A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that the genetic reach of autism extends to half siblings, suggesting a central role for genetic mechanisms in transmission. The researchers analyzed over 5,000 families with a child diagnosed with autism and found that half siblings were at higher risk than full siblings.
A study published in Nature Communications found that sAPP-α, a secreted portion of APP, acts as an essential stop-gap mechanism to regulate APP production. Monitoring and correcting low sAPP-α levels or enhancing its association with BACE1 may help prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease.
A national team of scientists has created the first atlas of the human brain surface based on genetic information, revealing distinct genetic divisions that differ from traditional brain maps. This atlas provides a new tool for understanding how genes influence brain development and function.
The GHSU Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior has received the 2012 Award for Creativity in Psychiatric Education from the American College of Psychiatrists. The program's Project GREAT initiative focuses on recovery from mental illness, empowering patients to be part of their own care.
A new study at Brigham and Women's Hospital is testing two new types of light technologies to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The trial aims to determine which technology works better in reducing SAD symptoms over a six-week period.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation is a safe and effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression in patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders. After four weeks of single-blind stimulation, 58% of patients achieved remission and showed significant improvement in function.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $1.1 million to the University of Rochester Medical Center to continue its 10-year-old program training researchers in China to investigate suicide causes and prevention.
A genome-wide study involving 50,000 participants has discovered 11 regions on the genome strongly associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The researchers found that several DNA variations contribute to both diseases, representing a significant advance in understanding their causes.
A comprehensive review of the first decade of gene-by-environment interaction research in psychiatry found that novel findings were more likely to be published but also more likely to be false positives. The study suggests a focus on replication is necessary to confirm accurate correlations between genes and environmental variables.
A new study by Stanford Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital uses a novel method to analyze brain-scan data, distinguishing children with autism from typically developing children. The findings show that gray matter in social communication and self-related brain regions has a distinct organization in people with autism.
A four-year study found that exercise can be as effective as a second antidepressant medication for half of depressed patients, with moderate exercise more effective for women with a family history of mental illness. The type and intensity of exercise needed depend on patient characteristics, such as gender.
Researchers have discovered how ketamine produces a fast-acting antidepressant effect, shedding light on its potential as an emergency room treatment for high-risk patients. The study's findings could lead to the development of faster-acting and longer-lasting antidepressants.
Researchers at Washington University and King's College London have independently identified a DNA region on chromosome 3 associated with depression. The region contains up to 90 genes and shows genome-wide significance, suggesting that many genes may be involved in depression.
Researchers at Wayne State University have found a new method to identify children with major depressive disorder (MDD), setting them apart from both healthy children and those with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Cortical thickness in the brain was used as a key factor, revealing distinct differences between MDD patients and heal...
Researchers have found that brain enlargement in autism is due to increased folding on the surface of the brain and not an increase in gray matter. Brain growth in children with autism begins as early as 1 year old and continues until age 2.
In 2007, US unintentional drug poisoning deaths reached epidemic proportions, with prescription opioid overdoses driving the crisis. Opioid pain medications are involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined, according to a CDC report.
Researchers found shorter telomere length in adults with PTSD and a history of childhood trauma, associated with increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that childhood trauma may contribute to the development of PTSD and accelerated aging.
A new study from Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that breastfeeding mothers respond more emotionally to their infants' cries, with greater activity in caregiving brain regions. This is the first paper to examine neurobiological mechanisms linked to breastfeeding and maternal behaviors.
A quick, inexpensive, and easy-to-administer physiological measure of pupil dilation in response to emotional words can predict which patients are likely to respond to cognitive therapy. This technology has the potential to improve treatment response rates in mental health clinics.
Scientists have discovered how anti-depressants make new brain cells by regulating the glucocorticoid receptor, a key protein involved in stress response. This finding holds promise for developing more effective anti-depressant treatments to combat depression.
A recent study published in Psychiatry Research found that 50% of patients with bipolar disorder experience work, social, or family disabilities. Factors associated with these disabilities include high recurrence of maniac episodes, recurrent psychiatric hospitalization, depression, and low educational levels.
Researchers found that people who experience stronger stimulating and lower sedative effects of alcohol are more likely to develop binge drinking problems. A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that the 'double whammy' of alcohol effects predicts those who progress to severe drinking and alcohol-use disorders.
Mexican migrants to the U.S. are at a higher risk of experiencing clinically significant depression and anxiety disorders compared to non-migrants. The study found that those between 18 and 25 years old have nearly four-and-one-half times greater odds of developing a depressive disorder.
Seven GHSU investigators will present their research on schizophrenia and psychiatric disorders, including Dr. Peter Buckley's National Institutes of Mental Health-funded study on relapse prevention. Researchers also explore potential treatments for stress-induced anxiety behavior and prenatal stress-related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation linked to lower neuropeptide Y levels, increasing stress sensitivity and emotional processing in key brain circuits. This finding may aid in identifying individuals at high risk of developing major depressive disorder, enabling targeted interventions.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will continue studying manic symptoms in children with a renewed $7.8 million NIMH grant. The study aims to develop accurate diagnoses and predictive factors for bipolar spectrum disorders in youth.
This special issue of Biological Psychiatry highlights the benefits and challenges of postmortem research in studying psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders. Advances in science and technology have expanded the scope of postmortem work, allowing for more detailed studies of brain structure and function.
A long-term study of 15 body dysmorphic disorder sufferers found a high recovery rate of 76% and low recurrence rate of 14%, with some patients recovering within two years and others taking five years or more. The study suggests that BDD is not always debilitating, with a third of participants working full-time.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that people with schizophrenia have abnormalities in inhibitory neurons within the cortex and increases in neurons in white matter below the cortex. The researchers suggest that inhibitory neurons may be 'stuck' at a stage of development due to genetic and environmental factors.
A new study finds that smoking is associated with reduced cortical thickness in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex, negatively correlating with cigarette consumption. Heavier smoking was linked to more pronounced thinning of cortical tissue, potentially increasing the risk for addictions and cognitive decline.
Researchers will test culturally relevant intervention, behavior activation (BA), to prevent cognitive decline in older African-Americans with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The 24-month study aims to demonstrate that BA can boost public health efforts and encourage active lifestyles.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans Department of Psychiatry was recognized for its successful integration of mental health services into the school system, youth leadership, and community outreach after Hurricane Katrina. A study found that 72.3% of students had recovered or demonstrated resilience five years post-Katrina.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found family-based treatment to be the most effective approach for treating anorexia nervosa. More than 50% of patients who received this type of treatment were in full remission after a year, compared to 23% of those who received individual therapy.
Researchers at VCU have identified a potential risk gene for schizophrenia, CMYA5, associated with cardiomyopathy. The study involved over 33,000 participants and verified the findings through multiple independent samples.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) can effectively treat adults with major depressive disorders who do not respond to antidepressant medication. The supplement was well-tolerated and improved measures of depression and remission rates compared to a placebo.
Researchers discovered a set of seven genes in whole blood that can diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) with high accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to unbiased diagnosis and reduce stigma associated with mental health problems, ultimately helping patients receive better treatment.
Research found that women are more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men, with the highest risk peaking at age 51-55. The study suggests that increased lifespan may contribute to this difference, as individuals have more years to experience traumatic events and their consequences.
A new study of 9/11 survivors and victims' family members found that on-site psychiatrists can alleviate early trauma symptoms and reduce PTSD. Psychiatrists provided immediate aid to 848 patients in just over two months, with the most common symptoms including sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
Researchers identified central, unifying elements of wisdom, including its uniqueness to humans, experiential nature, and personal quality. The study provides insight into the characteristic qualities of wisdom, shedding light on its distinctiveness from intelligence and spirituality.
A study of British 12-year-olds found nearly 6 percent exhibiting at least one symptom of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions. The children shared similar risk factors with adult schizophrenia, such as genetic and social risks.
A study found that patients report 20 times more side effects from depression medication than psychiatrists record in charts. The researchers suggest using a self-administered patient questionnaire to improve recognition of side effects.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found that meta-cognitive therapy significantly improved symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults compared to supportive therapy. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, demonstrated the efficacy of a non-medication treatment for adult ADHD.
A new questionnaire and outcomes measurement scale, CUXOS, has been developed to measure anxiety outcomes reliably. The scale is brief, easy to score, and correlates highly with clinician severity ratings.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic insomnia is associated with smaller volumes in brain regions involved in memory formation and pleasantness evaluation. Insomnia patients have lower grey matter density in these regions, which may impact their ability to recognize optimal comfort for falling asleep.
Research from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study found that childhood abuse, neglect, social isolation or economic hardship can affect nervous, immune and endocrine functioning in adulthood. Adults who experienced these traumas were more likely to exhibit depression, chronic inflammation and metabolic markers of...
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found a significant positive association between phthalate exposure and ADHD symptoms in school-aged children. The researchers measured urine phthalate concentrations and evaluated symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using teacher-reported symptoms and computerized tests.
A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that over-reactive parenting can increase aggressive behavior in introverted children, while benevolent and conscientious children are less affected. The study also showed that rule-breaking behavior tends to persist into adolescence.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that depression and alcohol misuse are more common mental health disorders among UK Service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also reveals that reservists are at a greater risk of psychiatric injury than regular personnel.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry examined the role of GABA receptors in anxiety disorders, revealing that inserting GABA receptors into neurons in the amygdala increases inhibition and prevents fear extinction. This discovery provides evidence for molecular mechanisms behind cognitive and behavioral therapies.
The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry will be published by Elsevier starting with Volume 49, Number 1 in January 2010. The journal aims to extend its reach and support translation of scientific discovery into improved patient care.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that children who ate confectionary daily were more likely to be violent as adults. The researchers suggest this may be due to a lack of deferred gratification, leading to impulsive behavior.
The Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry has received a $10 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to advance research on geriatric depression. The team will focus on understanding the biological, medical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of depression in older adults.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that adolescent depression and anxiety disorders are not the same thing. The research, led by Dr. William W. Hale III, found that these two conditions have different symptoms and characteristics, contrary to current classification in the DSM-V.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are twice as likely to receive mental health treatment as heterosexuals. The researchers attribute this disparity to higher exposure to discrimination and violence, as well as societal pathologizing of homosexuality.
A follow-up study found that patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or impulse control disorders. The researchers analyzed 82 psychiatric outpatients who received a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which was not confirmed through the Structured Cl...
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that a natural compound called NIC5-15 may be a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The preliminary findings suggest that NIC5-15 can prevent the formation of beta-amyloid plaque, a key factor in cognitive decline.
Researchers aim to create a brain map that can help diagnose early-stage schizophrenia and guide more effective treatment. The study, led by Northwestern University, uses topographical brain maps to compare the structures of individuals with schizophrenia to those without, hoping to identify key differences in brain function.
A new study identified adding a trained depression care manager to primary care practices increases treatment, remission rates of depression, and reduces suicidal thoughts. Nearly 90% of patients in the PROSPECT care management group received treatment after two years.
A new review published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reveals widespread inequalities in medical care for individuals with mental health conditions. Despite similar or more frequent medical contacts, those with pre-existing mental health problems often receive poorer quality care.
A six-site clinical trial found that citalopram, commonly prescribed to children with autism spectrum disorders, was no more effective than a placebo at reducing repetitive behaviors. The study included 149 participants and showed negative side effects in nearly all children.