A new study found significant differences in brain development between autistic boys and girls, with autistic females showing a thicker cortex at age 3 and faster cortical thinning into middle childhood. The findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies that include both sexes to better understand sex-specific changes in autism.
A recent study has found a significant link between treatment-resistant depression and body mass index, suggesting new avenues for treatment development. The research identified genes clustered on different chromosomes that correlated with the likelihood of receiving electroconvulsive therapy, an effective treatment for severe depression.
A study analyzing 8,384 clinical appointments found that women aged 45 are the majority of patients treated at public psychiatric outpatient clinics in Brazil. The patients had sadness, anxiety, and irritability as primary symptoms, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being commonly prescribed medications.
The latest issues of APA journals focus on treatment options for youth with irritability, exploring collaborative psychopharmacology approaches. Additionally, the studies examine disparities in the use of restraint among psychiatric patients.
A pilot study found that a ketogenic diet can help stabilize the brain and improve psychiatric conditions in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The diet was shown to restore metabolic health, reduce weight and waist circumference, and lower blood pressure and triglycerides.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that eating fatty food before surgery triggers an inflammatory response in the brain, leading to impaired memory function. The study also showed that taking a DHA omega-3 fatty acid supplement can prevent these effects.
A review suggests that psychiatrists should prioritize alleviating the sequelae of gender minority stress to promote resilience in TGD individuals. The authors emphasize the importance of individualized, culturally responsive care and educate clinicians to address unique challenges faced by this population.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new treatments across the lifespan for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. The March issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry highlights several studies with these findings.
The latest APA journals issue highlights new developments in understanding and treating opioid and cannabis use disorders. The focus also includes trends in telepsychiatry and emerging topics in reproductive psychiatry.
A new study reveals significant disparities in dementia care among minoritized racial and ethnic populations, including delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. The researchers highlight the importance of granular data collection to address these disparities and promote health equity.
A study published in ScienceDirect reviews the overlap between cannabis use and psychosis, highlighting the potential risks of cannabis on neurobiology. The study suggests that cannabis can exacerbate psychosis symptoms and impact motivation and attention, but also notes some potential benefits of cannabis use for social functioning.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that positive relationships with parents and adults during childhood are associated with better mental health in adulthood. Despite adverse childhood experiences, resilient youth who have strong social connections and meaningful experiences tend to experience less depression, anxiety, and stress.
A Cedars-Sinai study shows that behavioral activation therapy is as effective as antidepressant medications in treating symptoms of depression in patients with heart failure. The study found a significant reduction in depressive symptoms in both patient groups, with improvements in physical and mental health-related quality of life.
AI models predict patient outcomes with high accuracy within their training data, but their performance deteriorates when used outside the original trial or in different clinical settings. Researchers aim to improve accuracy by examining large patient groups and exploring new data modalities.
Researchers at UC Davis found that men with FMR1 premutation who experienced reduced executive function were at higher likelihood of developing fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Executive function challenges, particularly working memory and organization issues, were strongly associated with the development of FXTAS.
A large brain imaging study discovered reduced grey matter volume across nearly all brain regions in individuals with Early Onset Psychosis, a critical period of brain development. The study provides unprecedented levels of detail about the illness and may assist in future diagnosis and track treatment effects.
The latest issues of APA journals focus on improving clinical outcomes, exploring disparities in school-based support, and addressing civil commitment hearings. These studies aim to inform new interventions and improve mental health care.
A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that female patients with a history of suicidality experience increased suicidal ideation and planning during the premenstrual phase, offering new guidance for clinicians. The study identified individual differences in how the menstrual cycle affects symptoms and suicidality.
The study highlights the need for a culturally informed approach to improve mental well-being of Black Americans, who face greater exposure to risk factors due to centuries of racism. Community-based participatory research and inclusive systems are proposed as solutions to combat systemic biases and inequities.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that smoking causes brain shrinkage and increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can prevent further loss of brain tissue, but stopping does not restore the brain to its original size.
The December issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services explore postpartum depression, responses to stress in adulthood, and adversity in children. APA highlights increased rates of suicide among Black women, shedding light on childhood resilience and genetics.
A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research found that 12% of people aged 50-80 have consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year. Those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a higher rate of cannabis use, highlighting the need for education and screening for older adults.
Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry finds that cannabis use disorder is disproportionately increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with more severe mental health conditions. The study suggests that factors like increased legalization and potency may contribute to this trend.
Two large studies found that people with ADHD who take medication for a long time and in higher doses are at a higher risk of developing some cardiovascular diseases. The highest rate of discontinuation occurred among 18 to 19-year-olds, highlighting the need for better transition to adult psychiatry services.
Rahn Baily, MD, has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and healthcare reform through his research on health disparities, violence, and mental illness. He will receive the prestigious Solomon Carter Fuller Award for his outstanding achievements in addressing pressing societal needs.
A recent study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and colleagues found that Rumination-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RF-CBT) can reduce rumination in adolescents. The study also showed correlated shifts in brain connectivity, suggesting that RF-CBT can help young people break the painful mental loops that contribu...
A portable virtual reality system will be developed to quickly assess traumatic brain injuries in remote locations, utilizing AI-powered machine learning algorithms. The system aims to provide a rapid and fine-grained assessment of neurocognitive abilities, increasing the survivability and readiness of US soldiers.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with severe mental illness were 50% more likely to die from all causes following a COVID-19 infection. The research also highlighted regional disparities and differences in mortality risk based on ethnicity and geographical location.
A new genetic study found that consistently sleeping less than five hours a night may raise the risk of developing depressive symptoms. The study, published in Translational Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 7,000 people and found that short sleep was associated with the onset of depressive symptoms.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that saturated fats can interfere with the creation of new memories in aged brains. However, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, may help protect brain cells from fat-related inflammation. The study used cell cultures and brain tissue from aging mice to explore the effects of...
Scientists have identified a long non-coding RNA called SNHG8 that plays a crucial role in the development of toxic protein tangles in brain diseases like Alzheimer's. Replacing this RNA can prevent stress granule formation, which contributes to tau aggregation and brain damage.
A new evaluation tool, HiDE, offers practical guidance for diagnosing hikikomori, a form of extreme social isolation. The tool provides structured interview questions for clinicians to diagnose the condition, which is characterized by stress caused by months-long isolation at home.
The latest issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on postpartum depression, structural racism, and suicidal behaviors. The September issue highlights new solutions to address these topics, including Power Redistribution and Upending White Supremacy in Community Mental Health.
A new phase II clinical trial will investigate the effectiveness of an accelerated course of transcranial magnetic stimulation in improving symptoms for patients with mild cognitive impairment and depression. The study aims to identify the optimal dose of stimulation needed to improve both depression and thinking difficulties in MCI, w...
A Stanford Medicine-led study found that children with autism have impaired memory beyond poor facial recognition, affecting other types of information. The research also revealed distinct brain wiring patterns reflecting these memory challenges.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that depression after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has distinct abnormalities in brain circuitry compared to traditional major depressive disorder. The study proposes a new name for TBI-associated depression: 'TBI affective syndrome.'
Researchers found that people who retrospectively reported childhood maltreatment had more depressive episodes than those without a record of maltreatment, regardless of whether they had an official court record. Early interventions may help prevent emotional problems by addressing memories of abuse and neglect.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
A study led by Lund University researchers found that brief admissions by self-referral can effectively reduce the need for acute visits, admissions, and longer treatment periods among adolescents with borderline personality disorder. The method empowers patients to determine when they need treatment, enhancing their autonomy and sense...
A new pilot study published in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrates the potential role of probiotic supplementation in supporting mood and mental health in adults with Major Depressive Disorder. The study found significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores over an eight-week period, with notable benefits seen from week four onwards.
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on substance use disorders, opioids, and youth self-harm and suicide. The articles highlight the importance of addressing these issues to improve patient outcomes and reduce stigma.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.
The latest May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on new treatments for conditions like trichotillomania, social anxiety disorder, and opioid use disorder. Additionally, a special issue of Focus journal explores suicide preventive interventions and knowledge.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder have erratic sleep patterns and rigid daily routines, predictive of worse symptoms. The study suggests varying daily routines and incorporating movement can improve brain health and reduce negative mental health symptoms.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a link between opioid prescribing patterns and suicide risk. The researchers analyzed data from 2009-2017 and discovered that regions with the greatest decrease in opioid prescriptions also experienced the greatest decline in suicide deaths. This suggests that policies a...
A national survey found that South Carolina residents were more hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccines due to low confidence in public health scientists and collective responsibility. Researchers hope that targeted education efforts will address these factors and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
A new 'enhanced primary care' model has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels among patients with severe mental illness. The study, conducted at UNC WakeBrook, showed significant improvements in screening for people with severe mental illness compared to usual primary care.
The April issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry features studies on mood disorders, psychotic disorders, autism, and stress-related disorders. A special issue of The American Journal of Psychotherapy honors the work of Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.
Patients who experienced severe illness and instability within two months of their clinical encounters were 45% more likely to be hospitalized. The study found this association remained consistent across a range of diagnoses and demographics.
A new UC Davis study has identified 194 significantly different genes in the brains of people with autism, with many linked to brain connectivity, immune response, and inflammation. The research also found age-dependent differences in genes related to synaptic function and cell loss.
A new multicenter study led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that adding the drug aripiprazole (Abilify) to an antidepressant improves treatment outcomes for older adults with clinical depression that has not responded to standard treatments. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, sho...
The March issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on major depression treatment advances and suicide risk screening for Indigenous populations. Journalists can access the publications by emailing press@psych.org.
Researchers found adult smokers with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia drink the most caffeine, while those with mental illness are at highest risk of negative health consequences. The study suggests mood, metabolism, and self-medication may explain use patterns among this population.
Researchers identified microglia as key players in chemo brain inflammation, suggesting a potential target for treatment. In a mouse study, deleting microglia restored memory and lowered brain inflammation after paclitaxel treatment.
Research suggests that restricted access to abortions will cause severe stress for individuals carrying unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to psychiatric illnesses and developmental problems in children. This stress can exacerbate existing psychiatric vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of relapse or new episodes.
The February issues of the American Psychiatric Association's journals address risk factors for mental illness and substance use in psychiatric care. The research highlights the importance of understanding these factors to improve treatment outcomes and reduce disparities in mental health care.
A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identified three distinct paths of intellectual development in autistic children: persistent intellectual disability, an increase in IQ, or average IQ. The study used IQ trajectories to track changes in communication and behavioral development over time.
Researchers identified a common brain network underlying several psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. The transdiagnostic network shows gray matter decreases in specific brain regions across most studies.
A literature review reveals speech patterns can accurately diagnose psychiatric disorders, measure severity and predict onset. Automated analysis outperforms subjective measures like interviews or questionnaires.
The American Psychiatric Association's January journal issues focus on childhood- and neurodevelopment-related psychiatric disorders. A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry explores how brain scans predict treatment response to psychotherapy for OCD.