Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
A $4 million grant will study the impact of an easy-to-use online platform called WeCareAdvisor on managing dementia symptoms and caregiver distress. The platform provides education, daily tips, and a systematic approach for describing strategies to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms.
A new study found that traumatic grief reactions in youth post-9/11 warrant separate clinical attention. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, identified a distinct bereavement-related disorder that captures maladaptive reactions after 9/11.
Researchers at Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health System aim to develop a new therapeutic approach to reduce opioid addiction relapse using dual orexin antagonism. The study will investigate the role of sleep disturbance in opioid use disorder and its potential link to treatment cessation.
A large register study shows that refugee children with parents having PTSD are at a significantly higher risk of contact with the psychiatric system before turning 18. The researchers highlight the need for greater focus on this problem and early measures to support these vulnerable children.
A study from Finland found that the proportion of adolescents diagnosed with depression in specialized services has been increasing, largely due to an earlier age of diagnosis. The increase in service use poses a burden on specialized mental health services as they provide evidence-based treatment for a growing patient population.
A new study developed a blood-based biomarker panel that can diagnose posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in male combat veterans with 77% accuracy. The panel uses genomic, metabolic, and protein biomarkers to identify genetic and cellular changes associated with PTSD.
A dietary supplement called sarcosine may help people with schizophrenia by improving glutamate receptor function. Researchers urge clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness and establish guidelines for its use.
A meta-analysis of 40 studies reveals that individuals with psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder exhibit heightened impulsivity. The study suggests a continuum between impulsive and self-controlled decision-making across different disorders.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that stable home lives and nurturing mothers can significantly improve the psychiatric health of preterm children. The study revealed four distinct groups of preterm children, with those from healthier homes showing normal psychiatric outcomes.
A Canadian study found that individuals taking anti-depressants and/or anti-psychotics can lose weight with a weight management program, regardless of their medication use. The study analyzed data from 17,519 patients and showed significant weight loss in both men and women.
A study found psychiatric illnesses are prevalent in children and adults with kidney failure, with hospitalizations associated with a higher risk of early death. The prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses increased over time across age groups.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that differences between people with autism and the general population are shrinking over time. The researchers believe that changes in diagnostic criteria, such as a shift from lack of interest in others to simply having fewer friends, are contributing to the apparent increase in prevalence
Researchers at Cardiff University have identified the CYFIP1 gene as a potential cause of abnormalities in brain structure seen in psychiatric conditions. The study found that the deletion of this gene leads to thinning of the insulation around nerve cells, disrupting communication between brain regions.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that relatives of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have unique brain abnormalities, despite symptom overlap. The findings suggest that familial risk for these disorders influences brain development already early in life.
A global study found that bullying victimization is associated with a three-fold increased risk of suicide attempts among young adolescents. The study, which analyzed data from 48 countries, also found that the duration and frequency of bullying are key factors in predicting suicidal behavior.
Researchers identified a link between the kappa opioid receptor and naltrexone's effectiveness in reducing craving and consumption in heavy drinkers. The study suggests that individuals with more kappa opioid receptors may not respond to naltrexone treatment, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
A review of clinical trials published in top psychology and psychiatry journals found that more than half of the abstracts contained 'spin' - exaggerating the clinical significance of a particular treatment without statistics to back it up. This practice raises concerns about its impact on doctors' treatment decisions.
A new study by University of Queensland researchers found that patients' physical health is often overlooked in pursuit of treating mental illness. Conditions like diabetes serve as a stark example, with rates twice as high in those with mental illness compared to the general population.
A global commission has released a blueprint for protecting physical health in people with mental illness, highlighting key factors driving poor health and presenting initiatives for health policy and clinical services. The report reveals a broad range of mental illnesses are associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A national study found that child psychiatric telephone access programs significantly increased the proportion of children receiving mental health services. States with statewide programs had higher treatment rates compared to those with partial or no programs. The study suggests that expanding these programs could bolster the number o...
The University of Pittsburgh's new Bioengineering in Psychiatry Training Program aims to prepare students with engineering and quantitative science backgrounds for careers in mental health research. The program will focus on neuroimaging, neurostimulation, and neural engineering to address key areas of mental health research.
A new study published in Psychiatry Research has concluded that psychiatric diagnoses are scientifically worthless as tools for identifying discrete mental health disorders. The study found significant overlap in symptoms between diagnoses and highlighted the limitations of diagnostic manuals such as the DSM.
Researchers find that targeting a specific genetic mutation can alleviate psychosis symptoms by restoring glutamate function and glycine levels. The study provides proof-of-principle for a new approach to treating psychotic disorders using genotype-based treatment.
A large-scale data study conducted by Swansea University researchers has identified early warning signs of eating disorders, including higher rates of other mental disorders and prescription medications. The findings may enable GPs to detect these conditions earlier, leading to better outcomes for patients.
A new study found that early and regular cannabis use by youth is associated with alterations in brain circuits that support cognitive control. Chronic cannabis use may lead to reduced activation in the frontostriatal circuits that govern cognitive control and conflict resolution.
A specific gene associated with a lower amount of a certain nicotine receptor in the brain increases the risk of cannabis abuse. The study, conducted by Aarhus University, analyzed the complete genome of over 2,000 cannabis abusers and found a strong association between the genetic variant and cannabis abuse.
Research reveals that excessive Internet use can lead to changes in brain structure and function, impacting cognitive processes like attention and memory. The study also highlights the need for balance between online activities and social interactions, emphasizing the importance of 'Internet hygiene' techniques.
A new study found that rates of non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) in England grew from 2% to 6% between 2000 and 2014. Despite this increase, only a small proportion of those who engage in NSSH receive medical or psychological support.
A genome-wide association study has identified five new genetic risk loci for harmful alcohol use, confirming one previously identified locus. The study provides insight into the role of genetics in this behavior and highlights the importance of habitual alcohol use on various health and behavioral traits.
A novel method of embedding child psychiatric care in an urban pediatrics clinic increases access to and engagement in psychiatric care among primarily Latino patients. The study found that nearly two-thirds of referred patients completed evaluations, with younger children and those with a history of therapy more likely to do so.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry supports the effectiveness and safety of esketamine nasal spray for treating moderate to severe depression in people who have not responded to previous treatment. The study found significant improvements in depression symptoms within 24 hours of taking the medication.
A recent study found that younger parental age significantly increases the risk of ADHD and Tourette's, while older parental age is associated with Autism and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The research provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between parental age and offspring neuropsychiatric disorders.
A mindfulness-based smartphone app was found to reduce self-reported daily cigarette consumption and decrease brain reactivity to smoking images in study participants. Those who showed the greatest reduction in cigarette consumption also exhibited decreased brain activity in a region associated with craving.
A recent study reveals that buprenorphine prescribers in nonmetropolitan areas predominantly come from primary care backgrounds. These physicians tend to have more flexible practice settings and accept Medicaid, differing from specialists who dominate large metropolitan areas.
A study by Sophie Terp, MD, MPH, found nearly one in five EMTALA penalty settlements involved psychiatric emergencies. These cases were more costly and often associated with failure to stabilize than nonpsychiatric emergency cases.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that large-scale systems in the brain interact with each other in distinct ways for different psychiatric conditions. The researchers used brain network connectivity data from over 1,000 individuals to identify correlations between brain networks and symptom...
Researchers used MRI scans to examine the brains of 1,327 individuals with ASD and typically developing individuals, finding that cortical anatomy varies significantly between groups. The study also found that brain differences are more pronounced in girls with ASD, particularly those with lower cognitive ability.
A new study found that incarcerated youth are at an increased risk for suicidal behavior, with rates reported to be 2-to-3 times higher than those in the general population. Key risk factors such as history of mental health conditions and substance use were not significantly different between groups.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that stressful experiences before age 3 have a greater effect on gene expression than those in later years. Adversity during this period is associated with increased DNA methylation, which reduces gene expression and may lead to mental health problems.
A new study suggests that prenatal stress may be involved in shaping psychiatric resilience, with high-violence communities showing less frequent depression and PTSD symptoms. Prenatal stress interacts with postnatal stress to influence resilience.
A recent study found that over 7% of surveyed children in Puerto Rico exhibited clinically significant symptoms of PTSD, with 45% having damage to their own homes and 58% experiencing a friend or family member leaving the island. Social connections and timing of surveys may be protective factors against higher PTSD rates.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has discovered a relationship between the anti-stress brain chemical nociceptin and PTSD symptom severity. Women with less severe PTSD symptoms had fewer receptors for the chemical in regions of the brain involved in the threat alarm system, suggesting a potential marker for resilience.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that liver transplant recipients with alcoholic hepatitis have a comparable alcohol relapse rate regardless of their sobriety period. The study's outcomes support waiving the six-month sobriety requirement for selected patients, promoting equal access to lifesaving transplants.
Researchers propose a model that explains why some women develop PTSD after childhood trauma, highlighting the role of hormone regulation in resilience. The study suggests that when cortisol and oxytocin levels function properly, they serve as barriers against PTSD.
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice found that about half of patients referred to a specialized schizophrenia clinic were misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Anxiety and hearing voices were common reasons for incorrect diagnoses, highlighting the importance of second opinions from psychiatry specialists.
Researchers created a web-based training program for psychiatry residents on tobacco use assessment and intervention. The course improved residents' knowledge and motivation to address patients' tobacco addiction.
Treatment at Canada's only early intervention program for youth with mood and anxiety disorders leads to improved symptoms, functioning, and access to psychiatric care in the most appropriate settings. Patients who disengage from treatment have less severe symptoms than those who stay engaged.
New research suggests a connection between nonsuicidal self-injury and impulsive behavior, particularly under conditions of negative emotions. The study identifies potential areas of treatment for individuals at high risk of suicide attempts.
A new study shows that deep-brain stimulation improves cognitive control by increasing low-frequency brain rhythms in the prefrontal cortex. This finding could lead to more effective treatment plans tailored to individual patients' needs.
A recent study found that advanced paternal age significantly increases the risk of early-onset schizophrenia in offspring, with a 30% higher risk for every 10-year delay. The association remains after accounting for parental predisposition to schizophrenia, suggesting an independent role of paternal age.
After Colorado's marijuana legalization, a three-fold increase was seen in cannabis-related emergency department visits. Edible exposure led to about 33 times more ED visits than expected. Psychiatric ED visits were also more common following edible consumption.
Researchers found that individuals with more severe delusions sought more information before making a guess, supporting the idea of 'sticky' beliefs. The study suggests that cognitive training and neurostimulation may help shape inference-making and treat delusions.
A new study reveals that patients with prostate, bladder, or kidney cancers who have had psychiatric care prior to treatment are at a greater risk of dying. The research also found an increased suicide risk among these patients, even after adjusting for previous mental health treatment.
A new NIH study identifies distinct brain connectivity and activity patterns in children with anhedonia, a condition characterized by loss of interest in activities. The research may aid in developing targeted treatments for this condition.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry found increased connectivity between motor regions and the multimodal integration network in patients with FND. Symptom severity also correlated with increased coupling between the insula and the amygdala, which improved response to treatment.
A clinical study led by Flavio Frohlich at UNC School of Medicine successfully reduced depression symptoms in about 70 percent of participants using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The treatment target specific alpha oscillations in the brain, bringing them back into balance and decreasing symptoms.
The revised guidelines address pharmacogenetics, diagnosis of mental disorders with new molecular genetic technologies, and ethical challenges of genetic testing in psychiatric patients. Key findings include a lack of consensus on CNV testing in adults with mental illness and the need for more research to identify relevant genes.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral capsule (VC) or anteromedial subthalamic nucleus (amSTN) reduced OCD symptoms to a similar extent, but produced distinct effects on specific symptoms. VC stimulation improved mood, while amSTN stimulation improved cognitive flexibility.
A new study reveals that the menstrual cycle phase may contribute to differences between men and women in cocaine seeking and vulnerability to relapse after quitting. Female rats exhibited stronger cravings for cocaine during estrus, a phase associated with ovulation, compared to non-estrus.
Erika J. Wolf receives $346,000 grant from NIA to investigate PTSD-related accelerated cellular aging in brain tissue. The study aims to gain insight into the physiological mechanisms and consequences of accelerated epigenetic aging.