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.
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 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.
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in Perspectives on Psychological Science concludes that the Goldwater Rule is not well-supported scientifically and is outdated.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.
SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2017
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.
Researchers found that players who started playing at age 12 or later had less risk of clinical impairment in executive function and depression compared to those who started earlier. The study suggests that repeated head impacts during childhood may lead to long-term problems with mood and behavior.
A new review finds that genetic evidence used in the courtroom is unlikely to reduce culpability, as judges and juries perceive defendants' genetic factors both as a mitigating factor and an increased likelihood of re-offending. This mixed perception cancels out any potential effect on blame assignment.
Clinicians must consider alternative modes of responding to challenges posed by pre-planned deaths, where decisionally capable individuals choose the time, place, and manner of their death. The concept raises questions about dignity, care, and terminology surrounding physician-assisted suicide and patient-initiated, self-conducted deaths.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center found that US suicide attempts have increased, especially among younger, disadvantaged adults with mental health issues. The study also revealed significant risk factors for attempted and completed suicides, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A preliminary study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that marijuana use can cause temporary paranoia and psychosis-related effects in individuals at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder. This population includes those with family history of psychosis or other risk factors.
A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified a potential biomarker that predicts atypical development in 1- to 2-month-old infants at high familial risk for developing autism spectrum disorders. Infants at high risk have elevated 'noise' and increased randomness in their spontaneous head movements during sleep.
A recent analysis of published studies suggests that self-generated and socially based pressures to be perfect may contribute to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Thirteen perfectionism dimensions had positive relationships with suicidal thoughts, particularly the most pernicious form involving perceived external pressure.
Advancements in mathematical tools are enhancing understanding of brain processes, including learning, emotion, dopamine signaling, and information processing. Studies using computational models are shedding light on the mechanisms underlying psychiatric diseases.
A review of available evidence links methamphetamine use to a heightened risk of stroke among young people, with men twice as likely to succumb to haemorrhagic strokes. The most common type associated with taking the drug is a brain bleed rather than a clot.
Researchers have developed a more precise way of diagnosing suicide risk by identifying biomarkers in blood that change in concert with changes in suicidal thoughts. A refined set of biomarkers applies universally to predict risk of suicide among both male and female patients, while others are specific to diagnoses and genders.
A new study found that patients who responded to ketamine treatment had increased early morning activity and lower evening activity levels. Altered circadian timekeeping systems may mediate ketamine's effects on mood.
A new study in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that middle-aged and older adults can successfully use a smartphone-based intervention to self-manage their serious mental illness. The app takes patients through 10 sessions over three months, covering topics such as stress vulnerability and medication adherence.
A new Yale-led study reveals that people with schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses exhibit altered brain activity when induced to hallucinate. The study suggests that the ability to learn these hallucinations are not real may help identify those in need of psychiatric treatment.
A new study found that individuals with bipolar disorder often face exclusion and stigma at work, leading to negative outcomes. The research highlights the importance of intervening to improve relationships with co-workers and supervisors, and suggests that workplace support is crucial for individuals with severe mental illness.
Individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits are better at learning to lie than those with few psychopathic traits, according to a study. After practicing a lying task, individuals with high psychopathic traits showed significant improvements in response time, whereas those with low psychopathic traits did not.
A new study identifies measures of violence potential that can predict both the increased risk of future violent behavior and actual development of psychosis. Screening people with sensitive instruments can detect individuals at greatest risk of violence.
Research reveals that insured patients struggle to secure appointments with psychiatrists, highlighting the challenges of accessing behavioral health care. The study estimates that a patient may need to call seven to ten psychiatrists to find an available appointment, underscoring the need for improved access to mental health services.
A Canadian study found that frequent marijuana use during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of recurrent psychotic-like experiences. The study suggests that emerging symptoms of depression are a key factor in this relationship, and highlights the need for targeted prevention programs to delay or prevent marijuana use amo...
A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that people with Tourette's disorder and chronic tic disorder are over four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Persistent tics into adulthood were a strong predictor of suicide risk, with patients nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide.
A study reveals that childhood psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD and depression, significantly increase the risk of developing addictions later in life. The research highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for mental health problems.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 3, 2017
A new study found that people carrying certain genetic alterations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders may experience impaired cognition, despite not developing a disorder. The research provides valuable insights into the effects of these genetic abnormalities on cognition in adults from the general population.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chandelier cells, a type of inhibitory nerve cell, are unaltered in schizophrenia patients, challenging prior findings of GABA deficits. The researchers suspect a developmental origin for the abnormality, which could have implications for treating brain disorders.
A new statistical analysis rebuts a previous study claiming a link between declining inpatient beds and increased suicide rates. The authors suggest focusing on proper diagnosis and treatment of depression and training primary care physicians to screen patients for mental health care.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that specific antipsychotic agents and routes of administration impact the risk of rehospitalization and treatment failure among patients with schizophrenia. The research highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches to optimize patient outcomes.
A treatment for depression using the Emotional Faces Memory Task resulted in a significantly greater reduction of major depressive disorder symptoms compared to a control group. The digital therapeutic targets an imbalance in brain regions involved in emotion processing and cognitive control.
A new study has found that patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for psychiatric disorders have a positive experience, with 80% viewing the treatment as useful and 70% finding it more efficacious than drug therapy. The study aims to validate ECT as a less frightening option by improving its administration standards.
David F. Dinges, a renowned expert in sleep research, has been awarded the Nathaniel Kleitman Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to advancing sleep science. The award recognizes his extensive work on sleep restriction, circadian biology, and its impact on human physiology and behavior.
A study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that one in three hospitalized patients experience symptoms of depression. Depressive symptoms can delay recoveries, increase hospital stays, and lead to readmissions. The study emphasizes the importance of initiating a depression screening program in hospitals.
A large Swedish study found no link between autism and violent offending, but conditions like ADHD that co-occur with autism do. Individuals with co-occurring conditions had a higher risk of convictions for violent crimes.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2017
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that the MMP-9 enzyme plays a crucial role in motivation for alcohol consumption. Researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme were less motivated to drink and exhibited reduced craving during withdrawal. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments targeting ...
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that oxytocin administration reduced drug-seeking behavior and relapse in methamphetamine-addicted rats. Oxytocin was shown to decrease motivation to acquire the drug and reduce relapse, with the effects strongest in animals with high motivation.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry reports that altering the balance of two pathways in the dorsal striatum, a brain region critical for goal-directed behavior, can help control alcohol consumption. The study found that suppressing the activity of the No-Go pathway and exciting the Go pathway promotes alcohol drinking behavior.
Researchers mapped brain network changes underlying improved executive function in youth, finding a modular yet globally integrated network structure. This architecture supports specialized processing and reduces interference between brain systems.
Cuts to addiction services in England have led to a surge in drug-related deaths and increased pressure on the NHS. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for more training posts and no further cuts to addiction services.
A recent study by UTHealth researchers has identified genetic alterations in children at high risk for bipolar disorder, which can be modulated by stress. The findings suggest that these genetic markers may contribute to the increased risk of developing bipolar disorder in children chronically exposed to stressors.
A comprehensive review of clinical and basic research studies found that antipsychotics improve outcomes for patients with schizophrenia and related disorders. The benefits of these medications outweigh potential side effects, and delaying treatment can lead to poorer long-term outcomes.
A new study found that body mass index (BMI), sex of the patient, and symptom profile can help doctors select the most effective antidepressant. Patients with higher BMI had a better response to treatment, particularly for women, while those with lower BMI were more likely to remit on venlafaxine-XR.
A national study found that phone calls to suicidal patients following ED discharge led to a significant reduction in future suicide attempts. The year-long trial, involving 1,376 patients nationwide, provided specialized screening, safety planning guidance and follow-up telephone calls.
Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez, a neuroscientist and clinical psychiatrist, received the award for her discovery of ketamine's rapid therapeutic effects on OCD symptoms, while Dr. Todd Gould was recognized for his work on ketamine's antidepressant effects in treating depression. The prestigious awards come with a $5,000 cash prize.