Articles tagged with Behavior Disorders
A study found that kisspeptin enhances male sexual attraction and decreases anxiety in male mice by activating specific neurons in the brain. Activation of these neurons increases social interaction and reduces anxiety, while having no effect on copulatory behavior.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded over $13.6 million in Young Investigator Grants to 196 promising young scientists, supporting innovative research into psychiatric disorders affecting one in five people. The grants aim to identify causes, improve treatments and develop prevention strategies for conditions like addic...
Researchers at Florida State University found a connection between nightmares and self-injurious behavior, such as cutting or burning oneself. The study suggests that nightmares can disrupt emotional regulation, leading to increased risk of self-injury.
Researchers found significant decreases in both substance-use disorders and delinquent behaviors among teens from 2003 to 2014. The study suggests that changes in adolescent behavior are driving these declines, rather than policies alone.
Researchers discovered a genetic cause of autism that affects male mice more severely than females, leading to abnormal reward-learning behavior. This study sheds light on the sex differences in autism and may lead to new treatments for the disorder.
A study of 90 participants found that neural stimulation synchronized or desynchronized low-frequency brain waves between frontal cortex areas, corresponding to behavioral changes in control and learning. The findings have potential implications for the treatment of mental health disorders.
A new study found that sustained cannabis use is associated with an increase in violent behavior in young people after discharge from a psychiatric hospital. Chronic cannabis use also leads to deficits in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that inhibits impulsive behavior.
A parenting program strengthening skills also improves ADHD symptoms in 3-8 year-olds, according to researchers. The 'Incredible Years' Basic Parent Program demonstrates sustained improvements for children's behavior difficulties and social skills.
Researchers develop mathematical model that uncovers link between OCD beliefs and actions. People with OCD develop accurate sense of how things work but disregard it when making decisions, leading to second-guessing themselves.
Early iron intervention shows reduced aggression, rule-breaking behavior, and fewer thought problems in children at age 7. Cognitive abilities remain similar to those without supplements.
Researchers created mice lacking ankyrin-G protein, displaying hyperactivity and reduced anxiety. Lithium treatment reversed these behaviors, mirroring human bipolar disorder symptoms.
Researchers at Columbia University and the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown have discovered a map in the brain's striatum that guides animal movements. The study used miniature mobile microscopes to capture neural activity patterns of up to 300 neurons, revealing complex patterns of organization that reflect similarity in actions.
Researchers found that removing the Lef1 gene disrupts nerve cell development in the hypothalamus, leading to increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice and zebrafish. The study suggests a new pathway to understanding human brain disorders and potential treatments.
Mothers experiencing significant prenatal stress are at a higher risk of their child developing behavioral issues such as hyperactivity and conduct disorder. The study found that these changes can be long-lasting or permanent due to alterations in brain development caused by maternal stress.
Researchers suggest that reversing excitation-inhibition imbalance could alleviate autism symptoms, particularly hyperactivity and social deficits. A mouse model study shows reducing excitatory to inhibitory signaling counters these issues.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a critical role of spindle matrix proteins in regulating neural stem cell reactivation and proliferation. This discovery could lead to potential stem cell-based therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as microcephaly and Alzheimer's disease.
A mouse model of autism shows that social environment influences behaviors characteristic of ASD. Housing genetically modified mice with unmodified littermates alters their behavior, highlighting the impact of social hierarchy on ASD-like traits.
Researchers discovered that a specific neural signal in the brain regulates young animals' ability to learn behavioral patterns from adults, particularly in zebra finches. The findings suggest that disruptions in this protein complex may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.
A new study found that brain structure and thickness differ between boys and girls with severe antisocial behavior, highlighting potential sex-specific treatments. The research involved over 200 teenagers aged 14-18 and used MRI techniques to map brain development.
A large study of executive function and adaptive behavior in females with autism spectrum disorders reveals unique challenges in diagnosis and intervention. The study found that girls with ASD struggle more with independence skills despite having better social and communication skills.
A NIH-funded study suggests that children's visual engagement is heritable and altered in autism, with identical twins showing synchronized eye movements and reduced attention to face regions. Researchers found that genetic factors influence social behaviors, which can help identify new treatments for autism.
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure alters the brain's reward system, making individuals more susceptible to addiction. The study suggests that endocannibinoids play a critical role in this process, leading to increased sensitivity to drugs of abuse and decreased dopamine neuron function.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that people with Tourette's disorder and chronic tic disorder are over four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Persistent tics into adulthood were a strong predictor of suicide risk, with patients nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that measuring two proteins in the blood can accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder in approximately 75% of children. The diagnostic accuracy increases to 82% when both proteins are measured together.
A comprehensive review of rapidly changing data identified four neural-behavioral models associated with PTSD, pinpointing specific circuits in the brain that mediate between chemical changes and behavioral expressions. The study provides detailed tables to help healthcare providers recognize signs and symptoms of PTSD for diagnosis.
A new study found that children with feeding disorders who received behavioral intervention and D-cycloserine experienced more rapid treatment gains, with a 76 percent improvement in feeding after five days of treatment. The results also suggest that the brain changes account for the drug's ability to result in behavioral changes.
Researchers found that restoring a healthy balance in gut bacteria can treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms. The review highlights several studies showing positive impacts of probiotics, prebiotics, diet changes and faecal matter transplants on ASD symptoms.
Researchers found that engaging in risky behavior can lead to worse PTSD symptoms, prolonging stressful experiences and increasing the likelihood of new traumatic events. The study suggests that treatment providers should assess reckless behavior to prevent worsening PTSD symptoms.
New international guidelines aim to accurately diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies, a disorder that shares symptoms with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The guidelines focus on clinical features and diagnostic biomarkers to establish an accurate diagnosis and improve management of the complex disorder.
Researchers linked brain connectivity changes to ASD diagnosis in 11 of 59 high-risk infants, predicting symptoms up to two years old. Early detection could significantly improve quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers have developed a new fruit fly model to investigate the link between proline metabolism and aggression in neuropsychiatric disorders. The study found that disrupting a specific protein in the brain can induce increased aggression, highlighting the importance of precise regulation of proline metabolism for normal behavior.
Neurofibromatosis type I, an inherited disorder affecting brain development and function, will be studied by Assistant Professor Seth Tomchik. The disease predisposes individuals to behavioral symptoms such as ADHD, autism-like symptoms, learning disabilities, and chronic pain.
Stephanie Solso received the award for her paper on diffusion tensor imaging and axonal overconnectivity in autism spectrum disorder toddlers. The study revealed abnormal brain development and age-related changes in brain regions involved in social, language, and behavioral control functions.
The Society of Biological Psychiatry honored Dr. Stephen Strakowski with the 2017 George N. Thompson Award for his leadership and service to the organization. Dr. Strakowski, Inaugural Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Texas at Austin, was recognized for his contributions to promoting the welfare of SOBP.
Karl Deisseroth received the inaugural Distinguished Redelsheimer Award for his transformative work on optogenetics and CLARITY, revolutionizing brain manipulation and visualization. His laboratory's advancements have significantly contributed to understanding how brain circuitry contributes to behavior in neuropsychiatric diseases.
Trevor Robbins is honored with the 2017 Gold Medal Award for his fundamental contributions to understanding cortico-striatal function and its role in psychiatric disorders. He has made significant advancements in bridging mechanisms of pathology to new treatments, including developing the CANTAB computerized neuropsychological assessment.
Mutations in progranulin protein result in obsessive-like behaviors and immune system alterations, implicating TNF as a potential therapeutic target for FTD. Targeting NF-B activity in microglia may also prevent excessive grooming and improve social behavior.
A study published in Journal of Health Economics found that drinking by pregnant women is down 11 percent in states requiring point-of-sale warning signs. The benefits to heeding the warnings show up in fewer extremely premature births and very-low-birth-weight babies.
A study found that imbalances in neural pathways may contribute to repetitive behaviors in autism. Researchers discovered a key gene, SHANK3, which guides synaptic development and function, and its deficiency led to repetitive grooming behavior and social interaction deficits.
A recent study found that psychiatric disorders do not increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, contrary to previous assumptions. However, the study suggests that some psychiatric disorders may be prodromal symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the importance of proper differential diagnostics.
A nationwide study found that people bereaved by spousal suicide had a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, physical disorders, and suicidal behaviors compared to those bereaved by other manners of death. This study highlights the need for proactive outreach and support mechanisms for individuals bereaved by spousal suicide.
A new analysis method accurately predicts whether a child has autism by analyzing metabolic biomarkers, offering hope for earlier diagnosis. The method, developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers, correctly classified 97.6% of children with autism and 96.1% of neurotypical children.
The absence of protein SPRED2 alone can trigger excessive grooming behavior in mouse models. The study identifies the Ras/ERK-MAP kinase cascade as a key signaling pathway involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Administering an inhibitor to this pathway improves OCD symptoms, suggesting new potential treatments.
A new study found that heroin use is associated with excessive histone acetylation, a process that regulates gene expression. The study suggests that JQ1 and similar compounds might be beneficial for long-term heroin users in reducing drug-seeking behavior.
Research suggests exposure to low doses of pyrethroid insecticides may be associated with behavioral disorders in children. Higher levels of specific metabolites were linked to internalising and externalising behaviors.
Research from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that people with intermittent explosive disorder are five times more likely to develop substance abuse problems. Early psychological intervention and treatment can delay or prevent substance abuse in adolescents with IED.
Research from Drexel University found that people with depression are using Instagram to share their feelings and experiences, attracting positive social support. The study suggests that the platform's image-centric nature allows users to express themselves in a way that feels safe and supported.
A Northwestern University study found that eliminating certain receptor genes in mice leads to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviors, such as excessive grooming. The research provides strong evidence for the biological basis of OCD and may lead to new treatments for the disorder.
A study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that teens with PTSD symptoms misidentify sad faces as fearful. Teens with conduct disorder tend to interpret sad faces as angry.
Research validates PLCgamma1 as a promising candidate gene for bipolar disorder, linking it to manic-like behavior and synaptic imbalance. The study reveals that loss of PLCgamma1 from forebrain leads to behavioral abnormalities and manic episodes.
A team of researchers has identified five subareas in the prefrontal cortex that play key roles in decision-making processes related to movement. By deactivating specific brain regions using optogenetics, the study found that inhibition and excitation areas work together to regulate movement. These findings have implications for unders...
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that prenatal infection can cause long-term alterations in the programming of the offspring's genome through epigenetic modifications, leading to behavioral abnormalities. The findings suggest that earlier infection may lead to more serious effects on neurodevelopment.
Researchers analyzed a large dataset of brain images from over 500 individuals to identify correlations between brain cortical anatomy and the Big Five personality traits. High levels of neuroticism were associated with increased thickness in certain regions, while openness was linked to reduced thickness and increased area and folding.
A new optogenetic tool has been developed to inhibit neural activity in the Drosophila model, allowing researchers to study the relationship between neural circuits and behavior. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of therapies for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A positive relationship between counselor and patient is key to successful alcohol treatment, according to a new study. Patients with stronger alliances reported fewer days of drinking and heavier drinking between sessions.
A new study highlights racial/ethnic disparities in achieving positive outcomes for delinquent youth after detention. Females and non-Hispanic white males tend to have better outcomes than their African-American and Hispanic counterparts.
Researchers induced autistic-like behavior in mice by lowering nSR100 protein levels, showing its causative role in autism. The study identifies nSR100 as a hub that channels molecular miscues contributing to the disorder.
A new method devised by Drexel University professor Connor Kerns to diagnose anxiety symptoms in children with autism has been proven effective. The Autism Spectrum Addendum (ASA) adds new questions to the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule - Child/Parent, helping determine behaviors related to autism versus anxiety.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded $1.5 million NARSAD Distinguished Investigator grants to 15 scientists exploring innovative approaches to understanding and treating psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Martin M. Katz has been recognized with the ACNP Paul Hoch Distinguished Service Award for his over 50 years of dedication to the organization and its mission. He made significant contributions to the theoretical understanding of antidepressant mechanisms, serving on key committees and editing notable publications.