Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
A randomized clinical trial led by Duke University School of Medicine researcher found that individual cognitive therapy relieved PTSD symptoms better and quicker than group therapy. Nearly half of participants who received one-on-one therapy improved so much they no longer carried a PTSD diagnosis, whereas almost 40 percent of those i...
A randomized clinical trial found that individual cognitive processing therapy improved PTSD severity more than group therapy, with patients receiving individual sessions experiencing twice the improvement. Depression and suicidal ideation also improved equally with both forms of therapy.
Researchers discovered eight locations in the genome with copy number variants associated with schizophrenia risk, affecting dozens of genes or disrupting single genes. These ultra-rare variants occurred more frequently in genes involved in synapse function and carried a four- to 60-fold increased risk for psychiatric illness.
A Loyola study found that giving severely depressed bipolar patients the arthritis drug celecoxib significantly boosted the effectiveness of their antidepressant escitalopram. In the eight-week study, 78% of patients in the celecoxib group experienced a 50% reduction in depression scores, compared to 45% in the placebo group.
A new study reports that soldiers with higher blood pressure before starting prazosin treatment experience better symptom reduction. The study identifies blood pressure as a biomarker that can predict individual response to the medication, potentially leading to personalized medicine approaches for PTSD treatment.
A recent study found that children of parents with serious mental illness are more likely to live with a single mother or away from both parents, and experience higher rates of family dissolution. Schizophrenia had the most significant impact on family living arrangements.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation honored nine scientists with its 2016 Outstanding Achievement Prizes for their work in schizophrenia, mood disorders, child and adolescent psychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience. The award recognizes groundbreaking research that aims to improve the lives of people with mental illness.
A study of 185,419 depression diagnoses in Denmark found that the transition from daylight saving time to standard time leads to an increase in depression diagnoses, affecting all severity levels. The researchers suggest that the loss of morning sunlight and shorter days may contribute to this effect.
A recent editorial highlights the need for reform in mental health services, citing a lack of accurate diagnoses and inadequate treatment. The system is becoming unsustainable, with only the most disturbed cases being admitted to psychiatric wards.
New research reveals that gene DIXDC1 may act as a general risk factor for psychiatric disease by interfering with brain connection regulation. Mutations in this gene are linked to reduced synapse numbers and impaired WNT signaling in neurons, leading to heightened anxiety, loss of motivation, and social interaction deficits.
Researchers developed a new probability model to detect psychosis risk with 70% accuracy, combining medical history, clinical assessment, and biomarkers of fatty acids. This could lead to timely treatment and prevention of psychotic episodes.
A study of 2.4 million Swedish children found perinatal factors such as maternal smoking, breech birth, and preterm birth associated with a higher risk of developing OCD. The findings suggest an important role for environmental factors in the development of the disorder.
A new study found that early marijuana use is associated with abnormal brain function, particularly in areas related to reward-processing and motor control. Additionally, those who used marijuana from a young age had lower IQ scores and more pronounced abnormalities in brain regions responsible for visuo-spatial processing and memory.
The grant aims to create partnerships in disaster-prone regions to enhance national capacity for children's and families' post-disaster response. It adapts the National Child Traumatic Stress Network model, including a digital application for information sharing after disasters.
A study found an association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and an increased risk for Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders in children. Heavy maternal smoking was associated with a 66% increased risk for these conditions.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that psychiatric patients wait significantly longer in ERs than non-psychiatric patients, often being transferred elsewhere. The shortage of psychiatric inpatient beds and limited outpatient mental health facilities contribute to this issue.
Researchers found that Holocaust survivors and their adult children showed opposite epigenetic changes in a stress-related gene, suggesting parental trauma may influence offspring biology. The study suggests clinicians should inquire about parental trauma in addition to personal trauma.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that parents' psychiatric disorders are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts and violent offending in children. The study, which examined over 1.7 million people born in Denmark, found that risks were elevated across virtually the entire spectrum of parental psychiatric disease.
In Illinois, average monthly ER visits increased by 5.7% after Obamacare's implementation. In Massachusetts, availability of on-call specialists declined significantly between 2005 and 2014.
A longitudinal study found that children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience reduced longevity and significant psychosocial problems in adulthood. The study compared TBI cases to unaffected siblings, revealing strong associations between TBI severity, recurrence, and older age at first injury.
A new Canadian study found that increasing psychiatrists in Ontario did not significantly improve access to psychiatric care. Despite a 17% increase in practicing psychiatrists, demand for services continued to outpace supply.
Researchers found that men had greater pain relief from smoking marijuana after analyzing data from 42 recreational marijuana smokers. Women reported a small increase in pain tolerance but no significant decrease in pain sensitivity.
A study found that having depressed parents and grandparents increases the risk of depression in grandchildren, with a threefold increased risk when both generations are affected. This suggests early intervention may be beneficial for families with a history of depression.
A study found that individuals with smaller hippocampi are more likely to have a combination of genetic risk factors associated with an increased risk of psychosis. This discovery may lead to the development of personalized treatment strategies for schizophrenia.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that high school students with psychiatric symptoms were more likely to use substances like alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. The study highlights the link between mental health issues and substance use among teenagers in Brazil.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded six young scientists the Klerman & Freedman Prizes for their innovative clinical and basic research. The prizes recognize outstanding talent in neuropsychiatry and aim to advance understanding of mental illness, develop new diagnostic tools, and create effective treatments.
Researchers found that brain dopamine function returns to normal three months after quitting smoking, indicating chronic smoking may cause smoking-related deficits. This suggests the possibility of treatments targeting dopamine systems in smokers.
Researchers recommend measures to reduce US firearm suicide rates, including targeted legislation and smart gun technology. Public education and research are also crucial in preventing firearm suicides.
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.
A large study of 350,000 cases over 15 years found no higher suicide risk in clinics with locked wards compared to those with open-door policies. The study suggests that a controlled atmosphere may actually hinder successful therapy and patient autonomy.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.