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