Gaming disorder screening may overlook women who play to cope with stress
A University of Geneva study published in the journal European Psychiatry interviewed seven female gamers aged 21 to 26 and found that women often play to cope with anxiety, stress, or emotional distress — yet current screening tools focus on competitive, conflict-based behaviors shaped largely by men's experiences. Participants favored immersive, narrative-driven games, did not identify as "gamers," and described barriers to seeking help, including fear of being judged by therapists and male-centered support services. The study is qualitative and small, so it describes experiences rather than establishing prevalence.
Source: Medical Xpress Social Media's Impact on Emotional Health Is Complex, Gallup Study Finds
Gallup's State of the World's Emotional Health 2026 report, released with the World Health Summit and covering surveys across 97 countries, found that moderate social media use — 30 minutes to under two hours a day — was associated with better wellbeing across several measures, while two hours or more was linked to more negative emotions such as anger, loneliness, and stress. The report stresses these are associations, not proof of cause, and that differences were modest after accounting for age, income, and social support. Overall, 38% of adults worldwide said they had experienced worry during much of the previous day.
Source: Drug Today Online Rise in cannabis-related psychosis hospitalisations sparks concern in Victoria
New Monash University research published in the journal Addiction analyzed nearly 40,000 cannabis-related hospital admissions across Victoria from 2013 to 2023 and found admissions rose 49%, with psychotic disorders the most common primary diagnosis at 40% of cases. Men and boys aged 15 to 24 had the highest admission rates, while admissions among women and girls rose 75% — more than double the rise among men. The authors call for targeted public health campaigns and earlier intervention; the observational data show trends, not direct causation.
Source: Monash University (via News Hub)
A University of Geneva study published in the journal European Psychiatry interviewed seven female gamers aged 21 to 26 and found that women often play to cope with anxiety, stress, or emotional distress — yet current screening tools focus on competitive, conflict-based behaviors shaped largely by men's experiences. Participants favored immersive, narrative-driven games, did not identify as "gamers," and described barriers to seeking help, including fear of being judged by therapists and male-centered support services. The study is qualitative and small, so it describes experiences rather than establishing prevalence.
Source: Medical Xpress Social Media's Impact on Emotional Health Is Complex, Gallup Study Finds
Gallup's State of the World's Emotional Health 2026 report, released with the World Health Summit and covering surveys across 97 countries, found that moderate social media use — 30 minutes to under two hours a day — was associated with better wellbeing across several measures, while two hours or more was linked to more negative emotions such as anger, loneliness, and stress. The report stresses these are associations, not proof of cause, and that differences were modest after accounting for age, income, and social support. Overall, 38% of adults worldwide said they had experienced worry during much of the previous day.
Source: Drug Today Online Rise in cannabis-related psychosis hospitalisations sparks concern in Victoria
New Monash University research published in the journal Addiction analyzed nearly 40,000 cannabis-related hospital admissions across Victoria from 2013 to 2023 and found admissions rose 49%, with psychotic disorders the most common primary diagnosis at 40% of cases. Men and boys aged 15 to 24 had the highest admission rates, while admissions among women and girls rose 75% — more than double the rise among men. The authors call for targeted public health campaigns and earlier intervention; the observational data show trends, not direct causation.
Source: Monash University (via News Hub)