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Study examines unsafe behaviors in older adults who likely have dementia

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with probable dementia but without a diagnosis are more likely to perform potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving and managing finances. This suggests that early diagnosis can help address safety concerns and plan for the future.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 7, 2016

Racial and ethnic differences found in psychiatric diagnoses and treatment, according to researchers

Non-Hispanic blacks are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia as non-Hispanic whites, but they're significantly less likely to receive medication for treatment. The study found that racial-ethnic differences in diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions were significant across 11 private healthcare delivery s...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMay 17, 2016

Autism diagnosis taking too long, experts say

A study found that autism diagnoses are still being made at an average age of 4.5 years, with some children not diagnosed until 30 months old. Early intervention can improve social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 1, 2016

ADHD or just immature?

A new study suggests that a child's age at school entry may affect ADHD diagnosis. Children born in August were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and/or receive medication compared to those born in September. This finding implies that as children get older, the impact of birth month on ADHD diagnoses decreases.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 10, 2016

Toddler screening essential for autism detection despite national task force's reservation

Early screening is crucial for detecting autism in toddlers, as it can diagnose symptoms around the second birthday, compared to a fourth birthday without screening. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal screening, which has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and reduce disparities in diagnosis.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 22, 2016

Lupus may contribute to pregnancy-related complications

A new study found that lupus during pregnancy is associated with higher rates of preeclampsia, hypothyroid disease, stroke, and infection among women. The study also reveals worse infant outcomes, including preterm birth, infection, and mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 1, 2016

Feinstein Institute clinical study reveals new approach to diagnosing low back pain

A new clinical study at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research has discovered a personalized approach to diagnose low back pain by analyzing serum levels of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Higher IL-6 levels were found in individuals with lumbar intervertebral disc disease, suggesting that biochemical profiling can...

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJan 7, 2016

Low rate of job retention following colorectal cancer diagnosis

A study published in JAMA found that nearly half of working individuals with stage III colorectal cancer lost their jobs due to their diagnosis. However, those with access to paid sick leave were more likely to retain their jobs and experience reduced personal financial burdens. The study highlights the importance of providing paid sic...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 22, 2015

A cheap, disposable device for diagnosing disease

Researchers at Penn State have created a reusable microfluidic device that can sort and manipulate cells for cheap and convenient biomedical diagnosis. The device, called acoustic tweezers, uses gentle vibrations to manipulate cells and has the potential to be used in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biology labs.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateDec 2, 2015

Muscle loss linked with falls and fractures in elderly

Researchers found that older people with an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength are at a greater risk of falling and bone fractures. The study identified the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) definition as the most effective means of identifying individuals at risk of adverse musculoskeletal events.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateNov 3, 2015

Novel tool can identify COPD

A novel approach for identifying patients with undiagnosed clinically-significant COPD has been developed. The new tool consists of several questions that can be used to aid clinicians in finding people with moderate or severe COPD, or those at risk of exacerbations before loss of lung function occurs.

Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders not as important as outcomes

Mark Zimmerman, a clinical researcher at Rhode Island Hospital, suggests that accurate diagnosis of psychiatric disorders is not as crucial as effective treatment outcomes. Prescription medications and therapy are often effective for various conditions, reducing the need for precise diagnosis.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJul 24, 2015

Are your emotional responses normal or abnormal?

Researchers argue that current diagnosis methods for depression are flawed and that understanding 'normal' emotional responses can help inform clinical practice. Increased interaction between fundamental emotion research and practitioner training is necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders.

SourceSAGE·JournalEmotion Review·DateJun 25, 2015