Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A new study by Brown University and Harvard Medical School found that telemedicine does not substantially increase access to mental health care for those in rural or underserved areas. Despite its convenience benefits for existing patients, telemedicine did not lead to a significant expansion of care access for these populations.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that higher ultra-processed food consumption is associated with increased anxiety, fearfulness, aggression and hyperactivity in preschoolers. Replacing ultra-processed foods with minimally processed options may support healthier development and lower behavioural difficulties.
A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on treating bipolar disorder, preventing PTSD symptoms, improving access to eating disorder care, and more. Journal highlights include advancements in schizophrenia treatment and a retrospective analysis of suicide deaths in U.S. immigration detention.
Benzodiazepine use decreased across the US from 2018 to 2022, with the greatest decline among older adults. Nearly half of patients receiving benzodiazepines also took other central nervous system depressants, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
A study found distinct inflammatory biomarkers and brain signatures for early-stage depression and psychosis, differing even in the earliest stages. These findings support customized therapies and may reduce risk of severe progression.
A new study analyzing global Google Trends data reveals a sharp increase in online searches for crisis hotlines, particularly in recent years. The findings suggest that digital help-seeking signals can provide timely insight into population distress and demand for crisis resources.
Researchers found that implanted cuff electrodes can trigger unintended nerve stimulation during MRI, causing discomfort or pain. The study recommends more refined guidelines and careful safety considerations to mitigate this risk.
Exercise mimetics aim to replicate the muscle-brain axis benefits of physical activity without requiring engagement in regular exercise. By activating key molecular pathways, these compounds may alleviate depressive symptoms without traditional therapy or medication.
A meta-analysis of 55 studies found a significant protective association between spirituality and hazardous alcohol and drug use. The study suggests that spiritual practices may be effective in preventing or reducing the risks associated with these substances.
A cross-sectional analysis found that nearly half of mental health visits and 29 million non-mental health telehealth visits occurred annually. The study suggests that telehealth has become an essential component of care for older and medically vulnerable adults, raising concerns about rolling back telehealth flexibilities.
Research finds that SSRIs during pregnancy increase gestational diabetes risk in newborns but lower preterm birth and low birth weight risks. SSRIs also associated with breathing problems and neonatal care needs in newborns.
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 discovered that brief intermittent intense exercise is a more effective treatment for panic disorder than relaxation therapy. The 12-week program showed significant reductions in Panic and Agoraphobia Scale scores, anxiety, depression, and panic attack frequency and severity.
Two Weill Cornell physician-scientists, Dr. Semra Etyemez and Dr. Jesse Platt, have been awarded prestigious early-career awards from the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) for their outstanding research in obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and gastroenterology. The ASCI recognizes and supports the scientific effor...
A large-scale Japanese cohort study and mouse experiments reveal that maternal perinatal depression increases autistic-related traits in toddlers, with a particularly strong impact on girls. The findings suggest a sex-specific neurobiological pathway underlying these effects.
A ketogenic diet was found to have a modest effect in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study's results suggest that this dietary approach may be worth exploring as an adjunct therapy option.
Dr. Ronald C. Kessler's decades-long research transformed international understanding of psychiatric disorders and suicide prevention. His work exposes the global scope of mental health challenges and highlights key factors in prevention.
A new study found a significant increase in psychotic disorders among Ontarians born after 1980, with incidence rates rising by 60% for those aged 14-20. The study suggests that recent birth cohorts may be experiencing increased exposure to risk factors such as early life substance use and older-aged parents.
Research suggests that lower oral microbiota diversity is associated with poorer cognitive function in people with schizophrenia. The study also identified specific microbial metabolic pathways potentially linked to this relationship.
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 found that rates of poor mental health and suicide attempts have largely recovered, but repeated self-harm is increasing, especially among females. Trans and gender-diverse young people and early school leavers are particularly vulnerable to mental distress.
The study reveals that the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) is the central pathological substrate of bipolar disorder, with notable alterations in cell number and gene expression. This discovery highlights the PVT as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for improving patient outcomes.
Dissociation is a complex survival mechanism in response to overwhelming trauma, affecting memory, identity, and perception. Research confirms its prevalence among individuals who have experienced trauma, and effective dissociation-specific treatment options are needed.
A UH psychologist's study finds that anxiety sensitivity and pain-related anxiety are linked to mental health problems and clinically significant alcohol use among survivors of traumatic sexual assault. The investigation highlights the importance of addressing both types of anxiety in reducing the risk of lifelong challenges.
A new study demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risk levels can significantly reduce self-harm and depression among at-risk adolescents and young adults. The randomized clinical trial found significant reductions in self-harm behaviors, improved patient satisfaction, and high follow-up rates.
A study of over 500 survivors found severe psychological trauma with somatic symptoms persisting decades after the attack. The results highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health services, compensation, and ongoing care for chemical attack survivors.
Researchers are creating a centralized database to standardize and share biomarker research in anxiety disorders, depression, and psychosis. This initiative aims to advance precision psychiatry by integrating biological, behavioral, and clinical data for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
UVA experts Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova argue that the NEPTUNE model leaves many unanswered questions about near-death experiences. Despite its sophistication, the model selectively ignores scientific evidence and fails to address key aspects of NDEs.
A recent University of Michigan study analyzed over 60 million Medicare participants and found that total visits remained stable or declined slightly through June 2024. Despite widespread adoption of telehealth, overall healthcare visits stayed steady or decreased, contradicting predictions of increased utilization.
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 at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.
New study finds psychosis delusions emerge from emotional experiences, bodily reactions, and linguistic fabric. Participants described intense emotional embodiment and disembodiment, with some experiencing positive feelings of awe and love.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found that alpha frequency determines body ownership by modulating temporal integration of bodily signals. Faster frequencies led to higher temporal resolution, while slower frequencies caused broader timing differences.
A Dartmouth study identifies a novel target for using psilocybin to treat depression and anxiety without hallucinations. The serotonin 1B receptor is found to promote the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, providing a potential new approach for developing safer and more cost-efficient medications.
This randomized clinical trial found yoga to significantly accelerate opioid withdrawal recovery and improve autonomic regulation, anxiety, sleep, and pain. The study supports the integration of yoga into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention addressing core regulatory processes.
A Cochrane review found that exercise can reduce depressive symptoms similarly to psychological therapy, with moderate-certainty evidence from ten trials. Long-term effects are unclear due to few studies following participants after treatment.
Professor Dan Stein was a visionary who bridged neuroscience, clinical care, and philosophy to transform psychiatric research in Africa. His integrative approach produced scholarship of extraordinary range, with over 1,600 peer-reviewed publications and a Google Scholar h-index exceeding 220.
A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...
A University of Arizona study found that most people who fill out the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) are confused by its instructions, leading to inaccurate data. The study highlights a problematic phrasing in the questionnaire's instructions, which asks patients to indicate the frequency with which they've been bothered by symptoms.
A comprehensive review reveals tau protein plays essential roles in brain functions while driving neurodegeneration and psychopathology. Tau deficiency enhances insulin secretion, normalizing glucose levels in diabetic mouse models.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a smartwatch-based alert system that signals parents to intervene in children with emotional and behavioral disorders, reducing tantrum duration by an average of 11 minutes. The system uses physiological stress signals detected by the smartwatch to prompt parental intervention.
A new study suggests that AI chatbots like ChatGPT can help reduce mental health stigma by making people feel more comfortable seeking support. The research found that believing the tool is effective plays a key role in reducing concerns about external judgment and increasing its perceived effectiveness.
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
Dr. Eric J. Nestler's research has fundamentally reshaped global understanding of addiction and depression by focusing on resilience rather than pathology. His laboratory identified distinct molecular, cellular, and circuit changes in resilient brains that maintain normal behavioral function despite exposure to drugs or stress.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
Researchers measured dyadic alliance in support groups using computational algorithms and found verbal and nonverbal communication features, such as head poses and facial expressions, to be strong predictors of connection. The study suggests that AI can potentially identify behavioral markers of alliance and may have a role in mental h...
Children who spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms experience a gradual decline in their ability to concentrate. The study found no association between TV watching or video game playing and attention symptoms.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
The symposium will feature experts sharing cutting-edge research and insights on AI in clinical settings, aiming to improve chronic health outcomes and expand access to mental healthcare globally. The event is a unique platform for networking and collaboration, highlighting innovative approaches that move the field forward.
A study of 349 new parents found intrusive thoughts and psychotic-like experiences more prevalent than thought, causing severe distress linked to higher parenting stress and lower satisfaction. The research highlights the need for normalisation, stigma reduction, and targeted support for affected parents.
A growing trend of antipsychotic medication prescription increases in older U.S. adults, with long-term care pharmacies being a primary source. Non-psychiatrist prescribers contribute to the trend, highlighting concerns over medication accessibility and oversight.
Research finds certain psychological disorders are associated with positive attributes like heightened creativity, empathy and resilience. People with mental illnesses may grow and develop unique strengths despite their struggles.
A randomized clinical trial shows that semaglutide improves glycemic control and weight outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia. The study suggests using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as an early intervention strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk in this population.
A researcher warns that AI can distort our perceptions of death and existence by blurring presence and absence. He suggests that embracing selfless selves, or interconnectedness, can help us accept impermanence and the inevitability of death.
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.
A new study identifies a brain circuit that can drive repetitive and compulsive behaviors in mice, even when natural rewards are available. The researchers used optogenetics to activate the circuit and induce negative states in mice, leading to prioritization of repetitive behaviors over natural needs.
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.
A new study shows that AI-assisted interviews can diagnose mental illnesses with higher accuracy than traditional rating scales. The AI assistant Alba was able to differentiate between diagnoses that often overlap and received positive feedback from participants for its empathic and supportive user experience.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that lithium supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Alternative formulations like LIT-O may be a potential alternative to harness lithium's neuroprotective properties more efficiently.