Researchers have identified genetic variations in genes associated with bipolar disorder I and II, providing new insights into the complex biochemical pathway involved. The study found associations between variants in PDE10A, DISC1, and GNAS genes and an increased risk of developing the mental illness.
Researchers found that women who read negative news had higher cortisol levels after a psychological stress test compared to men. Women also showed stronger emotional responses to the negative news they had viewed previously, suggesting a gender difference in how we react to negative news in the media.
Researchers found that chronic stress predicts greater increases in body weight over time in both black and white girls. However, the negative effect of chronic stress on black girls' weight may explain racial disparities in obesity levels. The study suggests stress may play a role in the obesity epidemic and racial disparities.
A recent study by University of Notre Dame researcher Timothy Judge found that genes play a significant role in job stress and health problems. He studied nearly 600 twins and discovered that shared genes were about four times more important than shared environments in shaping personality, stress, and health outcomes.
A new study finds that prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with increased maternal stress, depression, and anxiety. Healthy coping mechanisms and partner support are crucial for pregnant women to deal with the emotional impact.
Research shows that nearly 20% of young children with cancer develop posttraumatic stress disorder, exhibiting symptoms such as flashbacks and anxiety. The study highlights the need for child-friendly treatment procedures and psychological support to prevent prolonged disorders that impair development.
A study by University of Zurich botanists and ecologists found that higher biodiversity aids stress resistance in ecosystems. Systems with more species can maintain biomass production longer under moderate stress, while those with few species are more negatively impacted as stress increases.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a potential medical treatment for the cognitive effects of stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The experimental drug S107 prevented learning and memory deficits associated with stress-related disorders in a PTSD mouse model.
A new study suggests pregnancy could have a positive impact on bipolar disorder, with fewer and shorter episodes in pregnant women. The study's findings call for large, multicenter, prospective studies to better understand the natural course of the disorder.
A new study by Dr. Inti Pedroso and colleagues has identified key genes and neural signaling pathways involved in the development of bipolar disorder. The findings, published in Biological Psychiatry, provide insight into the complex biology of the disorder and highlight potential new avenues for treatment.
Two studies examine the psychological status of Fukushima nuclear plant workers and residents' internal radiation exposure after the 2011 meltdown. Researchers found high rates of psychological distress and posttraumatic stress response among Daiichi plant workers, while Minamisoma residents had low levels of cesium radiation exposure.
A study published in JAMA found that couple's therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT), can significantly decrease PTSD symptom severity and improve intimate relationship satisfaction in couples. The treatment was more effective than a wait-list condition, with improvements maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
Researchers have identified thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) as a target for therapies in diabetes and Wolfram syndrome. The molecule is involved in the initiation of local inflammation that can lead to systemic inflammation.
Scientists have identified a new gene, RORA, linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that it may play a role in the development of the condition. The study found a significant association between variations in the RORA gene and PTSD, highlighting a potential new avenue for research on how the brain responds to trauma.
Research published in the FASEB Journal reveals a link between maternal stress and abdominal obesity in mice offspring. The study found that manipulating the neuropeptide Y system in visceral fat may prevent stress-induced obesity, offering potential insight into how to counteract the negative effects of stress.
Researchers identified a distinct subset of individuals with PTSD characterized by high symptoms of dissociation and a history of sexual assault, contributing to the understanding of PTSD's course and accurate classification.
Research reveals that smoking, head injury, and pesticide exposure may increase the risk of REM sleep behavior disorder, a rare condition where people act out their dreams. The study also found that farming work and lower education levels were associated with a higher risk of developing the disorder.
A study of 8,466 police responders found that 5.4% had full PTSD, while 15.4% exhibited subsyndromal symptoms associated with elevated rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders and functional difficulties.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that mild TBI can cause structural disruption of axons and alter neuronal firing patterns. This discovery advances research on posttraumatic disorders and enables better understanding of long-lasting neurological issues following a head injury.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a novel target for treating stress-linked disorders: a protein called HDAC6. By modulating glucocorticoid signaling in serotonin neurons, HDAC6 may provide a path towards resilience to stress.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that chronic stress triggers the production and accumulation of insoluble tau protein aggregates inside brain cells, similar to neurofibrillary tangles. This may explain why people prone to stress are more likely to develop sporadic Alzheimer's disease.
Research from UCSF and Harvard Medical School finds that trauma significantly contributes to the HIV epidemic among women. Women with HIV are exposed to trauma at higher rates than the general population, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor treatment outcomes.
Research reveals that repeated stress affects memory by reducing glutamate receptors in the prefrontal cortex, impairing high-level cognitive processes. The study provides critical insight into how chronic stress influences mental illnesses and offers potential targets for prevention and treatment.
Researchers found that chronic stress in adolescence leads to a loss of glutamate receptor expression and function, resulting in impaired memory and recognition. Disrupting the enzymes responsible for this loss may prevent cognitive impairment induced by repeated stress exposure.
A study found that Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with mental health diagnoses, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder, are more likely to receive prescription opioid medications for pain-related conditions. This increases their risk of misuse and adverse clinical outcomes compared to those without mental health diagnoses.
A study of 6,712 preadolescent and adolescent girls found that higher vitamin D intake was associated with a lower risk of developing stress fractures. In contrast, dairy and calcium intakes were unrelated to the risk of stress fractures.
Research suggests that T cells play a role in stress-dependent hypertension, and that medications targeting the immune system may also help control anxiety disorders. Mice studies found that T cell deficiency led to reduced blood pressure sensitivity to stress.
Research shows that stress changes how people weigh risk and reward, leading to a greater emphasis on the upside of possible outcomes. This can impact decision-making in various areas, including job choices and addiction. Additionally, stress affects how men and women perceive risk differently.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that depression is associated with shorter telomeres and a low cortisol state, suggesting that stress plays an important role in depression. The study's findings have implications for understanding the aging process and developing treatment strategies.
A new Harvard study found that children who don't conform to traditional gender roles are more likely to experience physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Researchers also discovered that these individuals are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by early adulthood.
A study shows that unemployment stress is more closely tied to local green space than age, income, or deprivation. The presence of parks and woodland in economically deprived areas can help people cope with job losses and reduce cortisol levels.
Researchers discovered a novel intracellular signaling pathway controlling stress-induced CRH gene expression, revealing a key role for Orthopedia protein in stress adaptation. This regulation is critical for neuronal adaptation and failure to activate or terminate the CRH response can lead to chronic pathological conditions.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that acupuncture significantly reduces levels of neuropeptide Y, a protein linked to chronic stress, in rats. The study suggests that acupuncture may offer a proven therapy for stress relief, which is often difficult to treat.
A new study found that individuals with mood and anxiety disorders are more likely to abuse opioids. Non-medical prescription opioid use was associated with an increased risk of developing any mood disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and all anxiety disorders. Early identification and treatment of mood and anxiety di...
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered a novel mechanism regulating stress response in the brain, involving neurosteroids and specific receptors. Blocking these receptors may lead to new approaches for managing stress-related disorders such as depression, epilepsy, and obesity.
A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that individuals exposed to the 9/11 disaster are at risk of developing heart disease, respiratory illness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Volunteers who were not affiliated with organizations were more highly exposed to hazardous chemicals and had poorer health outcomes.
A Scripps Research Institute study found that an anti-stress peptide can prevent and reverse some cellular effects of acute alcohol and alcohol dependence in animal models. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from this peptide could play a role in treating complex disease.
Research finds that women experiencing post-partum psychiatric episodes within the first 30 days are at a higher risk of developing bipolar affective disorder. The study also suggests that the severity and type of initial episode may be important factors in predicting conversion to bipolar disorder.
A study led by Dr. Charles Marmar found that police recruits with higher cortisol awakening responses were more likely to experience acute stress symptoms in response to trauma years later. The study suggests that measuring cortisol levels could be a potential indicator for identifying those at high risk for PTSD.
Researchers used genetic tools to investigate how stress affects brain function and identify potential targets for treating stress-related disorders. The study provides clues on how different types of stress alter genes and brain function, shedding light on behavior and mood changes in stress-related illnesses.
Researchers have identified two new drugs that may be effective in treating bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by mood swings between mania and depression. The drugs target the NKA enzyme and ERK protein, which are abnormally active in people with bipolar disorder.
A new study by Oregon State University found that men experiencing persistently moderate to high levels of stressful life events have a 50% higher mortality rate. The study, which documented patterns of stress over 18 years, identified protective factors such as good health and moderate drinking habits.
A study from the University of Rochester found that chronic stress disrupts a mother's natural stress response, leading to problematic parenting behaviors. Mothers with higher depressive symptoms exhibited hyperactive stress responses, resulting in harsh and reactive parenting.
A systemic review found atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone to be effective for behavioral symptoms in dementia and generalized anxiety disorder. However, evidence did not support their use for substance abuse or eating disorders, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing.
Research reveals a strong association between stress and tumor aggressiveness in black and Hispanic breast cancer patients, compared to white patients. The study found that higher levels of psychosocial stress were linked to more aggressive tumors, suggesting potential impact on treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that African Americans experiencing racial discrimination had higher levels of oxidative stress, a potential pathway for cardiovascular and other age-related disease risks. The study suggests that psychological stress from racial discrimination may contribute to racial health disparities.
A study published in Journal of Traumatic Stress found that college students showed increased stress responses to negative visual images, even those not directly exposed to the 9/11 attacks. The research suggests a broader impact on psychological processes, rethinking the severity spectrum for distress reactions.
A study found a link between a serotonin transporter gene variant and PTSD risk, suggesting the gene may predict symptom development after trauma. The researchers also discovered that this gene is associated with depression following life stress, highlighting its potential role in mental health.
Bipolar disorder affects 3% of the general population, with significant functional limitations and high rates of psychiatric hospitalization in children and adolescents. The diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder in adolescents include mania, euphoria, and irritability, while mixed episodes are common in this age group.
A study by Concordia University economists found that workers in high-stress jobs visit doctors more often, with a 26% increase in healthcare utilization. The study also estimated that workplace stress costs US companies $68 billion annually and reduces productivity by 10%.
Researchers pinpointed a novel mechanism involving β-arrestin-1, β2-adrenoreceptors, and catecholamines in chronic stress-induced DNA damage, which can lead to various disorders including cancer, aging, and neuropsychiatric conditions.
A survey of 4,639 Virginia Tech students found that 15.4% experienced high levels of posttraumatic stress three to four months after the shootings. The study suggests that social relationships and anxiety about friend safety were key factors in symptoms of posttraumatic stress.
A study published in JAMA found that adding risperidone to ongoing antidepressant therapy did not reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans with chronic, treatment-resistant symptoms. The researchers concluded that the data do not support widespread prescription of risperidone for this patient population.
A study published in JAMA Network found that women who experience gender-based violence have a higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders, including anxiety, mood disorder, and substance use disorder. The researchers also found that the association is particularly strong for exposure to multiple forms of GBV.
Residents of Sri Lanka who were internally displaced during the civil conflict have a higher prevalence of war-related mental health conditions. The study found that displacement is significantly associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
New research shows that Australian women who experience gender-based violence have a higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders, dysfunction, and disability. Around 15% of women report sexual assault, with those experiencing multiple types of violence facing even higher rates of mental illness.
A randomized controlled trial found that narrative exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in former child soldiers in Uganda compared to other therapies. The treatment was conducted by community-based lay therapists without a mental health background, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers has identified a mechanism in the brain that explains why people form long-lasting memories of stressful events. The discovery could lead to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related psychiatric disorders.
People with bipolar disorder experience excessive positive emotions, even in neutral situations, which can lead to reckless behavior and relationship problems. This persistent positivity may serve as an early warning sign for relapse.
A new study found that acute stress can increase alcohol consumption by altering its effects, while chronic stress may prolong recovery from a stressful event. The study's results suggest that using alcohol to cope with stress may actually make a person's response to stress worse.