Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that 16% of emergency room patients aged 14-20 may have undiagnosed binge eating, bulimia, or other eating problems. Those with signs of eating disorders were also more likely to show signs of depression and substance abuse.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that less than half of Ontario youth aged 15-19 with a psychiatric diagnosis received follow-up care within a month after discharge. This lack of timely aftercare is linked to demographics, diagnoses, and socioeconomic status.
A new study explores the impact of the interleukin-1β gene on brain function alterations associated with schizophrenia. The research found that patients with schizophrenia who were homozygous for the C allele showed reduced prefrontal cortex activation, while healthy volunteers did not differ by genotype.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researcher Mark Zimmerman found that patients and clinicians have distinct definitions of remission from major depressive disorder. Patients prioritize life satisfaction and well-being over symptoms, emphasizing the importance of a patient-centered approach to treatment.
Dr. Peter F. Buckley received the 2012 Cancro Academic Leadership Award for his work in advancing child and adolescent training experiences through a recovery-oriented model of care. He led the rebuilding of the MCG Department of Psychiatry, developing innovative programs that focus on recovery from mental illness.
A UCLA-led team of experts found the proposed criteria to be reliable and valid in helping mental health professionals diagnose hypersexual disorder. The study accurately classified 88% of patients as having the disorder, with significant consequences including job loss, relationship end, and emotional distress.
Over three-quarters of people with depression report experiencing discrimination, which acts as a barrier to social life and employment. Despite this, nearly half of participants who anticipated discrimination found that their experiences did not confirm this.
Researchers found that people in creative professions are treated more often for mental illness than the general population, particularly for schizophrenia. Creative fields were also associated with higher rates of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety syndrome, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior.
A large genetic replication study found compelling evidence that the chromosome 3p21.1 locus contains a common genetic risk for bipolar disorder, specifically the PBRM1 gene. This replication distinguishes the heritable risk for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, contrasting with previous studies.
A new study has identified variants of genes influencing immune function that may contribute to the heritable risk for schizophrenia. The research, published in Biological Psychiatry, highlights an important gap in understanding how immune alterations are involved in the disorder.
A $20 million gift from Andrew and Barbara Taylor has established the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research at Washington University. The institute aims to develop new therapies for psychiatric disorders, which currently have major limitations in effectiveness and potential side effects.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that highly hypnotizable individuals have greater activity in executive-control and salience networks, indicating a neural trait underlying hypnotizability. This advance enables scientists to better understand the mechanisms of hypnosis and its potential for clinical applications.
A recent study found that a newly proposed mental disorder diagnosis, attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), may not be necessary due to overlap with existing conditions. Researchers evaluated 1,200 patients and found that APS did not identify a single patient who didn't meet the criteria for another existing diagnosis.
A study by UC Irvine neurologist Dr. Jack Lin suggests that screening for comorbidities can enhance the care and quality of life for children and adults with epilepsy. The study highlights the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric, cognitive, and social issues in conjunction with epilepsy.
A study finds that more than 60% of people in low- and lower-middle income regions are not accessing any appropriate epilepsy treatment. The burden of epilepsy in these regions is estimated to be at least double that found in high-income countries, with inadequate facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
A study found that infants with regulatory problems and/or maternal psychiatric issues may develop unexplained physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue in later childhood. Mothers with depression or anxiety during their infant's first year were 7 times more likely to have children with FSS at age 5-7.
A new report by the George Washington University School of Public Health found that antipsychotic drug manufacturers spent over $25 million on marketing to psychiatrists in DC Medicaid in 2010. The majority of these funds, 66%, were directed towards Medicaid providers, raising concerns about the influence of industry funding on prescri...
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has released a new Practice Parameter addressing the unique challenges faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and gender variant youth. The parameter provides best clinical practices to combat stigma, bullying, and discrimination, as well as promote cultural competence and resea...
A new study suggests that a simple, structured risk assessment tool can improve the accuracy of clinicians in evaluating the risk of violence among patients with severe mental illnesses. The tool, called HRC-20-C, has been shown to be effective in reducing errors and improving safety for staff and patients in high-risk settings.
A Mayo Clinic psychiatrist proposes four steps to curb military suicide: gun locks, improved depression care, better sleep monitoring, and more. The expert emphasizes the need for ongoing resources to prevent, diagnose, and treat psychiatric illnesses among service members.
A study found that Somalis living in London experience more major depression and psychological disorders than those in Minneapolis. Practical support during integration is key to better mental health outcomes.
A simple assessment checklist improves the predictive accuracy of inexperienced psychiatrists when assessing violence risk in patients. The tool, called HCR-20-C, is a brief and straightforward checklist with five items that can be assessed by trained mental health professionals.
A new study by Dr. Inti Pedroso and colleagues has identified key genes and neural signaling pathways involved in the development of bipolar disorder. The findings, published in Biological Psychiatry, provide insight into the complex biology of the disorder and highlight potential new avenues for treatment.
Researchers discovered that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) can increase the number of glial cells, supporting neurons and promoting proper neuronal function. This study presents a fundamental new mechanism for treating depression by targeting glial cell growth.
A NIH-funded study reveals that hoarding disorder is associated with abnormal brain activity in areas processing error monitoring and weighing the value of possessions. Patients with hoarding disorder tend to over-activate these areas when deciding about their own possessions, but under-activate them when dealing with others' stuff.
A study found that adding creatine to antidepressant treatment significantly improved response rates, with twice as fast response times and higher remission rates compared to placebo. The supplement may provide a relatively inexpensive treatment option for women who haven't responded well to traditional antidepressants.
A recent study by the University of Leicester found that medical staff struggle to detect alcohol problems in non-intoxicated patients. General practitioners identified 40% of problem drinkers, while hospital doctors and mental health specialists detected 50% and 55%, respectively.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that children with ADHD have delayed brain development, particularly in frontal regions. This suggests a global delay in brain structure important for controlling action and attention.
A neuroeconomic review investigates how anxiety disorders impact everyday decision-making processes. The study highlights the overlap between neural systems underlying anxiety and decision-making, suggesting that fear and anxiety can alter choice patterns. Anxious individuals exhibit specific biases in decision making, which may be med...
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified laboratory-based biomarkers that can help understand brain-based abnormalities in schizophrenia. These endophenotypes could provide clinicians with reliable indicators of brain dysfunction, even when overt symptoms are not apparent.
Researchers found that childhood adversity increases the risk of depression and chronic inflammation, which can persist even after depression resolves. Individuals who experienced early childhood trauma have a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
A new study found that childhood maltreatment is associated with altered epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, which can increase the risk for suicide. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, suggests that early life adversity can lead to long-lasting changes in brain stress response systems.
A Swedish study suggests that antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women treated with these medications had a fourfold higher risk of gestational diabetes compared to those not taking any medication, according to the study published in Archives of General Psychiatry.
Researchers identified a distinct subset of individuals with PTSD characterized by high symptoms of dissociation and a history of sexual assault, contributing to the understanding of PTSD's course and accurate classification.
A 9-year study by UCSF researchers found that preventing or better managing diabetes can help prevent cognitive decline. The study linked the severity of diabetes to increased risk of cognitive decline and showed that patients with uncontrolled blood sugar levels suffered faster declines.
A new study reveals that consumers shop proactively to protect themselves against potential challenges, yet reactively after experiencing stress. They tend to choose products specifically associated with bolstering or guarding the self under threat.
A significant association has been found between alcohol dependence and genetic variations on chromosome 5q13.2, a region containing genes implicated in rare neurological disorders. The study, using genotyping arrays, identified two copy number variations (CNVs) that were associated with AD.
A recent study found that a high proportion of smokers calling quitlines also drank at hazardous levels, making it difficult for them to quit. Quitlines can be a valuable resource in reaching these individuals and providing brief alcohol interventions.
A study of 8,466 police responders found that 5.4% had full PTSD, while 15.4% exhibited subsyndromal symptoms associated with elevated rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders and functional difficulties.
Researchers will directly examine biological aging in schizophrenia using psychiatric and medical interviews, as well as laboratory techniques. The study aims to unravel biological mechanisms underlying faster aging in patients with schizophrenia.
The university's School of Medicine will train and place additional psychiatrists, primary care physicians, advance practice nurses, dentists, and other practitioners to serve Medicaid beneficiaries. The program aims to expand healthcare workforce focused on Medicaid patients' needs.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased irritability in children with autism, while being well-tolerated and causing minimal side effects. A large randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the findings and explore potential treatment benefits for other symptoms.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry confirms ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in patients with bipolar disorder. Ketamine was found to significantly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts within hours of administration.
A study analyzing industry-funded studies at psychiatric conferences found that 97.4% reported positive results for medicines being marketed, while non-industry funded studies showed a more balanced outcome. This 'presentation bias' echoes publication bias seen in major journals and may impact clinical care.
Two Johns Hopkins psychiatrists argue that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) needs radical change due to its current 'field guide' form, which provides checklists of symptoms but lacks underlying causes. The manual's limitations make it difficult for clinicians to direct treatment or investigate disorders.
Suicide rates among psychiatric in-patients have fallen by 29-31% between 1997 and 2008, according to a new study. Young patients and those with schizophrenia saw the largest declines. However, the risk of suicide for recently discharged patients may have increased over the same period.
Dr. Elizabeth Osuch has received a $100,000 grant to improve diagnosis of bipolar disorder in youth through functional brain imaging. The average misdiagnosis often lasts 6-10 years and can lead to declining patient condition if treated with antidepressants.
Researchers identified rare mutations in MAGI1 and MAGI2 genes associated with psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that these genes may play a role in brain connections and synaptic development, providing new insights into the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Studies suggest that careful analysis of electrical signals from brain activity may reveal important harmonic relationships in brain circuits. Abnormalities in structure and function are reflected in disrupted musical combinations, such as cacophonous music.
A brief training program led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers improved residents' empathy with patients, contrary to previous studies. The study found that participating residents showed significant improvement in patient ratings of their empathic behavior and knowledge of the mechanisms underlying empathy.
The TEAMcare program, a collaborative approach to managing chronic diseases like depression and diabetes, appears to pay for itself. After accounting for the program's $1,224 per patient cost, it may save as much as $594 per patient in outpatient costs.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry reveals that psychopathy is characterized by reduced grey matter volumes in key brain areas, leading to impaired empathy and moral behavior. The findings suggest a clear behavioral difference between psychopaths and non-psychopathic offenders with anti-social personality disorder.
Individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as an increased likelihood of developing psychosis. A Finnish study found that families with a history of epilepsy were more likely to experience both conditions.
A quality-of-care incentive program at community health clinics reduced depression treatment time by more than half, from over 60 weeks to less than 25 weeks. The initiative improved patient care and clinical outcomes for low-income adults with temporary disabilities.
A new study found that long-term survivors of acute lung injury (ALI) experience significant neuropsychological impairment, including cognitive decline and mental health issues. The study suggests that hypoxemia may be a contributing factor to these impairments.
Depressed individuals with rumination tendencies show altered brain network activation compared to healthy individuals. The study found a dissociation pattern between anterior and posterior medial cortex regions, positively associating rumination with increased connectivity.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry has discovered that testosterone's antidepressant properties are mediated by a specific pathway in the hippocampus. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to effectively improve mood, particularly in men with hypogonadism.
A national team of scientists has created the first atlas of the human brain surface based on genetic information, revealing distinct genetic divisions that differ from traditional brain maps. This atlas provides a new tool for understanding how genes influence brain development and function.
A new diagnostic criteria for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) has been proposed, expanding on existing criteria for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS). A clinical trial testing an immune-based treatment is currently underway, aiming to provide appropriate care fo...
Smartphones can be used to track symptoms and deliver real-time interventions for people with schizophrenia, according to Dartmouth College research. A survey of 1,600 individuals found that 70% had cellphones and used them frequently.