Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New research identifies key mental health risk factors for children after trauma

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2024

Common brain network detected among veterans with traumatic brain injury could protect against PTSD

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.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2024

Mount Sinai expands Psychedelic Research Center with new facility in upper Manhattan

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...

Researchers identify another common and harmful experience among Latinx immigrants traveling to the US: Extortion

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateSep 5, 2024

People experiencing relatively mild cases of mental ill-health may be perceived differently by others depending on whether or not diagnostic labels are provided

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Veterans transitioning to civilian life deserve better support

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...

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 13, 2024

Impact of neighborhood resources on resilience after trauma

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.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

How politicizing migration harms health

Researchers identify 'migration stigma' as a destructive force linking immigration responses to physical and mental health. This concept pulls together phenomena like politicization of immigration and considers its influence on immigrants' health, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce stigma.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 1, 2024

Confronting trauma alleviates chronic pain among older veterans

A study led by UCLA Health found that emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) significantly reduces chronic pain among older adults compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. EAET helps patients confront and release traumatic emotions, leading to a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

Wayne State University awarded $1.3 million from Department of Defense to fine-tune augmented reality exposure therapy for PTSD

A Wayne State University team, led by Dr. Arash Javanbakht, will study augmented reality-enhanced exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The technology aims to provide immersive real-life environments for patients to practice comfort and interaction with diverse characters.

Researchers unveil shared and unique brain molecular dysregulations in PTSD and depression

A comprehensive study by McLean Hospital researchers reveals both shared and unique molecular changes across brain regions, genomic layers, cell types, and blood in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings provide potential avenues for novel therapeutics and biomarkers.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Study shows heightened sensitivity to PTSD in autism

A recent study has revealed that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to an overactivation of the prefrontal cortex. The researchers found that core autism traits worsen when traumatic memories are formed, highlighting a potential predisposition to PTSD in ASD.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024

Study finds increased anxiety and PTSD among people who remained in Ukraine

A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that individuals remaining in Ukraine during the ongoing war are more likely to experience anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than refugees. Exposure to blasts and loss of community, housing, and economic resources contribute to these mental health issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2024

AI model has potential to detect risk of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder

Researchers developed an AI model to analyze short narrative statements from postpartum patients, identifying a large proportion likely to have childbirth-related PTSD. The model's accuracy was demonstrated through analysis of narratives from patients who tested high for symptoms on a questionnaire.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

Mass General study identifies an AI model that can accurately assess PTSD in postpartum women

A new AI model can accurately screen for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in postpartum women, offering a potential solution for early intervention and preventing progression of the disorder. The study collected narrative accounts from 1,295 women and showed the model's superiority in identifying PTSD cases.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024

Las Vegas mass shooting survivors continue to struggle with major depression, PTSD

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that nearly half of Las Vegas concertgoers who survived the 2017 mass shooting experienced major depressive episodes within the past year. The study also found that over 63% of survivors reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the same time period.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2024

Dogs trained to detect trauma stress by smelling humans’ breath

Researchers teach two dogs to recognize the scent of trauma reactions on human breath, achieving 90% accuracy in discriminating between stressed and non-stressed samples. The study suggests that dogs may be able to detect stress VOCs linked to PTSD symptoms, potentially allowing them to interrupt episodes at an earlier stage.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Allergy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Despite dwindling resources, many older adult Israelis exhibited impressive resilience during the initial period of the Israel-Hamas war, Bar-Ilan University study finds

A Bar-Ilan University study found that older adult Israelis showed remarkable resilience during the conflict, with lower rates of acute stress and PTSD symptoms compared to younger adults. The study suggests that life experience, emotional regulation capabilities, and coping mechanisms played a significant role in this resilience.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateMar 27, 2024