Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
Researchers found autistic nerve cells differ in structure and gene expression from typical individuals as early as 9 days into development. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to model brain development and provides new insights into the origins of autism.
A new study reveals that children with ADHD symptoms persisting into adulthood are more likely to be involved in car crashes. Adults with continuing ADHD symptoms had the highest rate of car crash involvement compared to those without a history of ADHD.
Emergent psychiatric conditions associated with SARS-CoV-2 are linked to targetable biological mechanisms. Studies suggest a potential therapeutic target for these conditions.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal depression during and after pregnancy significantly increases the odds of depression in offspring during adolescence and adulthood. The research, which examined over 15,000 children, shows that perinatal depression can have a lasting negative impact on mental health.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies and 44,000 participants reveals that eight specific types of early life stress are associated with an increased risk of developing depression in youth. These include emotional abuse, poverty, and death of a family member, while others like sexual abuse and physical abuse show stronger links to the condition.
Researchers identified shared brain structural elements across major psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study also revealed distinct regional abnormalities for individual conditions, suggesting potential mechanisms underlying these disorders.
A study of 153 hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 found that stroke was the most common brain complication, affecting 77 patients. Psychiatric conditions also emerged, including new-onset psychosis, dementia-like syndrome, and mood disorders, in 23 patients.
Researchers discovered a range of co-existing conditions in patients with fragile X syndrome and premutation disorder. Lower FMRP levels are associated with emotional processing issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, and psychotic features. The study calls for more research on psychosis and FMRP levels, as well as greater awareness...
A study of high-risk adolescents found those with callous-unemotional traits were more likely to carry and use guns in crimes. These traits, characterized by reduced empathy and emotional regulation, are associated with aggressive behavior and poor treatment outcomes.
A new study at Bar-Ilan University links COVID-19-based loneliness in older adults to elevated psychiatric symptoms of anxiety and depression. The researchers found that the effect of loneliness on psychiatric symptoms was most pronounced among participants who felt subjectively older than their chronological age.
The study found that prescriptions for buprenorphine treatment increased significantly among adults, particularly those prescribed by primary care providers. However, access to treatment decreased among young adults and teens, primarily due to a decline in prescriptions from psychiatrists and addiction medicine specialists.
Former child soldiers in Sierra Leone who were accepted by their families and communities experienced improved emotional and social well-being. The longitudinal study of over 500 former child soldiers found that stigma was a significant barrier to their recovery, with some experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress dis...
A UCL brain imaging study found that highly confident individuals tend to ignore contradictory evidence, while less confident ones process it accurately. This phenomenon, known as confirmation bias, may be stronger in real-world scenarios where people are motivated to stand by their beliefs.
The article discusses how psychiatrists can contribute to mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts emphasize the need for a collective response from the psychiatric community to address the growing mental health crisis.
A new study by King's College London researchers found that personal accounts of childhood maltreatment show a stronger association with psychiatric problems compared to legal proof of maltreatment. Those who recalled the experience were nearly twice as likely to have emotional disorders in adulthood.
Researchers developed a single factor, 'p', combining different measures of psychiatric outcomes, which predicts patient prognosis and need for extra support. A high 'p' value is linked to adverse outcomes, such as suicide risk, criminality, or drug abuse.
A new meta-analysis by Jeffrey Newport found no association between prenatal antidepressant use and autism in children, despite previous studies suggesting a potential link. Limited access to healthcare among ethnic minority and immigrant mothers was identified as the root cause of bias, leading to inaccurate study results.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that veterans often become homeless years after leaving the military, with a significant 'sleeper effect' delayed onset. Chronic medical and psychiatric conditions take time to develop, increasing the risk of homelessness over subsequent years.
Physician-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified two clusters of depressive symptoms responding to distinct neuroanatomical treatment targets in patients undergoing TMS. These findings may facilitate personalized TMS therapy for depression and other psychiatric disorders.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry finds that children's rearing environment has a significant impact on their risk for major depression later in life. Adopted children showed lower risk of depression, regardless of their biological parents' mental health status.
Researchers found that people with depression have impaired mood homeostasis, which can be improved through targeted interventions. The study suggests that training individuals to regulate their mood through daily activities could prevent or better treat depression.
Research analyzing genetic data of over 42,000 children reveals a strong link between childhood emotional and psychiatric issues and increased risk of adult depression, insomnia, and other conditions. Higher genetic vulnerability scores were associated with reduced educational attainment and emotional wellbeing.
A student-led campaign at Indiana University reduced stigma around mental illness, with results rivaling well-funded programs. The initiative increased awareness and inclusion among students, resulting in a significant decrease in prejudice.
Researchers found that 70% of electronic consultations were appropriate and 81% associated with avoided face-to-face visits. This study suggests that e-consults can improve patient access to specialists and reduce travel costs.
A new study found that coercive measures like seclusion and mechanical restraint are commonly used in Finnish psychiatric care, with an average duration of nearly three days for seclusion. The use of coercive measures is more common than previously thought, highlighting the need for accurate data collection.
A single dose of THC can induce a range of psychiatric symptoms in healthy volunteers, including schizophrenia-like symptoms. No consistent evidence suggests that cannabidiol moderates the effects of THC.
A new training program called DOORS helps patients with serious mental illness develop skills to use digital health tools, such as monitoring symptoms and setting wellness goals. The program, developed based on self-determination theory, focuses on three key elements: competence, autonomy, and relatedness.
Researchers will focus on brain regions where place, time and memory occur to understand Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to identify early mechanisms of the disease and develop an early diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a new classification scheme for psychoses into five clearly defined subgroups based on machine learning analysis of clinical data. These subgroups exhibit distinct patterns in symptoms, functioning, and genetic risk factors.
A large study found that prenatal exposure to maternal metabolic conditions or mental health adversities increased the risk of childhood neurodevelopmental delays. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target in pregnancy to give children a healthier start in life, with antenatal intervention as a possible avenue for prevention.
A University of Granada study found that gluten- and casein-free diets do not affect the behavior of autistic children. However, those with associated gastrointestinal disorders may benefit from such an approach. The research also suggests a link between intestinal permeability and beta-casomorphin levels in urine.
Research from the University of Warwick found that shorter sleep duration is associated with increased depression and anxiety in children. The study examined brain structure and cognitive performance in 11,000 children aged 9-11, revealing lower brain volume in areas involved in emotional regulation.
A large genetic risk study found that adoptees had a slightly elevated genetic risk for depression, schizophrenia, and neuroticism. The adoption process did not increase the impact of this genetic risk, suggesting that both environment and genetics play a role in mental health problems.
Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) affects sexually active individuals, causing genital numbing, loss of libido and emotional numbing. Pharmaceutical companies are now warning that these effects can last even after treatment stops.
A new study from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly more common in adults with pain than those without pain. Adults with moderate to severe pain are at a higher risk for frequent non-medical cannabis use and cannabis use disorder.
Buprenorphine use has more than doubled nationwide between 2009 and 2018, with increases seen across most age groups. However, a notable decline was observed among 15-24-year-olds, who experienced a 20% decrease in treatment rates.
A study of clinical interviews between psychiatrists and inpatients found that patients with thought disorder can communicate productively with their doctors. Psychiatrists use non-confrontational approaches, open-ended questions, and transactional techniques to build respectful relationships and achieve shared understanding.
Researchers found that combined exposure to air pollution and early life stress affects attention and thought problems in school-age children. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, suggests a 'double hit' on shared biological pathways connected to these issues.
Experts propose a clear definition of hikikomori to improve treatment worldwide. The new criteria emphasize the importance of addressing social withdrawal as a health issue, despite modern tools providing alternatives to in-person interaction.
A Yale University study has identified six genetic variants linked to anxiety in approximately 200,000 military veterans. The research provides the first convincing molecular explanation for the coexistence of anxiety and depression, suggesting shared genetic risks.
A US study of physician driving behaviors reveals that psychiatrists are most likely to be fined for extreme speeding, while cardiologists are more likely to drive luxury cars. The findings contradict the theory that certain specialties receive preferential treatment from law enforcement.
Researchers at UCSF-Kaiser Permanente found that primary care patients with 'unhealthy alcohol use' were 15% more likely to take benzodiazepines than moderate drinkers and nondrinkers. This increased risk was associated with a higher likelihood of overdose, accidents, falls, and exacerbation of psychiatric conditions.
A study by Dr. Ingo Helmich and his team found significant differences in non-verbal gestures and behavior between athletes with and without concussion, providing a new tool for improving diagnosis. These findings suggest that motion quality presentation gestures can offer insight into post-concussion motor sensory experience.
A new study reveals structural brain differences in children at high risk for depression due to parental history of depression. The right putamen region was found to be smaller in these children compared to those without a family history of depression.
A recent study found that children exposed to smoking in early childhood were more likely to exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and conduct problems. The association remained even after controlling for various factors, suggesting a significant impact of nicotine exposure on brain development.
A survey of over 700 young Irish doctors found widespread prescribing for personal use, with nearly two-thirds self-medicating. The study highlights the risks of this practice, including addiction and suicide, and calls for further education and inclusion in medical training.
Researchers from iPSYCH discovered that autism and ADHD share changes in the same genes, particularly the MAP1A gene involved in nerve cell formation. The study found a significantly increased risk of developing autism and/or ADHD for those carrying mutations in this gene.
A new study found that two-thirds of adult childhood sexual abuse survivors met the criteria for complete mental health, highlighting factors associated with resilience and flourishing. Social isolation, chronic pain, and a history of substance dependence or depression are impediments to recovery.
A Danish study found that teenagers with cleanliness rituals and poor insights into their condition are more likely to struggle with OCD despite standard cognitive behavioural therapy. Almost 60% of the patients experienced a worrying relapse after three years.
A study found that home-visiting by trained community workers during and after pregnancy can improve mother-child interactions. Mothers who received home visits displayed more maternal sensitivity, had harmonious interactions with their children, and had happier children at three years post-birth.
Researchers developed a speech-based mobile app that can categorize a patient's mental health status as accurately as or better than humans. The AI system assesses speech samples, compares them to previous samples and the broader population, and rates the patient's mental state.
Researchers discovered shared brain circuit abnormalities in patients with mood and anxiety disorders, enabling targeted interventions. These findings hold promise for improving outcomes for individuals with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders.
A new study found that performing well on two brief tests measuring cognitive ability and odor identification indicates very low risk for Alzheimer's. The tests may offer an accurate way to distinguish between those at risk for Alzheimer's and those with ordinary age-related memory decline.
A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found that excess psychosis diagnoses amongst Black and South Asian men in deprived urban areas may reflect a cluster of disadvantage rather than individual factors. The team identified four markers of vulnerability: drug and alcohol dependence, criminality and violence, risky or c...
A study found that youth with psychosis spectrum disorders exhibit surface area reductions in key brain regions, including orbitofrontal, cingulate, precentral, and postcentral areas. These changes are not seen in typically developing youth or those with bipolar spectrum disorders.
A new UK study finds that psychiatric diagnoses are seldom used as entry criteria for NHS mental health services, instead relying on broad clusters of difficulties and the specialist skills of staff. This challenges the long-held assumption that diagnoses are essential for accessing care, opening the way for alternative and more scient...
Researchers create wireless device to objectively assess social behavior and physical distance of people with schizophrenia, aiming to personalize treatment options. The device uses acoustic signals and GPS capabilities to collect data, which will be analyzed to find correlations with symptoms.
A new study found that 58% of suicide deaths and 45% of non-fatal suicidal behaviors in low- and middle-income countries are linked to psychiatric disorders. The research suggests a wider approach is needed beyond just treating psychiatric illness to prevent suicidal behavior.
A new study identifies a clear biological basis for PTSD, finding that genetics accounts for between five and 20 percent of the variability in PTSD risk following a traumatic event. The study also found significant overlap with other mental disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and neuroticism.
A new study found no overall association between oral contraceptive use and depressive symptom severity in young women, but reported higher symptoms in 16-year-old girls. The researchers suggest that the bidirectional relationship between oral contraceptive use and depressive symptoms may be at play, with both contributing to each other.