Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that the MMP-9 enzyme plays a crucial role in motivation for alcohol consumption. Researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme were less motivated to drink and exhibited reduced craving during withdrawal. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments targeting ...
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that oxytocin administration reduced drug-seeking behavior and relapse in methamphetamine-addicted rats. Oxytocin was shown to decrease motivation to acquire the drug and reduce relapse, with the effects strongest in animals with high motivation.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry reports that altering the balance of two pathways in the dorsal striatum, a brain region critical for goal-directed behavior, can help control alcohol consumption. The study found that suppressing the activity of the No-Go pathway and exciting the Go pathway promotes alcohol drinking behavior.
Researchers mapped brain network changes underlying improved executive function in youth, finding a modular yet globally integrated network structure. This architecture supports specialized processing and reduces interference between brain systems.
Cuts to addiction services in England have led to a surge in drug-related deaths and increased pressure on the NHS. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for more training posts and no further cuts to addiction services.
A recent study by UTHealth researchers has identified genetic alterations in children at high risk for bipolar disorder, which can be modulated by stress. The findings suggest that these genetic markers may contribute to the increased risk of developing bipolar disorder in children chronically exposed to stressors.
A comprehensive review of clinical and basic research studies found that antipsychotics improve outcomes for patients with schizophrenia and related disorders. The benefits of these medications outweigh potential side effects, and delaying treatment can lead to poorer long-term outcomes.
Trevor Robbins is honored with the 2017 Gold Medal Award for his fundamental contributions to understanding cortico-striatal function and its role in psychiatric disorders. He has made significant advancements in bridging mechanisms of pathology to new treatments, including developing the CANTAB computerized neuropsychological assessment.
A new study found that body mass index (BMI), sex of the patient, and symptom profile can help doctors select the most effective antidepressant. Patients with higher BMI had a better response to treatment, particularly for women, while those with lower BMI were more likely to remit on venlafaxine-XR.
A national study found that phone calls to suicidal patients following ED discharge led to a significant reduction in future suicide attempts. The year-long trial, involving 1,376 patients nationwide, provided specialized screening, safety planning guidance and follow-up telephone calls.
Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez, a neuroscientist and clinical psychiatrist, received the award for her discovery of ketamine's rapid therapeutic effects on OCD symptoms, while Dr. Todd Gould was recognized for his work on ketamine's antidepressant effects in treating depression. The prestigious awards come with a $5,000 cash prize.
The Society of Biological Psychiatry recognized the Simons Foundation with the 2017 Humanitarian Award for its leadership in decreasing stigma, advancing awareness, and contributing to research advancements. The $5,000 award prize was presented by Dr. Kerry Ressler on May 19, 2017.
Karl Deisseroth received the inaugural Distinguished Redelsheimer Award for his transformative work on optogenetics and CLARITY, revolutionizing brain manipulation and visualization. His laboratory's advancements have significantly contributed to understanding how brain circuitry contributes to behavior in neuropsychiatric diseases.
The Society of Biological Psychiatry honored Dr. Stephen Strakowski with the 2017 George N. Thompson Award for his leadership and service to the organization. Dr. Strakowski, Inaugural Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Texas at Austin, was recognized for his contributions to promoting the welfare of SOBP.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that 72% of patients with concussive blast TBI experienced a decline in disability over five years. Satisfaction with life and psychiatric symptom severity were worse in these patients compared to combat-deployed service members without TBI.
Stephanie Solso received the award for her paper on diffusion tensor imaging and axonal overconnectivity in autism spectrum disorder toddlers. The study revealed abnormal brain development and age-related changes in brain regions involved in social, language, and behavioral control functions.
The article discusses how alterations in excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance can lead to various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and major depressive disorder. Restoring E/I balance is proposed as a potential therapeutic approach to alleviate dysfunctional neural activity and clinical symptoms.
Research finds that medical marijuana laws are associated with higher rates of illicit cannabis use and disorders, particularly in states with earlier laws. The study analyzed data from three national surveys and found significant increases in cannabis use and disorders between 1991-1992 and 2012-2013.
A US national survey study found that illicit cannabis use and disorders rose significantly in states with medical marijuana laws compared to others. The increase was attributed to factors like perceived safety and availability, highlighting the need for education on risks and treatment services.
A large study from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium found that genetic influences play a role in PTSD risk after trauma, with strongest effects among women. The research also identified significant overlap between PTSD and other mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Using neuroimaging techniques and multivariate statistical models, researchers found that people with older-than-chronological-age brains are more likely to experience deteriorating conditions and early death. Combining brain-predicted age with DNA-related epigenetic biomarkers improves mortality predictions.
Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry aims to increase treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects by considering individual patient characteristics. The journal will publish research on endophenotypes, pharmacologic approaches, and education, with the goal of identifying predictors of response and tailoring treatments.
A study by NYU Langone Health found that 3.4% of US adults suffer from serious psychological distress, with 9.5% lacking health insurance and 10.5% experiencing delays in getting professional help. The research suggests a worsening mental health crisis despite increased access to care since the ACA.
A Duke University study found that individuals with multiple forms of mental illness exhibit differences in the cerebellum and pons brain regions. These findings suggest that targeting common mechanisms or risk factors could lead to better treatment outcomes.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers identified that younger age, female gender, higher severity of illness, fewer days of corticosteroid treatments, and treatment with GM-CSF were associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms. The study found that more days of corticosteroid treatments seemed to be protective from anxiety, ...
A Swedish registry study found that individuals who self-harm are at a five-fold risk of being convicted for a violent crime compared to those who have never received clinical care. Self-harm behaviour and violent criminality may be manifestations of a common underlying vulnerability.
A recent study found that psychiatric disorders do not increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, contrary to previous assumptions. However, the study suggests that some psychiatric disorders may be prodromal symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the importance of proper differential diagnostics.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has identified a link between rare variants of the NKPD1 gene and depressive symptoms. Researchers found that nearly 2,000 people with depressive symptoms were analyzed, revealing a possible genetic connection to depression.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that people with mental illnesses suffer from severe social stigma, anxiety, and stress. Most mentally ill individuals are not violent, but their symptoms and treatment can influence the public's perception of danger.
The prevalence of heroin use increased by 87% among white individuals from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013. Nonmedical prescription opioid use preceding heroin initiation also rose among white users only, highlighting a link between the two.
The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) proposes viewing mental health as a spectrum, rather than categorizing it. This system simplifies diagnosis by recognizing that most patients have co-occurring disorders and classifying psychopathology at multiple levels of hierarchy.
Researchers analyzed genetic profiles of nearly 13,000 ALS/MND cases and over 30,000 schizophrenia cases, confirming that many associated genes are the same. The study reveals a 14% overlap in genetic susceptibility between the two conditions.
The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) proposes a new classification system for mental disorders based on scientific evidence and illness symptoms. This approach addresses limitations of the DSM-5, such as unstable diagnoses and co-occurring disorders, by categorizing mental illnesses on a spectrum.
A study found that American adults who survive deliberate self-harm are at increased risk of suicide in the following year. Firearm-related self-harm was associated with the highest suicide risk, with males and older, white adults being disproportionately affected.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry suggests that blocking hypocretin signaling may provide a new avenue for treating cocaine addiction. The study found that blocking hypocretin signaling reduced cocaine intake in rats allowed long access to cocaine, and restored the normal GABAergic system.
A new study found that heroin use is associated with excessive histone acetylation, a process that regulates gene expression. The study suggests that JQ1 and similar compounds might be beneficial for long-term heroin users in reducing drug-seeking behavior.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that patients with schizophrenia have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA and altered immune cell function. These findings provide new clues to the disease mechanisms of schizophrenia, but follow-up studies are needed to determine if these changes are causes or effects.
A new study by Wayne State University researchers suggests that brain networks at rest are potentiated for action. Using fMRI data, the team found increased network interactions from the SMA to the dACC during rest periods.
The Lancet Psychiatry experts argue that cannabis use can be made safer through various strategies, including regulating potency, reducing tobacco use, and exploring the effects of CBD modification. The authors also highlight the need for more research on the harms posed by different levels of THC and CBD content.
A Veterans Affairs study of mental health patients found that accessing clinician notes can foster trust through transparency and consistency. However, patients also reported concerns about errors, outdated information, and gaps in diagnoses, which erode trust.
Research found that patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric disorders have an increased risk of stroke, especially in the immediate post-diagnosis period. The study's lead researcher suggests that psychological distress may contribute to increased blood pressure and inflammation, leading to a higher stroke risk.
Recent immune research advances the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the role of immune dysregulation in its development. Therapies targeting the immune system may also have benefits beyond ASD, such as preventing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
A study of 3,523 expectant and new fathers found that men experienced elevated depression symptoms when their partners were pregnant (2.3%) and after childbirth (4.3%). Depression symptoms in men during pregnancy were associated with perceived stress and fair to poor health.
A large-scale study found that genetics accounts for about eight percent of people's differences in self-reported tiredness/low energy. Most of these genetic contributions overlapped with mental and physical health conditions, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking and weight.
Research suggests that characteristically male brain anatomy is associated with a higher probability of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in males. The study found that biological females with more typical male brain anatomy were about three times more likely to have ASD than those with characteristically female brain anatomy.
A recent study found that depressed patients with an early age at onset and higher symptom severity have a significantly increased genetic risk for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The research used genome-wide data to identify specific subgroups of depressed patients based on their clinical characteristics.
A study found that moderate to high levels of screen time are not associated with negative outcomes in teenagers. The researcher suggests that parents should focus on how media is used rather than just time consumption, as it can foster learning and socialization.
Researchers found early predictors of anxiety and depression in newborn brains, with decreased connections between the amygdala and other regions increasing the risk of early symptoms. The study suggests that brain connections may be responsible for the development of problems later in life.
Reducing Pcdh10 function leads to impaired social behavior and altered amygdala circuitry, but treatment with d-cycloserine improves social interactions. The study suggests a possible target for autism treatment and parallels the male predominance of ASD in humans.
Dr. Sandra B. Sexson, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, has received the Vestermark Psychiatry Educator Award for her leadership and creativity in psychiatric education. She is recognized for her 40-year dedication to advancing the field of psychiatry through various academic and professional roles.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that prenatal infection can cause long-term alterations in the programming of the offspring's genome through epigenetic modifications, leading to behavioral abnormalities. The findings suggest that earlier infection may lead to more serious effects on neurodevelopment.
Researchers found tablet use to be safe and engaging for nearly all patients with dementia, reducing symptoms of agitation. The tablets demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving mood and behavior, particularly among patients with milder forms of dementia.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the 12/15-lipoxygenase enzyme, which is elevated in patients with the condition. The study found that this inhibitor reverses cognitive decline and neuropathology in an AD mouse model, even after symptoms have already developed.
A national sample of post-9/11 veterans found that most successfully navigate the transition to civilian life, with high employment rates and job satisfaction. However, PTSD was associated with impairments in work and family functioning, highlighting the need for interventions to mitigate its negative effects.
A study found that maternal depression in early childhood increases children's susceptibility to psychopathology and social-emotional problems. Mother-child interaction patterns also play a crucial role in this effect. Improving mother-child interactions may help reduce the effects of maternal depression on children's development.
A new dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia proposes a biological basis for the disorder, with dopamine signaling playing a key role in its development. The hypothesis has been revised numerous times since clinical observations first implicated dopamine decades ago.
Smokers with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are motivated to quit, yet many don't receive treatment or counseling. Researchers found that only 13% of patients who wanted medication to aid quitting received it.
A nationwide insurance database study identified psychiatric and behavioral conditions, as well as psychoactive medications, as predictors of long-term opioid use. Patients with mental health conditions or psychoactive medication use were at higher risk, with relative increases in rates ranging from 1.5 to 9 times.
Research from the Turnaway Study reveals that women who were denied an abortion reported anxiety symptoms and lower self-esteem after being turned away. However, these effects improved over time, suggesting that access to abortion is essential for women's psychological well-being.
Researchers analyzed PTSD symptom networks to understand how initial stress reactions develop into longer-term problems. The study found that intrusive memories and reactivity are centrally related to other symptoms in the acute phase.