Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A Virginia Tech study found that female brains use a molecular process not seen in male brains to form fear memories. The researchers suggest that treatments for PTSD may need to be tailored differently for men and women. The discovery could lead to better understanding of PTSD and more effective treatments.
A team of researchers from Penn State and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has been awarded a five-year, $3.2 million grant to study the biological mechanisms behind post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exaggerated fear responses. The research aims to better understand how traumatic events lead to long-lasting changes in the ...
Researchers found that individuals with stronger brain responses to negative information were more resilient in their thoughts and feelings. They accepted more offers with mixed consequences, indicating a lower value on negative outcomes. This study suggests that controlling negative thoughts may enable people to build mental resilience.
Researchers identified 16 clinical laboratory markers linked to PTSD, including cholesterol and glucose levels, liver indicators, and red and white blood cell counts. These biomarkers may reveal the physical impact of PTSD on the body, supporting timely interventions to mitigate chronic disease risk.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have made a significant breakthrough in treating combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by adding navigated TMS to psychotherapy, showing an 85% reduction in symptoms. The study used a patented MRI-guided, robotic-controlled form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), known as navigated T...
A new study found that over 40% of children who experienced peer victimization showed clinically significant trauma symptoms. Researchers tracked 250 students' experiences with peer victimization and found that trauma-related symptoms persisted for more than six months.
A new BGU study examines the emotional labor of teachers during wartime, revealing that those who fake emotions are at higher risk of psychological collapse. The research emphasizes the importance of fostering internal motivation and clear educational identities to mitigate teacher attrition.
A comprehensive scoping review of 37 studies found that Ukrainian children exposed to a decade of war face high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidality, and self-harm. Children who had been forcibly displaced, exposed to violence, or separated from parents faced higher risks of mental health problems.
Treatment with psychedelics triggers large-scale reconfiguration of brain network dynamics driven by myelin remodeling, which might augment or sustain therapeutic effects. The study suggests that enhancing myelination could be a viable strategy to promote longer-term neural health and recovery from PTSD.
Chronic sleep disruption persistently impairs social memory by differentially encoding oxytocin release in hippocampal CA2 during novelty encoding and prelimbic cortex during retrieval of familiar individuals. Restoration of PVN-OXT neurons enhances OXT release and produces sustained behavioral recovery.
A new study has found that astrocytes are crucial for aversive memory, including learning what to fear and recalling memories. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about fear memory and suggest new treatment approaches for disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that emotional pain (guilt, shame, sadness, loss of joy) weighs more heavily on individuals with PTSD, impairing daily functioning more than fear. The research identified two distinct PTSD profiles: one centered on fear and the other on emotional pain.
Researchers developed a new approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using noninvasive brain stimulation, which significantly reduced intrusive memories in individuals with the condition. The treatment targeted the hippocampus and surrounding regions, showing promising results in alleviating PTSD symptoms.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children whose parents were injured by firearms experience substantial mental health impacts, with a 42% increase in psychiatric diagnoses and 60% increase in mental health visits. Early, targeted interventions are needed to address this growing need.
Patients who undergo unscheduled cesarean deliveries are at substantially increased risk for acute psychological stress during childbirth. Results show that over 1 in 4 patients experienced clinically significant acute stress shortly after birth.
A study analyzing personal injury claims data for England and Wales found that mental trauma succeeds 1 in 7 dog-related injuries, resulting in the need for time off work and/or loss of earnings. Most incidents occurred in public spaces, with unrestrained dogs being a common cause.
Scientists at Salk Institute find protein CCN1, secreted by astrocytes, maintains stable neural circuits in adult brains. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics for brain injury and stroke.
A study among WTC responders with chronic PTSD found measurable physical changes in their brain structure, including cortical changes and imbalance of myelinated to unmyelinated neurons. These changes were most strongly associated with re-experiencing symptoms in individuals with PTSD.
Early life adversity disrupts activity across multiple brain networks when threats are encountered later in life, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study found that mice subjected to adversity in infancy showed abnormal brain activity in response to threats as adults.
A new study reveals that 16% of teens exposed to both phases of the Russo-Ukrainian war experience PTSD symptoms, while over 10% experience severe depressive symptoms. The study highlights the need for immediate and sustained attention to support Ukrainian youth's mental health needs.
Researchers are formulating and evaluating an intranasal oxytocin delivery system to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The project aims to enhance the efficacy and palatability of existing treatments, expanding on prior research that explored using oxytocin to treat alcoholism.
A Mount Sinai study reveals PTSD may accelerate brain aging in World Trade Center responders, with longer exposure duration further amplifying the effect. The study uses deep learning-based brain age models to estimate brain age and provides new evidence for the long-term impact of trauma on neurological health.
A recent study by UCLA Health investigators found that mental health conditions significantly raise the likelihood of developing liver cancer among US veterans living with cirrhosis and hepatitis C. The study suggests that these disorders limit access to hepatitis C care, reducing the chance of a cure.
A University of Sydney-led study found that 42% of Australian adults experienced traumatic events as children, leading to a 50% higher risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders. Childhood trauma is linked to chronic physical health conditions and can have lifelong consequences.
A new study found that parental emotional support helps protect children from anxiety and distress during wartime. Parents who encouraged open conversations and validated emotions created a safe space strengthening their children's resilience in the face of conflict.
A new study reveals that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, are responsible for stabilizing memories through repeated engagement. The researchers found that Fos activity in astrocytes only occurs during recall, and that these cells can be activated to produce stable memories.
A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that working with service dogs can slow cellular aging in female veterans. The study, which involved female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, revealed promising biological benefits associated with service dog training.
Researchers identify abnormal sugar modifications linked to depressive behaviors, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Chronic stress disrupts sugar chains in the prefrontal cortex, triggering depression.
Researchers identified a promising treatment for PTSD, chronic pain, and alcohol misuse in rats. The study found that PPL-138 selectively reduced anxiety-like behavior, pain responses, and alcohol consumption in those with trauma-related anxiety.
A new review from the University of Victoria suggests that psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT may help treat concussions and traumatic brain injuries by increasing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation. The compounds have shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions in clinical research.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that an autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuits responsible for erasing fear memories, leading to PTSD-like symptoms. By reactivating specific neurons, researchers were able to reverse the behavioral and physiological abnormalities.
A University of East Anglia study found that trauma-focused CBT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation in children with multiple traumas. The therapy was effective and safe, even for those with complex and severe symptoms.
A three-year study found that smartwatches can detect early signs of PTSD among Israelis who watched extensive media coverage of the Oct 7 attacks. Participants who developed PTSD showed sharper increases in stress levels and declines in mood, physical activity, and sleep quality.
A study found that memories acquired while awake are stored in a more permanent form during REM sleep, requiring the reactivation of only three adult-born neurons involved in memory formation. This process is synchronized with theta rhythm activity and essential for proper memory function.
Researchers found a high prevalence of mental disorder symptoms among adults who claim past-life memories, with religiosity and spirituality being protective factors. Childhood phobias were associated with lower happiness and more symptoms of mental disorders.
Leading trauma researcher Professor Philip Hyland's work on Complex PTSD fundamentally changed World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, impacting how clinicians worldwide assess and treat trauma survivors. His innovative measurement tools, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire, challenge decades of clinical tradition and...
A new review highlights the critical need for standardized long-term medical care for gun violence survivors, who suffer physical, neurological, psychological, and social consequences. The review provides guidance for primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and rehabilitation specialists to manage survivors' long-term care.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have discovered that excessive GABA produced by astrocytes impairs fear extinction in PTSD. A new brain-permeable drug called KDS2010 has reversed PTSD-like symptoms in mice, providing a promising therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that ibogaine significantly improves cognitive function and reduces PTSD symptoms in veterans with TBI. The study suggests that stronger theta rhythms may promote neuroplasticity, while reduced cortical activity may alleviate PTSD symptoms.
The annual UK cost of PTSD is estimated to top £40 billion, with direct costs averaging £1,118 per patient and indirect costs ranging from £11,373 to £16,797. The condition's economic burden is likely higher due to unmeasured costs such as stigma and discrimination.
The Center for BrainHealth has received a new $1 million match gift from retired Admiral William McRaven to enhance its Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters program. This program provides critical training for proactive brain health and introduces essential tools to measure and track change over time.
A small collection of neurons in the brainstem, known as the locus coeruleus, acts like a 'memory reset button' during meaningful changes. This region predicts later memory separation and influences the hippocampus to map experiences. Chronic stress may weaken this neural signal.
A sweeping national study by ICAMH at Hebrew University found substantial increases in substance use, behavioral addictions, and mental health disorders in Israel since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Younger, secular populations were most at risk, with sociodemographic disparities evident across repeated samples.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a brain circuit that gives physical pain its emotional tone, revealing a potential target for treating chronic and affective pain conditions. The study found that a group of neurons in the thalamus can mediate the emotional side of pain in mice.
A randomized clinical trial found that SMART training improved cognitive gains in active-duty service members with mTBI, with significant benefits seen after just one-third of the training time compared to traditional SCORE protocols. The study suggests that SMART brain training can contribute to faster return to mission readiness and ...
Climate anxiety is growing, especially amongst young people, due to the polarized debate around climate change. Professor Beattie's book offers psychological tips on how to handle climate anxiety, including writing personal narratives about difficult emotional experiences. Strategies focus on improving mental well-being and empowering ...
A randomized clinical trial found that SMART training significantly improved cognitive gains in active-duty service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The top-down approach of SMART brain training showed faster cognitive gains compared to a bottom-up approach.
Researchers at USF have developed a system that can detect distinct patterns in facial movements linked to emotional expression in children with PTSD. The technology uses de-identified data from video analysis to provide an objective, cost-effective tool for clinicians to identify and track PTSD in children and adolescents.
A new study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that soldiers with sleep apnea are at increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury compared to those without the condition. The study also shows a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries among service members with sleep apnea.
Researchers have gained insights into the brain's locus coeruleus and peri-LC neurons, revealing their role in regulating arousal, attention and response to stress and fear. The study provides a detailed roadmap for studying these key players, potentially opening doors for new treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A brief spell of talking therapy with a general practitioner reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors of critical illness. The effects are modest, but the intervention may help bridge long waiting times between ICU discharge and access to specialist mental health services.
A new study by the University of Ottawa reveals a clear link between racism in schools and symptoms of depression among Black students. The research identifies how academic racism hinders Black youths and their social and economic contribution to Canadian society.
A clinical study found that patients with PTSD showed significant symptom-free periods up to six months after receiving vagus nerve stimulation paired with traditional therapy. The results highlight the potential of this approach in treating treatment-resistant PTSD.
A longitudinal cohort study found that military sexual trauma is associated with an increased risk of suicide attempt and death by drug overdose, especially among those with post-traumatic stress disorder. The study highlights the need for policies to reduce sexual trauma in the military.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered a critical mechanism for mental health, where dopamine signals enable fear extinction. Dopamine activates specific amygdala neurons tied to reward, driving fear extinction and opening up new avenues for treating fear-related disorders like PTSD.
A study of nearly 11,000 individuals found that men with panic disorder are more vulnerable to developing problematic drinking behaviors than women, potentially due to self-medication. The research highlights the need for sex-specific assessment and intervention strategies in treating comorbid conditions
A meta-analysis of 15 studies with over 1,200 participants found TM to be highly effective in reducing stress and PTSD symptoms in diverse populations. The study showed a large effect size of 1.01 for TM compared to control groups, with rapid reductions in symptoms observed within one month of practicing TM.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that negative distractions significantly disrupted participants' ability to sustain attention during tasks, leading to decreased accuracy and speed. The findings also revealed that upsetting distractors were better remembered than neutral or positive ones, suggesting...