News Mentions for the week of March 20, 2023

A test that detects signs of anxiety in the blood could be a game-changer for mental health care, a new study shows. It could provide an opportunity to monitor the entire lifecycle of an anxiety disorder, not simply a diagnosis. Leanne Williams, Vincent V.C. Woo professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and, by courtesy, of psychology, provides comment.

The quiet hours can bring a lot of internal chatter. Here’s how to deal. Rafael Pelayo, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

For many Muslims with mental or physical health issues, Ramadan’s fasting requirements can be difficult. While the restrictions around diet can help many Muslims feel spiritually connected, they can also be addictive and harmful for those with a habit or history of eating disorders. Rania Awaad, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Two health care providers discuss the advocacy work that fuels them outside their role and how it intersects with mental health. Christina Khan, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is featured.

New research suggests that people who scored high on surveys measuring openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability/neuroticism tended to report greater overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, the team noted that the link between these personality traits and life satisfaction was stable across the lifespan. These personality traits are known collectively as the Big Five. David Spiegel, the Jack, Lulu, and Sam Willson Professor and associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Happiness has been declining precipitously in the West for 30 years, despite better access to healthcare and education and decreases in poverty and violence. In this article, Anna Lembke, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides a fresh perspective on why anxiety, chronic pain and depression have been on the rise, locating the problem in a mismatch between the modern world and our brain’s pain and pleasure apparatus.

Quick and inexpensive tests that can detect the powerful synthetic opioid are considered "drug paraphernalia" in many states, but lawmakers are working to change that. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted.

Smart bulbs now offer features to help you get a better night's sleep. Consumer Reports explains how the tech works, whether it helps, and how to set it up. Jamie Zeitzer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Experts say having the Narcan nasal spray available over-the-counter will help reduce the number of deaths from opioid overdoses. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.