Researchers have identified a steady decline in attention to others' eyes in 2-6 month old infants later diagnosed with autism. This finding suggests that social engagement skills are intact shortly after birth in children with autism, and could lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
A form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) called exposure and ritual prevention has been shown to augment antidepressant treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with 80% of patients responding compared to 23% on antipsychotics. The therapy works by retraining the brain's habit-forming circuitry to unlearn compulsive rituals.
Researchers have determined that five major mental illnesses are traceable to the same common inherited genetic variations, with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder showing the highest overlap. Common genetic variation accounted for 17-28% of risk for the illnesses.
Researchers found a link between spontaneous mutations and impaired neurogenesis in the prefrontal cortex of people with schizophrenia. The study suggests that genetic damage can disrupt brain development and lead to early signs of the illness, such as impaired executive functions.
A new biomarker has been identified to predict which type of depression treatment is most likely to be successful, either therapy or medication. The study used pre-treatment brain scans to identify a pivotal predictor of outcomes from two standard forms of depression treatment: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or escitalopram.
A new compound, GLYX-13, has been shown to rapidly lift depression without the severe side effects associated with ketamine. The molecule activates NMDA receptors, leading to increased memory and learning, and has been found effective in patients who failed treatment with conventional antidepressants.
Scientists have reversed behavioral and brain abnormalities in adult mice by restoring normal expression to the Neuregulin1 gene, which is over-expressed in humans with schizophrenia. The findings suggest that damage caused by abnormal prenatal expression may be reversible in adulthood, offering hope for treatment of some patients.
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant mothers' exposure to the flu may quadruple their child's risk for developing bipolar disorder. The research suggests a potential shared underlying cause with schizophrenia, and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures such as flu vaccination.
A NIH-funded study has discovered a potential strategy for treating Alzheimer's disease by blocking the activity of a little-known regulator protein called CD33. The study found that CD33 promotes late-onset Alzheimer's by preventing support cells from clearing out toxic plaques.
Researchers have developed a new method called CLARITY that allows for the analysis of brain tissue in its entirety, preserving its 3D structure and integrity. This breakthrough method enables scientists to study the brain's finer workings, including cells and molecules, without losing larger-scale circuit perspective.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding to two new Autism Centers of Excellence, joining nine other centers nationwide in a five-year research effort to identify autism causes and treatments. The centers will focus on early intervention styles and genetic variants associated with autism.
Researchers developed a weight loss program that successfully helped participants with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The program involved exercise classes and individual weight loss guidance, leading to significant weight loss and sustained results.
Researchers tracked 1085 male Israeli soldiers to identify predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Soldiers with pre-deployment threat vigilance and an emotion-related gene were more likely to develop PTSD, with a faster reaction time indicating increased threat vigilance.
A study found that a biomarker based on brain activity in the visual cortex can predict response to scopolamine, an experimental rapid-acting antidepressant. Patients with depression showed lower visual cortex activity, which correlated with treatment response.
A NIH-funded study confirmed that some children who were accurately diagnosed with autism in early childhood can lose the symptoms and diagnosis as they grow older. The research team documented a small group of school-age children and young adults who no longer exhibit signs of the disorder, now comparable to their mainstream peers.
A clinical trial by NIH found that AZD6765 briefly improved depression symptoms in minutes, with fewer side effects than ketamine, and better residual effects.
Researchers used optogenetics to control brain activity in mice, tracing stress resilience to neurons in the reward circuit. Instantly triggering or reversing depression-like states was possible with flashes of an LED light.
Researchers found that synchronized electrical signals between two key hubs in the brain's working memory circuit carry information about short-term visual memories. The study uses synchronized oscillations to distinguish between object identity and location, potentially overturning prevailing theory on how visual information is encoded.
The NIH plans to support 26 awards to accelerate the development and application of single cell analysis, enabling researchers to identify rare cell types and alterations in specific cells. The program aims to personalize health by understanding the link between cell variation, tissue function, and disease emergence.
A NIH-funded study reveals that hoarding disorder is associated with abnormal brain activity in areas processing error monitoring and weighing the value of possessions. Patients with hoarding disorder tend to over-activate these areas when deciding about their own possessions, but under-activate them when dealing with others' stuff.
Researchers identified a brain signal that can predict which depressed patients will respond to ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant. The signal also holds clues to the agent's mechanism of action, which may lead to more personalized treatment.
Researchers blocked learning from past experiences in rats, impairing memory-guided decision-making. Awake mental replay is critical for linking immediate and earlier past experience to the reward.
Researchers found that GRN-529 increased social interactions and reduced repetitive self-grooming behavior in mice with autism-like symptoms. The compound also almost completely stopped repetitive jumping in another strain of mice.
Fathers are four times more likely than mothers to transmit spontaneous mutations to their children with autism, increasing the child's risk five to 20 fold. Researchers found that these tiny genetic glitches play a significant role in ASDs and may provide clues to new treatments.
A new brain imaging study has revealed a pervasive 3D grid structure with no diagonals, similar to the streets of New York City. The grid structure is continuous and consistent at all scales across humans and other primate species.
A new diagnostic criteria for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) has been proposed, expanding on existing criteria for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS). A clinical trial testing an immune-based treatment is currently underway, aiming to provide appropriate care fo...
Researchers found abnormal development of the insula circuit hub is rooted in genes and causes overly friendly yet anxious behavior in individuals with Williams syndrome. The study uses neuroimaging to pinpoint the suspect brain area in people with the disorder, revealing structural and functional abnormalities.
A NIH-funded study found that HIV-positive children treated after showing moderate symptoms did not experience greater cognitive or behavior problems compared to those treated earlier. However, both groups lagged behind HIV-negative peers in these areas, suggesting an early treatment window for minimizing impairments.
A new NIH study reveals that certain genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism show increased regulatory activity during a critical period of development, influenced by environmental factors. This discovery highlights the importance of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation in shaping brain function and behavior.
The NDAR federation has created the largest source of autism research data to date, providing a standardized platform for collaboration and data sharing. Researchers can access results from various sources simultaneously, conducting independent analyses and supplementing their own research data.
A recent NIH-funded study found that engaging peers in social skills intervention may be more effective than training children with ASD directly. The study showed that children with ASD who interacted with trained peers had improved social outcomes, including reduced time alone on playgrounds and increased classmate friendships.
A study using disease-in-a-dish technology has grown neurons from Timothy Syndrome patients' skin cells, revealing defects in brain wiring and cellular calcium regulation. The findings support the link between the genetic mutation and developmental abnormalities, including reduced corpus callosum size.
A recent NIH-funded study found that children with autism have more brain cells and heavier brains compared to typically developing children. The researchers suggest that faulty prenatal cell birth or maintenance may be involved in the development of autism.
Researchers created databases showing how genes turn on and off in multiple brain regions through development, revealing a 'consistent molecular architecture' across individuals. Key findings include individual genetic variations linked to expression patterns, with most genes reversing their direction of expression after birth.
A study funded by the NIH found that perinatal exposure to antidepressants in rats led to stunted brain growth, abnormal behavior, and miswired brain circuitry. The researchers discovered reduced neuronal density and faulty communication between the brain's hemispheres.
The study found a slow but steady increase in prescribed stimulant use among children and adolescents with ADHD, with higher rates among boys and white children. However, the rate of growth has slowed in recent years, suggesting that more children are being diagnosed and treated for ADHD.
The Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health Initiative identifies top 40 barriers to better mental health globally, focusing on increasing discoveries in research and improving access to evidence-based care. The initiative seeks to build a community of funders dedicated to supporting research that will significantly improve the lives ...
A large twin study found that shared environment influences autism susceptibility more than previously thought, accounting for 55% of strict autism cases. Genetic heritability accounted for 37%, with moderate genetic and environmental contributions observed in spectrum disorders.
A new screening tool has been introduced to identify subtle signs of autism in 1-year-old children during well-baby check-ups. The 5-minute checklist is designed to be adopted by pediatricians nationwide and has shown high accuracy rates, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
A new study in sleep-deprived rats reveals that even when awake and active, scattered groups of neurons can briefly fall asleep, leading to declines in task performance. This phenomenon is more analogous to local lapses seen in epilepsy and may help explain impaired cognitive function in sleep-deprived individuals.
A study by NIH-funded researchers has found that boosting adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus improves pattern recognition abilities, similar to those seen in younger brains. However, combining this with exercise was necessary for antidepressant-like effects to emerge.
A new online resource, JobTIPS, aims to assist youth with ASD or other disabilities in developing job-related skills. The website provides guidance on how to behave in workplace situations and offers resources for educators, job coaches, and transition coordinators.
Researchers at the NIH have discovered that increasing activity of brain enzyme PKMzeta enhances long-term memories in rats, while decreasing it erases them. This finding has significant implications for treating debilitating emotional memories and enhancing faltering memories in disorders of aging.
Researchers found a rare genetic glitch in patients with schizophrenia that could lead to improved treatments. The VIPR2 gene mutation was linked to overactive VIP activity, which can impact brain development and learning, offering potential targets for new therapies.
A naturally occurring growth factor called IGF-II has been found to enhance retention and prevent forgetting of fear memories in rats. The study suggests that IGF-II could become a potential drug target for boosting memory, with the potential to address clinical problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that toddlers with autism who received a targeted intervention showed significant improvements in social and communication skills. The intervention, which focused on core social deficits, yielded sustained gains even in very young children.
Dr. Mortimer Mishkin, chief of NIMH's Section on Cognitive Neuroscience, is the first NIMH intramural scientist to receive the National Medal of Science for his pioneering work on brain processing and memory. His research has greatly advanced our understanding of how learning and memory are processed in the primate brain.
The Human Connectome Project aims to create detailed maps of brain circuitry in healthy adults and those with psychiatric and neurologic illnesses. The project will use state-of-the-art imaging instruments and analysis tools to shed light on how brain networks are organized and how they change as we age.
Researchers found a compound called P7C3 that improves newborn neuron survival and reduces programmed cell death in the brain's memory hub. This discovery offers new hope for treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the underlying neuroprotective mechanism.
A team of researchers has discovered a protein that can mimic the effect of training in rats, inducing a memory of safety. The protein, BDNF, supports the growth and survival of neurons and was found to be effective in extinguishing fear memories in rats.