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Parents of children with cancer suffer post-traumatic stress symptoms, both immediate and lingering

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateDec 13, 2005

Study finds torture and human rights abuses among Tibetan refugees

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.

SourceMcMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology·JournalBMC International Health and Human Rights·DateNov 9, 2005

Opiate drugs increase vulnerability to stress

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...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateAug 28, 2005

Mental health of war survivors

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 2, 2005

Resettling the 'Lost Boys of Sudan' in the United States

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.

SourceBoston University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 7, 2005

Resettling the 'Lost Boys of Sudan' in the United States

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 6, 2005

Levels of certain hormones may be increased by stress

Researchers found that acute stress increases levels of DHEA-S in healthy humans and the DHEA-S-cortisol ratio is associated with reduced dissociation symptoms. The study suggests that augmentation of DHEA-S levels before stress exposure may provide a protective effect against stress-induced symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateAug 2, 2004

Mental health symptoms common at Pentagon after 9/11

A study of Pentagon personnel found that nearly 21 percent experienced mental health symptoms, including generalized anxiety and depression, following the 9/11 attacks. The researchers also discovered that a significant portion of those at high risk for mental health problems sought counseling after the attack.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 16, 2004

Scars of 9/11 linger with NYC firefighters

A recent study by Cornell University found that NYC firefighters experience high levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after the 9/11 attacks. The study also highlights the importance of open communication, teamwork, and employee involvement in decision-making to improve firefighter well-being.

Postnatal depression: A personal view

Postnatal depression is a severe mental illness with long-term effects, responding to treatment and requiring multidisciplinary care. The Lancet article shares a personal account and highlights the importance of recognition, support groups, and medical community response.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 22, 2004

Estrogen makes the brain more vulnerable to stress

Researchers found that female rats were more sensitive to stress-induced memory errors when estrogen levels were high. Eliminating estrogen from their system reduced this sensitivity, suggesting a key role for estrogen in the vulnerability of women to stress-related mental illnesses.

SourceYale University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 21, 2004

Avoid bad memories: Targeting genes and drugs

Researchers discovered that stress can alter gene expression, leading to enhanced fear memory and long-term potentiation. By using a new gene-based 'antisense' drug, they successfully prevented these changes, attenuating the elevated freezing response and paving the way for novel treatments.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 2003

Hebrew University, German and British researchers develop means to help stress sufferers

Scientists at the Hebrew University and Max Planck Institute have discovered a gene-based approach to suppressing stress-induced reactions. They developed an 'antisense' agent that neutralizes the production of modified proteins, preventing extreme fright or immobilizing shock reactions associated with traumatic memories.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 2003

Common drug, given promptly, reduces incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, small study finds

A new study suggests that propranolol can reduce the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma victims if administered promptly. The medication, commonly used to treat anxiety and high blood pressure, was found to decrease PTSD symptoms by half compared to those who did not receive it.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 22, 2003

Mental disorders in postconflict communities

Postconflict psychiatric research reveals high prevalence of common mental disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorder. Exposure to violence is a potent risk factor for various disorders, with comorbidity analyses showing complex relationships between disorders.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 19, 2003

9/11 one year on: Bridging the world’s divisions

A study published in The Lancet found that single-session psychological debriefing after traumatic events is ineffective and may even do more harm than good. The research suggests that formal therapy like critical incident stress debriefing can prevent people from seeking natural family or social support systems.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 5, 2002