Articles tagged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A pilot study found that noninvasive brainwave mirroring technology significantly reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress in military personnel. The treatment, HIRREM, improved insomnia, depressive mood, and anxiety symptoms, with durable effects through six months after use.
A study on 757 children and adolescents who experienced the 2013 Ya'an earthquake in China identified three classes of symptoms: resilient, thriving, and struggling. Those transitioning from thriving to struggling were more likely to be girls with higher levels of loss and injury.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $1.7 million grants to 17 scientists conducting innovative projects in neurobiological and behavioral research. The grants support studies on depression, PTSD, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and psychosis, using new methodologies and approaches.
A new study led by Intermountain Medical Center suggests that cortisol levels in family members of adult ICU patients can predict long-term anxiety. Researchers found that 32% of family members experienced anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms three months after hospital discharge.
Researchers studied brain activity of patients with PTSD using EEG tests and found enhanced responses to deviant tones, correlating with poorer cognitive performance on memory tests. This study may lead to the development of a new neurobiological marker for PTSD diagnosis and assessment of treatment outcomes.
New research reveals stress's negative effects on brain function, including gene expression alterations, anxiety responses, and mental illness symptoms. Potential paths for relief include astrocyte signaling control, microbiome regulation, and newborn neuron development.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry provides direct human evidence for a decades-old theory linking heightened arousal and reactivity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to overactivity of the locus coeruleus (LC), a brain region that mediates arousal and reactivity. The study found that participants with PTSD exhibited increased ...
Stellenbosch University researchers found individuals with PTSD had lower levels of specific bacteria, which may contribute to immune dysregulation and inflammation. The study suggests that gut microbiome changes could be an early response to childhood trauma, increasing the risk of developing PTSD later in life.
A study by Itamar Lerner and colleagues found that higher quality sleep patterns are associated with reduced activity in brain regions involved in fear learning. The researchers suggest that baseline sleep quality may be a useful predictor of susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A study published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI found that virtual interviewers combined anonymity with social rapport to help troops open up about mental health. Virtual interviews revealed significantly more PTSD symptoms compared to surveys, suggesting a new approach to diagnose and treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers will investigate how individual differences in stress response affect escalation of alcohol drinking after traumatic stress, with potential treatments for vulnerable populations. The study aims to identify neurobiological targets for treating alcohol abuse in PTSD patients.
A study of 11 addiction treatment professionals reflects the increase in prescription drug addictions and staff-related challenges following Hurricane Katrina. The disaster led to the creation of emergency preparedness plans, but participants expressed frustration with federal help conditions.
A University of Missouri study found that horses working in therapeutic riding programs exhibit low physiological and behavioral stress responses. The study suggests that these programs can provide a new lease on life for retired or unwanted horses.
A pilot study found changes in blood-based miRNAs associated with gene regulation in veterans affected with combat-related PTSD. The research suggests that these molecules could serve as candidate biomarkers for screening and understanding trauma-related psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University are investigating the role of oxytocin in stress-induced psychiatric disorders, aiming to identify new targets for pharmacotherapy. The study has the potential to shed light on commonalities and differences in fear and anxiety circuitry between males and females.
Researchers found that stress levels and time since an adverse event can lead to the misidentification of harmless cues as threats, exacerbating anxiety disorders. The study provides new insights into how the human mind generalizes fear and could inform better treatments for PTSD.
Researchers at the University Medical Center Goettingen identified a molecular link between PTSD and Alzheimer's disease, specifically Formin 2. Formin 2 mutant mice show PTSD phenotypes at an early age and develop age-related memory decline.
A new therapy called 3MDR is being investigated for its effectiveness in treating British military veterans with treatment-resistant and combat-related PTSD. Researchers aim to help patients approach their traumatic memories through walking on a treadmill while interacting with self-selected images.
Research reveals a key physical difference in the brains of military-trained individuals with PTSD, specifically a larger right amygdala volume. This finding has potential implications for diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.
Researchers found that engaging in risky behavior can lead to worse PTSD symptoms, prolonging stressful experiences and increasing the likelihood of new traumatic events. The study suggests that treatment providers should assess reckless behavior to prevent worsening PTSD symptoms.
A new study of 1007 adult Israelis found that being female, having lower socio-economic status, and elevated PTSD symptoms are related to ISIS anxiety. Exposure to ISIS in the media and low resilience also linked to increased anxiety levels.
A German multisite study investigated the role of post-traumatic stress in cancer-related cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that psychological factors may contribute more importantly to cancer-related cognitive impairment than neurotoxic effects of treatment.
Researchers found that orange essential oil reduced fear responses and diminished immune system markers of stress in mice, suggesting a potential nonpharmaceutical option for PTSD. The study's findings hint at a possible mechanism for the effects of essential oils on brain gene expression.
A closed-loop acoustic stimulation brainwave technology significantly reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a small pilot study. The intervention, high-resolution relational resonance-based electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM), showed a 89% decrease in symptoms and improved balance in brain pattern activity.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that individuals with post-traumatic stress symptoms experienced significant clinical improvements after using HIRREM, a computer-based closed-loop neurotechnology. The technology uses real-time brain activity monitoring and algorithmic analysis to produce personalized acoustic stimulation, res...
A new study found that military veterans with related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to experience post-traumatic growth, including increased appreciation of life and enhanced inner strength. Researchers discovered four groups with varying levels of post-traumatic growth, which shared common characteristics.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers identified that younger age, female gender, higher severity of illness, fewer days of corticosteroid treatments, and treatment with GM-CSF were associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms. The study found that more days of corticosteroid treatments seemed to be protective from anxiety, ...
Researchers found that traumatic brain injuries disrupt the stress axis differently in female and male mice, leading to increased anxiety and depression in women. The study provides a missing link between mild blast injuries and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A Vanderbilt study found that increasing the supply of a natural chemical called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the brain promotes resilience to acute stress exposure. The study suggests that boosting this signaling system could represent a new treatment approach for mood and anxiety disorders, including PTSD.
A study on patients with Cushing's Syndrome found that cortisol excess was associated with reduced DNA methylation, leading to persistent psychiatric problems. The researchers hope that targeting DNA methylation may lead to new treatment possibilities for stress-related conditions.
A new Michigan State University study found that refugees diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an overactive gene associated with mental health that disrupts their stress defense system. This causes the body to overreact to stress, leading to increased symptoms of PTSD.
Researchers found that soldiers who exhibited less change in both testosterone and cortisol levels in response to stress were more likely to later show PTSD symptoms. The study suggests future research could investigate preventative interventions targeting those with at-risk hormone profiles.
Researchers found that dietary prebiotics improved non-REM sleep and REM sleep after stressful events in male rats. The prebiotic diet also maintained a healthy gut microbiota and normal body temperature fluctuations even after stress exposure.
Research found that patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric disorders have an increased risk of stroke, especially in the immediate post-diagnosis period. The study's lead researcher suggests that psychological distress may contribute to increased blood pressure and inflammation, leading to a higher stroke risk.
A study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that teens with PTSD symptoms misidentify sad faces as fearful. Teens with conduct disorder tend to interpret sad faces as angry.
TSRI researchers found that overactive CRF signaling in the amygdala produces a range of effects that override anandamide's stress-reducing capabilities, turning chronic stress into unchecked anxiety. Inhibiting FAAH could blunt CRF's effects and reduce signs of anxiety.
A novel mechanism has been identified for how stress-induced anxiety affects the brain's hippocampus, leading to increased anxiety behavior. The study found that stress impairs the release of an anti-anxiety neuropeptide, which could lead to new therapeutic targets.
A study shows that testimony therapy plus ceremony significantly reduced symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression among Khmer Rouge torture survivors. The intervention was found to be effective, brief, culturally adapted and suitable for low-resource contexts.
A study published in The Lancet found a link between stress and increased risk of heart disease and stroke, with heightened amygdala activity associated with higher cardiovascular risk. Researchers suggest that stress may lead to cardiovascular disease through a biological mechanism involving the bone marrow and arteries.
A study by MGH and ISSMS investigators has linked brain activity to cardiovascular disease, identifying a pathway from the amygdala through inflammation to cardiovascular events. Elevated amygdalar activity was strongly associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
A comprehensive review of post-disaster mental health issues found high rates of PTSD and depression in Japan earthquake survivors. The study highlights specific risk factors, such as resettlement and small social networks, and emphasizes the need for long-term support.
Researchers found that observing trauma can change brain information flow, making individuals more vulnerable to mental disorders like PTSD. The study suggests witnessing fear can physically redistribute brain signals, potentially enabling new communications and shedding light on the disorder's causes.
A new study by Indian scientists has gained insights into the effects of a single stressful event on brain architecture. Research found increased electrical activity in the amygdala region of the brain, leading to changes in emotional reactions, memory, and decision-making.
Researchers analyzed PTSD symptom networks to understand how initial stress reactions develop into longer-term problems. The study found that intrusive memories and reactivity are centrally related to other symptoms in the acute phase.
A study by the University of Zurich found that sleep after a traumatic event can significantly reduce recurring emotional memories and distress. This non-invasive approach may provide an important early prevention strategy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that American Indian adults who experienced early life trauma are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor physical health. The research highlights the importance of addressing early interventions to minimize this risk.
A study published in BMJ Open found that Tai Chi significantly improved the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans, including managing intrusive thoughts and physiological arousal. The program was well-received by participants, with nearly 94% reporting favorable impressions.
A new study reveals a high prevalence of military sexual trauma (MST) among transgender veterans, with nearly one in five transgender men and one in seven women screened positive. MST was associated with an increased likelihood of mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress, personality disorders, and depression.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that an abundance of white blood cells in the spleen can send messages to the brain leading to behavioral changes long after mice experience repeated stress. The study suggests that the immune system may represent a novel therapeutic target for treating mental health conditions.
A multicomponent behavioral intervention delivered by lay health workers significantly reduced anxiety and depression in adults with high levels of psychological distress. The study found improvements across all dimensions, including trauma-related symptoms and functioning.
A recent study found structural differences between the sexes in one part of the insula, a brain region involved in emotion processing. This difference may help explain why girls are more likely to develop PTSD than boys after experiencing trauma. The findings suggest sex-specific treatments for traumatic stress and emotion dysregulation.
A new study found that young children can experience PTSD for years after a traumatic event, often unnoticed by their parents. Researchers discovered that parent reports of PTSD may be inadequate to identify chronic patterns in young children, and that parental mental health is linked to child PTSD.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that stressed rats drink more alcohol due to altered dopamine signaling and changes in the brain's reward system. The team's findings have implications for understanding the root causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and developing new treatments.
A study published in BMJ Open suggests that women may be at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. The research found that nearly four in ten women experienced symptoms of PTSD, including re-experiencing feelings and intrusive thoughts, three months after their loss.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new interactive sleep app, SleepCoacher, that uses sleep analytics to provide personalized recommendations. The app guides users through self-experiments to find the most effective recommendations for improving their sleep.
Researchers at Georgia State University discovered serotonin and arginine-vasopressin act in opposite ways to influence aggression and dominance in males and females. The findings may lead to more effective gender-specific treatment strategies for stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Residents of high-unemployment communities showed elevated post-traumatic stress at 25-28 months after Hurricane Sandy, highlighting the need for ongoing support. Ongoing assistance is crucial for disaster-affected economically vulnerable communities years after the disaster.
A Saint Louis University researcher is studying the impact of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on cardiovascular and metabolic health. The study aims to determine if patients who have been successfully treated for PTSD are more likely to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
A new CDC study found that about 27% of patients with mild traumatic brain injury who returned for follow-up care were positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study identified risk factors, including functional disability, psychiatric symptoms, and performance on measures of visual processing and mental flexibility.
A recent study found that combat exposure among Army enlisted women was associated with an increased likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and at-risk drinking after deployment. Women with combat exposure were 20 times more likely to screen positive for PTSD compared to those with no exposure.