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Genetic links to impaired social behavior in autism

Researchers identified associations between genetic variants in genes controlling affiliative behaviors and social deficits in autistic children. The strongest findings implicate the prolactin gene, oxytocin receptor gene, and prolactin receptor gene.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 13, 2008

US teens adopted as infants appear to have moderately increased odds of mental health problems

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that US teens adopted as infants may be at a greater risk for emotional and behavioral problems. Adoptees were more likely to have contact with a mental health professional and experience disruptive behavior disorders compared to non-adopted adolescents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 5, 2008

You just move like a mouse, or do so abnormally like a mutant mouse

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that mice and humans exhibit similar behavioral patterns, with no differences in statistics between resting periods and activity durations. This discovery has implications for the development of new treatments for depression and challenges current models of human-specific disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2008

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a chronic and pernicious condition that can lead to depression and substance abuse in adulthood. Research highlights the importance of understanding its neurobiological underpinnings, including increased amygdala activity and heritable temperamental traits.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 27, 2008

Psychopaths: What were they like as children?

Researchers studied child/adolescent psychopathy, finding it resembles adult version but with areas of instability that could inform interventions. The special issue examines various aspects, including genetics, temperament, and parenting styles.

SourceSAGE·JournalCriminal Justice and Behavior·DateMar 3, 2008

Suicide risk factors consistent across nations

Risk factors for suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts are consistent across countries, with mental disorders and female gender being key contributors. The study also found that impulse control disorders and substance use disorders increase the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts.

SourceHarvard University·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 31, 2008

New approach to detect autism earlier

A new review integrates psychological and biological theories of autism, which may help medical professionals detect conditions such as Asperger's Disorder at an earlier stage. This approach could lead to better explanations for parents worried about their child's behaviour and potentially improve remediation.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 24, 2008

Study raises questions about diagnosis, medical treatment of ADHD

A new UCLA study found that only half of children diagnosed with ADHD exhibit cognitive defects, challenging the common method for diagnosing the disorder. The research also suggested that medication is not always effective in treating ADHD, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to address long-term problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 22, 2008

Scientists identify brain abnormalities underlying key element of borderline personality disorder

Researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center used advanced brain-scanning technologies to detect brain areas associated with poor impulse control and negative emotion in patients with borderline personality disorder. The study found that discrete parts of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex were relatively l...

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 20, 2007

Behavior therapy plus medication may help teens with depression and substance use disorders

A randomized controlled trial found that combining fluoxetine with cognitive behavioral therapy improved depression scores in teens with co-occurring depression and substance abuse disorders. The treatment was as effective as the antidepressant alone in treating depression among teens without substance abuse problems.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 5, 2007

New model for autism suggests women carry the disorder and explains age as a risk factor

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory propose a new model for understanding how autism is acquired, suggesting that spontaneous germ-line mutation is a significant cause. This mutation can be carried by women without severe symptoms and passed on to their children, increasing the risk of sons developing autism.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2007

Delayed treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder results in negative outcome in adults

A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that delayed treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder results in longer periods of depression, more episodes, and increased substance abuse risk. Adults with untreated childhood-onset bipolar disorder experienced poorer quality of life and were less responsive to treatment.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 1, 2007

New protein implicated in autism

A new protein, CADPS2, has been identified as a potential cause of autism. Research found that mice lacking this protein exhibited autistic-like characteristics, including impaired social interactions and hyperactivity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 22, 2007

Controlling behavior of children with tourette and tic disorders

A pilot study by Yale School of Nursing and Child Study Center found that Parent Management Training (PMT) successfully controlled moderate to severe levels of oppositional behavior in children with TS, leading to a 51% decline in disruptive behavior. The results showed significant improvement compared to the control group.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Child Neurology·DateSep 26, 2006