You might be interested in…Psychiatry

Mental Health , 0 Comments

Dr Ray O’Connor takes a look at some of the most recent clinical studies in the field of psychiatry



The age range of the participants was between 50 and 70 years.


A total of 375 individuals were enrolled in the study, with 84 males (22%) and 291 females (78%). Out of these, 185 were placed in the volunteering group while 190 were in the control group. The results indicated that engaging in volunteering activities had a positive impact on reducing loneliness in older individuals experiencing loneliness, and this effect could be sustained through ongoing participation in volunteer work. The authors suggest that future programs should focus on enhancing the commitment of older adults to volunteer.


References:



  1. Kopcalic K et al. Antidepressants versus placebo for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2025, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD012942. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012942.pub2

  2. Papola D et al. Psychotherapies for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Adults A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Psychiatry. 2024;81(3):250-259. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.3971

  3. Xie L et al. Immediate and long-term efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tCDS) in obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Translational Psychiatry (2024) 14:343; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-03053-0

  4. Zugman A et al. Current and Future Approaches to Pediatric Anxiety Disorder Treatment. Am J Psychiatry. 2024 March 01; 181(3): 189–200. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.20231037

  5. Rondung E et al. Identification of depression and anxiety during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of test accuracy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2024;103:423–436. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14734

  6. Yeung D et al. The effects of volunteering on loneliness among lonely older adults: the HEAL-HOA dual randomised controlled trial. Lancet Healthy Longev 2025; 6: 100664. Published Online January 21, 2025 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100664


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