Research shows that puberty affects brain networks differently in males and females, with boys experiencing increased connectivity and girls experiencing decreased connectivity. This study found significant changes in mood-related brain areas during puberty, which may be linked to the higher incidence of depression in girls.
Researchers found that controlling inflammation can increase the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs by promoting neural plasticity. In mice studies, fluoxetine reduced inflammation when housed in a stressful environment, but not in a relaxing one.
Researchers found that psychiatric medications like antidepressants can alter gut bacteria in rats, sparking questions about specificity of psychoactive drug action and potential benefits or drawbacks for human patients. The study aims to explore these findings further through a large-scale human observational study.
A large study found that children of anxious mothers are more likely to develop hyperactivity symptoms in adolescence, with a link seen between maternal anxiety and child behavior. Researchers tracked over 3,000 children and found that children from high-anxiety mothers were twice as likely to show signs of hyperactivity
A study found that one-third of young children admitted to ICU for sepsis develop PTSD symptoms, with some persisting for years. Children with altered immune responses during ICU stay may be at higher risk.
Researchers have found that deep transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by targeting specific brain areas. After six weeks of daily treatment, 38% of patients showed a significant reduction in symptom severity, with 45.2% responding after a month.
Researchers found that people with schizophrenia employ different brain circuits to overcome initial lack of understanding, leading to increased brain activity in certain areas. The study aims to develop practical skills to help patients with schizophrenia understand metaphors in everyday speech.
Researchers found that individuals with major depression have DNA methylation levels corresponding to an increased age, with a biological age on average 8 months older than healthy controls. Childhood trauma was also associated with accelerated epigenetic aging.
The European Problematic Use of the Internet (EU-PUI) Research Network has identified nine main areas of research to address issues such as problem use, health effects, and cultural influences. The network aims to develop evidence-based proposals for improving prevention and treatment strategies.
Research on GHB users found associations with negative emotions identification, altered brain processes during verbal long-term memory and working memory, lower IQ, and increased stress and anxiety. Brain scans revealed changes in brain activity and connectivity between memory-related pathways.
A pilot study found that pregnant women with a history of depression or bipolar disorder process infant facial and vocal signals of emotion differently. Pregnant women with bipolar disorder had difficulty recognizing all facial expressions, while those with previous depression showed a negative bias in adult facial expression recogniti...
Researchers found that a gene variant, 5-HTTLPR, reduces the risk of depression associated with friendship and relationships stresses when young, but increases the risk following financial stress. This discovery may offer new insights into the evolution of depression.
A clinical trial suggests that individuals with bipolar disorder who have a high-quality diet, low BMI, or anti-inflammatory properties may respond better to nutraceutical treatment. The study found statistically significant results but emphasizes the need for replication in larger trials before firm conclusions can be drawn.
New research shows that long-term mental health problems do not affect drinking patterns, but a history of depression differs significantly among men; those with depression drink less often than those without. The study suggests that there is no single answer to why alcoholics drink and may require personalized treatment approaches.
Research shows that strong coping skills and sense of coherence can help women overcome anxiety in deprived communities. Women with good coping skills were less likely to experience anxiety, regardless of their living conditions.
A long-term study on schizophrenia patients found that low cumulative exposure to benzodiazepine and antidepressant medications has no significant effect on cognition. However, high-dose use of antipsychotic drugs was associated with poorer cognitive functioning, while a break in treatment was linked to better outcomes.
Researchers have identified a specific brain area involved in 'hearing voices' in schizophrenia and found that targeting it with high-frequency magnetic pulses can improve symptoms. In a controlled trial, 34.6% of patients showed significant response to treatment, while only 9.1% of controls did.
A pilot study found changes in blood-based miRNAs associated with gene regulation in veterans affected with combat-related PTSD. The research suggests that these molecules could serve as candidate biomarkers for screening and understanding trauma-related psychiatric disorders.
Research found that long-term heavy alcohol use affects male and female brains differently, with males showing more pronounced changes in electrical activity. The study suggests a possible mechanism for gender differences in alcohol response, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Research found a significant association between financial stress and migraine in individuals with specific CLOCK gene variants. The study suggests that these genetic variants may impair processes that prevent migraine under stress conditions.
A small pilot study suggests that neurofeedback can improve symptoms and overall recovery in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Eight of the twelve patients responded well to treatment, with five achieving remission.
Research proposes that ADHD may be associated with disruptions in the body's natural circadian rhythm, leading to symptoms like delayed sleep phase and increased alertness in the evening. This finding raises the possibility of treating ADHD through non-pharmacological methods such as light therapy and sleep pattern changes.
A new study shows that cognitive-enhancing drugs like modafinil and methylphenidate can improve chess play by altering brain processing of complex information. The research found that players on these drugs showed an improvement in scores, even under less time pressure.
A recent randomized controlled trial found that high-dose baclofen added little to the effect of psychosocial treatment in patients with alcohol dependence. The study, involving 151 patients, showed no significant differences in relapse rates between groups receiving different doses of baclofen or placebo.
A major international review of suicide prevention has confirmed that restricting access to lethal means and providing Gatekeeper Training can be effective. The study also highlights the importance of follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide.
A pilot study suggests that targeted magnetic pulses to the brain can significantly reduce craving and substance use in cocaine-addicted patients. The treatment, known as rTMS, showed promising results in helping patients maintain abstinence from cocaine.
A study investigated the link between brain cell dysfunction and poor insight in psychotic patients, finding a correlation between reduced NAA levels and impaired awareness of illness. The research may help develop new treatment options for improving insight and patient outcomes.
A new study of over 20,000 men and women in the UK found that women living in poor areas are almost twice as likely to develop clinical anxiety disorder as those in richer areas. In contrast, men's levels of generalized anxiety disorder remain unaffected by their socio-economic status.
A new Phase III clinical trial indicates cariprazine may treat negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including lack of emotion and social withdrawal. Researchers found a statistically significant improvement in the PANSS-NFS scale relative to risperidone after 26 weeks of treatment.
A study found that obese individuals' brains show different connectivity patterns when craving food compared to normal-weight individuals. The researchers discovered a link between increased brain activity and weight gain in obese subjects.
A unique study found that testosterone therapy induces structural changes in areas of the brain involved in verbal fluency in female-to-male transsexuals. This may suggest that sex hormones play a substantial role in shaping human brain structure, beyond early developmental phases.
Researchers used fMRI to distinguish first-episode psychotic patients from healthy controls while watching the movie. They found significant differences in brain activity, particularly in the precuneus region, which is associated with memory and self-awareness.
A major multi-national study of suicides identified behavior patterns preceding many suicide attempts. The study found that patients with depressive mixed states were at higher risk of suicide, as well as those displaying risky behavior, psychomotor agitation, and impulsivity. These findings suggest the importance of assessing these sy...
Researchers found that a single dose of cocaine interferes with recognizing negative emotions, such as sadness and anger. The study's lead author suggests this may explain why cocaine users report higher levels of sociability when intoxicated.
A new study has found that targeted magnetic pulses cause biochemical and connectivity changes across the brain in depressed patients. The research suggests that personalized TMS treatment could lead to better, more targeted therapy for depression and other conditions.
A recent study found that drinking less alcohol is the most effective way to avoid hangovers, contrary to popular claims that eating water or consuming hydrating drinks can prevent them. Researchers surveyed over 1,300 students and found no correlation between hydration and hangover severity.
A systematic review found modafinil enhances cognition in non-sleep-deprived individuals, particularly on complex tasks. The drug improves decision-making, planning, and mood, while having minimal side effects.
A longitudinal study found significant summer-to-winter differences in serotonin transporter (SERT) protein levels among Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) patients. Higher SERT activity led to lower serotonin levels, impacting mood regulation.
A UK study of over 2,000 children found that occasional cannabis use during adolescence has no impact on educational or intellectual performance. However, frequent use was linked to marginally worse exam results at age 16.
The new terminology is based on a classification developed in the 1960s, but has not evolved significantly since. The proposed system will have four components or axes: pharmacological target and mode of action, approved indications, efficacy, and neurobiological description.
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.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of robust studies shows that anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, can add to the effective treatment of schizophrenia. The study suggests that selecting specific anti-inflammatory agents could lead to improved patient responses and new treatment approaches.
Research reveals that increasing fatty fish intake boosts antidepressant response rates in non-responders. Patients who ate more fatty fish had a 75% chance of responding to antidepressants, whereas those who never ate it had only a 23% chance.
Research suggests that pathological gamblers have a different response to the brain's opioid system, resulting in reduced feelings of euphoria compared to healthy individuals. This altered response may contribute to the addictive nature of gambling.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology awards Dick Swaab with the 2014 ECNP Media Award for his book 'We are our Brains'. The award recognises outstanding contributions to destigmatising disorders of the brain. Swaab's work aims to promote a better understanding of brain function and its impact on mental health.
Research found that people born in summer months have a higher chance of developing cyclothymic temperament, characterized by rapid mood swings, compared to those born in winter. Additionally, summer births are associated with a higher incidence of hyperthymic temperament, which is linked to an increased risk of mood disorders.
A study found that aging and depression are associated with increased expression of the FKBP5 gene, linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk. This epigenetic change may contribute to the development of age-related diseases.
Researchers have identified N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) as a potential therapeutic alternative for psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. NAC has been shown to reduce core symptoms of these conditions by boosting glutathione, reducing inflammation, and enhancing nerve cell growth proteins.
Research suggests brain activity and hormone fluctuations play crucial roles in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with PMDD exhibit hyper-responsive amygdala activation in response to emotional stimuli, particularly low progesterone levels. The study aims to develop new treatment strategies for affected women.
Adults with ADHD frequently experience significant psychosocial impairments due to persistent symptoms. Current guidelines recommend a multimodal treatment approach, including pharmacotherapy, psycho-education, and occupational rehabilitation.