Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.
Researchers discovered that sleep spindles can alleviate anxiety in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contradicting recent findings. The study found that spindle rate frequency was higher during a stressful visit than a control visit, suggesting non-invasive ways to harness the benefits of this sleep stage for symptom ...
Researchers found that psilocybin facilitates fear extinction in mice by promoting hippocampal neuroplasticity. The study's results improve our understanding of the restorative effects of psilocybin on the brain and may lead to alternative treatments for PTSD.
A Brazilian study found that pediatric ICU workers experienced high levels of burnout, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite high job satisfaction, organizational support can help mitigate psychological distress.
A study found that young adults who experienced gunshot, stab, or assault wounds as children have significantly higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population. Ten respondents screened positive for probable PTSD, and nearly 17% reported persistent symptoms related to their injury.
A randomized trial found tailored education and peer support significantly reduced binge-drinking among Army National Guard members over the course of a year. Participants who received online education sessions and supportive phone calls from veteran peers showed substantial declines in binge-drinking days and scores on risk assessments.
A comprehensive study found that individuals who maintained their drinking habits during the pandemic had lower prevalence of mental health issues compared to those who abstained or experienced changes. The research also identified groups with stronger associations between alcohol consumption and mental health outcomes.
A new study found that specific biomarkers in blood can predict PTSD likelihood, diagnose disorder, or monitor treatment response. Researchers discovered four biomarkers with significant differences between those with PTSD or sub-threshold PTSD and those with high resilience.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) is pleased to announce the availability of Discover BMB 2023 press materials. The meeting features groundbreaking research on various topics, including a new form of omega-3 that may prevent visual decline with Alzheimer's disease and markers of PTSD in the blood. Addi...
A new review reveals that environments beyond greenspaces and bluespaces, such as caves, deserts, and glaciers, have potential health benefits. Short-term exposure to solid-state water landscapes showed little evidence of benefits, while longer-term exposure led to improved emotional states, medical treatments for allergies, and physic...
A new study found that social workers experienced high rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety during the pandemic, with 40% reporting depression - a rate 4 times higher than the general population. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and strong mental health supports for staff to sustain the profession.
A meta-analysis by researchers at the University of Münster confirms that trauma-focused therapy is highly effective for treating PTSD in children and adolescents. The study found that this form of therapy can change patients' thought patterns and behaviors, enabling them to confront their trauma under therapist supervision.
A new Australian study found that assistance dogs used in conjunction with traditional therapies provide the most effective treatment outcomes for defence veterans' mental health. Almost 90% of veterans reported improvements in post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety after being matched with an assistance dog.
A new study by Virginia Tech neuroscientist Sujith Vijayan sheds light on the mechanisms behind PTSD patients' inability to process and extinguish fear memories during REM sleep. The researchers found that high neurotransmitter levels and altered brain rhythms disrupt the normal fear-quelling work of brain rhythms.
A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.
A Tufts-led team discovered a brain region marker that indicates vulnerability to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study found heightened amygdala activation in response to neutral facial expressions, suggesting an acquired characteristic of PTSD. This finding may inform early intervention strategies for individual...
Scientists found that chronic stress increases the activity of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, leading to behaviors such as anhedonia and depression. Inhibiting POMC neuron activity reduced these behavioral changes. The study suggests that POMC neurons play a key role in increasing susceptibility to stress-related behavioral problems.
A study of 1,463 combat-deployed soldiers found significant associations between bullying/hazing and major depressive disorder, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and substance use disorder. The findings highlight the need for efforts to prevent and address mental health problems among service members.
A study found that nearly one in three public health workers experienced nonphysical workplace violence, including threats and bullying, leading to increased risks of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. The more severe the violence, the greater the impact on mental health.
Researchers found that wildfire exposure led to difficulty in sensory interference processing and increased frontal cortex activity, similar to PTSD symptoms. Cognitive deficits persisted 6-12 months post-wildfire, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address climate trauma.
A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that even frontline healthcare workers without a formal PTSD diagnosis experience critical health symptoms. Subthreshold PTSD symptoms, not severe enough for a clinical diagnosis, were reported by over half of the surveyed healthcare workers.
A team of researchers used imaging technology to study synapse dynamics in the brains of live mice, revealing that some new synapses formed during fear conditioning are eliminated over time. This finding supports the 'unlearning' hypothesis and could help scientists better understand brain activity in patients with PTSD.
A new study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio shows that treatment for combat-related PTSD can be both fast and effective, with clinically significant reductions in symptoms in over 60% of patients. Long-term remission was observed in more than 50% after three weeks of outpatient therapy.
Researchers found that remote fear memories are permanently stored in connections between memory neurons in the prefrontal cortex. The study suggests that a dysregulation of fear memory consolidation can lead to chronic maladaptive fear in PTSD, affecting about 6% of the population.
A large-scale study of mothers reveals those who experienced greatest pandemic-related change are more susceptible to traumatic stress symptoms. Mothers with higher incomes and education were found to be in the high-change group, while those with lower socioeconomic status reported fewer disruptions.
Researchers found that women experiencing prolonged mental health issues after childbirth had genetic evidence of higher immune system defense mechanism activation. The study also identified reduced antiviral immune response genes, which may offer protection from pathogens.
A new study reveals that children who survive firearm injuries are more likely to develop mental health diagnoses, particularly stress-related conditions and substance misuse issues. The research found that 35% of firearm-injured kids received a new mental health diagnosis in the year after the incident.
A Scripps Research team has identified a class of drugs that may break the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The findings show that these compounds, which target brain pathways shared by both disorders, can reduce alcohol preference and other behaviors associated with PTSD.
A multi-campus research team has created a novel device that can non-invasively measure cervical nerve activity in humans, with potential applications for personalized treatments of sepsis and mental health conditions like PTSD. The device features a flexible array of electrodes that capture electrical activity across different nerves.
Adolescents in war-torn regions experienced high war trauma and daily stress, with 60% witnessing armed attacks. The study found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression compared to those living outside the conflict zone.
New research presents neurotechnology as a powerful tool for studying the brain and enabling targeted therapies for neurological disorders. Devices like nerve stimulators and brain implants can monitor or modulate neural activity, offering potential treatments for conditions such as paralysis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that chronic social defeat stress (cSDS) induced mice showed higher intestinal transit ratio and visceral pain-related behaviors, similar to IBS. The study suggests that prolonged psychological stress can cause IBS-like symptoms in mice without intestinal lesions.
A study by Ural Federal University found that daytime naps and wakefulness both reinforce the formation of fear memories in response to emotional trauma. This research has significant implications for developing strategies for rehabilitating individuals with anxiety disorders.
Researchers developed NETfacts to address severe trauma in communities, combining individual treatment with collective process. The results show that both NET and NETfacts significantly reduced posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, as well as stigma and violence.
A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.
A study finds that functional seizures, a type of non-epileptic seizure, are associated with structural changes in the brain, including thinning in the superior temporal cortex and thickness in the left occipital cortex. These differences can be detected using MRI scans.
A new stem cell study provides insight into how neurons from individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) respond to stress hormones. The research found that these cells are hypersensitive to the stress hormone hydrocortisone, which could help explain why some people develop PTSD after trauma exposure.
A UK study has found that officers with strong support networks and a sense of meaningful work have lower rates of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), highlighting the need for improvements in police working lives.
Researchers found that personal experiences with COVID-19, such as contracting the virus or losing loved ones, were strong predictors of mental health symptoms. Exposure to pandemic-related media also played a significant role in psychological distress. The study suggests targeted interventions to prevent loss of life and curbing the s...
A new study found that dogs can differentiate between breath and sweat samples from people before and after a stress-inducing task with an accuracy of 93.75%. The researchers believe that dogs are able to detect changes in volatile organic compounds produced by humans in response to stress.
A new study found that medical cannabis users reported significant improvements in pain management, social functioning, and overall health. The majority of participants were able to stop or reduce their opioid use, with some experiencing a five-fold decrease in hydrocodone prescriptions.
A new study finds that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and externalizing psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders, are associated with a higher risk of premature death. The researchers discovered that a cellular marker called GrimAge, measured through DNA methylation patterns, is linked to adverse clinical outcomes ...
Researchers warn that pharmaceutical companies' pursuit of psychedelic treatments threatens Indigenous and counterculture traditions. Magic mushrooms have spiritual significance for many people, but corporations seeking patents and monopolies on these medicines are being criticized for their approach.
A study of 1,970 Flint residents found over one-fifth met criteria for depression and nearly one-quarter for posttraumatic stress disorder five years after the water crisis. Only 34.8% received mental health services, but most who did utilize them.
Researchers at Linköping University discovered a biological mechanism that increases the strength of fear memories stored in the brain. This finding provides new knowledge on the mechanisms behind anxiety-related disorders and identifies shared mechanisms with alcohol dependence.
Researchers found that stressed mice exhibited decreased neuron excitability in the dorsal hippocampus, which may drive social avoidance, while resilient mice showed increased excitability. This difference was linked to changes in stress hormone receptors and HCN1 protein expression.
Researchers used data from over 400,000 individuals to model genetic and environmental factors influencing common neuropsychiatric disorders. Gene-environment interactions accounted for a significant proportion of variability in some disorders, while others showed more substantial contributions.
A meta-analysis of 64 longitudinal studies found that mental health problems remained elevated globally during the pandemic, with North Americans suffering from increased anxiety and depression. In contrast, Latin America and Europe experienced higher rates of insomnia.
A study found that 47% of parents meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, compared to 12% of children with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The trauma triggered by a child's heart problems can affect the entire family.
Researchers found that certain hepatitis C medications, such as glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, improved PTSD symptoms in a national cohort of VA patients. The study suggests these medications could fill the gap in FDA-approved treatments for PTSD, offering new hope for US adults affected by this condition.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a molecule called CGRP that enables neurons to bundle threatening sensory cues into a unified signal, conveying it to the amygdala. The study may lead to new therapies for fear-related disorders such as PTSD and autism.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that American military veterans are less willing to seek treatment for sleep and alcohol use problems compared to physical health issues. Discrimination experiences also play a significant role in reducing treatment-seeking among veterans of color.
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found a unique oral microbiotic signature in the saliva of veteran soldiers with PTSD, which may help diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder objectively. The study also showed that people with PTSD exhibit the same picture of bacteria in their saliva as those who have experienced combat stres...
New research reveals that only 1 in 5 Syrian children living in refugee camps exhibit resilience to mental health problems. The study found that factors such as the child's environment, caregiver interactions, and access to resources significantly impact their ability to recover from war trauma.
A new analysis of service dog-veteran pairs found that lower dog excitability and closer relationships between veterans and their dogs are associated with reduced PTSD symptoms. Better mental health outcomes were also linked to perceptions of easy care for the dog and more frequent interactions initiated by the veteran.
A study found that individuals with less hippocampus engagement are more likely to develop severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Those who exhibit greater defensive reactions to potentially threatening events also showed increased PTSD risk.
Research suggests that individuals with PTSD exhibit decreased activity in the hippocampus, leading to impaired threat reactivity and memory formation. This study reveals a significant interaction between hippocampal activity and physiological arousal in predicting PTSD symptoms.
Salk researchers identify neurotensin as a key molecule in the brain's valence assignment process, which associates good or bad feelings with memories. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of why some people retain more negative emotions than positive ones, and may pave the way for new therapeutic targets.
A new study found that volunteer healthcare workers who served in field hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced high levels of secondary traumatic stress, but those with higher compassion satisfaction showed milder symptoms. The researchers also found that avoidant emotional coping tactics significantly increased burnout and...