Psychiatric Disorders

Untangling the risk factors for developing multiple chronic conditions among UK South Asian populations

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani individuals are more likely to develop multimorbidity, a condition where people experience multiple chronic illnesses simultaneously. The research identified sociodemographic and genetic factors that increase the risk of developing these conditions,...

Virtual patients, real-world training

Researchers from Penn, NYU, and the Linguistic Data Consortium create virtual patients with adjustable psychiatric symptoms to simulate real-world conversations. The STELLAR platform aims to augment clinician training practices with essential conversation scenarios.

Researchers uncover hormone link between gut and brain in anorexia nervosa

Studies found that people with anorexia nervosa have high levels of LEAP2, a hormone linked to impulse control and blood sugar regulation. Higher levels of LEAP2 are associated with increased impulsivity and risk of relapse after treatment.

ECNP reports rising journal citations reflects increasing interest in biological basis of mental health

Two ECNP-affiliated journals, European Neuropsychopharmacology and Neuroscience Applied, have seen significant increases in citation rates. The rise reflects growing interest in the biological underpinnings of mental health, as reflected in the journal's focus on precision psychiatry.

Parental Holocaust trauma linked to higher risk of schizophrenia in offspring, new study finds

A new study reveals children of Holocaust survivors born after WWII have a higher risk of schizophrenia, especially if their mother was over 5 years old when persecutions began. The research highlights the intergenerational transmission of trauma and its impact on mental health.

Mechanism linking inflammation and prevention of neuron formation identified

Researchers at King's College London discovered a molecule linked to chronic inflammation disrupts brain neuron formation, highlighting a pathway with therapeutic potential for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and depression. High cytokine levels trigger an 'immune alert' state, reducing new nerve cell production.

Study suggests Mediterranean diet is associated with better psychological well-being

A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may provide additional benefits for mental health, particularly among older adults. The research found that individuals with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet had less decline in emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mapping the risk factors for mother-infant bonding disorder

Researchers at University of Toyama found three risk factors for mother-infant bonding disorders: difficulty holding a fussy baby, low happiness about pregnancy, and lack of social support. These factors predict increased risks of developmental delays and child abuse.

Creatine shows promise for depression, but the evidence is not yet settled

A systematic review found that creatine monohydrate may reduce depressive symptoms in people taking standard antidepressants, with two trials showing significant benefits. However, three trials showed no effect, and the evidence is not yet settled due to limitations such as small sample sizes and biased patient enrollment.

A review argues the family dog may become science’s unlikely ally against autism

A decade of canine research suggests that genetically engineered Beagles could be a complementary and welfare-conscious model for autism treatments. The study gathers findings on the behavior and traits of these dogs in relation to human autism, including signs of treatment with oxytocin and psychedelics.

New gene-network approach prioritizes more than 600 schizophrenia-associated genes

Researchers developed a groundbreaking approach to prioritize schizophrenia-associated genes by analyzing genetic data from over 102,000 individuals. This study uncovered 641 previously unrecognized genes associated with schizophrenia, shedding light on the complex interactions between distant genetic variants.

Laxative drug could improve depression-related memory and attention issues

A study published in Psychological Medicine found that a laxative drug, Prucalopride, improved executive function and memory in patients with depression. The research suggests that targeting serotonin receptors may help alleviate cognitive problems associated with depression.

Fear memories form differently in male and female brains, study finds

A Virginia Tech study found that female brains use a molecular process not seen in male brains to form fear memories. The researchers suggest that treatments for PTSD may need to be tailored differently for men and women. The discovery could lead to better understanding of PTSD and more effective treatments.

Can memory be predicted with a saliva test?

A study led by Raül Andero at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona found that the ratio of progesterone to estradiol hormones in saliva can predict memory performance, including fear extinction in both mice and humans. This hormonal balance may help identify optimal times for learning and memory tasks.

Municipal partnership systems and mental health among sexual minorities in Japan: A nationwide analysis

A nationwide analysis of Japanese citizens found that SGM individuals experience greater mental health distress, with no improvement seen from living in municipalities with partnership certification systems. Surprisingly, suicidal ideation was reported more frequently among those with such systems.

When does depression take a turn for the worse? International top-level funding for Frankfurt research

The FUTURE-D project combines data science with clinical expertise to identify warning signs of depression earlier, enabling more targeted interventions. Researchers will integrate longitudinal cohort data from the MACS and NESDA studies to better understand depressive disorders.

University Hospitals awarded PCORI funding to implement telepsychiatry collaborative care for complex psychiatric disorders

The project aims to expand University Hospitals' collaborative care model from 26 practices to all 88 practices within the UH Primary Care Institute. It will also broaden services to include screening and treatment for conditions such as bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

New reference map of the brain may transform how scientists detect disease

Researchers developed a new reference model for the human brain using diffusion MRI scans from over 54,000 people. The model provides growth charts for white matter neural pathways, helping identify subtle changes linked to aging, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia risk and other neurological conditions.

Negative online experiences are common but often go unreported among youth with mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns

A new study by the Child Mind Institute found that more than one in four youth with mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns experienced negative online experiences, including cyberbullying and harassment. Despite this, only 20% of these incidents were reported through platform tools.

Study reveals brain circuit that keeps memories from getting mixed up

Researchers at UCLA Health have identified a brain region called the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) that regulates memory integration. The vmPFC acts as a quality control checkpoint, preventing memories from getting mixed up when they are significantly different or far apart in time.

Patients find relief from pain and anxiety after receiving five minutes of in-person prayer vs. listening to music

Patients who received five minutes of in-person prayer experienced greater relief from both pain and anxiety compared to those who listened to music. The study found significant improvements in pain reduction at two weeks, with black participants showing larger improvements.

Global mental disorders have nearly doubled since 1990, now affecting 1.2 billion people worldwide

The study found that mental disorders disproportionately affect young people aged 15-19 and women, with anxiety and depression ranking among the top causes of disability globally. Mental disorders now account for 171 million DALYs, placing them as the fifth-leading cause of total disease burden worldwide.

IMH-NTU study identifies blood-based markers that may help predict development of psychosis in at-risk Asian youths

Researchers have identified blood-based proteomic biomarkers that may help predict the development of psychosis in at-risk Asian youths. The study, which used data from the Longitudinal Youth at Risk Study (LYRIKS), found that models developed using the LYRIKS dataset performed better than those based on Caucasian protein patterns.

Severe asthma patients often battle multiple health conditions, study finds

A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.

New research finds low-dose buprenorphine may help sustain ketamine’s benefits for suicidal ideation

New research finds that low-dose buprenorphine given after a single ketamine infusion can sustain reductions in suicidal ideation in adults with major depressive disorder. The study showed a 76% reduction in suicidal ideation at week four, compared to a 43% reduction in the placebo group.

Children of parents with severe mental illness face higher risk of cognitive difficulties

A new study led by Murdoch University found that children of parents with severe mental illness are more likely to experience cognitive difficulties. The study analysed data from over 1.5 million people and found that offspring tended to perform lower across several cognitive domains, particularly where a parent had schizophrenia or bi...

Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK

The timing of trauma leaves a lasting mark on the brain and behavior

Better decision-making, better stress management: Study explains link between resilience and decision-making behavior

A new study finds that individuals with higher resilience tend to place greater weight on positive aspects in cost-benefit decisions, a process mediated by brain activity. This regulated handling of negative information is linked to increased acceptance and improved psychological resilience.

Brain histamine map connects genes to brain function and mental health

A new study has mapped the histamine system in the brain, revealing its role in regulating emotions, stress, and decision-making. The findings provide a framework for understanding how histamine contributes to brain function and could point towards new treatment strategies for histamine-related conditions.

New research examines “remorse bias” in legal decision-making

Two studies by Rutgers University professor Colleen Berryessa explore how expressions of remorse are interpreted in the legal system, finding that it can lead to serious inequities in legal outcomes. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and education within the legal system to better understand how remorse is assessed.

Probing links between decision-making and mental resilience

Researchers found that individuals with stronger brain responses to negative information were more resilient in their thoughts and feelings. They accepted more offers with mixed consequences, indicating a lower value on negative outcomes. This study suggests that controlling negative thoughts may enable people to build mental resilience.

Bidirectional association between premenstrual disorders and psychiatric disorders

Psychedelic substances: Who can they help – and who might they harm?

Genotype-guided antidepressant prescribing for patients with depression

A randomized clinical trial found that genotype-guided prescribing of SSRIs did not improve depression symptoms at 3 months but showed higher remission rates at 6 months. Future studies should focus on the long-term impact of this approach.

Better cognition tied to higher relapse risk after depression remission

A new study with over 3,700 UK participants found that better cognitive functioning may be associated with a higher risk of future depressive episodes in those with a history of depression. In contrast, worse cognitive performance was linked to a lower risk of relapse in both individuals with previous depression and control participants.

The boy on the balcony who never came outside

Dr. Dilek Colak's journey began with a childhood observation of a boy with mental illness, which inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience. Her current work focuses on understanding autism and schizophrenia through the study of human brain organoids.

Brain Health emergency: Microplastic burden in the human brain now linked to stroke and dementia, with apheresis emerging as the first plausible removal pathway

A study finds microplastics in the human brain associated with increased risk of stroke and dementia. Apheresis, a medical treatment, is proposed as a potential removal method for microplastics from the body.

Lesions as a window into cause: a psychiatrist bets that circuits, not regions, explain psychiatric disorders

Gonçalo Cotovio uses lesion network mapping to identify the circuits responsible for psychiatric symptoms, aiming to develop personalized brain stimulation treatments. His work has produced striking findings in mania and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with ambitions to extend to disordered feeding behavior.

Treatment of anxiety for adults in primary care settings

The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines for treating anxiety disorders in adults in primary care settings. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are recommended treatments.

Research aims to identify underlying causes for linked mental-health issues

A study by Kelsie Forbush and colleagues used Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology to better understand how psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are connected. The findings suggest that HiTOP's symptom dimensions may support more precise, personalized mental health care.

Marker of biological aging linked to cognitive symptoms of depression

Researchers found that accelerated biological aging of a type of white blood cell called monocytes is linked to cognitive and mood-related symptoms of depression. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment for depression, particularly in high-risk populations such as women with HIV.

First psychiatric admission marks the beginning of a long-term illness for most patients

A 20-year follow-up study by the University of Copenhagen reveals that nearly all patients who initially admitted to hospital psychiatry returned, with significant consequences on their education, family life, and health. The researchers emphasize the importance of early and comprehensive assessments to provide better support and preve...

May 2026 issues of APA journals feature new research on PTSD, substance use disorders, psychopharmacologic treatments, and more

The latest issues of APA journals feature new research on PTSD and substance use disorders. The American Journal of Psychiatry explores the understanding of these conditions, while Psychiatric Services discusses the future of the DSM. Focus journal delves into psychopharmacologic treatments with expert perspectives.

Language of helplessness: How we write about ourselves reveals symptoms of depression

A study by SWPS University found that people with depressive symptoms use less active language, such as 'I am incapable' instead of 'I achieve goals'. This analysis of social media posts shows promise for early detection and prevention of depression.

Sedatives in pregnancy not linked to psychiatric disorders in children

A large South Korean study found no increased risk of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose mothers used sedative drugs during pregnancy. The study, published by the BMJ Group, tracked nearly 3.8 million children and analyzed data from the National Health Information Database.

Landmark study improves adolescent mental health in India’s urban slums

A scalable digital mental health care model and anti-stigma campaigns reduced depression, self-harm, and suicide risks among Indian adolescents. The ARTEMIS project reached over 70,000 adolescents and showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward mental health.

The link between reduced inpatient care and suicide

A nationwide ecological study found a statistical correlation between fewer psychiatric beds and higher suicide rates in Sweden. The study suggests that investing in outpatient care may not be enough to prevent suicides, highlighting the need for further research into healthcare resource allocation.

The brain–gut health initiative: A pioneering effort in psychiatric research

Researchers analyze brain imaging data, microbiome profiles, and clinical assessments to identify biomarkers for precision mental healthcare. Early findings suggest certain electroencephalography features serve as non-invasive biomarkers indicating disease severity and treatment response.

AI tool may spot adhd years before children are diagnosed

Researchers developed an AI tool that analyzes routine electronic health records to predict ADHD risk in children years before a typical diagnosis. The model accurately identified risk in children age 5 and older, with consistent performance across patient characteristics.

Family environment shapes life outcomes across generations

A Swedish study of siblings found that adopted children who grew up in more favourable family environments had lower risks of mental health issues, criminality, and social problems. These benefits extended to the next generation, with adopted children's offspring displaying higher functioning and lower risks.

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS): Mechanisms and clinical applications in neuropsychiatric disorders

tACS modulates brain oscillations, induces synaptic plasticity, and regulates neurotransmitter release to alleviate symptoms of various neuropsychiatric conditions. Personalized approaches are essential for treatment efficacy.

Bullying and adverse social climate take measurable toll on mental health of gender-diverse youth

Research found that gender-diverse teens reported higher rates of psychological stress and psychotic-like experiences, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health disorders. Bullying and unsupportive legislation drove these findings.

Firearm storage and carrying practices and suicidal behaviors in US Army service members

A retrospective cross-sectional study found significant associations between unsecured firearm storage and heightened suicide risk in US Army service members. Carrying a weapon other than a firearm also linked to elevated suicide risk, suggesting that any type of weapon carrying behavior may indicate increased vulnerability.

Study of Ukrainian war amputees finds most recover from pain and trauma

A longitudinal study of 156 Ukrainian amputees found that most experience steady improvements in pain, anxiety, and depression over time. The study revealed distinct patterns of post-amputation pain, with phantom limb pain linked to psychological distress and residual limb pain linked to depression.

Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory

Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.

Brain scan can reveal the risk of psychiatric hospitalisation

A new study found that brain activity and emotional reactivity may predict risk of readmission for patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Participants who reacted strongly to negative emotions were at higher risk of hospitalization, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying vulnerable individuals.

Large confirmatory clinical trial shows efficacy and safety of new brain stimulation therapy for depression

A large clinical trial found that magnetic seizure therapy is as effective as electroconvulsive therapy in improving depressive symptoms, with fewer cognitive side effects. The therapy could become a new standard option for people with severe depression.

Calorie labels helpful for people with binge eating disorders

A study of 1,001 people in England found that calorie labels on restaurant menus can be helpful for those with binge eating disorders, particularly those who feel a sense of control over their eating. In contrast, individuals with restrictive eating disorders viewed them negatively.

Hippocampal pathways once thought separate converge to integrate “where” and “why” in reward processing

Researchers from UMBC discover that inputs from the dorsal and ventral hippocampus interact closely on the same neurons in the nucleus accumbens, integrating memories of places and contexts with drive to pursue rewards. This convergence may help animals form associations between rewarding outcomes and environments, essential for survival.