Researchers localized autism and developmental language disorder to the same position in the human genome, suggesting a genetic relationship between the disorders. The findings also explain why language difficulties are more prevalent in siblings and parents of individuals with autism.
Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to identify genes that predispose individuals to major mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The study aims to develop better treatments and tailored medications for these disorders, which often run in families.
War has a devastating impact on children's mental health, leading to increased anxiety and depression. The study highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of conflict on young minds.
A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting found that sudden falls among the elderly can be related to an overlooked inner ear disorder. Successful treatments are often available once the correct diagnosis is made, with excellent surgical success rates in older individuals.
Yale University has received a $3 million grant from the Personality Disorder Research Foundation to study borderline personality disorder. The three-year grant aims to better understand the disorder, its causes, and effective treatments for patients.
A recent study suggests that environmental factors play a significant role in the development of psychiatric disorders, alongside genetic factors. Research findings indicate that adversity and social determinants can contribute to the onset of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and antisocial personality disorder.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between intersex goats and a rare human disorder causing excess eyelid growth and premature ovarian failure. The study found that the gene region responsible for intersex goats' hornlessness is similar to the human disorder Blepharophimosis Ptosis Epicanthus inversus syndrome.
A recent study found that nearly all children who experienced a traumatic event exhibited acute stress symptoms, with roughly half continuing to experience post-traumatic stress symptoms after 18 months. The researchers also discovered that indirectly-exposed children were at risk of developing full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder.
A team of researchers has identified a single gene that causes familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS), a rare sleep disorder. The study found that the disorder follows a simple Mendelian inheritance pattern, making it easier to find the responsible gene and potentially leading to new treatments for circadian rhythm disorders.
Scientists have developed a new 'Knockout' mouse model that closely mimics the human kidney disorder IgA nephropathy, providing a promising lead for treatment. The researchers found that supplying deficient mice with uteroglobin prevented the disorder from occurring, mirroring human cases.
Researchers have found another aberrant gene on chromosome 2 that produces identical symptoms to the X-chromosome gene discovered earlier. The discovery improves genetic diagnosis prospects and may help in developing future therapies for hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.
The Narcolepsy Network is launching a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about narcolepsy, a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects an estimated 125,000 Americans. The 'Wake Up to Narcolepsy' program aims to educate people with the condition and their physicians about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, helping ...
Researchers identify a genetic marker associated with panic disorder, linked to variations in cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor function. The study found that this variation could be a risk factor for panic attacks and may be useful in diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers describe the first case of sporadic fatal insomnia (SFI), a neurologic disorder matching Shakespeare's witches' curse, caused by protein misfolding rather than a mutant gene. The condition's symptoms and neuropathology are identical to those of fatal familial insomnia.
The conference focuses on lithium's applications in reducing suicidal acts in people with bipolar disorder, boosting the immune system, slowing down cancer cell growth, and interfering with viral infections. More than 300 experts will attend to discuss these topics and share latest research.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that teenagers with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) experience significant impairment in social functioning, with 94% reporting difficulties. The disorder often begins before age 18, particularly at age 13, and can be treated effectively with antidepressants.
A study found that adults with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia were more likely to experience early parental loss than healthy individuals. Early loss before age 9 had a stronger impact on psychopathology in adulthood.
Researchers identified superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) as a rare disorder characterized by vertigo triggered by loud noises, caused by a hole in the skull's temporal bone. The disorder affects balance and can be treated with surgery or simple lifestyle adjustments.
A German study suggests that people complaining of health problems related to dental amalgam fillings may be using it as a scapegoat for underlying psychological issues. The researchers found low levels of mercury in the saliva, blood, and urine of participants, contradicting concerns about the alloy's safety.
A cross-cultural study of over 200 children with specific language impairment found that their native language affects the number and types of problems they face. The study suggests that creative use errors and grammatical principles are key to understanding the disorder, which prevents millions of children from keeping up in the class...
Researchers found a clear difference in brain activation between boys with ADD and those without, specifically in the striatal region involved in motor control. Ritalin improved impulse control in both groups but had different effects on brain activity in those with and without ADD.
The Massachusetts General Hospital is leading a five-year, $20 million research study to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. The study aims to evaluate existing treatment protocols and test new medications for the condition.
Researchers found that women with recovered bulimia nervosa had increased serotonin levels and negative moods, obsessions with perfectionism, and anxiety. The study suggests that altered brain chemistry contributes to the development of bulimia nervosa and persists even after recovery.
Scientists have isolated the WFS1 gene responsible for Wolfram Syndrome, a rare form of insulin-dependent diabetes. The disorder is characterized by insulin-secreting cell death and progressive neurodegeneration, leading to blindness and premature death. Understanding this gene may lead to new treatments for common forms of diabetes.
A team of researchers from UNMC and Boys Town National Research Hospital has identified the gene responsible for Usher syndrome Type IIa, a genetic disorder affecting 4 in 100,000 people. The discovery may lead to an eventual cure for the condition, which causes moderate to severe hearing loss and juvenile blindness.
A new study led by Duke psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Davidson found that the anti-depressant drug venlafaxine XR is effective in reducing symptoms of GAD, including feelings of worry and tension. The drug was more effective than a placebo and a commonly used anti-anxiety medication, offering a new treatment option for this chronic disorder.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new psychoeducation program that helps families deal with children diagnosed with depression, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. The program has shown early signs of improvement in parents' understanding of their child's mood disorder and family interactions.
Researchers found a significant unmet need for treatment among urban HIV-positive women, who reported decreased sexual desire despite adequate testosterone levels. The study suggests that diagnosis and clinical attention are warranted to address this disorder.
Scientists have confirmed a genetic connection to bipolar disorder by locating a gene on the long arm of human chromosome 18. This finding strengthens earlier research and could lead to better treatments and tests for the condition.
Dystonia results from a deficiency in dopamine receptors, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine. A study found that dopamine levels were 97-98% lower on the treated side of the brain during dystonic symptoms.
Researchers discovered muscle dysmorphia, a disorder causing individuals to obsess over their bodies, leading to detrimental habits like steroid abuse. The study emphasizes the importance of public health implications as weightlifting gains popularity.
A recent study published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that men are equally affected by body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as women, with differences mainly in the body part of concern and coping mechanisms.
Researchers have found a possible genetic cause of bipolar affective disorder, linking it to the serotonin transporter gene. The study suggests that variations in this gene may lead to unstable moods and increased susceptibility to the illness.
Researchers found a significant link between maternal cigarette smoking and conduct disorder in boys, with 80% of sons of smokers developing the condition. The study suggests that nicotine may disrupt fetal brain development, highlighting the importance of preventing such disorders.
UCSF researchers have discovered a refinement in scientific understanding of specific language impairment, a disorder affecting 10% of children, characterized by difficulty distinguishing individual sounds. Children with the disorder require tones to be about 45 decibels more intense than normal to be heard over masking noise.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that children diagnosed with AD/HD have lower Wee-FIM scores and significant deficits in self-care, social cognition, and communication. The results suggest that the disorder is a disability rather than just behavioral issues.
A multi-centered team of researchers found a link between a specific gene abnormality and autism, potentially leading to more precise diagnosis and treatments. The study identified a shortened form of the serotonin transporter gene promoter as a key factor in autistic children.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that a typical college eating disorder prevention program was ineffective in preventing disordered behavior, and may even have triggered it. The program, which aimed to address both primary and secondary prevention, failed to motivate high-risk students to seek help and may have o...
Researchers have created a mouse model that mimics Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia (FCHL), a disorder causing high cholesterol and triglycerides, leading to premature heart disease. The study suggests APOC3 genetic variations underlie the disease, offering new hope for drug development.
Scientists found that brains of patients with Lesch-Nyhan disease have fewer nerve endings containing dopamine, a chemical messenger controlling movement. This discovery is crucial in developing future treatments for the disorder.