Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Bipolar disorder heterogeneity decoded: transforming global psychiatric treatment approaches

A renowned geneticist, Dr. Martin Alda, has made a groundbreaking discovery that bipolar disorder is composed of multiple genetically distinct disorders, transforming treatment approaches worldwide. His research also highlights the importance of combining basic research with clinical observations to advance psychiatric care.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateOct 7, 2025

October issues of APA journals feature new research on ketamine and esketamine treatment, involuntary commitment, short-term psychotherapy and more

The latest October issues of APA journals feature new research on adolescent suicidality and depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and safety issues related to ketamine and esketamine treatment. The American Journal of Psychotherapy also publishes a special issue on intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP).

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2025

Study reveals genetic and developmental differences in people with earlier versus later autism diagnosis

Researchers found distinct genetic profiles for early- and late-diagnosed autism, with earlier diagnosed groups showing more social interaction difficulties in infancy and behavioral problems in adolescence. Later diagnosed individuals experienced increased social and behavioral difficulties during adolescence and higher rates of menta...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2025

Study finds two forms of ketamine therapy can reduce symptom severity in patients with treatment-resistant depression

A new study led by Mass General Brigham investigators compared the effects of repeated intravenous (IV) ketamine and intranasal (IN) esketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression, revealing both treatments reduced symptoms but IV ketamine showed greater improvements.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2025

Racial discrimination may increase psychosis risk

A major review of international evidence found that racial discrimination contributes to the development of psychosis, with people experiencing discrimination being 77% more likely to develop psychotic symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health action to tackle systemic racism and its impact on mental health disparities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 24, 2025

Psychedelics offer healing for concussion, traumatic brain injuries

A new review from the University of Victoria suggests that psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT may help treat concussions and traumatic brain injuries by increasing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation. The compounds have shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions in clinical research.

SourceUniversity of Victoria·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 17, 2025

Bright children from poorer backgrounds twice as likely to receive hospital mental health treatment than affluent high-achievers

A nationwide study of secondary school pupils in England found that bright children from poorer backgrounds are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital with mental health problems. They are also more likely to be treated for alcohol and drug use, self-harm, and pregnancy-related issues.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalOxford Review of Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2025

Weight-loss drug semaglutide reduces cocaine use in rats: Suggests possible first pharmacological treatment for human cocaine dependency

Semaglutide significantly reduces cocaine-seeking behavior in rats by 26%, with a 62% drop in seeking after abstinence. This finding suggests semaglutide's potential as a treatment for human cocaine dependency, currently lacking effective pharmacological options.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2025

September issues of APA journals feature new research on trends in ADHD medication, telehealth prescribing of controlled substances, psychiatric genetics, and more

The latest issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research on psychiatric genetics, telehealth prescribing of controlled substances, and trends in ADHD medication. Highlights include a new APA Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 3, 2025

Wireless implant network could transform cardiac, neurological care

The system uses magnetoelectric power-transfer technology to deliver precise electrical stimulation to organs like the heart and spinal cord. The more devices in the network, the more efficient it is, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional implantable medical devices. This technology has potential for treating conditions s...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2025

Residing in conservative states is impacting the mental health of US LGBTQIA+ students—national study suggests

A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of American College Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2025

Few depressed teens getting treatment, study finds

A new study found that nearly half of US adolescents with major depressive episode received no mental health care in 2022. The odds of specialist treatment were lower among marginalized groups, including males, Black youth, and those living in rural areas or without insurance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 20, 2025

UH study finds positive childhood experiences protect against disordered eating

A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdversity and Resilience Science·DateAug 13, 2025

Adolescent girls who have weight concerns despite not being obese are more likely to also experience depression and suicidality, per Korean survey of more than 50,000 middle and high school students

A Korean survey of over 50,000 middle and high school students found that adolescent girls with weight concerns are at higher risk for depression and suicidality. The study highlights the importance of addressing body image issues in young females to prevent mental health problems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateAug 6, 2025

August Issues of APA journals feature new research on psychiatric genetics, telehealth prescribing of controlled substances, mental health advocacy, and more

The latest American Psychiatric Association journal issues feature groundbreaking research on psychiatric genetics, exploring the role of genetics in mental health. Additionally, studies examine the effectiveness of telehealth prescribing for controlled substances and mental health advocacy efforts to drive policy change.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2025

AI reveals language links between Reddit groups for hate speech, psychiatric disorders

Researchers used AI tools to analyze posts from 54 Reddit communities, finding similarities in speech patterns between hate speech groups and communities for certain psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that exposing oneself to hate speech online may lead to decreased empathy and traits similar to Cluster B personality disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2025

Normal hormone levels trigger severe depression in some women; researcher discovers mechanism

Dr. David Rubinow's research reveals that susceptible women respond differently to normal hormonal fluctuations, leading to breakthrough treatment approaches and FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression. His work validates the experiences of millions of women whose hormone-related mood symptoms were previously misunderstood.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 29, 2025

Ukrainian teachers' mental health benefits from training to help their students

A recent study found that Ukrainian educators who participated in a virtual mental health intervention significantly reduced their own symptoms of anxiety and depression. The PSE treatment group reported greater improvements in mental health, knowledge, and readiness to provide psychological support.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2025

Surrogates more likely to be diagnosed with mental illness, study finds

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that gestational carriers are at a higher risk of developing new-onset mental illness during and after pregnancy. The study analyzed data from over 767,000 births in Ontario, Canada and found that nearly 1 in 5 gestational carriers had a prior mental illness diagnosis before pregnancy.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2025

Ketamine could treat depression by interacting with the brain’s ‘opioid system’

Researchers at King's College London discovered that ketamine's antidepressant effects involve the brain's opioid system, which works together with glutamatergic systems to produce rapid treatment effects. The study also identified a sex-related effect, where males with depression showed a more pronounced response to naltrexone.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2025

How the brain controls its blood volume

Researchers discovered a two-step mechanism where inhibitory neurons release nitric oxide to rapidly dilate blood vessels, followed by slower, localized vasodilation via astrocyte activation. This breakthrough sheds light on how neural signals are translated into blood volume changes in brain imaging.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2025