The number of outpatient health care visits for antipsychotic medications among children and adolescents in the US increased six-fold between 1993 and 2002. Diagnoses included disruptive behavior disorder, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. Further research is needed to confirm safety and efficacy.
A recent study found that patients with diabetes who take an antidepressant medication after recovering from depression experience significantly lower rates of depression and better blood glucose control. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests that controlling depression can help manage blood sugar levels.
A study of 152 patients with diabetes found that taking sertraline significantly reduced the risk of depression recurrence. After one year, 65.8% of patients remained in remission compared to 47.9% on placebo.
The STEPPS program, developed by Nancee Blum and colleagues, enhances standard treatment for borderline personality disorder with group meetings focusing on self-awareness and behavioral skills. Researchers in the Netherlands report a significant reduction in hospitalization days and improved symptoms among participants.
A clinical trial tested maintenance therapy to prevent depression recurrence in patients 70 years and older. The study found that long-term antidepressant medication and psychotherapy were effective, but specific types of psychotherapy may be needed for this population.
A long-term controlled trial found that continuing antidepressants for two years can reduce the chance of another depressive episode by 60 percent. Interpersonal psychotherapy was not effective in preventing new episodes of depression in this age group.
Research suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is influenced by multiple factors, including neuroticism, introversion, and genetics. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exercise therapy have been found to be effective in managing symptoms.
Research suggests that people in middle-income areas are more likely to respond to depression treatment than those in low-income areas. The study found an inverse relationship between median household income and suicidality, with low-income areas having a higher risk of suicidal behavior.
A recent study examined the impact of the 1988 Spitak earthquake on adolescents in Armenia and found that psychotherapy provided sustained benefits even 1.5 years post-disaster. Untreated adolescents had higher levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms, while treated adolescents saw significant improvements in their conditions.
A four-year study will investigate the effectiveness of two behavioral interventions for adults with Tourette syndrome, with a focus on tic severity. The study complements an existing research program that explores similar treatments in children, funded by NIH.
Researchers found a twofold increase in adolescent depression visits between 1995 and 2002, with medication use rising from 47% to 52% and psychotherapy dropping from 83% to 68%. SSRIs accounted for 76% of prescribed antidepressants during this period.
A large cohort study found a significant association between panic disorder and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 40,000 patients, suggests that cardiologists and internists should monitor patients with panic disorder to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) has been found to be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, helping patients manage daily routines and relationships to prevent mania and depression. The study suggests that IPSRT is particularly beneficial for individuals with more regular social routines and better physical health.
A new study found that telephone-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (T-CBT) significantly improved depression symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The treatment was more effective than supportive emotion-focused therapy (T-SEFT) and showed lasting gains.
A study published in JAMA found that anesthesia-assisted rapid opioid detoxification is not more effective than other treatment methods and can be associated with health risks. Only 11% of patients continued in treatment for 12 weeks, highlighting the need for effective relapse prevention strategies.
Researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is as effective as electro-shock therapy in alleviating severe depression. However, TMS has fewer side effects, particularly memory impairment. Patients treated with TMS showed significant improvement in mood without affecting the hippocampus.
A new study suggests that antidepressants can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and death among patients who have had a heart attack and are experiencing depression. The ENRICHD study found that patients taking antidepressants had a 43% lower risk of death or recurrent non-fatal heart attack, compared to those not taking them.
The Lancet emphasizes the need for open discussion to understand the true extent of drug use, its risks, and effective management strategies. Doctors are lacking essential knowledge due to a lack of transparency and open debate.
A newly developed treatment for severe grief, known as Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT), has been shown to be more effective than standard therapy in reducing symptoms of complicated grief and improving response rates. CGT was compared to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in a randomized controlled trial involving 83 women and 12 men.
A new treatment approach for complicated grief, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, has shown significant promise in improving symptoms and reducing emotional pain. The treatment, which combines elements of interpersonal psychotherapy with a unique two-pronged approach, was found to be more effective than a comparison th...
Researchers found that both medication (nefazodone) and psychotherapy (CBASP) are effective in treating chronic depression even when the initial treatment fails. The study showed that switching between these two treatments resulted in improved symptoms for many patients, suggesting a strong basis for adjusting treatment plans.
Researchers found that viewing past events from a third-person perspective can accentuate changes made, increasing motivation to pursue personal goals. This shift in perspective also influences behavior, with individuals who recall awkward social situations from a third-person view exhibiting improved social skills.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that viewing past events from a third-person perspective emphasizes the meaning of an event and accentuates changes. This technique can help individuals see positive progress and improve behavior, leading to greater satisfaction with their efforts.
Researchers found changes in prefrontal brain function during a placebo lead-in predicted adverse effects in subjects who received an antidepressant. This study's unique design uses quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) imaging technique cordance to identify individuals at risk of side effects.
A six-month study led by Helen Mayberg found that deep brain stimulation improved mood and reduced symptoms in severely depressed patients, with three achieving remission. The procedure was well-tolerated, with no psychological side effects reported.
A study found that living in socially deprived areas increases psychological distress, leading to higher rates of depression and injection drug use. Needle exchange programs and employment assistance can improve neighborhood quality and reduce stressors.
A quality improvement intervention for adolescents improved depressive symptoms, mental health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with mental health care. The program also increased access to evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy and counseling.
A collaborative care program for adolescent depression in primary care clinics significantly reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, and increases access to effective treatments. The study suggests that clinicians can effectively treat youth depression with a team-based approach.
A study of 28 individuals with acrophobia found that combining D-cycloserine (DCS) with virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduced fear of heights, with effects lasting at least three months. The treatment works by facilitating 'fear extinction' in the brain, a process previously used to treat phobias and post-traumatic str...
A 12-week study found that combining sertraline and CBT was more effective than treatment with just one or the other in reducing symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents. CBT alone was also shown to be effective, particularly at the University of Pennsylvania site.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) alone or in combination with medication showed a substantially higher probability of improvement. The combined treatment proved more effective than CBT alone and sertraline alone in treating children and adolescents with OCD.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients use laughter to convey emotional intensity during psychotherapy, while therapists' laughter magnifies this effect. The study suggests that therapists should pay attention to when patients laugh, as it may indicate the need for further exploration of emotions.
A randomized trial found that telephone-based psychotherapy added significantly to usual care pharmacotherapy for patients with depression. The study showed improved patient-rated improvement and satisfaction rates compared to usual care.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that teens with depression experience significant improvement when treated with a combination of medication and cognitive-behavior therapy. The treatment resulted in a 71% improvement rate, compared to 60% for those taking Prozac alone or 43% for those receiving only therapy.
Research suggests that men tend to have poorer outcomes in short-term group therapy for complicated grief, with symptoms improving less among males than females. The study's findings emphasize the importance of considering patient gender when selecting treatment options.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that school-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-A) is an effective treatment for depressed adolescents. The therapy helped reduce depressive symptoms and improve overall functioning, particularly among females and Hispanic participants.
A study found that adopting the 12-step philosophy and behaviors significantly enhanced drug counseling outcomes for cocaine addiction. Changing beliefs about addiction was more highly correlated with reduced drug use than adopting the 12-step philosophy.
A NIH study found that combination therapy of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy improved treatment adherence and reduced depression in injection drug users. The study showed nearly 40% of participants fully adherent to treatment were in remission, compared to 12% without treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found that a home-based program, PEARLS, significantly improved depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in medically ill, low-income, mostly homebound older adults. The study showed promising results for non-pharmacological treatments in this vulnerable population.
A study found that care managers can significantly improve clinical outcomes for patients with depression, reducing suicidal thoughts and improving treatment response rates. The intervention, which involved structured treatment guidelines and regular follow-up, led to faster resolution of suicidal thinking in patients who received it.
A randomized controlled trial found that disulfiram significantly reduced cocaine use in adults not dependent on alcohol, while CBT showed similar effectiveness. The combination of disulfiram and CBT was particularly effective for non-alcoholic users who abstained from alcohol during the study.
Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy targets limbic and cortical regions in a distinct pattern from drug therapy, which changes chemical balance in the brain. The study suggests that brain scans may one day help doctors determine the most effective treatment for patients with depression.
A new treatment approach combines a tailored medication regimen with the RAINBOW psychotherapy program to alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder in children. The program has shown promising results, with 94% of children improving after treatment.
A recent study found that symptoms of depression are a consistent predictor of shortened survival in cancer patients. After accounting for other factors, researchers discovered that depressive symptoms were the most significant psychological indicator of poor outcomes.
A new study investigates the relationship between pain and selected medications, using genotyping to predict clinical outcomes and adjust drug therapy. By analyzing plasma concentrations of analgesics metabolized by CYP2D6, researchers aim to improve pain management therapy and reduce adverse effects.
A new study by Dr Stephen Joseph finds that emergency personnel in Northern Ireland experience high levels of psychological distress due to lack of control over their lives. Effective coping skills like anger management, emotional disclosure, and relaxation training can aid recovery from traumatic incidents.
A new study finds that pairing medication with intensive outreach and encouragement significantly reduces depressive symptoms and improves daily functioning among low-income, minority women. The treatment approach was most effective for this population compared to traditional care.
Researchers at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Georgetown University Medical Center found medication and cognitive behavioral therapy effective in treating depression among low-income minority women. Sixty percent of participants were at or below federal poverty guidelines, with many experiencing abuse and domestic violence.
Researchers found that medication and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) treatments significantly alleviated symptoms of depression in young Latinas and African-American women. The study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, confirmed that standard treatments can be effective for low-income minority women.
Researchers found that treatment helps reduce depression and feelings of isolation in patients, but it does not change the risk of future heart attacks or death. Half of the study participants received psychological counseling and behavioral therapy, while the other half got standard medical care.
Smokers who struggle with social anxiety and depression may benefit from counseling and therapy to manage negative emotions. A tailored approach to quitting smoking for introverted and depressed individuals can boost confidence and increase success rates.
A study of 61 patients with HIV-related peripheral neuropathy found that psychotherapy reduced pain intensity and improved daily life functions. However, high dropout rates and short attendance periods made it challenging to assess the treatment's effectiveness.
A study has identified genetic markers that can help guide clinical trials for anti-Alzheimer drugs, potentially leading to the development of a more manageable pool of individuals at high risk. These markers may allow researchers to winnow down the general population and focus on those with relatively higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Research suggests that irritable bowel syndrome is a discrete collection of organic bowel diseases, characterized by morphological, psychological, and physiological changes. Treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy and tricyclic antidepressants, show promise in managing symptoms.
A study of 162 patients with binge-eating disorder found that interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) was as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating the condition. Both therapies resulted in significant reductions in binge eating and improvements in quality of life.
Researchers found nicotine shows promise as an antidepressant in a Wistar-Kyoto rat model of depression. The study suggests that nicotine or nicotinic agonists could be therapeutic options for treating depressive illnesses. However, the risks associated with cigarette smoking outweigh any potential benefits.
Recent divorce can trigger emotional problem-solving during dreaming, according to Rush University Medical Center study. Volunteers who saw ex-spouse in dreams as weak or negative reported improvement after waking.
A new study aims to determine the effectiveness of drug therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination in treating major depression in teenagers. The study, administered by Northwestern University Medical School, will enroll participants between 12-17 years old with clinician-diagnosed depression.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that telling a lie and telling the truth require distinct brain activities. The research used fMRI to track brain activity in volunteers during an interrogation method, revealing increased activity in regions involved in inhibition and control when lying.
Researchers found that a new depression treatment approach, funded by NIMH, significantly reduces patient suffering and is cost-effective. The study's two-year data showed improved outcomes for patients receiving the intervention, which included training and resources for clinicians and medication or psychotherapy.