A large genome-wide analysis of 633,778 U.S. military veterans identified four genes associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These findings advance understanding of inherited risk factors in the pathology of suicidal thoughts and actions.
A large study found that exercise and mindfulness training did not improve cognitive function in healthy older adults, with no measurable benefits after 6 or 18 months. The researchers plan to continue studying the group to see if these practices may help prevent future cognitive declines.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals a genetic link between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Researchers used a polygenic risk score to analyze the relationship between ADHD genetic predisposition and cognitive decline, finding a higher risk of developing Alzhe...
A new study presents early data from an online prevention strategy aimed at reducing the risk of firearm injury and death in rural areas. The effort tailors messages about safe firearm storage and teen firearm suicide to a rural audience, with strong engagement reported by 86% of parents.
A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that only about 10% of children and adolescents who didn't improve with cognitive behavioral therapy opted for medication treatment. Patient characteristics, such as racial and ethnic minorities, younger patients, and expectations of treatment effectiveness, were identifi...
The American Psychiatric Association's December journal issues explore new therapeutic approaches involving psychopharmacology, digital technology, and fMRI neurofeedback. The APA also highlights its vision to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers from UCSF and the San Francisco VA Health Care System found that veterans with PTSD had an 8% increased risk of death and a 9% increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychosis had a 58% increased risk of death and a 66% increased risk of hospitalization.
The American Journal of Psychiatry focuses on the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric illnesses, while Psychiatric Services reports on community-based treatment programs for people with serious mental illness. The latest Focus journal issue explores borderline and other personality disorders.
A new study published in the Obesity journal surveyed nearly 2,500 WeightWatchers members who lost an average of almost 58 pounds and kept it off for over 3.5 years. The study found that individuals who successfully maintained weight loss resumed efforts responsively after showing limited gains and used coping skills to get back on track.
The October issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry focus on diagnosis and treatment of opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder. Psychiatric Services features research reports on issues related to mental health services for people with serious mental illness.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that adults with a history of childhood trauma can experience symptom improvement after pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, or combination treatment. Despite previous theories, these common treatments are effective for patients with childhood trauma.
The September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on combining molecular and neuroimaging measures to understand psychopathology and inform new treatment development. Featured research includes studies on early childhood psychotic experiences and schizophrenia imaging signatures.
Researchers found that appetite changes in depression are linked to specific changes in the brain's reward system, including a weaker connection between the reward system and areas processing taste stimuli. The study suggests precision medicine approaches could lead to more targeted therapies for individual symptoms of depression.
A new study shows that telehealth, particularly audio-only visits, helped keep VA patients on medication for opioid use disorder during the pandemic. Phone visits also played a key role in reducing dropouts from care.
The July issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature new neuroscientific advances addressing major depression, anhedonia, and cognitive deficits. Research reports highlight the provision of care among underserved populations, including Hispanic communities with declining mental health services.
A new analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry shows that brief suicide prevention interventions delivered in healthcare settings drastically underreport the strategies needed for successful implementation. On average, about 85% of these strategies were missing from published reports.
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services address mental health disparities and structural racism. These journals provide a platform for collaborative responses to behavioral health emergencies, shedding light on important topics in the field.
A new study from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital – Psychiatry has found that Danish patients with mental disorders experienced a worsening of symptoms in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. The study analyzed over 500,000 clinical notes from psychiatric hospitals in Denmark and identified a sharp increase in clini...
Less than half of Americans with opioid use disorder received a potentially lifesaving medication over a five-year period. Buprenorphine, which reduces overdose risk, was prescribed even less often for those with polysubstance use disorder, highlighting the underutilization of this effective treatment.
The May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals explore the cognitive impacts of long-term cannabis use, the intersection of climate change and mental health, and tools to address children's mental health. The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research reports on these topics.
A large-scale study identified 287 genomic regions associated with schizophrenia, pinpointing 120 genes that contribute to the disorder. The research suggests abnormal neuron function in these cells may explain the diverse symptoms of schizophrenia.
A randomized clinical trial found that micronutrient supplementation improved attention and mood in children with ADHD, with a 54% response rate compared to 18% in the placebo group. The study also showed significant growth benefits in children taking the supplement.
A new study uses a machine-learning approach to assess risk factors across biological, psychological, and social domains to predict the development of conduct disorder in children. The model correctly predicted CD two years later with over 90% accuracy.
The April issues of the American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research on integrating clinical and basic approaches to better understand psychiatric disorders. Studies illustrate the importance of medication in treating opioid use disorder and community-based treatments for people with serious mental illness, ...
A significant proportion of youth with substance use and depression show early improvements in depression during treatment for substance use. Lower frequency of cannabis use at baseline is a predictor of early depression response. Both additional CBT or community treatment improved depression symptoms in those without an early response.
Researchers found that maternal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in early childhood predicts child somatisation at school age. The study highlights the importance of considering family trauma history in pediatric consultations to improve patient care.
A recent systematic review found that COVID-19 led to a 28% reduction in mental health service use among children and young people. The largest decrease was recorded in emergency department visits for mental health issues, with a 40% reduction on average.
The March issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on the genomics of psychopathology, exploring its relationship with various mental illnesses. Research highlights unique genetic patterns among individuals who die by suicide using violent means.
A study tracking 425 patients post-COVID-19 found high prevalence of cognitive deficits, psychiatric impairments, and significant memory decline. Researchers observed no correlation between the severity of the disease or socio-economic factors with psychiatric alterations, suggesting a possible link to delayed inflammatory processes.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that autistic children have distinct amygdala changes, with larger volumes associated with traditional anxiety and smaller volumes linked to autism-distinct anxieties. The study used brain scans of 71 autistic and 55 non-autistic children between ages 2-12.
A recent study found that behavioral treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and improve behavior in children, but not all children respond equally well. Priority should be given to those with more severe ADHD, conduct disorder symptoms, or from single-parent families, as they are at risk of deterioration without treatment.
The February issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services highlight new research on the opioid crisis, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, the latest issue of Focus features articles on novel neurotherapeutics and practice guidelines for peer specialists and supervisors.
A randomized controlled trial of combinatorial pharmacogenetics testing found no significant improvement in depressive symptoms among adolescents with depression. However, the study suggests that testing results may influence physician decision-making and could be useful in specific cases where individual gene-drug pairs impact clinica...
A new review and meta-analysis found that drug companies are increasingly disclosing negative study findings for antidepressants. While progress has been made, full transparency remains an issue, with researchers emphasizing the need to report all trial results, both positive and negative, to inform patient treatment.
A study published in Translational Psychiatry found that virtual companions can reduce anxiety in socially anxious individuals, particularly women. The researchers used a virtual reality setup with either a real or avatar companion to test the effects of social support on fear responses.
Researchers have discovered a new biomarker, microstate D, associated with increased sleep disturbance and inattention symptoms in adults with ADHD. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, provides evidence for a more precise diagnosis of the disorder.
The January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on the factors underlying alcohol and cannabis use, as well as their interactions with other psychiatric illnesses. The journals also address disparities in coercive treatment for psychosis and provide insights into mental health services delivery.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found no evidence that vitamin D supplementation improves mental or physical health symptoms in people with psychosis. High rates of vitamin D deficiency were observed, particularly among ethnic minority participants.
A study found that schools account for only 2.4% of variation in social-emotional-behavioral difficulties, depressive symptoms, and well-being among 11-14 year olds. School climate was associated with mental health, despite its small impact.
A new study found that chronic stress accelerates biological age, as measured by an 'epigenetic clock.' However, individuals with stronger emotion regulation and self-control were more resilient to the negative effects of stress on aging. This suggests that managing psychological health can help extend a healthy lifespan.
The December issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature new insights into major depression and bipolar depression treatment. Research reports include studies on the effects of ECT on all-cause mortality and suicide in older patients.
A meta-analysis of 17 controlled studies found Wraparound Care Coordination significantly reduces out-of-home placements, improves mental health functioning and school outcomes, and lowers overall care costs. The study also shows more positive effects for youth of color.
A large national survey found that positive and encouraging strategies are more effective in helping adults with severe food aversions than forceful approaches. Researchers recommend using structure around eating, providing safe foods, and teaching cultural or nutritional lessons to improve attitudes towards food.
Researchers have identified new MRI brain imaging biomarkers that can predict the effectiveness of antidepressants with high accuracy. These biomarkers bring a new level of precision to prescribing the most effective treatments, potentially saving patients from months of taking the wrong medication.
The November issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services address adversity, trauma, and suicide, highlighting the importance of resilience and susceptibility. The journals feature research reports on mental health services delivery for people with serious mental illness.
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.
Researchers investigated whether continued magnetic seizure therapy (MST) could effectively prevent the relapse of treatment-resistant depression. The study found that MST was associated with a lower relapse rate compared to earlier research assessing one-time, acute MST.
A study in rats found that a diet of highly processed foods led to inflammation and behavioral signs of memory loss in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented these effects almost entirely. The study suggests that limiting processed foods and increasing DHA consumption may help prevent rapid memory decline in old...
A recent study published in British Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescents diagnosed with mental health disorders are more likely to be excluded from education and labor market for at least five years. The results highlight the importance of timely treatment and rehabilitation to prevent social exclusion.
The Penn Innovation in Suicide Prevention Implementation Research (INSPIRE) Center aims to develop and test evidence-based suicide prevention interventions for underserved groups, including Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ populations. The center will also focus on optimizing the scale of these interventions.
A recent study found that fully vaccinated individuals with substance use disorders have a significantly higher risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection compared to the general population. The study, published in World Psychiatry, revealed that patients with cocaine and cannabis use disorder had the highest risks.
The American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on the mental health of community college students, diabetes, depression, and schizophrenia treatment. The findings extend and validate previous studies relevant to clinical psychiatry.
The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry publishes a special issue to strengthen the rights and voices of older people worldwide. The issue aims to reduce the burden of ageism, mentalism and ableism, which currently permeates virtually every aspect of older persons' lives.
A new study found that unusual visual inspection behavior in infants aged 9 months and older is predictive of a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This behavior, characterized as an over-focus on objects, was most prominent and present earliest in infants who developed ASD.
A Stanford study has linked insulin resistance to an increased risk of major depressive disorder. The research found that individuals with insulin resistance are twice as likely to develop the condition, even if they have never experienced depression before.
The September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals explore innovative treatments for opioid use disorder and analyze the mental health implications of police reform. Research articles cover various disorders, including ADHD, anorexia nervosa, and cardiovascular disease in psychiatric patients.
A one-day online therapy session has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers. The study found that women who participated in the workshop were four times more likely to experience a clinically meaningful improvement in PPD compared to those in the control group.
A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that women, combat medics, and those with an anxiety disorder diagnosis were at higher risk. The study identified factors that may help assess suicide risk in soldiers, including sociodemographic and service-related characteristics.
A recent study found that manualized Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT-PTSD) is safe, feasible, and clinically viable for treating veterans with PTSD. The therapy resulted in marked reductions in both clinician-rated and self-reported symptoms of PTSD and depression.
A five-year telepsychiatry trial found significant improvements in rural patients' access to care, mental health symptoms, and quality of life. The study treated over 1,000 patients with bipolar disorder and/or PTSD, often underserved by traditional mental health services.