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An effective way to increase capacity for mental health

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

Adding stem cells to educational intervention can significantly help kids with autism

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

People with anorexia and body dysmorphic disorder show brain similarities, differences

Researchers found abnormalities in brain function related to symptom severity in both disorders, with more severe symptoms linked to distinct patterns of activity and connectivity. The study suggests that addressing these brain abnormalities through psychotherapy or psychiatric medications could be key to treating these conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain Imaging and Behavior·DateSep 8, 2020

Genes affecting brains and brawn?

A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that genetic deletions linked to neurodevelopmental disorders affect not only brain development but also other parts of the body. The findings suggest that these deletions can cause defects in multiple organ systems, including heart, kidney, and skeletal structures.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 24, 2020

Children with autism face higher risk of eating disorders

A new longitudinal study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with autistic traits are more likely to develop eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Autistic traits in childhood precede behaviors characteristic of eating disorders, suggesting a risk factor for developing eating disorders.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 12, 2020

Alcoholics Anonymous method can mesh well with other treatments for alcohol misuse

A Baylor University researcher suggests that clinicians should be aware of their misconceptions about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and educate themselves about the program to integrate it into their work with clients. Both AA and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aim to help individuals accept personal responsibility for their actions.

SourceBaylor University·JournalTraining and Education in Professional Psychology·DateApr 28, 2020

Behavioral intervention, not lovastatin, improves language skills in youth with fragile X

Researchers found that a telehealth-delivered behavioral intervention improved language skills in youth with fragile X syndrome, while lovastatin showed no efficacy. The study used Parent-Implemented Language Intervention (PILI) to enhance parent-child interactions and promote language development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateApr 21, 2020

Infant temperament predicts personality more than 20 years later

A long-term study found that infant behavioral inhibition is linked to a more reserved personality and higher levels of internalizing psychopathology in adulthood. The research also identified a neurophysiological marker, error-related negativity, as a potential predictor of risk for developing anxiety disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2020

First mobile app for caregivers of children with FASD reaches trial stage

A new mobile app, FMF Connect, has been designed to support caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The app provides easily accessible information and connects users with others who understand their experiences. Researchers conducted focus groups and beta tests to refine the app's components, including a Fa...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 8, 2020

Reducing problem behaviors for children with autism

A University of Missouri researcher has created a new approach to reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. The flexible intervention technique emphasizes momentary check-ins, allowing parents and caregivers more flexibility to implement the strategy. This can help minimize self-inflicted harm and social sti...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Developmental Disorders Reports·DateMar 4, 2020

'Safety signals' may help slow down anxiety

Researchers at Yale University discovered that safety signals, such as symbols or sounds not associated with danger, can relieve anxiety. This approach differs from behavioral therapy and may be an effective way to augment current therapies for anxiety-related disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2019

Social media use and disordered eating in young adolescents

Research found that social media use is associated with disordered eating behaviors and thoughts in young adolescents, especially girls. The study also identified strict exercise and meal skipping as common practices among adolescents with disordered eating.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 4, 2019

Brain biomarker predicts compulsive drinking

Researchers at Salk Institute discover a brain circuit controlling alcohol drinking behavior in mice, which can predict compulsive drinking. The study found that neural communication patterns between two brain regions are related to the development of compulsive drinking.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2019

Deep learning to analyze neurological problems

A new study uses deep neural networks to accurately assess neurological disorders in rats and mice, identifying key features of motor impairments. This breakthrough technology has the potential to standardize diagnosis and monitoring of neurological disorders, enabling early interventions and improved patient outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 21, 2019

Study finds links between early screen exposure, sleep disruption and EBD in kids

A new study found that early screen exposure, sleep disruption, and emotional behavioral difficulties (EBD) are associated in preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that the presence of multiple screen devices in the bedroom and excessive daily screen time are key factors contributing to these issues.

SourceSingHealth·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateNov 13, 2019

Behavioral therapy for insomnia shows benefit for children with autism and their parents

A pilot study found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved sleep quality and behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as reduced parent fatigue. After eight sessions of therapy, 85% of the children no longer experienced insomnia, and their parents reported better sleep and reduced fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAutism Research·DateNov 5, 2019

Novel research aims to identify new medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have discovered that GLP-1 receptor agonists can reduce oxycodone self-administration and relapse in rats. The study suggests a novel role for GLP-1 receptors in opioid-mediated behaviors, providing a potential new target for medications treating opioid use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateOct 31, 2019