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Most studied Vietnam Era veterans spontaneously describe traumatic experiences in the telling of their life stories

A study of 231 Vietnam Era veterans reveals that 71% describe at least one traumatic event, including combat exposure, adverse childhood experiences, and navigating a life-threatening illness. The findings underscore the importance of clinician-patient relationships and trauma-informed care in older adult healthcare.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 7, 2022

New therapy significantly reduces headache disability, post-traumatic stress following brain injury, study finds

A new therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Headache (CBTH) significantly reduced related disability in veterans following a traumatic brain injury. It also showed comparable reductions in co-occurring symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with low drop-out rates and ease of use for therapists.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2022

UCI research finds parents’ unpredictable behavior may impair optimal brain circuit formation

Researchers found that unpredictable parental behaviors disrupt optimal brain circuit formation in children, leading to increased vulnerability to mental illness and substance abuse. Studies using mice and human infants suggest that predictable signals and environments are crucial for healthy brain development.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022

The war in Ukraine impacts patients with mental disorders

A new study from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital – Psychiatry has found that Danish patients with mental disorders experienced a worsening of symptoms in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. The study analyzed over 500,000 clinical notes from psychiatric hospitals in Denmark and identified a sharp increase in clini...

SourceAarhus University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 17, 2022

Almost 90% of autistic women report experiencing sexual violence, often on multiple occasions

A new study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience reveals that nine out of ten autistic women in France have suffered sexual violence, with most victims being assaulted multiple times at a young age. The findings highlight the need for improved prevention and care programs to address this vulnerable population.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2022

Where the mind is without fear: Scientists discover mechanism behind the chemically induced suppression of fearful memories

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

The hidden cost of firearm injuries

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Firefighters with PTSD likely to have relationship problems

A new study from the University of Houston finds that firefighters with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to have relationship problems. The research, led by Donald A. Godfrey, discovered a link between PTSD symptom severity and difficulty regulating emotions in intimate relationships.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Aggression Maltreatment & Trauma·DateApr 4, 2022

For the first time: researchers identified brain wounds in IDF veterans with PTSD and relieved their symptoms using hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2022

Study shows high prevalence of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after COVID-19

A study tracking 425 patients post-COVID-19 found high prevalence of cognitive deficits, psychiatric impairments, and significant memory decline. Researchers observed no correlation between the severity of the disease or socio-economic factors with psychiatric alterations, suggesting a possible link to delayed inflammatory processes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateFeb 15, 2022

Trauma centers expand care to treat patients beyond physical injury

Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 14, 2022

Mental health is an issue for people with spinal cord injury. Chronic pain makes it worse

Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalSpinal Cord·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Where mental health help is scarce, telehealth makes a big difference

A randomized study of over 1,000 people with PTSD and/or bipolar disorder shows that telehealth and integrated care models can improve treatment engagement and outcomes. Patients who received guidance from local clinic team members and in-person follow-up with nurses or social workers had better results.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2022

Poor sleep and stress exacerbate each other among nurses who work night shift, OSU study finds

A recent study by Oregon State University found that night shift nurses are more likely to suffer from poor sleep, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and inflammation. The researchers also discovered a significant disparity in sleep quality among Black nurses, highlighting the impact of systemic racism on their health.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022

New research reveals COVID-19 traumatic stress may predict PTSD, particularly for people with a history of trauma

A new study by Georgia State University reveals that COVID-19 traumatic stress may predict post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, especially in individuals with a history of past trauma. The findings showed a positive association between COVID-19 traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms across racial groups, except for Asian Americans.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 25, 2022

Prevention of mental health problems among schoolchildren could avoid grade repetition and dropout

A study found that preventing mental health problems among schoolchildren, particularly externalizing disorders, could have prevented grade repetition and dropout. The study involved 2,511 families with children aged 6-14 and showed that girls with externalizing disorders were more likely to be held back a grade.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·DateJan 20, 2022

Prolonged exposure or cognitive processing therapy?

A landmark VA study found that prolonged exposure was statistically more effective than cognitive processing therapy in easing PTSD symptoms, with most Veterans showing meaningful improvement from both treatments. The researchers recommended shared decision-making between clinicians and patients to select their preferred treatment.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 19, 2022

Virtually guided exposure therapy improves outcomes in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, preliminary study finds

A pilot study found that virtually guided prolonged exposure therapy reduced PTSD symptoms more effectively than traditional exposure alone, using real-time psychophysiology to tailor stress levels. Most patients saw a clinically significant reduction in their PTSD Checklist score after 10-12 sessions.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Mental health of Italian health care workers during COVID-19

A study of 2,800 Italian healthcare workers found a significant decrease in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 14 months after the COVID-19 pandemic began. The study suggests that healthcare workers have begun to recover from the emotional toll of working during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 24, 2021

Does previous SARS experience help healthcare workers cope with COVID-19?

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that over half of surveyed healthcare workers reported PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of previous SARS experience. Healthcare workers with prior SARS experience showed lower scores of PTSD and depression, but this effect disappeared after correcting for other factors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateNov 10, 2021

Brain connectivity is lower in adults with PTSD or a history of sexual abuse

A study found that adults with a history of childhood maltreatment, particularly sexual abuse, exhibit reduced brain connectivity in attention systems. Oxytocin treatment has been shown to increase connectivity, suggesting its potential as a treatment for PTSD and childhood trauma-related disorders.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPsychiatry Research Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Veterans with PTSD may benefit from manualized Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT)--The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry-Embargoed to 1:00 PM EDT(US) Tues., Aug 31, 2021

A recent study found that manualized Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT-PTSD) is safe, feasible, and clinically viable for treating veterans with PTSD. The therapy resulted in marked reductions in both clinician-rated and self-reported symptoms of PTSD and depression.

SourceMan O’War Project·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 31, 2021

Altered Functional Brain Network Connectivity Associated with Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress in COVID-19 Survivors, Study Shows

A recent study found COVID-19 survivors exhibit abnormal patterns of brain connectivity associated with increased post-traumatic stress symptoms. The research team discovered three distinct states of functional connectivity in the brains of COVID-19 survivors, which are linked to symptom severity.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNeurobiology of Stress·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2021

Survivors of trauma struggle to move on from the loss of loved ones

A study found that trauma survivors who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were more likely to experience complicated grief, a type of prolonged and intense sorrow. Researchers suggest that treating PTSD symptoms early may help prevent persistent grief in the long term.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2021