Patients taking benzodiazepines for psychiatric conditions face increased risk of dementia and death due to the class of drugs' potential negative effects. Alternative therapies like anti-depressants are recommended for safer and more effective treatment.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teenage girls who compulsively text do worse academically compared to their male counterparts. The research suggests that compulsive texting is more problematic than mere frequency of texting, as it involves trying to cut back and feeling frustrated.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a new type of brain implant that uses nanowires to stimulate or capture signals from different areas of the brain. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for Parkinson's disease, depression, autism, and paralysis.
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.
Researchers discovered a consistent reduction in gray matter volume in the right anterior insula portion of the brain across all 4 ethnic groups studied. This finding suggests that this region may provide valuable information for diagnostic evaluations in various Axis I disorders.
A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tend to confuse reality with imagination, leading to a break from reality. This tendency is linked to increased OCD symptoms.
Psychologists at Cardiff University developed a reliable adult self-assessment test to measure repetitive behaviors in autism. Adults with an autism diagnosis consistently scored higher on this measure than those without an autism diagnosis, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic tool.
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 large-scale trial of deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression found no significant reduction in symptoms. The study's results challenge the use of this therapy for depression, but experts suggest alternative approaches may be beneficial.
Researchers find that presenting a new outcome instead of omitting an expected threat can lead to more effective fear extinction in both rats and humans. The study's findings have implications for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and phobias.
Researchers have discovered that two antioxidant supplements, N-acetylcysteine and glutathione, are effective in treating skin-picking disorder in mice. The study suggests that people with the condition may benefit from this therapy, which could potentially lead to fewer side effects compared to existing treatments.
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.
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.
A new UCLA study uses brain scans to identify patients with OCD who are more likely to relapse after cognitive-behavioral therapy. The research found that brain connectivity before treatment can predict worsening symptoms after treatment.
A QUT study found that compulsive snacking when not hungry is a major cause of weight gain. Volunteers who were offered extra chocolate snacks despite feeling full consumed more, with those eating most being heavier and more impulsive. Repeated snacking without hunger poses a risk factor for weight gain.
A new study finds that genetic risk scores for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are higher in creative individuals, suggesting a shared genetic root with creativity. This association could provide new clues about the underlying biological pathways of psychiatric disorders.
A recent study found that 29.1% of US adults have lifetime alcohol use disorder, with 12-month prevalence at 13.9%, and only 19.8% seeking treatment or help. The study highlights the need to educate the public and policy makers about AUD and its treatments.
A new study found that interpersonal conflicts, such as domestic violence and landlord disputes, are stronger predictors of community crime than public disorder. The research analyzed census data and 911 dispatches, revealing a link between private conflict and increased social disorder, crime, and physical violence.
A psychiatrist advocates for the reclassification of psychedelic drugs as Schedule 2 compounds, citing their potential benefits in treating various psychiatric disorders. He notes that these substances were extensively used and researched before prohibition in 1967, but are now subject to strict regulations that hinder further research.
The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $3.9 million in NARSAD grants to 40 independent investigators from around the world. These grants support basic research, new technologies, and next-generation therapies for schizophrenia, major affective disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.
Research by Tel Aviv University finds that social anxiety elevates the risk of bruxism, a condition causing tooth wear and fractures. The study also found moderate-to-severe dental wear in 42.1% of socially anxious individuals.
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.
Researchers at TSRI find that nicotine exposure promotes alcohol dependence in rat models, with those exposed to both nicotine and alcohol showing rapid escalation of drinking behavior and compulsive consumption.
Researchers found that mice lacking the estrogen-related receptor alpha gene exhibit abnormal behaviors related to eating and social interactions. The study identifies ESRRA as a key gene contributing to the risk of anorexia nervosa, with implications for treating the disorder.
A genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders in humans has been found to cause obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors and social impairments in mice. The study identified estrogen-related receptor alpha as a contributing gene to the risk of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
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...
A new Wayne State University study demonstrates altered communication between brain centers in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The research found that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex exerts exaggerated brain network effects in OCD, suggesting a putative scientific framework for understanding the disorder.
A genome-wide screen of zebrafish identified an enzyme, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-aa (pappaa), that promotes learning and memory by increasing IGF availability to neurons. The study's findings have implications for understanding human neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A new method called Brain-Wide Association Analysis (BWAS) has isolated the functional differences between autistic and non-autistic brains, identifying regions that may contribute to autism symptoms. The study used a large dataset of MRI scans to compare brain connectivity in individuals with autism and those without.
A new study found that nearly 86% of Tourette syndrome patients will receive a second psychiatric diagnosis, with 58% receiving two or more. Mood and anxiety disorders are common among TS patients, emerging as early as age 5, and are related to OCD and ADHD diagnoses.
People with anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphic disorder share similar abnormalities in their brains that affect processing of global visual information. The study's findings suggest that perceptual retraining may be an effective therapy for both disorders.
Researchers at Yale University found that Agrp neurons, which control food intake, also initiate repetitive behaviors seen in OCD and anorexia nervosa. These neurons play a crucial role in psychiatric conditions, highlighting the multitasking nature of brain function.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between short, distinct episodes of manic symptoms and the development of bipolar disorder in high-risk children. The study suggests that monitoring these symptoms could lead to earlier identification and treatment.
Research proposes that a brain system called declarative memory compensates for autism, OCD, and dyslexia by providing strategies to overcome learning difficulties. This compensation allows individuals to learn scripts for social situations and control tics and compulsions.
A review of neuroimaging studies suggests that areas of agreement exist in psychiatric diagnoses, particularly regarding the integrity of the anterior insula/dorsal anterior cingulate network. This network is associated with executive function deficits seen across various diagnoses. The study analyzed 193 peer-reviewed articles and fou...
Researchers have discovered a neural circuit that controls compulsive sugar consumption in mice without affecting normal feeding behavior, providing a potential target for treating compulsive overeating. The study reveals a distinct subset of neurons responsible for mediating food-seeking behavior and responding to reward consumption.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered previously unrecognized differences in the brains of patients with bipolar disorder using a novel MRI imaging approach. The study found elevated signal in cerebral white matter and cerebellar region of patients, suggesting abnormal cell metabolism may play a role in the disorder.
Researchers found that brain structure and connectivity can predict which patients with refractory OCD are likely to respond to dorsal anterior cingulotomy. The study analyzed preoperative imaging data from 15 patients, identifying key neuroanatomical features associated with treatment success.
Researchers found that OCD patients were less capable of stopping pedal-pressing habits due to excessive caudate nucleus activity, linking compulsions to the brain's habit system. The study suggests that habits may be behind various psychiatric behaviors, including drug abuse and binge-eating.
A new study has linked Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder to increased tobacco and alcohol use in young teens. Teens with these conditions were more likely to initiate substance use at a younger age, highlighting the importance of early prevention strategies.
Researchers at Binghamton University found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. The study suggests that improving sleep timing may be an effective intervention for reducing symptoms of internalizing disorders.
A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. This association suggests that prioritizing regular sleep schedules may help mitigate anxiety symptoms.
A genetic mutation has been identified as the cause of congenital sucrose-isomaltase deficiency (CSID), a disorder that prevents the absorption of sucrose in Inuit people. The study found that CSID is more common in Inuit individuals living in northern Canada and Greenland.
A study found that preschoolers with depression had a smaller right anterior insula, which predicts future bouts of depression. Excessive guilt in preschool years is also linked to brain changes and increased risk of recurrent depression.
People with social anxiety disorder tend to think their friendships are worse than they really are, but a new study reveals this perception may be misplaced. The study found that friendships of people with social anxiety disorder were not significantly worse than those without the disorder, contrary to their self-reported experiences.
This special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry provides an overview of recent advances in understanding and treating bipolar disorder. Key findings include the role of white matter disease, stress and HPA axis function, effectiveness of lithium, stimulants for depression, functional remediation, and issues in network meta-analysis.
Researchers discovered a counterintuitive effect where structural disorder counters thermal disorder in certain systems, leading to lower overall disorder. The study focused on charged fluids and found that disordered charges interact strongly with mobile ions to oppose the effects of thermal disorder.
A recent study developed an AAV-based medication that offers substantial protective effects for patients attempting to cease methamphetamine use. The treatment, which tightly binds and sequesters meth away from its sites of action in the brain, is non-addicting and suitable for use in combination with existing behavioral therapies.
The NIH has awarded a $29 million cooperative agreement to investigate four rare disorders: Rett syndrome, MECP2 Duplications, CDKL5 disorder, and FOXG1 syndrome. The study aims to understand the core clinical features of each disorder and identify factors that can modify their severity.
Dr. Nicole McLaughlin is conducting a first-of-its-kind study on patients with OCD undergoing gamma knife radiosurgery to measure brain connectivity before and after the procedure. The goal is to understand the neural mechanisms of therapeutic change and develop novel therapies for OCD and related anxiety disorders.
A consensus statement from leading clinicians and researchers recommends a systematic approach to evaluating youngsters with sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. The guidelines aim to clarify diagnostic boundaries, develop evaluation strategies, and identify urgently needed studies.
A study found associations between dopamine receptor agonist drugs and serious impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling and hypersexuality. The medications were prescribed for Parkinson disease and restless leg syndrome, but the reports showed mostly male patients, median age of 55, primarily in the US.
A study published at the ECNP congress found that individuals with photophobia (fear of bright light) experience medium to high levels of aversion to bright light. The research suggests a possible association between photophobia and panic disorder, but further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School and UMMSM have identified a rare genetic pathway that protects against bipolar disorder. Decades of research in Old Order Amish families with a high incidence of both diseases revealed a significant negative association between Ellis van-Creveld syndrome and bipolar affective disorder.
A systematic review supports the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who don't respond to other treatments. Bilateral DBS techniques are recommended for carefully selected patients, improving OCD symptoms by around 30 percent.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded 200 NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to promising young scientists, valued at over $12.7 million, to conduct groundbreaking neurobiological research on psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.
A prior OCD diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders later in life. The children of parents diagnosed with OCD also show a heightened risk of developing schizophrenia and related disorders.
A study of 19,136 people found that 15% had experienced an episode of sleep drunkenness in the last year, with more than half reporting multiple episodes per week. People with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions were more likely to experience the disorder.
A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory developed a new algorithm to analyze genome sequences and pinpoint insertion and deletion mutations involved in diseases. They successfully identified indels associated with autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, shedding light on the genetic causes of these disorders.