Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A Facebook-based treatment program found that smokers are 2.5 times more likely to quit after three months compared to an online quit-smoking program. Young adults, who are often reluctant to seek help, showed high engagement and short-term abstinence rates.
The article highlights significant flaws in the design, implementation, and analysis of pharmacogenetic tests for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and related psychiatric conditions. The researchers argue that these tests are not supported by robust evidence and may provide misleading information.
A new study identifies a brain abnormality associated with a person's general risk for mental illness, found in participants with higher mental health liability. The study suggests a single risk factor may predict development of any form of psychiatric disorder.
A study of 133 veterans found that a gene variant may increase psychiatric symptoms, such as PTSD and depression, after traumatic brain injury. The researchers suggest possible explanations for this link, including the gene's effect on emotion regulation and vascular disease.
Researchers found that brain regions responsible for understanding what we see have trouble communicating with other brain networks, increasing risk of mental illness. This breakdown may help target interventions and therapies.
Researchers found that TDP-43 and DISC1 protein clusters disrupt dendritic local translation, leading to abnormal cell function and behavior. The study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study found that a family history of psychiatric disorders, especially bipolar disorder, increases the risk of postpartum psychiatric conditions in mothers. The risk is higher when there's a male relative with a psychiatric disorder, and it's more pronounced among women without prior mental health issues.
Researchers successfully implemented cognitive remediation throughout New York State's psychiatric hospital system, recognizing and addressing cognitive deficits in serious mental illness. The embedded quality assurance program evaluation tools indicated that cognitive remediation was sustainable and effective.
A new study found that children with greater parent-child communication have better brain connectivity, leading to lower harmful alcohol use and emotional eating in young adulthood. The research highlights the importance of parenting skills in childhood for long-term brain development and health behaviors.
A pilot study found that machine learning algorithms can accurately predict students at risk of perpetrating school violence, outperforming human assessments in some cases. The technology has the potential to aid in preventing school violence by identifying high-risk individuals and providing targeted interventions.
Chronic dizziness can be a symptom of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, with up to 15% of patients affected. A whole-person approach addressing both mental and physical health is crucial in diagnosis and treatment.
A new Yale study analyzed 14 million newspaper articles from 1900-2016 to find that each war brought a new term for what are now known as PTSD symptoms. This lack of clear terminology may have slowed clinical and scientific progress on the disorder.
A study of over 11,000 twins found that children's reading level is highly heritable and determines their reading habits. The research highlights the importance of improving both reading skills and motivation to combat a cycle where children avoid reading due to difficulties.
A nationwide study of 2.8 million people over 36 years found that sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of developing both dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The risk of dementia increased with the number and severity of injuries, even a single mild TBI.
Researchers found primary care providers and pediatricians are less confident in evaluating irritability than child and adolescent psychiatrists, leading to over-reliance on medication. Increasing education and training may help improve diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study found that immigrant youth from specific racial-ethnic groups in the US have lower rates of certain mental disorders compared to their non-immigrant peers. The study examined the lifetime prevalence of mood, anxiety, and behavior disorders among 6,250 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years.
A study found that young Americans with nonfatal self-harm attempts had a sharply higher risk of suicide in the months following, especially among adolescents. The risk was highest for those who survived violent methods of self-harm.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals distinct molecular changes in gene expression between men and women with major depressive disorder, suggesting different pathology and treatment needs.
A study found exposure to fine particles during fetal life may cause permanent brain damage and contribute to impaired cognitive function in school-age children. Brain abnormalities, including a thinner outer layer of the brain cortex, were linked to difficulty with inhibitory control and related mental health problems.
A review in Journal of Psychiatric Practice recommends cognitive therapies as a favored approach to addressing trauma symptoms in human trafficking victims. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) shows promise in treating trauma-related distress, with potential benefits including reduced feelings of guilt and shame.
Researchers have developed a polygenic risk score to identify adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in their 50s, who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The score correctly identified individuals with MCI and showed that those with cognitive deficits other than memory problems were more likely to have diabetes.
Patients treated at PEPP experienced a significant reduction in risk of mortality, emergency department visits, and involuntary hospitalizations. However, benefits were not observed long-term, highlighting the need for further research on EPI program effectiveness.
A meta-analysis of 43 controlled trials found school-based mental health services effective for elementary-aged children, particularly targeting behavior problems. The study suggests increased support and training for school staff is crucial for the success and sustainability of these services.
Researchers developed a new method to extract valuable symptom information from doctors' notes, capturing the complexity of psychiatric disorders. The approach was applied in two studies, identifying genes associated with psychiatric symptoms and predicting hospital stay length.
A genome-wide association study identified a new genetic alteration, RGMA variant, linked to opioid dependence in European-Americans. The study provides insight into the biological origins of opioid dependence and may lead to novel pharmacological approaches for treatment.
A new study by the Eurasian Child & Adolescent Mental Health Study network reveals a strong correlation between Human Development Index scores and the availability of mental health services. Countries with high HDI rankings have higher ratios of child and adolescent psychiatrists per population size, indicating better investment in chi...
Researchers found that androgens increase cell spread and prevent death, potentially predisposing boys to autism. The study identified key genes regulated by testosterone that contribute to the risk of autism.
A study has identified five novel genetic variants associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that also influence educational attainment. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis between the two conditions, which may contribute to academic underachievement in children with ADHD.
A randomized, double-blind trial showed that adding sodium benzoate to clozapine improved negative symptoms and overall symptoms in patients with refractory schizophrenia. The treatment had no side effects and may provide hope for treating the most difficult-to-treat patients.
A comprehensive study found that over 50% of female Yazidi former ISIS captives suffered from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), with PTSD also prevalent among the population. The research highlights the need for sensitive therapeutic interventions and supportive environments to address the unique needs of these victims.
A new study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that some psychiatric medications may be underprescribed in children and adolescents. The study analyzed prescription rates with prevalence rates for ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression, and discovered no significant overprescription.
Researchers found that adding zonisamide to levodopa improved movement symptoms in people with dementia with Lewy bodies without worsening psychiatric symptoms. The study, published in Neurology, suggests a potential new treatment option for this debilitating condition.
A new study suggests that disruptions in certain regions of the visuospatial working memory network may lead to its impairment in schizophrenia. The precise balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters is altered, leading to impaired visuospatial working memory.
A study found that depression symptoms among older adults undergoing aortic valve replacement procedures were associated with a higher rate of death. Screening for depression may be justified for these patients, highlighting the importance of mental health screening in cardiovascular care.
Researchers at Indiana University and Rutgers University found a correlation between subtle changes in movement and autism diagnoses, suggesting a potential biomarker for early detection. The study assessed volunteers' arm movements using high-speed sensors, revealing hidden fluctuations that corresponded to previous autism diagnoses.
A new study identified a key brain region controlling social behavior and found that altering its activity may contribute to social deficits in autism. Increasing activity led to social problems, while decreasing it prevented social issues.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that bipolar I and II disorders have different biological causes, with stronger family clustering for each subtype. The research also identified distinct gender differences and genetic correlations between the subtypes.
Researchers found epigenetic changes in the CRH gene, a key player in the body's stress system, are linked to serious suicide attempts and psychiatric illness. The study suggests environmental factors can affect genetic expression, highlighting the importance of regulating the stress system for mental health.
A nationwide study found that ADHD medication use was associated with a lower risk of developing sexually transmitted infections. The study, which tracked data from over 17,000 individuals with ADHD, found that those who used ADHD medications had a 30-41% lower risk of STIs compared to non-ADHD controls.
A new study by IDIBELL and ISGlobal found that mild obsessive-compulsive symptoms in healthy children are associated with specific cerebral anatomical changes. The study suggests that these symptoms may be an early manifestation of a more severe mental disorder, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies.
A stress protein found in muscle has been linked to diabetes promotion, but blocking it with inhibitors could prevent glucose intolerance. FKBP51-protein inhibitors are being developed for clinical trials to treat diabetes and metabolic diseases.
Researchers at UTHealth found that individuals with bipolar disorder exhibit accelerated epigenetic aging, which may explain why they are more prone to age-related diseases and have shorter lifespans. The study suggests that lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and substance use can contribute to this premature aging.
A new therapy called Social Recovery Therapy has shown promising results in helping young people with schizophrenia to reconnect and engage with the world around them. The therapy involves identifying personally meaningful goals and setting up day-to-day achievable activities, significantly increasing social interaction.
Research published in CMAJ found that payment incentives introduced in Ontario in 2011 did not increase access to care for new patients. Despite a 15% premium and $200 annual fee, psychiatrists showed no significant change in the number of monthly visits for those discharged from hospital or with previous suicide attempts.
A new study finds that psychosis incidence can be up to eight times higher in some regions compared to others, highlighting the role of environmental factors in contributing to the condition. The study's findings suggest that areas with social deprivation and owner-occupied housing have lower rates of psychosis.
A new analysis published in Perspectives on Psychological Science concludes that the Goldwater Rule is not well-supported scientifically and is outdated. Examining someone directly may not be necessary if other valid sources of information are compiled, such as interviews with family members or extensive public records.
A study of over 13,000 opioid overdose deaths found that individuals with chronic pain conditions were at the highest risk of death. The study also reveals that many who died had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of early intervention for those at high risk of fatal overdose.
A randomised controlled trial found that avatar therapy was more effective at reducing hallucinations at 12-week follow-up, and had a large effect size. Patients who received avatar therapy experienced rapid improvements in their symptoms, with some reports of complete disappearance after 12 weeks.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified biomarkers that can aid in the development of better treatments for schizophrenia. The biomarkers were successfully tested in over 90% of individuals who received ketamine, and reliably distinguished them from those who had been given a placebo.
A study suggests that odor identification tests can identify patients with mild cognitive impairment who may benefit from cholinesterase inhibitor treatments. Short-term improvements in smell identification scores predicted longer-term cognitive improvement with donepezil treatment.
Researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells to explore the causes of autism, revealing that abnormalities in astrocytes may contribute to the disorder. Astrocytes play a crucial role in the development and function of the nervous system.
A new study of 4886 SLE patients and 24,430 controls found a higher proportion of dementia among SLE patients (1.56% vs. 0.51%) and a 51% higher likelihood of developing dementia after adjustments.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry provides direct human evidence for a decades-old theory linking heightened arousal and reactivity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to overactivity of the locus coeruleus (LC), a brain region that mediates arousal and reactivity. The study found that participants with PTSD exhibited increased ...
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded nine outstanding scientists for their work in schizophrenia, mood disorders, child and adolescent psychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience. John M. Davis and Deanna L. Kelly were recognized for their innovative research on schizophrenia treatment and prevention.
A new study found elevated glutamate and glycine levels in patients with first-episode psychosis, indicating abnormal stimulation of NMDA receptors. The findings may help explain why glycine supplementation hasn't worked as a treatment for schizophrenia.
A large twin study suggests that genetic factors contribute to nearly 80% of schizophrenia risk. Researchers used a new statistical approach to estimate heritability and found a similar result when considering related disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the brain circuitry behind social reward, pinpointing oxytocin as a key player. The study suggests that oxytocin promotes sociability by binding to receptors on dopamine-secreting neurons, enhancing their firing and fostering positive social interactions.
Researchers found that patients with pre-existing psychiatric diagnoses had higher acute and follow-up costs, particularly in emergency department and hospital outpatient costs. Addressing psychiatric comorbidities proactively may mitigate cost differences for these patients.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has found a link between brain inflammation and suicidal thinking in patients with major depressive disorder. Researchers at the University of Manchester discovered increased levels of microglial activation in brains of living patients with MDD who were experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Researchers developed a new tool, San Diego Wisdom Scale (SD-WISE), to measure an individual's level of wisdom. The scale successfully measured five out of six targeted domains, including prosocial attitudes and emotional regulation, and showed correlation with psychological well-being.