A large study found a significant association between severe mental illness and dementia at every age, with adults aged 30-39 showing a 20-fold increased risk of dementia. The study also found a higher risk of stroke in early and middle adulthood, particularly in those with severe mental illness.
Two ECNP-affiliated journals, European Neuropsychopharmacology and Neuroscience Applied, have seen significant increases in citation rates. The rise reflects growing interest in the biological underpinnings of mental health, as reflected in the journal's focus on precision psychiatry.
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 study of 40 women with PTSD following recent sexual assault trauma found a marked reduction in brain synchronization between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This disruption may be a biological signature of the disorder rather than a state-dependent marker, potentially leading to personalized treatment response.
Researchers discovered that serotonin levels in the brain are related to the ability to have an erection or orgasm, but only in patients taking SSRI antidepressants. The test, LDAEP, measures brain activity and can predict sexual side effects with 87% accuracy.
Researchers found that 14.5% of patients with a first episode of psychosis had dermatological symptoms, which were linked to higher levels of depression and risk of suicide. The study suggests that skin conditions may serve as an advance marker for mental health risk, similar to blood tests for cancer or heart disease.
A study of 5,794 adults found that different types of depression are associated with varying levels of risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Those with atypical/energy-related symptoms were more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes, while those with melancholic symptoms were at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have found that a ketogenic diet fed to young rats after weaning can prevent lasting effects of prenatal stress. This diet regimen was shown to reduce social and motivational problems in offspring, with males benefiting through reducing inflammation and females boosting antioxidant defenses.
A study confirms that people with ADHD can be more creative due to their tendency to let their minds wander. The research found that individuals with ADHD symptoms showed higher scores on creative achievements and were associated with greater mind wandering, particularly deliberate mind wandering.
Researchers found that females with ADHD are underdiagnosed and often receive a diagnosis five years later than males. They also exhibit greater emotional and functional difficulties.
Semaglutide significantly reduces cocaine-seeking behavior in rats by 26%, with a 62% drop in seeking after abstinence. This finding suggests semaglutide's potential as a treatment for human cocaine dependency, currently lacking effective pharmacological options.
Professor Carmen Sandi has made significant contributions to the understanding of stress and anxiety mechanisms in the brain. Her research focuses on the neurobiological effects of stress and anxiety, including their impact on cognition and behavior.
A new virtual reality-based system shows promise in improving psychiatric diagnosis by differentiating between common mental health conditions. The system uses immersive scenarios and physiological measurements to elicit emotional responses, suggesting enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
Researchers found that SSRI antidepressants improve cognitive functions like verbal memory by reducing a specific serotonin receptor. The study suggests that stimulating this receptor may be a promising target for optimizing antidepressant treatment outcomes.
A new study confirms that hormonal and biochemical factors affect alcohol dependence in men and women differently, implying the need for sex-specific treatments. Researchers found associations between hormone levels and treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in treating alcoholism.
Researchers identify specific brain area and activity patterns associated with postpartum depression risk in pregnant women. They propose a potential test based on these findings to help detect high-risk individuals.
A 6-month study found that psilocybin offered similar improvements to SSRI escitalopram in depressive symptoms, but with greater social functioning and psychological connectedness. Psilocybin may offer an alternative for those not responding to SSRIs, but its benefits are still being studied.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry calls for improved processes for developing medicines for children and young people. Experts and patients collaborated to define new parameters for the development of these medicines.
A major study has found that taking benzodiazepines like Valium and Ativan intermittently instead of continuously can lead to significant reductions in side effects such as falls, hip fractures, hospitalizations, and even death. The research showed a 20% decrease in hip fractures, 33% fewer men's falls requiring hospitalization, and a ...
Researchers found that training expectant mothers can improve their ability to recognize happy baby expressions, leading to fewer signs of depression. This new approach aims to promote healthier emotional development for both mother and child.
Researchers found that antidepressant escitalopram increases synaptic density in the brain over weeks, leading to greater brain plasticity. This explains why effects of antidepressants take time to kick-in, with significant differences in synapse density between treatment and placebo groups.
A study comparing exercise and antidepressants found that both treatments have similar benefits for mental health but exercise improved physical health markers. However, patients struggled to stick with the exercise routine due to higher drop-out rates.
Researchers developed a wearable device to track bipolar disorder patients' skin electrical activity, detecting manic and depressed phases. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment with personalized, rapid interventions.
The ESCAPE-TRD study found that esketamine nasal spray outperforms quetiapine in treating treatment-resistant major depression, with patients showing higher remission rates and reduced depressive symptoms. The results suggest esketamine as a safe and effective treatment option for those with treatment-resistant depression.
Researchers found that women experience a significant increase in anxiety and negative feelings during the 7-day pill-free period, similar to those experienced during menstruation. Long-term pill users may benefit from mood-stabilizing effects while taking their pill.
The ECNP 2023 conference will feature discussions on a wide range of new work in clinical and applied neuroscience among over 5000 attendees from around the world. Accredited journalists are welcome to attend and register for online access.
Research found that harsh parenting can lead to increased DNA methylation, predisposing children to depression. The study compared 21 adolescents with good parenting to 23 with harsh parenting and found significant differences in DNA methylation levels.
A study found that nicotine from a single cigarette reduces estrogen production in women's brains, which may explain their greater resistance to quitting smoking. The effect was observed in the thalamus, part of the limbic system involved in behavioral responses.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant decrease in hospital admissions for first-time clinical depression and recurrent depression, while outpatient treatment remained stable. This shift implies that many patients did not receive appropriate care for their condition, potentially leading to long-term quality of life loss.
Researchers found a healthy diet and avoiding stressful news helped prevent anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Engaging in physical exercise, staying outdoors, and drinking water also showed protective effects on mental health.
Researchers found that patients with more severe depression histories showed less brain activity in areas processing emotions, while those who had remitted from depression showed a normal level of activity. This suggests that serious depression may change the way the brain responds to emotion over time, or that people with stronger emo...
A pilot study found that depressed COVID patients responded well to SSRIs, with 91% showing improvement within 4 weeks. The study suggests post-COVID depression is treatable and may benefit from antidepressant treatment.
Researchers found that psilocybin increased the emotional response to music by around 60% compared to ketanserin. The study implies that music should be an active component of psilocybin therapy for treating depression and other mental health conditions.
Researchers found that an existing drug, prucalopride, can improve cognitive function by enhancing activity in brain areas related to memory. In a study of 44 healthy volunteers, those taking prucalopride performed better on a memory test and showed increased activity in the hippocampus and right angular gyrus.
Researchers have discovered a protein called "shank" that acts as a biomarker for modifiable memories. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by identifying factors that make memories susceptible to change.
Researchers found that depressed adolescents' brains reduce activity in brain areas related to visual processing when shown distressing images. Antidepressant treatment restored brain activity to healthy levels, suggesting a potential vulnerability in adolescent brains.
Researchers found associations between driving convictions, accidents, and behaviors like junk food consumption and alcohol. Genetic variation in serotonin metabolism was also linked to risky driving.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) conference, ECNP 2021, will take place in Lisbon and online from October 2-5. Over a thousand abstracts are expected to be presented on various topics in psychiatry and neuroscience.
A large meta-analysis of 33 studies from 22 countries found that psychiatric patients are twice as likely to die or be hospitalized after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and those receiving antipsychotic or anxiolytic treatments are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-associated mortality.
A survey of 20 European countries found that only 4 prioritize COVID vaccinations for individuals with severe mental disorders. The authors call for coordinated action to protect these vulnerable patients. Many countries do not mention mental health in their vaccination priority guidance, leaving patients at risk.
A new study found that depression is associated with increased inflammation and metabolic changes, but not anxiety. The research used blood samples from over 300 people with depression and anxiety to identify biochemical markers, revealing distinct patterns of lipid metabolism and immune system involvement.
A machine learning system has been developed that can predict the development of Bipolar Disorder up to 4 years before onset in young people. The system identified risk factors such as suicidal tendencies and financial problems, allowing doctors to take preventative measures.
Researchers discovered that monitoring brainwaves during REM sleep can predict which patients will respond to antidepressants, allowing for earlier treatment changes and improved outcomes. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating depression, particularly for those at risk of suicide.
A pilot study found that measuring 24-hour heart rate can reliably indicate whether someone is depressed, providing an early warning and rapid indication of treatment effectiveness. The study also identified a link between heart rate variability and response to ketamine treatment.
A new analysis confirms that listening to Mozart's piano music can significantly reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. The study, which evaluated 147 research articles, found that daily Mozart listening sessions resulted in a 31-66% reduction in epilepsy attacks.
A study found an association between SSRI treatment and violent crime in adults and adolescents, with a significant increase during treated periods. The risk persisted for up to 12 weeks after stopping SSRI treatment, highlighting the need for clinical awareness of this potential side effect.
A new expert review confirms that diet significantly influences mental health and wellbeing. While some areas like ketogenic diets for epilepsy and Mediterranean diets show mental health benefits, many foods or supplements have inconclusive evidence.
A prize has been awarded to researchers who investigated an experimental schizophrenia drug that didn't improve cognitive function but had a good safety profile. The study will inform the development of other treatments for patients with schizophrenia, including potential applications in other disease areas.
A new review of scientific literature suggests that medium doses of ADHD medication have the strongest beneficial effects on inhibitory control, a key aspect of impulsiveness. Increasing doses beyond this point may not make a significant difference in symptoms.
A large study found that physical fitness is associated with improved cognitive ability and healthy white matter in the brain of young adults. The research used a publicly available database of 1206 MRI brain scans from the Human Connectome Project.