosis for one or more mental health conditions (schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality and behavior disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct…

In a study that included 450 sixth-graders and 446 ninth-graders, researchers observed that children with positive familial relationships were more likely to deem bullying behaviors as unacceptable and intervene in such situations. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, October 2018

A new study suggests that children may suffer a delay in language development if their mothers come into frequent contact with chemicals called phthalates early in their pregnancy. In a study that involved 1,370 pregnant women in Sweden and the United States, researchers found that children with higher exposure to two phthalates (dibutyl phthalate and…

Social stigma may play a significant role in depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In a study involving 111 autistic adults, researchers found that 72% of psychological distress reported by participants was due to social stigma such as discrimination and rejection. Study author Dr. Monique Botha writes,…

Examinations of 274 children and adolescents have uncovered a link between physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and faster biological aging, including pubertal development and cellular aging. Additionally, the researchers found that children exposed to other forms of early life adversity, such as neglect and food insecurity, showed signs of delayed pubertal development. Senior author Dr.…

Among a group of 356 youth athletes who had suffered a sport-related concussion, researchers observed that those who experienced trouble sleeping were not only less likely to recover during the following 2-4 weeks but they also reported more severe symptoms. First author Dr. Jane Chung writes, “The importance of good sleep quality is often underestimated…

A multi-year study that monitored the wellbeing of over 22,000 adults in their mid-40s found that participants who recalled receiving higher levels of affection from their mother during childhood were more likely to have better physical health and fewer depressive symptoms in the present day. Lead author Dr. William Chopik adds, “One might expect childhood…

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) describes a state in which a person feels their thinking abilities have worsened, but this decline cannot be verified by standardized tests. In a study involving 1,741 seniors, those who reported SCD had an elevated risk for death during the following five years. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, September 2018

According to a new study that looked at data from the 2011/2012 National Survey of Children’s Health, boys and girls with a musculoskeletal condition have an elevated risk for anxiety, depression, and behavioral/conduct problems. Rehabilitation Psychology, October 2018

After reviewing data concerning approximately 17,000 American adults, researchers report that men who sleep nine or more hours per night have a 70% greater risk for stroke than average sleepers. Neurology, October 2018