Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A large long-term study found that women with PTSD and depression have an almost fourfold greater risk of early death from various causes than women without trauma exposure or depression. The study suggests that other factors, such as stress hormones, may account for the higher risk.
A new University of Michigan study finds that over half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who misuse alcohol or tobacco also have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder. Women are particularly affected, with higher rates of anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD compared to heterosexual women.
A UMass Lowell researcher is working with the US Department of Justice to develop a workplace training program that aims to reduce trauma and stress among corrections employees. The goal is to improve their overall health outcomes, which are often poor due to chronic stress, obesity, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2020 found that women veterans with PTSD have a 44% higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease compared to those without PTSD. The increased risk was most prominent in younger women, especially those under 40 years old.
Researchers found that PTSD and a variant in the klotho gene interact to cause premature aging in brain tissue, accelerating epigenetic aging. This interaction may lead to increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Scientists identified changes in the brain that drive alcohol abuse among people with PTSD, highlighting sex-specific differences that could lead to targeted treatments. Researchers found that males and females exhibit different symptoms and brain features of PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
A new study reveals that sleep deprivation significantly impairs the ability to suppress unwanted and unpleasant thoughts. Participants who were sleep-deprived showed a nearly 50% increase in unwanted thoughts compared to those who had a good night's sleep.
A new study from Imperial College London found that one in 12 partners experience post-traumatic stress after miscarriage, with symptoms persisting for up to nine months. The research highlights the need for improved psychological support for both women and their partners following pregnancy loss.
Researchers will examine associations between traumatic stress-related accelerated cellular aging and subsequent brain health among veterans. The study aims to contribute to new targeted interventions to slow the pace of cellular aging and improve overall health.
A study analyzing nearly a thousand individuals' nightmares during the COVID-19 pandemic found that more than half featured pandemic-related themes. The study used AI-based analysis to identify recurring word associations in dreams, revealing 'dream clusters' that echoed the apocalyptic atmosphere of the pandemic.
Researchers found that individuals with reduced biological arousal before the onset of COVID-19 exhibited more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder compared to those with higher responses. The study suggests that lower heart rate reactions may be a unique biomarker for mental health outcomes.
Researchers report that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as chronic pain. Studies highlight the importance of addressing dysfunctional coping mechanisms and supporting patients' social connections to improve outcomes.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that brain activity in the inferior frontal lobe is associated with the severity of self-reported angina and frequency of chest pain among people with coronary artery disease. The researchers also discovered that stress-related factors, including depressive symptoms and PTSD, we...
A study of 380 female sex workers found that more than half reported symptoms of PTSD after experiencing or witnessing an overdose. The findings suggest that overdose treatment programs should include a strong mental health component to help survivors and witnesses recover from trauma.
A study by Purdue University reveals that the primary role of PTSD service dogs is to disrupt episodes of anxiety, with trained tasks being used an average of 3.16 times per day. The dogs' trained behaviors, such as nudging or licking veterans to focus, were also reported to be highly important.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have demonstrated that behavior therapy exposing people to memories of their trauma does not cause relapses of opioid or other drug use. Following the first therapy session, PTSD severity and emotional problems decrease significantly.
Research by Welsh academics finds that patients with PTSD exhibit exaggerated pupil reactions to both threatening and positive images, suggesting a hyper-response to any arousing stimulus. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapy approaches using positive images.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center can predict PTSD risk in trauma survivors with high precision. The tool uses routinely collected medical data and has been tested on 377 adult trauma survivors, with 90% of those categorized as PTSD risks developing long-lasting symptoms within a year.
A study of 2218 UK teens found that cyberbullying was linked to PTSD symptoms in both victims and perpetrators. Researchers suggest that asking about cyberbullying should become a part of children's mental health assessments.
Healthcare workers experienced high levels of acute stress, anxiety, and depression due to prolonged patient contact. Nurses were particularly affected by the environment's psychological toll, with many exhibiting symptoms of insomnia and loneliness.
Research led by Brown University researchers suggests that past stressors sensitize people to future traumas, increasing their chances of developing a mental health disorder. The study found that individuals with multiple pre-disaster stressors were at a greater risk of developing post-disaster mental health disorders.
A new Health Affairs blog post proposes a three-part strategy to address the impact of sustained psychological and moral distress on healthcare workers. The plan includes prevention measures, building behavioral health treatment capacity, and managing long-term effects, in an effort to prioritize both physical and mental health.
Around 1 in 4 police officers may drink at hazardous levels, while 1 in 7 meet PTSD or depression criteria. Effective treatment and monitoring programs are needed to address these issues.
Research reveals that traumatic stress can strengthen amygdala pathways involved in emotion and social behaviors, leading to increased aggression. Deep brain stimulation may be a potential target for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related aggression.
Long quarantine periods can lead to anxiety crisis, fear of contagion, and post-traumatic stress disorder in children. Experts advise speaking calmly, structuring their day, and dividing time into patterns and rhythms to help manage traumatic events.
A recent analysis of published studies found PTSD is a global issue affecting nurses, with varying prevalence rates. Workplace factors such as exposure and organization support, as well as relationships at work and home, were identified as contributing to PTSD symptoms.
A neural circuit in deep brain areas drives physical responses to emotional stress, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Blocking this circuit may help reduce stress symptoms in rats, suggesting a potential target for treating stress-related disorders like panic disorder and PTSD.
Researchers drew on studies of the 9/11 attacks to develop coping techniques for COVID-19 stress, emphasizing control, coherence, and connectedness. These strategies include acceptance-based coping, mindfulness, and lovingkindness meditation to promote resilience and recovery.
MIT researchers have developed a method to remotely control hormone release from the adrenal gland using magnetic nanoparticles, offering a less invasive alternative to existing treatments. The technique uses heat-sensitive ion channels to stimulate hormone production, potentially treating conditions such as PTSD and chronic pain.
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing widespread emotional distress and increasing the risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Healthcare providers are also at risk due to shortages of personal protective equipment and prolonged work hours.
A study of over 9,500 women veterans found that those with PTSD or moral injury are more likely to experience negative pregnancy outcomes and postpartum depression. The researchers highlight the importance of screening for these conditions in obstetric settings.
A VA study found that PTSD and moral injury are linked to increased risks of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression in pregnant women. Women with more severe symptoms were at higher risk for pregnancy complications.
Researchers investigated the association between stress-related disorders and neurodegenerative diseases in Sweden's national health registers. Stress-related disorders were found to be associated with an increased risk of these diseases.
Research by Yale School of Public Health reveals that over 30% of injury survivors experience moderate-to-severe PTSD symptoms within the first year. The study found factors such as physical assault, interpersonal violence, and lower educational attainment contribute to increased symptom severity.
The study found that prefrontal corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons regulate behavioral style selection during stress. Activating these neurons promotes stress-resistant behaviors, while inhibiting them increases immobility and social avoidance.
A wireless sweat sensor developed by Caltech researcher Wei Gao accurately detects cortisol levels in near real-time, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of stress and mental health conditions. The sensor has been tested on healthy individuals and patients with depression and PTSD, showing promising results.
Two pilot studies reveal changes in brain connectivity related to stress and problem-solving ability, suggesting a biomarker for stress-induced cognitive impairment. The findings, published in Brain Imaging and Behavior and NeuroImage, could ultimately inform treatment strategies for patients suffering from stress-related illnesses.
A study found that UK military personnel drink to cope with anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, increasing the risk of alcohol misuse. Personnel who drink alone or at home are more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol misuse and binge drinking.
Research highlights negative health effects of climate change on children's health outcomes, including increased mortality, morbidity, and psychological trauma. The crisis can begin while a child is still in utero, due to maternal stress, poor nutrition, and exposure to air pollution.
A new University of Liverpool-led study found that two-thirds of obstetricians and gynaecologists experience traumatic work-related events, leading to clinically significant PTSD symptoms in 18% of consultants and trainees. The culture in obstetrics and gynaecology is identified as a barrier to trauma support.
Research by University of Houston psychology professor Anka Vujanovic reveals that distress tolerance amplifies associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and alcohol use severity. PTSD symptom severity is also associated with heavy drinking, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new UCLA-led study suggests chronic opioid treatment may raise the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals who are likely to experience severe emotional stress. Researchers found that mice given morphine before and after a traumatic event showed enhanced fear learning, indicating increased PTSD susceptibility.
A recent study found that Vietnam-era women veterans continue to struggle with stress-related mental health conditions, including PTSD, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Exposure to sexual discrimination and harassment while deployed was a significant risk factor for poor health outcomes and increased disability.
A Baylor University study found that strong same-sex friendships among male firefighters can help reduce job stress, but loving relationships with their wives may increase anxiety. The 'marriage effect' was a surprise, as married men have better health and lower mortality risk compared to single or divorced men.
A nationwide cohort study of 1.2 million people found that refugees and migrants who stay in their host country for longer are more likely to adopt local alcohol and drug behaviors and access healthcare. The study suggests that acculturative processes may lead to an increased risk of substance use disorders over time.
A large Swedish study found stress-related disorders associated with a higher risk of life-threatening infections like meningitis and sepsis. Younger age at diagnosis and co-occurring psychiatric conditions further increased the risk, while SSRI antidepressant use appeared protective.
A new study found that women who experienced PTSD symptoms were at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly those with high-grade serous histotype. Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study II and found a significant association between PTSD and increased ovarian cancer risk.
Researchers discovered a receptor on brain cells that promotes resilience to stress and may be a useful biomarker for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) protein was found to be associated with reduced symptoms of PTSD in human patients.
A comic book by Ann E. Fink examines the bioethics of treating a torturer's PTSD, highlighting the importance of considering social dimensions of traumatic stress. The comic raises critical questions about the responsibilities of clinicians and researchers, as well as individual rights and collective social responsibilities.
A study by Florida Atlantic University demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of animal-assisted interventions in reducing stress among military patients undergoing aeromedical evacuation. The results show significant decreases in cortisol levels and improvements in immunoglobulin A levels.
Researchers identify glial cells as critical players in brain's response to social stress. The study found that oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing cells, play a key role in determining individual resilience or susceptibility to stressful events.
A new study found that surviving the Holocaust has a lifelong negative impact on brain structure, affecting stress response, memory, and behavior. Researchers also discovered reduced connectivity in offspring and grandchildren, suggesting a potential genetic component.
Researchers identified a key molecule, mir-135b-5p, found elevated in the brain's emotional memory processor that drives PTSD symptoms. Suppressing this molecule enables faster recovery from trauma, and it may also serve as a novel biomarker for treatment.
Researchers have identified an anti-inflammatory fat in a soil-dwelling bacterium that may be responsible for quelling stress-related disorders. The discovery brings the researchers one step closer to developing a microbe-based 'stress vaccine'.
A recent study published in Psychopharmacology found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly improved PTSD symptoms, with 54% of participants no longer meeting criteria after two sessions. The therapy was compared to small doses or non-drug psychotherapy and showed promising results.
A new form of psychotherapy developed for teens and young adults has been shown to effectively reduce psychological stress. The treatment, which consists of 30-26 sessions over four to five months, demonstrated improved symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders.
A University of Houston study finds that one-fifth of female firefighters experience post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and are at higher risk of contemplating suicide than their male colleagues. Women with PTSD symptoms were more likely to be in their mid-career years, suggesting a need for targeted intervention strategies.
Researchers will investigate stress chemicals and circuits in the brain to understand persistent changes in sleep and circadian rhythms. The study aims to develop new brain targets for medication development and improve diagnosis accuracy.
Researchers found that children with an immigrant father were two times more likely to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those with two Finnish parents. The study highlights the importance of schools and clinicians becoming aware of intergenerational trauma transmission.
A new study suggests that prenatal stress may be involved in shaping psychiatric resilience, with high-violence communities showing less frequent depression and PTSD symptoms. Prenatal stress interacts with postnatal stress to influence resilience.