Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Regenstrief and IU investigators identify first biomarker linked to delirium duration

A novel role for S100β has been identified as a biomarker for delirium duration in critically ill patients, which may have implications for refining treatment in intensive care units. Delirium duration is associated with increased mortality rates, and higher levels of S100β on day 1 or day 8 are linked to longer delirium duration.

SourceIndiana University·JournalInternational Journal of General Medicine·DateDec 16, 2013

Neurofeedback tunes key brain networks, improving subjective well-being in PTSD

Researchers at Western University found that neurofeedback training can alter key brain networks linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to improved subjective well-being. The study used a combination of EEG and fMRI techniques to measure changes in brain activity and connectivity after a 30-minute neurofeedback session.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateDec 3, 2013

A happy patient is well connected to a doctor

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that maintaining a direct channel of communication between patients and primary doctors is crucial to success. Patients in regular contact with their primary physicians are most satisfied with their care, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

Most teen mental health problems go untreated

A new study by Duke University professor E. Jane Costello found that more than half of adolescents with psychiatric disorders receive no treatment. Treatment rates vary greatly depending on the disorder and provider, with teens suffering from phobias or anxiety disorders being the least likely to be treated.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateNov 18, 2013

Fatty acid produced by gut bacteria boosts the immune system

A new study found that butyrate, a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, induces the production of regulatory T cells in the gut, boosting the immune system. This discovery supports the use of butyrate as therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and may lead to personalized preventive medicine.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 2013

CWRU study finds mending ruptures in client-therapist relationship has positive benefits

A new Case Western Reserve University study examines how ruptures in the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client can damage a patient's treatment outcome for PTSD. Researchers found that repairing these ruptures can have positive effects on treatment outcomes, while unresolved ruptures predict poorer outcomes.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateNov 6, 2013

MiR-137, a new target for post-stroke depression?

Researchers have found that miR-137 is downregulated in the brains and peripheral blood of post-stroke depression patients. Injection of a miR-137 antagonist into the brain ventricles of post-stroke depression rats improved behavioral changes, suggesting that miR-137 suppresses Grin2A protein expression through binding to its mRNA.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateNov 5, 2013

Community health centers integrate mental and medical services to address care gap

A new analysis examines factors affecting integration of mental health and substance abuse treatment services with medical care at community health centers. Health centers were more likely to offer behavioral health services if they were larger or located in areas with more psychiatrists and psychologists per capita.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research·DateNov 4, 2013

Mayo Clinic study: Uterine fibroids have significant impact on quality of life, workplace performance

A recent Mayo Clinic survey found that uterine fibroids significantly impact the quality of life and workplace performance of women, with African-American women experiencing more severe symptoms and delayed diagnosis. The study highlights the need for better treatment options and increased awareness about this common public health issue.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 24, 2013

Depression twice as likely in migraine sufferers

A study of over 67,000 Canadians found that depression is nearly twice as prevalent among migraine sufferers as the general population, particularly among younger women and those with difficulty performing daily activities. The study also highlights a higher risk of suicidal ideation among young migraineurs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalDepression Research and Treatment·DateOct 17, 2013

Brain development differs in children who stutter

A study by University of Alberta researcher Deryk Beal found that children who stutter have less grey matter in brain regions responsible for speech production. This discovery highlights the importance of early treatment approaches like those pioneered by the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCortex·DateOct 10, 2013

Getting better together: New study looks at shared medical decision making

A recent study found that using DVDs, booklets, and health coaches can help patients arrive at an informed treatment decision within their first visit with an orthopaedic surgeon. The study showed a significant increase in patient confidence in knowing what questions to ask their doctor, leading to better shared medical decision making.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateSep 26, 2013

Calming fear during sleep

A Northwestern University study found that fear memories can be reduced in people by exposing them to the memory over and over again while they slept. This breakthrough potentially offers a new way to enhance daytime treatment of phobias through exposure therapy with a nighttime component.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 22, 2013