Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A new study found that lone asylum-seeking children in the UK are more likely to have experienced high levels of war trauma and combat than those with adult carers. The research suggests that foster care can help reduce their suffering and lower post-traumatic stress symptoms.
A study of caregivers of deceased lung transplant patients found that they reported poorly controlled symptoms and a worse quality of dying and death process, leading to significant depressive and PTSD symptoms. The researchers highlight the urgent need for improved support systems to alleviate caregiver stress.
A new study finds nearly one-third of children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience hallucinations or delusions, which are associated with higher risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms. The study suggests that sedation and physical environment may play a role in reducing these symptoms.
A moral philosopher is investigating the ethics of medicated memory manipulation, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The use of beta-blockers to dampen emotional responses to traumatic events may undermine an individual's understanding of their moral responsibility.
A new University of Georgia study finds that treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms before grief therapy is essential for helping children cope with loss. Camp-based interventions have been shown to be beneficial, providing a supportive environment where children can process their emotions and develop coping skills.
A study found reduced gray matter density in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex of combat-exposed veterans with PTSD, but not their identical twins. The researchers suggest that stress exposure may cause this damage, leading to emotional consequences.
Researchers found a 53% increase in cardiovascular ailments after Sept 11 stress, with high anxiety levels three times more likely to report heart problems. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests that even indirect exposure to extreme stress can lead to long-term health consequences.
A Canadian study found that one-third of veterans who were deployed more than once experienced probable clinical depression, while 30% of those deployed only once were affected. The research also revealed that younger, single soldiers and those with multiple deployments were more likely to have PTSD and severe symptoms.
A new study at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology annual meeting found that psychotherapy, particularly cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, significantly reduced PTSD symptoms when administered within a month after a traumatic event. The study suggests early intervention may prevent chronic PTSD development.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between asthma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adults. The research suggested that the association is not primarily due to genetic influences, but rather may be related to immune system functioning or common risk factors.
A Cornell University study found that trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD or depression exhibit persistent differences in stress response, including lower cortisol levels and prolonged negative moods.
A study of 3,065 male twin pairs found that those suffering from PTSD symptoms were 2.3 times more likely to have asthma compared to those with fewer symptoms. The association between asthma and PTSD was not primarily explained by genetic factors.
A study found that prazosin, an alpha-1 receptor antagonist, can block the increase of steroid hormones in the brain, which are associated with brain damage and cognitive impairment. This may provide a neuroprotective effect against post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia.
A study found that a specific brain mechanism promotes resilience to stress in mice, potentially leading to improved treatments for stress-related mental illnesses. The research identified key components of the mechanism and found similarities with human brain function.
The study found that mice with a better ability to cope with stress had increased activity of potassium channels in the brain, which counters increased nerve firing and BDNF release. In humans, depressed individuals showed a 40% increase in BDNF levels in the nucleus accumbens, suggesting a link between stress handling and depression.
A new mouse study found that mice who are more susceptible to social defeat show increased levels of a growth factor known as BDNF in their brains' reward circuits, which promotes plasticity and learning. Resilient mice, on the other hand, did not exhibit this chemical rise, suggesting a potential link between BDNF and human resilience.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism that strengthens memory connections in response to emotional stress, which may underlie why traumatic events can be more vividly remembered than everyday ones. The study found that the stress hormone norepinephrine enhances learning and memory by increasing GluR1 receptors.
A study by Sean Phipps found that children with cancer are emotionally well-adjusted and have lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to their healthy peers. They tend to have a repressive adaptive style, which helps them cope with stress and emotions.
A study found that adult offspring of Holocaust survivors with PTSD had lower cortisol levels than those without PTSD. Lower cortisol levels in these offspring suggest a predisposition to PTSD or a protective effect against the condition.
New findings from the WTC health registry show that post-traumatic stress disorder affected 12.4% of rescue and recovery workers, with volunteer workers having the highest rate. The prevalence of PTSD varied significantly by occupation, with workers from non-emergency occupations such as construction suffering particularly high rates.
Studies reveal a gene-regulating protein that triggers coping mechanisms in mice exposed to inescapable stress, leading to reduced behavioral despair. The discovery provides an animal model for exploring how antidepressants work on the brain circuitry involved in stress response.
This article discusses various aspects of pain management, including the impact of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on patient satisfaction. The study found that patients with both conditions were more likely to have a chronic medical condition and greater physical and psychosocial stressors.
A recent Geisinger Health System study reveals a clear connection between combat veterans' mixed handedness and the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research found that extreme mixed handedness increased PTSD risk by nearly five times.
A multicenter trial found that family members who engaged in a longer, more comprehensive conference had lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. The study provided a 15-page leaflet with information on end-of-life care and bereavement support.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was prevalent among those affected by Hurricane Katrina, with a diagnosis rate of over 38% in New Orleans. The prevalence is significantly higher than the general US population, suggesting a need for long-term, coordinated mental health response as part of disaster relief efforts.
Researchers are using a virtual reality simulation called Virtual Iraq to better understand how symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develop. The study found that participating veterans with PTSD experience increased physiological arousal, anxiety, and suppressed memories after viewing the simulation.
Children experience traumatic events, such as parent imprisonment or sudden separation, without developing PTSD. More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by age 16.
A study of 279 torture survivors found that psychological manipulation, deprivation, and humiliation caused as much distress as physical torture. The researchers concluded that the distinction between torture and other forms of maltreatment is not only useless but also dangerous.
A Stanford/Packard study found that severe PTSD damages children's brains by reducing the size of the hippocampus, a crucial structure for memory processing and emotion. Children with PTSD were more likely to experience a decrease in hippocampal volume, which can lead to prolonged symptoms and impaired brain development.
A randomized controlled trial found that prolonged exposure cognitive behavioral therapy was more effective than present-centered therapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in female military veterans and active-duty women. The therapy led to improved symptoms, quality of life, and reduced anxiety.
Humans and primates are highly intelligent, social creatures prone to stress-related diseases due to chronically psychosocially stressed situations. Chronic stress compromises health by suppressing immune function, reproduction, and brain function.
Researchers found that cortisol can lessen emotional impact of stress in women, with a high dose providing protective effects. The study suggests potential for cortisol as a clinical tool to treat and prevent anxiety disorders.
Adolescents with parents in the military experience increased stress and physiological changes during wartime, including higher blood pressure and heart rates. Researchers found that these effects were particularly pronounced in children of deployed parents.
A UGA study finds that social workers are at risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress due to repeated exposure to trauma victim stories. The study, which surveyed nearly 300 social workers, found that 15% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD within a week. The researchers recommend education and support measures to minimize this risk.
A prospective study found that higher levels of PTSD symptoms are associated with an increased risk of non-fatal and fatal coronary heart disease in older male veterans. The study analyzed data from 1,946 men enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study.
Researchers found that experiencing control over a stressor immunizes a rat from developing depression-like syndrome when it later encounters uncontrollable stressors. The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in processing information about controllability and regulating responses to subsequent stressors.
A study of healthy women has found that stress-related cortisol administration can reduce fatigue and increase vigor. The research may help fine-tune treatments for illnesses linked to low cortisol levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Research finds childhood traumatic events and emotional instability are associated with CFS, which affects daily activities and interferes with rest. Higher overall trauma scores increase the risk of CFS by 3-8 times, with emotional neglect and sexual abuse during childhood linked to worse symptoms.
Recent studies on PTSD are shedding light on its underlying causes, including the role of trauma, genetics, and neural circuitry. The condition affects approximately 5% of men and 10% of women, with a higher likelihood in children of trauma survivors.
Patients who received social support during and after a major intensive-care intervention showed reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Better-perceived social support was associated with improved mental health, including lower levels of anxiety and better quality of life.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a natural stress hormone corticosterone can decrease the fearful response associated with reliving traumatic memories in mice. The study showed that this hormone enhances new memories competing with fearful memories, thereby decreasing their negative emotional significance.
Scientists at SUNY Downstate Medical Center discovered a molecular mechanism maintaining memories in the brain by inhibiting a specific enzyme, protein kinase M zeta. This finding may have applications in treating chronic pain and memory loss conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Post-tsunami mental health studies found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among survivors in Thailand. Loss of livelihood was a significant predictor of these symptoms. Children also showed increased symptoms of depression and PTSD.
A study reviewing 40 years of disaster research found that PTSD affects a substantial burden of people who experience disasters. The most important risk factors for developing PTSD are the extent of exposure and the scope of the disaster.
Researchers are developing a new field in disaster mental health training to address the emotional needs of victims, first responders, and others affected by disasters. With funding from the DOH Grant, they have already trained 168 community-based mental health professionals and plan to expand their reach.
A study found that individuals with alcohol dependence without PTSD exhibit a disconnect between emotional distress and biological stress response to stress tests. They are more likely to relapse during the follow-up period due to this disruption.
A study of UK armed forces personnel deployed to the 2003 Iraq War found no specific health effects on regular service members. However, reserve personnel reported higher rates of physical and mental illness due to deployment-related stresses.
A five-week mantram course helped 83% of survey participants find the technique useful for managing stress, anxiety, and unwanted thoughts. Mantrams were found to be effective in reducing PTSD-type dreams and improving emotional regulation.
The study found that US military veterans who served in Iraq had a higher prevalence rate of mental health problems and combat experiences compared to those who served in Afghanistan or other locations. Iraq veterans used inpatient and outpatient mental health services at higher rates, with an annualized rate of utilization of 35%.
A new initiative aims to track the experiences of Hurricane Katrina survivors, gathering data on their recovery process, mental health, and access to healthcare. Quarterly reports will be posted online to inform policy decisions.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that parents of children with cancer often suffer from post-traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and heightened arousal. The studies suggest that these symptoms can be just as severe as those experienced by patients themselves.
Research reveals a likely connection between early-life stress and teenage mental health problems, including behavioral and emotional disorders. Monkeys studied showed similar responses to early-life stresses as human children, providing a clearer developmental picture.
Researchers found extremely high reported human rights violations among Tibetan refugees, leading to increased incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression. The study reveals that torture and human rights abuses are unacceptably high among Tibetans who have escaped to Nepal or India.
According to a recent review, approximately 15% of heart attack patients develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to impairments in social functioning, vitality, and physical health. The study also identifies risk factors for PTSD in cardiovascular disease patients.
A study by Gavan McNally and colleagues found that opiate users are more susceptible to stress-induced anxiety. The researchers tested rats with morphine or saline solution, then subjected them to restraint stress. The results showed that opiate-treated rats experienced greater anxiety responses, including reduced social interaction, a...
A study of Cambodian immigrants in the US found a significant prevalence of PTSD and depression, with rates highest among older, poorer, and unemployed individuals. The research suggests that these disorders may be linked to a single continuum of posttraumatic stress.
A study published in JAMA Network in 2005 found that war survivors experienced high rates of mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study highlighted the need for comprehensive care and support for military personnel returning from combat.
A recent US study by Boston University researchers found that family and community engagement are crucial in mediating the traumatic reaction of unaccompanied refugee minors, known as the 'Lost Boys of Sudan'. The study suggests that comprehensive approaches to resettlement efforts can help these young men thrive on all fronts.
A US study assessed the functional and behavioral health of unaccompanied Sudanese refugee minors one year after resettlement in foster care. The youths reported high levels of trauma and stress, with increased risk of PTSD associated with separation from family, group home living, and feelings of loneliness.
A study based on US National Comorbidity Survey Replication data found that 26.2% of adults in the US had a mental disorder, with anxiety disorders being the most prevalent. Severity levels showed 22.3% as serious, 37.3% as moderate, and 40.4% as mild.