In a recently published study, researchers at the Institute for Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet show that there are pronounced sex differences in the incidence rates of psychiatric disorders over the lifespan, which varied depending on age, type of psychiatric disorders, calendar period, and socioeconomic status.
Psychiatric disorders are among the most pressing global public health concerns. The sex difference in psychiatric disorders is among the most robust finding in psychiatry. For example, males have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, while females are more prone to depression and anxiety disorders. However, most of the evidence were based on prevalence studies, without differentiating new-onset (incident) cases from prevalent and recurrent cases, which may not inform optimal time windows for screening and interventions to reduce sex differences. There is research gap on sex differences in incident psychiatric disorders over the lifespan.
By using the nationwide Swedish register data and adopting a life-course approach, the researchers at IMM and collaborators from MEB, Uppsala University, Oslo University Hospital, and University of Iceland, have been able to depict a comprehensive atlas of sex differences in the incidence rates of clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders over the lifespan, with an emphasis on analyzing sex differences by various types of psychiatric disorders, socioeconomic status and calendar period.
Their findings that sex differences in psychiatric disorders exist almost across the whole life supports the need of gendered mental health prevention strategies. The variation in these differences by age and socioeconomic status suggests that the current knowledge can be enhanced by integrating data on age and socioeconomic status. This study also provides evidence for screening and intervention strategies that focus on specific age groups and socially disadvantaged populations, where pronounced sex disparity in psychiatric disorders were observed.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder – also known as ADHD – is typically thought of as a childhood condition. But more adults are realising that their struggles with attention, focus and restlessness could in fact be undiagnosed ADHD, thanks in large part to trending social media videos racking up millions of views.
A new national survey of 1000 American adults commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine finds that 25% of adults now suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD. But what worries mental health experts is that only 13% of survey respondents have shared their suspicions with their doctor.
That’s raising concerns about the consequences of self-diagnosis leading to incorrect treatment.
“Anxiety, depression and ADHD – all these things can look a lot alike, but the wrong treatment can make things worse instead of helping that person feel better and improving their functioning,” said psychologist Justin Barterian, PhD, clinical assistant professor in Ohio State’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.
An estimated 4.4% of people ages 18 to 44 have ADHD, and some people aren’t diagnosed until they’re older, Barterian said.
“There’s definitely more awareness of how it can continue to affect folks into adulthood and a lot of people who are realising, once their kids have been diagnosed, that they fit these symptoms as well, given that it’s a genetic disorder,” Barterian said.
The survey found that younger adults are more likely to believe they have undiagnosed ADHD than older generations, and they’re also more likely to do something about it.
Barterian said that should include seeing a medical professional, usually their primary care provider, to receive a referral to a mental health expert to be thoroughly evaluated, accurately diagnosed and effectively treated.
“If you’re watching videos on social media and it makes you think that you may meet criteria for the disorder, I would encourage you to seek an evaluation from a psychologist or a psychiatrist or a physician to get it checked out,” Barterian said.
What is Adult ADHD?
Adults struggling with ADHD will have problems with paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are severe enough to cause ongoing challenges at school, work and home. These symptoms are persistent and disruptive and can often be traced back to childhood.
Adult ADHD occurs in:
Adults who were diagnosed as children, but symptoms continue into adulthood.
Adults who are diagnosed for the first time, despite experiencing symptoms since they were younger that had been ignored or misdiagnosed.
Hyperactivity as a symptom is typically less present in adults than in children. Many adults with ADHD struggle with memory and concentration issues. Symptoms of ADHD often worsen with stress, conflict or increased demands in life.
What are common types of ADHD?
The three types of ADHD are:
Inattentive ADHD – Inability to pay attention and distractibility. This also is known as attention-deficit disorder (ADD).
Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD – Hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Combined ADHD – This type causes inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose in adults, because some of the symptoms are similar to those in other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
“Symptoms of ADHD can look different between different people,” Barterian said. “Some people might have more difficulty focusing on lectures or with organisation, while others may have more social difficulties with impulsivity and trouble following along in conversations.”
World Mental Health Day, celebrated internationally on 10 October, is not just another commemorative day, but in fact, a time to truly reflect on the need to break the stigma associated with seeking mental health support.
Today, many may acknowledge that mental health issues are common and can adversely affect a significant portion of the population. “In fact, according to the fourth annual Mental State of the World Report 2023, published in March 2024 by Sapien Labs, Brazil, South Africa and the United Kingdom all show the greatest proportion of respondents who are distressed or struggling with their mental health, which indicates that there is still a dire need for more open conversations about mental health in families, workplaces and communities,” says Madelein O’Connell,Executive: Marketing, Sales and Corporate Relations at Bestmed Medical Scheme.
“We already know that our mental wellbeing can affect emotions, physical health, relationships and overall quality of life,” adds O’Connell. “Beyond this, neglecting your mental health can also lead to burnout, anxiety, and an array of serious health conditions. However, prioritising your mental health can be daunting, with so many not knowing where to start. It’s important to remember that it starts with, and is built on, small, consistent steps, which can make a significant difference.”
From a medical scheme perspective, there is often a range of mental health services covered as supplementary benefits by the medical scheme, such as access to psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, and support for conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma. It’s important for members to understand what their medical scheme provides.
“At Bestmed, we offer a free Tempo wellness programme for our members, which can be accessed via the Bestmed App or online Member portal. As part of the Tempo wellness programme, members have access to free Tempo Wellness Webinars, hosted by mental healthcare experts, who discuss and give advice on various relevant topics,” says O’Connell.
“We really want to support the integration of mental, nutritional, and physical health in overall wellbeing for our members, as we recognise that mental health covers a wide array of aspects. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO), defines mental health as ‘a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community’, so giving people the support and skills to navigate their life is vital, particularly those more vulnerable to mental health challenges, such as adolescents, the elderly, or individuals dealing with long-term physical illness.”
Madelein O’Connell concludes, “of course, we also recognise that limited mental health service availability, a shortage of mental health professionals and financial constraints can impact a person’s ability to find the right support they need, when they need it. However, there are also some incredible mental health support organisations, locally, that can assist. LifeLine and The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), for example, are confidential, free, and offer a starting point for anyone in need.”
As the world continues to face unprecedented challenges, including geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events, disease outbreaks, and economic uncertainty, the mental health of employees has become a pressing concern. This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Mental Health at Work”, is a crucial reminder for organisations to take action to safeguard their workforce’s mental health and wellbeing. In alignment with this theme, International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, encourages organisations worldwide to recognise the critical importance of mental wellbeing and resilience within their workforce.
Heightened anxiety
The increasing frequency and intensity of global crises, coupled with elevated job demands, are contributing to heightened levels of stress and anxiety, further exacerbating mental health concerns among the global workforce. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 15% of working-age adults are experiencing a mental disorder at any single point in time.
Additionally, International SOS assistance data(2022 – 2024) reveals that over the past two years, the top five mental health-related assistance requests the organisation received are:
Anxiety
Depression
Panic disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Acute stress
Burnout has also become a prominent issue among employees, with one in four employees worldwide reporting symptoms of burnout. The International SOS Risk Outlook 2024 report highlights employee burnout as a major threat impacting organisations.
Economic impact
Moreover, the economic impact of mental health issues cannot be ignored. The WHO estimates that globally, approximately 12 billion working days are lost annually to depression and anxiety, resulting in US$ 1 trillion in lost productivity per year. These figures highlight the importance for employers to create a workplace that promotes mental wellbeing and underscores the immense cost of neglecting employee mental health and wellbeing at work. Organisations play a pivotal role in shaping the mental health landscape by implementing policies and practices that promote wellbeing.
Dr Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor Clinical Governance at International SOS said, “World Mental Health Day is a timely reminder for organisations to acknowledge and address the profound importance of mental wellbeing within their workforce. The workplace environment can have a significant impact on employee mental health, both positive and negative, by either fostering wellbeing or contributing to stress and anxiety. Just as we invest in employee physical safety, it is important to also understand that mental health is integral to overall health. It is therefore imperative to prioritise mental resilience.”
“Organisations can empower their employees to navigate challenges, thrive and contribute to a more positive and productive workplace by creating a supportive work environment that fosters open communication, empathy and understanding. Providing access to mental health professionals, counselling services, and employee assistance programmes is essential to ensure employees are equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s global landscape.”
To support the mental health and wellbeing of their workforce, International SOS provides advice for organisations:
Cultivate a supportive work culture with strong leadership commitment: Create a workplace culture and environment that prioritises and promotes open communication on mental health. Ensure mental wellbeing initiatives are seamlessly integrated into relevant policies and practices to provide robust support.
Provide accessible resources: Ensure employees have a toolkit of mental health resources at their fingertips, from counselling to self-guidance materials.
Promote work-life balance: Offer flexible work arrangements and remote work options to help employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively. Encourage regular breaks and empower employees to prioritise their wellbeing.
Training and education: Implement comprehensive mental health awareness campaigns to reduce stigma. Roll out mental health training, enabling everyone to spot, understand and assist with mental health challenges.
Monitor and assess: Seek feedback and continuously monitor the mental health of employees through surveys and assessments, and adapt programmes as needed.
Invest in emotional wellbeing: provide access to mindfulness sessions and stress management training—partner with certified mental health professionals to offer confidential counselling and support services.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Provide EAPs that offer confidential counselling and support services to employees. Promoting the availability and benefits of EAPs can encourage employees to seek help without fear of stigma, fostering a culture of openness and support.
Auditory hallucinations are likely the result of abnormalities in two brain processes: a “broken” corollary discharge that fails to suppress self-generated sounds, and a “noisy” efference copy that makes the brain hear these sounds more intensely than it should. That is the conclusion of a new study published October 3rd in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Xing Tian, of New York University Shanghai, China, and colleagues.
Patients with certain mental disorders, including schizophrenia, often hear voices in the absence of sound.
Patients may fail to distinguish between their own thoughts and external voices, resulting in a reduced ability to recognise thoughts as self-generated.
In the new study, researchers carried out electroencephalogram (EEG) experiments measuring the brain waves of twenty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations and twenty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who had never experienced such hallucinations.
In general, when people are preparing to speak, their brains send a signal known as “corollary discharge” that suppresses the sound of their own voice.
However, the new study showed that when patients with auditory hallucinations were preparing to speak a syllable, their brains not only failed to suppress these internal sounds, but had an enhanced “efference copy” response to internal sounds other than the planned syllable.
The authors conclude that impairments in these two processes likely contribute to auditory hallucinations and that targeting them in the future could lead to new treatments for such hallucinations.
The authors add, “People who suffer from auditory hallucinations can ‘hear’ sounds without external stimuli. A new study suggests that impaired functional connections between motor and auditory systems in the brain mediate the loss of ability to distinguish fancy from reality.”
In a review of 27 different studies, a Johns Hopkins Children’s Center team concludes that some video games created as mental health interventions can be helpful – if modest – tools in improving the mental well-being of children and teens with depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They did not significantly help with anxiety, however.
A report on the review of studies from peer-reviewed journals between 2011 and March 20, 2024, was published in JAMA Pediatrics.
“We found literature that suggests that even doubling the number of paediatric mental health providers still wouldn’t meet the need,” says Barry Bryant, MD, a resident in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and first author of the new study.
In a bid to determine if so-called “gamified digital mental health interventions,” or video games designed to treat mental health conditions, benefited those with anxiety, depression and ADHD, the research team analysed their use in randomised clinical trials for children and adolescents.
Bryant and child and adolescent psychologist Joseph McGuire, PhD, identified 27 such trials from the US and around the world. The studies overall included 2911 participants with about half being boys and half being girls, ages six to 17 years old.
The digital mental health interventions varied in content, but were all created with the intent of treating ADHD, depression and anxiety. For example, for ADHD, some of the games involved racing or splitting attention, which required the user to pay attention to more than one activity to be successful in gameplay. For depression and anxiety, some of the interventions taught psychotherapy-oriented concepts in a game format. All games were conducted on technology platforms, such as computers, tablets, video game consoles and smartphones. The video games are available to users in a variety of ways. Some are available online, while others required access through specific research teams involved in the studies.
The research team’s analysis found that video games designed for patients with ADHD and depression provided a modest reduction (both with an effect size of .28) in symptoms related to ADHD and depression, such as improved ability to sustain attention and decreased sadness, based on participant and family feedback from the studies. (An effect size of .28 is consistent with a smaller effect size, where as in-person interventions often produce moderate [.50] to large [.80] effects.) By contrast, video games designed for anxiety did not show meaningful benefits (effect size of .07) for reducing anxiety symptoms for participants, based on participant and family feedback.
Researchers also examined factors that led to improved benefit from digital mental health interventions. Specific factors related to video game delivery (i.e., interventions on computers and those with preset time limits) and participants (i.e., studies that involved more boys) were found to positively influence therapeutic effects. Researchers say these findings suggest potential ways to improve upon the current modest symptom benefit.
“While the benefits are still modest, our research shows that we have some novel tools to help improve children’s mental health – particularly for ADHD and depression – that can be relatively accessible to families,” says Joseph McGuire, Ph.D., an author of the study and an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences in the school of medicine. “So if you are a paediatrician and you’re having trouble getting your paediatric patient into individual mental health care, there could be some gamified mental health interventions that could be nice first steps for children while waiting to start individual therapy.”
The team cautioned that their review did not indicate why certain video game interventions performed better than others. They also note that some of the trials included in the study used reported outcome measures, and the studies did not uniformly examine the same factors which could have influenced the effects of the treatment. Some of the video games included in the studies are not easily accessible to play.
The researchers also noted that while video game addiction and the amount of screen time can be concerns, those children who played the games studied in a structured, time-limited format tended to do best.
South Africa has the third highest suicide rate in Africa and Africa has higher rates of suicide than any other continent. In the wake of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, clinical psychologist Vincenzo Sinisi asks what can be done to bring down suicide rates.
Africa is currently the region with the highest suicide rate worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This is driven by a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and untreated mental health issues.
South Africa, with a suicide rate of 23.5 per 100 000 people, ranks third worst on the continent. South Africa is closely followed by Lesotho and Eswatini – countries where limited access to mental health services exacerbates the issue.
Age and gender impact suicide risk. In South Africa, for instance, suicide has been rated as the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24, reflecting the devastating mental health toll on young people. The gender disparity is stark – men are four to five times more likely to die by suicide than women. However, women tend to report twice as many suicide attempts as men, indicating a significant gap in prevention efforts targeting both genders
Why is it happening?
While suicide is a global challenge, it manifests differently across Africa due to a variety of factors – these include economic hardship, mental health stigma, and the scarcity of healthcare resources.
Mental healthcare in Africa is severely underfunded. Many African countries have an insufficient number of mental health professionals – sometimes as few as one psychiatrist per 500 000 people. This is compounded by widespread mental health stigma, which prevents many people, particularly men, from seeking help. In some African cultures, suicide is stigmatised to the extent that it is linked to supernatural beliefs, such as curses or sorcery. These deep-seated cultural beliefs often lead to underreporting of suicide cases and contribute to delayed intervention.
In addition to cultural taboos, socioeconomic stressors like unemployment, poverty, and housing insecurity further drive suicide rates across the continent. In South Africa’s townships, the levels of indebtedness and joblessness create a cycle of despair that feeds into psychological distress, ultimately increasing the risk of suicide.
In South Africa, the impact of socioeconomic instability on mental health is evident, particularly in rural and impoverished urban areas. The link between unemployment and mental health distress is well-documented, and for many, this distress leads to thoughts of suicide. In economically deprived areas, suicide prevention efforts are often undermined by poor access to healthcare and low mental health literacy. As economic hardship worsens, so does the mental health of affected populations.
What to do?
Preventing suicide in South Africa and on the African continent more broadly requires a multi-level strategy, combining grassroots initiatives with government support. Many successful interventions have originated from community-based programmes tailored to local needs and cultural contexts – there are after all large differences between countries and, for example, between urban and rural areas.
As a starting point, community involvement is crucial in creating a supportive environment for those at risk. By training community leaders, including traditional healers and faith-based leaders, to recognise signs of mental health struggles, these communities can provide immediate support. Peer support networks have also proven effective, especially in areas with limited access to formal healthcare services. Such networks empower individuals to check in on one another and provide emotional support in times of crisis.
For example, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) runs mental health education programmes across rural South Africa, equipping local leaders and volunteers with tools to recognise and respond to signs of suicide. These efforts are helping to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention in communities often overlooked by national healthcare systems.
While community-led efforts are invaluable, government policy is essential for creating systemic change. South Africa’s National Mental Health Policy Framework (2023-2030) aimed to integrate mental health care into the primary healthcare system. Still, its implementation has been slow, particularly in rural areas. Expanding this framework and ensuring proper funding for mental health initiatives must be a priority. (Spotlight previously reported on expert responses to the new mental health policy.)
Governments can also collaborate with NGOs and the private sector to expand mental health services.
Telehealth and digital solutions have for example emerged as potential tools for addressing mental health challenges, particularly in areas where access to mental health professionals is limited. Telehealth services enable patients in remote and underserved areas to consult with mental health experts without travelling long distances. This is especially helpful for individuals who might otherwise be unable to access support due to geographic or financial barriers. One such initiative I am involved with is TherapyRoute.com, a platform that connects people with therapists and psychologists across Africa and that maintains a database of South African community health clinics.
Such a digital approach, though promising, still faces challenges. Internet access remains inconsistent in many parts of Africa, and telehealth services must continue to evolve to ensure they are accessible to most of the population. Increasing investment in digital infrastructure will be a critical part of expanding access to mental health services.
Practical strategies
Meanwhile, there are practical things we can do now. Suicide prevention is after all not the responsibility of healthcare professionals alone – everyone can contribute.
We can all be on the lookout for the warning signs. Sudden withdrawal from social activities, mood changes, declining self-care and hygiene, and expressions of hopelessness or helplessness (e.g., “I can’t go on” or “Everyone would be better off without me”) should never be ignored.
If someone you know appears to be at risk, ask direct questions about their mental health. Don’t be afraid to ask if they are considering suicide. Studies show that directly asking about suicide can reduce the risk of an attempt by giving the person a chance to talk about their feelings.
We can also respond as a community. We can organise peer support groups where people can check in on one another. Training community leaders, traditional healers, or local volunteers to recognise suicide risk and provide mental health first aid is another effective way to support those at risk. Running community-wide campaigns to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma can help normalize seeking professional help.
Governments also have a critical role to play. They must prioritise mental health by increasing funding for prevention and treatment programmes, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The success of such programmes depends heavily on their accessibility to people from all economic backgrounds.
In South Africa, government should focus on implementing the National Mental Health Policy Framework, ensuring it reaches the rural areas that are most in need. By integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare services, as envisaged in the policy framework, more people will have the chance to receive timely care.
Ultimately, suicide prevention requires a multi-level approach, with involvement from individuals, communities, governments, and the private sector. By recognising warning signs, reducing mental health stigma, and expanding access to care through both in-person and telehealth services, we can make meaningful strides in reducing the suicide rate across Africa.
*Sinisi is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice in Cape Town. He is also a faculty member of the South African Psychoanalysis Association, The South African Psychoanalytical Initiative, and the Centre for Group Analytic Studies.
People in need of help can contact SADAG on the following helplines:
0800 21 22 23 (8am to 8pm)
0800 12 13 14 (8pm to 8am)
SMS: 31393
Also see this webpage for a longer list of helplines.
Note: Spotlight aims to deepen public understanding of important health issues by publishing a variety of views on its opinion pages. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily shared by the Spotlight editors.
Republished from Spotlight under a Creative Commons licence.
New findings from McGill University researchers could help clinicians understand the course of delusions in youth and young adults that signal the need for a timely intervention to prevent a full relapse of psychosis.
Delusions – strong beliefs that don’t align with commonly accepted reality – are a defining symptom of psychosis but are not sufficiently understood.
For the first time, researchers studied whether delusion themes, such as paranoia or grandiosity, stay the same or shift between psychotic episodes in youth and young adults undergoing early intervention treatment.
The importance of timely treatment
Notably, most patients did not relapse at all following their first episode, showing the efficacy of early intervention and highlighting the need for improved access, said the researchers. An estimated 75% of children with mental disorders do not use specialised treatment services, according to Youth Mental Health Canada.
“Early intervention is essential if we want to give young people the best chance at lasting recovery,” said lead author Gil Grunfeld, a recent master’s graduate from McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and a current doctoral student at Boston University.
Detecting patterns in delusions
The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that in the less likely instances of relapse, patients almost always had the same type of delusion as their first episode.
“The return of similar narratives potentially suggests the mind may be reflecting the same patterns seen in earlier episodes,” said Grunfeld.
“Recognizing this pattern of delusions in those who go on to relapse could help clinicians understand the experience of their patients and adjust the care they provide,” said Dr Jai Shah, an Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and a researcher at the Douglas Hospital Research Centre.
Delusions often persisted even as other symptoms improved, suggesting delusions may require different treatment strategies, he added.
“Delusions are often highly distressing and difficult to define, which makes closing the gap in research all the more crucial. There is a great deal of future work to be done,” said Grunfeld.
The researchers followed about 600 patients ages 14 to 35 for up to two years. All were receiving treatment at an early-intervention service for psychosis in Montreal.
A recent analysis of all relevant published studies reveals clear benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for improving mental health and quality of life in cancer survivors. The findings, which are published in Cancer Medicine, extend CBT’s effects beyond what has long been known in the general population.
For the analysis, investigators uncovered 132 clinical trials comparing CBT with controls, including standard therapy, waitlist control, or active/alternative therapy.
Across the trials, CBT moderately improved mental health and quality of life in people with past or current cancer, regardless of cancer type. It seemed to have stronger effects in younger individuals. In-person CBT also appeared more effective than delivering CBT through technology such as web-based videoconference platforms.
“In addition to confirming the general benefit of CBT for individuals with cancer, this study unveiled important nuances of how CBT can be most effective and for which populations. This has major clinical implications for supportive oncology providers,” said corresponding author Anao Zhang, PhD, of the University of Michigan.
“Unhealthy commodities” such as tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, social media, and fossil fuels, as well as impacts of fossil fuel consumption such as climate change and air pollution are associated with depression, suicide, and self-harm, according to a study published August 28 by Kate Dun-Campbell from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and colleagues.
Globally, around one out of every eight people currently live with a mental health disorder. These disorders – including depression, suicide, anxiety, and other diseases and disorders – can have many underlying causes. Some of those causes could be related to commercial determinants of health – the ways in which commercial activities and commodities impact health and equity. Commercial determinants of health can be specifically unhealthy, such as alcohol or tobacco consumption, unhealthy food, and the use of fossil fuels. To further understand how these unhealthy commodities might impact mental health, the authors of this study performed an umbrella synthesis of 65 review studies examining connections between six specific commodities – tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, gambling, social media, and fossil fuels. The author also included studies looking at mental health impacts of fossil fuel use such as climate change and air pollution.
The umbrella review found evidence for links between depression and alcohol, tobacco, gambling, social media, ultra-processed foods and air pollution. Alcohol, tobacco, gambling, social media, climate change and air pollution were associated with suicide, and social media was also associated with self-harm. Climate change and air pollution were also linked to anxiety. The review brought together many different methodologies and measurements, and could not establish the underlying cause of the negative mental health outcomes. But the results indicate that unhealthy commodities should be considered when researchers attempt to understand and improve mental ill health.
The authors add: “Our review highlights that there is already compelling evidence of the negative impact of unhealthy products on mental health, despite key gaps in understanding the impact of broader commercial practices.”
