Articles tagged with Neuropsychology
A new study found that nearly 1,200 TBI respondents used psychedelics to treat or manage physical health conditions, with 208 participants using them to manage brain injury-related symptoms. Researchers reported a 90% self-reported symptom improvement rate.
Researchers at the University of Houston found that distraction disrupts memory consolidation primarily due to demands on central executive processing. To improve short-term memory, focus attention on a task for a few seconds before switching, and avoid multitasking.
A new study by Bournemouth University found that the brain reacts to emojis in a way similar to seeing real human faces, with neural responses occurring within 145-160 milliseconds. This suggests that emojis can be processed by the brain as meaningful emotional signals during online interaction.
Researchers found that consuming sugar before a relaxing massage impairs the body's ability to relax by activating the sympathetic nervous system. The study, published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, involved 94 healthy adults who received either a drink containing glucose or water before undergoing relaxation exercises.
A study published in PNAS found that the brain's social perception is more inclusive when a shared national identity is made salient. The research suggests that this neural flexibility can help bridge divisions and foster harmonious intergroup relations. By emphasizing common identities and shared goals, social cohesion can be improved.
A Tulane University study reveals how the brain regulates defensive behavior and fine-tunes fear responses as perceived threats diminish. Researchers identified distinct roles for neurons in the central amygdala, which help determine whether an animal responds with intense escape behavior or freezing.
A new study suggests that over 40% of UK adults are happy to use ChatGPT for mental health support due to long waiting times for traditional services. However, experts caution that AI should not replace human healthcare professionals and raise concerns about the potential impact on education and physical health.
A new study from CU Anschutz links chronic back pain to heightened brain responses to everyday sounds and finds that Pain Reprocessing Therapy can improve sensory amplification. The research found specific brain changes associated with sound hypersensitivity, which can be treated with psychological therapy.
Researchers found no clear link between brain structure and navigation ability in healthy young adults, challenging decades-long assumptions. The study used advanced AI tools to analyze brain scans and detect subtle patterns, but found no measurable connection between brain structure and navigation performance.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that the human brain continues to respond to tempting food cues even after eating enough. The research used EEG brain scans to monitor volunteers' brain activity as they played a reward-based learning game with food.
A massive genome-wide association study identified 58 genetic variants associated with increased anxiety risk, pointing to 66 genes involved in stress response. The study also found strong genetic overlap with depression, neuroticism, and PTSD, underscoring the shared biology behind emotional distress.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
Researchers developed a new approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using noninvasive brain stimulation, which significantly reduced intrusive memories in individuals with the condition. The treatment targeted the hippocampus and surrounding regions, showing promising results in alleviating PTSD symptoms.
A rare genetic mutation has been discovered that can explain why some people do not respond to newer schizophrenia treatments. The mutation, known as C182F, removes a structural bond in the TAAR1 receptor, blocking its binding site and rendering drugs ineffective.
Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered a neural network in fruit fly brains that assigns value to specific foods minute by minute, integrating context, internal state, and past experience. This breakthrough study offers insights into the origins of eating disorders and addiction.
Research from City St George's University of London found self-employed individuals report 24% higher stress levels than non-self-employed counterparts over a six-year period. Cortisol levels also remained elevated throughout the day, suggesting prolonged exposure to daily stresses.
A new set of guidelines provides veterinarians and pet owners with a clear approach to diagnose and monitor canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), also known as canine dementia. The guidelines outline key signs, diagnostic levels, and stages of disease severity to support care decisions.
Adults with asthma who experience depressive symptoms have elevated blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein typically reduced in major depressive disorder. Physical activity may also play a role in depression management, as lower activity levels are linked to worse moods.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that the brain forms new, high-density clusters of synapses on specific segments of dendrites during adolescence, challenging the 'adolescent synaptic pruning' hypothesis. This discovery may offer new hope for understanding the biological basis of schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental condi...
Compulsive behaviours are common across many mental health conditions, where people repeat actions despite negative consequences. New research in rats suggests that triggering inflammation in the striatum may shift behaviour toward more deliberate decision-making, rather than habit.
A new study suggests that midlife depression is driven by a small cluster of specific symptoms, rather than depression overall. The six symptoms are loss of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems, and poor concentration, which can lead to reduced social engagement and decreased cognitive reserve.
A study from the University of East Anglia explores how our brains remember past events and how those memories can change over time. Memories are made up of different parts and can become less accurate or include new information as they are retrieved.
Researchers found that recalling memories is facilitated when breathing cues are presented during inhalation, with actual memory retrieval happening during exhalation. The study suggests that respiration acts as a natural pacemaker for memory processes, highlighting the close interaction between the brain and body.
A new study reveals limited data on cognition in individuals with comorbid personality disorder and schizophrenia, leading to unfavourable outcomes. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into adapting treatments to support functional recovery.
Researchers from UNIGE found that specific areas of the auditory cortex respond to chimpanzee vocalisations, suggesting a shared neural basis for voice recognition. This discovery could have implications for understanding the origin of language development.
A Rice University study found that financial worries shape bedtime behaviors and predict poor sleep quality. The research identified "stress-before-bed behaviors" as a key mechanism linking economic worry and job insecurity to declining sleep health. Practicing healthy sleep hygiene behaviors can help break the stress-sleep cycle.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
Researchers found a significant link between longer screen time and increased ADHD symptoms, as well as developmental abnormalities in brain structure. The study suggests that excessive screen exposure may contribute to delayed brain maturation patterns in children with ADHD.
Researchers propose a closed-loop system combining peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to personalize neuromodulation. This approach aims to address treatment-resistant depression and schizophrenia by dynamically tailoring interventions to individual neural signatures.
Researchers found that L-DOPA increased participants' willingness to wait for larger delayed rewards by 20%, decreasing impulsivity. The study also suggests that dopamine's effect on waiting may not stem from changes in basic decision processes, but rather from future reward valuation.
A study of 40 women with PTSD following recent sexual assault trauma found a marked reduction in brain synchronization between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This disruption may be a biological signature of the disorder rather than a state-dependent marker, potentially leading to personalized treatment response.
Researchers from the University of South Australia explore the connection between the gut and brain to decipher their role in mental health and wellbeing. The study found that changes in the gut microbiome can directly affect brain chemistry, suggesting a potential link between gut health and mental illness.
A King's College London study reveals how income inequality is associated with altered connections and reduced surface area in the brains of children, leading to poorer mental health outcomes. The research suggests that implementing policies to reduce societal inequality could promote healthy neurodevelopment.
Professor Gregor Hasler's pioneering research reveals how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself and break free from depression, PTSD, and addiction. His discoveries have the potential to fundamentally alter international approaches to mental health treatment.
Researchers at MLU and University of Münster show that CBT leads to measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing, and increases grey matter volume in the amygdala and hippocampus.
A new study reveals that extreme heat and air pollution during pregnancy may alter hormone levels and increase behavioral difficulties in children. The research suggests a biological pathway through which environmental stressors can influence mental health and well-being.
A new tool called the ReaderBank Imagination Quiz identifies four forces of imagination linked to mental imagery and immersion in stories. This diversity of imagination skills may help refine treatments for similar traits in mental ill health.
A mobile phone app designed to deliver suicide-specific therapy reduced suicidal behavior among psychiatric inpatients by 58.3%. Users experienced sustained reductions in suicidal thoughts for up to 24 weeks after hospitalization.
Researchers grew a 'whole-brain' organoid with neural tissues and rudimentary blood vessels, opening possibilities for studying neuropsychiatric disorders. The multi-region brain organoid retained a broad range of neuronal cell types and formed electrical activity, allowing for real-time study of neurodevelopmental disorders.
A study by Kobe University found that optimists' brains work similarly when imagining future events, while pessimists' brains show more individuality. This commonality may explain why optimists are seen as more sociable and satisfied with their social relationships.
A specific group of neurons in the amygdala has been identified as a key player in anxiety, depression, and altered social behavior. Restoring balance to this area can reverse these behaviors in mice.
Researchers suggest that brains reach a critical state to learn, remember, and think, which can be measured using fMRI technology. This framework offers a new perspective on neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, which disrupt the brain's ability to maintain criticality.
A global roadmap aims to incorporate biological measurements in psychiatric diagnoses over the next 15-20 years, improving accurate treatment for patients. Current diagnostic methods rely on subjective responses and can be vague, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.
A study found that children whose mothers experienced Superstorm Sandy during pregnancy showed distinct brain differences that could affect their emotional development. Prenatal exposure to extreme heat and climate events rewrote critical emotion regulation centers in the developing brain.
Researchers at the University of Houston found that females with more psychologically flexible personalities have fewer signs of eating disorders. The study suggests a personalized approach to therapy may be most effective for preventing eating disorders when using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Professor Benedetti's research explores the intersection of genetics, environmental factors, and treatment response in mood disorders. His work has led to breakthroughs in chronotherapeutics and immuno-psychiatry, revealing crucial insights into immune-inflammatory mechanisms and gene variants influencing brain function.
A US study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that 37% of dementia cases could be linked to cardiometabolic diseases, with the strongest connection in the South. Hypertension was the leading cause, accounting for 9.6% of cases.
Researchers found that specific combinations of personality traits can predict bipolar disorder outcomes, with certain styles raising and others lowering the risk of depression. The study used data from over 2,500 people with bipolar disorder and suggests a personalized approach to treatment planning.
Researchers found that patients taking HIV drugs called NRTIs are substantially less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Jayakrishna Ambati, analyzed data from two large health insurance databases and determined a significant reduction in Alzheimer's risk among patients on NRTIs.
A recent study by Edith Cowan University has found a significant association between excess weight and long-term neurological and mental health symptoms after COVID-19. The researchers suggest that this link could be due to an exaggerated inflammatory response linked to fat tissue, which may store the virus and increase its spread.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that learning one's Alzheimer's risk can decrease negative emotions like depression and anxiety, but also leads to decreased motivation for maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized disclosure processes to sustain healthy behaviors.
Previous depression survivors exhibit reduced motivation for everyday tasks but become equally motivated with large and certain rewards. This research sheds light on subtle motivational deficits persisting in recovered depression, guiding targeted treatment for sustained recovery.
A study by Japanese researchers found that individuals with autism have impaired macrophage function, which may contribute to synaptic pruning deficits. The impaired function is associated with lower expression of the CD209 gene, suggesting a molecular mediator for this process.
The Simons Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE) is a 10-year program that will support projects aiming to uncover how the world shapes representations in the mind and brain. By integrating sensory and motor information, researchers hope to discover fundamental principles of cognition applicable across species.
A new study from the University of Kansas explores the role of working memory in word problem-solving for students with and without math difficulties. Researchers found that using interventions to improve working memory can benefit students who struggle with math, reducing cognitive load and improving word problem-solving ability.
A new study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that brain stimulation can influence decisions, making choices faster with anodal stimulation and slower with cathodal stimulation. The research used transcranial direct current stimulation to activate or inhibit specific brain regions.
Professor Tatia Lee's award-winning paper reports a study showing Qigong improves processing speed, sustained attention, and hippocampal volume in healthy older adults. The results suggest that Qigong can benefit brain health through its effects on the immune system.
A new international prize is launching to reward researchers bridging neuroscience and psychiatry, aiming to improve mental health diagnosis and treatment. The Synapsy Center at Université de Genève is offering a 50,000 CHF award for mid- to advanced-career contributions at the intersection of neuroscience and psychiatry.
A Griffith University study reveals that reframing stress as a motivator can lead to improved problem-solving skills and personal growth. Participants who underwent a 15-minute online stress mindset intervention showed no negative impact on their willingness to support others.
Researchers found that medical imaging experts can solve common optical illusions, including judging the size of objects. Training to improve visual perception can also make experts less susceptible to these illusions. This study has implications for training medical image analysts.