A study by McLean Hospital found that high doses of amphetamine increase the risk of new-onset psychosis or mania in adults. The risk is highest for those taking 30 mg or more of dextroamphetamine, with an 81% attributable risk percentage.
Researchers found that intensive outpatient group- and family-based CBT that integrates telehealth can lead to significant improvements in pediatric anxiety and OCD symptoms. The hybrid model showed lasting gains for children even after treatment ended, with most families continuing to meet with clinicians after discharge.
A recent study found that individuals with high individual resources and exposure to more greenspace were more likely to experience low or no PTSD symptoms over time. Greenspace was also associated with greater neural reactivity in the amygdala, a region involved in detecting rewarding cues.
A new study has identified significant racial and gender disparities in youth psychiatric emergency department boarding rates, with Black youth being less likely to be admitted to inpatient care. Transgender and nonbinary youth experienced longer boarding times and lower admission rates compared to cisgender females.
Researchers at McLean Hospital discovered that declining arousal levels during brain scans artificially inflate brain connection strength maps. By removing a specific noise signal, they found a method to eliminate these distortions, enhancing the validity of fMRI findings.
A five-year study found that 61% of individuals still experienced binge-eating disorder 2.5 years after their initial diagnosis, and 45% at 5 years. Most participants showed improvements, but relapse was common among those in remission.
A comprehensive study by McLean Hospital researchers reveals both shared and unique molecular changes across brain regions, genomic layers, cell types, and blood in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings provide potential avenues for novel therapeutics and biomarkers.
A new study has uncovered unprecedented insights into the cellular basis of schizophrenia, linking genetic risk factors to specific neuronal populations. The research found that excitatory neurons were the most affected cell group, with transcriptional changes implicating neurodevelopment and synaptic signaling.
A new study reveals that glucose fluctuations affect cognitive function in people with Type 1 Diabetes, but individuals differ in their susceptibility. The researchers found that minimizing glucose fluctuations is crucial for optimizing processing speed, especially for older adults and those with certain health conditions.
A new study finds that individuals who received therapy for anxiety prior to the COVID-19 pandemic did not experience an increase in anxiety symptoms during its peak. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) provided tools to manage symptoms, according to researchers.
McLean Hospital's Division of Psychotic Disorders created a standing research advisory board to engage patients with lived experience and improve research quality. The authors hope their framework can serve as a guide for other mental illness researchers.
A McLean Hospital study found that nearly 600 individuals trained in trauma-informed care reported significant gains in knowledge and improvements to organizational policies. However, the study's findings suggest that lasting changes may require more time and involve larger-scale organizational transformations.
A recent brain single-cell study found that certain genes are expressed at varying levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with PTSD and MDD, suggesting dysregulated pathways. The research could lead to novel diagnostic markers and targeted treatments for these conditions.
Researchers found that Black children experienced more childhood adversity than White children, leading to differential changes in brain regions linked to psychiatric disease. The study suggests that structural racism may play a significant role in these differences.
A team of researchers at McLean Hospital identified brain networks responsible for different types of dissociative symptoms, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and dissociative identity disorder. The study aims to reduce stigma around dissociation and improve treatment options.
Patients experiencing dissociative symptoms after trauma may be at high risk of developing severe post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and social impairment. Early interventions are crucial for these individuals.
Nikolaos Daskalakis and his team will investigate how mitochondria communicate with the cell nucleus, which stores genetic information. The project aims to understand how disruptions in this communication affect brain function in mental health and disease.
Dr. Laura Payne's research will explore potential links between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and menstrual cycle changes in adolescent girls. The study aims to measure levels of estradiol, progesterone, inflammation, and antibodies to determine the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on menstrual cycles.
The event highlights the experiences of four past Rappaport Fellowship awardees, showcasing how their backgrounds in clinical research, brain studies, and behavioral/molecular endpoints impacted their careers. This webinar aims to revolutionize the study and treatment of mental illness by integrating psychiatry and neuroscience.
A new study uncovers the interplay between proteins involved in controlling the body's stress response and points to potential therapeutic targets. The research, led by McLean Hospital investigators, reveals how key proteins interact to regulate the body's response to stress.
A recent analysis reveals that older adults are more resilient to the pandemic's mental health effects than expected. Key factors include internal resources like stress response, cognitive capacity, and personality traits, as well as external resources like social connections and financial stability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased alcohol consumption in the United States due to stress and social isolation. Experts at McLean Hospital recommend educating people on managing stress without alcohol, drinking within safe limits during physical distancing, and recognizing signs of excessive use.
A new gene expression study by McLean Hospital researchers identifies CREB as a molecular switch regulating fear and extinction. Targeting this gene in neurons may provide new insights and treatments for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A novel study finds key brain cell type changes involving lipids and inflammation in Parkinson's disease. The research suggests that microglia are overloaded with lipids, while astrocytes lose lipid content, leading to neuroinflammation and disease progression.
A new neuroimaging study has found links between brain regions and dissociative symptoms in women with a history of childhood abuse, shedding light on the 'invisible wounds' of trauma. The study may help tailor treatments for affected patients and increase awareness around dissociative disorders.
A McLean Hospital study found that esketamine is not currently cost-effective due to its high price, but it can be effective for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study suggests that the price of esketamine needs to fall by more than 40% to make it a viable option.
A new study will test a training model for primary care nurses to improve the lives of dementia patients by enhancing assessment, management, and coordination of care. The researchers aim to reduce emergency room visits, health care costs, and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.
Researchers at McLean Hospital identified two molecules naturally produced by the body that stimulate dopamine production, which may help reverse Parkinson's disease progression. Prostaglandin A1 and E1 protect dopamine-producing neurons from dying and increase dopamine levels without side effects.
A recent study identifies two genes, SNRNP35 and ZNF140, that may affect PTSD susceptibility. Individuals with PTSD tend to have lower expression of SNRNP35 in the brain and higher expression of ZNF140 in the blood. This research could lead to new treatment and prevention strategies for PTSD.
A team of investigators from McLean Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully reprogrammed a patient's skin cells to replace lost brain cells in Parkinson's disease. The patient has shown significant improvements in daily activities and quality of life after receiving the treatment, which involves transplanting repl...
Dr. Staci Gruber will use the grant to investigate differences between whole-plant, full-spectrum and single extracted compounds in cannabis products. Her research aims to clarify the potential for synergistic effects of full-spectrum products versus single extracted compounds.
Researchers found that chronic, heavy recreational marijuana use affects driving ability even when users are not intoxicated. Earlier onset of marijuana use was associated with poorer driving performance and increased impulsivity.
The McLean Hospital Brain Bank has received a new contract from the NIH to fund 180 brains per year, allowing for enhanced procedures and deeper understanding of brain pathology in psychiatric disorders. The center is part of the NeuroBioBank national resource for investigators using postmortem brain tissue.
A recent study published in Injury Prevention described a method for categorizing self-injury mortality, allowing closer examination of national trends in suicide and drug-related deaths. The study found that suicide is likely underreported for females due to less violent and less obvious methods.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded McLean Hospital nearly $1 billion to address the national opioid crisis through scientific solutions and evidence-based treatments. The hospital will explore ways to improve outcomes for patients using medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone to treat opioid use disorder.
The SPIRIT program at McLean Hospital offers a flexible protocol to address spiritual needs in patients with various mental health conditions. Studies show that over 80% of patients report using religion to cope with stress, highlighting the program's effectiveness and popularity among patients.
Researchers found a targeted treatment that reduces psychosis symptoms by targeting a specific structural mutation in the GLDC gene. The study used glycine and D-cycloserine to improve clinical symptoms in participants with four copies of the GLDC gene, suggesting a molecular subtype that may respond to treatment.
A study by McLean Hospital researchers shows that CBM-I, a way to change mental habits without visiting a therapist, can be effective when combined with CBT in an acute psychiatric setting. The smartphone app version of CBM-I has great promise for individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, offering on-dem...
Researchers will investigate stress chemicals and circuits in the brain to understand persistent changes in sleep and circadian rhythms. The study aims to develop new brain targets for medication development and improve diagnosis accuracy.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that large-scale systems in the brain interact with each other in distinct ways for different psychiatric conditions. The researchers used brain network connectivity data from over 1,000 individuals to identify correlations between brain networks and symptom...
A big data study has identified certain ADHD medications that increase the risk of psychosis in young people. The research found that patients taking amphetamines are more likely to develop psychosis than those taking methylphenidates.
Researchers describe the potential of digital neuropsychology to improve cognitive testing and measure brain functioning in health and disease. Digital tools can capture subtle information about test takers' cognition, including moment-to-moment changes.
The five-year study will investigate the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat severe agitation and aggression in people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will compare ECT treatment plus standard therapies to standard therapies alone for individuals with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's dementia.
Researchers have discovered significant abnormalities in nerve connections and myelin production in cells from patients with schizophrenia. These findings suggest a potential new model for studying psychotic disorders, which could lead to better treatment approaches.
A study by McLean Hospital calls for a unified approach to preventing suicides and other self-injury deaths. Researchers found that the estimated mortality rate from self-injury surpassed diabetes, prompting experts to emphasize the need for more effective prevention strategies.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that predicts which individuals with depression are most likely to benefit from antidepressant medications. The study found that approximately one-third of participants responded meaningfully to medication, while the remaining two-thirds showed no significant improvement.
Researchers investigated how factors like social motivation differ in the population to understand contributing factors of poor mental health. They found that low social drive is linked to social isolation and poorer mental health outcomes.
Research reveals the potential for new brain treatments by targeting specific brain circuits. Lead author Elif Engin suggests that augmenting GABAA receptor activity could be useful in treating disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
The article highlights significant flaws in the design, implementation, and analysis of pharmacogenetic tests for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and related psychiatric conditions. The researchers argue that these tests are not supported by robust evidence and may provide misleading information.
Researchers at McLean Hospital found that elevated levels of certain lipids in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that lipid alterations may precede some of the disease's hallmark features and could provide an early warning sign for patients.