A research team has identified rare mutations in two genes, NRXN1 and CNTN6, that increase the risk of Tourette syndrome. The study found an overall increase in large, rare copy-number variants in TS patients, with each variant primarily occurring in just one individual.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that specific antipsychotic agents and routes of administration impact the risk of rehospitalization and treatment failure among patients with schizophrenia. The research highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches to optimize patient outcomes.
A treatment for depression using the Emotional Faces Memory Task resulted in a significantly greater reduction of major depressive disorder symptoms compared to a control group. The digital therapeutic targets an imbalance in brain regions involved in emotion processing and cognitive control.
A new study has found that patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for psychiatric disorders have a positive experience, with 80% viewing the treatment as useful and 70% finding it more efficacious than drug therapy. The study aims to validate ECT as a less frightening option by improving its administration standards.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that taking antidepressants during pregnancy is not associated with neonatal problems at two to four weeks after birth. Instead, preterm birth was the major factor linked to newborn signs of agitation and restlessness.
A 12-week tai chi program significantly reduced depression symptoms in Chinese Americans. The study found sustained improvement at 24 weeks, with the group receiving tai chi showing greater reduction in symptoms compared to control groups.
A new study found that body mass index (BMI), sex of the patient, and symptom profile can help doctors select the most effective antidepressant. Patients with higher BMI had a better response to treatment, particularly for women, while those with lower BMI were more likely to remit on venlafaxine-XR.
Karl Deisseroth received the inaugural Distinguished Redelsheimer Award for his transformative work on optogenetics and CLARITY, revolutionizing brain manipulation and visualization. His laboratory's advancements have significantly contributed to understanding how brain circuitry contributes to behavior in neuropsychiatric diseases.
The Society of Biological Psychiatry recognized the Simons Foundation with the 2017 Humanitarian Award for its leadership in decreasing stigma, advancing awareness, and contributing to research advancements. The $5,000 award prize was presented by Dr. Kerry Ressler on May 19, 2017.
Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez, a neuroscientist and clinical psychiatrist, received the award for her discovery of ketamine's rapid therapeutic effects on OCD symptoms, while Dr. Todd Gould was recognized for his work on ketamine's antidepressant effects in treating depression. The prestigious awards come with a $5,000 cash prize.
Stephanie Solso received the award for her paper on diffusion tensor imaging and axonal overconnectivity in autism spectrum disorder toddlers. The study revealed abnormal brain development and age-related changes in brain regions involved in social, language, and behavioral control functions.
The Society of Biological Psychiatry honored Dr. Stephen Strakowski with the 2017 George N. Thompson Award for his leadership and service to the organization. Dr. Strakowski, Inaugural Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Texas at Austin, was recognized for his contributions to promoting the welfare of SOBP.
Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry aims to increase treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects by considering individual patient characteristics. The journal will publish research on endophenotypes, pharmacologic approaches, and education, with the goal of identifying predictors of response and tailoring treatments.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that parent-mediated therapy can reduce emerging signs of autism in high-risk infants. The intervention, delivered through video feedback to parents, improved infant attention, communication, early language development, and social engagement.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that valbenazine can significantly reduce tardive dyskinesia symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and mood disorder. The medication showed a 50% improvement rate compared to the placebo group.
A new study found that doxycycline can reduce fear memory responses in healthy volunteers by 60%, suggesting its potential to treat PTSD. The antibiotic disrupts the formation of negative associations in the brain, which is crucial for learning to fear threats.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has identified a link between rare variants of the NKPD1 gene and depressive symptoms. Researchers found that nearly 2,000 people with depressive symptoms were analyzed, revealing a possible genetic connection to depression.
A new study has identified an early vulnerability brain marker for psychosis in late adolescence, which can be detected through exaggerated emotional responses to non-threatening cues. This finding could lead to the development of new intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
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 new study found that early environmental experiences and temperament shape children's problem-solving skills. Children with hawk traits developed enhanced problem-solving for rewards by age 4, but performed worse on standardized tasks.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry suggests that blocking hypocretin signaling may provide a new avenue for treating cocaine addiction. The study found that blocking hypocretin signaling reduced cocaine intake in rats allowed long access to cocaine, and restored the normal GABAergic system.
A recent study following over 500 children with ADHD into adulthood found that extended stimulant medication use is associated with suppressed adult height but not reduced symptoms of ADHD. The findings suggest a trade-off between symptom-related benefits and growth-related costs of long-term treatment.
The Lancet Psychiatry experts argue that cannabis use can be made safer through various strategies, including regulating potency, reducing tobacco use, and exploring the effects of CBD modification. The authors also highlight the need for more research on the harms posed by different levels of THC and CBD content.
A recent study links adolescent sleepiness to future crime rates, with sleepy teens more likely to commit crimes by age 29. The study suggests that poor daytime attention and social adversity may contribute to the relationship between sleepiness and crime.
Research reveals that sons of cocaine-using fathers are at risk for learning deficits and memory loss. Epigenetic mechanisms alter gene expression in the brain, depleting essential molecules like D-serine, leading to impaired synaptic plasticity.
Research suggests males are more likely to be diagnosed with dyslexia, possibly due to differences in reading performance and processing speed. Variability in processing speed may also contribute to co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Dr. Sandra B. Sexson, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, has received the Vestermark Psychiatry Educator Award for her leadership and creativity in psychiatric education. She is recognized for her 40-year dedication to advancing the field of psychiatry through various academic and professional roles.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that prenatal infection can cause long-term alterations in the programming of the offspring's genome through epigenetic modifications, leading to behavioral abnormalities. The findings suggest that earlier infection may lead to more serious effects on neurodevelopment.
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.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine reduced both marijuana and alcohol use in treatment-engaged adolescents. The study's results suggest NAC may generalize to other substances and be useful in decreasing adolescent alcohol use.
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.
Dr. Tracy L. Bale is recognized for her work deciphering genes, circuits, and epigenetic mechanisms contributing to stress dysregulation in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases. Her research investigates the impact of early life events on brain development and disease susceptibility.
Dr. Charles B. Nemeroff, a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher, has been recognized for his decades-long commitment to mentoring young scientists in the field of neuropsychopharmacology. His work has led to numerous mentees advancing in their careers, becoming leaders in research departments and even department chairs.
Dr. David Glahn, a Yale University professor, has been awarded the Joel Elkes Research Award by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology for his groundbreaking research in neuropsychopharmacology. His work focuses on identifying potential biomarkers and understanding heritability, disease associations, and risk genes.
Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman has been recognized by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) with the Julius Axelrod Mentorship Award for his significant contributions to neuropsychopharmacology. He is a leading researcher and national leader in psychiatry, having trained a generation of clinical and translational researchers.
A clinical trial led by NYU Langone Health found that psilocybin significantly reduces mental anguish in distressed cancer patients for months. The study showed that one-time treatment with psilocybin quickly brought relief from distress that then lasted for over six months in 80% of the participants.
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 randomized clinical trial found that web-based cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improved sleep outcomes in adults. The fully automated and interactive SHUTi intervention was more effective than access to a patient education website alone, with participants showing significant improvements in sleep duration and quality.
A meta-analysis of 57 studies representing almost 21,000 patients reveals a pooled prevalence of depression in mild cognitive impairment patients at 32%, varying by source and setting. Further research on depression in MCI patients is warranted to inform clinical decisions and public health policy.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that Sudarshan Kriya yoga significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in medicated patients with major depressive disorder. The technique, which includes sequential breathing exercises, reduced mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores by several points ...
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that women experiencing depressive symptoms during and after pregnancy are associated with reduced cortical thickness in preschool-age children. This suggests that a mother's mood may impact her child's brain development at critical stages.
A new study found that speech difficulties can predict poor literacy skills at ages 5½ and 8, but effects are mitigated by age. Early language impairment with speech difficulties is a warning sign for significant reading problems.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation honored nine scientists with its 2016 Outstanding Achievement Prizes for their work in schizophrenia, mood disorders, child and adolescent psychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience. The award recognizes groundbreaking research that aims to improve the lives of people with mental illness.
New research reveals that gene DIXDC1 may act as a general risk factor for psychiatric disease by interfering with brain connection regulation. Mutations in this gene are linked to reduced synapse numbers and impaired WNT signaling in neurons, leading to heightened anxiety, loss of motivation, and social interaction deficits.
Researchers developed a new probability model to detect psychosis risk with 70% accuracy, combining medical history, clinical assessment, and biomarkers of fatty acids. This could lead to timely treatment and prevention of psychotic episodes.
Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy had a 37-percent increased risk of speech and/or language disorders in their offspring compared to mothers with depression but no treatment. The study, published online in JAMA Psychiatry, used a large sample population and followed children beyond age 3.
The grant aims to create partnerships in disaster-prone regions to enhance national capacity for children's and families' post-disaster response. It adapts the National Child Traumatic Stress Network model, including a digital application for information sharing after disasters.
Two recent studies by MGH psychiatrists improve treatment outcomes for Chinese American immigrants with depression. Culturally sensitive treatment combined with telepsychiatry shows significant improvement in depression symptoms, while stigma can reduce effectiveness. The studies suggest that stigmatizing attitudes may exert an indepen...
Researchers found that adults who spent eight hours in bed daily showed greater improvements on all fronts, including faster response to treatment and higher remission rates. In contrast, those who spent six hours in bed experienced no significant differences in treatment response.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that the number of US adults using marijuana increased between 2002 and 2014, with a corresponding decrease in perceived risk of harm. Despite this, the prevalence of marijuana use disorders remained stable, highlighting the need for effective education and prevention messages.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that medications improved work productivity in most patients with depression, but those who showed rapid improvement had more significant reductions in depressive symptoms and were more likely to recover. The study suggests that patients requiring additional treatments l...
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.
A study of 250 transgender people in Mexico City found that distress and dysfunction were more strongly predicted by experiences of social rejection and violence than by gender incongruence itself. The researchers suggest that removing the diagnosis of transgender identity from mental disorders classification could improve health care ...
A recent study found that adults with moderate or more severe pain are at a 41% higher risk of developing prescription opioid use disorders. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 34,000 adults and confirmed previous findings on age and sex as risk factors.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry reveals that inflammation of the hippocampus contributes to depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients. Hippocampal immune activation was linked to more severe symptoms of depression and altered functional connections with other brain regions.
A new meta-analysis in Biological Psychiatry reports associations between sleep disturbances and long sleep duration with increased levels of inflammatory markers. Treatments targeting sleep behavior may be a strategy for reversing inflammation and reducing risk of inflammatory illnesses.
A study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine shows that video-based mental health services are providing care to underserved rural children. The research highlights the need for mental health services in these areas, where only 20% of children with behavioral health issues receive treatment.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are exploring the potential of genetic testing and electronic health records to tailor antidepressant treatment. The study finds that genetic variation can affect patient reactions to drugs, offering a unique opportunity to develop pharmacogenetic guidelines.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that glial energy metabolism plays a critical role in addiction-related behaviors. Researchers found that altering glial lactate release and nerve cell uptake of lactate prevented long-lasting relapse in rodents.
Researchers developed a tablet-based suicide risk assessment tool that performed at a high level, predicting expert psychiatric assessments at between 91-94 percent accuracy. The tool was found to be quick and easy for patients to complete, standardizing risk assessment and helping hospitals meet the Joint Commission mandate.