Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A study found that exposure to events against moral values and lack of confidence about raising safety concerns significantly contributed to staff distress. One-in-ten healthcare workers reported experiencing suicidal thoughts six months after completing a survey.
A new pilot study published in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrates the potential role of probiotic supplementation in supporting mood and mental health in adults with Major Depressive Disorder. The study found significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores over an eight-week period, with notable benefits seen from week four onwards.
The Better Together trial partners with community organizations and sites to provide buprenorphine treatment, reducing distance for patients and offering peer support in familiar environments. Researchers aim to address barriers such as stigma, misunderstandings about addiction, and bias against certain treatments.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
A new study found that LGB adults are more than twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors compared to straight peers. Depression, anxiety, and experiences of discrimination and bullying contribute to these increased risks.
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on substance use disorders, opioids, and youth self-harm and suicide. The articles highlight the importance of addressing these issues to improve patient outcomes and reduce stigma.
A study found that nursing and clerical staff experienced higher levels of psychological distress due to fear of COVID-19. In contrast, physicians had higher resilience levels. The availability of in-hospital support and consultation on infection control also played a role in mitigating fear and stress.
A clinical trial of 403 patients found that ketamine treatment was non-inferior to ECT for treating non-psychotic treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine showed fewer side effects than ECT, with improved depressive symptoms and quality of life.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that fewer boys aged 15-19 commit suicide in Swedish regions with higher bipolar diagnoses. The study, which analyzed registry data from 2008 to 2021, showed an inverse association between population-adjusted bipolar diagnoses and confirmed suicides among males.
New research highlights the benefits of family-based care for children exposed to early psychosocial deprivation, improving cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social development. The study found that high-quality foster care had a lasting impact on children's brain development and risk of psychopathology.
A team of researchers developed a deep-learning model called WearNet that uses Fitbit data to detect depression and anxiety. The study found that WearNet performed better than state-of-the-art machine learning models in detecting these conditions, producing individual-level predictions.
A new pilot study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that an AI voice-based virtual coach improved depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as problem-solving skills, in patients. The Lumen app delivered a form of psychotherapy, resulting in changes in brain activity and reduced psychological distress.
Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.
A nationwide register-based study found significant increases in psychiatric diagnoses among Finnish children and adolescents during the pandemic, with notable rises in eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights concerns about gaps in services and accessibility during times of crisis.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute used a nematode worm to study serotonin's effects on behavior and brain activity. They identified three key receptors driving slowing behavior and found complex interactions between serotonin receptors modulating brain-wide activity.
Cocaine use disorder has been rising for over a decade, with no robust treatment available. Researchers are using cocaine contingency management to provide cash or value in exchange for drug-free urine samples, aiming to change an individual's temporal horizon and reduce consumption. The study aims to guide innovative interventions tha...
Hoarding disorder affects 2% of the population with clutter in homes and excessive acquisition of possessions. The new guidance provides best practice for diagnosing and supporting those affected.
Researchers discovered that sleep spindles can alleviate anxiety in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contradicting recent findings. The study found that spindle rate frequency was higher during a stressful visit than a control visit, suggesting non-invasive ways to harness the benefits of this sleep stage for symptom ...
The latest May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on new treatments for conditions like trichotillomania, social anxiety disorder, and opioid use disorder. Additionally, a special issue of Focus journal explores suicide preventive interventions and knowledge.
A recent study reveals that many children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not receiving adequate treatment. The findings highlight the need for improved communication and access to outpatient mental health care for children with ADHD.
Researchers have created a new manual to study human diseases, using evolutionary genomics to analyze genetic risk. The manual reveals the importance of highly constrained genes that unite mammals, providing insights into neurological disorders and psychiatric conditions.
Research suggests that problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. Adolescents experiencing mental health problems showed similar patterns of brain activity, which were largely apparent in the frontal lobes.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals with a family history of depression exhibit reduced cognitive abilities. The research highlights the potential impact of genetic and environmental factors on brain development and aging, as well as modifiable lifestyle factors.
Researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences identified 17 factors that can predict ADHD symptoms in childhood, including sex, cigarette smoke exposure, and mother's urinary tract infections. The study suggests that prenatal information may help identify children at risk of developing ADHD, particularly when combine...
A new study found that emotion-focused therapy increased activation and connectivity of the amygdala in patients with bipolar disorder, leading to improved emotion processing. In contrast, cognitive-behavioral therapy showed increased activation of brain regions related to social function but not altered amygdala activity.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder have erratic sleep patterns and rigid daily routines, predictive of worse symptoms. The study suggests varying daily routines and incorporating movement can improve brain health and reduce negative mental health symptoms.
A randomized trial found tailored education and peer support significantly reduced binge-drinking among Army National Guard members over the course of a year. Participants who received online education sessions and supportive phone calls from veteran peers showed substantial declines in binge-drinking days and scores on risk assessments.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who knowingly took placebos were more likely to stay on methadone and had improved sleep quality. After three months of follow-up, 78% of the placebo-treated group remained on methadone compared to 61% of the control group.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a link between opioid prescribing patterns and suicide risk. The researchers analyzed data from 2009-2017 and discovered that regions with the greatest decrease in opioid prescriptions also experienced the greatest decline in suicide deaths. This suggests that policies a...
Research finds that endocannabinoids protect against addiction in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment. The 'resilient' group showed increased function of the endocannabinoid system and different brain activity compared to other groups.
A national survey found that South Carolina residents were more hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccines due to low confidence in public health scientists and collective responsibility. Researchers hope that targeted education efforts will address these factors and reduce vaccine hesitancy.
A new 'enhanced primary care' model has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels among patients with severe mental illness. The study, conducted at UNC WakeBrook, showed significant improvements in screening for people with severe mental illness compared to usual primary care.
The new guidelines, developed by 22 experts across three continents, provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating catatonia. The recommendations include the use of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy, with attention to special requirements for certain groups.
Psychiatrists at Indiana University School of Medicine found deaths by suicide increased during the week of a full moon, especially in people over age 55. They also identified 3-4 p.m. and September as peak times for suicides.
Researchers found higher levels of certain fungi and lower levels of bacteria in children with ADHD compared to healthy controls. The study suggests that a 'leaky gut' may allow toxins into the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation and brain damage.
A recent study found that veteran suicides did not increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, but those with pre-existing loneliness and psychiatric issues were more susceptible to developing new suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Evidence-based prevention efforts targeting these factors can help mitigate suicide risk in this population.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals a significant variance in Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services across US states. The study found that Nebraska, Alaska, and Arkansas reimburse at the highest rates, while Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Maine reimburse the least for the same set of services.
Patients who experienced severe illness and instability within two months of their clinical encounters were 45% more likely to be hospitalized. The study found this association remained consistent across a range of diagnoses and demographics.
A recent study has found a significant link between fibromyalgia and increased odds of exacerbation in pain-related opioid use disorder. Researchers surveyed 125 individuals living with both conditions, revealing that those with fibromyalgia were more likely to report worsening addiction symptoms due to chronic pain.
A global research team found that long-term methylphenidate treatment does not increase the risk of growth impairments or psychiatric events, but may lead to modest increases in blood pressure. The study suggests potential disparities in ADHD medication access by country-income levels.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to accurately diagnosing cannabis use disorder, particularly for individuals who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The current diagnostic manual may misdiagnose these individuals due to the rapid increase in state-level legalization of medical marijuana.
A study of 110,780 participants in the UK Biobank found that individuals with a lifetime history of mental illness had metabolite profiles suggesting they were biologically older than their actual age. This may contribute to shorter lifespans and increased age-related diseases among those with mental health problems.
Researchers have found that depression and anxiety sufferers who experienced traumatic childhoods tend to grow up as angry adults. The severity of childhood trauma is also correlated with the level of adult anger, with emotional neglect increasing irritability and physical abuse leading to anger attacks or antisocial personality traits.
Researchers found that exposure to human sweat odors, extracted from underarm sweat, reduced social anxiety in patients undergoing mindfulness therapy. The study showed a 39% reduction in anxiety scores compared to a 17% reduction in the control group.
A new study reveals that childhood emotional trauma and sexual abuse are strongly associated with psychiatric symptoms in women, while childhood emotional and physical neglect increase the risk of symptoms in men. The research analyzed data from over 791 volunteers worldwide.
A major European study confirms a significant drop in suicides over the last decade, with 15 countries showing a 20% decrease in rates. The study suggests that active measures to prevent suicide may be linked to this decline.
The Octapharma USA grant supports the Immunoglobulin National Society's breakfast symposium on PANS/PANDAS, a subset of pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with strep. The program will focus on diagnosis criteria, pathogenic mechanisms, and current treatment options for challenging cases.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that melatonin prescription was associated with a lower risk of self-harm in young people with psychiatric disorders, particularly adolescent girls. The risk of self-harm increased before treatment initiation and decreased afterwards.
A new study has uncovered the brain's internal compass, which helps it navigate changing environments. The research found that the brain uses a mechanism called 'network gain' to reorient itself after being disoriented, allowing for rapid recovery of its sense of direction.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that exercise was well-tolerated by patients with mental or physical illness and resulted in decreased suicide attempts. The research debunks the myth that these individuals are not motivated to participate in physical exercise regimes.
Researchers collected electrophysiological recordings from prefrontal cortical regions in three human subjects with severe treatment-resistant depression. They found lower depression severity correlated with decreased low-frequency neural activity and increased high-frequency activity.
Researchers found that dogs with anxiety have altered brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and hippocampus. The study used fMRI to characterize abnormal neural networks in anxious dogs, providing insight into anxiety disorders in both animals and humans.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that dementia is the dominant risk factor for COVID-19 infection and mortality among residents of Swedish nursing homes. Early-onset dementia was found to be the strongest association with increased mortality rates, particularly in the 65–75 age group.
A new UC Davis study has identified 194 significantly different genes in the brains of people with autism, with many linked to brain connectivity, immune response, and inflammation. The research also found age-dependent differences in genes related to synaptic function and cell loss.
The March issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on major depression treatment advances and suicide risk screening for Indigenous populations. Journalists can access the publications by emailing press@psych.org.
Research found significant room for improvement in accuracy of California's provider directories and timely access to mental health care. Despite stringent regulations, inaccurate directories and inadequate networks hindered access to essential services.
A Rutgers study found no statistically significant improvements in patient or caregiver anxiety, depression, or psychological distress in palliative care interventions. The researchers identified conceptual and methodological problems in the literature, including excluding patients with existing mental health conditions from studies.
Researchers have found that brexanolone works by inhibiting systemic inflammatory pathways associated with depression. The study suggests that inflammation may contribute to the development of post-partum depression.
Research suggests that restricted access to abortions will cause severe stress for individuals carrying unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to psychiatric illnesses and developmental problems in children. This stress can exacerbate existing psychiatric vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of relapse or new episodes.
A school-based screen for mental health problems, combined with a referral system, has been found to be effective at improving and protecting the mental health of adolescents. The study also identified that this intervention can prevent psychotic experiences in children and adolescents, reducing their risk of developing mental disorders.