Articles tagged with Psychiatry
Researchers found that mineralocorticoid receptors play a crucial role in enabling the brain to adapt to stressful situations. When these receptors are blocked, learning efficiency decreases and brain activity shifts from conscious to unconscious learning systems.
A screening tool used to detect suicide risk among patients who have self-harmed fails to accurately identify those in need of admission or treatment. The SADPERSONS Scale only picked up a small percentage of patients at high risk of further self harm, highlighting the need for more accurate assessment methods.
Researchers found that a small percentage of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis experience isolated psychiatric symptoms, which can be treated with immunotherapies. The study suggests that abnormal test findings or subtle neurological symptoms should prompt screening for the condition.
A study published in The Lancet found that people with epilepsy are ten times more likely to die prematurely than the general population, with mental illness being a major contributor. The research revealed a strong correlation between psychiatric diagnoses and increased risk of accidents and suicide.
Young men who are gang members suffer from high rates of mental disorders, including psychosis and anxiety disorder, compared to non-violent peers. Gang membership is associated with increased substance misuse, depression, and violent ruminative thinking.
Research suggests negative symptoms of schizophrenia are associated with abnormalities in weighing effort cost versus reward value. Individuals with severe motivational problems tend to avoid higher-effort tasks for smaller rewards.
Researchers at University College London discovered a 36% faster cognitive decline in smokers who consumed heavy alcohol compared to non-smoking moderate drinkers. The study found that combining smoking and heavy drinking could accelerate brain aging by an equivalent of 12 years.
Researchers found decreased structural integrity of white matter tract connecting brain regions, but increased functional connection between them. This may contribute to abnormally high functional interactions among brain circuits associated with depression.
A new online risk calculator estimates an individual's likelihood of treatment resistance to antidepressants, providing a graphical estimate based on statistical patterns from the STAR*D study. The calculator aims to help clinicians design personalized treatment plans for patients with depression.
Research suggests that gene mutations causing cell signaling network disruptions during embryonic development can lead to subtle brain disruptions contributing to psychiatric disorders. Dact1 protein mutations in mice have been found to have structural flaws in interneurons, which regulate brain activity and cognitive processes.
A new study found that patients with PTSD who have a less functional variant of the BDNF gene respond poorly to exposure therapy. The study suggests that BDNF levels modulate the therapeutic effects of treatments for mood and anxiety disorders.
A new study suggests that long-term antidepressant treatment impairs fear extinction learning in rats, which may disrupt the effectiveness of exposure therapy. The authors propose a mechanism involving decreased NMDA receptor subunits in the amygdala.
A new study found that children and adolescents with seizures involving the temporal lobe are at risk for clinically significant behavioral problems and psychiatric illness, especially depression. Routine psychiatric evaluation is crucial before epilepsy surgery to improve quality of life.
The Intelligent Clinician's Guide to the DSM-5 explores revisions to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. The book provides a balanced assessment of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, essential reading for mental health professionals navigating the post-DSM-5 era.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found a link between genetic risk for schizophrenia and lower IQ, suggesting common genetic variants may contribute to cognitive decline. The research analyzed data from 937 individuals and found that those with higher genetic risk had lower IQ at age 70 but not at age 11.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered a connection between CB1 receptors and PTSD, finding that individuals with PTSD have lower levels of neurotransmitter anandamide. This breakthrough may lead to the development of novel evidence-based treatments for PTSD.
A new study found no increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms or death in patients taking daily doses of citalopram above 40mg, contradicting the FDA's warning. Higher dosages were associated with fewer adverse outcomes than lower dosages.
Researchers at UCLA found that individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have abnormal brain connections, which may impair information processing. The study suggests that these patterns in the brain relate to impaired symptoms, particularly compulsive behaviors.
A study published in Journal of Affective Disorders found that patients with moderate to high levels of belief in God experienced improved psychological wellbeing and decreased depression and self-harm. The study involved 159 patients who received short-term treatment, highlighting the clinical implications of spiritual life.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed novel statistical models to identify associations between DNA variants and diseases, leading to a more complete understanding of genetic underpinnings and potential breakthroughs in disease treatment and gene discovery.
Researchers found that severely ill psychiatric patients in the Boston area experience lengthy waits for hospitalization, with some cases taking up to five hours of psychiatrist time. This delays treatment and wastes valuable clinician time, highlighting the need for reform in the healthcare system.
Research examines similarities between food intake and addiction, but debates the application of the addiction model to food. A special issue in Biological Psychiatry explores the state of the field, covering neurobiological mechanisms, brain reward circuitry, and risk factors.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports that high frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the prefrontal cortex temporarily reduced cue-induced smoking craving in nicotine-dependent individuals. The treatment, which targets brain function and behavior, showed promise as a potential tool for smoking cessation.
A study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can improve the quality of life for severely depressed patients who go into remission. However, patients may experience challenges with social function and emotional role after treatment.
Researchers discovered that nalmefene significantly reduces alcohol consumption and improves patients' clinical status and liver enzymes. The medication is well-tolerated with mild to moderate side effects.
A pilot program called Single Fathers Due to Cancer has been launched at the University of North Carolina Health Care to provide emotional support to men facing unique challenges after losing their partner to cancer. The group aims to address feelings of profound aloneness and provide a safe space for men to share advice and feedback.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that common genetic variants explain 42% of individual differences in antidepressant response, providing a significant step towards personalized treatment for depression. The research identified multiple genetic markers involved in predicting response to antidepressants.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that humans report emotions in three distinct systems: attention, categorization, and intensity. The researchers used brain scans to examine the neural architecture underlying emotional reports.
A UK study found that compulsory community treatment (CTOs) for mentally ill patients did not reduce rates of hospitalization. The study compared 166 patients under CTOs with 167 patients released under Section 17 leave and found no significant differences in readmission rates or clinical outcomes.
A new study reveals that men who have children at older ages are more likely to have grandchildren with autism. The research found that the risk of autism increases with the age of the grandfather, suggesting that genetic risk can accumulate over generations.
A new somatic symptom disorder in DSM-5 risks mislabeling many people as mentally ill due to a lack of specificity and high false-positive rate. The condition will classify excessive responses to distressing symptoms, potentially leading to inappropriate medical decision-making.
Researchers identified a rare variant in GRIN3A associated with schizophrenia, suggesting an intrinsic mechanism producing psychotic symptoms. The study supports the 'NMDA receptor hypothesis' and proposes a novel point of therapeutic intervention.
Researchers found that mice deficient in glutathione, a molecule essential for cellular protection against oxidations, had impaired parvalbumin neurons when stressed at young age. However, treatment with N-acetylcysteine from birth onwards protected these neurons, suggesting a potential preventive measure for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved working memory performance in individuals with schizophrenia, comparable to healthy subjects. The study suggests rTMS as a potential treatment for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that antipsychotics with high binding affinity of alpha2 adrenergic and M1 muscarinic receptors are associated with a greater risk of stroke in elderly patients. The study also suggests that stroke risk is highest in the initial weeks of treatment and for those with higher daily doses.
Researchers have developed a new approach to screening potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease using the C. elegans worm model. The study identified six compounds capable of alleviating tau-induced behavioral abnormalities in the worm model, as well as azaperone treatment, which can decrease abnormal tau accumulation.
A study found that adding folate and vitamin B12 to antipsychotic medication improved negative symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly in individuals carrying specific genetic variants. The results suggest a potential new avenue for treatment, as well as the need for personalized medical approaches.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that selectively activating the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus can reduce anxiety without affecting learning. This suggests that targeting this brain region could be used to treat certain anxiety disorders with minimal cognitive side effects.
A new study suggests schizophrenia is associated with accelerated aging, particularly in cerebral white matter. Individuals with schizophrenia have shorter average lifespans and are at increased risk of cardiovascular illnesses.
A study found that family-focused treatment improved mood symptoms in children and adolescents at risk for bipolar disorder, with significant benefits for those from high expressed emotion families. The treatment showed promise in stabilizing symptoms and improving long-term outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins study of patients with acute lung injury found that one in three ventilated ICU patients developed PTSD symptoms lasting up to two years. The researchers suggest that preventing and treating PTSD in these patients is crucial, as it can impair quality of life and slow recovery.
Research suggests that major life events can alter gene expression, leading to trans-generational effects on children's brain functions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the causes of mood disorders and addiction.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that scopolamine can rapidly improve mood in depressed patients. Additionally, the drug shows promise as a treatment for anxiety disorders by disrupting contextual processing during extinction learning.
A recent study found that soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mild TBI have measurable abnormalities in their brains, including 'potholes' in the white matter. These abnormalities are related to the severity of the injury and are correlated with cognitive deficits.
Researchers found that modafinil improved response inhibition in patients with initially poor impulse control, but had a detrimental effect in those with low initial impulsivity levels. The study suggests personalized medicine approaches may be necessary when prescribing modafinil for treatment of alcohol dependence.
Researchers found that teaching high-risk adolescents how to manage their personality traits can reduce problem drinking and postpone its onset. This approach also reduces the influence of peer pressure within their social networks, creating group immunity among low-risk youth.
The study found that the new diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is unlikely to be much higher in prevalence than the combined diagnoses of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence. Additionally, the genetic etiology of AUD is largely consistent with that of AA and AD, suggesting that heritable influences are shared across all three conditions.
A new study found that a low subjective response to alcohol, or the ability to 'hold one's liquor,' may protect against short-term alcohol problems but increases the risk of long-term problems as tolerance develops. The study examined associations between early subjective response and acquired tolerance in heavy-drinking young adults.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry suggests that reductions in ECT treatment have an economic basis, with a 43% drop in psychiatric inpatients receiving the procedure. ECT is being discontinued by US general hospitals, primarily due to cost and regulatory issues.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that keeping psychiatric medical records separate from primary care doctors' access can lead to increased hospital readmission rates. The researchers found that patients whose records were shared with non-psychiatrists had a 40% lower risk of readmission within the first month after discharge.
A study found that impaired executive function may exacerbate impulsiveness and increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence in adult offspring of individuals with a family history of alcohol dependence. This cognitive endophenotype is associated with decreased EF capabilities and high levels of impulsivity.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that oxytocin administration to fathers increased their parental engagement, with parallel effects observed in their infants. Oxytocin levels were also found to increase in both parents and children, leading to improved social behavior and bonding.
Researchers found that older adults who reported better well-being had higher education, cognitive function and lower depression levels. The study suggests an optimistic approach to caring for seniors can help reduce ageism and improve outcomes.
A large study found that childless couples have a mortality rate 2-4 times higher than those who adopt. Mental illness rates are halved among adoptive parents compared to the general population.
Researchers found that externalizing symptoms like aggression drove ED visits among children with ASD. Private insurance coverage was linked to a higher likelihood of psychiatric ED visits due to excluded autism coverage and restrictive reimbursement limits.
A study by Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the FKBP5 gene can influence epigenetic alterations caused by early trauma, leading to lifelong dysregulation of stress hormones. This can result in increased risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders in adulthood.
Researchers found that schizophrenia patients' brains process simple auditory tones inefficiently, leading to widespread dysfunction and difficulties in attention, learning, and recalling information. This impairment can also affect social relationships, school or job performance, and overall quality of life.
A new study has identified a potential therapeutic mechanism for Fragile X syndrome, which is the most common heritable form of autism and intellectual disability. Researchers have found that blocking the serotonin 7 receptor may reverse synaptic plasticity in mice with FXS, suggesting a new approach to treatment.
A new study suggests that the human mind can cope with a maximum of four chunks of information before confusion sets in. Professor Gordon Parker from the University of New South Wales re-analyzed experiments and found that this number is more accurate than previously thought.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a novel molecular basis for depression, finding the FTO gene is associated with an eight per cent reduction in the risk of depression. The study found no link between obesity and depression, contradicting common perception that obese individuals are more likely to be depressed.