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Gene-based therapy restores cellular development and function in brain cells from people with Timothy syndrome

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.

Enjoying nature shown to lower inflammation levels

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateApr 22, 2024

Most patients treated by public psychiatric outpatient clinics are women aged 45 on average

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.

Cognitive decline may be detected using network analysis, according to Concordia researchers

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.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCortex·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2024

Women with serious mental illness want pregnancy information, resources from mental health providers

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateApr 3, 2024

Stressful events in midlife might be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in older ages

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.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2024

Las Vegas mass shooting survivors continue to struggle with major depression, PTSD

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.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateApr 2, 2024

People with depression see no immediate change from common GP assessment, study shows

A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024

From autism to Alzheimer’s: A large-scale animal study links brain pH changes to wide-ranging cognitive issues

A large-scale animal study reveals that brain pH and lactate levels are a common feature across various neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Changes in brain energy metabolism are linked to cognitive impairment, particularly working memory.

SourceFujita Health University·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2024

Low social status increases risk of health problems from alcohol problems

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with lower income or education levels are more likely to develop medical conditions related to alcohol abuse. The research suggests that these groups may benefit from additional screening by clinicians to evaluate their alcohol consumption and identify related conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2024

Poor neighborhoods linked to elevated dementia risk and faster brain aging

A Duke University-led study suggests that targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods for dementia prevention programs could help lower dementia risk. People living in poorer neighborhoods show early signs of cognitive decline and have measurably poorer brain health as early as age 45, regardless of their own personal income or education.

SourceDuke University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

New study may broaden the picture of the consequences of childhood adversity

A new study from Karolinska Institutet has found a clear link between childhood adversity and the risk of mental illness later in life. The research suggests that genetics and environment play a significant role in contributing to adult psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for targeted health care interventions within families ...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2024

Neurobiology: How bats distinguish different sounds

Scientists have discovered that the bat brainstem processes echolocation and communication calls differently, with a stronger response to less frequent calls due to better neural synchronization. The findings may also be relevant to medical applications in humans, such as understanding diseases like ADHD or schizophrenia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

How parents can help prevent the development of ADHD symptoms

A new study published by a University of Waterloo researcher suggests that specific parenting behaviors, such as guiding verbal and physical cues, can help break down pathways leading to ADHD symptoms. Early targeted intervention is crucial in predicting the development of ADHD symptoms in children with exuberant temperament.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalResearch on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology·DateFeb 15, 2024

Predicting neurodevelopmental disease in children from parent’s traits

Researchers found that parents' manifestation of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric traits can predict the prevalence and severity of disorders in children. The study analyzed 97,000 families and revealed a correlation between parental traits, suggesting that assortative mating may contribute to increased disease severity.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2024

Car accidents, accidental overdoses account for majority of accidental deaths among U.S. soldiers deployed in Afghanistan/Iraq wars—but death rates differ by time since deployment, age, and gender

Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents were highest among military members immediately following their return from deployment, while the highest rates of fatal accidental overdose deaths occurred later in postdeployment life. Younger soldiers between 18-24 years old were at highest risk for MVA and accidental overdoses.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024

Geisinger College faculty, graduate students publish paper shining light on conflicts of interest in guidelines for psychiatric care

A study published by Geisinger College faculty and graduate students found that 55% of DSM-5-TR panel members received payments from industry, highlighting the need for stricter standards. The researchers argue that individuals with financial ties to industry should not have decision-making authority in guideline development.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalBMJ·DateJan 25, 2024

The more the merrier: Research shows online interventions with social support help middle-aged adults with obesity lose weight

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Mansoo Yu found that online weight loss interventions with counseling and social support are effective for middle-aged adults with obesity. The study identified two key features: professional health coaching and access to social support from other users, which led to significant long-...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

New AEM study evaluates potential disparities in restraint use in the emergency department at a minority-serving safety-net hospital

A new study found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to be restrained in an emergency department compared to White patients. However, female Black and Hispanic patients with mental illness or substance use disorder were more likely to receive restraints than male counterparts.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 19, 2024

Benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and risk of miscarriage

A nationwide case-time-control study found an association between benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The results suggest that healthcare professionals should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using benzodiazepines to treat psychiatric and sleep disorders in pregnant women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 27, 2023

UM School of Medicine review highlights rise in psychiatric disorders linked to increased cannabis use

A new University of Maryland School of Medicine review article published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds nearly 16 million Americans have cannabis use disorder, with young adults disproportionately affected. The review emphasizes the need for doctors to screen and treat patients experiencing symptoms of cannabis use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2023

Study explores accuracy of computerized ADHD test

A new study has found that the QbTest, a widely used computerized test for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is not accurate enough to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool. The researchers emphasize that the QbTest should be used in conjunction with clinical assessment and judgment to arrive at a diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateDec 13, 2023

Annals of Family Medicine: papers explore how technology is changing medical practice and how doctors are adapting

A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine explores how technology is changing medical practice, including the use of AI-driven tools to effectively diagnose patients. The study also examines the interplay between fulfillment of basic psychological needs at work and technology use in maintaining clinician well-being.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 28, 2023

Scientists produce human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells, with significant implications for researching diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully generated human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells using a key protein called ACTIVIN-A. These LC-NE neurons may serve as models for disease in humans, enabling scientists to screen drugs and answer questions about neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2023