Articles tagged with Behavior Disorders
A recent study published at the ACNP Conference found that exposing rats to Ritalin during early development can lead to reduced ability to experience pleasure and reward, as well as depressive-like behaviors in adulthood. This raises concerns about the long-term effects of ADHD medication on normal-functioning brains.
Children and adolescents with OCD benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, specifically sertraline. The treatment results in significant symptom reduction for 53.6% of participants. CBT alone is also effective, with 39.3% becoming nearly asymptomatic.
A Swedish study of over 700,000 young adults found that low birthweight and being born to a teenage mother are independent risk factors for increased suicide risk. The study also showed that individuals born fourth or more in sibling order and those from poor maternal socio-economic backgrounds are at higher risk of attempted suicide.
Scientists have successfully created a mouse lacking both MAO A and MAO B, revealing the combined actions of these enzymes in neurotransmitter regulation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into anxiety- and stress-related disorders.
The study found that pediatricians are treating more children with psychiatric problems due to chronic underfunding of the public mental health system. Many pediatricians felt unprepared to diagnose and treat anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for increased training and continuing medical education.
Researchers found that obese individuals have disrupted ghrelin patterns, with lower blood levels at night, contradicting common expectations. This discovery may lead to new targets for treating obesity and explore drugs that make people more sensitive to their internal cues.
In a European multicentre trial, 119 schizophrenia patients showed significant improvements in positive and negative symptoms after transitioning to risperidone long-acting injection. The study found that over one-third of patients experienced an improvement of more than 20% in the PANSS total score.
Researchers used SPECT imaging to measure dopamine transporter binding in 18 adult ADHD patients. Those with high levels of binding showed significant improvement on Ritalin, while those with reduced binding did not respond to the drug.
A study by Gabriella Milos and colleagues found that women with anorexia were more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those with bulimia or other disorders. The researchers also discovered a link between purging behaviors and increased suicide risk, suggesting a possible connection to lack of impulse control.
A survey of adults reveals long-term consequences of ADHD, including lower educational achievement, relationship instability, and higher rates of stress, depression, and substance abuse. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience negative self-image and engage in harmful behaviors.
Adolescents with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders are at higher risk of attempting suicide. The study found that males with hallucinogen or sedative-hypnotic use disorders were more likely to attempt suicide, while females with conduct disorders were at higher risk.
A recent study found that secretin alters amygdala responsiveness to affective stimuli, providing a potential treatment avenue for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and autism. The ability to detect and measure secretin's effects in the brain has important implications for studying both brain and behavioral effects.
Researchers caution against linking strep bacteria to neuropsychiatric disorders like OCD and tics in children. Neurologist Roger Kurlan and Edward L. Kaplan argue that the criteria for establishing a connection between strep and behavioral disorders are too vague, citing a lack of evidence from large, carefully controlled studies.
Researchers at UCLA have made a groundbreaking discovery about the biology of fear, finding that yohimbine accelerates the process of overcoming conditioned fear in mice. By enhancing the effects of natural adrenaline release, yohimbine allows mice to overcome their fear four times faster than those treated with vehicle or propanolol.
A randomized controlled trial found that disulfiram significantly reduced cocaine use in adults not dependent on alcohol, while CBT showed similar effectiveness. The combination of disulfiram and CBT was particularly effective for non-alcoholic users who abstained from alcohol during the study.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are testing a new treatment for bulimia nervosa, VNS Therapy, which targets the vagus nerve to reduce urges to binge eat and vomit. The study builds on previous research that found voluntary binge eating stimulates the vagus nerve, leading to involuntary behaviors.
A study of 177 young boys found that one in five carried a concealed gun between ages 12 and 17, with prevalence increasing with age. Conduct disorder was positively associated with gun carrying, even when controlling for other factors.
A study found that individuals with co-existing alcoholism and antisocial personality disorder exhibit reduced responsiveness to aversive stimuli, including unpleasant photographs. This hyporesponsivity may facilitate maladaptive behavior and increase vulnerability to problems like criminality and substance abuse.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that children with behavioral disorders, such as anxiety and depression, incur significant healthcare costs comparable to those with physical disorders. The study suggests that increased hospitalization expenditures are a major contributor to these costs.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found that nearly a third of jailed teenagers have co-occurring substance abuse disorders and ADHD or behavioral disorders. The authors suggest that mental health professionals must collaborate with the juvenile justice system to improve screening, diversion, and access to treatment.
A study conducted at Duke University Medical Center found that relief from poverty can lead to a decrease in frequency of psychiatric symptoms in children. The research, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that removing family poverty is associated with improved mental health outcomes.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that Tai Chi Chih increased immunity to the varicella zoster virus in older adults at risk for herpes zoster. The study showed significant improvements in both immunity and physical functioning without any negative effects.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that divalproex improved mood and behavioral disorders in over 78% of at-risk children. The medication may delay or prevent the onset of bipolar disorder, offering an alternative treatment option.
A study at the Salk Institute found that children with Williams syndrome exhibit unique social behavior patterns, including high scores on tests measuring social interactions. Genetic screening revealed that one gene may be responsible for this hyper-sociability in some individuals, suggesting a potential genetic link to the disorder.
A study found that teenagers with severe childhood ADHD are more likely to experience substance use problems, including alcohol and marijuana use. The researchers also discovered that the severity of inattention symptoms in childhood ADHD is a strong predictor of early substance abuse.
Researchers at Queen's University discovered that brain patterns of people watching and performing tasks are similar, suggesting a common neural process. This finding may help assess individuals with impaired movement control and understanding of others' actions.
A UCLA study discovered that fatigued breast cancer survivors have increased levels of circulating T lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells, which correlate with elevated inflammation markers. The findings suggest an immunologic basis for fatigue in breast cancer survivors.
A study of 543 children found that exposure to violence between parents and harsh punishment are significant risk factors for adult partner violence. Child behavior problems, such as conduct disorder, also predict later relationship violence.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that patients taking citalopram scored lower on a scale measuring compulsive shopping tendencies compared to those on a placebo. The majority of participants reported significant improvement in their symptoms, including reduced urges and interest in shopping.
Researchers found a major neurochemical deficit in patients with multiple system atrophy, a rare degenerative disease, which correlates with worsened sleep problems. The study suggests that brain chemistry disruptions may also be linked to other neurological diseases like Parkinson's.
A recent study suggests that I-123 Altropane SPECT imaging can detect dopamine deficiency in patients with drug-naïve ADHD. The study's results indicate a higher binding ratio of the radiopharmaceutical to dopamine transporters in ADHD patients, supporting the idea of a potential diagnostic tool.
Researchers found that children with behavioral disorders incur similar healthcare costs to those with physical disorders. Children with depression and anxiety had double the overall expenditures as those with disruptive disorders.
A recent study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics suggests that bedwetting may be associated with low socioeconomic status in children. The research found that almost 39% of children with bedwetting problems came from low socioeconomic backgrounds, compared to 23% of non-bedwetters.
A study found that veterans with diabetes spent a significant amount of time in hospital and outpatient services, with nearly 40% hospitalized one or more times per year. The patients faced a high risk of dying within a given year, with approximately 6% at risk of mortality.
Researchers found that a father's maximum number of drinks consumed in 24 hours is associated with disruptive behavior disorders, early substance-use initiation, and early substance-related disorders in his children. The study suggests that this 'phenotype' could supplement diagnostic categories for alcohol dependence.
A new study found that EEG biofeedback therapy significantly reduced ADHD symptoms in children by altering brain wave patterns. The treatment was particularly effective in reducing slow brain waves and improving attention deficit.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of males and over two-thirds of females met diagnostic criteria for mental or substance use disorders, highlighting a significant concern for the high rates of depression and dysthymia among detained youth.
Scientists have identified small non-messenger RNA molecules, known as smnRNA, in genes associated with behavioral disorders. These findings suggest a new class of gene activity and regulation, potentially linked to conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome.
A recent UC Berkeley study contradicts earlier findings on girls with ADHD, revealing they are severely impaired academically and socially. The study, conducted over six weeks, found these girls have difficulty making friends, exhibiting aggressive behavior, and displaying social isolation.
A study found that mentally ill individuals are vulnerable to victimization in conflict situations, particularly those with substance abuse disorders or delusional beliefs. Counseling services can help family members and professionals cope with these individuals while avoiding conflicts.
A study published in The Lancet found that single-session psychological debriefing after traumatic events is ineffective and may even do more harm than good. The research suggests that formal therapy like critical incident stress debriefing can prevent people from seeking natural family or social support systems.
A study by Larry W. Hawk Jr., Ph.D., found that paid college students showed decreased blink size and strength in response to loud noises, indicating increased attentiveness. While payment motivated better task performance, it didn't lead to significant differences in overall results.
Researchers found that a combination of these risk factors can increase violent behavior more than tenfold. Without any of these factors, those with severe mental illness were no more likely to engage in violent behaviors.
A study conducted by Ohio State University found that 20% of women and 5.8% of men among the student-athletes reported behaviors associated with eating disorders, including binge-eating and purging. The survey also revealed that 38% of athletes thought certain body parts were too fat, with a higher prevalence among female athletes.
A study of 164 families with children having emotional disorders found that child functioning and caregiver well-being are closely linked. The effect of the child's behavior on caregivers intensifies over time, highlighting the need for long-term support services to help families cope.
Research suggests that irritable bowel syndrome is a discrete collection of organic bowel diseases, characterized by morphological, psychological, and physiological changes. Treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy and tricyclic antidepressants, show promise in managing symptoms.
A study of 162 patients with binge-eating disorder found that interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) was as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating the condition. Both therapies resulted in significant reductions in binge eating and improvements in quality of life.
A new study found that risperidone, an antipsychotic agent, was effective in reducing irritability and behavioral problems in children with severe autism. The trial involved 101 children between ages 5 and 17, showing a significant positive response to treatment, with 69% experiencing marked improvement.
Researchers found risperidone significantly more effective than placebo in improving behavior in children with autism, with 69% showing improvement compared to 12% on placebo. The medication was well-tolerated but associated with a substantial increase in body weight.
The article highlights the significant impact of behavioral factors on various diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and asthma. Research shows that negative emotions can lower immunity, while stress and depression can provoke the release of hormones that affect immune function.
A study found that nearly 16% of alcoholics had attempted suicide, and first-degree relatives of those who attempted suicide were more likely to have made attempts as well. The risk factors included a history of severe alcohol dependence and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a medical condition causing violent 'sleep sex' behaviors, characterized by loud moaning and sexual assault during sleep. The disorder can be treated with standard sleep disorder treatments, including therapy and medication.
A recent study found that heightened depressive symptoms, emotional eating, and low self-esteem can predict binge-eating disorders in teenage girls. The research also revealed that low peer support increases the risk of binge eating, while parental support has no effect on this issue.
A study of 820 female college students found depression and alexithymia more strongly associated with disordered eating than childhood abuse and neglect. Researchers suggest interventions addressing adaptive coping mechanisms for depression may help individuals with disordered eating behaviors.
Researchers studied brain lesions in children with tuberous sclerosis complex and found autism results from complex brain events, not single source. Biochemical abnormalities in outer layer of the brain impacted communication skills, while subcortical changes led to stereotypical behaviors.
A new study at Lehigh University will introduce alternative strategies to control ADHD symptoms in preschoolers without medication. The goal is to improve behavioral, social, and educational outcomes for young children at risk of ADHD.
Researchers found that an early AFD is associated with increased rates of substance abuse, mental health problems, and educational underachievement. Early drinking is also linked to genetic risk for disinhibitory behaviors, suggesting it may be a symptom rather than a cause of alcoholism.
A recent study found that adolescents with both alcohol and antisocial problems exhibit an increase in serotonin function, contradicting previous research on Type II alcoholism. This suggests that serotonin dysregulation may be key to high-risk behaviors, rather than low or high levels of the neurotransmitter.
War has a devastating impact on children's mental health, leading to increased anxiety and depression. The study highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of conflict on young minds.
A study found that 80% of children with severe explosive temper and mood variations responded positively to divalproex, an anti-convulsant medication. The treatment improved behavior and responses in these children, who are often isolated from peers due to their disorders.