Trending mental health topics and research findings 2022

The year 2022 is coming to an end, and what a great year it has been. And as we look back, there have been many discussions and discoveries in the world of mental health that we should ideally get up to speed with. Whether you are a teen, middle-aged or older adult, healthy or unhealthy, being aware of these mental health discussions can help you position yourself for a healthier future.

In this article, we highlight some recent mental health topics of 2022 that are relevant to everyone, whether you’re battling a mental health condition, trying to stay healthy, or looking to offer better mental health care to your patients.

Mental health topics for discussion

Below are some current mental health topics that are receiving a lot of attention and research:

1.      The impact of social media and technology on mental health

There is growing concern about the impact of social media and technology on mental health, particularly among young people. Research is being conducted on how technology may alleviate and contribute to issues such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

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Social Media and Teen Mental Health

Social media may help teens cope with stress

Social Media Breaks May be Incredibly Beneficial to Mental Health

2.      The role of genetics in mental health

There is increasing evidence that genetics can play a role in the development of mental health conditions. Researchers are working to understand the specific genes and developmental variations that may be involved in mental health conditions and how these can be used to develop better treatments.

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Schizophrenia treatment: symptoms linked with an overactive brain

Clues to Treating Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Discovered

How Brain Cell Development Influences Risk of Psychiatric Disorders

3.      The use of technology in mental health treatment

There is growing interest in the use of technology to deliver mental health treatment, including teletherapy and the use of apps to manage mental health symptoms. Researchers are studying the effectiveness of these approaches and how they can be used to reach more people in need of mental health care.

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Telehealth Keeps Mental Health Patients on the Road to Recovery

Digital Solutions Effective for Reducing Signs of Depression

4.      The impact of trauma and adversity on mental health

Researchers are studying how trauma and adversity, including exposure to violence, abuse, or other traumatic events, can affect mental health. This research is helping to inform the development of better treatments for people who have experienced trauma.

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Childhood trauma can triple one's risk of mental illness

Trauma may lead to anxiety and other mental disorders

Sibling Bullying and Mental Health

5.      The intersection of mental health and physical health

There is growing recognition of the close connection between physical and mental health. Researchers are studying the ways in which physical health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, can affect mental health and vice versa.

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The Link between Chronic Diseases and Mental Health

The Connection Between Heart Disease and Psychiatric Disorders

Serious mental illnesses increase heart disease risks at younger ages

Depression in Cancer Patients: Where Cancer and Depression Meet

Risk of Death Increases in Patients with both Cardiovascular and Psychiatric Diseases

Type 2 Diabetes and Mental Health: The Link

Body Image Related to Mental Health in Teens

6.      Non-opioid treatment for pain

There is growing research on how to treat pain without opioids, knowing the addictive effect the drug has on some patients. Most interestingly, sound itself can suppress pain, and researchers have discovered how it works. Perhaps, they can tap into the knowledge to develop better and safer treatments for pain.

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Sound can suppress pain: new research shows how

Non-addictive pain medicine: non-opioid treatment for pain

Author

Satu H. Woodland, PMHCNS-BC, APRN Satu Woodland is owner and clinician of Hope Mental Health, an integrative mental health practice located at Bown Crossing in Boise, Idaho. She sees children, adolescents, and adults.  Ms. Woodland with her background in nursing, prefers a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care that addresses the mind and body together. While Ms. Woodland provides medication management services in all her patients, she believes in long-lasting solutions that include a number of psychotherapies, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, attention to lifestyle, evidenced based alternative psychiatric care and spirituality. If you’d like to gain control over your mental health issues, call Hope Mental Health at 208-918-0958, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an initial consultation.