HCPlive (7/25, Derman) reports, “A recent study found physical activity engagement is inversely associated with reducing depression symptoms, and the association was stronger among people with greater pain.” Researchers found “participating in physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression in individuals with osteoarthritis, especially those with greater pain levels.” The findings were published in PLOS Global Public Health.

Related Links:

— “Physical Activity Linked to Reducing Depression Symptoms, Mediated by Pain,”Chelsie Derman, HCPlive, July 25, 2024

The Hill (7/25, Teshome) reports, “Mental health inequities are projected to cost the U.S. $14 trillion between now and 2040, according to a new study from the School of Global Health at Meharry Medical College and the Deloitte Health Equity Institute.” The study “concluded that unaddressed mental health conditions create a significant economic burden for the country and that eliminating inequities in treatment could lead to significant savings on health care.”

Related Links:

— “Mental health inequities projected to cost US $14 trillion over 16 years, new study says,”Eden Teshome , The Hill, July 25, 2024

Psychiatric News (7/24) reports a study found “individuals with depression and/or anxiety are more than twice as likely to carry medical debt that makes paying bills difficult compared with individuals without those diagnoses.” Researchers also found “those with depression or anxiety who carry medical debt are more likely to delay or forego treatment than diagnosed individuals without medical debt.” The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Medical Debt Linked to Delayed, Foregone Care Among Those With Depression, Anxiety, Psychiatric News, July 24, 2024

HealthDay (7/24, Thompson ) reports, “Misuse of illicit prescription drugs is falling dramatically among U.S. high school students, a new study says.” Researchers found “the percentage of seniors who say they’ve misused prescription drugs in the past year has dropped to 2% in 2022, down from 11% back in 2009.” The findings were published in JAMA.

Related Links:

— “Big Drop in U.S. Kids, Teens Misusing Prescription Meds,”Dennis Thompson, HealthDay, July 24, 2024

MedPage Today (7/24, DePeau-Wilson ) reports, “Nearly 1 in 5 physicians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a review and meta-analysis.” In the analysis, “the estimated pooled prevalence of PTSD among physicians was 18.3%, a figure more than 3 times higher than the general population.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

Related Links:

— MedPage Today (requires login and subscription)