Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A new 15-year study of 145000 patient cases found that locked wards do not reduce the risk of suicide attempts or unauthorized absence from hospital. In contrast, patients treated on open wards are less likely to attempt suicide and have a lower likelihood of absconding.
Researchers found that low UPSIT scores predicted dementia and cognitive decline in older adults, while entorhinal cortical thickness was associated with UPSIT score in those who transitioned to dementia. Odor identification testing may be useful in detecting early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that adults with moderate or more severe pain are at a 41% higher risk of developing prescription opioid use disorders. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 34,000 adults and confirmed previous findings on age and sex as risk factors.
A recent study examined opioid agonist therapy (OAT) use among Medicare Part D beneficiaries. The analysis found that only approximately 81,000 patients received buprenorphine-naloxone therapy, despite an estimated 300,000 patients struggling with opioid use disorder and over 200,000 requiring hospitalization for opioid-related issues.
Researchers suggest that widespread brain alterations in infants at risk for autism may affect multiple systems, rather than just social brain networks. Early behavioral and imaging studies provide evidence for general abnormalities during the first year of life.
A new study finds that variations in the 16p11.2 genomic region are distinctively linked to specific cognitive domains in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Differences emerged between deletion and duplication carriers, suggesting a complex association between genetic alterations and brain function.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry reveals that inflammation of the hippocampus contributes to depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients. Hippocampal immune activation was linked to more severe symptoms of depression and altered functional connections with other brain regions.
A new meta-analysis in Biological Psychiatry reports associations between sleep disturbances and long sleep duration with increased levels of inflammatory markers. Treatments targeting sleep behavior may be a strategy for reversing inflammation and reducing risk of inflammatory illnesses.
Scientists have successfully erased unpleasant memories in mice by switching off a single gene. The study reveals that deactivating neuroplastin, a key player in brain plasticity, impairs learning and memory processes. This breakthrough has potential implications for treating memory disorders such as dementia and schizophrenia.
Women who attended religious services had a lower risk of suicide compared to those who never attended. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, found that regular attendance was associated with a five times lower risk of subsequent suicide.
The study found that patients who received the LINKAGE intervention had greater involvement in managing their health and healthcare than those receiving standard care. Participants showed significant increases in patient portal use and rates of abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
A study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine shows that video-based mental health services are providing care to underserved rural children. The research highlights the need for mental health services in these areas, where only 20% of children with behavioral health issues receive treatment.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are exploring the potential of genetic testing and electronic health records to tailor antidepressant treatment. The study finds that genetic variation can affect patient reactions to drugs, offering a unique opportunity to develop pharmacogenetic guidelines.
A commentary in CMAJ warns that offering medical assistance in dying to people with psychiatric illnesses could lead to premature deaths and stigmatization of vulnerable groups. The authors highlight the need for a clear policy framework to address these challenges.
Scientists identified four new risk genes linked to epigenetic mechanisms in MS, which affect gene regulation within immune cells. These findings suggest that environmental influences play a significant role in the development of MS, with epigenetic signals marking DNA sequences and regulating gene activation.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with thicker prefrontal cortex in children. The study found no differences in overall brain volume, but highlights the importance of preventing cannabis and cigarette use during pregnancy.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that glial energy metabolism plays a critical role in addiction-related behaviors. Researchers found that altering glial lactate release and nerve cell uptake of lactate prevented long-lasting relapse in rodents.
A new study from Umeå University in Sweden suggests that exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses in children and adolescents. The research found a 9% increase in medication for at least one psychiatric diagnosis with a 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in nitrogen dioxide concentration.
A new study led by Dartmouth researchers finds that individual placement and support services can lead to competitive employment for people with serious mental illness within 9 months. The cost-effective approach also reduces health service usage over time.
Cannabis use for up to 20 years was associated with poorer periodontal health at age 38, while not linked to lung function, systemic inflammation, or metabolic health. Other analyses found cannabis users brushed and flossed less and were more likely to be dependent on alcohol.
A new US Army study found that soldiers who never deployed were at greatest risk for suicide attempts, with the highest risk occurring in the second month of service. The study also identified other factors contributing to increased risk, including deployment status, gender, and mental health diagnoses.
Matthew Hill's research has deepened understanding of how the brain responds to stress, highlighting the crucial role of the endocannabinoid system. His work demonstrates that enhancing this system can reduce anxiety and improve coping responses to stress.
A series of studies identified a gene called ANK3 as playing a key role in affecting longevity. Higher levels of ANK3 expression were found in older patients with psychiatric disorders and those who had committed suicide.
A new Stanford study reveals that a child's mother voice activates diverse brain regions involved in emotions, reward processing, and face recognition. Children with stronger brain connections to their mom's voice exhibit better social communication skills.
A study of 6,671 individuals found lower rates of self-harm and unintentional injuries among those taking lithium compared to other mood stabilizers. Lithium may reduce impulsive aggression in addition to stabilizing mood.
A new study found that vasopressin increases placebo analgesic effects in women, particularly those with lower acute stress and anxiety. The findings suggest a new mechanism for the neurobiology of placebo effects and open up research directions for understanding the vasopressin system.
A national survey of over 34,000 adults found that individuals with bipolar disorder are equally likely to develop anxiety as depression after experiencing an episode of mania. This study may lead to a broader clinical definition of bipolar disorder that includes episodes of mania along with anxiety or depression.
Experts weigh the benefits of expanding buprenorphine prescribing, citing its effectiveness in reducing opioid mortality rates, but also raising concerns about misuse and diversion. Proposed strategies aim to ensure safe and effective use while promoting quality care.
Researchers identified four previously unknown genetic conditions within schizophrenia, each with distinct symptoms and disease features. The study provides a framework for finding influential genes across complex genetic diseases, enabling more precise treatment design.
A meta-analysis of nine published randomized trials found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was associated with a reduced risk of depressive relapse/recurrence over 60 weeks. The treatment effect appeared to be larger in patients with higher levels of depression symptoms at baseline.
Researchers found structural brain damage in the hippocampus, a key memory region, that correlates with memory performance and disease severity in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The autoimmune disorder can cause schizophrenia-like symptoms and long-term cognitive impairment if not treated promptly.
A study of nearly 700 ICU survivors found that two-thirds experienced depression, anxiety, or PTSD, with most experiencing multiple symptoms. The risk factors were not related to illness severity or length of stay, but rather age, gender, unemployment, and substance misuse.
A study using Swedish registry information found that individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) experience excess mortality, with both predisposition and AUD itself contributing to the risk. The study suggests that interventions targeting AUD could lead to reduced mortality rates among those affected.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that U.S. veterans who experienced military sexual trauma were at a higher risk of postdeployment homelessness. The study analyzed data from over 601,000 veterans and found that those with positive MST screens had significantly higher rates of homelessness compared to those without.
New research finds that implementing specialist community services, clinical guidelines, and staff retention improvements led to significant reductions in patient suicide rates. Higher levels of non-medical staff turnover were linked to higher suicide rates.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that heavy cannabis users have lower dopamine release in the brain's striatum, a region involved in working memory and attention. This effect is similar to other addictive substances and may impair learning and behavior.
Researchers developed a novel method for predicting attention impairment using brain network growth charts in young people. The study found associations between deviations from normative maturation patterns and impaired sustained attention performance, as well as ADHD diagnosis.
A new study found that low-risk drinking guidelines differ significantly across countries, reflecting varying attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Different countries assign distinct daily or weekly limits for men and women, leading to confusion among researchers and the public.
Researchers have identified a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms in Ebola survivors, including vision complications and joint pain. The study's findings highlight the need for improved treatment options for those affected by post-Ebola syndrome.
Researchers found that depression combined with metabolic risk factors significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a vicious cycle where depression and metabolic symptoms exacerbate each other, making integrated treatment crucial for prevention.
A randomized clinical trial found that injectable hydromorphone was noninferior to injectable diacetylmorphine in treating long-term severe opioid dependence. The study suggests that hydromorphone could be a licensed alternative for patients where diacetylmorphine is unavailable or unsuccessful.
A study of over 2,000 US veterans found nearly 14% reported suicidal thinking at one or both survey phases, challenging past findings that suggest it's a longer-term problem. Social connectedness was linked to remission, while addressing psychiatric and physical health issues may be more critical for those with chronic suicidal thinking.
Researchers at Indiana University have identified blood-based biomarkers and developed questionnaire-based apps that can help clinicians identify female patients at greatest risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. The study found that these tools were able to predict future instances of suicidal thoughts with high accuracy, suggesting p...
A new study has identified a pattern of brain activity linked to memory problems in people with schizophrenia. The findings provide evidence that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is compromised in patients with schizophrenia and may be a specific target for treatment.
A genome-wide association study found that specific genetic variants contribute to cannabis dependence, potentially overlapping with other psychiatric conditions. The study also suggests a risk component for cannabis dependence in relation to other substance use disorders.
A new meta-analysis supports the link between Omega-3 supplementation and reduced major depressive disorder (MDD) rates. The study found a comparable benefit to antidepressants in patients taking EPA and DHA supplements.
A study of the Canadian Forces Mental Health Survey found that child abuse experiences accounted for 28.7% of the burden of illness, while Afghanistan-related deployments contributed 8.7%. Child abuse was linked to various mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that medical marijuana programs with less regulation had higher enrollment rates, raising concerns about potential recreational users. The analysis of state-specific characteristics highlights the need for policymakers to differentiate among programs to interpret the effects of...
A novel psychiatric intervention called Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) has been shown to reduce the risk of suicide re-attempts by 80% in patients who have attempted suicide. The study found that ASSIP participants experienced a significantly lower rate of repeat attempts compared to those who received standard care.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin reveals that modifying ECT can minimize cognitive side effects while maintaining its effectiveness in treating severe depression. The 'unilateral' approach, involving unilateral electrode placement, shows promising results.
A new study found that a computer-based attention bias modification treatment reduced negative attention biases and clinician-rated depressive symptoms in adolescents with major depression. After 12 months, participants in the active ABM group reported even greater reductions in self-reported depressive and anxious feelings.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that young people with psychotic-like symptoms benefit from early intervention treatment in their own environment. The treatment approach improved functioning and reduced symptoms compared to conventional youth psychiatric treatment.
Researchers have successfully disrupted a genetic chain of events in a mouse model of schizophrenia and reversed memory deficits. The study used a chemical compound to regrow connections between brain cells, restoring memory deficits and showing potential for effective therapies.
A study in Medical Care journal reveals that overcrowding in Israeli psychiatric wards is associated with higher rates of problem incidents, including falls and aggressive behavior. The research found a 'dose-response' effect, where increasing overcrowding leads to an increased risk of incidents.
Researchers at McGill University found a connection between noradrenergic neurons and depression vulnerability. Increased dopaminergic neuron activity corresponds to depression, while noradrenergic neurons control this activity, influencing resilience or vulnerability.
A study in the Netherlands found that patients with psychiatric disorders who underwent euthanasia or assisted suicide had chronic, severe conditions and histories of attempted suicides and hospitalizations. Most patients were socially isolated or lonely, leading to difficulties in regulating the practice.
Researchers report successful reduction of depressive symptoms in patients using a novel non-invasive method of vagus nerve stimulation. The transcutaneous approach, which stimulates the vagus nerve through electrodes clipped onto the ear, shows promise as a low-cost and safe treatment option.
A Swedish study of over 1.1 million children found that parental depression was associated with poorer school performance at age 16, with maternal depression having a larger negative effect on girls. The study suggests that early intervention and support for affected parents could have far-reaching effects on child development.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that inflammation can directly affect the brain's reward center, leading to changes in behavior similar to depression. The study found that patients with hepatitis C who received interferon-alpha treatment showed microstructural changes in their striatum, which was associated with...
Researchers challenge Health Canada's black-box warnings on ADHD medications, citing epidemiological studies showing reduced youth suicide rates with increased medication use. The study suggests that ADHD medications may actually reduce the risk of suicide in adolescents, contradicting previous warnings.