Articles tagged with Behavior Disorders
Researchers found that compounds blocking histone deacetylases activated genes making one ant worker behave like another without changing their instructions. This study may provide insights into mechanisms behind behavioral disorders.
A new Canadian guideline provides recommendations for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. The guideline recommends counseling women and their partners about abstinence during pregnancy, screening pregnant women for alcohol use, and conducting complet...
Researchers found that teens who witness others using substances are more likely to engage in antisocial behavior, especially those with a 'risk-taking' gene. The study used cell phones to track teens' daily lives and found that witnessing substance abuse triggers misbehavior.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports the successful reduction of fear in spider-fearful participants following a 2-minute exposure combined with a single dose of propranolol. The treatment resulted in drastically reduced avoidance behavior and increased approach behavior, with effects persisting for one year.
A recent study found that delay discounting, the tendency to choose smaller rewards now rather than larger ones later, is strongly influenced by genetics. As individuals age, their ability to wait for larger delayed rewards improves. The study suggests that genes related to serotonin synthesis and binding may play a role in impulsivity.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded $1.5 million Distinguished Investigator Grants to 15 scientists conducting innovative projects in neurobiological and behavioral research. The grants aim to understand and treat psychiatric disorders affecting one in four people.
Researchers found that brain activation patterns of individuals with autism spectrum disorder adapt differently during implicit learning, with slower recognition of familiar patterns. The severity of symptoms correlates with the degree of brain adaptation, suggesting a link between neural characteristics and core ASD symptoms.
A new study from Drexel University found that women with greater fat stores in their midsections reported being less satisfied with their bodies and were more likely to develop loss-of-control eating. The researchers suggest that targeting individuals with centralized fat distribution could be beneficial for preventing eating disorders.
A University of Houston study found that minority girls who were teased about their weight engaged in unhealthy eating behaviors, including disordered eating and emotional eating. The study suggests that teasing can have a strong impact on young girls' perceptions of themselves and food.
A large-scale survey found that African-Americans who did not exercise frequently had nearly twice the odds of abusing alcohol. Regular physical activity was associated with lower odds of alcohol misuse, suggesting a potential link between exercise and decreased risk.
A new study found that children in foster care are three times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than their peers. Children with both ADHD and a simultaneous disorder are more likely to receive psychological services, suggesting a high need for these services within this group.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation honors Drs. Beatrix and David Hamburg with the Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health, recognizing their groundbreaking contributions to mental health research and advocacy. The $300,000 annual prize focuses on expanding mental health services globally.
A study examining childhood trauma on sexual well-being found that men reported significantly higher prevalence of sexual concerns and dysfunctional behavior compared to women. The research highlights the importance of investigating sexuality in later life to improve therapy for trauma patients.
Youths with high-functioning ASD exhibit underdeveloped and insufficiently networked social brain areas, with increased blood flow in frontal regions important for navigating social interactions. Reduced long-range connectivity between default mode network nodes may explain impairment in social responsiveness.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience has found that individuals with anorexia nervosa exhibit distinct brain activity patterns when making food choices, including increased activation in the dorsal striatum. These findings have significant implications for developing new treatments and understanding disease mechanisms.
A study of over 6,500 teenagers found that those with mental disorders are more likely to experience chronic pain. The researchers identified connections between various types of mental disorders and chronic pain, suggesting that mental health issues may be an underlying risk factor for chronic pain in young people.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) responds differently to others' good fortune depending on an individual's level of empathy. Participants with high empathy scores showed a specialized ACC response only when another person was likely to win, while those with low empathy ...
Researchers found that pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke increases the risk of behavioral disorders in primary school children. Emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are particularly affected, with 21% of children showing signs of emotional disorder after ETS exposure.
A study published in Neuron found that the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC) plays a crucial role in internally monitoring and guiding our behavior through sequences of tasks. By disrupting this region, researchers observed an increase in errors, highlighting its importance for cognitive control.
A new analysis found that healthy adults with larger orbitofrontal cortices tend to be more optimistic and less anxious. The study suggests that a thicker OFC may act as a buffer against anxiety by boosting optimism, and that increasing optimism can reduce anxiety.
A new study from Drexel University found that young women attracted to both sexes have a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. In contrast, lesbian women are not more likely to experience disordered eating symptoms than straight peers.
Researchers develop new approach to treating Rett syndrome by extending lifespan and improving behavioral symptoms in mouse models. The treatment targets PTP1B, an enzyme with abnormal levels in the disorder, restoring BDNF signaling and promoting neural growth.
A 10-point questionnaire, known as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), is more effective than measuring blood alcohol level in detecting patients with at-risk drinking behaviors. The study found that up to 50% of trauma patients have alcohol in their bloodstream, and brief interventions can lead to a 50% reduction in...
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders often exhibit poor nutrition due to selective eating patterns and sensory sensitivity. Early warning signs include lower folate, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 concentrations, as well as abnormally accelerated growth rates in infants and children.
A meta-analysis found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia was associated with reduced insomnia symptoms and sleep disturbances in individuals with coexisting psychiatric and medical conditions. Patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy had twice the percentage of remission from insomnia compared to control groups.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a significant increase in autism rates among children born to teenage mothers and parents with large age gaps. The research also confirmed that older parents are at higher risk of having children with autism.
Researchers found that boys with autism exhibit higher levels of stereotyped behaviors and cognitive difficulties than girls, but these sex differences also appear in children without ASD. The study suggests naturally occurring sex differences in all children may contribute to the observed sex differences in autism.
A new study led by Amelia E. Talley found that non-heterosexual women with a disconnect between their identity and attractions may experience higher rates of hazardous drinking. Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that this internal conflict can lead to self-medicating through alcohol use.
Researchers used zebrafish to study the impact of dysregulation of SYNGAP1 and SHANK3 genes on brain development and behavior. The study found that disrupting these genes leads to hyper-excitable behaviors, delayed development, and changes in brain structure.
New research reveals differences in the brains of girls and boys with autism, particularly in the corpus callosum and social impairments. The study suggests that girls with autism have more severe social impairments than boys, highlighting the need for targeted research and interventions.
A 24-week parent training program improved behavioral problems such as irritability and non-compliance in young children with ASD. The study showed that parent training was superior to parent education in reducing disruptive behavior.
The 2015 Weatherstone Predoctoral Fellowship class of Autism Speaks will pursue two-year research projects under mentorship of leading scientists. The program aims to advance understanding of autism and support essential training opportunities for the brightest young investigators.
A new Northwestern University study of delinquent youth reveals that mental disorders do not predict future violent behavior, except for substance use disorders. Providing comprehensive treatment to individuals with psychiatric illness may reduce violence, according to the research.
A team of French clinicians diagnosed a patient with rabies after an unusual clinical presentation despite no obvious exposure to animal bites. The strain was identified as circulating among dogs in West Africa, highlighting the risk of healthcare personnel via bodily fluids.
A multi-site study found that parent training reduced disruptive behavior by 48% compared to 32% for parent education. Parent training provided specific strategies for managing serious behavioral problems such as tantrums and aggression.
A 24-week parent training study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center significantly reduced disruptive behavior in children with autism. The study showed that parent training was more effective in reducing behavior problems than parent education, with 70% of children showing a positive response.
A study of families participating in a clinical trial for children with severe physical aggression found high levels of parent satisfaction. The TOSCA study explored the effects of psychostimulant, parent training, and risperidone on child behavior and treatment outcomes.
A new study published in JCAP found that adding risperidone to parent training improved teachers' assessments of anxiety and social avoidance. Children who showed reduced anxiety also displayed less disruptive behavior, contributing to a reduction in aggressive symptoms.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that children whose mothers developed gestational diabetes by the 26th week of pregnancy had a 63% increased risk of being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The study also found that early screening for autism in children of women with gestational diabetes may be warranted.
Researchers found that mice lacking the estrogen-related receptor alpha gene exhibit abnormal behaviors related to eating and social interactions. The study identifies ESRRA as a key gene contributing to the risk of anorexia nervosa, with implications for treating the disorder.
A genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders in humans has been found to cause obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors and social impairments in mice. The study identified estrogen-related receptor alpha as a contributing gene to the risk of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
A new Wayne State University study demonstrates altered communication between brain centers in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The research found that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex exerts exaggerated brain network effects in OCD, suggesting a putative scientific framework for understanding the disorder.
Individuals with boredom or frustration are more likely to develop skin-picking and other body-focused repetitive behaviors. The study found that these behaviors can satisfy an urge and deliver a form of reward, but also cause significant distress.
People with anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphic disorder share similar abnormalities in their brains that affect processing of global visual information. The study's findings suggest that perceptual retraining may be an effective therapy for both disorders.
Researchers at Yale University found that Agrp neurons, which control food intake, also initiate repetitive behaviors seen in OCD and anorexia nervosa. These neurons play a crucial role in psychiatric conditions, highlighting the multitasking nature of brain function.
A new therapy, TIPSS, developed by Anka Vujanovic aims to treat both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. The study focuses on an integrated treatment that combines elements of standard cognitive-behavioral therapy with a focus on PTSD symptoms.
Joslin researchers find insulin resistance in brain cells may lead to behavioral disorders like anxiety and depression, with potential therapeutic implications for treating these conditions. The study suggests that correcting the metabolic changes could help alleviate symptoms.
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can regulate brain serotonin production, influencing behavior and psychiatric disorders. Serotonin affects cognitive functions and behaviors, with low levels linked to conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Researchers have identified a set of neurons in the frontal brain region that predict an opponent's cooperation in strategic decision-making tasks. This discovery sheds light on the neuronal basis of cooperative interactions and may lead to new treatments for autism and antisocial personality disorder.
New York University faculty members Michael Halassa and Jennifer Jacquet have been awarded Sloan Foundation research fellowships to advance their groundbreaking research in neuroscience and environmental science. Their studies aim to crack the neural code of sensory input and explore large-scale cooperation dilemmas, with potential imp...
A study using a tadpole model reveals parallels between fetal chemical exposure and autism spectrum disorder, highlighting altered neural anatomy and behavior. The research suggests that understanding this connection could lead to discovering mechanisms to prevent neurodevelopmental disorders.
Despite growing interest, there is a lack of studies showing cannabis benefits in children with autism and ADHD. Regular marijuana use can have harmful effects on developing brains, increasing the risk of addiction and mental health problems.
A study at Kansas State University found that time-based interventions can increase self-control and timing precision in rats, a similar model to humans. These findings suggest potential for behavioral approaches to treat disorders like ADHD, substance abuse, and obesity.
A new study has discovered genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that disrupt dopamine signaling, leading to behavioral changes. The findings provide a potential target for developing more effective treatments for ASD.
A new study found that teenagers with brothers and sisters who display no symptoms of antisocial behavior also struggle to recognize certain emotions. This impaired emotion recognition may be a factor contributing to the increased risk of developing conduct disorder in these individuals.
Researchers found that certain symptoms of conduct disorder, such as high-intensity defiant behavior, aggression, and destruction of property, indicate a higher likelihood of problems persisting into school age. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to help young children avoid recurring issues.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a genetic link between PTSD and two gene variants, COMT and TPH-2. These variants may contribute to the onset and persistence of the disorder, suggesting that heredity influences a person's risk of developing PTSD. The findings could lead to faster diagnosis and better treatment for survivors.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found Ohio's Behavioral Health/Juvenile Justice initiative benefits young offenders diverted to community-based agencies for mental health treatment and substance abuse help. Most showed improvements in functioning and decreased delinquency symptoms.
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia, exhibit high rates of criminal behavior. The study found 8.5% of patients had a history of criminal behavior, with common offenses including theft, traffic violations, and public urination.
Researchers found that brain structure and connectivity can predict which patients with refractory OCD are likely to respond to dorsal anterior cingulotomy. The study analyzed preoperative imaging data from 15 patients, identifying key neuroanatomical features associated with treatment success.