Psychiatric News (12/6) reported, “Individuals who have a diverse social network that spans multiple communities are less likely to use antidepressants, according to a spatial analysis.” The researchers said, “Bridging social capital is extremely important for members of geographically isolated communities, where the lack of outside connections can make bonding social capital and cohesive social networks possibly even harmful for mental health by placing too much control on the individual, or by isolating the individual in an unhealthy social environment.” The findings were published in Science Advances.

Related Links:

— “Having a Geographically Diverse Social Network May Boost Mental Health,” Psychiatric News, December 6, 2024

The Hill (12/6, O’Connell-Domenech ) reported that according to the CDC, “a more potent form of fentanyl is contributing to the thousands of overdose deaths that happen every year. … An extremely powerful derivative of fentanyl, called carfentanil, was detected in 513 overdose deaths between 2021 and early 2024, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Carfentanil was designed to tranquilize large animals and is estimated to be 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl.”

Related Links:

— “CDC warns of new drug more deadly than fentanyl,” Alejandra O’Connell-Domenich, The Hill, December 6, 2024

Fierce Healthcare (12/4, Minemyer ) reported, “The Biden administration announced Wednesday that nearly 1 million new customers have enrolled in coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) exchanges during open enrollment.” CMS “said that close to 988,000 people who did not previously have coverage in a marketplace plan have secured it over the past month.” Additionally, CMS “said 4.4 million people have returned to a marketplace plan for 2025, putting the exchanges on pace to set another record in enrollment.”

Related Links:

— “CMS says ACA open enrollment is on track to set another record for sign-ups,” Paige Minemyer, Fierce Healthcare, December 4, 2024

Cardiovascular Business (12/5, Walter ) reports, “Depression is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women, according to new data,” but “the same trend is not seen in men.” Investigators came to this conclusion after examining “U.K. Biobank data from more than 345,000 patients,” focusing on how major depression, bipolar disorder, “and schizophrenia may impact a patient’s long-term risk of developing atrial fibrillation…coronary artery disease or heart failure.” The findings were published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine.

Related Links:

— “Genetic predisposition to depression increases CVD risk in women, but not men,” Michael Walter, Cardiovascular Business, December 5, 2024

HealthDay (12/4, Thompson ) reports, “People who smoke and vape are less able to break free of their nicotine addiction than folks who only have one of those habits, a new review concludes.” Researchers found that “these ‘dual users’ are more likely to eventually drop vaping and continue smoking tobacco.” The findings were published in ERJ Open Research.

Related Links:

— “Smoking/Vaping Combo Lowers Odds for Quitting Nicotine, “Dennis Thompson, HealthDay , December 4, 2024

HealthDay (12/4, Thompson ) reports, “Access to psychotherapy has increased substantially among Americans, particularly young adults, a new study has found.” Study results indicate that “about 12% of young adults received psychotherapy in 2021, followed by 8% of the middle-aged and 5% of seniors.” Researchers found that “overall, the percentage of U.S. adults receiving psychotherapy rose from about 7% in 2018 to 9% in 2021, and telemedicine may be the reason why.” The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “As ‘Teletherapy’ Takes Hold, Nearly 12% of Young Adults Now Undergo Psychotherapy,”Dennis Thompson, HealthDay, December 4, 2024

Healio (12/3, Schaffer ) says, “Survivors of an acute MI reported fear of a recurrence up to 8 months later, along with high levels of perceived stress that were distinct from depression and anxiety symptoms, researchers reported.” The investigators “noted that the fear of recurrence and the relationships with illness perceptions and perceived stress suggest psychological sequelae may interfere with adaptive coping.” The findings were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.

Related Links:

— “Fear of recurrence consistent source of stress for heart attack survivors,”Regina Schaffer, Healio, December 3, 2024

Healio (12/3, Southall ) reports, “Sexual and gender minority physicians and trainees had a higher likelihood for burnout and lack of professional fulfillment compared with their straight, cisgender colleagues, according to study results.” In addition, “sexual and gender minority attendings expressed a higher intent to leave the profession compared with their non-sexual and gender minority peers.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

Related Links:

— “Sexual, gender minority physicians, trainees report high rates of burnout,”Jennifer R. Southall , Healio, December 3, 2024

The AP (12/3, Murphy ) reports, “Nearly three out of 10 U.S. drugstores that were open during the previous decade had closed by 2021, new research shows.” The AP adds, “Black and Latino neighborhoods were most vulnerable to the retail pharmacy closures, which can chip away at already-limited care options in those communities, researchers said in a study.” In addition, “the trend has potentially gained momentum since the study’s timeframe, because many drugstores are still struggling.” The study was published in Health Affairs.

Related Links:

— “Nearly 30% of US drugstores closed in one decade, study shows,”Tom Murphy, AP, December , 2024

Modern Healthcare (12/2, Kacik , Subscription Publication) reports, “Health systems are boosting investment in outpatient expansion as some convert acute care hospitals to meet the growing demand for mental health, long-term care and other ambulatory services.” According to Modern Healthcare, “Health systems are pumping billions of dollars into outpatient construction, which executives say their organizations will need as the population ages and as patients spend less time in the hospital.” Meanwhile, “some health systems are downsizing their acute care network to make space for an increasing number of patients managing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues and recovering from major procedures.”

Related Links:

— “Why systems are pumping billions of dollars into outpatient care,”Alex Kacik , Modern Healthcare , December 2, 2024