Researchers used PET imaging to find significantly lower muscarinic acetylcholine M1 receptor availability in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy individuals. This study provides the first in vivo evidence of widespread M1 receptor deficits in schizophrenia, supporting the development of muscarinic-based therapies.
This economic evaluation characterizes U.S. lobbying spending in the mental health field from 2014 to 2024, revealing significant growth. The study highlights increasing lobbying efforts in psychiatry and psychology, suggesting a shift towards more prominent advocacy for mental health issues.
A recent study using advanced PET scans has found widespread synaptic density loss in individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in areas rich in neurotransmitter receptors. The researchers identified distinct patterns of synaptic loss that follow the brain's molecular and connectivity architecture.
The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience launches a grant programme to support joint research projects between fundamental neuroscience and clinical psychiatry. The aim is to improve understanding of brain changes in psychiatric disorders, paving the way for more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments.
A Stanford Medicine-led study found that teenagers with autism are less responsive to unfamiliar voices as they mature. Unlike neurotypical teens, the reward centers in autistic teens' brains don't become increasingly responsive to strangers' voices during adolescence, which may impact social connections and friendships.
Researchers at UCI and Mass General Brigham-affiliated McLean Hospital found that using biological and behavioral markers to guide antidepressant treatment selection boosted response rates by nearly 67 percent. The study suggests a new era of personalized depression treatment, where objective data helps guide treatment decisions.
A study of 87,577 adults found that average daytime light exposure above 1,000 lux reduced dementia risk by 16%. Longer exposure to bright light was associated with an even greater reduction in risk. Daytime light exposure was stronger predictor of dementia than established risk factors.
The FUTURE-D project combines data science with clinical expertise to identify warning signs of depression earlier, enabling more targeted interventions. Researchers will integrate longitudinal cohort data from the MACS and NESDA studies to better understand depressive disorders.
Researchers found that combining ketamine with low-dose buprenorphine treatment can prolong its antisuicidal effects for at least a month. Patients who received this combination treatment showed greater and longer-lasting reductions in suicidality compared to those given a placebo.
Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science of lifelong brain resilience, featuring research on glial plasticity and recovery from depression. The inaugural issue explores the intersection of fields including cognitive reserve, sleep, aging biology, nutritional psychiatry, and social sciences.
A 20-year follow-up study by the University of Copenhagen reveals that nearly all patients who initially admitted to hospital psychiatry returned, with significant consequences on their education, family life, and health. The researchers emphasize the importance of early and comprehensive assessments to provide better support and preve...
The latest issues of APA journals feature new research on PTSD and substance use disorders. The American Journal of Psychiatry explores the understanding of these conditions, while Psychiatric Services discusses the future of the DSM. Focus journal delves into psychopharmacologic treatments with expert perspectives.
A nationwide ecological study found a statistical correlation between fewer psychiatric beds and higher suicide rates in Sweden. The study suggests that investing in outpatient care may not be enough to prevent suicides, highlighting the need for further research into healthcare resource allocation.
A new Stanford Medicine study shows that brain-scan averages obscure individual brain dynamics, particularly in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. By analyzing data from over 4,000 children, researchers found distinct patterns of brain activity when data is analyzed individually versus as a group.
The latest issues of APA journals publish new research on cannabis use disorder, stigma reduction interventions, and co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Highlights include studies on depression-related stigma among Black and Latinx youths and the impact of text engagement in a brief technology-enhanced intervention.
Researchers found that a novel compound can clear harmful protein from human neurons modeling frontotemporal dementia, preventing neuron death. Enhancing autophagy with the compound showed promise as a treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
The European Psychiatric Association has launched an action plan to address unmet needs in psychiatric care, focusing on brain health, treatment delivery, stigma reduction, and preventive measures. The plan aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and precision care through its 80,000-psychiatrist network.
A new pediatric mental health care model, P2C3, combines primary care and psychiatry to improve access and training for future pediatricians. The model, which has completed over 1,500 visits and cared for over 400 patients, has shown durable and scalable results, reducing fragmentation and providing timely access to mental health care.
Researchers evaluated 12 hypnotic medications on sleep architecture and respiratory function in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found that while some medications worsened respiratory outcomes, others showed no significant effects, highlighting the need for individualized treatment.
Emerging research across conceptual frameworks, biomarker science, digital phenotyping, and artificial intelligence synthesizes a translational pathway toward a more biologically grounded and clinically useful approach to psychiatric diagnosis. The current system falls short due to standardized clinical language and lack of biological ...
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on treating bipolar disorder, preventing PTSD symptoms, improving access to eating disorder care, and more. Journal highlights include advancements in schizophrenia treatment and a retrospective analysis of suicide deaths in U.S. immigration detention.
A pilot clinical trial suggests that low-dose oral lithium may help slow the decline of verbal memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with evidence of amyloid beta. The study found that participants receiving lithium showed a slower rate of decline on a sensitive test of verbal memory.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that kinases MNK1 and MNK2 have distinct functions in the brain, regulating different behaviors such as social contacts and object recognition. The findings suggest that targeting each kinase individually may be more effective for treating neurological disorders.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reveals higher rates of substance use among all non-heterosexual groups in the US, including those uncertain of their identity. The analysis highlights the importance of recognizing a broader range of sexual identities in public health research and clinical practice.
Researchers found that patients with major depressive disorder share immune abnormalities with inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis. The study suggests targeting the Th2 pathway and interleukin-4 receptor alpha as potential therapeutic strategies for psychiatric illness.
Dr. Ronald C. Kessler's decades-long research transformed international understanding of psychiatric disorders and suicide prevention. His work exposes the global scope of mental health challenges and highlights key factors in prevention.
The latest APA Journal issues explore the intersection of neuroplasticity and substance use, as well as emerging trends in outpatient psychotherapy. The American Psychiatric Association's flagship journals offer insightful research on mental health topics.
A study of over 500 survivors found severe psychological trauma with somatic symptoms persisting decades after the attack. The results highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health services, compensation, and ongoing care for chemical attack survivors.
Researchers are creating a centralized database to standardize and share biomarker research in anxiety disorders, depression, and psychosis. This initiative aims to advance precision psychiatry by integrating biological, behavioral, and clinical data for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A new framework, called Humane Intelligence, aims to make AI in older-adult mental health care safer and more human. The framework has four pillars and a Moral Grid Operational Index to guide clinicians and health systems. It emphasizes relational intelligence, transparency, reciprocity, and ethical governance.
Clinicians can effectively counsel patients about firearm injury by discussing risk and safety, building trust, and tailoring interventions. The 3As Framework provides a structured approach to identify patients at risk of harm.
Dr. Maria Margarita Behrens' work deciphers the molecular signatures defining every human brain cell type, shedding light on neural development and psychiatric disorders. Her single-cell epigenomic atlases will enable researchers to target specific cell types with unprecedented precision.
Professor Dan Stein was a visionary who bridged neuroscience, clinical care, and philosophy to transform psychiatric research in Africa. His integrative approach produced scholarship of extraordinary range, with over 1,600 peer-reviewed publications and a Google Scholar h-index exceeding 220.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry identifies a distinct immuno-inflammatory biomarker in the brain linked to immune system dysfunction and poorer response to standard treatments. The findings provide potential value for clinical prediction and precision therapies.
A subset of depressed individuals with chronic, low-grade inflammation may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study found that anti-inflammatory medications significantly reduced depressive symptom severity and anhedonia in these patients.
Dr. Eric J. Nestler's research has fundamentally reshaped global understanding of addiction and depression by focusing on resilience rather than pathology. His laboratory identified distinct molecular, cellular, and circuit changes in resilient brains that maintain normal behavioral function despite exposure to drugs or stress.
Researchers discovered that a person's conscious perception of their energy levels plays a crucial role in regulating their mood. The study found that when glucose levels drop, people who feel hungrier experience a worse mood, highlighting the importance of interoception in emotional stability.
The symposium will feature experts sharing cutting-edge research and insights on AI in clinical settings, aiming to improve chronic health outcomes and expand access to mental healthcare globally. The event is a unique platform for networking and collaboration, highlighting innovative approaches that move the field forward.
The December issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature updates on substance use disorders, depression, and borderline personality disorder treatment. New research on trauma interventions in schools aims to improve mental health support for students.
Researchers are conducting a 5-year study to understand how children with Down syndrome develop expressive communication skills, including gestures, sounds, and spoken words. The team aims to create a personalized guide for families and professionals to provide tailored support.
A meta-analysis of 268 cohort studies covering over 10 million people found that depression doubles mortality rates and increases suicide risk 10-fold. Timely and effective treatment can significantly reduce these risks, with antidepressant medication lowering overall mortality risk by approximately 20%.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that metformin can help manage weight gain in overweight or obese youth taking medication for bipolar disorder, making it a potential standard of care treatment. The MOBILITY trial showed modest but significant benefits of metformin over no treatment, with well-tolerated side effects.
A new study found that people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder have lower levels of choline in their brains. Choline is vital for cell membranes and brain functions like memory, mood regulation, and muscle control.
Researchers used high-resolution imaging to map brain regions involved in regulating body's energy needs and sensing internal conditions. The study replicated previous findings and expanded upon them, confirming connections between brain areas that help manage the body's needs and sense what's happening inside.
A research team, including Dr. Yong Xu, will use the grant to investigate genetic changes affecting hypothalamic pathways and their impact on metabolism and behavior in humans and animals. The study aims to unravel the precise way brain wiring controls instinctive behavior across species.
The latest issues of three American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on schizophrenia, stimulant use disorder, and recovery-oriented approaches for schizophrenia. The publications highlight new treatments and findings on alcohol use disorder, youth mental health, and suicide risk.
Researchers have developed a new large-scale brain data resource that integrates data from five studies of brain development in children and young adults across three continents. The Reproducible Brain Charts (RBC) project provides a harmonized dataset for tracking changes in brain structure and function, allowing researchers to better...
A large genetic study found associations between cannabis use and various traits, including psychiatric disorders, cognitive measures, and physical health problems. The study identified two genes, CADM2 and GRM3, linked to lifetime cannabis use and frequency of use.
A renowned geneticist, Dr. Martin Alda, has made a groundbreaking discovery that bipolar disorder is composed of multiple genetically distinct disorders, transforming treatment approaches worldwide. His research also highlights the importance of combining basic research with clinical observations to advance psychiatric care.
A nationwide study finds increased physician attrition rates in psychiatry, primary care, and obstetrics and gynecology specialties. Female physicians, rural practitioners, and those outside the Northeast region are at higher risk of clinical attrition.
A new MUSC study found that machine learning can analyze brain activity images to identify smokers most likely to benefit from targeted rTMS sessions, leading to improved effectiveness and reduced side effects. The research uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to detect changes in blood flow and measure brain activity.
A nationwide app called CHAMPS aims to support safer cannabis consumption among young adults who've experienced a psychotic episode. The pilot study found the app to be well-regarded and can be integrated into real clinical environments.
The study aims to identify better ways to predict which children with ADHD will benefit from medication treatment. Researchers will examine how the brain processes reward and frustration to understand why some children show improvements with ADHD medication while others do not.
A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry validates Mentavi's online ADHD diagnostic evaluation, demonstrating its accuracy and reliability compared to traditional face-to-face clinical interviews. The study provides evidence-based support for telehealth access for adults with ADHD, addressing gaps in care c...
The Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience has joined the Canadian Science Publishing portfolio, becoming the 23rd journal in the suite. This move expands CSP's publishing reach into the fields of psychiatry and neuroscience, with a focus on high-quality research and editorial independence.
A UIC researcher team led by Dr. Subhash C. Pandey will investigate how long-term alcohol use affects the structure and function of brain cells, aiming to improve targeted treatments for alcohol use disorder. The grant renewal aims to fuel cutting-edge research into cellular interaction in areas key to alcohol addiction.
The latest issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research on psychiatric genetics, telehealth prescribing of controlled substances, and trends in ADHD medication. Highlights include a new APA Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium.
A new study from UC Davis found that people with a higher sense of purpose in life were about 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia. Purpose helped the brain stay resilient with age, even for those with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A nationwide study found that a smartphone-based digital therapy reduced repeated suicide attempts by 58.3% among patients with a prior history of attempting suicide. The app guided users through short lessons focused on managing emotions and building safety plans.