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.
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.
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.
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.
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 survey of adults displaced by war in northern Uganda found high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study also showed that individuals with PTSD symptoms were more likely to favor violent means to end the conflict, while those with depression symptoms were less likely to identify nonviolence as a solution.
Studies reveal a gene-regulating protein that triggers coping mechanisms in mice exposed to inescapable stress, leading to reduced behavioral despair. The discovery provides an animal model for exploring how antidepressants work on the brain circuitry involved in stress response.
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.
This article discusses various aspects of pain management, including the impact of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on patient satisfaction. The study found that patients with both conditions were more likely to have a chronic medical condition and greater physical and psychosocial stressors.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was prevalent among those affected by Hurricane Katrina, with a diagnosis rate of over 38% in New Orleans. The prevalence is significantly higher than the general US population, suggesting a need for long-term, coordinated mental health response as part of disaster relief efforts.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are investigating endocannabinoid, the 'brain's own marijuana,' to regulate stress and anxiety. The study aims to develop a new pharmacotherapy strategy for stress-related mood disorders.
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 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 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.
A study found that a generic drug called prazosin improves sleep quality and reduces trauma nightmares in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The drug, already used for high blood pressure and prostate problems, was shown to improve overall well-being and functioning.
Scientists from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that stress hormone epinephrine can cause changes in prostate and breast cancer cells, making them resistant to cell death. This link between stress and cancer has been suggested but previously unexplored, with potential implications for patients and researchers.
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.
Researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine discovered a significant link between stress levels and acne severity in teenagers. The study, involving 94 adolescents from Singapore, found that high-stress teens were 23% more likely to have increased acne severity, with no correlation to sebum production.
A study published in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that children under ongoing family stress have more fevers with illness than other children. Interestingly, the immune system's natural killer cell function in these children also increases, unlike adults who experience decreased function.
A Stanford/Packard study found that severe PTSD damages children's brains by reducing the size of the hippocampus, a crucial structure for memory processing and emotion. Children with PTSD were more likely to experience a decrease in hippocampal volume, which can lead to prolonged symptoms and impaired brain development.
New research reveals that shyness in children may be linked to the interaction between genes and stressful family environments. A genetic variant associated with stress sensitivity is more prevalent among shy children raised by stressed-out parents.
A randomized controlled trial found that prolonged exposure cognitive behavioral therapy was more effective than present-centered therapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in female military veterans and active-duty women. The therapy led to improved symptoms, quality of life, and reduced anxiety.
Humans and primates are highly intelligent, social creatures prone to stress-related diseases due to chronically psychosocially stressed situations. Chronic stress compromises health by suppressing immune function, reproduction, and brain function.
Adolescents with parents in the military experience increased stress and physiological changes during wartime, including higher blood pressure and heart rates. Researchers found that these effects were particularly pronounced in children of deployed parents.
A prospective study found that higher levels of PTSD symptoms are associated with an increased risk of non-fatal and fatal coronary heart disease in older male veterans. The study analyzed data from 1,946 men enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study.
Patients with PTSD exhibit lower pain thresholds, a phenomenon attributed to changes in brain regions involved in mood and cognitive pain processing. The study's findings provide evidence for reduced pain sensitivity in PTSD, shedding light on the complex relationships between trauma, brain function, and pain perception.
A new study reveals that inhibiting glucocorticoids can prevent skin abnormalities caused by psychological stress, which could worsen conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Glucocorticoid blockade reversed psychological stress-induced abnormalities in epidermal structure and function.
New research indicates that prenatal alcohol exposure may be associated with changes in stress-response systems among infants. The study found elevated cortisol levels and responses to social challenges in infants born to mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
A review of 290 studies found that women are more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD despite males experiencing more traumatic events on average. Women's higher PTSD rates were linked to sexual trauma and emotional responses to traumatic events.
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.
Recent studies on PTSD are shedding light on its underlying causes, including the role of trauma, genetics, and neural circuitry. The condition affects approximately 5% of men and 10% of women, with a higher likelihood in children of trauma survivors.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats have higher levels of oxidative stress and damage than mice, contradicting the oxidative stress theory of aging. The study suggests that the mole-rat's longevity may stem from its ability to defend against acute bouts of oxidative stress.
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 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.
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.
Researchers find that chronic stress can lead to damage in the brain and body, but also note that certain behaviors like exercise, social support, and coping techniques can modify these effects. Healthy centenarians exhibit slower insulin rates, higher thyroid hormones, and lower cortisol levels compared to younger adults.
Post-tsunami mental health studies found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among survivors in Thailand. Loss of livelihood was a significant predictor of these symptoms. Children also showed increased symptoms of depression and PTSD.
A preclinical study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that chronic stress hormones stimulate tumor growth and spread in mice with ovarian cancer. Reducing stress using a medication commonly prescribed for heart disease slows tumor growth.
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.
A study by the American Academy of Periodontology reveals that chronic stress, depression, and elevated cortisol levels are potential risk indicators for periodontal disease in adults aged 50 and older. Short-term psychological stress was linked to elevated plaque levels, while long-term physical stress was associated with gingivitis.
A study found that individuals with alcohol dependence without PTSD exhibit a disconnect between emotional distress and biological stress response to stress tests. They are more likely to relapse during the follow-up period due to this disruption.
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.
Scientists studying social stress in Syrian hamsters found that subordinates eat more and gain weight after being defeated by a dominant hamster. This model can help researchers understand human stress-induced obesity.
Researchers found that probiotic bacteria can prevent the 'leakiness' of the gut wall and reduce bacterial adherence to cells, alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics offer a promising approach to managing intestinal problems caused by chronic stress.
A recent study found that 33 women (10%) experience symptoms of anxiety and stress after giving birth, independent of postnatal depression. Health practitioners should assess new mothers for broader signs of distress than depression alone to provide adequate care.
The study found that US military veterans who served in Iraq had a higher prevalence rate of mental health problems and combat experiences compared to those who served in Afghanistan or other locations. Iraq veterans used inpatient and outpatient mental health services at higher rates, with an annualized rate of utilization of 35%.
A new study found that effective methadone doses vary widely among patients, with some achieving abstinence on as little as 1.5 mg and others requiring up to 191.2 mg. Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, or a history of previous detoxifications from heroin tend to require higher doses.
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 at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that parents of children with cancer often suffer from post-traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and heightened arousal. The studies suggest that these symptoms can be just as severe as those experienced by patients themselves.
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.