Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A new study identifies a brain circuit that can drive repetitive and compulsive behaviors in mice, even when natural rewards are available. The researchers used optogenetics to activate the circuit and induce negative states in mice, leading to prioritization of repetitive behaviors over natural needs.
A new study shows that AI-assisted interviews can diagnose mental illnesses with higher accuracy than traditional rating scales. The AI assistant Alba was able to differentiate between diagnoses that often overlap and received positive feedback from participants for its empathic and supportive user experience.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that lithium supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Alternative formulations like LIT-O may be a potential alternative to harness lithium's neuroprotective properties more efficiently.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics found that depression beginning before age 25 has a stronger hereditary component and is associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts. The research identified 12 genetic regions linked to early-onset depression, highlighting the potential for precision medicine in psychiatry.
Research from Colorado State University shows that faculty sharing internal sense of unease and inadequacy can shape students' perception of professors' overall competence, likeability, and effectiveness. Students found a hypothetical professor who publicly acknowledged feelings of being an impostor to be less hirable than an equally a...
This cohort study found a high risk of developing functional somatic disorder (FSD) in individuals with a history of sexual assault. The pooled analysis underscores the biopsychosocial consequences of sexual assault and highlights the importance of further research and targeted interventions to address this critical issue.
A study found that intimate physical contact reduces cortisol responses, while oxytocin administration promotes wound healing. This integration of relationship dynamics and neurohormonal modulation may lead to future interventions for improved health and recovery.
This study confirms the role of negative reinforcement in chronic opioid use, contributing to addiction development. The findings suggest that this mechanism is present even after regular opioid use, highlighting potential for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
A nationwide study found that involuntary psychiatric patients have a significantly higher risk of suicide, particularly during the first month after discharge. The risk is elevated for several years and is associated with factors such as age, diagnosis, and previous self-harm.
The increasing use of unregulated psilocybin mushrooms poses a pressing need for public education, potency testing, and age-specific risk assessment. Existing clinical data are insufficient to guide harm reduction or policy, highlighting the need for real-world research on psilocybin use.
The Mount Sinai team will investigate neural mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder and pioneer novel neuromodulation-based treatment strategies.
The BRIGHT Center aims to equip researchers with state-of-the-art tools to expand the impact and reach of trauma interventions. The center's goal is to make a difference in the lives of those affected by trauma in South Carolina and across the nation, building resilience after trauma.
A randomized clinical trial found that repeated ketamine infusions provided no additional benefit to standard care for inpatients with serious depression. The study, led by Declan McLoughlin and Ana Jelovac, highlights the need for recalibrated expectations in clinical practice and underscores the importance of blinding in trials.
Researchers have uncovered contrasting risk profiles for individuals who attempt suicide and those who die by suicide, with the former showing more overlap with other mental health conditions. These findings suggest distinct approaches may be needed to prevent suicidal behavior and improve patient outcomes.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and UCL found that living in a safe neighborhood with high personal trust reduces psychosis risk among Swedish or European origin residents, but increases it for North African or Middle Eastern origin individuals. The researchers emphasize the need for inclusive environments to promote mental heal...
Researchers developed a machine learning model that uses MRI scans to predict which patients with mental illnesses will gain weight after diagnosis, and which ones won't. The BMIgap tool has the potential to prevent future weight gain and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.
A new computer model called CogLinks simulates brain circuit decisions and adaptability, helping researchers understand how the brain misfires in psychiatric disorders. The model's results suggest that a specific pathway is essential for adaptability, and its predictions are confirmed by an fMRI study
Researchers found that facial self-touching, particularly around the nose, chin, and cheeks, strongly correlates with stress levels during cognitive work. The study also suggests that this behavior may be an evolutionary, self-soothing mechanism to regulate stress.
A new study finds that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia receiving hospice care may carry major unintended risks, including increased mortality. The study highlights two policy issues: lack of oversight of medication use in hospice and a mismatch between hospice policy and dementia care.
A study of 5,794 adults found that different types of depression are associated with varying levels of risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Those with atypical/energy-related symptoms were more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes, while those with melancholic symptoms were at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have found that a ketogenic diet fed to young rats after weaning can prevent lasting effects of prenatal stress. This diet regimen was shown to reduce social and motivational problems in offspring, with males benefiting through reducing inflammation and females boosting antioxidant defenses.
A study confirms that people with ADHD can be more creative due to their tendency to let their minds wander. The research found that individuals with ADHD symptoms showed higher scores on creative achievements and were associated with greater mind wandering, particularly deliberate mind wandering.
Researchers found that females with ADHD are underdiagnosed and often receive a diagnosis five years later than males. They also exhibit greater emotional and functional difficulties.
The latest October issues of APA journals feature new research on adolescent suicidality and depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and safety issues related to ketamine and esketamine treatment. The American Journal of Psychotherapy also publishes a special issue on intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP).
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities account for more than one in five patients who have been in Ontario's mental health beds for over a year. Enhancing specialized supports both in hospital and community settings can reduce their length of stay and admission rates.
A deep learning model achieved up to 98% accuracy in distinguishing autistic from neurotypical participants, providing clear insights into brain regions most influential to its decisions. The model could benefit autistic people and clinicians by offering accurate and explainable results to inform assessment and support.
A study explores how Buddhist philosophy can enhance psychotherapy in the context of digital mental health. The findings focus on three key lenses: networked dynamics, reciprocity, and cognitive flexibility. These lenses frame experience as relational and evolving, highlighting the importance of overlooked connections and incidental en...
A University of East Anglia study found that trauma-focused CBT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation in children with multiple traumas. The therapy was effective and safe, even for those with complex and severe symptoms.
A 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention did not improve hippocampal integrity or cognitive/mental health impairments, but reduced cannabis craving. Regular physical exercise may be a potential strategy for managing cannabis use disorder.
A new editorial urges psychiatrists to prescribe exercise as a core part of depression treatment plans, following the FITT principle to meet individual patient needs. The research is clear: physical activity helps with depressive symptoms, yet it's rare for psychiatrists to prescribe it alongside medication or therapy.
Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.
A comprehensive review of anxiety and depression reveals abnormal neural circuits as a crucial biological mechanism. The study highlights key brain regions and networks involved in these disorders, providing new targets for neuromodulation and circuit-based therapies.
A UIC researcher team led by Dr. Subhash C. Pandey will investigate how long-term alcohol use affects the structure and function of brain cells, aiming to improve targeted treatments for alcohol use disorder. The grant renewal aims to fuel cutting-edge research into cellular interaction in areas key to alcohol addiction.
New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.
A new study reveals that autistic individuals identify loneliness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness as key factors contributing to their suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the need for improved access to support services and reduced stigma within society.
The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of EAET on nearly 700 war veterans across seven US Department of Veterans Affairs centers. Previous research by Dr. Brandon Yarns found that EAET provided significant pain relief compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy among older adults.
The latest issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research on psychiatric genetics, telehealth prescribing of controlled substances, and trends in ADHD medication. Highlights include a new APA Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium.
Professor Gregor Hasler's pioneering research reveals how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself and break free from depression, PTSD, and addiction. His discoveries have the potential to fundamentally alter international approaches to mental health treatment.
Professor Siegfried Kasper reveals biological bases of psychiatric disorders alongside psychosocial determinants, influencing treatment protocols globally. His pioneering research transformed approaches to treatment-resistant depression, improving millions of lives.
Researchers found neglected children had abnormalities in critical brain regions, including right corticospinal tract and superior longitudinal fasciculus, linked to behavioral difficulties. These findings provide objective markers for identifying children affected by neglect.
A 12-week online program has been shown to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa, with a significant reduction in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. The study found that guided internet-based CBT can help people who struggle to access specialist care.
A UCLA study reveals how a region of the medial prefrontal cortex integrates information across the brain to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses. The findings could help develop targeted therapies for stress-related and social dysfunction disorders.
Researchers have found a strong link between abnormal changes in retinal blood vessels and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that routine eye exams could potentially reveal early signs of the condition.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
A nationwide study found that a smartphone-based digital therapy reduced repeated suicide attempts by 58.3% among patients with a prior history of attempting suicide. The app guided users through short lessons focused on managing emotions and building safety plans.
Patients are nearly 4 times more likely to recall being told of short-term memory loss and 6 times more likely to recall being told ECT can be life-saving rather than about potential heart problems. The study suggests that the medical pros of ECT are being exaggerated while the cons are downplayed.
The University of Houston is expanding its behavioral health offerings with new ABA training programs, addressing growing need for behavior analysts. Salaries range from $63,000-$77,000 annually, with autism diagnoses on the rise due to improved screenings and assessments.
A systematic review of 172 studies reveals significant gaps in global representation of adolescent mental health research. Traditional bullying is reported more frequently in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries.
Victims of enforced disappearances experience prolonged uncertainty and ambiguous loss, leading to chronic depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Mental health professionals lack clear guidance on treating these cases, highlighting a need for evidence-based treatments and policy changes.
The report warns that immigration enforcement is a public health emergency for millions of children, causing constant anxiety and harm to their emotional development and academic performance. Clinical case studies reveal how trauma is transmitted across generations, shaping the mental health of immigrant children.
Researchers found that older adults who challenge themselves to learn new things are less likely to experience loneliness or depression, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued skill learning is associated with improved mental health outcomes, including greater resilience to external stressors and reduced depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that non-hallucinogenic versions of psychedelic drugs, like tabernanthalog (TBG), promote neuroplasticity through the same biochemical pathway as psychedelics. TBG activates the serotonin 2A receptor, inducing downstream activation of TrkB, mTOR, and AMPA. This is sufficient for promoting neuroplasticity and growth of...
Recent scientific advances aim to enhance the efficacy of psychosocial treatments for mood and psychotic disorders, according to Dr. Marc J. Weintraub's upcoming webinar. Innovative approaches discussed include a mobile app adjunct therapy for adolescents at risk and psilocybin integration for adults with major depression.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has been listed among the nation's top 20 hospitals for care excellence by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, with top-10 rankings in five specialties and top-20 rankings in nine. The hospital was also rated High Performing in all 22 procedures and conditions assessed by U.S. News.
Researchers used AI tools to analyze posts from 54 Reddit communities, finding similarities in speech patterns between hate speech groups and communities for certain psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that exposing oneself to hate speech online may lead to decreased empathy and traits similar to Cluster B personality disorders.
A large-scale study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that individuals experiencing persistent and intense grief are nearly twice as likely to die within 10 years after losing a loved one. The study followed a cohort of 1,735 bereaved individuals and found that those with high grief symptom levels had significantly higher r...
A major study by researchers at Aarhus University found that most cases of depression and schizophrenia occur in people without a family history of the condition. The study used data from over 3 million Danes to estimate absolute and relative risks of mental disorders in families.
A new study published in JCPP Advances found that watching a ten-minute video can shift how teenagers view themselves by promoting mental well-being. The intervention appeared to have little immediate effect on symptoms of anxiety or depression, but may work best as part of a broader toolkit of services.
Studies reveal that people in western and northeastern states, as well as Democrats, are more likely to use the 988 lifeline. Over 10% of calls came from veterans, highlighting a key demographic for targeted communication campaigns.
Dr. Deanna L. Kelly has been named Director of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, building on her expertise in schizophrenia treatments and nutrition. She continues to advance personalized treatment options, including effective medications and innovative dietary interventions.