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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 study of 13,287 children found that early-life adversity was strongly associated with poorer mental health across all ages from 3 to 14 years. Adversity also predicted poorer working memory at age 11 and vocabulary at age 14.
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.
A new study found that children with conduct disorder who experienced childhood maltreatment have more extensive brain structural changes compared to those without maltreatment. The study highlights the unique contribution of childhood maltreatment to these changes and provides neurobiological insights into the heterogeneity of CD.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that countries closer to the equator have higher suicide rates due to decreased sunlight exposure. The prevalence of suicide increased with latitude, and was found to be higher in men than women, with age also being a significant factor
A new study found that primary care visits addressing mental health concerns rose by almost 50% over a decade, with Black and Hispanic patients facing barriers to access. Primary care physicians welcome the opportunity to address mental health concerns but need better support systems.
The February issues of the American Psychiatric Association's journals address risk factors for mental illness and substance use in psychiatric care. The research highlights the importance of understanding these factors to improve treatment outcomes and reduce disparities in mental health care.
Researchers found that Black children experienced more childhood adversity than White children, leading to differential changes in brain regions linked to psychiatric disease. The study suggests that structural racism may play a significant role in these differences.
A recent twin study found that serious eating disorder ARFID is highly influenced by genetic factors, with a significant 79% genetic component. Researchers estimate that between 1-5% of the population is affected by ARFID.
A UVA Health survey found that 45.2% of women report taking days off due to menstrual symptoms, affecting energy levels, mood, and work interest. Digital health apps like Flo can help manage symptoms, improve productivity, and reduce leave, with app users being 18-25% less likely to report impacted productivity.
A new study found that sleep medications increase the risk of dementia in white adults. However, the relationship between sleep medications and dementia risk varies by medication type and socio-economic status. The study suggests that patients with poor sleep should consider alternative solutions before taking medications.
A study of 1.4 million individuals found β-blocker use associated with a 13% lower risk of violent crime and an 8% lower risk of hospitalization due to psychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that β-blockers may be considered as a way to manage aggression and hostility in individuals with psychiatric conditions.
Researchers developed an AI system that suggested changes to participants' responses, making them more empathetic. The system helped people communicate empathy more effectively than traditional training did.
Research identifies significant barriers in ER care for patients with mental health and substance use disorders, including emotional, diagnostic, and logistical challenges. Broad changes are needed to improve emergency care for this patient population.
Researchers found altered cognitive function months after the Camp Fire, including increased activity in brain regions involved in cognitive control. Climate trauma may impair daily functioning and reduce wellbeing by weakening interference processing abilities.
A recent study found that social support has a significant impact on depression risk, particularly in individuals with high genetic risk scores. The research used data from two groups: first-year doctors and recently widowed older adults, showing that those who gained social support during stressful times had lower depressive symptoms.
Researchers identified a common brain network underlying several psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. The transdiagnostic network shows gray matter decreases in specific brain regions across most studies.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 800 families to show that 80% of children who reported maltreatment also experienced emotional maltreatment, leading to severe psychiatric consequences. The study highlights the need for early intervention and education of parents to take a child's perspective.
A new Duke University study found that most clergy members prioritize medical understanding of depression, with only a small minority recommending solely religious treatments. The survey results alleviate concerns about clergy advising congregants to pray instead of seek medical help for depression.
A study from Japan found that variations in psychiatric diagnoses across different cultures can affect the efficacy of antipsychotics in clinical trials. Researchers analyzed data from 28 double-blind randomized trials and found that psychotic features were associated with varying therapeutic responses to antipsychotic medications.
A recent study found that middle-aged individuals with more psychological symptoms are at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. The study, which included data from over 68,000 Finns, suggests that symptoms of depression, exhaustion, and nervousness can increase the risk of dementia even as early as age 45.
A new longitudinal study examines neural-based correlates and risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. The study found that greater amygdala reactivity during anticipation of social punishment predicted NSSI engagement one year later, particularly in those with lower peer-nominated social preference.
A recent study found that 1 in 5 children and teens who visit emergency departments due to mental health crises will still be there after 12 hours. Another 1 in 13 will remain after a full day, with over 60% being suicidal or having self-harmed.
A recent analysis of Psychiatric Genomics Consortium datasets found genetic correlations between psychiatric disorders differ between European and East Asian populations. Japanese psychiatrists tend to diagnose bipolar disorder less frequently in patients with psychotic features.
A new study finds that discrimination influences the central and enteric nervous systems, altering the bidirectional signaling between the brain and gut microbiome. This leads to changes in systemic inflammation, emotional arousal, and psychological symptoms across different racial and ethnic groups.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that internet-based therapy can help people with anger and aggression, with a combination of mindful emotion awareness and cognitive reappraisal being the most effective strategy. Four-week treatments resulted in decreased self-reported anger and aggressiveness.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals a genetic link between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Researchers used a polygenic risk score to analyze the relationship between ADHD genetic predisposition and cognitive decline, finding a higher risk of developing Alzhe...
A new study from Aarhus University found that people diagnosed with mental disorders work 10.5 years less than the general population. The researchers analyzed data from over 5 million individuals in Denmark and found that all types of mental disorders are associated with a substantial loss of working life.
Research by University of East Anglia reveals care home nurses were unprepared for the pandemic, impacting their mental health and wellbeing. The study suggests implementing a mental health and wellbeing strategy is crucial to promote recovery from trauma and moral distress.
A new paper by researchers at the University of Birmingham argues that a 'one size fits all' approach to treating early psychosis may not be effective. Instead, they propose using machine learning techniques to deliver tailored treatment plans that address individual needs and improve outcomes.
The American Psychiatric Association's December journal issues explore new therapeutic approaches involving psychopharmacology, digital technology, and fMRI neurofeedback. The APA also highlights its vision to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
A new UC San Francisco study found that financial stress during pregnancy accelerates cellular aging in white children but not black children. Researchers followed 110 white and 112 black women from age 10 to 40 and their first child to understand the impact of maternal stress on health outcomes.
A low-cost prenatal intervention benefits mothers’ mental health up to eight years later. The eight-week class intervention supported healthier stress responses in their children, and cut their short-term risk of depression and diabetes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that internet-delivered anonymous cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduced the viewing of child sexual abuse material. The study, published in Internet Interventions, shows promise for a feasible and effective treatment approach.
A new Hikikomori Questionnaire has been developed to identify individuals with pathological social withdrawal at an earlier stage. The questionnaire evaluates socialization, isolation, and emotional support on a scale of 0-4, providing a tool for early detection and treatment of hikikomori.
A new hallmark of ALS has been identified, revealing that loss of the RNA processing protein SFPQ leads to motor neuron degeneration. Defective mRNAs accumulate in axons and interfere with normal function, pointing to a possible new target for therapy.
A large registry-based study found lisdexamfetamine to be associated with the lowest risk of hospitalisation and death in people with amphetamine addiction. The medication showed a significant reduction in hospitalisation due to substance use disorder and any cause or death, while benzodiazepine and antidepressant use were linked to po...
A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022
The Julich Brain Atlas provides detailed maps of brain cells and receptors, enabling better understanding of brain connectivity and function. The atlas allows for correlation between brain network activity and underlying anatomy, aiding in the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.
A study by CHOP researchers found that financial stress during the pandemic contributed to depressive symptoms in adolescents across all income groups. The effect was most pronounced in low-income adolescents, but also affected those with lower pre-pandemic household income.