Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Two studies found that new soldiers are equally likely to have experienced major episodes of mental illness as civilians, but more likely to have a combination of disorders. Rates of pre-enlistment suicide thoughts and plans are similar to matched civilians, but higher rates later in the Army career suggest chronicity of suicidality
A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center identifies a specific neurobiological basis for key symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including sadness, emotional detachment, and listlessness. The research uses brain imaging to link an opioid receptor in the brain to these symptoms, suggesting a potential target for personal...
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison finds that yogic breathing can effectively reduce symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety and hyperarousal. The practice has been shown to lower respiration rates and reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
A survey of U.S. veterans receiving mental health services from the Veterans Health Administration finds general satisfaction, but also significant room for improvement among all areas studied. Patients who received treatment for substance use disorder were less satisfied and less likely to report symptom improvement.
Researchers found that rats with no explicit memory of an early childhood trauma developed PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of non-articulated brain processes in distress. This study challenges traditional views on PTSD treatment by emphasizing the role of physiologic arousal and other forms of learning.
A new study found that the reclassification of PTSD diagnosis in DSM-5 potentially excludes soldiers who were previously diagnosed under previous criteria. The authors surveyed 1822 US soldiers and found that just under a third were excluded when using DSM-5 criteria, highlighting concerns for treatment and benefits.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered a biomarker linked to PTSD development, centered around the glucocorticoid receptor. This receptor is found in stressed animals with PTSD and may be targeted for new treatments.
Adolescents with high sympathetic nervous system reactivity develop higher PTSD symptoms regardless of media coverage. Lower sympathetic reactivity before a traumatic event is associated with only post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following high media exposure.
Researchers discovered a link between DNA methylation and stress response in the brain, predicting depression and PTSD risk. The study used functional imaging, saliva tests, and blood samples to show that small changes in gene expression can be a stronger predictor than genetic sequence variation.
A University of Houston study found that expressive writing can reduce fatigue, intrusive thoughts, and posttraumatic stress in Chinese-speaking breast cancer survivors. The intervention involved writing about emotions and benefits for 20 minutes each week over three weeks.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has identified the risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident. The research found that 9% of injured people develop PTSD, with symptoms such as headaches, pain, and anxiety persisting for months after the incident.
A recent study suggests that persistent symptoms following concussion may be posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rather than postconcussion syndrome (PCS). The study found that 8.8% of patients with head injuries met the criteria for PTSD, compared to 2.2% of those without head injuries.
A new study examines the complex interplay between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms in ex-POWs, finding that treatment must address both conditions simultaneously. Prof. Solomon's research suggests that a 'tunnel vision' approach to treating POWs is ineffective and may even exacerbate symptoms.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that letting patients choose their PTSD treatment can lead to significant cost savings and a higher quality of life. The study showed that patients who were allowed to select their own treatment spent an average of $1,622 less per year compared to those who were assig...
A systematic review of 28 studies involving over 3,400 adult ICU survivors found that one quarter exhibited PTSD symptoms. Risk factors included younger age, benzodiazepine use, and frightening ICU experiences. PTSD symptoms were associated with worse health-related quality of life.
A study published in JAMA found that a program designed to move families out of high-poverty neighborhoods had reduced rates of depression and conduct disorder among girls, but increased rates among boys. The study suggests sex differences in the effects of housing mobility on mental health outcomes.
A study comparing post-traumatic stress symptoms among children exposed to disasters and identifying risk factors for resiliency. The article discusses the importance of recognizing similarities and differences in how children and adults react to traumatic events.
Chronic stress in mice primes their immune systems for a prolonged fight, causing an excessive reaction to later acute stressors. The study's findings mimic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and suggest the spleen plays a key role in storing primed immune cells.
Researchers found that chronic stress generates more myelin-producing cells and fewer neurons in the brain, disrupting communication and potentially leading to mental problems like anxiety and depression. This long-term change in brain structure may also contribute to conditions such as PTSD, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that Congolese refugees who practiced Transcendental Meditation experienced a significant reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after just 10 days. Their PTSD test scores dropped to an average of 48, indicating nearly no symptoms of PTSD.
Research found that neutralizing a specific cytokine in the brain impaired cognitive flexibility in stressed and nonstressed rats. However, restoring low levels of this cytokine in a specific region of the brain corrected the deficit.
Researchers have confirmed the importance of the nociceptin system in modulating the effects of stress. The study found that this system can prevent and even reverse some cellular effects of acute stress in an animal model.
A study of U.S. Marines found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) during deployment was a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over time. Pre-deployment PTSD symptoms and combat intensity also played a role in the development of PTSD.
Women with PTSD experience rapid weight gain and increased risk of being overweight or obese compared to those without the disorder. The study analyzed data from 50,504 women and found that symptoms of PTSD rather than trauma itself drove the weight gain.
A study found that Boston-area military veterans diagnosed with PTSD experienced flashbacks and unwanted memories after the Boston Marathon Bombing in April 2013. The researchers urge healthcare systems to be prepared to treat individuals affected by such tragedies.
A new Case Western Reserve University study examines how ruptures in the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client can damage a patient's treatment outcome for PTSD. Researchers found that repairing these ruptures can have positive effects on treatment outcomes, while unresolved ruptures predict poorer outcomes.
A new study suggests that early life stress can lead to increased sensitivity to pain in adulthood, particularly if followed by later stress exposure. The study found that rats subjected to early-life maternal neglect showed enhanced muscle pain in response to mild stress as adults.
Researchers found chronic PTSD patients have gray matter structural damage in the prefrontal lobe, occipital lobe, and parietal lobe. Improved PTSD symptoms are associated with reduced but not recovered gray matter structural damage.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that offspring of stressed mothers show stress-induced changes at birth, with altered behavior and gender-related differences continuing into adulthood. The researchers identified the CRF1 gene as a key contributor to this intergenerational transmission of patterns.
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that second-generation Holocaust survivors had consistently lower levels of post-traumatic growth than non-second generation survivors, contrary to expectations. The researchers suggest that this may be due to inherited trauma and guilt from their parents' experience.
Researchers at MIT discovered that ghrelin, a stress-induced hormone, primes the brain for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Chronic stress elevates ghrelin levels, making the brain more vulnerable to traumatic events. Blocking ghrelin receptors or growth hormone may help protect people at high risk for PTSD.
A new study examines how healthcare providers respond to emotional, sexual, and physical violence experienced by female US veterans at the hands of their intimate partners. The research highlights the need for routine screening and direct inquiry to disclose experiences of intimate partner violence.
A comprehensive review of medical literature reveals a link between PTSD and metabolic syndrome. The study suggests that the relationship is not clear and may be influenced by various factors such as socioeconomic status and lifestyle habits. Further investigation is needed to fully understand this connection.
Highly materialistic individuals exhibit higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms and impulsive buying when faced with mortal threats, according to an international study. Materialism also fuels anxiety about mortality, leading to compulsive spending as a coping mechanism.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk for child maltreatment. Mothers with comorbid PTSD and depression showed the highest levels of physically and psychologically abusive behaviors, highlighting the importance of measuring PTSD symptoms when a...
Scientists have identified a key enzyme that enables simple neurons in worms to transform into more elaborate shapes under stress, which may hold clues for developing drugs to treat severe anxiety disorders. The study also found that these transformed worms become highly resistant to stress and can survive extreme conditions.
A recent study examined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a group of 1,040 rescue workers who participated in the Wenchuan earthquake relief. The findings indicate that PTSD was diagnosed in 64% of the participants, primarily due to factors such as near-death experience, severe injury or mental trauma, and low social support.
Terence M. Keane, a renowned expert on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has received the Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Clinical Psychology Award from the American Psychological Association. His work focuses on developing new therapies and treatments for PTSD, which affects approximately 7.7 million adults in the US.
Researchers found that intimate partner violence increases risk for property crimes, drug offending, and commercial sex work. Witnessing violence also contributes to property crimes, fighting, and use of weapons. Women who experienced caregiver violence are more likely to run away as teens.
Researchers have identified a compound that can reduce PTSD-like symptoms in mice after they are exposed to stress, suggesting a potential new treatment. The discovery is based on the finding that morphine administration may lower the risk of developing PTSD by affecting fear learning.
Case Western Reserve University researchers found that 52% of individuals with PTSD also report symptoms of depression. The study, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, analyzed data from 57 peer-reviewed studies and concluded that both genders diagnosed with PTSD equally suffer from depression.
A recent study found that practicing meditation and stretching can help relieve PTSD symptoms in nurses by regulating stress hormone levels. Cortisol levels responded favorably to mind-body exercises, decreasing PTSD symptoms by 41% in those who participated.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that combat veterans with PTSD exhibit abnormal brain activity in key fear and anxiety regions even at rest. The study sheds light on which areas of the brain provoke traumatic symptoms and represents a critical step toward better diagnostics and treatments for PTSD.
The Lancet Series on bipolar disorder offers a comprehensive overview of the condition, including its genetic basis, diagnostic challenges, and treatment limitations. The series highlights the need for more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments, with neuroimaging research potentially transforming bipolar diagnosis.
The University of Washington School of Medicine's Division of Pain Medicine is developing leading-edge technologies to improve care for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic pain. The grant will support provider education, clinical care guidelines, and outcomes-based research.
A study found that intranasal delivery of neuropeptide Y reduced anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyper-arousal in rats exposed to single prolonged stress. This provides proof-of-concept for potential non-invasive prophylactic treatment for PTSD.
A new study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that group mindfulness activities significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines meditation, acceptance, and awareness to help individuals manage traumatic thoughts and emotions.
New research by Daniela Kaufer and Elizabeth Kirby found that acute stress doubles the proliferation of new brain cells in the hippocampus, leading to improved mental performance two weeks later. The study suggests that moderate stress can help individuals perform better when alert, but excessive stress can be harmful.
A study of returning veterans with major limb injuries found that while pain improved significantly within the first year, mental health problems such as depression and PTSD persisted. The research highlighted the need for ongoing biobehavioral pain and psychological care to help severely injured veterans cope with their pain and trauma.
Despite identifying effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), most mental health professionals fail to use them, leaving patients without access to crucial care. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy have been proven highly effective in addressing PTSD symptoms, yet they are not widely adopted.
A randomized study found that Transcendental Meditation (TM) significantly reduces posttraumatic stress symptoms in African refugees, with dramatic reductions observed after 30 days of practice. PCL scores improved dramatically, with the TM group reaching a non-symptomatic level and remaining low at 135 days.
A new study from the University of Alberta suggests that public support for wars can lead to increased mental distress in combatants upon returning home. The research highlights the importance of considering public opinion when making decisions about military actions.
Researchers found that a specific gene's function during adolescent trauma exposure is crucial for developing PTSD. The study suggests targeting the CCKR-2 gene as a potential therapy strategy to prevent or cure PTSD.
A systematic review of clinical interventions for adults exposed to traumatic events found only two psychotherapeutic treatments showing promise: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Collaborative Care. These treatments showed possible benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms, but more research is needed due to the limited evidence base.
The Stress Resilience Training System (SRTS) app teaches Sailors and Marines to recognize their stress responses and manage them using biofeedback techniques. The app's field testing at the Naval Center for Combat and Operational Stress Control could help prevent PTSD in warfighters, saving billions of dollars in medical costs.
Researchers found that a protein synthesis blocker can significantly reduce fear and stress in rats after they experienced a mildly traumatic event. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that this approach could have clinical implications for treating posttraumatic stress disorder.
The Cohen Veterans Center will conduct biomarker research to accurately diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), with potential treatments including targeted medications and therapies. The $17 million gift is believed to be the largest private donation to PTSD research.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that exposure to rocket attacks in Sderot significantly increases the risk of miscarriages, with a 59% higher likelihood among women in Sderot compared to Kiryat Gat. The study suggests that stress and dysregulation of cortisol may play a role in this increased risk.
Researchers tracked 1085 male Israeli soldiers to identify predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Soldiers with pre-deployment threat vigilance and an emotion-related gene were more likely to develop PTSD, with a faster reaction time indicating increased threat vigilance.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 68% of Ugandan humanitarian aid workers experienced symptoms of depression, while 53% had anxiety disorders and 26% posttraumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that organizational environment significantly influences mental health and wellbeing.