Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that an abundance of white blood cells in the spleen can send messages to the brain leading to behavioral changes long after mice experience repeated stress. The study suggests that the immune system may represent a novel therapeutic target for treating mental health conditions.
A multicomponent behavioral intervention delivered by lay health workers significantly reduced anxiety and depression in adults with high levels of psychological distress. The study found improvements across all dimensions, including trauma-related symptoms and functioning.
A recent study found structural differences between the sexes in one part of the insula, a brain region involved in emotion processing. This difference may help explain why girls are more likely to develop PTSD than boys after experiencing trauma. The findings suggest sex-specific treatments for traumatic stress and emotion dysregulation.
A new study found that young children can experience PTSD for years after a traumatic event, often unnoticed by their parents. Researchers discovered that parent reports of PTSD may be inadequate to identify chronic patterns in young children, and that parental mental health is linked to child PTSD.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that stressed rats drink more alcohol due to altered dopamine signaling and changes in the brain's reward system. The team's findings have implications for understanding the root causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and developing new treatments.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new interactive sleep app, SleepCoacher, that uses sleep analytics to provide personalized recommendations. The app guides users through self-experiments to find the most effective recommendations for improving their sleep.
A study published in BMJ Open suggests that women may be at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. The research found that nearly four in ten women experienced symptoms of PTSD, including re-experiencing feelings and intrusive thoughts, three months after their loss.
Researchers at Georgia State University discovered serotonin and arginine-vasopressin act in opposite ways to influence aggression and dominance in males and females. The findings may lead to more effective gender-specific treatment strategies for stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Residents of high-unemployment communities showed elevated post-traumatic stress at 25-28 months after Hurricane Sandy, highlighting the need for ongoing support. Ongoing assistance is crucial for disaster-affected economically vulnerable communities years after the disaster.
A Saint Louis University researcher is studying the impact of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on cardiovascular and metabolic health. The study aims to determine if patients who have been successfully treated for PTSD are more likely to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
A new CDC study found that about 27% of patients with mild traumatic brain injury who returned for follow-up care were positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study identified risk factors, including functional disability, psychiatric symptoms, and performance on measures of visual processing and mental flexibility.
A recent study found that combat exposure among Army enlisted women was associated with an increased likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and at-risk drinking after deployment. Women with combat exposure were 20 times more likely to screen positive for PTSD compared to those with no exposure.
Researchers will investigate how vasopressin and serotonin act on the brain to alter responsivity to social stress in males and females. The project aims to define the basic brain mechanisms involved in regulating social behavior, with potential translational impacts for psychiatric disorders like PTSD.
A study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that nonmedical prescription opioid use more than doubled among US adults from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013, affecting nearly 10 million Americans. This increase is linked to a substantial rise in opioid use disorder, with symptoms such as tolerance, withdrawal, and im...
A novel research program investigates the evolution of traumatic memories in individuals and collective memory after the Paris attacks. The study collects and analyzes testimonies from 1000 volunteers, with a focus on predicting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recovery rates through biomedical markers.
A study published in Journal of Traumatic Stress found that PTSD is a strong predictor of lower sexual satisfaction in both male and female veterans. In contrast, male veterans with PTSD had similar sexual activity rates as those without the condition.
Matthew Hill's research has deepened understanding of how the brain responds to stress, highlighting the crucial role of the endocannabinoid system. His work demonstrates that enhancing this system can reduce anxiety and improve coping responses to stress.
Researchers found that belief in Iron Dome's success and resilience can mitigate PTSD symptoms. The study showed that even at high trauma exposure levels, resilient individuals with confidence in Iron Dome experienced reduced trauma symptoms.
Drexel researchers found the New York Times' coverage of PTSD from 1980 to 2015 neglected civilian and non-military cases, negatively framing the disorder. This narrow focus can inhibit awareness about PTSD resilience and recovery, and constrain discourse on social determinants of traumatic stress.
A study found that patients with a larger hippocampus are more likely to respond to exposure-based therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers examined the relationship between hippocampus volume and response to treatment in 50 participants with PTSD.
Researchers found that mice with lower adiponectin levels cannot overcome fear after a scary stimulus. Increasing adiponectin levels or activating its receptors might facilitate extinction-based exposure treatments for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
A recent study found that veterans and their romantic partners who participated in an intensive retreat model showed a significant reduction in trauma symptoms. The retreat, which included therapeutic group and couple counseling, as well as relaxation activities, was effective in reducing both veteran and partner distress levels.
Researchers studying intestinal bacteria and their effect on the human brain and mood found that an imbalance in gut microbiota can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. Feeding stressed mice probiotics improved behavior and reduced stress biomarkers, suggesting a potential treatment for PTSD.
Research from King's College London found that human trafficking survivors in the UK experienced severe mental health problems, including high levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The study revealed nearly 80% of women and 40% of men reported these issues, highlighting the urgent need for psychological support.
A new study finds that early treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly reduces symptoms, but does not prevent long-term suffering. The research suggests that prolonged exposure and cognitive therapy can shorten the recovery time, but may not reduce PTSD prevalence.
A study found that one in five adults with congenital heart disease experience PTSD symptoms, with those who have had recent cardiac surgery being more likely to develop the condition. The researchers highlight the need for clinicians and caregivers to be aware of possible PTSD symptoms in their patients.
Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley found that moderate stress can make male rats more social and cooperative, leading to increased oxytocin levels. This effect is comparable to the benefits seen in romantic relationships, suggesting that bromances may have healthful effects similar to those seen in human friendships.
A study of 166 breast cancer patients found that 82.5% exhibited symptoms of PTSD following diagnosis, with more than half continuing to display symptoms one year later. The severity of psychological impact was underscored by the fact that some patients rated having breast cancer as their most severe traumatic event.
A new study using MRI found that adult earthquake survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had greater cortical thickness in certain brain regions and reduced volume in others compared to healthy survivors. Cortical thickness was positively correlated with PTSD severity, particularly in the left precuneus region.
A study involving skydiving participants found that acute stress can cause molecular alterations in the immune response, leading to increased risk of stress-related conditions. The researchers identified specific genes and pathways involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses that were dysregulated after the jump.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that sustained stress impairs memory and cognitive function in mice, with inflammation caused by the immune system being a key factor. The study suggests potential targets for pharmacological or behavioral treatment to interrupt inflammation and improve memory.
A Rutgers study found that prepubescent female rodents paired with sexually experienced males exhibited elevated stress hormones, reduced learning capabilities, and decreased maternal behaviors. This research sheds light on the consequences of sexual aggression in females, which is crucial for understanding its impact on women's mental...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new blood test that can determine an individual's vulnerability to stress and PTSD. The test combines genetic testing with brain imaging to identify a specific alteration in the expression of microRNA miR-29c, which is linked to slow recovery from stress.
Researchers discovered that soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more 'tuned' to perceive threatening facial expressions than people without PTSD. This is caused by more over-connected brain circuits, particularly in the amygdalae and ventral medial prefrontal cortex.
Researchers found that PTSD patients exhibit heightened brain activity when viewing non-threatening images similar to their trauma, suggesting a generalized response. The study identifies key brain regions involved in this process, including the fusiform gyrus and locus coeruleus.
New research suggests oxytocin may trigger anxiety in stressed females, unlike males where it increases social motivation. The hormone also had no effect on non-stressed females.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers found that posttraumatic stress disorder is caused by an imbalance between two neurochemical signalling systems: serotonin and substance P. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of imbalance, not just one system.
Studies reveal high rates of male military sexual trauma due to stigma and shame, affecting mental health outcomes. Female veterans who experienced assault are also at risk of PTSD and delayed seeking help.
A recent study found nearly 18% of returning veterans experience sexual functioning difficulties, with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder being major contributing factors. The study's authors emphasize the need for easy access to effective care and open discussion of sexual health concerns among veterans.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that people with PTSD have reduced SGK1 protein activity in their prefrontal cortices. Reducing SGK1 activity in rats led to PTSD-like behavior and induced learned helplessness, a key aspect of the disorder.
A major study of Kenyan journalists who covered violent events found that they were at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. The research, published by JRSM Open, highlights the need for news organizations to prioritize their psychological health and offer confidential counselling.
Researchers at GW University, Emory University, and Harvard University will investigate the connection between stress-related mental health disorders like PTSD and cardiovascular disease. The project aims to develop new therapeutic advances in treating PTSD and its comorbidity with cardiovascular disease.
A prospective study found that reduced heart rate variability may indicate a greater risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in U.S. Marines before and after combat deployment. The researchers suggest that addressing the biology of the autonomic nervous system may offer new opportunities for preventing PTSD.
Researchers found that a gene linked to PTSD severity predicts increased symptoms and thinner brain cortex in veterans returning from conflict. The study suggests a possible genetic blood test to identify at-risk individuals.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine find no evidence of association between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and cancer incidence. The large population sample analyzed various cancer diagnoses among people with PTSD compared to the general population, showing no strong associations even among select groups.
A randomized trial found that mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy resulted in greater improvement in self-reported PTSD symptom severity compared to present-centered group therapy. The study suggests that this type of intervention may be an acceptable alternative for veterans with poor adherence to existing treatments.
Research by University of Oxford scientists found that trauma can change the brain even in those without PTSD, with potential implications for early diagnosis and treatment. The study identified specific brain network imbalances and suggests a spectrum of traumatic effect on the brain.
A new study suggests a cutting-edge computer program capable of alleviating PTSD symptoms by reducing fluctuations in attention towards and away from perceived threats. The program, targeting basic cognitive processes, produced significant reductions in severe PTSD symptoms with a similar success rate as cognitive behavioral therapy.
A new study examined brain networks in veterans with trauma exposure using functional magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory tools. The researchers found that veterans with more severe PTSD re-experiencing symptoms showed weaker connectivity in two brain networks, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
A new study at Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing found that coping by avoidance when making decisions for relatives in ICU can lead to PTSD. The study surveyed 77 people and found 42% had clinically significant PTSD symptoms, with death of the patient being a strong predictor.
Researchers find that presenting a new outcome instead of omitting an expected threat can lead to more effective fear extinction in both rats and humans. The study's findings have implications for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and phobias.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that cortisol enhances the consolidation of emotional memories, particularly in individuals with anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cortisol levels can strengthen memories of traumatic experiences during both initial formation and reconsolidation after memory retrieval.
A new study suggests that virtual reality therapy may help people with alcohol dependence reduce their craving for alcohol. The therapy involves exposing patients to situations that trigger fear and anxiety, then teaching them to manage those situations in real life.
A Queensland University of Technology study has found that flood victims experienced more psychological distress during the rebuilding phase than as waters inundated their homes and businesses. Aftermath stress was the strongest predictor of post-traumatic stress symptoms, with insurance company issues being a major contributor.
A large study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found no evidence of an association between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and cancer incidence. This contradicts plausible theories suggesting a link between stress and cancer, but is consistent with previous population-based studies.
A study by Dr Pam Ramsden found that nearly a quarter of participants who viewed violent news events on social media scored high on clinical measures of PTSD. Those with outgoing personalities were also more at risk. The study highlights the need for support and awareness about the risks of viewing traumatic content online.
A new study by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München attributes mild cognitive defects in breast cancer patients to post-traumatic stress induced by diagnosis, not chemotherapy side-effects. The study found pretreatment cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients was due to stress associated with the disease.
A new study found that cancer-related post-traumatic stress is associated with very limited cognitive impairment before treatment among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. The study, published in the JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, analyzed data from 166 breast cancer patients and 60 matched controls.
PTSD survivors often experience sexual dysfunction due to biological and cognitive processes related to traumatic stress. The condition disrupts trust, safety, and emotional connection, associating arousal with threat.
A new computational tool identifies 800 ways people are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), allowing for personalized prediction guides. The algorithm, developed by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers, can predict PTSD risk less than two weeks after a traumatic event.