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Gender parity in autism research: Synaptic similarities challenge focus on male models

A new study challenges traditional male-focused autism research by revealing striking similarities in synaptic abnormalities and behavioral patterns between male and female mouse models. This finding emphasizes the necessity of considering both sexes to comprehensively grasp the complexities of autism spectrum disorder.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Pancreatic replacement therapy improves maladaptive behavior in preschool children with autism, according to research

Researchers found that pancreatic enzymatic replacement improved behavioral function in preschoolers with ASD, including reduced irritability, hyperactivity, and lethargy. The treatment had minimal side effects and demonstrated potential for addressing co-occurring maladaptive behaviors.

Adverse childhood experiences linked to muscle dysmorphia

A new study found that adverse childhood experiences are associated with greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms in Canadian adolescents and young adults. Adverse childhood experiences, such as domestic violence and emotional abuse, may lead to body dissatisfaction and the pursuit of muscularity as a coping mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalClinical Social Work Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

OCD therapy retrains the brain

A new study finds that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) therapy for OCD improves cognitive control by strengthening connections between brain networks. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms underlying EX/RP's effectiveness in treating OCD, paving the way for targeted therapies.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University collaboration finds semaglutide treatment is associated with remarkable reductions in Alcohol Use Disorder symptoms

A case series published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reveals semaglutide's potential therapeutic applications in managing Alcohol Use Disorder, demonstrating significant reductions in AUDIT scores. Further research is needed to validate these findings through larger clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 27, 2023

Muscle dysmorphia linked to suicidal ideation and planning in adolescents and young adults

A new study found that muscle dysmorphia symptoms are associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Canadian adolescents and young adults. The study highlights the need for greater awareness and proper identification of muscle dysmorphia symptoms to prevent future suicidal ideation and suicide planning.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Study links selfies to higher ratings of slimness

A study found that participants rated women's bodies as slimmer when viewed in selfie photographs compared to external perspectives. The researchers also discovered a link between self-viewing and disordered eating thoughts, suggesting potential harm from social media consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023

New neural insights into processing uncertainty in obsessive-compulsive disorder

A new study uses brain imaging to explore the neural underpinnings of uncertainty processing in OCD, finding that patients struggle with certainty and decision-making, particularly when outcomes are more certain. This understanding may offer new hope for developing therapies targeting uncertainty processing in OCD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Street medicine filling a major gap by providing behavioral health care for people who are homeless

A new survey by USC Street Medicine found that street medicine programs are helping to fill the gap in access to mental health and substance use treatments for unhoused individuals in California. The study suggests that these programs can serve as a strategy to expand access to behavioral health care for people who are unsheltered.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCommunity Mental Health Journal·TypeSurvey·DateSep 6, 2023

In-school occupational therapy creates positive education experiences for kids with autism

A new study finds that in-school occupational therapy can create positive learning environments for children with autism by supporting parent-teacher relationships and understanding their unique needs. The therapy helps teachers get to know the child's needs better and facilitate effective communication between parents and schools.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Occupational Therapy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Motivation and pleasure deficits play important role in social functioning across psychiatric disorders

A recent study published in Nature Mental Health reveals that amotivation and anhedonia are key factors in determining social functioning among individuals with psychiatric disorders. The research found that these negative symptoms have a stronger impact on social functioning than expressive dysfunction, especially in patients with sch...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

Preying on hungry, anxious worms

In a new study, Salk Institute scientists discovered that dopamine regulates anxious worm behavior in the presence of nipping predators. The findings illuminate how this dopamine-regulated brain pathway may be related to anxiety and could provide insight into human conditions like PTSD.

SourceSalk Institute·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

HSE scientists investigate third-party punishment for unfairness

Researchers from HSE Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience examine the brain's reaction to social norms violations and calculate a behavioral index to assess an individual's sensitivity to unfairness. This index can be used to develop personalized rehabilitation programs for patients with various types of behavioral disorders.

Education on under-prescribed drug helps reduce cravings for those with alcohol use disorder, MU study finds

A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

University of Ottawa team leads promising new research on devastating brain disorder

A University of Ottawa team has discovered a vital role for the VGLUT3 transporter protein in modulating the development of Huntington's disease. The study shows that blocking glutamate release through this protein can lead to an amelioration of the disease progression, offering new hope for potential treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Newly discovered brain mechanism linked to anxiety, OCD

Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of microglia in controlling anxiety-related behaviors. The study found that specific microglia populations activate anxiety behaviors while others dampen them, and these cells communicate with neurons to invoke behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Volunteering, health, and well-being of children and adolescents

Researchers found volunteering associated with higher odds of excellent health and flourishing in children and adolescents, as well as lower anxiety in adolescents and behavioral problems in children. The study used survey data from across the US to explore the relationship between volunteering and child and adolescent health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 30, 2023

UNDER EMBARGO: Mount Sinai researchers identify potential new treatment for those who act out their dreams while sleeping

Researchers have identified a novel model and therapy to mitigate the development of REM sleep behavior disorder, which affects over 3 million Americans. Dual orexin receptor antagonists have been shown to significantly reduce dream enactment behaviors, providing a promising new treatment option.

Pet owners with hoarding tendencies may take toll on health of themselves, animals in care, study finds

A recent study by Mississippi State University faculty members found that individuals with hoarding tendencies who own multiple pets are at risk of poor animal health. Households with eight or more animals were associated with worse health outcomes for the animals.

SourceMississippi State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 16, 2023

Black women’s childhood symptoms of disordered eating predict symptoms in adulthood

A new study finds that childhood symptoms of disordered eating are predictive of symptoms in adulthood for both Black and white women. Black women's symptoms were predicted by earlier ages compared to white women, suggesting cultural and psychological factors may influence symptom presentation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 12, 2023

A new primary care model proves effective for patients with severe mental illness

A new 'enhanced primary care' model has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels among patients with severe mental illness. The study, conducted at UNC WakeBrook, showed significant improvements in screening for people with severe mental illness compared to usual primary care.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateApr 10, 2023

Four different autism subtypes identified in brain study

A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine has identified four clinically distinct groups of people with autism spectrum disorder, each with unique brain connection patterns and behavioral traits. The findings highlight the potential for personalized therapies tailored to individual subgroups, which may lead to more effective treatments.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2023

Texas Children’s and Baylor College researchers use innovative dual-target deep brain stimulation approach to treat patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette Syndrome

A multidisciplinary team of experts developed a new dual-target DBS approach targeting two distinct brain regions to simultaneously treat OCD and TS. This approach allowed for optimal and sustained improvement in severe symptoms, providing hope for treatment-resistant patients.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2023

Can cannabis use disorder be accurately diagnosed?

Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to accurately diagnosing cannabis use disorder, particularly for individuals who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The current diagnostic manual may misdiagnose these individuals due to the rapid increase in state-level legalization of medical marijuana.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Repetitive negative thinking during low mood linked to suicidal thoughts – new study

A new study has found that increased rumination is a predictor of greater severity of suicidal ideation in young people with major depressive disorder. The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, suggests that elevated cognitive rumination is associated with lower cortical surface area and suicidal ideation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2023

Learning behavior differs between OCD and problem gambling

Research reveals that individuals with OCD exhibit lower-than-normal learning rates when rewards are less than expected, while those with problem gambling display boosted learning from high rewards and blunted learning from low rewards. This study highlights the benefits of using neurocomputational approaches to understand psychiatric ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Ancient virus genome drives autism?

Research at Kobe University reveals that endogenous retrovirus activation increases a fetus's susceptibility to autism, leading to differences in brain structure and behavior. The study identifies BTBR/R mice as a more accurate model of autism, exhibiting autistic-like behaviors without reduced learning ability.

SourceKobe University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023