Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A study in Medical Care journal reveals that overcrowding in Israeli psychiatric wards is associated with higher rates of problem incidents, including falls and aggressive behavior. The research found a 'dose-response' effect, where increasing overcrowding leads to an increased risk of incidents.
Researchers at McGill University found a connection between noradrenergic neurons and depression vulnerability. Increased dopaminergic neuron activity corresponds to depression, while noradrenergic neurons control this activity, influencing resilience or vulnerability.
A study in the Netherlands found that patients with psychiatric disorders who underwent euthanasia or assisted suicide had chronic, severe conditions and histories of attempted suicides and hospitalizations. Most patients were socially isolated or lonely, leading to difficulties in regulating the practice.
Researchers report successful reduction of depressive symptoms in patients using a novel non-invasive method of vagus nerve stimulation. The transcutaneous approach, which stimulates the vagus nerve through electrodes clipped onto the ear, shows promise as a low-cost and safe treatment option.
A Swedish study of over 1.1 million children found that parental depression was associated with poorer school performance at age 16, with maternal depression having a larger negative effect on girls. The study suggests that early intervention and support for affected parents could have far-reaching effects on child development.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that inflammation can directly affect the brain's reward center, leading to changes in behavior similar to depression. The study found that patients with hepatitis C who received interferon-alpha treatment showed microstructural changes in their striatum, which was associated with...
Researchers failed to find evidence of genetic overlap between schizophrenia risk and subcortical volume measures, a key finding that defines a roadmap for future studies investigating the genetic covariance between brain phenotypes and psychiatric disorders.
Researchers challenge Health Canada's black-box warnings on ADHD medications, citing epidemiological studies showing reduced youth suicide rates with increased medication use. The study suggests that ADHD medications may actually reduce the risk of suicide in adolescents, contradicting previous warnings.
Research finds that repeated traumatic experiences during infancy and adolescence multiply the risk of psychosis by 7. Heavy cannabis use also significantly raises this risk, with a 6x multiplier. Neuroticism levels are associated with a 30% increased risk.
A new study examined the early expression of genetic risk for schizophrenia in adolescence, finding associations between psychopathological features and increased risk. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights the importance of monitoring genetic risk factors during critical developmental periods.
Researchers found that younger smokers are more likely to have psychiatric disorders than older smokers. The study suggests that mental health screening may be warranted for this population to address related problems early.
A meta-analysis found a significant association between antipsychotic treatment in youth and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study included 13 studies and analyzed the cumulative risk of diabetes and its incidence rate per patient year of antipsychotic exposure.
A cross-sectional survey of 14,587 patients found that 86% had a preference for at least one aspect of their psychological treatment, with time of day and location being the most popular. Patients who had unmet preferences were less likely to report being helped by the treatment.
A new study reveals that individuals with borderline personality disorder exhibit enhanced amygdala activity and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function when processing negative emotions, suggesting a lack of control over emotional responses. This findings support the concept of BPD as a disorder of emotion dysregulation.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies representing nearly 68,000 women found that menopause at age 40 or older was associated with a decreased risk for depression compared to premature menopause. Longer reproductive periods and exposure to endogenous estrogens may contribute to this protective effect.
Weaker interactions between brain networks help regulate attention were found in children with ADHD, correlated to the severity of inattention symptoms. Functional MRI scans identified biomarkers that reliably differentiate children with ADHD from others.
A Finnish study found that children who were frequently bullied or exposed to bullying had a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Treatment for these disorders was associated with frequent exposure to bullying, being a bully, and being exposed to bullying.
Researchers have discovered proteins that could serve as diagnostic markers for bipolar I disorder, differentiating it from other mood disorders and potentially guiding treatment choices.
A new study suggests that pomaglumetad methionil, a glutamate pathway target, may be an effective treatment for individuals in the early course of schizophrenia. Researchers found a statistically significant response in patients who are early-in-disease or have not already been exposed to other antipsychotic medications.
A UTSW-led study identified three neurobiologically distinct biotypes of psychoses, which do not always match conventional clinical diagnoses. The findings suggest that the term 'psychosis' might describe unique psychiatric disorders with distinctive mechanisms and treatments.
A team of researchers has identified biological markers that can classify mental disorders with greater precision, using neurobiological measures to differentiate conditions. The findings may lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for those suffering from mental illness.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that cannabis use is associated with increased neural noise in healthy human subjects. The researchers found that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active constituent of cannabis, induces psychosis-like effects by increasing random brain activity.
High levels of inflammation markers in blood are connected to stubborn symptoms of depression, such as anhedonia. Researchers believe blocking inflammation or its effects on the brain may reverse anhedonia in depressed individuals who fail to respond to antidepressants.
Decreasing county-wide psychiatric services led to a significant increase in emergency psychiatric consults and prolonged hospital stays. The study found that patients with mental illness faced greater challenges in accessing care, resulting in increased medical issues.
A large national survey found nearly 10% of Americans have lifetime drug use disorder diagnoses, resulting in significant impairment and comorbidities. The study also highlights the importance of treatment, with only 24.6% of those with lifetime diagnoses receiving treatment.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who switch to clozapine have better outcomes, including fewer hospitalizations and longer medication adherence. The findings provide important guidance for clinicians caring for this vulnerable population.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than light therapy in preventing relapse of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). CBT was found to be significantly better at preventing depression recurrence, with only 27% of subjects experiencing symptoms compa...
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that treatment for insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy or tai chi reduces inflammation levels in older adults. These behavioral interventions also represent a third pillar, along with diet and physical activity, to promote health and reduce age-related morbidities.
A $20 million gift from the Dolby Family Fund will support UCSF's Department of Psychiatry in its research on depression, bipolar disorder, and related illnesses. The goal is to rapidly advance treatments and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness.
A new study finds that the APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with an increased risk of late-life depression, even after controlling for Alzheimer's disease. The presence of this allele predicts future depression in older adults, highlighting its potential as a marker for prevention and early detection.
Internet-delivered CBT has been shown to benefit people with depression and anxiety, offering a cost-effective and empowering way of accessing treatment. It allows clinicians to treat more patients effectively in less time, providing patient empowerment and increased clinical efficiency.
A new study found that early life stress can impair the development of reward circuits in adolescents, increasing the risk of depression. The study revealed a decrease in ventral striatum activity in response to rewards, which predicted the emergence of depressive symptoms.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that adults with schizophrenia are more than 3.5 times as likely to die as the general population, particularly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The research also highlights tobacco use as a key modifiable risk factor for premature death among individuals with schizophrenia.
A large-scale study reveals that certain depression symptoms play a bigger role in driving the condition than others. The researchers suggest focusing treatment efforts on these key symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
A study found nearly 3 out of 10 marijuana users experienced a disorder in 2012-13, affecting 6.846 million Americans. The prevalence of marijuana use doubled over the period from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013.
The estimated prevalence of adults who used marijuana in the past year increased from 4.1% to 9.5%, while the prevalence of marijuana use disorder rose from 1.5% to 2.9%. Notably, black and Hispanic individuals experienced higher rates of marijuana use disorders.
Research at Mayo Clinic found that 42% of lung transplant patients exhibit depression-related emotional symptoms and 52% have depression-related physical symptoms. These findings highlight the need for interventions to reduce stress and support emotional health in patients awaiting a transplant.
A recent study found that counties implementing the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program experienced lower rates of suicide attempts among young people aged 16-23. The program's comprehensive activities, including education and mental health awareness, contributed to these findings. The results suggest significant impl...
A study by McGill University researchers found that emotional abuse has equivalent, broad, and universal effects on children's behavior and mental health, comparable to physical abuse and neglect. The study suggests that effective treatments for maltreatment of any sort are likely to have comprehensive benefits.
Researchers studied concussion-like symptom reporting in over 30,000 uninjured adolescents, finding a link between symptom reporting and male sex, preexisting psychiatric and neurological conditions. The study suggests that the definition of 'asymptomatic' after concussion can be challenging to determine.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry finds that hormonal treatments for sex reassignment alter brain chemistry, increasing serotonin levels in female-to-male transsexuals and decreasing them in male-to-female transsexuals. These changes may explain why testosterone improves symptoms in some forms of depression.
A five-year trial found that emergency department-based brief interventions significantly reduced underage drinking and related consequences among patients aged 14-20. The study suggests that a single-session intervention can play a role in decreasing underage drinking among youth.
Research shows that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 20.1% of women who served in Vietnam, with those exposed to sexual harassment or job performance pressure being at higher risk. The study emphasizes the importance of clinicians screening for PTSD symptoms and sensitivity to non-combat wartime experiences.
Patients taking benzodiazepines for psychiatric conditions face increased risk of dementia and death due to the class of drugs' potential negative effects. Alternative therapies like anti-depressants are recommended for safer and more effective treatment.
A cognitive-behavioral prevention program for depression among at-risk youth showed benefit over 6 years after implementation, reducing depression incidence and promoting competence. The program's effects were seen in youths whose index parent was not depressed at enrollment.
A new study by UConn Health psychiatrist Golda Ginsburg found that family-based intervention works to prevent anxiety in children. The study, published online September 25 in The American Journal of Psychiatry, found only 9% of children who participated in a therapist-directed family intervention developed anxiety after one year.
A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that women's brains react more strongly to negative images than men's, possibly due to greater emotional sensitivity. The connection between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex was stronger in men, suggesting a more analytical approach to negative emotions.
A national school-based mental health program reduced mental health symptoms and improved school attendance among participating students. The program, established in Chile, teaches key mental health skills to children, parents, and teachers.
A large meta-analysis found that restricting access to means, encouraging help-seeking, and increasing third-party intervention significantly lower the number of deaths at high-risk locations. Interventions reduced annual suicides by over half when combined with other approaches.
A comprehensive review of strategies to reduce prolonged sitting found that targeting exercise was less effective than directly decreasing sitting time. Promising interventions included sit-stand desks, tracking sitting time, and setting individual goals.
A study found that teenagers are more likely to smoke if their parent is a smoker, with daughters being particularly vulnerable. The study also found that the risk of nicotine dependence increases with parental smoking and dependence.
A cohort study found a modest association between SSRI use and violent crime among individuals aged 15-24, with increased risks of violent arrests and non-fatal injuries. In contrast, no significant associations were found for older adults, suggesting potential age-related differences in the link between SSRI use and violent behavior.
Three new studies suggest that activating mGluR2 can prevent relapse to cocaine and nicotine use in rodents, as well as reduce methamphetamine cravings. The studies also found that AZD8529, a selective mGluR2 enhancer, showed promising anti-addiction effects in non-human primate models.
A prospective study found that reduced heart rate variability may indicate a greater risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in U.S. Marines before and after combat deployment. The researchers suggest that addressing the biology of the autonomic nervous system may offer new opportunities for preventing PTSD.
A comprehensive review of treatment options for PMDD identified selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as the first-line treatment, effective in reducing symptoms. For women who experience an inadequate response to SSRIs, alternative treatments such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and oral contraceptives are recommended.
Research found a strong association between low resting heart rate and an increased risk of violent criminality in men. Men with the lowest resting heart rates were more likely to be convicted of violent crimes, with a 39% higher chance compared to those with the highest rates.
A meta-analysis of 1155 patients with schizophrenia and 911 healthy controls found progressive cortical gray matter loss relative to healthy controls, related to cumulative antipsychotic intake. Second-generation antipsychotics showed a neuroprotective effect, reducing progressive loss.
Studies found that cannabis use is associated with smaller left amygdala and right ventral striatum volumes, but no causal link was established. An editorial warns of potential risks for individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, particularly women.
A study published in NPJ-Schizophrenia found that an automated speech analysis program accurately predicted psychosis onset in high-risk youths. The analysis, which measured semantic coherence and syntactic structure, correctly differentiated between individuals who developed psychosis and those who did not.
A recent study found that children aged 13-19 who have been abused can regulate their emotions with a little guidance. The researchers tracked the teens' brain activity as they viewed emotional images and were taught cognitive reappraisal, a strategy to alter emotional responses.