(May 19, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Iowa - According to research in the Journal of Adolescent Health, stress has been linked to weight problems among adolescents. In a study of over 1,000 children aged 10 to 15, researchers found that as the number of individual stressors increased so did the likelihood of having a weight problem. The researchers suggest that the link might be explained by both biological and behavioral responses to stress.

From Denver - According to research presented to the American Psychiatric Association, nicotine patches may reduce agitation among schizophrenic patients who smoke. In a study of 40 smokers with schizophrenia, researchers found that agitation scores dropped significantly among those who received nicotine patches. The study also suggested a significant reduction in aggressive behavior.

And finally, from California - According to research presented to the Heart Rhythm Society, implanted cardioverter defibrillators work even better than clinical trials had suggested. Data collected on nearly 86,000 patients from an Internet-based monitoring system showed that 3-year survival was 96% for real world patients with ICDs. This was compared to trials that found 3-year survival to be 78% to 83%.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.