Researchers suggest a novel neuroimaging technique can unveil Alzheimer's disease secrets and predict symptom risk. The 'neuromelanin-sensitive MRI' method provides insights into the brain's noradrenergic system, linked to aggressive behavior and cognitive decline.
A preclinical study suggests that astrocyte abnormalities may contribute to repetitive behaviors and memory deficits in autism spectrum disorders. Researchers grew human astrocytes from patients with ASD and transplanted them into healthy mice, which developed repetitive behaviors but not social deficits.
Researchers found plasma neurofilament light levels were elevated in all types of frontotemporal dementia, and in people who had mutations but hadn't shown symptoms yet. Higher levels of the protein were associated with greater disease severity and increased just before symptom onset.
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.
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 developed EMOPRINT, a five-week behavioral intervention improving facial affect recognition skills in individuals with MS. The study showed significant improvement in facial affect recognition in the MS group compared to placebo controls.
Researchers found that mice with the Val89 gene variant exhibit attention deficit disorder-like problems, including diminished cognitive performance and increased vulnerability to distraction. The study provides direct evidence of the genetic variant's effects on acetylcholine availability and its resulting cognitive impacts.
A genetic disease in children, CHARGE syndrome causes intellectual disability, attention deficit disorder, and autism. The INRS team is studying the gene's impact on brain development to identify potential treatments.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that only 5.4% of individuals with opioid use disorder received treatment as part of their criminal justice involvement. The study also identified predictors of treatment access for justice-involved individuals, including demographics and substance use severity.
A new study shows that a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, sargramostim, improves cognitive function in people with Down syndrome and normal aging mice. The drug reverses learning and memory deficits, nerve cell loss, and brain abnormalities in mouse models of Down syndrome and aging.
Researchers found that patients with psychosocial and behavioral therapy had lower risk of medication discontinuation in the first 180 days after treatment. Therapy may help reduce high attrition rates commonly observed early during treatment.
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.
Researchers found that people with severe alcohol use disorder reported missing 32 days of work each year, while those without the condition missed around 13 days. The study suggests that addressing alcohol use disorder in the workplace could lead to economic incentives and improved employee health.
A systematic review of 87 studies found that excessive screen time is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children aged 12 or younger. The study suggests that reducing screen time may help alleviate these behavioral issues.
A USC-led study reveals that children with binge eating disorder show abnormalities in gray matter density compared to unaffected peers, indicating a possible link between the disorder and brain development. The findings suggest that treatment may need to address underlying brain abnormalities.
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.
The collaboration aims to prepare professionals to support school-aged students with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. Full scholarships will be awarded to 24 graduate students starting in Fall 2022.
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.
Researchers found that 6.7% of jail detainees threatened SSH in the past three months, and 4.5% attempted SSH in the past year. The study suggests that jails should develop an empirically driven suicidal risk assessment to improve institutional safety and prevent suicide.
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...
A 16-year study of over 2,000 Australian children shows that young people who use drugs but quit before adulthood have similar life success as those who never used drugs. The study highlights the importance of stopping drug use in early adulthood to prevent adult health and wellbeing issues.
Researchers found that blocking an overactive signaling pathway during the first five weeks of life prevents autism symptoms from developing in mice. The study suggests that targeting this critical period could lead to a potential cure for autism.
Experts warn of the risk of industry funding compromising gambling addiction research, highlighting the need for independent funding to address the pervasive problem. They propose a 1% statutory levy on the gambling industry to support research and treatment provision.
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...
A new study by the University of Arizona has identified a brain region and neural circuitry that mediate satiation, making it possible to create treatments with fewer side effects for eating disorders and weight management. The parasubthalamic nucleus plays a key role in regulating feelings of fullness after eating.
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
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.
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.
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.
A national survey reveals that over 85% of primary care practices struggle to access pediatric medication advice and evidence-based psychotherapy. Policy changes may be necessary to address these barriers and improve child behavioral health treatment.
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.
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.
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.
A longitudinal study of male prisoners' religious beliefs found that stable or increasing religiosity did not improve reentry-related outcomes. In fact, many men with decreasing religious beliefs struggled to reintegrate into society due to structural barriers and substance use.
Research at University of California - San Diego found that infants with ASD have impaired neural responses to motherese speech, which is crucial for emotional bonding and learning. Typically developing children show stronger brain activation and interest in motherese.
Scientists have discovered recently evolved regions in the 'dark genome' that code for proteins associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These protein biomarkers could help distinguish between the two conditions and identify patients at risk of psychosis or suicide.
Research identifies maladaptive nature of drug-seeking habits as key factor in perpetuating addiction and relapse. Drug-paired cues can activate flexible goal-directed behaviors, driven by negative emotional urgency.
A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.
Researchers found correlations between brain morphology and sensory characteristics in adults with ASD, suggesting structural changes may cause sensory abnormalities. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for ASD beyond behavioral indicators.
Children with autism spectrum disorder should be screened for abnormally high or low cholesterol levels, according to physicians. Research found reduced HDL-C levels in individuals with ASD, indicating a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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
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.
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.
A new study led by scientists at Mount Sinai highlights the role of rare genomic differences in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) risk. The research found that about 10% of the risk for OCD is attributed to rare genomic variations, which were not seen in previous studies.
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...
Studies using virtual reality environments revealed that individuals with anxiety disorders exhibited increased brain activity in response to perceived threats, even in safe areas. The findings highlight the need for personalized treatments that help patients regain control over their body.
A UC Riverside-led study found that maternal transfer of PBDEs causes brain changes and autistic-like behavior in female mice offspring, including reduced social recognition ability and olfactory discrimination. The study suggests that developmental exposure to flame retardants produces ASD-relevant neurochemical and behavioral traits.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that people with autism spectrum disorder are at a substantially increased risk of self-injury and suicide, with odds over three times higher than in non-autistic individuals. The study identified 31 studies showing statistically significant positive associations between ASD and self-harm.
A large community-based health care network found most preschool-age children with ADHD or symptoms were not offered evidence-based behavioral treatment. Pediatrician recommendations focus on alternative approaches to address the issue.
A Binghamton University researcher has received a $1.74 million grant to investigate how prenatal alcohol exposure affects anxiety in offspring. The study aims to understand the relationship between corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and anxiety, with potential implications for diagnosis and treatment of human patients.
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.
A preclinical study found that female mice are more susceptible to binge drinking due to a brain circuit called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is more excitable in females, requiring stronger inhibition to curb excessive alcohol consumption. This natural 'brake' mechanism may also contribute to sex differences...
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.
Researchers at WVU aim to characterize autism patients' behaviors using behavior-tracking technology. They plan to use artificial intelligence to identify traits associated with ASD, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized interventions. The study also has the potential to improve early detection in young children.
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.
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...
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.