Articles tagged with Behavior Disorders
Researchers have created two innovative technologies to detect behavioral markers in children with autism. An eye-tracking system using gaze-tracking glasses and facial-analysis software can automatically measure eye contact, while a wearable system using accelerometers monitors problem behaviors. These tools aim to improve understandi...
Research by Carnegie Mellon University neuroscientists reveals that autistic adults exhibit poor response reliability in sensory systems, including vision, hearing, and touch. This fundamental neural characteristic may contribute to behavioral changes and social interactions difficulties in autism.
Researchers identified a link between a genetic variant in the MET receptor tyrosine kinase gene and changes in brain connectivity, particularly in social behavior. The 'C' variant was found to disrupt functional and structural connectivity of brain networks involved in social behavior in both healthy children and those with ASD, but h...
A new study found that brain scans can predict patients' responses to cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder. The researchers measured brain activity while patients looked at faces before treatment and found those with greater activity in high-level visual processing areas showed the most improvement after therapy.
Case studies published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation show Apple iPod Touch PDAs as effective vocational supports for adults with autism spectrum disorder. The device provides strategies to help individuals with ASD function more successfully in the workplace, including task reminders, lists, and video prompts.
Researchers have developed a low-cost method for detecting neurological disorders like ADHD and Parkinson's by analyzing eye movement data while watching TV. The study found that patients with these conditions exhibited distinct patterns of eye movement, allowing for accurate diagnosis with high accuracy rates.
A study at the University of Pittsburgh has identified a brain area responsible for using past decisions and outcomes to guide future behavior, suggesting that living in the moment is impossible due to the need for continuity of thought. The frontal eye field and supplementary eye field were found to play key roles in metacognition.
The 'Treating the Whole Person with Autism' conference brought together families and professionals to discuss current guidance on medical issues associated with ASD. Key findings highlighted the importance of considering the whole child in treatment plans, as well as the need for continued research on care across the lifespan.
The collaboration has already demonstrated great potential for the field with initial behavioral studies showing hallmark characteristics of autism in rats. New genetically modified rat models will be generated to accelerate translational research and drug development.
Researchers at UT Dallas discovered that nerve stimulation can reorganize the brain, leading to potential new treatments for stroke, tinnitus, autism, and other disorders. The technology involves pairing vagus nerve stimulation with specific experiences, such as movements or sounds, to alter brain activity.
Researchers at Caltech have found evidence of a link between immune irregularities and autism. The study suggests that specific changes in an overactive immune system can contribute to autism-like behaviors in mice, potentially related to prenatal experiences.
The American Psychiatric Association Task Force on Treatment of Gender Identity Disorder recommends clinical practice guidelines for psychiatrists caring for transgender patients. The report concludes that the quality of research evidence is not robust, but clinical consensus supports treatment recommendations.
A new study published in the Journal of School Psychology found that students with behavioral disorders and observable disabilities are at a higher risk of being bullied and bullying others. The study, which followed over 800 students, suggests that anti-bullying interventions emphasizing prosocial skills could help address this issue.
Research reveals that smoking, head injury, and pesticide exposure may increase the risk of REM sleep behavior disorder, a rare condition where people act out their dreams. The study also found that farming work and lower education levels were associated with a higher risk of developing the disorder.
Autism Speaks releases three new tool kits to help parents manage challenging behaviors, improve communication and social skills. The kits provide guidance on applied behavior analysis, professional behavioral treatments and toilet training strategies.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital and Auburn University found a significant association between restrictive food intake and an increased number of suicide attempts in individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The study also suggests that those with a history of BDD-related excessive exercise had lower rates of suicide attempts.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that D-cycloserine augmentation enhances exposure therapy for PTSD, particularly in patients with severe symptoms. This approach may improve treatment outcomes by promoting neuroplasticity and reducing deficits in brain regions involved in emotion and memory.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased irritability in children with autism, while being well-tolerated and causing minimal side effects. A large randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the findings and explore potential treatment benefits for other symptoms.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London used zebrafish to study psychiatric disorders, finding they can modify their behaviour in response to changing conditions. The research suggests zebrafish may be useful in studying the cause and prognosis of disorders related to impulse control.
Two Johns Hopkins psychiatrists argue that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) needs radical change due to its current 'field guide' form, which provides checklists of symptoms but lacks underlying causes. The manual's limitations make it difficult for clinicians to direct treatment or investigate disorders.
At the 2012 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Autism Speaks presented various scientific findings on autism diagnosis, causes, and treatment options. The organization's Autism Treatment Network shared research on early interventions and technology innovations aimed at improving the lives of individuals with ASD.
A study examines adaptive abilities in children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The findings indicate similarities in the relation between executive function and adaptive abilities among children with ADHD or PAE, but with different patterns of abilities.
The M-CHAT is a scientifically validated tool for screening children between 16 and 30 months to assess their risk for ASD. The automated version now available on the Autism Speaks website offers free online scoring and recommendations, enabling parents to identify potential issues early.
Researchers found that GRN-529 increased social interactions and reduced repetitive self-grooming behavior in mice with autism-like symptoms. The compound also almost completely stopped repetitive jumping in another strain of mice.
Patients with pseudo-seizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), often misdiagnosed due to stress-triggered symptoms. Research suggests that these patients lack effective coping mechanisms and are more distressed by stressful events than those with epilepsy or healthy individuals.
A study found that people with more socially-accepted mental illnesses, such as depression and mild mood disorders, receive less support from family members and friends. In contrast, those with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder face greater rejection and discrimination.
Researchers found abnormal development of the insula circuit hub is rooted in genes and causes overly friendly yet anxious behavior in individuals with Williams syndrome. The study uses neuroimaging to pinpoint the suspect brain area in people with the disorder, revealing structural and functional abnormalities.
A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that exposure to cell phone radiation during pregnancy can cause hyperactivity and reduced memory capacity in adult mice. The findings suggest a potential link between fetal cellular telephone irradiation exposure and behavioral disorders in human children, such as ADHD.
Researchers at UCLA find hyperconnectivity in depressed brains, suggesting a malfunction in regulating brain networks. This dysregulation may explain multiple symptoms of depression, including anxiety and memory issues.
A Yale University study found that combining medication with parent training improved everyday adaptive functioning in children with autism and behavioral problems. Parents who received the structured training showed greater improvement on measures of adaptive behavior.
Researchers found that Parkinson's disease patients who took dopamine therapy showed improved creative skills, including drawing, painting, poetry, and sculpture. However, the study also revealed a lack of correlation between creative thinking scores and impulsivity measures.
A study found differences in brain communication pathways as early as 6 months in infants who later received a diagnosis of autism. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the brains of 92 infants, including those with older siblings on the autism spectrum. This study offers promise for identifying infants at risk f...
A recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found a joint association between maternal and paternal age and autism risk. Mothers with autistic children were on average 6.5 years older than non-autistic women, while fathers had an average age difference of 5.9 years.
A physical activity program has been shown to improve behavioral scores in children with ADHD, as observed by both parents and teachers. The study suggests that structured group physical activity can have positive effects on behavior in various settings of the child's life.
A new study assesses the impact of a psychological therapy for chronic depression, targeting individuals with an emotionally over-controlled personality style. The REFRAMED study aims to provide new insights into refractory depression, a common condition that disrupts daily life.
The new treatment section provides insight into different treatment options for children with autism, including behavioral interventions and clinical therapies. Families can view examples of treatment in action to help determine the best course of treatment for their child.
Researchers have identified abnormalities in brain function of children with ADHD using fMRI, revealing disruptions in visual attention processing and impaired communication among brain regions. This finding contributes to understanding the pathology of inattention in ADHD.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified a specific enzyme that regulates the wake-sleep cycle, which could lead to more effective sleep aid medications. The study found that blocking or activating this enzyme triggers an important shift in consciousness between sleep and wakefulness.
The Royal Arch Masons have awarded a $100,000 grant to Autism Speaks to investigate auditory processing disorders in children with autism. The grant aims to create better outcomes for children at risk of developing both ASD and CAPD by addressing precursor symptoms of auditory processing disorders.
Recent studies shed light on how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in individuals with autism and fragile X syndrome. The research findings offer new tools for understanding these conditions, paving the way for effective education, early intervention, and potential treatments.
Studies show how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. New findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for conditions like fragile X syndrome and bipolar disorder.
Researchers found inconsistent best-estimate clinical diagnoses for autism spectrum disorders across 12 university-based sites, highlighting regional variations and implications for diagnostic frameworks. The study suggests moving towards dimensional descriptions of core features, rather than existing subgroupings.
The Mayo Clinic has developed a new tool kit, Action Signs, to help identify symptoms of mental health disorders in youth. The toolkit aims to improve diagnosis and care for up to 75% of youth with mental health disorders who are currently not identified or receiving necessary treatment.
Researchers found a significant association between a specific gene variation and accelerated decline in intellectual function with aging. The 'met' version of the BDNF gene was linked to steeper declines in flight simulator scores and smaller hippocampi, a critical brain region for memory and spatial reasoning.
A study found that rats given a commonly prescribed antidepressant during development exhibited brain abnormalities and behaviors characteristic of autism spectrum disorders. The researchers suggest that taking SSRIs during pregnancy may contribute to the rise in developmental disorders in children.
Researchers found that antidepressants given to rats during development led to brain abnormalities and behavioral traits similar to autism spectrum disorder. The study suggests a potential link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the rise in developmental disorders in children.
This study found that genetic influences on brain activation affect responses to alcohol, particularly in individuals with low response levels. Those with low response levels may not perceive changes in their brain activity after drinking, which can lead to increased consumption and risk of alcohol problems.
Studies followed children from 6 months to age 3, finding that those who would later develop autism exhibited distinct behaviors at 12 months, including joint attention and imitation issues. Early intervention techniques are being developed to address these signs, with promising early results.
A 16-year study confirms the accuracy of autism diagnosis in children with Down syndrome using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The research found that clinicians can use the DSM to identify autism spectrum disorders in these individuals, providing them with targeted educational and intervention services.
A defective gene in mice shows behaviors and symptoms similar to those observed in humans with autism spectrum disorders. The animals respond similarly to an FDA-approved drug used to treat repetitive behaviors in people with autism.
Researchers created a mouse model that displays remarkably similar symptoms and behavior as children and adults on the autism spectrum. The animals responded well to an FDA-approved drug prescribed to treat repetitive behaviors often associated with the disease.
A systemic review found atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone to be effective for behavioral symptoms in dementia and generalized anxiety disorder. However, evidence did not support their use for substance abuse or eating disorders, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing.
Researchers created a new mouse model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that replicates both symptoms and treatment timing in humans. The model points to new treatments, including blocking serotonin receptors or using an activator, which may be more specific and work faster than current therapies.
A transgenic mouse model exhibiting behavioral parallels with humans diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has improved scientific understanding and may lead to diagnostic tests based on biomarkers. The research could also help design targeted interventions and treatments.
Scientists discovered that the intestinal membrane receptor protein, GC-C, is also expressed in critical brain areas. The study found that GC-C's activation amplifies dopamine responses, leading to hyperactivity and attention deficits in mice. Treatment with a PKG activator reversed these behavioral problems.
Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder experience nightmares and increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study using brain SPECT technology found that dopamine levels in the brain drop quickly in these patients, making it a potential early indicator of disease progression.
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children whose parents were deployed for longer periods had a higher likelihood of receiving a mental health diagnosis. The researchers analyzed data from over 307,000 children and found that the length of parental deployment was significantly associated wit...
A 10-year longitudinal study found that adolescents who dieted in early adolescence were at increased risk of continuing these behaviors in young adulthood. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing disordered eating behaviors from an early age to prevent obesity and related health issues.
A recent brain imaging study suggests that men with a history of violent behavior may have greater gray matter volume in certain brain areas, whereas those with substance use disorders may have reduced volume in other areas. The study found associations between increased gray matter volume and higher scores for psychopathy and lifelong...
Research shows that moral responses differ across ages, with young children being more inclined to punish perpetrators for intentional harm versus accidental damage. As people mature, their brain's response to moral situations changes, becoming more tempered and reflecting on the values linked to outcomes and actions.