Researchers found a correlation between genetic variants and novelty-seeking and neuroticism genes in two-week-old babies. The study used the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale to assess behavioral responses to human and non-human stimuli, revealing early signs of potential psychiatric disorders.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that older patients with high levels of intrinsic religiosity recovered faster from depression than those with low levels. The study, led by Dr. Harold Koenig, discovered a significant correlation between higher religiosity and faster recovery times.
The article discusses psychiatric genetics research funded by Nazi Germany, raising concerns about the separation of science from the scientist. Dr. Miron Baron examines the history of this research and its implications for contemporary investigators.
Researchers found that a widely used anti-depressant can alter personality traits in healthy individuals, making them more easy-going and cooperative. The study, led by UCSF researchers, suggests that psychopharmaceuticals may affect different aspects of normal personality through distinct neural pathways.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) hosts a consensus conference to address controversial psychiatric issues in the media, including the misuse of psychiatric diagnoses and advertising of psychopharmaceuticals. The conference aims to establish a shared understanding between psychiatrists and journalists on these topics.
A study of 224 middle-aged and older adults found that avoiding pessimism had a greater impact on well-being, whereas optimistic thinking did not have as large an impact. The study also showed that caregivers were more pessimistic and less optimistic than non-caregivers.
Research by Dr. Dan A. Oren may help alleviate SAD symptoms such as fatigue, sadness, weight gain, and sleep problems. His study suggests that blood absorbs light energy from the sun, regulating biological clocks and behavior.
A population association study found a higher percentage of the 7 repeat allele and 7+ genotype in ADHD children compared to controls. The study also identified significant positive results from a family-based approach, providing additional evidence for an association between DRD4 gene and ADHD.
Research found an association between genetic variations in the serotonin-2A receptor and response to clozapine, a drug targeting serotonin receptors. Further studies support this hypothesis, suggesting that serotonin receptors play a key role in the therapeutic action of antipsychotic drugs.
Researchers have confirmed a link between a specific gene mutation and increased risk of depression, hospitalization, and suicidal attempts. The discovery aims to improve psychiatric diagnoses and treatments by enabling more precise identification of genetic predispositions.
A new study using optical imaging reveals that brain cells engaged in different tasks form mosaics with remarkable order and elegance. The research may assist in the development of artificial vision systems.
A study by Pitt researchers found that adolescents with alcohol problems were more likely to have experienced traumatic events such as physical or sexual abuse. The study suggests that prevention programs targeting these individuals may be effective in preventing substance abuse.
Research led by Dr. Graham Emslie found Prozac to be more effective than a placebo in young people aged 7-17, with 56% showing improvement after two months of treatment. The study also showed that 74% of patients completed eight weeks of Prozac improved.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified a gene associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia and manic-depressive illness. The gene encodes a potassium ion channel protein that controls electrical activity in nerves, and its altered function may contribute to brain behavior changes.
A husband-and-wife team of psychiatrists are conducting a major population-based study to find the gene(s) linked to schizophrenia. The five-year study will be carried out in the Azores and on the Portuguese mainland, using genetic markers and genome-wide scans.
Research findings show decreased benzodiazepine receptor binding in the left temporal pole among patients with GAD, indicating a potential link between brain structure and anxiety. The study's results suggest that high regional heterogeneity may be necessary for adaptation to living organisms.
A longitudinal brain imaging study found progressive abnormal brain development in schizophrenia, particularly enlarged ventricles and reduced total cerebral volume. This may provide insights into the risk factors and neurodevelopmental abnormalities involved in the disorder.
The study uses fMRI to map brain activity in response to cocaine, revealing a broader range of brain structures involved than previously thought. The nucleus accumbens and amygdala play key roles in the reward system, with the former associated with reinforcement and the latter with incentive.
Researchers studied 93 gay men with HIV who showed no symptoms when they entered the trial. Stress levels were found to be significantly associated with disease progression, with higher severe life stress increasing the odds nearly fourfold over two years.
A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that brain activity in individuals with Down's syndrome can predict Alzheimer's-like dementia, offering new hope for early detection and intervention. Researchers used PET scans to measure brain activity while subjects were at rest or stimulated by visual stimulation.
Researchers discovered novel genetic associations with ADHD, including a strong link between the dopamine transporter gene and symptoms. These findings may lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted treatments for ADHD.
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.
A study found that low leptin levels are associated with the absence of menstruation in underweight female students. The research suggests a critical leptin level is needed to maintain menstruation, with implications for eating disorders and other physiological and psychological conditions.
A study examining brain tissue from suicides and controls reveals higher serotonin receptor binding in certain areas, particularly those associated with violent deaths. The findings suggest a potential link between altered serotonin function and suicidal behavior.
Female patients with acute anorexia nervosa exhibit low plasma leptin concentrations, reflecting restricted energy intake. Leptin levels increase upon weight gain, but drop again after weight loss, suggesting a complex relationship between leptin regulation and weight fluctuations in these individuals.
Research reveals low leptin levels in restrained eaters, particularly in underweight females, who have higher cognitive restraint scores. The study found a negative correlation between leptin levels and cognitive restraint scores in these individuals.
Researchers found that sadness, depression, and hopelessness can exacerbate asthma symptoms in children. The vagus nerve plays a key role in this process, suggesting new avenues for treatment. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing depression in asthmatic children to improve their overall health.
Researchers found no association between a serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and the tridimensional personality questionnaire's harm avoidance dimension. The study included 120 normal adult volunteers and explored relationships between the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and various personality dimensions, including novel...
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 study of 129 individuals found an association between the DRD2 A1 allele and schizoid/avoidant behaviors, with severity increasing with frequency of the DRD2 A1 allele. The findings suggest a genetic link between dopamine system variations and personality traits.
A study of 86 individuals with autism and their parents found a significant relationship between the serotonin transporter gene and autism. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and medical treatment for autism, providing hope for those affected by this complex disorder.
Researchers discovered a significant link between a specific genetic polymorphism and opioid dependence in humans. The long form of the dopamine D4 receptor Exon III seven repeat allele was found to be overrepresented in opioid-dependent subjects, indicating a potential genetic predisposition to addictive behavior.
Researchers found that bulimics exhibit a range of physiological and psychological problems, including abnormal blood pressure, poor response to stress, and low self-esteem. The study also revealed that bulimics are more likely to experience cardiovascular problems and major depression.
A Johns Hopkins study found that physicians in psychiatry and surgery have a higher risk of divorce, with rates ranging from 51% for psychiatrists to 29% for other specialties. The study suggests that marital counseling during residency training may help strengthen marriages.
Researchers have developed a genetic test that can identify children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tic disorders associated with strep throat infections. The blood test detects the D8/17 genetic marker in 85% of children with strep-associated OCD and tics, and 89% of those with Sydenham's chorea.
Scientists found that 65% of alcoholics preferred sweetest solution compared to 16% of non-alcoholics, linking liking sweets to increased propensity for alcohol consumption. Researchers hope to develop a predictive test using the sweet test to screen youngsters at risk of developing alcoholism.
A study of Finnish subjects failed to find an association between the Dopamine D4 Receptor (DRD4) gene and novelty-seeking personality traits. The researchers found that individuals with higher novelty-seeking scores had a lower frequency of the DRD4 gene, contradicting previous findings.
A study found that certain genetic variants next to the human obesity (OB) gene are associated with obesity in young women, as well as depression and anxiety. The results suggest a direct link between the OB gene variants and depression, rather than just secondary effects.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is testing two new oral medications, propentofylline and SB202026, to alleviate major symptoms of Alzheimer's. These trials aim to improve patient conditions or slow symptom progression.
A study at Duke University Medical Center found that women with a history of sexual assault are six times more likely to attempt suicide. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers raise awareness of how sexual assault influences the risk of attempted suicide, especially for those who never seek mental health care.