A Drexel University study found that art-making activities like doodling activate the brain's reward pathways, regardless of skill level or experience. The study used fNIRS technology to measure blood flow in the brain during various art activities, revealing increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and positive emotional responses.
A web-based stress management program improved quality of life and reduced distress in patients with cancer, according to a prospective study. The STREAM intervention showed significant clinical improvements after two months, with a greater improvement in quality of life compared to the control group.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of hatha yoga in treating persistent major depression, finding benefits may accumulate over time. Yoga was superior to health education in alleviating depression symptoms at 3 and 6 months after treatment ended.
A new study found that mindfulness group therapy has an equally positive effect as individual CBT for a range of psychiatric symptoms in patients with depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms such as depression, general anxiety, stress, and somatization.
Researchers have successfully tested a new drug that considerably weakens the recollection of a negative experience in humans. In the study, participants who received doxycycline beforehand showed a reduction of two thirds in their emotional responses to traumatic stimuli.
Researchers found that specific brain scan patterns can identify which treatment is most effective for individual patients with depression. Patients with positive connectivity in certain brain regions were more likely to achieve remission with cognitive behavioral therapy, while those with negative connectivity were more likely to resp...
A long-term study found that deep brain stimulation provided lasting improvements in symptoms for seven out of eight patients with previously non-treatable depression. The therapy remained effective over four years without significant side effects.
Researchers found that the original Mona Lisa painting is often seen as happy, and participants identified happy faces more quickly and with greater certainty. The study suggests that our brain has a bias towards positive facial expressions.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have found evidence for a genetic link to social phobia, with a specific focus on the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4. This gene plays a crucial role in suppressing feelings of anxiety and depressive moods, which are common symptoms of social phobia.
Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center found that high-performance chess players can enhance cognitive functions with stimulants without compromising creative thinking. The study revealed that methylphenidate and modafinil improve chess performance in short, timed matches but not in longer games.
A meta-analysis of 186 studies found that patients are more likely to refuse treatment with only psychotropic drugs compared to psychotherapy. The rates of premature termination were also higher for pharmacotherapy alone, particularly for anorexia/bulimia and depressive disorders.
Researchers found that self-guided emotional imagery training can improve emotional wellbeing in healthy individuals by reducing depressive symptoms and increasing satisfaction with life. The technique was also associated with changes in brain activity, including increased connectivity between image processing networks.
A new study reveals that successful treatment of social anxiety disorder alters key brain structures involved in processing and regulating emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a central therapy for social anxiety disorder, has been shown to restore balance between cortical and subcortical brain areas.
Researchers discovered LSD alters perception by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. This finding may lead to new courses of treatment for psychiatric disorders like depression, addictions, and phobias by enhancing personal relevance.
A study by Katie Holloway and colleagues found that therapists identify significant gender differences in therapy, with men wanting a quick fix and women wanting to discuss their feelings. Researchers also surveyed the general public, revealing key differences in preferred therapies and coping strategies between men and women.
The Chapman Perelman Foundation has awarded a $1 million gift to Columbia Psychiatry to expand on-site clinical psychiatric services at NYC Family Justice Centers. This partnership aims to provide comprehensive care and healing to survivors of domestic violence, helping them rebuild their lives.
The Austen Riggs Center is launching an MRI-based characterization program to explore complex psychiatric disorders and develop better characterizations. This project builds upon recent developments in mental health research, including the Human Connectome Project and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Matrix.
A new Northwestern University study found that 13 speedy mini-apps, IntelliCare, significantly reduced depression and anxiety in participants who used them up to four times a day. The apps offer various exercises and strategies to improve mental well-being, resulting in a 50% decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Patients taking antidepressants for depression are more likely to report gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects if they also have panic disorder, according to a new study. Co-occurring panic disorder is associated with an increased risk of worsening depressive symptoms.
A recent study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics shows that cognitive therapy on its own has a much better effect over the long term than just drugs or a combination of the two. Nearly 85% of patients improved or became healthy using only cognitive therapy.
A study by Vanderbilt University found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is most effective in improving daily functioning for IBS patients. Cognitive behavioral therapies were found to be the most effective type of psychotherapy in reducing symptoms and increasing ability to participate in activities.
A new biomarker associated with an overactive stress system has been found in suicidal individuals, according to a study published in Translational Psychiatry. The biomarker, linked to higher cortisol levels, was discovered in cell-free blood plasma of patients who had attempted suicide.
A new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that only one in five people with depression in high-income countries receive minimally adequate treatment. The global average for adequate treatment is even lower, with one in 27 people with depression in poorest countries receiving sufficient care.
A study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that online group therapy can be as effective as face-to-face treatment for bulimia nervosa, with recovery pace slightly slower. The digital approach may help bridge the gap for patients without access to specialist care.
Research found promising initial evidence that specific neuroimaging markers can help predict the response to psychotherapy in patients with depression or anxiety. Neuroimaging markers such as activity in the amygdala, anterior insula, and anterior cingulate cortex may indicate which patients are more likely to benefit from psychotherapy.
Early intervention services are being developed or expanded in 48 US states to improve treatment outcomes for young people with psychosis. Coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs use a team of specialists to create personalized treatment plans, resulting in improved symptoms, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life.
Researchers aim to create personalized brain signatures for effective PTSD treatment using biomarkers and functional MRI scans. The study will track 160 veterans receiving psychotherapy to evaluate the predictive value of cognitive biomarkers.
A new study found that patients with anxiety, phobias, and fears show greater improvement from therapy scheduled in the morning when cortisol levels are high. Morning sessions help psychotherapy patients overcome panic and anxiety better due to increased cortisol, facilitating fear extinction.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that yoga can reduce worry, the main symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The findings suggest that yoga has promise in helping people with this condition reduce their symptoms and improve quality of life.
A recent study found that only about a third of American adults with depression received treatment. Among those who did receive treatment, less than half were seen by a mental health specialist for severe psychological distress.
A recent study reveals that many adults who screen positive for depression do not receive treatment, highlighting disparities in mental health care. The study found that only 28.7% of those screened positive for depression received any treatment, with certain groups facing lower rates of access to care.
A study published in Annals of Oncology found that breast cancer patients on hormone therapies experienced more side-effects if they had high expectations of suffering. The researchers suggest that counseling could lower the risk and improve adherence to medication.
A mindfulness-based intervention reduced depressive symptoms and stress among African-American women with lower socio-economic status. Participants learned yoga, breathing techniques, and body scans to manage daily stresses and gain control over their emotions.
Researchers found that 64% of treatment-resistant depression patients had a deficiency in neurotransmitter metabolism, which improved symptoms with underlying deficiency treatment. The study suggests a new avenue for patients who have failed conventional treatments.
Researchers identified three key brain regions involved in hypnosis, including decreased activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate and increased connections between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula. These changes may help understand how hypnosis affects perception and body control.
A large trial has shown that behavioral activation therapy is non-inferior to cognitive behavioral therapy in treating depression, with two-thirds of participants reporting a 50% reduction in depressive symptoms. The treatment is also cheaper and more accessible, with average intervention costs £974.81 compared to CBT's £1235.23.
A randomized clinical trial found that psychotherapy for complicated grief is efficacious and adding antidepressant citalopram improves outcomes for those with co-occurring depressive symptoms. The study's results support using antidepressants in conjunction with therapy for relief of co-occurring symptoms.
A six-week online training course called GET.ON has been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression in people at increased risk. The study found that 27% of those who completed the course developed depression, compared to 41% of those who did not receive the training.
A new study finds that bipolar patients' blood is toxic to brain cells and affects neuron connectivity. The more episodes a patient has, the more cellular components are produced that impair the brain's ability to deal with environmental changes.
A new study suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy can help prevent long-term memory issues caused by chemotherapy. The therapy, called Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), was developed to increase awareness of situations where memory problems arise and develop skills to compensate for memory dysfunction.
Researchers found that robot avatars using multi-modal communication, combining speech and iconic hand gestures, are as easily understood as human actors. The study demonstrated that avatars can convey their message more effectively when using gestures with speech.
A Northwestern University study shows that engaging environment can alleviate depression in genetically depressed rats, suggesting that nurture can override nature. The study found that psychotherapy and behavioral activation therapy can change blood biomarkers for depression, potentially leading to more precise treatment.
Researchers found that integrating motivational interviewing (MI) with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improves long-term patient improvement rates for severe generalized anxiety disorder. MI helps patients address ambivalence and resistance, leading to better outcomes over a one-year follow-up period.
A clinical study found that veterans with subclinical PTSD experience a 29% drop in symptoms after treatment, compared to 14% for those with full PTSD. This discovery highlights the potential benefits of early-stage PTSD treatment and could lead to cost-effectiveness in treating this common disorder.
The novel blood test detects misfolded Amyloid beta peptides in body fluids, revealing potential for early detection of Alzheimer's. The test has achieved high diagnostic precision with a sensitivity of up to 90% and is being further optimized in ongoing studies.
A medical approach combining psychoactive medications, long-term psychotherapy, and screening for associated health issues is recommended for treating posttraumatic symptoms in refugees. This approach provides rapid relief from suffering and supports a long-term doctor-patient relationship.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that writing a message to the perpetrator can disrupt the chain of unfair behavior, calming negative emotions and leading to fairer interactions. The researchers suggest this strategy as a way to stop the spread of injustice.
A RAND Corporation study found that the US military health system provides good care in following up with patients after discharge, but needs improvement in other realms. Most patients receive at least one psychotherapy visit, but may not receive sufficient evidence-based therapy.
A study found that nearly 40% of adolescents prescribed antidepressant medication did not receive documented follow-up care for three months. This lack of care raises concerns about the quality of treatment for adolescent depression, a condition affecting 12% of adolescents.
A new analysis shows that team-based coordinated specialty care (CSC) is more cost-effective than typical community care for young people with first episode psychosis. CSC produces better clinical and quality of life outcomes, making it a better value despite modestly higher costs.
A systematic review found antidepressants increase aggression and suicidal thoughts in children, with a doubled risk compared to adults. Experts recommend minimal use and alternative treatments like exercise or psychotherapy.
A new group therapy program has been shown to improve social skills in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), helping them cope better in everyday life. The therapy, developed at Goethe University Frankfurt, was tested in six clinics and found to have a lasting effect on social behavior.
Researchers discovered that soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more 'tuned' to perceive threatening facial expressions than people without PTSD. This is caused by more over-connected brain circuits, particularly in the amygdalae and ventral medial prefrontal cortex.
A recent analysis found that using paroxetine during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase newborns' risk of congenital malformations and cardiac malformations. The study suggests that the benefits of antidepressants during pregnancy are questionable, and non-use or alternative treatments like psychotherapy may be a better option.
A new meta-analysis found that psychological therapies can reduce IBS symptoms for at least six months after treatment ends. The study analyzed 41 clinical trials involving over 2,200 patients, revealing no significant difference in effectiveness between different types of psychotherapy.
Patients with COPD who received music therapy in conjunction with standard rehabilitation showed improved symptoms, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Music therapy incorporated breath control techniques, patient-preferred music, and visualizations to increase engagement and cope with chronic disease challenges.
Researchers found that treatment with transference-focused psychotherapy was associated with increased activation in cognitive control areas and decreased activation in emotional reactivity areas, suggesting potential symptom improvement in BPD. The study suggests that talk therapy may impact neural functioning.
Research suggests that second-generation antidepressants and CBT have comparable effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder. Experts recommend making both treatments accessible to primary care patients, regardless of personal preference.
A new analysis suggests that paying for sex reassignment surgery and hormones is actually cost-effective, with costs comparable to treatment for depression and substance abuse. Providing health care benefits to transgender people makes economic sense, improving quality of life without a huge financial impact on society.
A UBC study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that light therapy can effectively treat non-seasonal depression and improve the overall wellbeing of people suffering from the disease. The research, which followed 122 patients, showed that light therapy was most beneficial when used with antidepressants.