Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A groundbreaking study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests female military service-members are equally resilient to combat-related stress as men. The research, conducted by Boston University School of Medicine, analyzed the mental health of veterans returning from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq.
A new study found that frequent communication through letters and emails with spouses during deployment can protect against PTSD symptoms in happily married soldiers. However, this benefit only applies to soldiers with higher levels of marital satisfaction.
A pilot study found that Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces stress and depression in veterans, improving relationships and overall quality of life. The technique produced a 50% reduction in PTSD symptoms in just eight weeks, with long-term changes in sympathetic nervous system activity.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that metyrapone, a stress hormone-reducing drug, can impair memory recall of negative events by manipulating cortisol levels close to formation. This could lead to a better understanding of how to treat post-traumatic stress disorder
Weizmann Institute scientists discover that adverse experiences can impair perception, making it harder to distinguish between similar stimuli. This finding may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress syndrome.
A study by University of Washington psychologists found no correlation between positive emotions and stress/depression in Asian college students, suggesting therapies focusing on positivity may not work. Instead, mindfulness approaches that acknowledge both good and bad emotions may be more effective.
A team of neuroscientists has discovered a critical 'chemical pathway' in the brain that triggers our response to stress. The study found that increasing production of a protein called neuropsin in the amygdala leads to increased activity and vulnerability to stress.
A recent study suggests that affectionate communication, such as hugging, can help individuals with high levels of alexithymia form more fulfilling relationships and reduce anxiety. Researchers surveyed 921 people and found that sharing affection reduces the negative impact of alexithymia on relationships.
Studies found that exercise prevents telomere stress and cell aging, suggesting a link between physical activity and healthier cells. Telomeres measure cell age and health, with shorter lengths linked to diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
A new study finds that larger hippocampal volumes are linked to recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implying that the hippocampus may play a role in reversing damage caused by chronic stress. The research suggests that treatment for PTSD could be viewed as a form of brain restoration, rather than just symptom relief.
Research identifies four major PTSD symptoms with varying effects on quality of life, challenging common assumptions about the disorder's impact. Symptoms tied to heightened arousal, such as trouble sleeping and irritability, were found to have a significant association with lower quality of life among PTSD patients.
A study from Emory University and the University of Vermont has found a link between high blood levels of hormone PACAP and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women, but not men. The hormone modulates central nervous system activity, metabolism, and immune function.
A study published in Journal of Traumatic Stress found that virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in active duty military service members, with 62% reporting clinically meaningful change. The innovative treatment uses multi-sensory virtual reality to safely access and process traumatic memories.
The study found that three urocortin proteins play a central role in regulating stress responses and shutting down the stress response. Genetically engineered mice lacking these proteins showed impaired recovery from stress, highlighting their importance in returning to normal behavior.
A 12-week mindfulness meditation program shows measurable changes in brain regions associated with memory, self-awareness, empathy, and stress. Increased grey-matter density was observed in areas important for learning and memory, as well as structures linked to compassion and introspection.
A recent study by the University of Miami found that 35% of children experienced moderate to severe posttraumatic stress symptoms almost two years after Hurricane Charley, and those who still showed signs of stress at nine months were likely to persist with symptoms another year later. Social support from peers was also found to be cru...
Researchers found that nearly 95.6% of 3,271 civilian WTC survivors reported posttraumatic stress symptoms and 15% screened positive for PTSD two years after the disaster. The study identified five predictors of PTSD: late evacuation initiation, high floor exposure, dust cloud exposure, personal horror, and employer fatalities.
Researchers at MSU found that soldiers with a positive outlook were less likely to experience health problems after traumatic events. The study suggests training individuals to think more optimistically could help them cope better with distressing events.
Researchers found that stress activates memory recall of unrelated experiences in laboratory rats, which may offer insights into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. The study's results suggest that traumatic stress can reactivate non-traumatic memories, linking them to the traumatic experience.
Researchers have identified a molecular cause of post-traumatic stress syndrome and developed a treatment that calms brain chemicals. The new drug, MPEP, was found to prevent the condition when administered within five hours of a traumatic event, offering hope for early intervention.
Research published in Frontline Gastroenterology finds that Crohn's disease patients are more likely to experience worsening symptoms if they have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with nearly one in five patients scoring high on the PTSD scale
A new consensus on TBI and PTSD establishes common language, measurement, treatment, and potential outcomes, promoting greater consistency and collaboration among researchers. The set of papers provides recommendations for clinical research on TBI and psychological health, aiming to advance the field.
Researchers at U of M Medical School and Minneapolis VA Medical Center discovered a correlation between increased circuit activity in the right side of the brain and involuntary flashbacks triggered by PTSD. The magnetic test, called Magnetoencephalography (MEG), reveals differences in brain activity among those with PTSD compared to h...
Researchers used MEG to study brain activity in PTSD sufferers and healthy individuals, finding increased circuit activity on the right side of the brain. This hyperactive network is linked to involuntary flashbacks and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
A new approach, Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), improves communication between child and caregiver to prevent chronic and sub-clinical PTSD in 73 percent of children. The intervention also promotes recovery more quickly than a comparison intervention.
The study compares and contrasts various global PTSD treatment guidelines, highlighting differences that can lead to confusion. The researchers emphasize the importance of trauma-focused psychological interventions as the most effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder.
A new study highlights the excess burden of medical conditions on top of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning US soldiers. Women with PTSD suffer from more medical conditions than men, with a median value of 7 conditions compared to 4.5 in women without mental health issues.
Researchers have found that traumatic stress can be passed down to future generations through epigenetic changes, affecting gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This discovery has opened up new avenues for understanding the long-term effects of trauma on mental health.
A University of Colorado School of Medicine study found that incorporating mentoring and group skill-building intervention programs for children in foster care may help improve mental health outcomes. The study demonstrated that treatment groups reported fewer symptoms of depression, dissociation, and posttraumatic stress, and better q...
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a high prevalence of PTSD nearly two decades after the Liberian civil war, with certain villages experiencing a higher burden of trauma. The study suggests that populations exposed to severe conflict are likely to bear a long-lasting psychological toll.
Researchers monitored Israeli soldiers' neural mechanisms during daily rocket attacks, revealing a dissociative state rather than hypervigilance. This study has significant implications for PTSD therapy, suggesting a neuromarker that can predict chronic PTSD risk.
A study of over 5,000 veterans with substance use disorders found that 70% died by suicide using violent means. Those who died by overdose had more severe mental disorders, highlighting the importance of addressing substance use disorders and access to lethal means for prevention.
Research suggests that female brains are more responsive to low levels of a key stress hormone and less able to adapt to high levels compared to male brains. This may help explain the higher incidence of depression, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders among women.
Young adult survivors of childhood cancers are four times more likely to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than their control group siblings. The study found that 589 survivors reported significant functional impairment and clinical distress, consistent with a full diagnosis of PTSD.
A new mental health outreach programme has successfully identified and treated hundreds of survivors of the 2005 London bombings, strongly suggesting similar programmes need to be included in disaster response plans. The programme highlighted a significant gap in traditional GP referrals for mental healthcare after terrorist attacks.
A study of Rwandan genocide survivors found that genetic variations in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene affect PTSD risk. Survivors with certain genetic markers showed increased resilience to stress-related problems, while others were more vulnerable. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between t...
A UCLA study of U.S. Civil War veterans reveals that strong unit cohesion provides a protective effect against stress-related illnesses, with men from cohesive companies living up to six years longer than those from uncohesive ones.
A study found that over 50,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans received a new PTSD diagnosis, yet fewer than 30% completed the recommended 10-12 weekly sessions. Factors such as age, sex, and rural residence also affected treatment outcomes.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic insomnia is associated with smaller volumes in brain regions involved in memory formation and pleasantness evaluation. Insomnia patients have lower grey matter density in these regions, which may impact their ability to recognize optimal comfort for falling asleep.
Researchers used MEG to distinguish between neural activity of PTSD patients and healthy controls with over 90% accuracy. A positive association was found between prediction certainty and symptom severity, suggesting potential use in gauging disorder levels.
Recent systematic reviews indicate that psychological debriefing of adults does not prevent post-traumatic stress disorder and may even increase the risk. Two programs offering Psychological First Aid and cognitive behavioral support show promise of effectiveness in preventing PTSD and other psychiatric disorders.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that depression and alcohol misuse are more common mental health disorders among UK Service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also reveals that reservists are at a greater risk of psychiatric injury than regular personnel.
Researchers found that trauma history, not endurance, influences ability to dampen emotional responses. Resilient individuals enhance emotional brain circuitry, suggesting a key strategy for trauma recovery.
A new study reveals that group therapy can significantly reduce domestic violence among homeless veterans. The 13-week psycho-educational program led to a dramatic decrease in reported abuse scores, with the most drastic drops seen in physical abuse cases.
Researchers have developed a predictive tool to detect at-risk soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The study shows that fMRI can be used to forecast which soldiers might be vulnerable to stress psychopathology in the future.
Researchers develop virtual environments and novel medicines to help military personnel diagnosed with PTSD, and explore the use of psychiatric service dogs. Preliminary data from clinical trials show promising results in treating co-morbid alcohol dependence.
Researchers found significant alterations in brain function similar to posttraumatic stress disorders shortly after the Wenchuan earthquake. Hyperactivity in certain areas and decreased functional connectivity were observed, suggesting a need for early treatment and potential long-term psychological impact.
Researchers found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk of thoughts of suicide in Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. The study, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, indicates that PTSD is a primary risk factor for suicide-related thoughts, even after accounting for other mental disorders.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that hormone levels play a crucial role in stress resilience among military combat divers. Soldiers with higher dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels performed better during stressful underwater navigation exercises.
Researchers found that individuals with intense dust cloud exposure were more likely to develop new asthma diagnoses and symptoms indicative of probable PTSD. Asthma risk was highest among those who worked on the pile on September 11, while PTSD symptoms increased across all groups, with rescue/recovery workers experiencing the greates...
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that at least half of Afghan school children have developed PTSD due to traumatic experiences. The research highlights the need for interventions addressing not only war experiences but also family disturbances and community factors.
Exposure to community violence in school-aged children disrupts their normal cortisol production pattern, leading to physiological symptoms and potential long-term negative health effects. The study found a link between stress symptoms and cortisol levels, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to monitor these children's health.
A study by Nicole Lauzon and Dr. Steven Laviolette found specific receptors in the brain can control emotional significance and memory formation for traumatic events, offering new therapeutic treatments for psychiatric disorders like Schizophrenia and PTSD.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by examining brain activity in soldiers with and without the condition. The study found that individuals with PTSD exhibit distinct brain patterns, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing and sense of self.
Researchers develop a novel approach to treating PTSD by selectively disrupting traumatic memories with a cortisol-blocking drug. The treatment's effectiveness is linked to the intensity of the initial trauma and can be administered shortly before recalling the memory.
New study finds stress-related changes in brain structure may lead to depression-like behavior and PTSD. Researchers propose that restoring hippocampal synapses could provide immediate relief from depressive symptoms.
Researchers discovered that post-traumatic stress disorder impacts stroke patients' recovery and ability to resume normal life, even with minor brain damage. Early testing using simple questionnaires could lead to significant improvements in subarachnoid hemorrhage patient outcomes.
Researchers found that veterans with PTSD were more likely to have metabolic syndrome, which is composed of obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. The study suggests that stress and post-stress responses are related to long-term health outcomes and may be linked to an increased risk of disease.
Research published in BMC Medicine found a significant association between metabolic syndrome and PTSD after controlling for other factors. Veterans with higher severity of PTSD were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that an injection of cortisol shortly after a traumatic event may prevent the onset of PTSD. Cortisol levels are believed to be linked to the individual's ability to forget memories of the traumatic event.