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New study highlights prevalence of PTSD among obstetricians and gynaecologists

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateJan 27, 2020

Chronic opioid treatment may raise risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 3, 2019

Not in Gotham anymore

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.

SourceLehigh University·JournalAJOB Neuroscience·DateAug 27, 2019

New study advances treatment options for PTSD

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that stress increases fear-promoting brain regions while reducing fear-reducing ones. This shift can be mimicked by increasing norepinephrine release, potentially leading to more effective treatments for PTSD.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2019

Parental PTSD affects health behavior and aging among offspring of Holocaust survivors

A new study by Prof. Amit Shrira found that Holocaust survivors with PTSD and their adult offspring exhibit unhealthy behavior patterns, age less successfully, and have more medical conditions than those without PTSD or exposure to the Holocaust. The research highlights the intergenerational transmission of trauma and its impact on aging.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateJan 22, 2019

Scientists identify mechanism that may explain why males are more at risk than females for neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers have identified O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) as a key molecule responsible for the sex-specific patterns of gene expression. High levels of H3K27me3 in the female placenta produce resilience to stress, which may explain why females are less susceptible to neurodevelopmental disorders than males.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2018

Grave consequences

A comprehensive study by the University of Konstanz found that female genital mutilation (FGM) increases the risk of developing mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also revealed changes in the body's reactions to stress, with increased cortisol levels affecting women who had undergone FGM.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 2018

Posttraumatic stress affects academics

A new Penn State research study found that posttraumatic stress symptoms increase risks for academic difficulties in student veterans. Partnered women were particularly affected due to relationship problems impacting their academic functioning.

Progress in posttraumatic stress disorder --Increased understanding points to new approaches for PTSD prevention and treatment

Recent advances in PTSD research focus on brain structure and function, informing efforts to interrupt the processes leading to symptom development. Effective treatments like exposure therapy are based on mechanisms of fear extinction, while new approaches target stress hormones and brain regions involved in emotion dysregulation.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMay 9, 2018

Brain activity linked to stress changes chemical codes

A new study implicates a role for light-induced electrical activity in controlling chemical codes in the brain, potentially leading to chemical imbalances underlying mental illness. The researchers found that manipulating brain electrical activity prevented neurotransmitter switching associated with anxious and depressed behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2018