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Study on DSM-5 shows effects on autism diagnosis and prevalence

A new study found that combining autism with social communication disorder (SCD) would decrease estimated prevalence under DSM-5 criteria. The researchers discovered that 83% of children diagnosed with autism under the DSM-IV would also receive the diagnosis under DSM-5, while 14% were diagnosed with SCD.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 27, 2014

Peripheral immune system may regulate vulnerability to depression

A study suggests that immune cells outside the brain may contribute to depression, with elevated levels of interleukin-6 linked to increased depressive behaviors in rodents. Researchers found that mice transplanted with high-responding donors exhibited increased depression-like behaviors compared to those with low-responding donors.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 12, 2013

How do ADHD medications work?

Researchers found that methylphenidate and atomoxetine, two FDA-approved ADHD medications, increase brain activation when making fine temporal distinctions. This improvement in brain function is linked to improved behavior in children with ADHD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 2013

Note to teens: Just breathe

A UCLA study shows that a four-week program teaching yoga-based breathing practices can significantly reduce impulsive behavior in adolescents, leading to improved emotional regulation and decision-making skills. The program was found to be effective in reducing impulsive acts such as drug abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and violence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 9, 2013

A look inside children's minds

Researchers used fNIRS to study 3- and 4-year-old children's visual working memory, finding that neural activity in the right frontal cortex is linked to higher capacity, while 4-year-olds show increased use of the parietal cortex for spatial attention. The findings could help detect childhood disorders like ADHD and autism earlier.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNeuroImage·DateJun 27, 2013

MIT study sheds light on what causes compulsive behavior, could improve OCD treatments

Researchers at MIT have made significant progress in understanding the neural mechanisms of compulsive behavior by activating a specific brain circuit that controls compulsive behavior. By using optogenetics, they were able to block compulsive behavior in mice and demonstrate potential new approaches for treating diseases such as OCD.

Unhealthy eating can make a bad mood worse

Researchers discover that unhealthy eating behaviors can worsen moods in women without prior mood changes, leading to a better understanding of the relationship between emotions and eating. The study's findings suggest that this connection may play a role in the development and maintenance of unhealthy eating habits.

When good habits go bad

Nicole Calakos studies synaptic defects in the basal ganglia that underlie compulsive behavior, including Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. Mice with overactive metabotropic glutamate receptors exhibit impaired synaptic plasticity, leading to obsessive-like behaviors.

Studies provide new insights into brain-behavior relationships

Researchers investigate patterns of dysgraphia in participants with primary progressive aphasia, comparing them to those with stroke-related dysgraphia. They also explore nonverbal semantic processing in individuals with semantic aphasia and dementia, shedding light on brain-behavior relationships.

SourceIOS Press·JournalBehavioural Neurology·DateJan 15, 2013

More evidence needed to support use of autism interventions

Researchers found moderate to insufficient evidence supporting various autism interventions, highlighting the need for well-designed studies. The expert panel recommends focusing on assessment and monitoring treatment outcomes, addressing needs of preverbal and nonverbal children, and identifying effective strategies for core deficits.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 1, 2012

How to prove a sexual addiction

A UCLA-led team of experts found the proposed criteria to be reliable and valid in helping mental health professionals diagnose hypersexual disorder. The study accurately classified 88% of patients as having the disorder, with significant consequences including job loss, relationship end, and emotional distress.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateOct 18, 2012