Top stories to read during Mental Health Awareness Month 2020

The Mental Health America organization has designated each May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

In conjunction with this observance, Healio Psychiatry has compiled a list of most-read news articles relating to psychiatry written so far this year.

COVID-19’s mental health effects by age group: Children, college students, working-age adults and older adults

Healio Psychiatry spoke with mental health professionals regarding the specific pandemic-related mental health challenges of four different age groups — children, college students, working-age adults and older adults. Read more.

One night of sleep loss may increase risk for Alzheimer's disease

No sleep for one night increased levels of the Alzheimer’s disease biomarker tau among young, healthy men, according to results of a two-condition crossover study published in Neurology. Read more.

'Every clinician is also a patient': Study shows psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers

Health care workers in Wuhan and other regions of China reported experiencing psychological burden related to the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to results of a survey study published in JAMA Network Open. Those in Wuhan, women, nurses and frontline health care workers directly engaged in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with COVID-19 were especially affected. Read more.

BMI linked to major psychiatric disorders

Findings of a genome-wide association study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggest that many overlapping genetic risk variants exist between BMI and schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Read more.

Cannabis withdrawal syndrome may affect nearly 50% of regular users

Cannabis withdrawal syndrome appeared common among regular cannabis users, according to results of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.