Healio (3/3, VanDewater) reported, “Distress levels among veterans were greater at 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic, but decreased at 2 years to pre-pandemic levels, according to data” from a “longitudinal study among 2,289 veterans as part of the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study from fall 2019 to summer 2022.” The findings, published online Feb. 23 in a research letter in JAMA Network Open, showed that specifically, veterans “aged 18 to 44 years…and women…had the greatest increase in distress from fall 2019 to fall/winter of 2020.”

Related Links:

— “Distress among veterans peaked 1 year into COVID-19 pandemic “Kalie VanDewater, Healio, March 3, 2023

The New York Times (3/29, Hoffman) reports Narcan (naloxone), “a prescription nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses, can now be sold over the counter, the Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday.” And “by late summer, over-the-counter Narcan is expected to be for sale in big-box chains, vending machines, supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations and online retailers.”

The Washington Post (3/29, Ovalle) reports that Narcan’s “long-term impact remains unclear: It will depend on the price set for the spray by its manufacturer, Emergent BioSolutions, and also retailers’ willingness to stock it on store shelves in easy view of consumers.” Meanwhile, “medical and public health experts urged health insurance plans to cover over-the counter Narcan.” The American Medical Association (AMA) “said it hopes the drug is covered at little or no cost to consumers.” In a statement, Bobby Mukkamala, MD, Chair of the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force, said, “There are many over-the-counter preventive health medications that are covered by insurance, such as aspirin, vitamin D, and fluoride. Naloxone should be added to that list.”

Related Links:

— “The Washington Post (requires login and subscription)

Psychiatric News (3/1) reports, “A strong majority of Americans who have pets regard their pets as part of the family, and most feel that their pets have a positive impact on their mental health, according to the latest findings from APA’s Healthy Minds Monthly Poll.” The poll “was fielded by Morning Consult from February 10 to 12, with a sample of 2,200 adults.” Among pet owners, “86% said their pets have a mostly positive impact on their mental health.” APA President Rebecca Brendel, MD, JD, said in a March 1 news release, “The animals we bring into our lives and our families play many roles from non-judgmental companions that we love to key partners in reducing our stress and anxiety. Americans clearly recognize that our relationships with our pets can have noticeable benefits for our overall mental health.”

Related Links:

— “Pets Have Overwhelming Positive Impact on Mental Health, APA Poll Finds, Psychiatric News, March 1, 2023

Healio (3/1, Bascom) reports, “All modes of physical activity were effective in improving both anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for using exercise ‘as a mainstay approach’ for managing mental health, according to researchers.” For the “umbrella review,” the team “searched 12 electronic databases for eligible studies” and “ultimately included 97 reviews that comprised 1,039 trials and 128,119 participants.” According to the researchers, “the largest improvements were observed in people with depression, healthy individuals, pregnant and postpartum people, and those with HIV and kidney disease.” The findings were published online Feb. 16 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Related Links:

— “Umbrella review: All types of exercise help mental health symptoms “Emma Bascom, Healio, March 1, 2023

The New York Times (3/2, Newman, Fitzsimmons) reports, “In an effort to address one of New York City’s greatest challenges as the city recovers from the pandemic, Mayor Eric Adams announced a mental health agenda on Thursday that expands key services for people with severe mental illness.” His plan includes sending “medical professionals rather than police officers to respond to mental-health 911 calls” and investing in “clubhouses,” also known as community centers “for people with mental illness, who often suffer in isolation.” The centers “connect them with education and job opportunities and foster friendships,” among other things.

The New York Daily News (3/2, Gartland) reports, “New York City will triple the number of ‘clubhouses’ for people with severe mental health issues and create a new virtual mental health care service for teens under a new policy, Mayor Adams said Thursday.”

Related Links:

— “Street Teams and Clubhouses: A New Plan to Help Mentally Ill New Yorkers “Andy Newman and Emma G. Fitzsimmons, The New York Times, March 2, 2023