Articles tagged with Psychiatry
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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...
Researchers have identified potential new lead compounds for treating depression and anxiety disorders, which display reduced risk of drug abuse and adverse effects. These substances, derived from synthetic cathinone compounds, are known to release serotonin without significantly increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
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.
Adolescents in war-torn regions experienced high war trauma and daily stress, with 60% witnessing armed attacks. The study found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression compared to those living outside the conflict zone.
Researchers at USC found significant differences in gray matter density between boys and girls with binge eating disorder, suggesting unique brain structures and potentially different treatments. The study underscores the need to include males in future research on eating disorders.
Researchers conducted the largest clinical trial to date of psilocybin, finding a statistically significant rapid reduction in symptoms of depression. The study suggests that COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support could be an effective treatment strategy for people with treatment-resistant depression.
A recent study analyzing over 93,000 cases reveals a direct link between childhood trauma and the risk of developing a mental disorder in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of treating psychological trauma in patients and investing in prevention programs to reduce the risk of suffering a mental disorder.
A new study by UCL researchers found that problem drinking is associated with a higher risk of suicide and self-harm, particularly among those with 'probable dependence'. The study also identified signs of alcohol negatively impacting people's lives as risk factors.
The American Journal of Psychiatry focuses on the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric illnesses, while Psychiatric Services reports on community-based treatment programs for people with serious mental illness. The latest Focus journal issue explores borderline and other personality disorders.
A study in Brazil found that reducing childhood poverty could prevent up to 22.5% of future criminal convictions. The researchers analyzed 22 risk factors and interviewed over 1,900 children twice, finding that poverty was the only modifiable factor significantly associated with crime.
A new study published in NEJM Evidence found that crossword puzzle training significantly improved cognitive function and daily activities, reducing brain shrinkage in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that engaging with familiar activities like crossword puzzles may be more effective than computerized co...
Researchers at Rutgers University found that patients who participate in multiple outpatient visits early in treatment are more likely to continue care. Nearly half of these patients remained in treatment for six months or more, compared to just 2.9% of those with less frequent visits.
A new study found that psychological factors such as coping abilities play a significant role in individuals' risk or resilience to mental health disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain connectivity within specific brain networks also predicted individual vulnerability to anxiety and depression symptoms.
Researchers discovered two distinct types of regret linked to separate parts of the brain, influencing stress response and mood disorders. Stress-susceptible mice were hypersensitive to one type, while healthy mice were sensitive to another.
A new randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of Parent-Child Care (PC-CARE), a seven-session intervention program, for children with challenging behaviors and their parents or caregivers. The study found that PC-CARE improves communication and reduces challenging behaviors in just seven weeks, with an 81% retention rate.
A recent study identifies a specific gene, GNL3, that regulates neural proliferation in response to lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder. This gene plays an important role in brain function and has been implicated in risk for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and inter-individual variations in intelligence.
Research found that harsh parenting can lead to increased DNA methylation, predisposing children to depression. The study compared 21 adolescents with good parenting to 23 with harsh parenting and found significant differences in DNA methylation levels.
Researchers at UCalgary have shown that the antibiotic D-Cycloserine (DCS) increases the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with major depressive disorder. The combination treatment showed significant benefits, including improved depressive symptoms and anxiety levels.
Research reveals that pregnant smokers decrease their daily cigarette count by an average of one cigarette per day before realizing they are pregnant. This trend continues in the month following pregnancy recognition, with a decline from nine to five cigarettes per day on average.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant decrease in hospital admissions for first-time clinical depression and recurrent depression, while outpatient treatment remained stable. This shift implies that many patients did not receive appropriate care for their condition, potentially leading to long-term quality of life loss.
Researchers found a healthy diet and avoiding stressful news helped prevent anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Engaging in physical exercise, staying outdoors, and drinking water also showed protective effects on mental health.
A new study suggests that phone calls and video chats can help patients access care, especially for those with barriers to traditional in-person visits. The study found that veterans who received virtual visits were more likely to stay on buprenorphine treatment, but there were disparities by race, housing status, and age.
A Rutgers-led study of over 2,700 pairs of twins found that adolescent alcohol misuse is associated with poorer life satisfaction, physical symptoms, and self-rated health in midlife. The study's findings suggest that teenage drinking may have long-lasting indirect effects on physical health and well-being.