A new study finds that hospitals in predominantly Black and Hispanic areas have lower rates of offering programs addressing opioid use disorder. The researchers analyzed 446 nonprofit hospitals across the US, finding gaps in hospital-based services that contribute to racial disparities.
A small study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that men with hypersexual disorder have higher oxytocin levels than healthy men. Cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in reducing both hypersexual behavior and oxytocin levels in participants.
A team of researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin has identified a neural network that generates tics, which could lead to improved treatment of people with Tourette syndrome. The study found that targeting this network via deep brain stimulation can alleviate symptoms in patients.
Research from University of Nebraska–Lincoln found that 40% of Americans blame politics for causing stress and an estimated 50-85 million people experience fatigue, anger, and compulsive behaviors due to politics. The results remained mostly stable after nearly four years, suggesting a potential health crisis.
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified several new clinical considerations in WAGR syndrome, including kidney issues, cardiometabolic health problems, and variations in eye issues. The study provides guidance for proper diagnosis, management, and potential treatment options, highlighting the need for individual...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully treated autism in animal models with medical cannabis oil, improving behavioral and biochemical parameters. The treatment showed significant improvement in compulsive and anxious behaviors, and a decrease in the concentration of the arousing neurotransmitter glutamate.
Research identifies maladaptive nature of drug-seeking habits as key factor in perpetuating addiction and relapse. Drug-paired cues can activate flexible goal-directed behaviors, driven by negative emotional urgency.
A large observational study found that children conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have generally good mental health throughout adolescence and young adulthood. However, those born after ART had a slightly elevated risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which was explained by parental background factors.
A NIH-funded study sheds light on the potential of long-term, at-home deep brain stimulation as a treatment for OCD. Researchers are using brain recordings from patients to identify neural signatures and related behaviors that predict symptom onset.
A team of researchers has recorded electrical signals in the human brain associated with ebbs and flows in OCD symptoms over an extended period. The study could lead to an emerging therapy called deep brain stimulation that adjusts to everyday changes in OCD symptoms, potentially providing more relief and fewer side effects for patients.
Researchers developed an emotional stop-signal task to assess negative urgency, a clinical form of impulsivity linked to depression and ADHD. The study found that individuals with poor impulse control reacted faster to disturbing images, indicating potential psychiatric problems.
A new study led by scientists at Mount Sinai highlights the role of rare genomic differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) risk. The research found that about 10% of the risk for OCD is attributed to rare genomic variations, which were not seen in previous studies.
Research reveals brief DBS exposure triggers significant brain state changes and sustained antidepressant response. A decrease in beta power is identified as a novel biomarker for DBS treatment optimization.
Longitudinal study reveals cortical thinning in people with bipolar disorder, especially those with more manic episodes. The findings suggest that bipolar disorder may be a neuroprogressive disorder, worsened by the progression of symptoms.
The largest trial to date shows that fluvoxamine treatment for high-risk outpatients with early-diagnosed COVID-19 reduces the need for prolonged observation or hospitalization. The study found an absolute reduction in risk of prolonged hospitalization and a relative risk reduction of 32% compared to the control group.
Researchers from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that combining long-term injectable medications with psychosocial intervention improves adherence and symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. The study enrolled 30 people with bipolar disorder who had adherenc...
Researchers have discovered that elevated levels of serotonin can prevent the development of compulsive cocaine seeking and addiction in mice. This is achieved through the activation of serotonin receptors and inhibition of synaptic transmission between key brain regions, thereby reducing the risk of addiction.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that over 50 long-term effects of COVID-19 have been identified, ranging from mild to debilitating symptoms. The research team analyzed data from 47,910 patients and found a substantial burden of Long COVID, with neurological symptoms and cardiovascular issues being notable findings.
A multi-site, multi-disorder resting-state magnetic resonance image database was compiled to harmonize data from patients with various diseases, measured at 14 sites. The dataset comprises over 2,400 samples and includes 'traveling-subject' data to minimize inter-site differences.
Researchers found Prozac reduces lipid concentrations in monkey brains, linked to potential side effects in young patients. The study suggests dietary changes may alleviate adverse effects by influencing lipid synthesis.
A study published in Science Advances reveals a previously unknown mechanism behind compulsive alcohol use, which may be targeted by medication. A small group of nerve cells in the central amygdala promote alcohol use despite negative consequences.
Researchers have discovered the amygdala's role in pre-attentive mechanisms, shedding light on its connection to schizophrenia and other disorders. The study found that activating brain stem inhibitory neurons via the amygdala is crucial for startle inhibition.
Researchers have linked specific genes to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using genome-wide analysis, pointing toward novel avenues for treatment. The study identified a strong correlation between OCD and rare mutations in genes such as SLITRK5.
A recent study published in Neuron has identified the anterior cingulate cortex as a key brain region involved in linking actions to their outcomes. The finding sheds light on compulsive behaviors such as OCD and addiction, which are thought to result from impairments in this brain region.
A triple-system neural model of maladaptive consumption presents a new understanding of compulsive seeking and consumption behaviors. The model identifies three brain regions that may drive maladaptive behaviors: the impulsive system, reflective system, and interoceptive-awareness system.
Scientists have identified two brain areas involved in tracking uncertainty about unwelcome events, such as negative news. The anterior cingulate cortex and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex were found to encode information about attitudes toward good and bad possibilities separately.
Research found that adolescents with higher levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, were less likely to develop psychotic disorder in early adulthood. Those with lower levels of DHA had a higher risk of developing the condition, even after accounting for other factors.
A new study suggests that an emotional regulation technique called cognitive reappraisal can help disrupt compulsive cocaine addiction. The technique, which involves reinterpreting the meaning of drug-related cues, was found to reduce attention-bias in individuals with cocaine use disorder.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that adults with OCD were more than three times as likely to experience an ischemic stroke, with the greatest risk among older adults. Researchers also discovered that medications used to treat OCD did not increase the risk of stroke.
Researchers from iPSYCH have identified 33 new genetic variants associated with bipolar disorder, more than doubling the number of known genetic risk factors. These variants play a role in brain functions and signalling between nerve cells, providing potential ideas for new treatments.
A study published in Nature Genetics found 64 genome regions associated with an increased risk of bipolar disorder, providing new insights into the condition's underlying biology. The research also highlights potential therapeutic targets for future treatments.
Researchers found that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy can be as effective as conventional CBT in reducing OCD symptoms in children and adolescents. The study showed that stepped digital CBT reduced symptoms as much as conventional CBT and required fewer resources.
A new study from Aarhus University finds that almost half of parents with children to a parent with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder also meet the criteria for a mental disorder. This can impact family life and child development. The study suggests increased attention is needed for these families, with specialized efforts recommended.
Researchers and clinicians now have evidence-based criteria to develop targeted interventions for this debilitating condition. Compulsive Buying-Shopping Disorder is characterized by excessive purchasing without utilising items for their intended purposes and using shopping to regulate internal states.
Professor Ullsperger and his team aim to understand the neural mechanisms behind cognitive control and decision-making using new methods, including brain stimulation with focused ultrasound. The research may lead to new therapeutic possibilities for psychiatric disorders such as OCD.
A study found that babies born to mothers with cannabis use disorder were more likely to experience negative health outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Infants born to these mothers were also at a higher risk of infant mortality.
Researchers have identified a genetic risk gene relevant to childhood OCD, which could help improve treatment options and diagnose youth earlier. The study used saliva samples from over 5,000 children and youth, comparing them to participant responses on obsessive-compulsive traits.
A recent study has discovered a profound loss of ability to experience pleasure in people with early-onset dementia, known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Grey matter deterioration in the 'pleasure system' of the brain was found, distinct from those implicated in depression or apathy.
The Baszucki Brain Research Fund has launched a multimillion-dollar program to advance therapeutic discovery for bipolar disorder, aiming to improve treatment options for affected individuals. The grant program will provide up to $200,000 per year to support pilot research and translational efforts.
Researchers have created a precise map of brain connectivity from the basal ganglia, revealing new details and a surprising level of influence connected to the basal ganglia. The findings offer a blueprint of the area's architecture that could potentially open additional avenues for intervention of Parkinson's disease and other disorders.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered a disrupted Akt protein pathway in men with bipolar disorder, leading to memory problems and weakened brain connections. The findings offer a new target for treating bipolar disorder's often-overlooked cognitive impairments.
A team of neurobiologists identified a brain region, subthalamic nucleus, that predicts addiction in rats. Abnormal activity in this region was observed in future addicted individuals before punishment exposure.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other psychiatric comorbidities responded well to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment, experiencing significant improvements in OCD and mood symptoms.
Research suggests that postpartum women are at a higher risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than previously thought, with symptoms often going undetected. The study found that up to 17% of new mothers experience OCD symptoms related to infant-related harm, emphasizing the need for targeted screening and assessment me...
A new national study found that excessive social media use is associated with a higher risk of binge-eating disorder in US preteens. Children who spend more time on social media are more likely to develop the disorder, with each additional hour linked to a 62% increased risk.
A study of 1,750 Finnish adolescents found that loneliness is a significant risk factor for compulsive internet use. The study suggests that addressing loneliness can help prevent excessive internet use and its negative consequences, such as depression and poor academic performance.
A study published in Neurology found that strep throat exposure was associated with an increase of about 20% in ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children with chronic tic disorders. However, researchers did not find a link between strep exposure and worsening tics or symptoms of OCD.
A team of British and Chinese researchers has identified a brain network that regulates response to danger, finding that imbalances in this pathway lead to compulsive and impulsive drinking behaviors. The study's findings have significant implications for developing more effective interventions to tackle global alcohol abuse.
Boston University researchers developed a personalized procedure to selectively modulate orbitofrontal brain activity, resulting in reduced compulsive behavior. The five-day treatment showed immediate and sustained improvements, even for those with severe symptoms.
A new study published in Nature Communications used brain imaging techniques to examine how people purge thoughts from their working memory. The researchers found that 'clear' and 'replace' strategies led to faster forgetting, while 'suppress' was more effective for making room for new information.
A glutamatergic neuronal circuit from the prelimbic prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens is responsible for co-occurring anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors. Histamine presynaptic H3 receptor activation in this circuit ameliorates stress-induced anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors.
A peptide called PACAP has been identified as a key player in the regulation of compulsive alcohol drinking. The protein acts on the Brain Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis to exert its effects, which are characterized by anxiety-like behavior and spontaneous compulsive alcohol drinking.
A recent study published in JAMA found that fluvoxamine may prevent serious breathing problems in people with mild COVID-19 illness. The results show that fluvoxamine has the potential to reduce the risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.
Researchers found that fluvoxamine prevented serious clinical deterioration in COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate disease. The study, which involved 152 patients, showed that those treated with fluvoxamine were less likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization.
A study by Aarhus University finds that COVID-19 exacerbates obsessive thoughts and compulsions in children and young people with OCD. The condition often worsens due to anxiety about illness or loss, particularly among younger children who are more dependent on others.
A new study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Geisinger shows that electronic health records can help pinpoint patients with opioid use disorder. By analyzing EHR data, researchers were able to identify more patients with moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder than relying on diagnostic codes alone.
A Washington State University study found that cannabis use reduced OCD symptoms by 49% and anxiety by 52% within four hours. The study also linked higher CBD concentrations to larger reductions in compulsions.
Researchers found abnormalities in brain areas including caudate that normalized after four weeks of CBT, but not in those who didn't receive treatment. Pre-treatment HRF patterns can predict individual patient response to CBT with high accuracy.
A machine learning system has been developed that can predict the development of Bipolar Disorder up to 4 years before onset in young people. The system identified risk factors such as suicidal tendencies and financial problems, allowing doctors to take preventative measures.
A Northwestern University study has identified the specific regions of brain tissue where a key gene named aromatase regulates male sexual behavior in mice. Aromatase converts testosterone to estrogen, driving male sexual activity. The discovery could lead to new treatments for disorders of low and compulsive sexual desire.