A Johns Hopkins study found that 80% of participants experienced improvements in anxiety and depression after using synthetic psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT. The short-acting effects of the substance may make it easier to use as an adjunct therapy, with potential benefits for individuals experiencing clinically significant negative mood.
Researchers found that systematic depression screening after a heart attack did not impact patients' quality of life. Depression was identified in about 7% of screened patients, and interventions such as medication, phone-based psychotherapy sessions, or a combination both were shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
The rise of psychotherapy in Uganda reveals distinct views on happiness and mental health across the country. In Northern Uganda, psychotherapy services emerged to address post-war traumas, while upper-middle-class Kampalans prioritize wellness and seek private psychology practices.
For the first time, researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have measured the 'Bereitschaftspotential' (readiness potential) outside a laboratory and under extreme conditions. This finding will help advance brain-computer interface development, enabling quadriplegics to control neuroprosthetics and regain hand function.
A randomized study by Michigan State University reveals that interpersonal psychotherapy can reduce depressive symptoms and hopelessness in prisoners. The treatment is effective, low-cost, and can be implemented in prison settings with trained counselors.
Researchers found that vagus nerve stimulation in the neck reduced brain activity and delayed pain response in people with PTSD. The treatment also altered autonomic responses to painful stimuli, dampening fight-or-flight-type responses.
Scientists have identified a brain pathway that underlies an effective therapy for sustainably reducing traumatic memories. The study found that alternating bilateral sensory stimulation (ABS) induces a persistent fear reduction by activating the superior colliculus and mediodorsal thalamic nucleus pathways, which suppresses fear expre...
A study published in Scientific Reports found that psychological placebos can have a positive impact on participants' well-being when attributed to them. The results suggest that the narrative associated with the placebo, as well as the relationship between the researcher and participant, play a crucial role in this effect.
A study found that therapists can improve treatment outcomes for adolescents with depression by regularly assessing symptoms and augmenting treatment. Implementing this approach led to better symptom reduction compared to waiting until Week 8, according to a 16-week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial.
Researchers found that playing Tetris reduced flashbacks in patients with PTSD by 64%, offering a potential new treatment method without relying on therapists. The intervention involves writing down stressful memories and then playing Tetris to alleviate symptoms.
A new study found that a probiotic supplement reduced hospitalization time and in-patient treatment for patients with mania. The results suggest that modulating the intestinal microbiota could be a new treatment avenue for patients suffering from psychiatric mood disorders.
A study led by Indiana University psychologists found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy apps effectively alleviate depression symptoms in all stages. The analysis of 21 studies with over 4,700 participants showed that these apps can help a large number of people without severe mental health issues.
Despite unmet need for treatment of substance use disorders, telemedicine use for this condition remains woefully underused. The study found that telehealth visits for substance use disorder accounted for only 1.4 percent of all telehealth visits, highlighting a significant gap in access to care.
Early treatment of high blood pressure as advised by US guidelines does not reduce the risk of deadly heart disease and may negatively affect mental health. In contrast, patients with 'Stage 2 Hypertension' face a greater risk of dying from heart disease despite medication recommendations.
Surjo Soekadar, a renowned neuroscientist, has been appointed Germany's first Professor of Clinical Neurotechnology at Charité. He aims to enhance brain functions such as attention, memory, and emotional control using innovative brain-computer interfaces.
Research reveals chronic stress impairs spatial memory through altered glucose metabolism, with susceptible individuals showing cognitive impairments.
A Rutgers study finds Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Trauma reduces depression and PTSD symptoms in women with sexual abuse histories, improving social health over time. The therapy can be easily integrated into community mental health clinics by training existing staff.
A comprehensive review by the European Psychiatric Association recommends exercise as a key treatment for mental health conditions, reducing symptoms of depression and schizophrenia. The guidelines suggest structured exercise, two to three times a week, can improve cognition, cardiorespiratory health, and overall well-being.
A recent analysis suggests that improving health care in Canada requires expanding public funding for cost-effective treatments, investing in primary care, and embracing technology. The authors propose engaging patients to determine services and standardizing quality-improvement tools to improve healthcare quality.
Researchers found that epigenetic changes in genes related to dopamine neurotransmission are associated with lower IQ test results. The study suggests environmentally-induced gene activity plays a significant role in intelligence.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered that individuals with depression have a larger left hypothalamus than those without the disorder. The study found a correlation between the severity of depression and the size of the brain region, but no effect from medication.
A UofL study found that brief cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms, negative thinking, and chronic stress in female caregivers of children with severe health conditions. The therapy improved sleep quality after just five sessions.
A systematic review found that serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors can cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued, with venlafaxine showing higher prevalence rates. These symptoms typically occur within a few days of stopping the medication and can last several weeks.
A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health suggests that an inhaled form of a high blood pressure medication may treat certain types of anxiety as well as pain. The treatment uses a short-acting nasal spray called amiloride, which targets physiological changes in brain functioning linked to anxiety and pain sensitivity.
Perimenopause is a window of vulnerability for depressive symptoms, with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and life stressors contributing to its development. The new guidelines recommend using proven therapeutic options like antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy as front-line treatments.
Researchers found that EMDR suppresses fear-related amygdala activity during recall of traumatic memories. The treatment also enhances extinction learning by deactivating the amygdala, a critical brain region for fear learning.
Research suggests that psychedelic drugs can help treat disorders such as social anxiety, depression, and PTSD when used in combination with psychotherapy. Studies have shown promising results for MDMA, psilocybin, and ayahuasca in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.
Patients with heart failure experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety are at higher risk for progressive heart disease and adverse outcomes. Psychotherapy may offer advantages over medications as a treatment option for these patients.
Researchers found Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) significantly reduces tinnitus severity compared to relaxation-based treatments. MBCT teaches patients to 'allow' and 'accept' tinnitus, leading to a less intrusive experience.
A study found that brain activity and structure in transgender adolescents are more similar to their desired gender than their assigned biological sex. This suggests that differences in brain function may occur early in development, making brain imaging a useful tool for earlier identification of transgenderism in young people.
A study on epilepsy patients has shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be used to predict which brain regions will be affected by the treatment. This research could lead to individualized stimulation protocols, improving treatment outcomes for conditions like depression.
This approach aims to help antisocial young people become responsible adults by considering their values, goals, and maladaptive responses to age-related psychological tasks. It incorporates a combination of psychoanalytic and developmental understanding to promote behavioral change and control.
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) decreased insomnia severity among cancer survivors, with CBT-I being more effective for those with mild symptoms. The study suggests that patients have more choices to manage their insomnia beyond traditional medicines.
Scientists at FAU have found a strong connection between autoimmune thyroiditis and depression/anxiety disorders. Patients with AIT are 3.5 times more likely to suffer from depression, or 2.3 times more likely to suffer from anxiety. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms.
The MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial at UConn Health will specifically recruit people from communities of color with PTSD, focusing on experiences of racial violence and discrimination. The treatment has shown promise in reducing symptoms and allowing patients to process their trauma into something stronger.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be a cost-effective option for patients who fail to get relief from two other types of treatment, such as antidepressant medications and talk therapy. ECT emerged as a cost-effective choice for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai will compare evidence-based approaches for treating depressive symptoms in people with advanced heart failure, aiming to improve quality of life and outcomes. The study is part of a larger effort to address the significant challenge of treating depression in heart failure patients.
A CAMH study found that bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduced suicidal thoughts in 40% of participants, independent of depressive symptoms. The treatment may offer hope for preventing suicide in people with hard-to-treat depression and other mental illnesses.
A new study tests the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting it may enhance benefits of psychotherapy. However, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and long-term effects.
A new study reveals that efforts to discourage benzodiazepine use among older adults are showing progress, with prescription rates declining by seven percentage points since 2010. However, many prescriptions are still being written, highlighting the need for continued education and alternative treatments.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that only one-third of patients diagnosed with depression start treatment, with racial and ethnic minorities and the elderly facing significant disparities. The study's findings highlight the need for improved detection and treatment strategies to address these disparities.
A large Finnish cohort study found that the risk of death by suicide among hospitalized patients with depression has decreased by half since 1991. The study tracked 56,826 patients and attributed the decline to various factors, including improved treatment for depression and increased access to psychotherapy.
Researchers found that people from Western Germany have higher levels of narcissism than those from Eastern Germany, with a greater impact on the younger generation. Self-esteem scores were opposite, with East Germans recording higher scores.
A national register study by the University of Turku and THL found that more adolescents are receiving psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnoses, especially girls, between ages 12 and 18. The diagnoses primarily relate to depression and anxiety, with limited psychotherapy treatment options available.
A randomized controlled trial analyzed 126 adults with PTSD, concluding that trauma-focused therapy WET was just as effective as CPT in reducing symptoms. The findings have important implications for treating PTSD, addressing a significant barrier to care by identifying time-efficient treatment options.
Researchers identified G-CSF as a key player in the development of cocaine addiction, altering mice's desire for the drug but not other rewards. Manipulating G-CSF in the brain's reward center could reduce addiction-like behaviors, paving the way for new treatments.
A study on rats exposed to chronic stress found that cognitive behavioral therapy increases activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, a brain region linked to improved treatment outcomes. The research provides insight into how behavioral therapy can be targeted to improve its effectiveness.
A new study led by Rutgers University-Camden researcher Wenhua Lu found that Black adolescents express depressive symptoms through complaints about interpersonal struggles and physical pains. This highlights the need for clinicians to tailor treatments such as interpersonal psychotherapy to address these unique expressions of depression.
A new study found that antidepressants are ineffective in treating depressed patients with chronic kidney disease, prompting experts to reconsider treatment approaches. Alternative therapies such as ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychotherapy may be more effective for these patients.
Researchers at Bielefeld University developed Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a successful treatment method for refugees with mental problems. The therapy involves storytelling to process traumatic events in a meaningful context, leading to closure and reduced symptoms.
A multi-site study will investigate whether cognitive behavior therapy can reduce seizure frequency and severity in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The study aims to shed light on the mechanism behind post-traumatic epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.
A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves sleep quality and reduces depressive symptoms in menopausal women. The four-session intervention led to clinically meaningful improvements, regardless of the severity of depression.
Nerve cell networks reorganize themselves during periods of inactivity, becoming hypersensitive and prone to overreaction when signals are reinstated. Researchers developed a high-speed microscopy process to visualize communication networks of living neurons, shedding light on the effects of blocking neural pathways.
A new meta-analysis of over 6,500 patients found that antidepressants work better than placebos across various mental disorders, with the difference varying by disorder type. The study also highlights the strong placebo effect in depression and its potential for new treatment concepts.
Researchers at McMaster University have found that antidepressants can increase the risk of death by 33% due to their impact on multiple organs, including the heart and kidneys. This finding challenges the common assumption that antidepressants are safe for most people.
A research team led by Deborah Ellis aims to improve asthma management and reduce deaths among minority children, with a focus on African American adolescents. The project will test an adapted intervention, REACH for Control, in real-world settings.
A recent VA study presents original research and perspectives informing efforts to ensure high-quality patient-centered care for vulnerable veteran populations. The research highlights disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ veterans, homeless veterans, and others.
A new BACE inhibitor has shown promise in improving brain function and memory performance in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that the treatment reduced amyloid beta production, restored normal nerve cell function, and improved memory abilities.
A new study found that arts-based group participation boosts positive emotions in both healthy adults and those with mental health conditions. This effect is short-lived, while improved emotional regulation lasts throughout the day.
A Concordia study identifies conflicting demands of education and therapy in the classroom, causing emotional stress among students. The study recommends increased transparency between teachers and students, clearer policies on affective material, and discussions on ethical practices to enhance the student experience.