Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A new study found that people with PTSD symptoms experience greater fear of their emotions, which is associated with less constructive communication and more unproductive communication in romantic relationships. This fear can lead to a vicious cycle where behavior triggered by PTSD symptoms strain relationships, maintaining PTSD symptoms.
Researchers discovered that D1 and D2 neurons in the brain work together to process appetitive and aversive stimuli, with D2 neurons playing a key role in extinguishing negative associations. This understanding can help develop new treatments for anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
A comprehensive review of studies reveals that over 15% of caregivers of adult cancer patients suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Caregivers with pre-existing mental health conditions and high caregiver burden are at greater risk. The study highlights the urgent need for proactive screening and support to prevent long-t...
Researchers have identified distinct protein degradation patterns in key brain regions for individuals who witnessed trauma, differing from those who experienced it firsthand. Sex-specific differences also emerge, with implications for targeted treatments and a better understanding of PTSD development.
New York City residents can now access behavioral health treatment services, including cognitive therapy and medication management, at Mount Sinai's Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth. The center aims to help individuals strengthen resilience, improve well-being, and navigate life challenges with confidence.
A study published in Human-Animal Interactions found that US war veterans with PTSD experienced improved psychological symptoms after participating in wildlife immersion experiences. Researchers discovered that interactions with animals, such as bird watching and assisting with wildlife care, had a positive impact on anxiety levels and...
A new study from Arizona State University sheds light on the relationship between hormones cortisol and testosterone and PTSD in a non-industrialized society. Researchers found that men with PTSD had lower testosterone levels when waking up compared to those without PTSD, but similar cortisol patterns.
A new clinical trial will use MDMA in combination with Prolonged Exposure therapy to enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with PTSD. Researchers believe MDMA shows potential in improving PTSD symptoms by increasing neuroplasticity and processing traumatic memories.
Veterans with access to firearms, suicidal thinking, and history of mental health inpatient stays had highest risk of dying by suicide after receiving a CSRE assessment. The study found that even after going through the CSRE process, these veterans were more likely to die by suicide.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that ketamine be administered in monitored settings with periodic face-to-face visits to patients. Patients who struggle with mental health issues are urged to discuss their options with primary care physicians or mental health professionals.
Researchers mapped the precise brain mechanisms that enable animals to overcome instinctive fears, revealing two key components in this learning process. The study found that a brain structure called the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) stores learning-induced memories and is triggered by the release of endocannabinoids.
Dr. Kerry Ressler's research bridges the gap between molecular neuroscience and clinical psychiatry to understand PTSD's genetic architecture. Recent breakthroughs have identified over 100 significant genetic loci, representing a major step toward translating scientific discoveries into effective treatments.
Studies using a rodent model found sustained increase in neural activity in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) after exposure to a strongly stressful event. This persistent activity is linked to altered behavior, including restlessness and disturbed sleep patterns. The findings suggest a new therapeutic target for stress-related issues.
A cross-sectional study found that detained immigrants experience high rates of poor health, mental illness, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Longer detention periods are associated with higher health harms, emphasizing the need for improved immigration detention conditions.
Research led by University of Arizona researchers found that PTSD and anxiety are associated with lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker of ovarian reserve, among women firefighters. The study suggests that mental health conditions can have a negative impact on reproductive health.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found no increase in cortisol release after waking, contrary to long-held assumptions. The study's findings suggest that daily cortisol rhythms may play a more significant role in regulating stress responses.
A new study from Uppsala University shows that an app can help parents who are mourning the loss of a child, reducing symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress. The app provides four components: learning about grief, finding support, practical exercises, and a 'grief meter' to track feelings.
A meta-analysis of 61 studies with over 3,400 participants found that Transcendental Meditation (TM) significantly outperforms other meditation techniques in treating PTSD. Results show TM produces large and consistent reductions in PTSD symptoms across various trauma populations.
Researchers Casey Taft and Dawne Vogt are developing trauma-informed programs to help veterans struggling with PTSD, intimate partner violence, and aggression. Their work aims to improve the mental health of veterans returning from service, providing a supportive and evidence-based approach.
A review paper suggests that MDMA-assisted therapy can benefit military personnel with traumatic brain injuries, improving emotional and cognitive challenges. The drug may facilitate social connections, increased self-esteem, and neural plasticity, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services journals feature research on the amygdala, PTSD, and discrimination in their December issues. The studies highlight the interconnections between these topics and explore their implications for diagnosis and treatment.
The FAU Marcus Institute of Integrative Health will broaden its services, enhance educational programs, and expand community wellness initiatives with the new grant. The institute aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of comprehensive integrative health as the optimal approach for achieving overall well-being.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a specific brain circuit responsible for slowing anxious breathing, connecting the frontal cortex to the brainstem. This discovery may offer a scientific explanation for the beneficial effects of practices like yoga and mindfulness on alleviating negative emotions and could lead to the devel...
Researchers at SickKids have discovered that stress changes how our brain encodes and retrieves aversive memories, leading to generalized fearful responses. A promising intervention has been identified to limit this effect and potentially reduce the harm caused by PTSD.
Researchers found that acute stress prevents mice from forming specific memories, instead forming generalized memories encoded by larger numbers of neurons. Stress disrupts engram ensembles in the lateral amygdala, leading to a loss of memory specificity.
A recent study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma found that intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are as effective as inpatient treatment for PTSD patients, with better completion rates and lower drop-out levels. The study compared IOPs to traditional inpatient treatment programs and residential care.
Researchers found that in male worms, a memory of a positive association (sex) can override a negative one (starvation), influencing behavior. This finding has implications for understanding health conditions like PTSD, where conflicting memories impact behavior.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that women veterans who participated in a peer support program experienced improved mental health outcomes, including reduced PTSD and depression. The program also boosted their sense of belonging and quality of life.
A new digital toolkit aims to screen patients for intimate partner violence (IPV) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while providing resources and support for long-lasting recovery. The toolkit prioritizes patient safety and will be beta-tested before being rolled out in a large randomized clinical trial.
A study from Tohoku University reveals that astrocytic manipulation affects the fate of long-term memory, with acidifying astrocytes preventing memories from being remembered and alkalinizing astrocytes preserving them. The findings suggest a parallel process of short-term and long-term memory formation.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a special protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve the condition of PTSD sufferers, reducing typical symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and irritability. The study showed improvements in brain connectivity and clinical symptoms, offering new hope for millions of PTSD suff...
Researchers are analyzing survey and administrative data from over 58,000 military personnel to examine the impact of cumulative psychosocial stress on cardiovascular health. The study aims to identify specific stressors that contribute to heart disease disparities among racial and ethnic groups.
A recent study found that 85% of veterans who used psychedelics reported benefiting from the experience, with many seeking mental health care or returning to VA services. The survey also identified factors that lower the likelihood of negative outcomes, such as being older and using psilocybin.
Research found that mothers' ability to mediate threatening situations and regulate their emotions can significantly reduce the link between maternal PTSD symptoms and child PTSD symptoms. Mothers with high self-regulation skills may be better able to separate their stress response from that of their children, providing them with a sen...
Researchers found that fear memories start as broad associative memories, but become more specific over time. Individuals with high anxiety may struggle with integrating episodic memories, leading to persistent fear linked to cues.
A new 10-question screening tool can identify patients at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety two months after emergency care. The Hospital Mental Health Risk Screen has been shown to correctly predict mental health diagnoses in 79% of patients.
A new study found that cognitive psychological factors, such as how children remember and perceive traumatic events, are the strongest predictors of poor mental health outcomes. The research team developed four predictive models of risk factors for PTSD, Complex PTSD, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
The latest APA journal issues explore schizophrenia spectrum disorders, PTSD treatment, and college mental health. Research highlights include new approaches to psychosis treatment and findings on mental health in higher education.
A study found increased menstrual irregularities in women living in areas affected by the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. Risk factors included post-traumatic stress symptoms, chronic diseases, and smoking.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a specific brain circuit that may protect against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans with traumatic brain injury. The study suggests using neurostimulation therapies on this circuit could treat PTSD, offering a new potential non-invasive treatment option.
Researchers found that emotion enhances ability to retrieve contextual details, contrary to prevailing view that emotion impairs memory. The study's findings have practical implications for controlling and capitalizing on emotions to remember better.
Scientists analyzed millions of tweets to detect early warning signs of PTSD in COVID-19 survivors, achieving an accuracy rate of 83.29%. The study highlights the potential for machine learning techniques to identify individuals at risk of PTSD through social media data.
A new study led by Uppsala University researchers found that a single treatment session playing the video game Tetris can reduce PTSD symptoms. After five weeks and six months, participants showed significant improvements in reducing intrusive memories and alleviating other symptoms.
The Mount Sinai Health System has expanded its psychedelic psychotherapy research center with a new facility in upper Manhattan. The Center will support rigorous clinical trials for well-known compounds like MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine, which have shown potential in alleviating symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other stress...
A recent survey found that Norwegian Afghanistan veterans are struggling with mental health issues, including PTSD and problematic anger. Anger problems among veterans have received little attention internationally, but the study highlights the need for a holistic approach to treating these issues.
A new study finds that women with probable PTSD have almost two-fold odds of early menopause and related health consequences. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 Gulf War female military personnel and found a significant association between PTSD and early menopause.
A new study reveals that Latinx immigrant adults are extorted an average of $804 during their journey to the US southern border. The most common perpetrators were police officers and immigration officials. Experts say extortion should be considered an extreme stressor, which can inform mental health treatment for newly arrived immigrants.
A new study suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin can suppress learned fear responses in individuals with PTSD by altering activity in the amygdala, a key brain region involved in processing fear and anxiety. The findings propose that psychedelic drugs enhance inhibitory signaling from GABAergic interneurons onto excitatory neurons.
A study found that ketamine clinics have inconsistent policies on pregnancy-related safeguards, including inadequate warning systems and contraception prescription. This is concerning given the potential harm of ketamine to developing fetuses.
Research suggests that diagnostic labels for people experiencing mild mental health issues can increase empathy and support, but also undermine perceived agency and expectations of overcoming problems. This study found varying responses depending on the disorder, with some conditions eliciting high empathy and accommodation support.
A cohort study found elevated depression and anxiety levels in unvaccinated people with COVID-19 diagnosis compared to before or without the virus. Vaccination was associated with lower incidence of mental illnesses after hospitalization for COVID-19.
A recent study reviewed current research and methods used to support Australian military veterans' psychological, physical, and social well-being, highlighting the need for holistic and tailored programs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing social, organizational, and environmental factors alongside mental health con...
A cohort study found that PTSD is a modifiable risk factor for a modest reduction in microvascular complications in veterans with comorbid PTSD and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests further research is needed to confirm findings in non-Veterans Health Administration settings.
Researchers found that reactivating therapeutically-altered memories during sleep leads to more brain activity related to memory processing, associated with a reduction in PTSD symptoms. Targeted memory reactivation (TMR) also reduced the inclination to avoid traumatic memories in patients.
A new study reveals that law enforcement officers experience a high prevalence of head injuries and related mental health symptoms, including PTSD and depressive symptoms. The survey found that 74% of officers reported a lifetime history of one or more head injuries.
The latest issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on PTSD, phobias, and psychiatric vulnerabilities. A special issue on eating disorders is also highlighted in the August issue of Psychiatric Services.
A recent study found that individuals with high individual resources and exposure to more greenspace were more likely to experience low or no PTSD symptoms over time. Greenspace was also associated with greater neural reactivity in the amygdala, a region involved in detecting rewarding cues.
A survey of 5,991 participants found presumptive PTSD to be prevalent long after mass violence incidents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive screening efforts. The study suggests that MVIs have persistent impacts on communities, particularly those with prior exposure to trauma.
Researchers found specific gene variants associated with behavioral health outcomes after a stroke. The study suggests that genetic differences may predict stroke recovery trajectory, enabling personalized medicine approaches for individualized treatment.
Physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic were at higher risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Targeted interventions are needed to support physician well-being during traumatic events.