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.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that most children diagnosed with ADHD don't outgrow the disorder. In fact, researchers followed a group of 558 children with ADHD for 16 years and found that only 10% completely outgrew it.
A study of over 11,000 elementary school students found Black children are 3.5 times more likely to receive detentions or suspensions than their white peers, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. This disparity suggests individual biases and systemic racism may be contributing to the findings.
The latest August issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services explore the use of neuroimaging and machine learning in psychiatry. Researchers highlight both the benefits and limitations, including advancements in understanding and practice, as well as service inequities among underserved groups.
A 17-year study found that children who experienced poverty in preschool had smaller volumes of certain subcortical brain regions, including the hippocampus and thalamus. The researchers also found that these children showed slower growth in these regions over time, leading to poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes in adulthood.
A national study funded by a $9-million award will compare two suicide prevention interventions for autistic individuals, SPI-ASD and SPI-ASD+, across four health systems. The study aims to develop effective interventions for autistic youth at risk for suicide.
The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services journals released their July issues, exploring how structural racism impacts mental health. The studies include the effects of socioeconomic deprivation on psychosis and reducing public stigma towards individuals with OCD.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medically safe mental health intervention for individuals with severe depression. The research, which analyzed over 10,000 patients, found no clinically significant increased risk of serious medical events with ECT exposure.
Researchers compared two treatment types for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found no significant differences in outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, shows that common elements may be more important than differences in intervention styles.
The event highlights the experiences of four past Rappaport Fellowship awardees, showcasing how their backgrounds in clinical research, brain studies, and behavioral/molecular endpoints impacted their careers. This webinar aims to revolutionize the study and treatment of mental illness by integrating psychiatry and neuroscience.
A 20-year longitudinal study confirms childhood depression is associated with higher levels of adult anxiety, substance use disorders, and worse health and social functioning. Children who received specialty mental health services showed improved outcomes, but still faced problems in other areas.
A review published in Harvard Review of Psychiatry found that cannabis use by young people with ADHD does not appear to have additional adverse effects on brain development or functioning. However, the authors note a need for further research to clarify possible effects and consider factors such as potency and frequency of use.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that COVID-19 geriatric care significantly impacted the mental health of nursing home staff, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of PPE, fear of contracting COVID, and isolation due to lockdowns contributed to these negative outcomes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed an internet-delivered CBT programme that significantly reduces social anxiety and comorbid psychiatric symptoms in young people with SAD. The digital format increases accessibility and reduces therapist time, making it a cost-effective option.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed a blood test that can distinguish between severe depression and bipolar disorder, as well as predict future episodes. The test uses RNA biomarkers to inform tailored medication choices, offering a promising precision medicine approach to treatment.
Researchers discovered novel neurocircuitry in mice that links leptin to the brain's dopamine reward system, reducing food intake. The study suggests targeting specific neurons may help treat anorexia nervosa and support dieting in obese individuals.
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.
A 20-year-long study of Puerto Rican youth sheds light on the factors influencing mental health development, highlighting the importance of context and resilience. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding developmental psychopathology among ethnically diverse children growing up in disadvantaged contexts.
Patients taking buprenorphine for opioid use disorder who also take benzodiazepines experience a 40% lower risk of overdose, according to research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry. This finding suggests that buprenorphine can protect patients from overdose even when taking benzodiazepines.
DEI leaders in academic medicine face growing expectations without sufficient resources. A new article offers guidelines for departments to support their efforts, including elevating the title, clear job responsibilities, and financial compensation. The authors aim to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
A recent study by UArizona Health Sciences researchers found hazardous alcohol use increased monthly for those under stay-at-home orders. Younger people were the most susceptible to increased alcohol use during the pandemic, which could set them on the path toward long-term alcohol dependence.
Dopamine plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels, and its blockade by antipsychotic medications can lead to uncontrolled glucose production and obesity. The study reveals that pancreatic alpha cells produce dopamine, which acts on both insulin-producing beta cells and other receptors.
Research suggests that only a small fraction of violent acts are attributable to mental illness, with most perpetrators not having a diagnosable mental illness. The special issue articles review treatments to prevent violence, violence against family members, risk assessment, mass shooting events, and gun violence prevention.
Researchers combined psychiatric assessments with machine learning models to predict mental illness, improving disease course prediction and intervention timing. The algorithm assists decision-making and provides recommendations for targeted interventions.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased suicides in the overall population, but increased suicides among Black Marylanders. The researchers highlight the importance of identifying high-risk groups and vulnerable populations to reduce suicide numbers.
A longitudinal study of first-year university students found that those enrolled in the University of Vermont's Wellness Environment program had improved mood levels and fewer attention problems compared to non-participants. The study suggests that colleges and universities should track students' emotional health and develop specific p...
Studies using longitudinal brain scans found a subtype of autism characterized by disproportionate megalencephaly and slower development in white matter tracts. Researchers also linked changes in white matter growth with autism traits and symptom severity.
A unique brain pattern that shifts tryptophan metabolism from serotonin production to neurotoxicity has been identified in individuals with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This finding holds promise for developing new diagnostic tests and targeted treatments for these conditions.
A new longitudinal study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant cognitive gains between ages 12 and 23, with IQ increasing by an average of 7.48 points. Early language regression and greater communication problems at age 12 were associated with greater IQ increases.
A new study shows that getting only half a night's sleep hijacks the brain's activity during learning and memory consolidation, leading to increased vulnerability to conditions like anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. The research found that even partial sleep deprivation can be worse than no sleep at all.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that loneliness is highest in the 20s due to lower empathy, compassion, and self-efficacy. Levels of loneliness decrease in the 60s, with smaller social networks and sleep disturbances being consistent predictors across all age groups.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that loneliness is a leading cause of depression in older adults, with nearly one in five cases potentially preventable. The research, led by UCL researchers, suggests that subjective experiences of loneliness contribute to depression up to 12 years later.
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.
The UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center created an isolated COVID-19 unit to manage the highly infectious virus in a freestanding psychiatric hospital. The team implemented screening for symptoms, fever, contact, and travel history, and used extreme caution when isolating suspected patients.
Researchers compared two popular autism interventions and found that more intensive treatment did not lead to better results. The study, led by UC Davis Health, suggests that therapists can adapt their approaches to meet individual child needs.
Researchers found that astrocytes play a critical role in forming synapses in response to cocaine exposure, which can contribute to addiction. Blocking these synapses may help prevent relapse, suggesting a new therapeutic target for substance use disorder.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with secure attachment styles have neutralized genetic risk factors for PTSD symptoms. The ability to form loving and trusting relationships with others was found to be a strong protective factor against severe PTSD symptoms.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that social isolation exacerbates hyperactivity, anxiety, and asymmetric brain atrophy in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Isolation also affects fine motor skills and emotional patterns, highlighting the need for personalized interventions.
Researchers found that abnormal amyloid deposits were present in fewer older adults with major depression compared to non-depressed control subjects. However, the study suggests that depression is still a risk factor for cognitive decline, but through a mechanism other than amyloid deposition.
A study identified three key factors that predict the first occurrence of nonsuicidal self-harm in adolescent girls: low conscientiousness, high avoidance, and parental substance abuse history. These psychological vulnerabilities were found to distinguish girls who initiated self-harm from those who did not.
The expansion will train 48 fellows in addiction medicine or psychiatry to provide high-quality prevention and treatment services for vulnerable populations. This training aims to address access disparities and stigma, with a focus on community-based care.
Research published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that obesity in pregnant women can affect the developing brain, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making and behavior. The study used fetal brain activity measurements to identify potential links between maternal BMI and changes in brain connectivity.
A new study has pinpointed the five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers, highlighting the importance of genetic and emotional differences. The research identified specific causal factors, including a tendency to startle easily, anxiety, depression, and genetic mutations, which can contribute to the developmen...
Researchers identified shared brain structural elements across major psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study also revealed distinct regional abnormalities for individual conditions, suggesting potential mechanisms underlying these disorders.
A study found that local authorities' spending cuts on alcohol services are associated with increased hospital admissions. The research, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from 2012 to 2019 and found a link between reduced funding for specialist treatment and higher rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations.
A study of 153 hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 found that stroke was the most common brain complication, affecting 77 patients. Psychiatric conditions also emerged, including new-onset psychosis, dementia-like syndrome, and mood disorders, in 23 patients.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that fish oil creates an antidepressant response when tested in patient-derived adult stem cell models. Researchers found that the treatment works through a different mechanism than prescription antidepressants.
A study published in Lancet Psychiatry found that adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to standardised medical care significantly reduced the frequency of dissociative seizures, improved functioning, and enhanced quality of life. Researchers recommend incorporating CBT into specialist care for patients with dissociative seizures.
A new longitudinal study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with autistic traits are more likely to develop eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Autistic traits in childhood precede behaviors characteristic of eating disorders, suggesting a risk factor for developing eating disorders.
Physician-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified two clusters of depressive symptoms responding to distinct neuroanatomical treatment targets in patients undergoing TMS. These findings may facilitate personalized TMS therapy for depression and other psychiatric disorders.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that low levels of the hormone vasopressin in infants' cerebrospinal fluid may predict an autism diagnosis. The findings suggest that early intervention could be beneficial for affected children.
Researchers found that people with depression have impaired mood homeostasis, which can be improved through targeted interventions. The study suggests that training individuals to regulate their mood through daily activities could prevent or better treat depression.
Researchers developed five language outcome measures using expressive language sampling (ELS) to assess treatment efficacy in individuals with fragile X syndrome and intellectual disabilities. The study found that ELS yielded valid and reliable measures for most participants, but were more challenging for younger or less able individuals.
A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with anorexia nervosa have altered brain circuitry that impairs the motivation to eat, leading to severe weight loss. The research suggests a powerful biology contributes to restricted eating behavior and offers new potential treatments.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that stepwise treatment for pediatric OCD results in excellent long-term stability of treatment gains. Most participants responded well to treatment, with significant improvements in symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that subtle differences in cognitive performance can predict the progression of Alzheimer's disease, even before abnormal levels of beta-amyloid plaques accumulate. Low-cost, non-invasive cognitive testing can identify at-risk individuals, making them ideal candidates for therapeutic intervention and clinical trials.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a brain-wave signature that can predict which individuals with depression are most likely to respond to sertraline, an antidepressant. The study used electroencephalography and AI to identify the pattern in participants before treatment, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions abou...
A new machine learning algorithm, SELSER, has been developed to analyze EEG data and predict individual treatment response to sertraline. The study found that specific brain signals, such as alpha waves, recorded when participants had their eyes open, can reliably identify people likely to benefit from the medication.
Researchers found that combined exposure to air pollution and early life stress affects attention and thought problems in school-age children. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, suggests a 'double hit' on shared biological pathways connected to these issues.
A Yale University study has identified six genetic variants linked to anxiety in approximately 200,000 military veterans. The research provides the first convincing molecular explanation for the coexistence of anxiety and depression, suggesting shared genetic risks.