Research shows a two-way link between chronic stress and poor sleep, with both factors contributing to impaired daytime functioning. Individuals experiencing more fatigue are also more likely to report high levels of stress.
New research published by King's College London reveals that experiencing 'cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment' (CIDT) is associated with higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than physical torture. Survivors reported an average of 21 stressor events during detention or captivity, highlighting the severity of CIDT.
Researchers investigate how work-related stress affects family life, assessing stress levels through saliva samples and daily diaries. The study aims to improve the physical and psychological well-being of managers, employees, and their families.
Researchers found that genetic variants impact stress response differently in men and women. Women carrying the BDNF Val/Met genotype were shown to have a lower cortisol response than men with the same genotype, while men with the Val/Val variant exhibited higher cortisol levels.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by examining brain activity in soldiers with and without the condition. The study found that individuals with PTSD exhibit distinct brain patterns, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing and sense of self.
Researchers develop a novel approach to treating PTSD by selectively disrupting traumatic memories with a cortisol-blocking drug. The treatment's effectiveness is linked to the intensity of the initial trauma and can be administered shortly before recalling the memory.
New study finds stress-related changes in brain structure may lead to depression-like behavior and PTSD. Researchers propose that restoring hippocampal synapses could provide immediate relief from depressive symptoms.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that work stress among urban police officers is significantly associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and intimate partner abuse. The study identified five major categories of stressors, including exposure to criti...
Children and teens of parents with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of developing bipolar spectrum disorder and other psychiatric disorders, according to a study. The risk is higher for those with two parents having bipolar disorder, with an increased likelihood of early-onset bipolar disorder and mood disorders.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have identified a new stress response mechanism in the brain, where stress triggers a protein that removes the ability to slow down the stress response. This finding may lead to a better understanding of the changes in sensitivity to stress resulting from chronic exposure.
A study of 1,698 young adults found that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were more likely to attempt suicide than those exposed to traumatic events without developing PTSD. The researchers suggest that PTSD may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior.
Research by Dr. Don Kurtz found that men and women in the police force deal with stress differently, which can cause more stress for both genders. Women often feel excluded from war stories and have better coping mechanisms for violent cases.
Researchers discovered that post-traumatic stress disorder impacts stroke patients' recovery and ability to resume normal life, even with minor brain damage. Early testing using simple questionnaires could lead to significant improvements in subarachnoid hemorrhage patient outcomes.
Chronic stress can lead to neglected oral hygiene habits, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help maintain healthy teeth and gums, reducing stress's negative impact on overall health and potentially lowering healthcare expenses.
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.
Research published in BMC Medicine found a significant association between metabolic syndrome and PTSD after controlling for other factors. Veterans with higher severity of PTSD were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome.
A study by Emory University School of Medicine and CDC found childhood trauma increases CFS risk six-fold, with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms further exacerbating the risk. Low cortisol levels are also associated with childhood trauma, suggesting they may be a marker for CFS risk rather than a symptom
Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a way to measure low levels of stress in semiconductor devices as small as 10 nanometers across. By combining two techniques - electron back scattered diffraction and confocal Raman microscopy - they resolved the long-standing disagreement between two widely used methods of stress measurement.
Neuroscientists from the University of Washington found that stress impairs rats' ability to seek out larger rewards in a maze, lasting several days. A study using rats and muscimol to inactivate the amygdala showed that stressed rats were unable to adjust their behavior and learn from experience.
Researchers found that high doses of cortisone can prevent negative consequences of stress exposure, including increased startle response and behavioral freezing. This finding suggests a possible treatment option for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in its acute phase.
Researchers found that stress activates immune cells, which initiate and perpetuate skin diseases. Blocking specific proteins prevented the increase in white blood cells, suggesting a key role for ICAM-1/LFA-1 interactions.
A new animal model study suggests that high-dose corticosterone, a cortisol-related substance, can prevent negative consequences of stress exposure in PTSD. Low-dose corticosterone potentiated these responses, indicating a dose-dependent relationship between corticosterone levels and vulnerability/resilience.
The Case Western Reserve University collaboration has trained over 80 police supervisors to identify and assist with operational stress among officers. The program aims to break the stigma around job stress, promoting a culture of openness and seeking help.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center created an animal model to study the effects of chronic stress on behavior, physiology, and reproduction. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a key neurohormone involved in stress response, and its increased expression is linked to anxiety, depression, and infertility.
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.
A study found that chewing gum helped relieve anxiety, improve alertness, and reduce stress among participants in a laboratory setting. The use of chewing gum was associated with higher alertness, reduced anxiety and stress, and improvement in overall performance on multi-tasking activities.
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.
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.
A Geisinger study found PTSD increases likelihood of heart disease death by 2x in Vietnam veterans, similar to smoking 2-3 packs/day for 20+ years. Chronic stress from PTSD causes inflammation and cardiovascular damage.
A long-term study has found that childhood stress can increase the risk of developing allergies, with higher levels of stress-related peptide VIP detected in children who experienced life events like moving house or parental separation. Researchers also found a link between stress and immune system regulation, but not severe illnesses ...
A study of 11,000 Lower Manhattan residents found that those injured during the 9/11 attacks were most likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms included hyper-vigilance, nightmares, and emotional reactions to reminders of the event.
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.
A new University of Melbourne study found that nearly one in five working women and one in eight working men experience preventable depression caused by job stress. The study estimates that more than 21,000 cases of preventable depression are caused by job stress each year.
New research reveals that family stress spillover continues in adolescents' daily lives, affecting attendance, learning problems, and academic performance. Stress lingers for up to four years, with long-term consequences on academic achievement.
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.
Breast cancer patients with a history of mood and anxiety disorders are more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after diagnosis. The study found that 16% of breast cancer patients developed PTSD within 18 months of diagnosis, with women having previous mood disorders being over twice as likely to develop the condition.
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.
Research reveals that past child abuse increases PTSD symptoms in adults, with certain gene variations amplifying the risk. The study identifies a key gene, FKBP5, which plays a crucial role in regulating stress-response systems.
Research found that variations in the FKBP5 gene, related to stress response, predict higher risk of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in adults who experienced childhood abuse. Genetic variations interact with levels of child abuse and other trauma exposure to predict PTSD symptoms.
Researchers found that acute stress activates corticotropin-releasing hormones, disrupting memory formation by disintegrating dendritic spines. Blocking CRH molecules' interaction can eliminate stress damage to these structures.
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.
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.
Children exposed to terrorist attacks show elevated symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and general anxiety disorder. Media coverage of terrorism can result in substantial distress in exposed youth.
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.
A Cornell University study found that trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD or depression exhibit persistent differences in stress response, including lower cortisol levels and prolonged negative moods.
A study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans found that men and women's brains respond differently to stress, with women exhibiting stronger lasting responses in the limbic system involved in emotion. The findings suggest a fundamental difference in stress response between genders.
This special issue of JRRD examines the clinical characteristics of military personnel with TBI and describes healthcare models providing care and support to them and their families. Topics include posttraumatic stress disorder, telemedicine systems, and neuropsychiatric perspectives on TBI.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that viral infections like poliovirus target a protein called G3BP, which helps cells respond to stress. This disruption prevents the virus from being translated into proteins and killing the cells.
A study of U.S. soldiers found that mental health concerns and needs increase several months after returning from the Iraq war, with a significant portion not being identified by initial screening. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention and better resources for DoD mental health care.
A study found that a specific brain mechanism promotes resilience to stress in mice, potentially leading to improved treatments for stress-related mental illnesses. The research identified key components of the mechanism and found similarities with human brain function.
A new mouse study found that mice who are more susceptible to social defeat show increased levels of a growth factor known as BDNF in their brains' reward circuits, which promotes plasticity and learning. Resilient mice, on the other hand, did not exhibit this chemical rise, suggesting a potential link between BDNF and human resilience.
The study found that mice with a better ability to cope with stress had increased activity of potassium channels in the brain, which counters increased nerve firing and BDNF release. In humans, depressed individuals showed a 40% increase in BDNF levels in the nucleus accumbens, suggesting a link between stress handling and depression.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism that strengthens memory connections in response to emotional stress, which may underlie why traumatic events can be more vividly remembered than everyday ones. The study found that the stress hormone norepinephrine enhances learning and memory by increasing GluR1 receptors.
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.
A study suggests that people tend to remember bad times more vividly than good times. This phenomenon is linked to increased activity in emotion-processing regions of the brain. The findings have implications for understanding autobiographical memory, eyewitness testimony, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
A new study found that high stress levels contribute to memory loss among individuals at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Those with the APOE-å4 gene variant and high cortisol levels showed significant memory impairment, suggesting a link between chronic stress and cognitive decline.
Researchers found that chronic stress intensifies inflammation and increases risk of developing central nervous system infections and diseases like multiple sclerosis. Interventions that block stress-induced IL-6 can prevent worsening of disease symptoms, suggesting a potential therapy for vulnerable populations.
A study at the University of Granada found that daily stress exacerbates lupus symptoms, but controlling stress reduces negative effects, including weight loss and joint pain. Psychological therapy significantly improved patients' quality of life and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.