Experiencing childhood trauma increases likelihood of smoking, substance use, and unhealthy eating habits due to behavioural problems in adolescence. Early interventions addressing these mental health difficulties may reduce long-term physical health consequences of childhood trauma.
A Tulane University study found that loneliness and social isolation can cost people nearly six years of life free from mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The study, published in Nature Communications, also found a smaller but still significant toll on physical health.
Players who prefer cooperative, strategic, and story-driven video games are at a higher risk of extreme social withdrawal known as hikikomori. The study suggests that game-based mental health interventions may be beneficial for this population.
A new study from UT Health San Antonio found that Hispanic populations experience higher rates of frontotemporal dementia, with significant delays in diagnosis due to educational disparities. The research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive diagnostic tools and interventions for equitable dementia care.
A major new study found that mental health and behavioural changes, such as depression, anxiety, and emotional instability, are common in people who survive encephalitis. The research suggests that routine mental health screening and support are crucial for post-encephalitis care.
Researchers developed an AI tool that analyzes routine electronic health records to predict ADHD risk in children years before a typical diagnosis. The model accurately identified risk in children age 5 and older, with consistent performance across patient characteristics.
A new study uses an AI model to predict type 2 diabetes risk based on behavioral and psychosocial information. The digital twin model found that loneliness, insomnia, and poor mental health substantially raise a person's future risk of developing the disease.
A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.
The latest APA Journal issues explore the intersection of neuroplasticity and substance use, as well as emerging trends in outpatient psychotherapy. The American Psychiatric Association's flagship journals offer insightful research on mental health topics.
A UH psychologist's study finds that anxiety sensitivity and pain-related anxiety are linked to mental health problems and clinically significant alcohol use among survivors of traumatic sexual assault. The investigation highlights the importance of addressing both types of anxiety in reducing the risk of lifelong challenges.
A study funded by the National Cancer Institute aims to test a low-cost intervention using future-focused thoughts to help people quit smoking. The project will examine the effectiveness of episodic future thinking in reducing impulsivity and promoting healthier choices.
Children with adverse prenatal exposures showed higher rates of behavior problems, faster cortical thinning, and more depressive symptoms than children with fewer APEs. Researchers found a persistent association between multiple APEs and increased odds of mental health problems as kids grew older.
Professor Dan Stein was a visionary who bridged neuroscience, clinical care, and philosophy to transform psychiatric research in Africa. His integrative approach produced scholarship of extraordinary range, with over 1,600 peer-reviewed publications and a Google Scholar h-index exceeding 220.
Behavioral health spending in the US increased significantly between 2017 and 2022, reaching 40% of child health spending. This shift is associated with high family financial burdens due to expanded access to services and supports through insurance coverage and clinician availability.
Large language models can help improve psychological questionnaires by avoiding redundant items and making diagnosis more efficient. The study found that LLMs recognize common symptom associations and can be used to develop precise and efficient questionnaires.
A new book by experts highlights how the prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder has increased, but suggests it may not be due to a genuine increase in cases. The authors argue that 'typical' behavior can vary greatly among children, and that acceptance and understanding of individuality is key.
A recent study by Sora Shin has identified a shared brain circuit that contributes to both aggression and self-harm in individuals with a history of early-life trauma. The research found that pain, including emotional pain, can serve as a gateway for these behaviors to emerge.
A systematic review synthesizes clinical and preclinical evidence on psilocybin's effects on obsessive-compulsive behaviours, revealing consistent anti-compulsive effects in human patients and validated animal models. Single doses of psilocybin led to rapid symptom reductions in clinical populations.
A comprehensive review of emerging neuromodulation techniques reveals their potential to treat treatment-resistant OCD. Targeting abnormal brain activity, these methods aim to normalize circuits underlying decision-making and emotion regulation.
A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that working with service dogs can slow cellular aging in female veterans. The study, which involved female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, revealed promising biological benefits associated with service dog training.
Researchers found neglected children had abnormalities in critical brain regions, including right corticospinal tract and superior longitudinal fasciculus, linked to behavioral difficulties. These findings provide objective markers for identifying children affected by neglect.
A UCLA study reveals how a region of the medial prefrontal cortex integrates information across the brain to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses. The findings could help develop targeted therapies for stress-related and social dysfunction disorders.
A specific group of neurons in the amygdala has been identified as a key player in anxiety, depression, and altered social behavior. Restoring balance to this area can reverse these behaviors in mice.
A randomized clinical trial found that SMART training significantly improved cognitive gains in active-duty service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The top-down approach of SMART brain training showed faster cognitive gains compared to a bottom-up approach.
A controlled clinical trial found that two-thirds of participants showed behavioral improvements with CBD treatment, highlighting its potential benefits. However, the study also revealed a significant placebo effect, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand CBD's therapeutic potential.
Researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can alleviate some autistic behaviors and improve mental flexibility by reducing neural rigidity. The study's results provide a biological explanation for the coexistence of diverse behavioral traits in ASD.
Researchers have found that psychedelic compounds can reverse a cascade involving brain-resident cells and immune cells, increasing fear behavior when chronic stress disrupts signaling. This finding represents a paradigm shift in understanding psychedelics' therapeutic potential.
A virtual crisis prevention program for autistic children and their families has shown significant improvement in confidence, preparedness, and knowledge around crisis management. The 3-session program guided caregivers through a four-stage framework, equipping them with practical tools to navigate challenging situations.
Researchers found that immune system influences stress and fear behaviors by changing how brain cells communicate, but treatment with psychedelics can target these interactions and reduce stress-induced fear. The study suggests that psychedelics could reshape treatment for inflammatory disorders like anxiety and depression.
A study of nearly 11,000 individuals found that men with panic disorder are more vulnerable to developing problematic drinking behaviors than women, potentially due to self-medication. The research highlights the need for sex-specific assessment and intervention strategies in treating comorbid conditions
A pilot study in western Sweden found that 5.5% of fourth-grade students had fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), including severe cases like fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The study's lead author suggests that the results may indicate a higher prevalence in Sweden compared to other European countries.
A study found that only a quarter of mental health providers correctly diagnosed bulimia nervosa, with common misdiagnoses including binge eating disorder. Excessive exercise is often overlooked as a compensatory strategy used by people with bulimia.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found a significant link between maternal diet's glycemic index and risk for mental health disorders in offspring. The study suggests that nutrition during the third trimester may impact infant temperament and behavioral trajectories.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry identified the Shisa7 gene as a key driver of heroin addiction. The research team used machine learning to analyze brain tissue from human opioid users and found that modulating this gene's expression influenced heroin-seeking behavior and cognitive flexibility.
A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.
A longitudinal study found that neural changes in teenagers' brain networks for reward processing and executive functioning improve with age. The researchers discovered changes in the strength of communication between brain regions as people aged, associated with improved reward-related decision-making and executive function.
Researchers have identified three cell types in the median raphe nucleus that control decisions on perseverance, exploration, and disengagement. These findings may help understand neuropsychiatric conditions such as OCD, autism, and major depressive disorder.
A recent study published in Psychiatry Research found that children exposed to their mother's cannabis use during pregnancy and after birth are three times more likely to develop behavioural problems. The research analysed data from over 222,600 Australian mothers and children, revealing a significant increase in the risk of childhood ...
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that practicing episodic future thinking reduced impulsivity and enhanced brain connectivity in key regions. The study suggests that this approach may be a valuable early intervention therapy for substance use disorders.
Researchers at Kyoto University investigated the effects of two-hit stress on mouse behavior, revealing significant changes in the cerebellum. The study found increased microglia turnover, neuronal loss, and decreased brain connectivity, correlating with anxiety-like behaviors and mental disorders.
Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 3, 2025
Researchers at Kyoto University investigated the effects of two-hit stress on mice, finding that it leads to increased microglia activity, neuronal loss, and decreased brain connectivity. Microglia replacement therapy showed promise in rescuing affected mice, with female mice exhibiting higher stress resilience.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
A systematic review of 38 studies found that frequent use of health and fitness apps is associated with problematic habits related to food and exercise. The research highlights the need for app developers to consider the psychological impacts of these tools on users' mental health.
A new psychological therapy, MBT-ASPD, has been found to reduce rates of violence and aggression among male offenders with antisocial personality disorder. The treatment showed a significant decrease in symptoms and reoffending rates, offering a promising new approach for treating this challenging condition.
The latest issues of APA journals bring together research on addictions, including substances and behaviors. The February issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry highlights research on addictions, while Psychiatric Services features articles on various mental health topics.
A Texas A&M University researcher found that reducing alcohol consumption aligns with a harm reduction approach, which may be a more feasible approach for high-risk college drinkers. The study surveyed 822 high-risk college students and analyzed their intention to reduce drinking using the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that dopamine, a brain chemical linked to male aggression, grows less important in promoting aggression as males gain fighting experience. In contrast, females show no response to manipulated dopamine levels, suggesting a distinct role for the chemical in female aggression.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found elevated suicide risk in children as young as eight years old, emphasizing the importance of universal screening. The study suggests that children with neurodevelopmental differences have comparable risks to their peers, highlighting the need for inclusive screenings.
A cluster randomized trial involving 31 Canadian high schools and 3,800 students found that delivering personality-targeted brief cognitive behavioral interventions to students in the 7th grade reduced risk for substance use disorders by the end of high school. The intervention was associated with a 23%-80% reduced odds of SUD compared...
Researchers link neuropilin2 gene to autism and seizure development, highlighting its role in regulating neural circuits. The study suggests targeting specific phases of neuronal development could lead to therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism.
A preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists found that estrogen surges promote binge drinking in females, causing them to 'pregame' and consume large quantities of alcohol. The study identifies a neural circuit in the brain where estrogen increases activity, leading to enhanced binge drinking behavior.
A new study by UT Health San Antonio found that a smartphone app can help patients with opioid use disorder reduce their days of opioid use and stay in treatment longer. The app combined contingency management behavioral therapy and recovery support from peers, reducing opioid use by 35% compared to medication only.
Researchers found that bumetanide treatment normalizes neonatal social communication in newborn pups with the fragile X mutation, but reduces post-pubertal social interaction. The study suggests stage-specific effects on social development and raises questions about timing and dosing of bumetanide for targeted interventions.
A groundbreaking study reveals lithium can restore brain function and alleviate behavioral symptoms in animal models of autism spectrum disorder caused by Dyrk1a gene mutations. Lithium normalizes brain size, restores neural structure and function, and improves social interaction and anxiety behaviors.
Researchers found that neuroinflammation in the hippocampus significantly alters motivation and behaviour in mice, particularly in females. This study suggests that treatments targeting hippocampal neuroinflammation could help reduce cognitive and behavioural symptoms in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Depression.
A University of Gothenburg study found that people who started playing video games at an early age developed problematic gaming more quickly than those who started later. The study showed that younger gamers (average age 14) exhibited problems sooner than adult gamers (average age 21).
Researchers at MUSC discover an RNA:DNA 'sandwich' plays a key role in how the brain interprets emotional experiences and brings about behavioral adaptations. The discovery could lead to better RNA therapies for treating brain disorders.
A study of 2,788 participants with impulse control disorder found that people with ICD are more likely to exhibit both overt and covert suicidal behavior. The study identified shared and specific risk factors for each type of behavior, including depressive symptoms and low self-direction.
Researchers developed an interactive screening model called RITA-T, which improved early identification of high-risk toddlers from underserved areas. The study found that toddlers screened via RITA-T had shorter wait times and more accessible diagnostic services compared to those not using the model.