A large-scale study of 9 million Swedish individuals reveals that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia share common genetic causes, with heritability rates of 64% and 59%, respectively. This finding challenges the long-held distinction between the two conditions, suggesting a reappraisal of their diagnostic entities.
A study published in Neurology found that people with REM sleep behavior disorder have an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson's. The five-year risk was estimated to be 18%, while the 10-year and 12-year risks were 41% and 52%, respectively.
Researchers identified FKBP12, a protein regulating mTOR activity, as key to understanding autism and OCD in mice. The study found enhanced synaptic plasticity and contextual memory but also perseverative and repetitive behaviors, common in individuals with these disorders.
A study reveals a link between dysregulation of a common signaling pathway and repetitive behaviors associated with multiple neurological disorders. Deletion of FK506-binding protein is associated with enhanced mTOR signaling, synaptic plasticity, and memory deficits.
Decreasing FKBP12 gene activity in mice disrupted neuron-to-neuron communication, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and repetitive behaviors. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disease.
Researchers at Indiana University have created a comprehensive map of genes likely involved in bipolar disorder, identifying hundreds of genes that contribute to the illness. The study also lays the groundwork for personalized treatments and preventive measures using genetic risk scores.
A recent clinical trial has shown remarkable results for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with 7 out of 10 participants experiencing a substantial reduction in symptoms after deep cerebral stimulation. The treatment, which involves targeting the subthalamic nucleus in the brain, offers a promising alternative to tradi...
The Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository has received two major NIH awards to support investigations into the genetics of mental disorders, metabolic diseases, and digestive health. The funds will enable researchers to study the genetic causes of complex diseases such as autism, bipolar disorder, and diabetes.
A new genetic association study found associations between six mouse genes and specific human anxiety disorders, including social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The study suggests that these genes may play a role in predisposing individuals to developing an anxiety disorder.
A Yale researcher suggests that a competition between brain areas can explain why people forget tasks, such as dropping off dry cleaning. This 'dry cleaning effect' involves the interaction between the striatum and hippocampus, which may be relevant to understanding mental illnesses like obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A study of 115 children with bipolar disorder found that nearly half continued to experience manic episodes as adults and showed similar rates of substance use disorders. The findings support the existence of child bipolar disorder and highlight the need for further research on its neurobiology and prevention strategies.
A new study by Lifespan researchers found that young children as young as four can develop full-blown obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and exhibit similar characteristics to older kids. The study, published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, analyzed 58 children with OCD between the ages of four and eight.
A recent study found associations between variations in ghrelin genes and increased risk of heavy alcohol consumption and obesity. The research suggests that the ghrelin system may play a role in the brain-reward systems underlying addictive behaviors, including compulsive overeating and drug dependence.
A Université de Montréal study found that controlling parents foster an obsessive passion for hobbies in children, whereas supportive parents promote a harmonious relationship. The research, which analyzed 588 musicians and athletes, suggests that excessive parental involvement can hinder a child's autonomy and enjoyment of their favor...
A new scale identifies consumers with a strong urge to buy, regular spending habits, and difficulty resisting impulse purchases. The study found approximately 8.9% of the population are compulsive shoppers, linked to materialism, reduced self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress.
Researchers found that individuals tend to use exploration or exploitation search modes depending on the task demands, but also exhibit a tendency to continue searching in the same way across domains. This suggests a possible link between spatial and abstract search mechanisms.
A recent study found that children born to older fathers are at higher risk of developing bipolar disorder. The study, which analyzed data from over 13,000 patients with bipolar disorder, suggests that advancing paternal age may be associated with an increased risk of complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
The ECNP consensus statement on bipolar depression highlights the disease's significant impact on functioning, social relationships, and employment. Early onset of bipolar disorder is associated with a severe burden of disease, particularly during acute depressive episodes.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University found that two brain areas handle complex rules: the prefrontal cortex controls rule changes and parietal cortex controls number switches. This discovery may lead to enhanced understanding of mental illnesses with impaired rule-changing abilities.
A large genetic analysis implicates machinery involved in sodium and calcium balance in brain cells in bipolar disorder. Variation in two genes showed the strongest association with bipolar disorder.
Researchers found that dopamine strengthens the 'go' circuit and weakens the 'stop' circuit in the brain, leading to compulsive behavior and addictive tendencies. The study also shows how Parkinson's patients' reduced dopamine levels lead to frozen motor skills.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered under-active brain regions associated with genetic risk for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity in patients with OCD and their family members, showing impaired function in areas controlling flexible behavior.
A meta-analysis of D-cycloserine and fear extinction found that the medication improves the effectiveness of behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. Tolerance may develop to its effects, suggesting it should be used before therapy sessions to enhance brain responsiveness.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology consensus statement highlights differences between unipolar and bipolar depression in diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment. The statement aims to optimize pharmacotherapy and clinical outcomes for patients with bipolar depression.
A recent study suggests that serotonin levels affect our sense of fairness, leading to increased impulsivity and aggression when unfair offers are made. The findings may help explain social difficulties associated with disorders like depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that low serotonin levels are associated with increased impulsivity, particularly during social interactions. The study suggests that boosting serotonin levels through diet or therapy may help alleviate symptoms of depression, OCD, and anxiety disorders.
A randomized controlled trial found that exposure therapy was more effective than cognitive restructuring in preventing PTSD in individuals with acute stress disorder. Exposure therapy reduced distress ratings and promoted full remission, suggesting its potential as an early intervention for high-risk patients.
Young children with OCD can benefit from a tailored form of psychotherapy, known as family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that addresses their unique developmental needs and family context. The study found that 74% of patients who completed the CBT program achieved remission, compared to 20% in the relaxation treatment group.
Researchers found a clear dissociation between OCD and Tourette's dimensions in terms of brain activity, working memory, and attention. This distinction could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for both conditions by prioritizing the identification and addressement of OCD symptoms.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University researchers found that bipolar disorder is being overdiagnosed, with 43.4% of patients not receiving a valid diagnosis. This can lead to unnecessary medication side effects, highlighting the need for standardized diagnostic methods.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that healthcare staff's emotional reactions to substance abuse patients with personality disorders depend on the type of disorder. Patients with antisocial personality disorder elicit feelings of distance, while those with avoidant personality disorder induce feelings of helpfulness.
Social anxiety disorder is a chronic and pernicious condition that can lead to depression and substance abuse in adulthood. Research highlights the importance of understanding its neurobiological underpinnings, including increased amygdala activity and heritable temperamental traits.
A study published in Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health found that pathological gamblers exhibit cognitive rigidity, which hinders their ability to learn from mistakes. This rigidity affects the prefrontal region of the brain, leading to impulsive behavior and compulsive gambling.
Researchers at UTMB will study brain's electrochemical signaling system to develop new anti-addiction drugs, potentially benefiting compulsive overeaters as well. The four-year program aims to find effective treatments for substance abuse and addiction.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University suggests that the DSM-IV criteria for eating disorders have limited clinical utility. The study found that patients diagnosed with 'not otherwise specified' (NOS) eating disorder often met the criteria for subthreshold variants of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
Experiments with rats reveal that severing connections between striatal regions decreases compulsive cocaine seeking behavior, highlighting the key role of the striatum in addiction. The findings suggest a complex neural mechanism underlying drug addiction development.
Researchers discovered significant changes in brain activity with intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy, leading to improved symptoms and reduced anxiety. The study suggests that this type of therapy may be more effective than previously thought, with potential implications for treatment.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers reveals that the majority of psychiatry outpatients have more than one disorder when seeking treatment. The study found that patients with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder had the highest number of diagnoses.
A study found that providing a biological and genetic explanation for anorexia nervosa reduced blame towards individuals with the disorder. The research suggests that disseminating accurate information about the underlying causes of anorexia can help decrease stigma.
Researchers find that adenosine, a sleep-inducing brain chemical, plays a central role in deep brain stimulation's success. The technique disrupts abnormal nerve signals and alleviates symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders.
Research suggests that maintaining consistent sleep schedules and regular physical activity can help balance the circadian system and reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder. Studies found that patients who participated in interpersonal and social rhythm therapy experienced longer periods without new episodes of mania or depression.
Researchers found that alcohol dependence and conduct disorder are associated with a high number of sex partners among young adults. The study found that 45% of those with alcohol dependence reported having 10 or more partners, compared to 37% of those with conduct disorder.
People with BDD perceive themselves as ugly and disfigured, despite normal brains. Functional imaging reveals abnormal brain processing of visual details, with the left side activated more often than in controls.
Researchers found that former anorexics showed distinct brain pattern differences, particularly in emotional response regions. Their brains were more focused on consequences and planning, suggesting a persistent risk of obsessive thinking. This study may lead to better understanding and treatment development for anorexia nervosa.
A new study found that individuals with alcohol dependence and conduct disorder have a high number of sex partners, increasing their risk for unintended pregnancies, infections, and reproductive health damage. Researchers also suggested that college campuses and healthcare staff play crucial roles in addressing this issue.
Researchers found increased brain activity in children with bipolar disorder when encoding happy faces and irritability when angry faces, suggesting a neural basis for mania. The study also revealed reduced memory for emotional faces in children with bipolar disorder compared to typically developing peers.
Cambridge researchers identified distinct brain patterns in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and their close family members. This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnosis and prediction of OCD risk, as well as a better understanding of the underlying causes of the condition.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have received a $2.2 million grant to develop therapeutics for suppressing cocaine cravings by targeting 5-HT2 receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in controlling a person's desire to use drugs.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology emphasizes the need for early intervention and preventive measures for mental disorders. The vast majority of people with mental disorders remain untreated, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
The Vanderbilt Conte Center for Neuroscience Research will investigate the role of serotonin in brain development and function, seeking to understand genetic variability's impact on mental health. The center aims to translate laboratory discoveries into improved treatments for mental illnesses, including depression and autism.
A University of Iowa professor has identified a new eating disorder called purging disorder, which is characterized by women eating normal or small amounts of food and then purging. The disorder differs from bulimia nervosa in terms of the amount of food consumed and the compensation methods used.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found a substantial increase in office-based visit diagnoses for bipolar disorder among youth from 1994 to 2003. This growth was accompanied by rising prescription rates for mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Researchers discovered that mice without a key brain protein exhibited OCD-like behavior, including compulsive grooming and anxiety. Restoring the protein improved behaviors, suggesting a possible synaptic defect as the cause of OCD-like symptoms.
Researchers created OCD-like behaviors in mice using genetic engineering and reversed them with antidepressants and targeted a key brain circuit. The study suggests new strategies for treating the disorder by understanding the role of the SAPAP3 gene in glutamate-mediated communications.
A preliminary study of 85 patients with bipolar disorder shows that modafinil can improve depressive symptoms, with 44% of participants reporting improved symptoms and 39% experiencing remission after six weeks.
The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database offers a comprehensive resource for researchers to identify genes linked to bipolar disorder, utilizing over 5,000 patients' clinical data and DNA samples. This database complements existing genetic data and enables researchers to correlate specific symptoms with genetic material.
A Northwestern University study found that electrical activity in the brain is altered within 200 milliseconds when viewing subliminal emotional expressions, leading to biased ratings of facial expressions. Those with anxiety tend to exhibit stronger brain responses to fear-primed expressions.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati will use functional MRI and MRS to study brain chemistry in response to different treatments. The goal is to better understand the disease, identify early warning signs, and personalize treatment plans.
Researchers found that a drug originally developed to fight tuberculosis can help people with OCD make more progress in therapy, with participants reporting less distress and anxiety. The drug, D-Cycloserine, is believed to accelerate extinction learning and will be studied on smokers who want to quit.
Non-compliance with dermatologic treatment is a widespread issue, and physicians can improve compliance by establishing strong patient-physician relations, choosing suitable medications, and using effective education materials. Research shows that addressing non-adherence can lead to better success for patients with psoriasis and other...