The latest August issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services explore the use of neuroimaging and machine learning in psychiatry. Researchers highlight both the benefits and limitations, including advancements in understanding and practice, as well as service inequities among underserved groups.
SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 12, 2021
The article considers the ethical issues surrounding enrolling children with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome, in clinical trials. Parents may face difficult decisions about whether to enroll their children due to concerns about potential loss of positive aspects of their condition.
SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalIRB Ethics and Human Research·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 9, 2021
Researchers have found that improved learning processes are associated with reduced symptoms of depression. By using brain imaging and mathematical modeling, the team identified distinct paths to depression symptoms and proposed a new approach for treating clinical depression.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2021
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A new study from Simon Fraser University found that only 44.2% of children with mental health disorders receive services, highlighting unacceptable service shortfalls in high-income countries. The study's authors call for increased investment and protection of children's mental health budgets to address growing needs.
SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalEvidence-Based Mental Health·DateJul 23, 2021
A study published in Evidence-Based Mental Health reveals that one in eight children have mental disorders requiring treatment, but most will not access services. The authors highlight the need for increased investment in children's mental health budgets and effective interventions.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalEvidence-Based Mental Health·DateJul 19, 2021
A recent study found that more Americans with opioid use disorder are receiving evidence-based treatment. However, significant gaps in care remain along racial lines, highlighting the need for policymakers and medical providers to address these disparities.
A study by the University of Kansas reveals that parental substance use disorder is linked to neglectful behavior, but only when combined with mental health issues or lack of social support. The researchers suggest that treatment should consider these multiple factors to prevent child neglect and help families.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJul 12, 2021
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Trihexyphenidyl, a central anticholinergic drug, shows efficacy in reducing PTSD-related nightmares and flashbacks in 88% and 79% of patients, respectively. The researchers found a rapid onset of treatment within 1-2 days.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateJul 6, 2021
Researchers found that eating disorder behaviors like binge-eating alter brain reward response and food intake control circuitry, reinforcing these behaviors. The study suggests that behavioral traits contribute to eating disorder maintenance and progression by modulating internal reward responses.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2021
A study found that Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with social deficits, cognitive impairment, and hyperactivated noradrenergic systems in mice. Supplementing the brain with Vitamin B6 improved these abnormalities, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia patients with Vitamin B6 deficiency.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 25, 2021
Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder show signs of low blood flow and cognitive decline, suggesting a link between disrupted sleep and Parkinson's symptoms. The study aims to investigate the relationship between reduced blood flow and Parkinson's disease progression.
A genetic mutation associated with autism can inhibit the release of oxytocin, a peptide that regulates social behavior, and cause abnormal social behavior in mice. This finding suggests that CAPS2 protein plays a critical role in facilitating the release of peripheral oxytocin into the bloodstream.
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A systematic review and meta-analysis found that universal and selective interventions targeting young people can reduce the risk of most mental disorders. These interventions, such as psychoeducation and therapy, showed promise in preventing symptoms like ADHD, anxiety, and interpersonal violence.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2021
Researchers evaluated the use of positive behavior supports to promote face covering compliance among school-aged children with autism spectrum disorders and/or ADHD. The study found that this approach was feasible and effective, leading to improved mask-wearing adherence.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 17, 2021
Researchers found that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy can be as effective as conventional CBT in reducing OCD symptoms in children and adolescents. The study showed that stepped digital CBT reduced symptoms as much as conventional CBT and required fewer resources.
Researchers and clinicians now have evidence-based criteria to develop targeted interventions for this debilitating condition. Compulsive Buying-Shopping Disorder is characterized by excessive purchasing without utilising items for their intended purposes and using shopping to regulate internal states.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·DateMay 4, 2021
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers at INRS discovered a compound that alleviates some neurological symptoms of CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 10,000 newborns. The treatment targets GABAergic neurons and shows therapeutic effects on both neurological and behavioral symptoms.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEMBO Reports·DateApr 28, 2021
A recent study found that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure and increased residential traffic density are strongly associated with child behavioral problems. Children who received more hours of sleep, ate a healthy diet, and had strong parental ties or social connections exhibited fewer behavioral issues.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 27, 2021
Researchers have successfully altered feeding and anxiety-like behaviors linked to anorexia in mice by targeting the MC3R receptor. The study suggests that fine-tuning the receptor's activity could help change feeding habits and promote weight gain in patients with eating disorders, offering a potential new treatment for anorexia.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 21, 2021
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A new study by the University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health found correlations between COVID-19 and six unhealthy eating behaviors, including extreme weight control and binge eating. The study highlights the need for affordable and accessible interventions to prevent and treat eating disorders, particularly am...
SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·DateApr 12, 2021
A study conducted by researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that family meal routines, such as sharing food and engaging in pleasant conversation, contribute to healthier eating habits among adolescents. The Mediterranean diet's emphasis on conviviality is crucial for promoting a healthy lifestyle.
SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 6, 2021
A study found that young people with autism spectrum disorder adapted better than expected to lockdown conditions, improving their communication and relationships with families. Technological support and increased family time also played a role in their well-being.
SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateApr 6, 2021
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Researchers have created a precise map of brain connectivity from the basal ganglia, revealing new details and a surprising level of influence connected to the basal ganglia. The findings offer a blueprint of the area's architecture that could potentially open additional avenues for intervention of Parkinson's disease and other disorders.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateApr 5, 2021
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of males and more than one-third of females with psychiatric disorders at the time of detention still had a disorder 15 years later. The findings highlight the need for expanded mental health services during detention and upon release.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 5, 2021
A new study found that autistic adults are often misjudged due to stereotypical behaviors, leading to disadvantage in the legal system. The researchers argue that these behaviors can be misinterpreted by judges and juries, resulting in harsher sentences for autistic individuals.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 1, 2021
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a specific node in the human brain that modulates sounds made in social situations. This discovery may lead to better treatments for social disorders like depression and autism by understanding how emotions are regulated.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 31, 2021
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital highlights rumination syndrome, a behavioral problem where patients regurgitate food into their mouths while eating. The condition is often confused with other gastrointestinal disorders, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateMar 18, 2021
High-strength nicotine e-cigarettes have been found to be an effective smoking cessation method for adults with schizophrenia. In a 12-week study, 40 participants showed a sustained 50% reduction in smoking or complete abstinence, and significant improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and quality of life.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 16, 2021
A longitudinal study by Anglia Ruskin University found that lockdowns to combat COVID-19 led to an increase in symptoms associated with eating disorders. Participants experienced higher levels of morbid eating behaviors such as anorexia and bulimia, but also increased exercise rates after the first lockdown.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateMar 10, 2021
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Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have identified a new molecular driver of frontal circuit maturation that is essential for cognitive function. By selectively suppressing communication via nicotinic receptors in the frontal circuit, attention deficits caused by Fragile X syndrome can be prevented in animal models.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 5, 2021
A new study published in Psychopharmacology found that frustration is a significant contributor to addiction. Researchers at UTMB used a rat model to demonstrate how frustration can lead to increased drug intake and escalation of opioid use disorder.
SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateMar 1, 2021
A University of Missouri researcher created fitness picture books to increase physical activity in youth with autism, providing a cost-efficient solution for low-income families. The study found that the picture books successfully increased exercise time and encouraged caregivers to provide organized structure during flexible free time.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis·DateFeb 26, 2021
Mount Sinai researchers identified a neural pathway that detects errors and guides subsequent behavioral improvement, which is frequently dysregulated in psychiatric disorders. They also suggest that neurostimulation of this brain pathway could provide an important mechanism for attention adjustments following behavioral errors.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2021
Researchers found that people with ADHD combined with disruptive behavior disorders share 80% of genetic variants associated with aggressive behaviors. The study identified a genomic segment in chromosome 11 that increases the risk of having both ADHD and DBD.
SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2021
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A study published in Neurology found that strep throat exposure was associated with an increase of about 20% in ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children with chronic tic disorders. However, researchers did not find a link between strep exposure and worsening tics or symptoms of OCD.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 10, 2021
A microbiome-targeted therapy, known as microbial transfer therapy (MTT), has shown encouraging results in treating autism symptoms by expanding gut microbia diversity and reducing GI issues. The approach involved transferring healthy gut microbes into ASD patients' guts over 7-8 weeks, leading to improved behavior and reduced symptoms.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that defects in mitochondria may contribute to autism spectrum disorder. The researchers introduced a mild missense mutation into a mouse strain and observed impaired social interactions, increased repetitive behaviors, and anxiety-like traits.
SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateFeb 1, 2021
A study by Karin Trimmel and Stefan Seidel found that insomnia patients are most likely to underestimate their actual sleep time, regardless of age or screening setting. The researchers analyzed polysomnography results and identified factors influencing this misperception.
SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJan 28, 2021
Researchers have identified a stable biomarker for ADHD in brain connectivity, allowing for near-perfect detection of the disorder. A machine learning model achieved 99% accuracy in identifying adults diagnosed with ADHD as children.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 27, 2021
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Researchers recorded neuron activity in patients with Parkinson's disease to understand how individual neurons represent others' beliefs. They found specialized neurons that respond when assessing another's false beliefs and those that encode information to distinguish between one's own and another's thoughts.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2021
A new study reveals that specific enzymes outside medium spiny neurons contribute to addiction plasticity, driving drug-seeking and extinction behaviors. The discovery highlights the importance of extracellular matrix remodeling in addiction and suggests novel molecules as potential targets for treatment.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 26, 2021
Researchers found that cannabis use disorder is significantly associated with older age, male sex, black race, bipolar or other mood disorders, prior history of self-harm, and previous mental health service use. Cannabis use can worsen symptoms and interfere with successful mood disorder treatment.
Boston University researchers developed a personalized procedure to selectively modulate orbitofrontal brain activity, resulting in reduced compulsive behavior. The five-day treatment showed immediate and sustained improvements, even for those with severe symptoms.
SourceBoston University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 19, 2021
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Researchers found that work addiction risk is strongly associated with high job demands, but not job control. This can lead to depression, sleep disorders, and stress. Women are also more likely to experience work addiction risk than men.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 13, 2021
Research suggests that only a small fraction of violent acts are attributable to mental illness, with most perpetrators not having a diagnosable mental illness. The special issue articles review treatments to prevent violence, violence against family members, risk assessment, mass shooting events, and gun violence prevention.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2021
Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel's research identified a convergent brain circuit that combines sensory perceptions and motivational state, linking basal forebrain circuits to behaviors such as anxiety, anorexia, addiction, and more. His work offers a new approach to treating severe eating disorders, obesity, and addictive behaviors by manipulati...
SourceTexas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology·DateJan 13, 2021
Researchers review cognitive testing studies and propose using computer simulations to gauge behavioral problems in children with ADHD. The approach aims to provide more information on the complexity of symptoms, enabling clinicians to make life easier for kids with ADHD.
SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateDec 30, 2020
As telepsychiatry expands its services, patients in West Virginia show resilience in accessing care despite limited internet connections. The shift has enabled more accessible and convenient therapy sessions, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateDec 11, 2020
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual therapy, allowing clinicians to transition outpatient behavioral-health visits to telepsychiatry. Despite initial concerns about connectivity issues, most patients adapted effectively, with only 10-15% experiencing problems. This expansion may become part of the new normal, ...
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateDec 11, 2020
Research reveals that an imbalance in gut bacteria can cause depressive-like behaviors by reducing essential lipid metabolites. Transferring healthy gut bacteria from one animal to another can restore normal brain function and alleviate depression.
SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2020
A study found that Zika virus can remain in the mouse brain for extended periods, leading to lasting cognitive impairment and increased risk of psychological disorders. The infection caused long-term deficits in motor function and coordination, as well as anxiety and hyperactivity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a majority of anorexia patients tolerated and met their weight gain goals on a rapid weight gain plan, with 70% reaching a healthy BMI. The study suggests that meal-based nutritional approaches can be well-tolerated and achieve weight restoration in a majority of patients.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 3, 2020
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A new research study found a connection between repetitive behaviors and gastrointestinal problems in children with autism. The study also found that increased severity of other autism symptoms was associated with more severe constipation, stomach pain and other gut difficulties.
SourceOhio State University·JournalAutism·DateDec 2, 2020
A glutamatergic neuronal circuit from the prelimbic prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens is responsible for co-occurring anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors. Histamine presynaptic H3 receptor activation in this circuit ameliorates stress-induced anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors.
SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2020
Researchers at Boston University used optogenetics to study the effects of alcohol on brain function and behavior. They found that artificially dampening fear responses in mice could mitigate addiction-related behaviors. This suggests that memory manipulation may be a promising approach to treating alcohol addiction.
A Washington State University study found that cannabis use reduced OCD symptoms by 49% and anxiety by 52% within four hours. The study also linked higher CBD concentrations to larger reductions in compulsions.
SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateOct 20, 2020
A Rutgers researcher developed a virtual training program to help parents of children with autism spectrum disorder improve behavioral skills. The study found that parents who received the telehealth training showed significant improvements compared to those who did not receive training.
SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis·DateOct 6, 2020
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New research highlights the long-term impact of COVID-19 on mental health, including increased risk of substance abuse and chronic illness. The study found that those with pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities or disorders are more susceptible to these issues.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateSep 28, 2020
Primary-care physicians and rural clinic staff improve their ability to diagnose and treat common mental health disorders using a collaborative care model with telepsychiatry. The study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine, found that this approach enhances primary-care doctors' skills in treating behavioral health disorders.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 15, 2020
A clinical trial indicates that a combination of stem cell therapy and educational intervention can significantly improve social communication, language, and daily skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found positive changes in various aspects after stem cell transplantation combined with educational interve...
SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateSep 9, 2020