Articles tagged with Psychiatric Disorders
A new clinical trial reveals that synthetic cannabis, specifically dronabinol, can effectively reduce agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease by an average of 30%. The treatment showed similar calming effects to current medications without adverse results such as delirium or seizures.
Researchers have created the largest and most complete map of the fruit fly brain, detailing over 50 million connections between neurons. The study provides critical information about brain wiring and underlying signals, paving the way for future studies on larger-brained animals.
A multinational study found that people with unmedicated mental illness are less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with a 9% lower vaccination rate compared to the general population. Individuals with substance use disorder were also 16% less likely to receive the vaccine.
A new study reveals how psilocybin alters brain connectivity to alleviate symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, potentially aiding treatment. Psilocybin strengthens neural connections between executive functions and emotionally salient stimuli, leading to improved BDD symptoms.
Researchers report significant strides in enhancing early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adolescents by combining multimodal MRI with behavioral assessments. This approach reveals specific changes in brain networks signaling early-stage bipolar disorder, potentially leading to better and more personalized treatments. The study's find...
Researchers comprehensively reviewed cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease, highlighting the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in motor and non-motor symptoms. Studies showed abnormal α-synuclein aggregation, neurodegeneration, and altered functional connectivity between the cerebellum and other brain regions.
A recent study published in the Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine investigated nicotine dependence among smokers in China. The research found that 41.0% of smokers aged 40 and above had medium-to-high nicotine dependence, with men more affected than women.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) that prevents chronic neurodegeneration by targeting mitochondrial fission. P110, a small peptide agent, has been shown to halt the process and protect the brain from damage.
A cross-sectional study of commercially insured patients suggests that there may be meaningful heterogeneous associations between cannabis policy and state-level outcomes, as well as between cannabis policy and drug class, with implications for patient substance use and mental health outcomes.
A large-scale prospective cohort study found a positive association between regular mobile phone use and incident cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in smokers and individuals with diabetes. Poor sleep patterns, psychological distress, and neuroticism may be key mechanisms underlying this association.
A new study using manifold learning and signal processing techniques identifies a significant correlation between adolescent brain activity and mental health symptoms. The approach, called exogenous PHATE, combines brain activation data with environmental variables to improve detection of existing symptoms and predict future ones.
A study from University of Gothenburg links work-related pain to mental illness among construction workers. Managers' empathetic or neglectful attitudes are highlighted as key factors in mental health.
A new Swedish registry study found that girls with mental illness or neurodevelopmental conditions have lower HPV vaccination coverage compared to their peers. The study involved over 115,000 girls and found significant differences in vaccination rates among those with psychiatric diagnoses or receiving psychotropic medications.
Parents who recently experienced intimate partner violence reported higher parenting stress and were less likely to use positive parenting strategies. The study emphasizes the need for expanded resources, positive parenting strategies, and tools to help individuals become better parents and break the intergenerational cycle of violence.
Researchers found that intensive outpatient group- and family-based CBT that integrates telehealth can lead to significant improvements in pediatric anxiety and OCD symptoms. The hybrid model showed lasting gains for children even after treatment ended, with most families continuing to meet with clinicians after discharge.
A new study from UCSF finds that child-parent psychotherapy can reduce biological age acceleration in children who have experienced trauma. The treatment group showed significantly less age-related change than the comparison group, with potential implications for long-term health outcomes.
A new study provides first-of-its-kind data on the pharmacokinetics and safety of intravenous remdesivir in treating SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in pregnant women. The research reveals that no dose adjustments are necessary for remdesivir when used in pregnant women, with no safety concerns or adverse pregnancy outcomes identified.
A study of nearly 30,000 US caregivers found that comprehensive mental health coverage laws reduced difficulties in accessing care for children. Caregivers from diverse backgrounds faced more challenges, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive services.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
A University of Oklahoma researcher is investigating how prenatal inflammation increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism. She hopes to find a way to promote fetal resilience to inflammation using antioxidants like PQQ.
A new study found that mTORC1 activity correlates with classical biometrics, such as height and macrocephaly, as well as specific neuropsychiatric diseases like anxiety and autism. The research suggests that human variability of mTORC1 gain of function may predict medication response.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method called CaST to track the activation of brain neurons and biomolecules by psychedelic drugs. The tool allows scientists to study the cellular mechanisms behind psychedelic treatments for brain disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A novel study finds that monitoring cortical microstructural change in the brain using diffusion weighted MRI scans may help identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Tracking these changes over time could provide precious time for disease-modifying treatments.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found a link between healthy diets and a younger biological age. Even when people eat healthy diets, each gram of added sugar is associated with an increase in epigenetic age. The Mediterranean diet had the strongest association with lower epigenetic age.
A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.
A meta-analysis of existing research found that spending time in nature, even as little as 10 minutes, can yield short-term benefits for adults with mental illness. The analysis examined 30 years of published research on the social, mental, and physical health effects of exposure to nature.
A pilot study found evidence of human co-infections with Bartonella and Babesia odocoilei in six out of seven patients with chronic, non-specific illness. The discovery could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for patients with these infections.
A unique neural signature, beta frequency activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, is associated with recognizing rewards and shaping future behaviors. This signature is altered in patients with depression.
Researchers have discovered a new diagnostic method for PSP by analyzing protein biomarkers in spinal fluid, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies. The high-throughput technology allows for the measurement of thousands of proteins in a tiny drop of fluid, providing a promising solution for identifying the condition.
A study of 450 community outpatient mental health facilities found that approximately one-third offered medications for opioid use disorder. The availability of these medications highlights the need for further research on uptake and effective referral models.
Researchers found a link between gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, revealing reduced B vitamins and intestinal barrier issues. Treatment with B vitamins could alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression.
A potential new strategy for reducing diabetes risk associated with antipsychotic medications involves co-administering drugs that block dopamine receptors in the brain alongside those that stop these same receptors in the pancreas. This approach may limit metabolic side effects and improve glucose metabolism.
A retrospective study of 202 participants found that only 83 presymptomatic carriers underwent predictive testing, highlighting limitations in current genetic testing methods. The researchers advocate for a comprehensive clinical approach combining genetic counseling, predictive testing, and monitoring, as well as psychosocial support.
Middle-aged people exhibit reduced exploration when learning a novel maze environment compared to younger individuals. This difference is partially driven by changes in how they learn about the maze, including visiting more objects and pausing for longer periods.
A new WhatsApp-based program has shown significant improvements in treating depression among older adults in Brazil. The Viva Vida program used simple audio messages and images to provide education on depression and behavioral activation, with a 10-point improvement in symptom reduction between intervention and control groups.
A new study led by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a virtual emotion-centered program called TunedIn can reduce diabetes distress by half and improve glucose control. The program incorporates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and was delivered virtually to 276 adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Research suggests that altered lipid signaling in brain cells contributes to mental disorders, with specific inhibitors showing promise in rebalancing this mechanism. The study found similar changes in both human patients and healthy relatives, as well as mice with genetic disorders, opening up new treatment opportunities.
Researchers found that eating more than one gram of sodium per day increases the likelihood of eczema flares by 22%, making it easier for patients to manage their symptoms. Eczema affects over 31 million people in the US and can be difficult to cope with when unpredictable.
A survey of nearly 340,000 texts spanning 79 years shows that generic terms in mental health have shifted towards "mental illness," with "psychiatric" and "mental health" becoming more common. The study suggests further research is needed to understand how language affects people experiencing mental ill health.
The study identified over 150 genetic variants linked to disease and showcased the utility of using organoids for brain research. Machine learning was used to predict gene activity, enabling faster and more efficient research.
A comprehensive study by McLean Hospital researchers reveals both shared and unique molecular changes across brain regions, genomic layers, cell types, and blood in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings provide potential avenues for novel therapeutics and biomarkers.
Researchers create largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. The study uses postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors to map gene regulation networks across different stages of brain development and multiple brain-related disorders.
A recent study found that mental disorders can be transmitted within adolescent peer networks, highlighting the importance of social connections in mental health. The research suggests that these networks play a significant role in shaping mental health outcomes among adolescents.
A plant-based diet is associated with a 47% lower risk of prostate cancer progression in men. Eating one or two extra servings of healthy foods daily can significantly reduce the disease's worsening chances.
A new study found that sociodemographic variables are the most robust predictors of substance use initiation among adolescents. Factors such as religion, race, and income play a significant role in determining an adolescent's likelihood of initiating substance use.
A new study published by the University of Bath found that adolescents are more vulnerable to cannabis use disorder than adults, despite using cannabis less frequently. The study showed that adolescents reported greater negative impacts on daily functioning and symptoms of cannabis use disorder.
A new study found that brief anger episodes can negatively impact blood vessel function, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers investigated the effects of anger, sadness, and anxiety on blood vessel function and found that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a way to better control the preclinical generation of key neurons depleted in Parkinson's disease. They developed an efficient method for stimulating stem cell differentiation to produce neural cells in the midbrain, which closely resemble dopaminergic neurons of natural origin.
Researchers at NeuRA and UniSA found that early detection and comprehensive treatment can lead to significant recovery for most people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) within 12-18 months. The study reviews the latest advances in CRPS epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that understaffed nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to overmedicate residents with antipsychotics. The researchers suggest that increasing staffing levels could help reduce the use of these medications and address the root causes of behavioral issues.
Researchers developed a gene-based therapy that restored typical cellular function in organoids created from cells of people with Timothy syndrome. The treatment used antisense oligonucleotides to decrease the use of mutated exon 8A and increase reliance on non-affected exon 8, restoring normal calcium channel functioning.
A study published by Cornell University researchers found that more frequent positive contact with nature is associated with reduced inflammation levels. The study, which analyzed data from the Midlife in the U.S. survey, suggests that enjoying nature can help prevent or manage diseases linked to chronic inflammation.
Research suggests that mentally active employees are less likely to experience cognitive decline and dementia-related issues. The study analyzed various interventions aimed at boosting mental performance, revealing promising results for those looking to reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.
A study analyzing 8,384 clinical appointments found that women aged 45 are the majority of patients treated at public psychiatric outpatient clinics in Brazil. The patients had sadness, anxiety, and irritability as primary symptoms, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being commonly prescribed medications.
Concordia researchers use network analysis to study cognitive decline, identifying key variables that predict subtle changes in brain function. Executive function and processing speed are found to be strongly influential, with age affecting cognition differently for those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
A large naturalistic study found ECT to be effective in reducing illness severity for depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, and mania. Common side effects included confusion and cognitive impairment, but rare complications such as prolonged seizures and cardiovascular issues were also reported.
Research highlights gaps in information, support, and resources for women with serious mental illness who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The study found that few women recalled discussions of pregnancy with their mental health providers and were dissatisfied with the information they received about potential safety concerns.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that nearly half of Las Vegas concertgoers who survived the 2017 mass shooting experienced major depressive episodes within the past year. The study also found that over 63% of survivors reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the same time period.
A recent study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that midlife stressful events may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease in older ages. Researchers found associations between stress and higher levels of beta-amyloid protein, neuroinflammation, and brain atrophy, particularly in men.
Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.