Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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.
Research by Tina Bloom at the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing highlights the dangers of chronic, long-term stress on low-income pregnant women in rural areas. These women experience financial problems, lack of employment opportunities, and isolation, which exacerbate their emotional and physical well-being.
A recent study published in Psychological Medicine found that individuals with chronic anxiety are more vulnerable to developing PTSD. The research analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found that those who scored higher on neuroticism as the study began were more likely to develop PTSD.
A study by Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the FKBP5 gene can influence epigenetic alterations caused by early trauma, leading to lifelong dysregulation of stress hormones. This can result in increased risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders in adulthood.
A study of Danish soldiers found that childhood experiences of family violence and emotional problems predicted the onset of PTSD. The researchers suggest that social support and camaraderie during army life minimized mental health benefits for these soldiers, leading to increased symptoms after deployment.
Australian researchers discovered that reduced heart rate variability best predicts cognitive disturbances in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study found a significant loss of vagal modulation, consistent with the notion that CFS represents a system under stress. This could lead to new ways to improve cognitive difficulties i...
A recent study has found that former political prisoners in East Germany continue to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 15 years after their imprisonment. The study, which followed up with 78 men and 15 women who were initially interviewed in the mid-1990s, revealed that PTSD affects about a third of those studied.
A breakthrough study found that brainwave training enhances a cognitive-control network in just 30 minutes, leading to reduced mind-wandering. The study used neurofeedback to train participants' brains and showed significant changes in brain activity and behavior.
A study by Wayne State University researchers found that Iraq war refugees who fled after the Gulf War were 43 times more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea and later suffer from major chronic health issues. The research suggests a link between pre-Gulf War trauma, mental disorders, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
Researchers discovered two compounds, IC87201 and ZL006, that disrupt nitrous oxide production in the brain, reducing fear responses in rats. The findings suggest that disrupting this process may offer a means of preventing long-term post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found significant negative consequences of rape and attempted sexual assault in 13 domains of psychological and social functioning. Victims often suffer debilitating effects on self-esteem, social reputation, sexual desire, and self-perceived mate value.
A recent study found that nearly 20 percent of people who underwent low back fusion surgery developed post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The strongest factor in determining whether a patient suffered PTSD symptoms was a pre-surgery psychiatric disturbance, but some patients without such diagnoses also experienced symptoms.
A randomized controlled trial found that combining healing touch and guided imagery significantly improved PTSD symptoms in returning active-duty Marines. The study reported substantial clinical reductions in depression and cynicism, with scores decreasing by 14 points below the clinical cutoffs for PTSD diagnosis.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found a significant link between substance-use disorders and mortality in veterans with PTSD. Younger veterans, including those from Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, showed a stronger association between substance-use disorders and death.
A study found that prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect can cause significant stress, but healthy relationships and positive coping mechanisms can reduce this stress. Lower partner satisfaction and income were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety.
Research shows that nearly 20% of young children with cancer develop posttraumatic stress disorder, exhibiting symptoms such as flashbacks and anxiety. The study highlights the need for child-friendly treatment procedures and psychological support to prevent prolonged disorders that impair development.
A UC Irvine study found that watching extensive TV coverage of traumatic events led to increased physical and psychological ailments in US adults. Repeated exposure to graphic media images may have long-lasting mental and physical health consequences.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a potential medical treatment for the cognitive effects of stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The experimental drug S107 prevented learning and memory deficits associated with stress-related disorders in a PTSD mouse model.
Scientists have identified a new gene, RORA, linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that it may play a role in the development of the condition. The study found a significant association between variations in the RORA gene and PTSD, highlighting a potential new avenue for research on how the brain responds to trauma.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that sleep deprivation immediately after exposure to trauma reduces the development of post-traumatic behavioral responses. This suggests that sleep deprivation in the first hours after stress exposure might represent an effective intervention for PTSD.
Researchers identified a distinct subset of individuals with PTSD characterized by high symptoms of dissociation and a history of sexual assault, contributing to the understanding of PTSD's course and accurate classification.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel approach to probing the susceptible brain using electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. This allows for ongoing monitoring tailored to each individual, enabling early or preventive intervention.
A new study from Duke University found that a drug blocking fatty acid amide hydrolase activity reduces fear in mice by increasing endocannabinoids. Human genetic differences related to the same enzyme also influence how well people cope with fear and stress.
The US Army has implemented a behavioral health screening program in primary care, resulting in improved PTSD outcomes. The program, RESPECT-Mil, has doubled the number of patients experiencing clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptom severity scores over eight weeks.
Researchers found that rats exposed to vinclozolin as fetuses showed increased anxiety, sensitivity to stress, and altered brain activity in their third-generation offspring. This study suggests epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may play a role in the development of post-traumatic stress syndrome and other mental disorders.
The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among troops is surprisingly low, thanks to new programs and treatments. The Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program and Battlemind training have helped soldiers build resilience and cope with stressors before deployment and after returning home.
A new study published in Critical Care found that women are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress after leaving an ICU, but a follow-up scheme has been shown to significantly reduce their symptoms. The study suggests that early intervention is crucial for women at high risk of PTSD.
Researchers discovered a link between ACE inhibitors and ARBs and lower PTSD symptom scores in patients taking these medications. The findings suggest that these blood pressure medications could be valuable tools for treating or preventing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a novel target for treating stress-linked disorders: a protein called HDAC6. By modulating glucocorticoid signaling in serotonin neurons, HDAC6 may provide a path towards resilience to stress.
The study explores the relationship between distress tolerance, excessive worry, and anxiety symptoms in college students. Researchers found that distress tolerance plays a unique role in excessive worry, suggesting it could be a useful intervention in therapy.
A new study finds that emergency dispatchers experience high levels of peritraumatic distress and symptoms of PTSD after handling potentially traumatic calls. The research highlights the need for prevention and intervention support for these workers.
A study of nearly 1,000 patients with cardiovascular disease found a direct correlation between lifetime traumatic stress exposure and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. The researchers also discovered that this relationship remained even after adjusting for psychiatric diagnoses, suggesting a long-term negative impact on health.
A new study by Mary Pulido finds that mental health clinicians experienced high levels of secondary traumatic stress due to their work with 9/11 victims. The lack of support and supervision is a significant concern, but peer support was helpful in mitigating the effects.
US Army suicides surged by 80% between 2004 and 2008, with 39% of cases linked to post-Iraq events. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance misuse increased significantly during this period.
The iHeal device detects physiological stressors associated with drug cravings, using sensors to measure physiological changes and body activity. The device delivers user-tailored behavioral interventions via smartphone software, aiming to prevent substance use and reduce health risk.
A study shows that unemployment stress is more closely tied to local green space than age, income, or deprivation. The presence of parks and woodland in economically deprived areas can help people cope with job losses and reduce cortisol levels.
A study led by Dr. Charles Marmar found that police recruits with higher cortisol awakening responses were more likely to experience acute stress symptoms in response to trauma years later. The study suggests that measuring cortisol levels could be a potential indicator for identifying those at high risk for PTSD.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that dream sleep helps process emotional experiences, removing the edge from painful memories. During REM sleep, stress neurochemicals are suppressed, allowing the brain to connect and integrate memories in a more rational state.
A groundbreaking study by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk to police officers is lower than initially thought. Police officers who received interventional support after traumatic events showed reduced symptoms of PTSD.
A new RAND Corporation study found that the US Department of Veterans Affairs provides high-quality mental health care to its veterans, comparable to privately insured and Medicare/Medicaid populations. The study highlights areas for improvement, including increasing evidence-based treatments and addressing regional variations in care.
A study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology found that administering a single dose of cortisone up to six hours after traumatic event reduces the likelihood of developing PTSD by 60%. This natural approach may circumvent the harm caused by other pharmaceuticals and prevent the consolidation of traumatic memories.
Researchers found that administering synthetic marijuana helps block PTSD-like symptoms in rats after experiencing trauma. The study suggests a 'window of opportunity' for treatment, which may be longer for humans due to their lifespan.
A study published in Journal of Traumatic Stress found that college students showed increased stress responses to negative visual images, even those not directly exposed to the 9/11 attacks. The research suggests a broader impact on psychological processes, rethinking the severity spectrum for distress reactions.
A study found a link between a serotonin transporter gene variant and PTSD risk, suggesting the gene may predict symptom development after trauma. The researchers also discovered that this gene is associated with depression following life stress, highlighting its potential role in mental health.
Research shows people with PTSD struggle to identify specific emotions, such as fear and sadness, from facial cues. The study found that war veterans with PTSD were less able to recognize these emotions compared to healthy subjects.
A survey of 4,639 Virginia Tech students found that 15.4% experienced high levels of posttraumatic stress three to four months after the shootings. The study suggests that social relationships and anxiety about friend safety were key factors in symptoms of posttraumatic stress.
A randomized controlled trial found that narrative exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in former child soldiers in Uganda compared to other therapies. The treatment was conducted by community-based lay therapists without a mental health background, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness.
The study found that risk factors for PTSD among OEF/OIF male veterans were similar to those observed in Vietnam veterans, but identified novel mechanisms of risk for OEF/OIF female veterans. Family relationships during deployment played a more prominent role in explaining PTSD in female veterans than in male veterans.
Researchers found that ghrelin hormone is required for prolonged psychosocial stress to promote preference and intake of high-fat food in mice. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for curbing stress-related food behavior.