Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A new study found that fewer Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients qualify for anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatments, which may slow Alzheimer's progression. The treatment's effectiveness depends on the presence of amyloid plaques, with lower incidence in minorities.
Researchers used multi-omics technologies to analyze samples from 350 patients with major depressive disorder, finding distinct blood-based signatures between those with and without a history of attempted suicide. Variations in genes CLOCK and ARNTL were associated with lower antidepressant response rates.
A nationally representative study of 594,000 persons in England found an increased risk of suicide associated with dementia diagnosis before age 65. The study identified younger patients diagnosed within the 3-month post-diagnostic period as high-risk groups for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A clinical trial found that using positive words and images during the window of heightened brain plasticity after a single ketamine treatment can help maintain depression relief for at least one month. Researchers developed an automated intervention to pair ketamine with computer-based training, showing promising initial findings.
A pooled data analysis found that deep brain stimulation reduced OCD symptoms by 47% and improved substantial outcomes in two-thirds of participants. This treatment approach showed promising results in addressing severe OCD with substantial improvement in approximately half of the patients.
Researchers at Linköping University discovered a biological mechanism that increases the strength of fear memories stored in the brain. This finding provides new knowledge on the mechanisms behind anxiety-related disorders and identifies shared mechanisms with alcohol dependence.
The study found that nearly 9% of Americans aged 12 or older experienced a past-year major depressive episode. Depression was particularly common among adolescents (16.9%) and young adults (17%), with increased prevalence among various demographic groups, yet low help-seeking rates remained consistently low.
Researchers surveyed FAU residents on perceptions, coping strategies, and mental health during the pandemic. Residents reported effective coping mechanisms like acceptance, self-distraction, and emotional support, but found depression and anxiety levels in normal ranges.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that children who experience a mild traumatic brain injury are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems. The study, which analyzed data from thousands of children, revealed a 15-percent increased risk of these problems in kids with a mild TBI.
A new rodent study found that low doses of alcohol can trigger epigenomic and transcriptomic changes in the brain, creating an epigenetic pathway for addiction. The research suggests that even small quantities of alcohol can prime the brain for addiction, regardless of sex or quantity.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that older adults with consistent daily routines are happier, less depressed, and have better cognitive function. Participants who rose early, stayed active throughout the day, and followed a regular routine performed better on cognitive tests than those with disrupted patterns.
A UCD-led study found that 50% of people who developed schizophrenia and bipolar disorder had attended CAMHS in childhood, suggesting earlier intervention is key. The study highlights the possibility of intervening far earlier than present to prevent these illnesses.
A new study by a global team of researchers has revealed subtle alterations in the size of the brain's prefrontal region in young people with mood disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study suggests that these associations may be absent or more difficult to identify in more diverse samples.
Researchers studied over 500,000 children born between 1987 and 2010, finding no causal link between maternal infection and autism. However, they did find a weaker link for intellectual disability, suggesting other factors may be at play.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 3 mental health prescriber visits to Medicare patients were provided by PMHNPs, a significant rise from 2011-2019. The growth of PMHNPs helped offset the decline of psychiatrists treating Medicare patients, resulting in a 12% decrease in mental health specialist visits instead of a 30% drop.
The September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on combining molecular and neuroimaging measures to understand psychopathology and inform new treatment development. Featured research includes studies on early childhood psychotic experiences and schizophrenia imaging signatures.
A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found no difference in motivation or enjoyment between adult and adolescent cannabis users and non-users. Cannabis use was not linked to apathy, anhedonia, or brain response to rewards. The findings contradict common stereotypes portrayed in media.
A study using child-sized humanoid robots found that they can assess mental wellbeing in children more effectively than parent-reported or self-reported testing. The robots were able to encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, leading to more accurate assessments of their mental health.
Young people with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome show distinct brain activity patterns during sleep, which may influence psychiatric symptoms. These differences are associated with altered connections within and between brain areas.
A study of 641 participants found that midlife and older Hispanic/Latinx adults were more likely to experience prolonged loneliness, with 16% persistently lonely. The researchers suggest that culturally important familism was disrupted by social distancing, and reduced access to transportation and community activities may contribute to...
Researchers found that mothers' higher depressive symptoms did not predict increases in children's behavior problems, including those with autism. The study suggests that maternal depression may have a complex impact on caregiving families.
A study of 137 children with early-onset psychosis found that over 70% had copy number variants, a common cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. The research suggests that chromosomal microarray testing can bring closure to families and improve treatment outcomes.
A Rutgers University study reveals that nearly 40% of medical marijuana users also use nicotine products, sharply higher than the general population. The study found that therapeutic cannabis users who also used electronic cigarettes or didn't use nicotine at all were more likely to vape cannabis.
A national survey of US psychiatrists found discrepancies between their perceptions of certain psychoactive drugs' safety and therapeutic value and how they are categorized under the Controlled Substances Act. Psychiatrists rated psilocybin as having low misuse potential and high therapeutic potential, but it is a Schedule I drug with ...
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle can alter metabolic brain changes over 12 months, making it a strong potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The results showed that 8 out of 10 patients experienced significant sy...
A study by UCSF found that routine depression screening in primary care increased rates from 40.5% to 88.8%, capturing previously undertreated groups. Screening disparities virtually disappeared for older patients, Black/African Americans, and non-English speakers.
A study found a strong link between post-COVID loss of smell or taste and memory problems in patients. Those with the most severe sensory disorders performed worse in cognitive tests, especially memorization.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.
A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns significantly increased suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among patients with serious mental illness in Serbia. The study also highlighted the need for protections to mitigate mental health consequences during future lockdowns.
Researchers found that 41% of schizophrenia patients met the criteria for frontotemporal dementia, a condition characterized by personality changes and behavioral alterations. The study suggests that targeting specific brain regions and neural structures may lead to improved treatment outcomes for this subgroup.
A large-scale study of nearly 12,000 children aged 9-10 found that disordered eating behaviors are more common than previously thought, with a prevalence of up to 5% in some cases. Children with higher BMIs and those further along in puberty face an elevated risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
Low to moderate stress levels may enhance cognitive functioning and reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders. Participants who experienced low to moderate stress demonstrated better coping mechanisms and improved neurocognitive abilities.
A new study shows that telehealth, particularly audio-only visits, helped keep VA patients on medication for opioid use disorder during the pandemic. Phone visits also played a key role in reducing dropouts from care.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds found that mindfulness training alters specific pathways in the brain related to pain regulation. Participants who completed an eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course showed a reduction in pain-related brain activity, suggesting a potential new ...
A large-scale survey of 62,000 participants found a significant association between everyday discrimination and moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Participants from Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic Asian backgrounds who experienced racism were at higher risk for these conditions.
Research found that everyday discrimination during COVID-19 led to increased odds of moderate to severe depression and suicidal ideation, particularly among Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander participants. The study highlights the need for clinicians and society to address the toll of discrimination on mental health.
A study by University of Warwick found that worsened financial situation and sleep difficulties are key indicators of individuals at higher risk of developing mental health issues. The research, based on a survey of 895 university students, revealed a reduction in mental health symptoms over time as financial difficulties and sleep irr...
A study found that Black adolescents experienced high rates of online racial discrimination, which predicted worse mental health outcomes. The researchers suggest that recognizing online spaces as impediments to mental growth and well-being is crucial.
A new study finds that racial discrimination affects brain microstructure, increasing the risk for health disorders in Black women. Traumatic experiences lead to changes in brain white matter tracts, which may enhance risk for negative health outcomes.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that more than 85% of tested CBD products contained inaccurate labeling, including misstated CBD amounts and presence of THC. The study also revealed that some products made unapproved therapeutic claims, highlighting the need for better regulatory oversight.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that older patients respond equally well to rTMS but with slower onset of effects compared to younger patients. The researchers suggest revising treatment protocols to consider longer courses for older adults, making this treatment more accessible.
A comprehensive review of research on serotonin and depression found no link between the two, contradicting long-held theories. The study suggests that antidepressants' effectiveness may be due to managing stressful life events rather than correcting chemical imbalances.
A new study found that individual details of a memory are parsed and stored elsewhere, in the prefrontal cortex. This separation ensures that exposure to any cue is sufficient to activate the prefrontal cortex for recall of the whole memory.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that gardening lowered stress, anxiety, and depression in healthy women attending twice-weekly gardening classes. The participants experienced similar improvements in mental health as those in art-making sessions, with gardeners reporting slightly less anxiety.
A UC San Diego study reveals six overarching themes contributing to physician job stress and suicide, including physical health deterioration and financial stress. The research calls for short-term solutions like improved access to primary care and long-term changes to address workplace culture and self-care.
A new IU screening tool, Convergent Functional Information for Suicidality (CFI-S), has been validated to predict 80-90% of future suicidality. The tool identifies top risk factors such as feeling useless or unneeded, history of suicidality, and social isolation.
Patients experiencing dissociative symptoms after trauma may be at high risk of developing severe post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and social impairment. Early interventions are crucial for these individuals.
A new study reveals that police involvement in student mental health transfers at Ontario universities differs significantly, with some universities using handcuffs routinely and others reserving them for rare circumstances. The study recommends engaging police only in high-risk situations to minimize restraints during transfers.
A new study suggests that losing a grandmother may have a significant impact on adolescent boys, leading to a 50% increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers also found that the loss of a grandparent can be a risk factor for teen depression and other negative outcomes.
A new study by an international group of researchers has found substantial reductions in grey matter in people with anorexia nervosa, a condition characterized by severe food restriction and low body weight. Early intervention and treatment can help the brain repair itself, according to the research team led by Dr. Paul M. Thompson.
Researchers analyzed data from 599 patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and found that 34% have attempted suicide, with high rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and self-injury among women. The study highlights the need for accurate diagnosis and screening of suicidal ideation in patients with PMDD.
Women with self-injury behaviour show a more effective pain-modulation system, displaying more connections between pain perception and modulation brain areas. This finding suggests that effective pain modulation is a risk factor for self-injury behaviour, providing valuable insights for improving treatment and support.
A major study of nearly 2,000 brain scans found significant reductions in cortical thickness, subcortical volumes, and cortical surface area in individuals with anorexia. Early treatment and weight gain were shown to positively impact brain structure, suggesting the potential for long-term recovery.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that cannabis users tend to overestimate their ability to manage conflict in romantic relationships and may overlook unhealthy dynamics. The study suggests that couples who use cannabis can benefit from better navigating conflict discussions and resolution.
A new study shows that hospice patients with dementia receive excellent care and have their anxiety and sadness managed more often than those without dementia. However, the Medicare hospice model's limitations can lead to gaps in care, leaving patients with dementia at risk of disenrollment.
A new study finds that women using hormonal contraceptives have lower rates of attempted suicides compared to those who do not use them. The research, published by the European Psychiatric Association, analyzed data from over 587,000 Finnish women and found a significant reduction in suicide attempts among hormonal contraceptive users.
A new study has found that people who believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories are more likely to experience severe anxiety and depression. The research, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, used a scale to measure belief in conspiracy theories and found a significant correlation with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 show differences in motor function and relaxation, especially when held. Preliminary analysis suggests increased risk of neurodevelopmental changes compared to uninfected babies.
Physicians recognize benzodiazepine dependence as a significant contributor to the opioid crisis, coined a new term CPBD. Long-term treatment can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and recurrence of underlying anxiety and insomnia.
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services address mental health disparities and structural racism. These journals provide a platform for collaborative responses to behavioral health emergencies, shedding light on important topics in the field.