Researchers found that actor-patients' requests for medications increased prescribing for depression. The study suggests that direct-to-consumer marketing can boost familiarity with potential treatments and improve initial care for patients.
A study found that increased activity in the prefrontal cortex predicts higher dopamine levels in the midbrain in individuals with the val COMT gene type, while decreased activity is seen in those with the met type. This suggests a 'tuning' model where dopamine regulates signal-to-noise ratios in brain cells.
A study by University of Colorado researchers found that rats with controlled stress exhibit reduced brainstem activation and behaviors similar to depression and anxiety. The prefrontal cortex sends inhibitory signals to the brainstem when stress is controllable, quelling alarm center activity.
Scientists at NIMH have discovered newborn neurons in adult rat cortex that communicate via GABA, suggesting potential new treatments for depression and anxiety. The discovery adds to the scientific debate over adult neurogenesis and has implications for understanding brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
A mutant gene that results in 80% less serotonin production has been identified in patients with unipolar major depression, with over 10% of cases carrying the mutation. The study suggests a potential molecular mechanism for aberrant serotonin function in neuropsychiatric disorders.
A 12-week study found that combining sertraline and CBT was more effective than treatment with just one or the other in reducing symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents. CBT alone was also shown to be effective, particularly at the University of Pennsylvania site.
A new study reveals that stress activates the mania-linked enzyme PKC, leading to impaired cognitive functions in the prefrontal cortex and reduced memory-related cell firing. Inhibiting PKC may offer a fast-acting treatment for mania, with potential benefits for patients seeking emergency room care.
Researchers at NIMH identified a brain region in the frontal cortex as the site of perceptual decision-making, which weighs competing signals from specialized visual processing areas. The discovery could explain why harder-to-identify images evoke slower responses in this area.
Scientists have pinpointed the site of a defect in a brain circuit associated with Williams Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects thinking and cognitive abilities. The study used MRI scans to identify a small region in the brain's white matter that lacked grey matter in people with the disorder.
A new study identifies a genetic link between schizophrenia and the GRM3 gene, which regulates glutamate in brain synapses. People with the 'A' variant have lower levels of glutamate and poorer cognitive function compared to those with the 'G' variant.
Researchers found that monkeys with impaired dopamine receptors were more productive and accurate in their tasks, while those without the receptors procrastinated. The study uses a gene knockdown technique to deplete D2 receptors, leading to improved performance.
A brain imaging study found that people prone to depression have an overactive emotion-regulating brain circuit, even when they're not depressed. When tryptophan was depleted, most subjects with a history of mood disorder experienced temporary symptoms.
A decade-long brain development study using MRI scans shows that higher-order brain centers, such as the prefrontal cortex, mature later in life. Gray matter wanes in a back-to-front wave as neural connections are pruned, with areas performing basic functions maturing earlier.
Cognitive impairments are a significant contributor to the disability associated with schizophrenia. Recent research indicates that medications currently available do little to remedy this aspect of the illness. New trials, part of the TURNS initiative, aim to develop new treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Researchers have discovered that a brain electrical signal can predict an individual's visual working memory capacity, which varies from 1.5 to 5 objects. The study found that the signal levels off when the number of objects exceeds the subject's capacity, while those with higher capacity show large increases in brain activity.
A study found that care managers can significantly improve clinical outcomes for patients with depression, reducing suicidal thoughts and improving treatment response rates. The intervention, which involved structured treatment guidelines and regular follow-up, led to faster resolution of suicidal thinking in patients who received it.
Researchers have identified a specialized area in the monkey brain's left temporal lobe that processes species-specific vocalizations, mirroring the human brain's linguistic abilities. This finding suggests that vocalizations can be deciphered better when processed by one temporal pole rather than both.
A study found that individuals with panic disorder have reduced expression of the 5-HT1A receptor protein, which regulates serotonin synthesis and release. This reduction is associated with decreased function in brain areas critical for anxiety regulation.
Researchers identified a mutation in the human serotonin transporter gene, hSERT, associated with OCD, which may result from a genetic double hit increasing serotonin transport and leading to treatment resistance. The study provides insights into transporter function and potential tests for identifying and treating mental illness.
Researchers found that antidepressants stimulate new neuron creation, which takes several weeks, and that this process is crucial for clinical response. The study also highlights the importance of specific serotonin receptors in regulating emotions.
A new study aims to reduce juvenile delinquency in rural areas by providing home-based, family-oriented health services and early intervention. The Rural Appalachia Project will work with opinion leaders to change social context and improve mental health treatment for children aged 9-17 with serious conduct problems.
A gene variant appears to increase the risk of depression following stressful life events, according to a new study. People with the short version of the serotonin transporter gene were more likely to develop depression if they experienced multiple stressful life events.
The NIMH has awarded $22.6 million to a new Center for Collaborative Research on Mental Disorders, aiming to advance understanding of genetic origins of mental health conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. The center will facilitate data sharing and analysis to accelerate gene discovery and develop novel therapeutic targets.
A new study finds that pairing medication with intensive outreach and encouragement significantly reduces depressive symptoms and improves daily functioning among low-income, minority women. The treatment approach was most effective for this population compared to traditional care.
Researchers found that brain cells recycle synaptic vesicles rapidly through a 'kiss-and-run' process, allowing for efficient communication. This process enables small nerve terminals to get full mileage from their limited set of vesicles, supporting rapid neurotransmitter release.
Researchers monitored activity of individual neurons in monkeys' brains as they learned new associations through a computer game. The study identified 'changing cells' whose neural activity paralleled learning, suggesting a gradual recruitment of hippocampal neurons involved in memory formation and long-term storage.
Researchers found that lithium significantly reduces production of beta amyloid, a key component of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that combination therapy with lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have an enhanced effect in reducing amyloid peptide accumulation.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded grants to support six new autism research centers. The centers, led by renowned experts in the field, will focus on understanding brain abnormalities, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of individuals with autism. This major network of centers aims to reduce the bur...
A study found that a specific gene variant affects prefrontal brain function and response to amphetamine. People with the val/val variant had reduced prefrontal dopamine activity and less efficient information processing, while those with met/met had more efficient function but also faced cognitive decline when challenged.
A new study has found that cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers may be effective in detecting early stages of Alzheimer's disease, with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 89%. The researchers suggest that these biomarkers could be used to identify people at risk of developing the disease.
Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of St. John's wort and citalopram in treating minor depression, a common disorder that can impair daily life and increase the risk of major depression. The study aims to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for primary care clinicians.
A study has identified a specific human gene variant, nicknamed 'met,' that affects memory and hippocampal function in humans. Individuals inheriting at least one copy of the 'met' version showed lower verbal episodic memory scores compared to those with two copies of the more common 'val' version.
Scientists have found that melanopsin plays a significant role in resetting the brain clock to light, but not in visual sight. The discovery suggests that light can reset the clock even if vision is impaired, and may have implications for general well-being, mood, activity levels, and performance.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of males and over two-thirds of females met diagnostic criteria for mental or substance use disorders, highlighting a significant concern for the high rates of depression and dysthymia among detained youth.
Researchers found that stimulating the prefrontal cortex in rats reduces fear responses by mimicking the brain's safety signal. The study suggests a new approach to treating anxiety disorders by using transcranial magnetic stimulation to control fear.
A 6-year study found that preventive sessions for mothers and children after divorce reduced mental health problems by 50% and improved behavior. The sessions led to fewer acts of aggression, drug and alcohol use, and promiscuity among teens.
A recent study using MRI scans found that children with ADHD showed smaller brain volumes in all regions compared to their peers. The researchers suggest that the disorder may be caused by genetic factors rather than medication use.
The NIH Autism Coordinating Committee has selected two new centers to conduct autism research, expanding the agency's commitment to the field. The centers will focus on understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism, with a goal of advancing knowledge about this devastating condition.
A new report recommends early mental health interventions to reduce mass violence trauma, but notes some interventions may cause unintended harm. The report emphasizes the need for trained professionals and voluntary participation in sessions.
Researchers found that at least a third of neurons in the prefrontal cortex vary their activity with the number of dots seen, indicating they tune to quantity. The study suggests that individual cells specialize as they adapt to experience and participate in multiple networks.
Researchers found risperidone significantly more effective than placebo in improving behavior in children with autism, with 69% showing improvement compared to 12% on placebo. The medication was well-tolerated but associated with a substantial increase in body weight.
Researchers found that anorectic drug d-FEN activates melanocortin neurons, linking serotonin system to obesity and anorexia. The discovery proposes a new mechanism for treating eating disorders and obesity.
A study found that subjects with one or two copies of a short gene variant experienced greater activation of the amygdala when shown pictures of scary faces. This variation in the serotonin transporter gene may influence an individual's temperament and anxiety traits.
Researchers found that power naps of 30 minutes or more can prevent burnout and improve performance on tasks, with longer naps boosting performance even after waking. This is due to slow wave sleep, which refreses neural networks involved in the task, allowing for enhanced learning and restoration of perceptual performance.
Researchers studied monkey behavior in a task that simulates goal-driven actions, revealing a boost in brain signal as the reward neared. The signal is thought to sustain goal-directed behavior and may underlie abnormal activity in the brain area associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A team of researchers found that both placebo and antidepressant responders showed increased activity in the cortex, accompanied by decreased activity in limbic regions. Patients who responded to fluoxetine also experienced unique changes in lower brain areas thought to confer additional advantage in sustaining the response.
The NIMH RAPID grants program funds small projects to yield information helpful in designing large-scale studies on prevention and treatment of mental illnesses resulting from exposure to mass violence. Six supplemental grants have also been awarded to existing studies to gather new information specific to the 9/11 events.
Researchers report that a critical period between 5-21 days after birth is crucial for normal anxiety-like behavior, triggered by serotonin stimulation of the forebrain receptor. This timing enables long-lasting changes in brain chemistry or structure essential for normal emotional behavior throughout life.
The NIH has awarded a $6 million grant to researchers at UCLA to expand the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) gene bank and gather more information on autism. The study aims to identify genetic vulnerabilities in individuals with autism, which may lead to new treatments and therapies.
Researchers have linked two key brain abnormalities in schizophrenia, including reduced frontal lobe activation and abnormal dopamine release, suggesting a common pathophysiological mechanism. The study suggests that antipsychotic drugs may target the wrong area, leading to an excess of dopamine activity.