A new study by UC San Francisco and Imperial College London found that psilocybin therapy reduces connections within brain areas tightly connected in depression, while increasing connections to other regions. This leads to improved depressive symptoms and better cognitive functioning in participants.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 287 genomic regions associated with schizophrenia and 120 specific genes linked to the disorder. These findings provide new insights into the biological processes underlying schizophrenia, offering potential avenues for novel therapies.
A study of 470,000 rural US veterans found that receiving a video-enabled tablet during the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased use of virtual mental health care services. This resulted in reduced emergency department visits and suicide-related behavior, highlighting the benefits of telehealth in rural areas.
A study of 470,000 rural US veterans found that receiving video-enabled tablets during the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased use of mental health care via video and psychotherapy visits. The tablets also reduced suicide-related behavior and emergency department visits among this population.
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, ...
Researchers report promising results from a phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with two-thirds of participants no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria. The therapy showed better effect sizes than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and was equally effective in treatm...
Researchers from UCLA Health and Harvard Medical School propose a new approach to studying and applying psychedelic compounds to foster intentional changes in habits and behaviors, potentially leading to improved health and resilience.
A new study finds that mentalizing imagery therapy (MIT) significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and improves well-being in family caregivers. The therapy teaches mindfulness and guided imagery skills to help caregivers better understand their loved ones and manage chronic stress.
A study at the University of Bonn found that stressed mice develop motor deficits and lose synapses, which may be useful for earlier diagnosis and therapy. The results also suggest that psychological stress can leave permanent traces on the brain.
A new clinical trial demonstrates that a mindfulness-based therapy, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), decreases opioid use and misuse while reducing chronic pain symptoms. MORE significantly improves chronic pain symptoms, decreases opioid craving, and reduces symptoms of depression.
A new initiative suggests increasing tax on alcoholic beverages by 15% could reduce deaths from alcohol consumption by almost 25%. Implementing this measure could lead to a significant reduction in alcohol-related harm and save thousands of lives annually.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.
A new study finds that the placebo effect activates the same brain regions targeted by brain-stimulation therapy for depression, complicating clinical trial interpretation. The study's findings may offer insights on harnessing the therapeutic potential of the placebo effect.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant and durable improvements in depression, with effects lasting at least a year for most patients. The treatment was shown to produce large decreases in depression severity and stable rates of response throughout the follow-up period.
A study found that rapid weight gain from antipsychotic medications can contribute to loss of agency, hope, and social withdrawal. Understanding this psychological journey may offer new targets for weight loss treatments.
A randomized study of over 1,000 people with PTSD and/or bipolar disorder shows that telehealth and integrated care models can improve treatment engagement and outcomes. Patients who received guidance from local clinic team members and in-person follow-up with nurses or social workers had better results.
A national survey reveals that over 85% of primary care practices struggle to access pediatric medication advice and evidence-based psychotherapy. Policy changes may be necessary to address these barriers and improve child behavioral health treatment.
A new study reveals that over 85% of primary care practices face difficulties in obtaining evidence-based pediatric behavioral health care, including medication advice and family-based therapy. Policy changes are necessary to address these barriers and ensure comprehensive care for children's growing behavioral health needs.
A national study by Boston Children's Hospital found that primary care practices caring for children reported significant difficulties in obtaining behavioral health services. The study, published in Annals of Family Medicine, highlights the pressing need for mental health support in children and adolescents.
A landmark VA study found that prolonged exposure was statistically more effective than cognitive processing therapy in easing PTSD symptoms, with most Veterans showing meaningful improvement from both treatments. The researchers recommended shared decision-making between clinicians and patients to select their preferred 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.
A clinical trial found that people with severe alcohol disorder stayed off alcohol for longer when treated with low doses of ketamine combined with psychological therapy. The therapy showed promise in preventing relapse and improving liver function, with participants having lower depression rates after three months.
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 molecule found in a nematode worm has shown promise in protecting the brains of stroke patients by reducing cell death and decreasing affected region size. Experimental treatments using glycolic acid have successfully salvaged threatened tissue in animal models, offering potential for reduced mortality and disability in stroke patients.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that digital interventions improved depression symptoms over control conditions, but the effect was not as strong as face-to-face psychotherapy. Digital treatments with human components were most effective in reducing symptoms, particularly when accompanied by human guidance.
A study found that the percentage of psychiatrist visits involving psychotherapy dropped to 21.6% between 1996 and 2016, with rural and Black/Hispanic patients experiencing significant declines. The shift towards medication management is attributed to economic factors and a national shortage in psychiatric services.
A new study at UMass Amherst found that different psychotherapists use common treatment processes to varying benefits for patients. Personalizing clinical training to therapists' unique strengths and weaknesses may enhance training outcomes.
The article discusses the importance of addressing identity problems in clinical practice, which can help patients develop a stable sense of self and overcome symptoms. Psychiatrist John R. Peteet reviews four common types of identity problems, including diffusion, distortion, threatened identity, and difficulty integrating identity.
Researchers found a clear link between people's expectations and actual vaccine side effects, suggesting that psychological factors can predict which individuals will experience more symptoms. The study aims to help overcome lingering vaccine hesitancy by reframing the way we think about side effects.
A prospective-longitudinal study found that pregnant women with lower emotional stability and personality traits tend to have worse subjective birth experiences. Unexpected events like Caesareans can exacerbate these negative experiences.
Scientists at DZNE and UMG identified three microRNAs in the blood that correlate with mental fitness and cognitive decline. The biomarker is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease within two years, offering potential targets for therapy and early warning signs.
A randomized trial found that a video game with biofeedback can help youth learn to regulate their anger, leading to reduced aggression and oppositional behavior. The game trains kids to stay calm during stressful situations, and its effectiveness was validated in parents' and clinicians' reports.
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.
A team of researchers found that individuals with severe loneliness have reduced trust in others, which can lead to decreased positive interactions and worsen loneliness. The study used brain scans and conversations to measure changes in brain activity and mood, providing clues for therapeutic options.
A new study confirms physical activity's dual benefits in depression: reducing symptoms and increasing the brain's ability to change. The exercise programme promoted motivation, social togetherness, and improved neuroplasticity, leading to decreased depressive symptoms.
A recent study by the University of Bonn highlights the psychological consequences of Covid-19 in healthcare workers, with over 20% experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. The researchers found that a strong sense of coherence and social support were key protective factors against mental strain, emphasizing the importance of ti...
A randomized clinical trial found that patients matched with therapists who have a strong track record of treating their primary concerns experienced greater reductions in general impairment. This 'match effect' was more pronounced for patients with severe problems and those from traditionally underserved populations.
Researchers at UTHealth are investigating pairing patients with PTSD undergoing treatment for peer support and exposure therapy to improve treatment completion rates. The study aims to reduce the high dropout rate of 25-50% by providing a supportive network for patients to overcome triggers and work towards recovery.
Researchers from Charité and University of Bonn identify four substances that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in host cells, including niclosamide, a tapeworm drug. These findings suggest potential new treatment against COVID-19.
A systematic review of treatments for depression in people with coronary heart disease suggests that exercise is the most effective short-term treatment. The study also found that combination treatments, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, had stronger effects than other interventions.
Researchers from Synapsy have identified lactate's key features, including NADH and neurogenesis, which contribute to its antidepressant effect. Lactate restores adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and depression.
A new study from Rice University found that widowed spouses with higher levels of bodily inflammation experienced more severe symptoms of depression three months later. The researchers identified a potential biomarker to predict who is at greatest risk for long-term repercussions of loss.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that universal and selective interventions targeting young people can reduce the risk of most mental disorders. These interventions, such as psychoeducation and therapy, showed promise in preventing symptoms like ADHD, anxiety, and interpersonal violence.
Researchers from Stanford University and the University of Chicago found that hospitals with more family physicians and midwives had lower cesarean delivery rates. Meanwhile, a study on depression treatment suggests combining psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is more effective than separate treatments. Additionally, a new analysis on f...
A network meta-analysis of 58 randomized controlled trials involving 9,301 patients found that psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy were significantly more effective than care-as-usual or waitlist control. Combined treatment, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, was better than either treatment alone.
A new neuroimaging technique using diffuse optical tomography studied brain stimulation for depression, finding reduced brain activation in response to rTMS. The study suggests that treatment parameters may need adjusting for patients with severe depression.
A study by University of Zurich found that more than half of young women experienced symptoms of depression, while nearly half reported anxiety. The lockdown also showed a significant decrease in risky alcohol use, particularly among women.
An international study of 70 scientists in 21 countries found that suicides fell by 4% during the Covid-19 pandemic, with similar trends reported globally. The study attributes this decline to swift implementation of supportive measures, including psychotherapy and crisis intervention services.
A new study published in the Journal of Pain found that when male and female patients express the same amount of pain, women's pain is perceived as less intense. The researchers analyzed facial expressions and self-reported pain levels to measure bias, concluding that gender stereotypes play a role in these disparities.
Researchers found that heart failure causes impaired gene activity in the brain's memory center, leading to cognitive deficits. A specific drug alleviated mental deficits in mice, suggesting potential approaches for therapies.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that computerised training can reduce PTSD symptoms by helping patients reappraise trauma memories. Patients who underwent the 'Cognitive Bias Modification-Appraisal' training showed fewer trauma-relevant symptoms and lower stress hormone levels compared to those in a control group.
A link between depression and stomach ulcers has been confirmed in the world's largest study of genetic factors in peptic ulcer disease, involving nearly half a million people. Genetic variations associated with an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease have also been identified.
A large-scale study from Lund University found that psychotherapy for panic disorder produces lasting improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Two years after treatment, 70% of patients were clearly improved and 45% were remitted.
Researchers have developed a new brain stimulation technique that can predict individual responses to treatment, paving the way for personalized therapies. The technique uses machine-learning models to analyze brain activity across multiple regions and adjust stimulation doses in real-time.
A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers has found that trauma-focused psychotherapy reduces brain communication between emotion and logic regions, promoting symptom recovery. The study's findings suggest this restructuring of brain connections may be a key signature of PTSD recovery.
Researchers developed a machine learning tool to analyze brain scans and identify risk for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The tool accurately identified individuals with schizotypal personality traits at high risk of developing schizophrenia.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that religious beliefs and spiritual struggles modulate protein expression associated with cardiovascular disease in US South Asians. The research suggests that spiritually focused psychotherapy may help reduce risk of CVD for individuals experiencing spiritual distress.
Two multi-year studies will investigate patient experiences with mental-health teletherapy services, including effects on engagement and treatment outcomes. Researchers aim to identify traits of individuals who benefit most from digital therapy, and develop personalized entry points to teletherapy.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg found that sleep is essential for brain recovery and improvement in performance after intense training or work. During deep sleep, brain activity strengthens relevant connections and weakens unused ones.
A recent study found that MBCT reduces feelings of self-inadequacy and improves self-reassurance in patients with depression. Individuals who showed improvements in self-reassurance were less likely to experience depressive relapse within 2 years after the intervention.