Ninety-eight percent of psychiatric nurses believe service shortages play a role in inadequate care for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), while only three percent have received post-graduate training. Providing specialist services and skills training are favored options to improve BPD care.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that an initial experience of relaxation in response to nicotine is the strongest predictor of future addiction among sixth-graders. Other factors that predicted addiction include familiarity with cigarette advertising, novelty-seeking personality and depressed mood.
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 published in Personality and Individual Differences found that women perceive men with feminine facial features as more committed and less likely to cheat. Men with masculine faces were seen as more dominant but also less faithful and worse parents.
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.
A study published in Psychological Science found that a highly reactive autonomic nervous system and stressful family environment contribute to increased instances of maladaptive personality change in children. Researchers assessed 138 elementary school-aged children using a Skin Conductance Response test, which measured their autonomi...
Research finds genetic links between bipolar disorder and comorbid conditions like anxiety disorders, ADHD, and autoimmune disorders. Comorbidities can complicate treatment and lead to poor health and decreased life expectancy.
A study found that a highly reactive autonomic nervous system paired with family stress leads to increased maladaptive personality change in children. The interaction between biological characteristics and family adversity is associated with longitudinal changes in childhood personality.
Two studies presented at the Seventh International Conference on Bipolar Disorder have identified novel pathways and markers for diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. The findings suggest a new avenue for treating the underlying cause of the disease, rather than just treating symptoms.
Scientists have discovered a statistical relationship between brain levels of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAO) A and aggressive personality in healthy non-violent volunteers. The study found that higher MAO A activity was associated with less aggressive behavior, while lower MAO A activity was linked to more aggressive tendencies.
A new study reveals that intensive forms of talk therapy, particularly transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), can reduce symptoms and improve social functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). TFP was found to show improvement in ten out of twelve domains studied, including reduced suicidal behaviors and i...
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found a link between low brain enzyme levels and aggressive behavior in healthy men. The research used positron emission tomography scanning to measure brain activity and completed a standard personality questionnaire to assess personalities.
Research found that anger can increase participants' analytical thinking, yet is often driven by mental shortcuts. The study suggests that angry individuals can process information analytically, but are influenced by cognitive biases.
Researchers propose that animal personalities evolve due to trade-offs between current and future reproduction, with cautious individuals investing more in future opportunities. This leads to populations with consistently risk-averse or risk-prone personality traits.
A study found that people with dementia with Lewy bodies displayed passive personality changes, such as apathy and repetitive behaviors, more frequently than those with Alzheimer's. These changes can occur years before cognitive symptoms, enabling earlier diagnosis and potentially disease-modifying treatments.
Research on targeted interventions suggests meaningful change is possible in key aspects of personality. Carol Dweck's keynote address presents an array of studies on the mechanisms underlying change and proposes a view of personality that encompasses these shifts.
A genome-wide study reveals that variations in multiple genes contribute to the development of bipolar disorder. The researchers identified a promising target gene DGKH, which produces an enzyme involved in lithium's therapeutic effects. This discovery may lead to the development of new and more effective medications for bipolar disorder.
A recent study found that bipolar spectrum disorder affects about 1% of the population, with individuals receiving inadequate treatment. The research highlights the importance of identifying subtypes of bipolar disorder and using appropriate medication to effectively manage symptoms.
A survey estimated that approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults may have some form of bipolar disorder during their lifetime, with 2.4% having a sub-threshold condition. The study found that many individuals with bipolar symptoms receive treatment for depression rather than manic symptoms.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that delayed treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder results in longer periods of depression, more episodes, and increased substance abuse risk. Adults with untreated childhood-onset bipolar disorder experienced poorer quality of life and were less responsive to treatment.
Researchers studied 366 participants with bipolar disorder, finding that adding antidepressants to mood stabilizers did not improve outcomes or trigger manic episodes. The study suggests careful management of mood stabilizer medications may be a reasonable alternative to adding antidepressants.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that the Clock gene, regulating biological clocks, is involved in developing bipolar disorder in mice. The study reveals behaviors similar to humans with bipolar disorder, including hyperactivity and euphoria, which are restored by lithium treatment.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a link between genetic information in white blood cells and mental health conditions like panic disorder. The study found distinct patterns of gene expression in individuals with and without panic disorder, which could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapies.
A long-term study at MU found that individuals from alcoholic homes retain higher levels of neuroticism and psychoticism, increasing the risk of alcohol dependency. The researchers monitored participants' personality traits over two decades, revealing a decrease in emotional stability for those with family histories of alcoholism.
A new test, Hypomanic symptom check list (HCL-32), has been validated to identify type II bipolar disorder patients. The test, which consists of 32 questions, is more precise than the Mood disorder questionnaire in identifying this underdiagnosed disease.
Researchers found an imbalance of activity in the right and left frontal areas of the brain, indicating a dysregulation in emotion and motivation systems. This imbalance may be genetically based and is similar to patterns seen in individuals with depression.
A combination of negative personality traits such as depression, anxiety and hostility significantly increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The study, conducted on 2,105 military veterans, found that individuals with these traits had a higher risk of heart disease when compared to those without the traits.
A study found that adults with depressive disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or anxiety disorder are at risk of having undiagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with 32.0% comorbid in those with depression and 21.2% in those with bipolar disorder. Researchers analyzed medical claims data to identify this comorbidity.
Schema Therapy has been shown to be more effective than traditional Transference Focused Psychotherapy in treating Borderline Personality Disorder. The therapy achieved full recovery in about 50% of patients and significant improvement in two-thirds, with a lower dropout rate and lower cost.
A recent meta-analysis found that certain personality variables predict aggressive behavior, including anger, irritability, and impulsivity. The study analyzed data from 63 studies and identified two patterns of associations: aggression-prone and provocation-sensitive individuals.
A new gene, Slynar, has been linked to both depression and bipolar disorder, affecting around 10% of cases. Researchers hope the discovery will lead to new treatments for these conditions.
A study pooled data from over 20 groups conducting breast cancer research, identifying 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may be linked to breast cancer risk. The authors found that five SNPs showed borderline statistical significance and could contribute to breast cancer incidence.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers suggests a strong genetic link between neuroticism and major depression. Using twin modeling, they found that neuroticism is a substantial predictor of depression, with a significant proportion of the genetic vulnerability shared between the two traits.
A study of 438 children and adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders found that those with short episodes of mania were similar to those meeting full diagnostic criteria, suggesting a need for revised diagnostic criteria. The study's results will inform changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV.
Research found that alcohol-dependent individuals with comorbid personality disorders, particularly antisocial and borderline PDs, exhibit impaired decision-making abilities. This study highlights the importance of neurocognitive mechanisms in understanding alcohol-use disorders.
A recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that bipolar disorder exacts twice as much toll on workplace productivity as major depression, costing nearly half as much in lost wages. The researchers attribute this disparity to bipolar disorder's more severe depressive episodes rather than its manic periods.
A massive 10-year study in Sardinia found no connection between Type A personality and heart disease, contrary to previous studies. The research measured the genes and traits of over 6,000 people aged 14-102, finding a strong genetic component for many traits.
A new study found that open-mindedness predicts higher intelligence in young adults, while disagreeableness is linked to better vocabulary and knowledge retention in older age. Conscientiousness also plays a role in strong short-term memory and visual processing in older adults.
A recent study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people are more likely to help those within their own group, rather than outsiders. The research suggests that feelings of empathy play a crucial role in determining our willingness to assist others.
A new study by Marsha Linehan and colleagues found that women given specialized dialectical behavior therapy treatment were significantly less likely to attempt suicide. The treatment also resulted in reduced hospitalization for psychiatric reasons and improved treatment retention rates.
Research found that novelty seeking personality trait amplifies risk associated with parental alcoholism, while low novelty seeking may diminish it. The study analyzed data from 1,111 adult siblings and established diagnoses of alcohol dependence and personality scores for parents.
A new study reveals that intermittent explosive disorder (IED), a condition characterized by uncontrollable rage, is more prevalent than previously thought. The study found that IED attacks are often out of proportion to social stressors and can be linked to cases of road rage and spousal abuse.
Researchers found five predictors associated with bipolar disorder risk: people were unfriendly, co-morbid anxiety, depression diagnosis within five years, family history of bipolar disorder, and legal problems. These findings may help physicians better assess a patient's risk for bipolar disorder.
The study highlights that self-defining memories are emotionally complex and significant to individuals. Researcher Wendy-Jo Wood found that people tend to downplay negative events while emphasizing positive ones, which contributes to a more optimistic view of their experiences.
A Swedish study reveals that men and women with a maternal history of coronary heart disease (CHD) are at higher risk of developing the condition. The research found that 55% of men and 43% of women with a maternal CHD history developed CHD, compared to those with no family history.
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.
Researchers found that children with ADHD or conduct disorder display more extreme personality profiles, including aggressiveness and thrill-seeking behavior. The study suggests a strong connection between personality traits and these disorders, highlighting the importance of considering personality in initial assessments.
A study of 106 healthy volunteers found that lower omega-3 levels were associated with depression symptoms, a negative outlook, and impulsivity. Higher omega-3 levels were linked to increased agreeableness.
Researchers at Yale discovered that brain changes associated with bipolar disorder are diminished in patients taking mood-stabilizing medications, holding promise for halting the progression of the disorder. The study's findings highlight the importance of research on bipolar disorder in youths, who are at high risk for suicide.
Researchers developed a new treatment that reverses traditional treatment steps, reducing tumor size and increasing surgical removal options. The treatment has shown significant success in shrinking tumors, with no progression or recurrence observed after surgery.
A new study found that brain structure associated with fear inhibition is also linked to personality traits like extraversion and neuroticism. The researchers used a standard personality test in combination with brain imaging to analyze the link between the brain region and extinction memory.
Rutgers researcher Shumyatsky has identified a new gene that controls both learned and innate fear, which may lead to the development of new anti-anxiety agents. The discovery was made through a combination of mouse genetics, cellular electrophysiology, and behavior studies.
Researchers found that CBZ-ERC significantly reduced manic and mixed symptoms for patients with Bipolar I Disorder. The study also showed that the medication was generally well-tolerated, with only 14.3% of patients experiencing a relapse.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) recognizes innovative research in aging with the 2004 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award. The award honors a paper that offers a new model of personality and great potential to stimulate research in gerontology.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that children with more conduct disorder symptoms tend to have an earlier age of first drink. The study analyzed data from nine sites and found no link between family history of alcoholism and early drinking age.
A study reports that national character stereotypes are common and often mistaken, with no agreement between average trait levels and stereotypes. Researchers found that many traits, such as assertiveness and openness to experience, are not consistent with their respective cultures' perceptions.
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.
The study found that gamblers and alcoholics have unique personality traits affecting their cravings, with gambling craving linked to positive emotions and alcohol craving tied to negative emotions. The research suggests that individuals with distinct emotional regulation patterns are more vulnerable to addiction.