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A key brain region for substance use disorders now has a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations

Scientists have created a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations in the ventral tegmental area, a key brain region involved in reward-directed behavior and substance use disorders. The study identified 16 cell populations, including classic dopaminergic neurons, glutamatergic neurons, and GABAergic neurons.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022

Machine learning predicts conduct disorder in kids

A new study uses a machine-learning approach to assess risk factors across biological, psychological, and social domains to predict the development of conduct disorder in children. The model correctly predicted CD two years later with over 90% accuracy.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

Researchers reveal neuronal mechanism controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure

A recent study revealed the importance of Cav3.1-driven burst firing in the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei in controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure following chronic stress. Enhanced burst firing was correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced food intake, and decreased energy expenditure.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2022

Communication defect in psychotic disorders

A team from UNIGE demonstrates that a reduction in gamma wave activation is correlated with the emergence of psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents at genetic risk. This study makes it possible to envisage an early diagnosis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating schizophrenia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateMar 3, 2022

ADHD linked to hoarding behaviour – new study

A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people with ADHD are significantly more likely to exhibit clinically significant hoarding symptoms. Approximately 19% of participants displayed hoarding symptoms, which can lead to distress and difficulties in everyday life.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

Extreme heat linked to increase in mental health emergency care

A nationwide study found that days with higher-than-normal temperatures during the US summer season were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits for any mental health-related condition, particularly substance use and mood disorders. The impact of heat on mental health was similar across age groups and regions, hi...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Study performs cost analysis of popular autism interventions

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas has analyzed the cost of two commonly used interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder. The results showed that implementing emerging or ineffective interventions can consume valuable resources without promising positive outcomes. The study's goal was to p...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalExceptional Children·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Behavioral treatments for ADHD: For which children do they work?

A recent study found that behavioral treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and improve behavior in children, but not all children respond equally well. Priority should be given to those with more severe ADHD, conduct disorder symptoms, or from single-parent families, as they are at risk of deterioration without treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Study shows link between child poverty and mental health disorders in adulthood

A study by the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for Childhood Psychiatric Disorders found an association between child poverty and externalizing disorders in adolescence and early adulthood. Child poverty was particularly harmful to women, increasing their risk of developing mental health problems and affecting educational attainment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2022

Gene-environment interactions that drives autism

Gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in the development of autism symptoms, according to a new study by UNIGE researchers. By inhibiting Trpv4 and inducing massive inflammation, scientists observed neuronal hyperexcitability, which disrupted communication channels and led to social avoidance behaviors.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateJan 31, 2022

Eating disorders potentially hiding autism diagnosis

Researchers at Flinders University found that autistic individuals with eating disorders also report higher weight and shape concerns, suggesting a unique combination of symptoms. The study highlights the need for best-practice guidelines to address co-occurring autism and eating disorders in treatment.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateJan 26, 2022

How we view the future may hold keys to recovery from alcohol use disorder

Researchers at Virginia Tech found that people with 'slow' life-history strategies, focusing on future rewards, exhibited positive behaviors and were more likely to be in remission. In contrast, those with 'fast' life-history strategies, prioritizing immediate rewards, faced greater challenges during recovery.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Prevention of mental health problems among schoolchildren could avoid grade repetition and dropout

A study found that preventing mental health problems among schoolchildren, particularly externalizing disorders, could have prevented grade repetition and dropout. The study involved 2,511 families with children aged 6-14 and showed that girls with externalizing disorders were more likely to be held back a grade.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·DateJan 20, 2022

Behavioral indicator for preterm infants

A new study suggests that a behavioral marker in preterm infants can indicate potential development problems. Researchers used digital eye tracking to test the infants' visual motor coordination and found that those who struggled with this task were more likely to face cognitive and social difficulties later on.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Wraparound care coordination associated with many positive outcomes amongst youth with serious and complex behavioral health needs

A meta-analysis of 17 controlled studies found Wraparound Care Coordination significantly reduces out-of-home placements, improves mental health functioning and school outcomes, and lowers overall care costs. The study also shows more positive effects for youth of color.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 3, 2021

Largest genetic study of suicide attempts confirms genetic underpinnings that are not driven by underlying psychiatric disorders

A large-scale genome-wide association study has identified a region on chromosome 7 containing DNA variations that increase the risk of attempting suicide. The study found overlap between the genetic basis of suicide attempts and related psychiatric disorders, as well as non-psychiatric risk factors such as smoking and sleep disturbances.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

How school attendance data could play crucial role in targeting mental health support for pupils

Researchers found that pupils with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders or who self-harm are more likely to miss school, indicating potential indicators of current or future poor mental health. The study highlights the importance of integrated school-based and healthcare strategies to support young people's engagement with education.

SourceSwansea University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 24, 2021

Autism diagnosis by 2.5 years of age leads to dramatic improvements in social symptoms as compared to those diagnosed later in life, Ben-Gurion University researchers and colleagues find

A new study published in Autism highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed before 2.5 years old showed considerable improvements in core social symptoms compared to those diagnosed later in life. Early intervention is critical, emphasizing the need for u...

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAutism·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

Dartmouth study reveals new insights into how the infant microbiome impacts early childhood behavior in boys and girls

A new Dartmouth-led study found a direct association between the infant microbiome and early childhood behavioral health, with sex-specific differences. The study characterized the species of microbes present in each participant's gut and their functions, establishing that microbiome changes occur before behavioral changes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPediatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Abnormal brain changes over time with bipolar disorder

Longitudinal study reveals cortical thinning in people with bipolar disorder, especially those with more manic episodes. The findings suggest that bipolar disorder may be a neuroprogressive disorder, worsened by the progression of symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2021

Children with autism twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts, according to new research from Kennedy Krieger

A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 2021

Differences in brain structure between siblings make some more susceptible to developing severe antisocial behaviour

Researchers discovered structural differences in brain regions responsible for decision-making and empathy in adolescents with conduct disorder compared to their unaffected siblings. These findings suggest that small changes in brain function may contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in some siblings.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2021

Using off-the-shelf technology, researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute provide accessibility in diagnosing autism

A team of researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute developed a new method to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using a single 2D camera. The Computer Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI) method provides greater access to patients and shows accurate assessment with 2D technology.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia

A new study found that schizophrenia is associated with a loss of excitation but an increase in inhibition, resulting in hallucinations. The researchers used EEG data from 107 participants to demonstrate decreased synaptic gain, which may guide pharmacological and neurostimulation treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 23, 2021

Study finds long-term injectable medications combined with counseling improves adherence and symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder

Researchers from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that combining long-term injectable medications with psychosocial intervention improves adherence and symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. The study enrolled 30 people with bipolar disorder who had adherenc...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalThe Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

Vaping is linked to heightened eating disorder risk among U.S. college students

A new study published in the journal Eating Behaviors found a strong association between vaping or e-cigarette use and an increased risk of developing an eating disorder among US college students. The study analyzed over 51,000 participants and highlighted the need for more research and clinical assessment to address this growing concern.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEating Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2021