A follow-up study finds that bipolar adolescents are at higher risk for substance use disorder and smoking five years later. The presence of conduct disorder, particularly when combined with bipolar symptoms, significantly increases this risk.
A recent study found that cognitive ability is not a consistent predictor of prejudice, and that low ability only predicts prejudice towards specific liberal and unconventional groups. High ability instead tends to predict prejudice against conservative and conventional groups.
A six-fold increase in diagnosed sleep disorders among US veterans has been reported, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiencing the largest rate increases. The study found that veterans with cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions also experienced higher rates of sleep disorder diagnoses.
A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that genetics account for approximately half of the differences in character traits among individuals. Environmental factors outside of home and school environments influence the remaining variation in character, with certain personality traits driving l...
A study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that agreeableness is a key predictor of prosocial behavior, including helping others. People with high agreeableness are more likely to exhibit empathic concern and volunteer their time to help those in need.
Researchers from Scripps Florida have discovered a link between bipolar disorder and the striatum, a brain region involved in motor planning and reward perception. The study identified 14 genes differentially expressed in bipolar patients compared to non-bipolar controls, suggesting a causal role in the disorder.
Researchers have identified 84 potential inherited gene mutations that may contribute to severe forms of bipolar disorder. The study used advanced genome sequencing techniques to analyze DNA from 36 family members with the disease, finding rare genetic variations that were overrepresented in those with bipolar disorder.
A recent study published in Frontiers in ICT found that a person's online browsing behavior can reveal their unique digital signature, which can identify them. The research suggests that personality traits can be deduced by general internet usage, offering new avenues for understanding online behavior and its applications.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers reveals that zebrafish bred for boldness display sleeker bodies and faster swimming abilities compared to those bred for shyness. The findings suggest a link between personality traits, body shape, and locomotion, challenging the idea of independent animal traits.
Research by Sebastian Vetter and colleagues found that personality traits of female wild boars impact their ability to raise offspring. Shy females, with more careful behavior and high maternal care, had greater success in rearing offspring in good mast years.
A new King's College London study challenges the fantasy model of multiple personality disorder, suggesting that traumatic experiences such as neglect or abuse in childhood are a major contributing factor. Researchers found a continuum of trauma-related symptom severity across groups, with patients with DID exhibiting the highest scores.
Research associates BPD with higher rates of STI/HIV transmission and multiple partnerships, particularly fear of abandonment and impulsivity symptoms. The study highlights the need for proper assessment and diagnosis of BPD to develop targeted interventions for this population.
A study found that specific personality traits, such as neuroticism and extraversion, were associated with individual differences in the use of MBSR during and post-training. The findings suggest that MBSR programs can be tailored to targeted populations based on their personality traits.
A national survey of over 34,000 adults found that individuals with bipolar disorder are equally likely to develop anxiety as depression after experiencing an episode of mania. This study may lead to a broader clinical definition of bipolar disorder that includes episodes of mania along with anxiety or depression.
Researchers found that US candidates' faces were more associated with competence, while those from Taiwan were linked to social competence. In the study, Taiwanese participants voted for candidates judged high in social competence and trustworthiness, whereas US participants preferred faces deemed competent.
A new study examines nearly 77,000 UK bank spending transactions and reveals that individuals who spend more money on products matching their personality traits report greater life satisfaction. This effect is stronger than the relationship between total income or total spending and life satisfaction.
A University of Michigan study found that personality traits, such as being introverted or extroverted, affect how people interpret language in emails. Introverts are more likely to judge others harshly for grammatical errors, while extroverts tend to be more lenient.
Research from the University of Texas at Dallas suggests that companies structure compensation contracts based on a manager's personality traits, not just firm characteristics. Overconfident CEOs receive more incentive-heavy compensation, which can drive shareholder value.
A new study has linked a common parasite to repeated bouts of rage in individuals with intermittent explosive disorder (IED). Chronic latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii is associated with increased aggression and impulsivity in adults. The study found that IED patients are more than twice as likely to have been exposed to the para...
A study of the Canadian Forces Mental Health Survey found that child abuse experiences accounted for 28.7% of the burden of illness, while Afghanistan-related deployments contributed 8.7%. Child abuse was linked to various mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder.
A recent study found that 2.5% of adults experienced marijuana use disorder in the past year, with 6.3% having met the diagnostic criteria at some point in their lives. Only 7% of those with past-year disorder received any treatment.
A large-scale study of 4,500 twins found that personality traits, not grit, predict around six percent of the differences in GCSE results. Grit alone only predicted 0.5 percent of these differences. The researchers suggest teaching grit to pupils may not be as effective as previously thought.
A study published in The BMJ found that internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can effectively treat body dysmorphic disorder, reducing symptom severity and depression. Participants who received BDD-NET showed significant improvements compared to those receiving online supportive therapy.
A new Northwestern University and UCLA study found that young people with high neuroticism are highly likely to develop both anxiety and depression disorders. Researchers suggest a single intervention could help prevent the development of both conditions.
Research suggests that social anxiety disorder has a high genetic component, with environmental factors playing a significant role in its short-term development. The study found that while the risk of developing social anxiety is strongly influenced by genetic factors, environmental events have little impact on stability over time.
A new study reveals that individuals with borderline personality disorder exhibit enhanced amygdala activity and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function when processing negative emotions, suggesting a lack of control over emotional responses. This findings support the concept of BPD as a disorder of emotion dysregulation.
New research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found an almost even split between people who value their time or money, with prioritizing time associated with greater happiness. The study, which included over 4,600 participants, also found that older people were more likely to prioritize their time.
Naturally occurring brain wiring changes can help patients at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder avoid the illness. Researchers found that resilient siblings showed additional changes in brain wiring within networks involved in emotional processing, which may help them avoid the disease.
Researchers identified 13 inherited sleep and activity measures linked to bipolar disorder, including later waking times and shorter periods of activity. The study provides clues to the genetic nature of the disorder and potential new approaches for prevention and treatment.
A new Canadian guideline provides recommendations for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. The guideline recommends counseling women and their partners about abstinence during pregnancy, screening pregnant women for alcohol use, and conducting complet...
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 published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found no significant link between frequent sex and happiness after one sexual encounter per week. Instead, maintaining an intimate connection with a partner is key to overall happiness.
A study of over 20,000 grown-ups found no substantial effects of birth order on central personality traits, including extraversion, emotional stability, and conscientiousness. Self-reported intellect showed a small effect, with firstborns reporting better vocabulary and less difficulty understanding abstract ideas.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that personality trait Openness is a key predictor of musical ability and sophistication. People with high levels of Openness are more imaginative and open to new ways of thinking, which can lead to better musical performance.
A recent study found that cities fared better during the 2008-09 recession in regions with stronger emotional stability and entrepreneurial personality profiles. Cities like San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif., and Jackson, Tenn., exhibited higher scores for entrepreneurial personality and emotional stability, while others struggled.
A recent study by Georgia State University and other institutions reveals that chimpanzees' brain structures are associated with various personality traits. The research found correlations between gray-matter volumes in specific brain regions and personality traits such as openness, extraversion, and dominance.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $13.3 million in NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to 191 promising young scientists working on groundbreaking neurobiological research to identify causes, improve treatments and develop prevention strategies for psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.
Research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that single people with high 'avoidance social goals' were equally happy whether single or in a relationship. In contrast, those with low avoidance goals who prioritized relationships experienced lower happiness when single. The study analyzed over 4,000 New ...
A new study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that white American citizens who believe in a common group identity are less racist toward immigrants and more likely to donate their time and money to help them integrate. This research suggests that acceptance of immigrants as equal members of society hi...
Researchers developed an objective method to differentiate between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) based on urine metabolites. A panel of six biomarkers showed an 89-91% accuracy rate in predicting each condition.
A modeling study predicts treating hypertension in China could prevent between 600,000 and 1,000,000 cardiovascular disease events annually. The intervention is projected to be borderline cost-effective, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $18,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that premature birth is associated with a distinct personality profile characterized by introversion, neuroticism, and risk aversion. Adults born prematurely scored higher on these traits compared to those born at term, even after adjusting for lower intelligence.
Research found that depression and personality disorders were the most common diagnoses among Belgian psychiatric patients requesting euthanasia. The study, published in BMJ Open, highlights the need for guidelines on 'unbearable suffering' and procedures for mentally ill patients seeking help to die.
Research found that healthy individuals with difficulties regulating emotions exhibit smaller volume in orbitofrontal cortex, a region also affected in people with borderline and antisocial personality disorders. The study suggests a continuum in emotional regulation ability, with extreme variants leading to psychiatric diagnoses.
Research suggests that adults born very premature are more likely to display autistic features, neuroticism, introversion and decreased risk taking. This can lead to difficulties in social relationships with peers, friends and partners.
A massive study of 377,000 high school students found that first-borns have a one-IQ-point advantage over later-borns but the differences are statistically insignificant. First-borns tend to be more extroverted and conscientious, while later-borns have less anxiety, but these effects are infinitesimally small.
A new spectrum disorder called ALPIM syndrome has been identified by researchers, which links anxiety to physical disorders. The study found a high correlation between panic disorder and four domains of physical illness, including joint laxity, fibromyalgia, and immune disorders.
A study of 200 adult men found that those with borderline testosterone levels had a 56% rate of depression and depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of screening for mental health in this population. The researchers also identified high rates of obesity and low physical activity as contributing factors.
Poor sleep quality predicts increased severity and frequency of depression and mania in women with bipolar disorder. For men, baseline depression score and neuroticism are stronger predictors of mood outcome. Improving sleep quality could help patients avoid mood episodes and improve quality of life.
Researchers found that personality traits, particularly Neuroticism, affect brain activity in response to eye contact. Participants who scored low on Neuroticism exhibited approach-associated brain activity when looking at someone making eye contact, while those with high scores showed avoidance-associated patterns.
MIT researchers discovered a neural circuit that underlies approach-avoidance conflict, a type of decision-making that elicits anxiety. By manipulating this circuit in rodents, they showed that it can transform preferences for lower-risk choices into those for bigger payoffs despite their costs.
A study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology suggests that anticipating ethical temptations can decrease the likelihood of unethical behavior. Participants who anticipated temptation were less likely to engage in dishonest behavior and more likely to maintain consistency with their long-term goals and moral se...
A study by King's College London found that mood instability occurs in a wide range of mental disorders and is not exclusive to affective conditions. The research also identified that mood instability was associated with poorer clinical outcomes, such as longer hospital stays and increased use of antipsychotic medication.
New research shows that chacma baboons associate with others of similar age, dominance rank, and even personality type. This homophily may limit the dissemination of new knowledge to the wider troop. The study tracked two baboon troops over several months and found bolder animals tend to spend more time with like-minded individuals.
Researchers found that bold field crickets suffer from higher mortality rates compared to shy individuals, likely due to increased predation. This study, published in Behavioral Ecology, highlights the importance of considering individual personality traits when studying animal survival and ecology.
Research by Mark Zimmerman suggests borderline personality disorder's psychosocial morbidity and suicidality comparable to bipolar disorder. The study highlights the need for improved detection and treatment of BPD.
Recent breakthroughs in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research focus on precision medicine approaches, leveraging genetic technologies to identify risk genes and develop personalized therapies. Neuroimaging studies are also helping understand brain structure and function across the lifespan.
A study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that facial rejuvenation surgery can improve perceptions of likeability, social skills, attractiveness, and femininity in women. The study measured changes in personality perception after surgical procedures, including face-lifts and eyelid surgeries.
A study of facial rejuvenation surgery finds that women who undergo certain procedures are perceived as more likeable, attractive and feminine. The study suggests that facial appearance plays a role in social perception, rooted in evolution, and may impact personality traits such as extroversion and trustworthiness.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that rural African-American women had lower rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and mood disorder compared to their urban counterparts. In contrast, rural non-Hispanic white women had higher rates of MDD and mood disorder. The findings suggest the need for further research into the correl...