A study by Joanna Fowler and colleagues found significant reductions in MAO B activity in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and spleen of smokers compared to non-smokers, with reductions ranging from 33 to 46%. The findings suggest that smoking impacts peripheral organs and highlight the need for further examination of these consequences.
Dr. Nora D. Volkow, the first woman to lead NIDA, has made significant contributions to understanding addiction through imaging studies. Her extensive publication record and awards recognize her as a leading expert in the field of drug addiction research.
Researchers at Yale University found that adolescents are more vulnerable to addictions due to brain development changes. Brain circuits involved in motivation and addiction undergo rapid changes during adolescence, leading to impulsive behaviors and increased risk of substance abuse.
A recent study by Stanford researchers found that four of the 10 studied atypicals were more effective than conventional medications in treating psychotic symptoms. The effectiveness of new antipsychotics varies from drug to drug, but they generally carry a smaller risk of severe side effects compared to older medications.
A mutation in the GRK3 gene, specifically in the promoter region, is linked to bipolar disorder in up to 10% of cases. The study suggests that this mutation causes individuals to become hypersensitive to dopamine, leading to mood extremes characteristic of the disease.
A study found that individuals with a positive paternal history of alcoholism prefer less salty and sour solutions, indicating unique taste characteristics that may contribute to protection against alcoholism. Researchers suggest that altered taste sensitivity may also play a role in the development of alcoholism risk.
A study by Northwestern University found that juvenile detainees aged 10-18 engage in significantly higher rates of HIV-risk behaviors, with 95% exhibiting multiple sexual and drug risks. Boys were more likely to engage in riskier behaviors, while girls aged 16+ were more active sexually.
A four-week study of adults with ADHD found that extended-release mixed-salts amphetamine medication significantly improved symptoms and functioning. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed no evidence of drug tolerance, according to the researchers.
Quetiapine has been shown to be statistically more effective at treating manic symptoms of bipolar disorder than placebo. The results of the clinical trials indicate rapid symptom improvement from day four and a favorable side effect profile, making it an exciting development in psychiatry.
In a clinical trial, patients taking oral topiramate were six times more likely to be continuously abstinent for at least one month. The study also showed significant reductions in plasma GGT levels, indicating improved liver health.
Researchers are testing a new stroke prevention drug, NC-758, to determine its effectiveness in reducing amyloid angiopathy-related strokes. The trial aims to assess the drug's potential benefits for patients with Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by excessive amyloid buildup.
Research supports the hypothesis that mesocortical dopamine function is impaired in schizophrenia, with decreased D2/3 receptor density associated with negative and general psychopathological symptoms. Age was also negatively correlated with D2/3 receptor density among controls.
Researchers found lower concentrations of amino acid N-acetylaspartate in the right hippocampus of males with bipolar disorder. The study suggests a progressive nature of the disease, with decreasing levels of NAA seen over time.
The American Psychiatric Association and AstraZeneca have launched an international awards programme to support young psychiatry researchers working in the fields of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The programme aims to provide vital career development support to help advance innovative research and treatment options for patients.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry reveals that high prenatal alcohol use significantly increases the risk of a child developing drinking-related problems by age 21. The research found that 14% of young adults with prenatal exposure to five or more drinks per occasion had alcohol problems, compared to just 4.5% wit...
Researchers found A-beta plaques in lenses from Alzheimer's patients, similar to those in brain tissue. The discovery could lead to a non-invasive test for disease diagnosis and tracking.
A study published in JAMA found that sibutramine, a weight loss medication, helped obese adolescents lose an average of 17.2 pounds when used in conjunction with a behavior modification program. The study also showed improvements in insulin levels and a reduction in weight regain over time.
Researchers studied 65 families with bipolar disorder and found strong genetic 'linkage' to specific regions on chromosomes 13 and 22, suggesting common genes contributing to both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These overlap genes may explain why the same anti-psychotic medications are effective treatments for both diseases.
A recent pilot study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that high-dose vitamins can reduce homocysteine levels in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The multicenter trial, known as Vital, aims to determine if these vitamins can slow the progression of the disease. Researchers are optimis...
Research at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that sleeping six hours or fewer per night leads to significant cognitive performance deficits. Even if individuals don't feel overtly sleepy, chronic sleep restriction can impair neurobiological functioning and increase the risk of accidents.
Researchers used PET scans to predict treatment response in OCD and depression patients, finding distinct brain activity patterns associated with improvement. The study demonstrates the potential of functional brain imaging to tailor psychiatric care, with implications for accelerating treatment discovery.
Researchers found that preschoolers with depression exhibit symptoms similar to those in older children and adults, including anhedonia, sadness, and low energy. The study also highlighted the importance of identifying and treating depression in young children to prevent impairment of normal development.
A comprehensive review of 73 randomized trials on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depressive illness reveals significant efficacy improvements over sham ECT, pharmacotherapy, and unipolar ECT. The study underscores the importance of ECT as a treatment option for managing severe depression.
A five-year, $10 million project recruits families with multiple anorexia members to analyze DNA and identify genes contributing to the disease. The study aims to improve detection, prevention, and treatment of anorexia nervosa, a serious illness with high mortality rates.
Researchers found cocaine users had lower dopamine and VMAT2 levels in their brains compared to non-users. Additionally, depressed cocaine users had lower VMAT2 levels than those without depression.
Researchers found that both nortriptyline and bupropion, when combined with counseling, helped smokers attain periods of abstinence but had limited effectiveness in quitting for a year. The study showed that antidepressant therapy and counseling can aid in achieving short-term abstinence for cigarette smokers.
Research suggests that the mammalian ventral tegmental area plays a critical role in mediating both rewarding and aversive properties of nicotine. Blockade of mesolimbic dopamine signaling induced by neuroleptic medications may selectively block the aversive effects of nicotine, increasing vulnerability to its addictive properties.
A genetic study found a new gene variant associated with general intelligence, located within the cathepsin D (CTSD) gene. The study, which followed 767 healthy adults over 15 years, discovered that a specific functional transition in exon 2 of CTSD increased cognitive decline.
Researchers found a significant association between the DQB1_05 and _04 alleles and sleepwalking disorder, suggesting that these genes play a role in disorders of motor control during sleep. The study identified Ser74 as a key genetic marker for sleepwalking, providing new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
Researchers describe groundbreaking cognitive therapy approach that helps people with schizophrenia identify and challenge negative thoughts, leading to significant symptom reductions. The therapy, combined with medication, offers hope for those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Researchers investigated a repeat polymorphism in the estrogen receptor alpha gene and found associations with neuroticism, psychoticism, and non-conformity. The study suggests that genetic variations in this gene may contribute to specific components of personality.
Dr. Salzman, a Columbia University professor, has been awarded the Charles E. Culpeper Scholarship in Medical Science from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. The award will support his research on understanding emotion and developing new treatments for psychiatric illness.
A new study suggests that middle-aged mice burn fewer calories during exercise, contributing to weight gain. The researchers identified the serotonin 5-HT(2c) receptor as a potential target for therapy.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the effects of antidepressant venlafaxine on clinically depressed patients. The study found that the drug produced robust alterations in the anterior cingulate area of the brain within two weeks, which may help predict treatment response.
A Stanford study found a significant link between depression and chronic pain, suggesting that pain may guide doctors to effective treatments for depressed patients. The research also indicates that continuous pain increases the likelihood of major depressive disorder diagnosis.
A meta-analysis of 29 trials found that cholinesterase inhibitors improved behavioral and functional status in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests potential benefits for improving quality of life and reducing caregiver burdens, but long-term research is needed to confirm these findings.
Research reveals cocaine causes harm to brain cells that trigger feelings of pleasure, potentially explaining addiction and depression. The study found significant lower levels of dopamine neurons in cocaine users compared to non-users.
A multicenter study identified a positive association between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a serotonergic receptor gene variant. This genetic phenotype may represent an early onset risk factor for the disorder, suggesting age of onset should be considered in molecular genetic studies.
Researchers found no significant differences in TPH protein level or 5HT2A receptor density between suicide victims and controls. The A218C polymorphism of the TPH gene was shown to alter TPH protein level, suggesting its role in serotonergic function rather than biological suicidality.
A study led by VCU researchers identified a genetic link to bulimia nervosa on chromosome 10p, building upon prior research that found the disorder's heritability. The findings aim to inform the search for effective treatments and preventative therapies for bulimia.
A recent study by Northwestern University found that nearly two thirds of boys and three fourths of girls in juvenile detention have one or more psychiatric disorders. Detained teens are also at high risk for substance abuse, with about half exhibiting dependence.
Researchers will investigate brain structures controlling responses to rewarding stimuli and their role in mood regulation. The goal is to develop new treatments for depression, which affects 20% of Americans.
A study of 39 hepatitis C patients found that 33% developed interferon-induced major depression, but 84% improved with antidepressant treatment. The research challenges the common practice of discontinuing interferon therapy for depressed patients.
A study found that an uncommon variation of the Nogo gene increases schizophrenia risk, particularly when inherited from both parents. One in five people with schizophrenia has this risk gene, and researchers hope to discover new related genes to aid diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have identified a genetic basis for aggression and anger, with the vasopressin 1b receptor playing a key role. The study found that mice without this receptor exhibit reduced aggression and impaired social recognition, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treating aggressive behavior.
Researchers have discovered a new structure in the human brain linked to learning and memory, called the marginal division (MrD). This pan-shaped structure, composed of spindle-shaped neurons, plays a key role in linking other memory-related structures.
A study found that patients with less severe drug problems at the start of treatment achieved better outcomes, regardless of treatment type or duration. Patients who remained in treatment had improved results compared to those who relapsed.
Researchers found that depression is influenced by additive genetic effects on temperament dimensions, which interact with individual environmental experiences. People predisposed to harm avoidance or high reward dependence are more likely to develop depression.
The UNC Conte Center will conduct four interrelated studies using distinct research methods to identify critical brain events triggering the development of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. The center aims to explain how certain behavioral and neurobiological factors transform normal individuals into those with schizophrenia.
A study by UT Southwestern researcher Dr. John Rush and colleagues found that long-term treatment of chronic depression can result in sustained psychosocial benefits. The therapy showed significant improvement rates among patients taking Zoloft, with only 6% relapse rate compared to 23% for the placebo group.
A recent study by Dr. Gus Thompson found that Canadians, particularly Albertans, attribute schizophrenia to genetic factors and biochemical imbalances. Although stigma remains, the study shows a positive shift in perceptions towards mental illness over the past few decades.
The research aims to identify genes contributing to the development of anorexia nervosa, a serious and potentially lethal illness. The study will build on recent genetic studies and gather data from 400 families affected by the condition.
Researchers found that 43% of participants with mild cognitive impairment had psychiatric symptoms, and 75% of those with dementia did. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and treating these symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that CREB activity in the nucleus accumbens controls behavioral responses to emotional stimuli, including those related to drug rewards and anxiety. The study suggests a potential link between addiction and depression, implicating CREB's role in brain reward regions.
A study found increased transmission of SNAP-25/DdeI variant in Irish ADHD trios, suggesting a genetic link between the SNAP gene and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential of SNAP gene variants as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found a common mutation in the DAT gene to be associated with trauma survivors who developed chronic PTSD, suggesting a genetic contribution to the disorder's development. The study implies that genetically determined variation in dopaminergic neurotransmission may play a role in shaping the pathological response to trauma.
Bipolar disorder is associated with high rates of substance abuse, with 60% of patients using stimulants. Dual-diagnosis patients require increased hospitalization and have poorer treatment response. Researchers are studying medications to reduce drug cravings and usage.
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.
A genetic study in Palau reveals distinct genetic factors contributing to schizophrenia in each of five families. The findings reinforce the complexity of schizophrenia and demonstrate the value of large extended pedigrees for gene mapping.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a link between a genetic variant of the serotonin receptor gene and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The research suggests that individuals with this variant may be more susceptible to developing OCD, potentially leading to earlier identification and treatment.