Researchers discovered that ghrelin is required for prolonged psychosocial stress to promote preference for high-fat food in mice. A ketogenic diet also suppresses seizures by reducing adenosine levels, while HDL from patients with coronary artery disease has different effects on blood vessel lining cells compared to healthy individuals.
Researchers found that ghrelin hormone is required for prolonged psychosocial stress to promote preference and intake of high-fat food in mice. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for curbing stress-related food behavior.
Researchers have discovered a protein called SIRT6 that improves DNA repair efficiency under oxidative stress, potentially leading to treatments for premature aging and cancer. The study found that increasing SIRT6 levels primed the cells to respond to DNA damage, allowing for faster repair of double strand breaks.
A new study found that frequent communication through letters and emails with spouses during deployment can protect against PTSD symptoms in happily married soldiers. However, this benefit only applies to soldiers with higher levels of marital satisfaction.
A 3-year longitudinal study involving 200 middle school teachers and 20 H.I.S.D. schools investigates the impact of teacher stress on student behavior and achievement. The research team combines innovative multi-method approaches to assess stress and teacher effectiveness, using ecological momentary assessment, physiological measuremen...
A new clinical research study is comparing the effectiveness of two medications, quetiapine and lithium, in treating bipolar disorder. The study, funded by a $10 million grant from AHRQ, aims to improve long-term treatment for patients with bipolar disorder.
Researchers at Indiana University suggest that postural control problems may be a core feature of bipolar disorder, affecting areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. The study found that participants with bipolar disorder displayed increased postural sway, particularly when eyes were closed.
A new study led by Concordia University suggests that children of parents with bipolar disorder are more sensitive to stress due to elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone produced in response to anxiety and was previously found to be higher in these children, but this study is the first to show its role in mood disorders.
Researchers at ISU have discovered a new pathway that allows plants to activate a response to environmental stress, leading to reduced yields. Understanding this pathway could lead to the development of crops that can tolerate stress and maintain high productivity.
A team of neuroscientists has discovered a critical 'chemical pathway' in the brain that triggers our response to stress. The study found that increasing production of a protein called neuropsin in the amygdala leads to increased activity and vulnerability to stress.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh has shed light on how older people experience memory loss, revealing a stress hormone receptor's role in this process. The research found that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, activate brain processes contributing to memory impairment.
A study of 6,831 adolescent girls found that participating in high-impact sports like basketball, running, and gymnastics/cheerleading increases the risk of developing stress fractures. Family history of osteoporosis and low bone mass density also plays a significant role.
A large population-based study found that even mild stress can lead to long-term disability and an inability to work. Higher levels of stress at the start of the study were associated with a significantly greater likelihood of receiving disability benefits, with up to 70% more likely for those with mild stress.
A new study finds that larger hippocampal volumes are linked to recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implying that the hippocampus may play a role in reversing damage caused by chronic stress. The research suggests that treatment for PTSD could be viewed as a form of brain restoration, rather than just symptom relief.
A randomized trial found hydrocortisone therapy reduced hospital-acquired pneumonia rates by 35.6% compared to placebo, resulting in shorter mechanical ventilation-free days and ICU stays. Corticosteroid insufficiency was also associated with higher pneumonia rates.
A new study reveals a previously unrecognized susceptibility factor for bipolar disorder, with genetic variation in the neurocan (NCAN) gene associated with an increased risk. The findings suggest that NCAN variants may disturb neuronal processes in patients with bipolar disorder, leading to cognitive deficits.
A study published in Journal of Traumatic Stress found that virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in active duty military service members, with 62% reporting clinically meaningful change. The innovative treatment uses multi-sensory virtual reality to safely access and process traumatic memories.
A mega-analysis of brain imaging data found that individuals with bipolar disorder who took lithium had increased hippocampal and amygdala volumes compared to those not taking the medication. Lithium treatment also restored cerebral volume reductions associated with longer illness duration.
The study found that three urocortin proteins play a central role in regulating stress responses and shutting down the stress response. Genetically engineered mice lacking these proteins showed impaired recovery from stress, highlighting their importance in returning to normal behavior.
A new UT MD Anderson study finds that brief pre-surgery stress management training can improve immune outcomes and lower mood disturbances in men with early-stage prostate cancer. The study's results suggest that managing stress has biological as well as psychological benefits, which may have an effect on aspects of disease.
A new study reveals complex molecular mechanisms associated with chronic stress and its link to depression. The research found that genetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, play a crucial role in determining susceptibility to depression.
A recent study by the University of Miami found that 35% of children experienced moderate to severe posttraumatic stress symptoms almost two years after Hurricane Charley, and those who still showed signs of stress at nine months were likely to persist with symptoms another year later. Social support from peers was also found to be cru...
Researchers found that nearly 95.6% of 3,271 civilian WTC survivors reported posttraumatic stress symptoms and 15% screened positive for PTSD two years after the disaster. The study identified five predictors of PTSD: late evacuation initiation, high floor exposure, dust cloud exposure, personal horror, and employer fatalities.
Researchers found that stress activates memory recall of unrelated experiences in laboratory rats, which may offer insights into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. The study's results suggest that traumatic stress can reactivate non-traumatic memories, linking them to the traumatic experience.
A study found that integrating smoking cessation treatment with mental health care for PTSD resulted in higher rates of prolonged smoking abstinence among military veterans. The treatment, known as integrated care (IC), was more effective than referral to specialized cessation treatment.
A study of 66 surgeons found that duration of surgery and blood loss are associated with increased stress scores, while night duty is linked to lower stress arousal scores. The authors argue that improving working conditions for surgeons, including reducing night duty, can lead to better patient care and reduced errors.
University of Cincinnati researchers found that pleasurable activities like tasty foods and sex can reduce stress by weakening anxiety responses in the brain. The findings suggest a long-term benefit and could potentially provide strategies for intervening in metabolic disorders.
Research from Concordia University suggests a link between adolescent stress and the development of mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder in adulthood. High cortisol levels in adolescence have been found to persist into young adulthood, doubling the risk for developing a serious mood disorder.
A study examining over 3 million veterans found that those with bipolar disorder were more likely to die by suicide than any other psychiatric diagnosis. The risk was highest in men with bipolar disorder, followed by depression, substance use disorders, and PTSD.
A new approach, Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), improves communication between child and caregiver to prevent chronic and sub-clinical PTSD in 73 percent of children. The intervention also promotes recovery more quickly than a comparison intervention.
A new study by USC researchers found that stressed men have diminished brain activity in regions responsible for understanding others' feelings, whereas stressed women show increased coordination. This sex difference is linked to the effects of stress on social behavior and empathy.
The study compares and contrasts various global PTSD treatment guidelines, highlighting differences that can lead to confusion. The researchers emphasize the importance of trauma-focused psychological interventions as the most effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder.
A study by Dr. Klaus Hansen's group at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, reveals that external stressors can activate genes responsible for cellular development and function.
Research by Alice Schmidt examined stress in young horses during initial training, finding that mounting is a significant source of stress. However, exercise and proper training can alleviate stress levels over time. Gentle handling from the start is crucial to develop a strong bond between horse and rider.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that cancer patients who die in hospitals or ICUs have worse quality of life, compared to those dying at home with hospice services. Caregivers of patients who died in ICUs are also at higher risk for developing PTSD and prolonged grief disorder.
Research found that chronic stress increases cancer spread by 30-fold in stressed mice compared to unstressed controls. Stress alters the biology of immune cells, promoting metastasis to distant organs. Beta blockers blocked this effect, suggesting potential prevention strategies.
Researchers have found that traumatic stress can be passed down to future generations through epigenetic changes, affecting gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This discovery has opened up new avenues for understanding the long-term effects of trauma on mental health.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have discovered a link between chronic stress and heart attacks using hair cortisol levels as a biological marker. The study found that heart attack patients had higher cortisol levels in their hair samples compared to control group, suggesting chronic stress as a contributing factor.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that Hsp12, a stress protein, folds into helical structures to stabilize cell membranes against leaks and ruptures under various types of stress including heat shock, oxidative stress, and osmotic stress
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago found that marriage and committed relationships significantly lower cortisol levels and increase testosterone production in response to psychological stress. The findings suggest that long-term monogamous relationships can have a dampening effect on stress hormones.
Research from the University of Gothenburg found a link between middle age stress and late-life dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. Women who reported repeated periods of stress in middle age were 65% more likely to develop dementia.
A University of Colorado School of Medicine study found that incorporating mentoring and group skill-building intervention programs for children in foster care may help improve mental health outcomes. The study demonstrated that treatment groups reported fewer symptoms of depression, dissociation, and posttraumatic stress, and better q...
A completed clinical trial found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly improved symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who had failed traditional treatments. Eighty percent of trial participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with notable improvements in workability and emotional regulation.
Research suggests that female brains are more responsive to low levels of a key stress hormone and less able to adapt to high levels compared to male brains. This may help explain the higher incidence of depression, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders among women.
A flexible treatment intervention that combines cognitive behavior therapy, medication, and computer-assisted support significantly improved anxiety symptoms and functional disability in patients with common anxiety disorders. The study found a 63.66% response rate and 51.49% remission rate compared to usual care.
A new study found that stress can aggravate the impact of prior streptococcal infection on symptoms of Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The researchers identified a link between psychosocial stress and worsening tic and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity in children with Tourette syndrome and OCD.
A recent study reveals that women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) have distinct biological responses to stress and pain, differing from those with major depression. The findings suggest that PMDD is a separate entity from depression, warranting more precise treatments.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital has found that a widely-used screening tool for bipolar disorder may incorrectly identify borderline personality disorder. The research team tested the accuracy of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and found that it misidentified patients with borderline personality disorder, leading to potent...
Research found that high stress levels in mothers are associated with differences in immune function markers in cord blood, which may increase the risk of asthma and allergy in offspring. The study suggests a link between prenatal stress and the development of asthma later in life.
Researchers found stress and poor coping mechanisms are common among people who grind their teeth at night. Stress has been implicated in the development of sleep bruxism, which can lead to tooth wear, sensitivity, and muscle pain.
A study of Rwandan genocide survivors found that genetic variations in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene affect PTSD risk. Survivors with certain genetic markers showed increased resilience to stress-related problems, while others were more vulnerable. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between t...
Researchers found that depression is associated with spikes in cortisol levels for both boys and girls after stress tests. However, higher cortisol reactions to stress are only linked to obesity in girls. Early treatment of depression could help reduce stress and control obesity in this demographic.
A recent study found that early life stress can predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Researchers used a proven model of chronic behavioral stress on rat pups and found that animals with early life stress had increased blood pressure and inflammation in their blood vessel walls upon reaching adulthood.
Researchers from the University of Western Ontario detected cortisol in ancient Peruvian hair samples to understand how our ancestors responded to life-changing experiences like illness and disease. The study found high stress levels right before death, but also multiple episodes of stress throughout their final years of life.
Research found four alterations in RORB gene associated with pediatric bipolar disorder, linking circadian rhythm abnormalities to the condition. The study suggests that clock genes may be important candidates for further investigation into bipolar disorder's molecular basis.
A clinical trial found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate daily for two weeks reduced stress hormone levels and corrected other stress-related biochemical imbalances. This study provides strong evidence for the potential benefits of dark chocolate in reducing emotional stress.
A recent study by the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found that adolescents with conduct disorder symptoms are more likely to exhibit problem gambling behaviors. The study of 2,274 youth between 14-21 years old showed a strong correlation between increasing conduct disorder symptoms and problem gambling symptoms.
Research reveals strong correlation between prolonged stress and increased risk of large vessel disease, small vessel disease, and cryptogenic stroke. Stress may be related to behaviors such as smoking and physical inactivity that increase stroke susceptibility.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine developed an integrated treatment program combining cognitive processing therapy for PTSD and cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain management. The pilot study found significant benefits in reducing symptoms of PTSD and chronic pain among veterans.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that nearly half of young adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder between ages 18-25 may recover by age 30. The study suggests a possible link to brain development and social changes during emerging adulthood.