Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
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 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 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 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 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 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 failed to find evidence of genetic overlap between schizophrenia risk and subcortical volume measures, a key finding that defines a roadmap for future studies investigating the genetic covariance between brain phenotypes and psychiatric disorders.
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.
Research finds that repeated traumatic experiences during infancy and adolescence multiply the risk of psychosis by 7. Heavy cannabis use also significantly raises this risk, with a 6x multiplier. Neuroticism levels are associated with a 30% increased risk.
A new study examined the early expression of genetic risk for schizophrenia in adolescence, finding associations between psychopathological features and increased risk. The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights the importance of monitoring genetic risk factors during critical developmental periods.
Researchers found that younger smokers are more likely to have psychiatric disorders than older smokers. The study suggests that mental health screening may be warranted for this population to address related problems early.
A meta-analysis found a significant association between antipsychotic treatment in youth and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study included 13 studies and analyzed the cumulative risk of diabetes and its incidence rate per patient year of antipsychotic exposure.
A cross-sectional survey of 14,587 patients found that 86% had a preference for at least one aspect of their psychological treatment, with time of day and location being the most popular. Patients who had unmet preferences were less likely to report being helped by the treatment.
A new study reveals that individuals with borderline personality disorder exhibit enhanced amygdala activity and reduced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function when processing negative emotions, suggesting a lack of control over emotional responses. This findings support the concept of BPD as a disorder of emotion dysregulation.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies representing nearly 68,000 women found that menopause at age 40 or older was associated with a decreased risk for depression compared to premature menopause. Longer reproductive periods and exposure to endogenous estrogens may contribute to this protective effect.
Weaker interactions between brain networks help regulate attention were found in children with ADHD, correlated to the severity of inattention symptoms. Functional MRI scans identified biomarkers that reliably differentiate children with ADHD from others.
A Finnish study found that children who were frequently bullied or exposed to bullying had a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Treatment for these disorders was associated with frequent exposure to bullying, being a bully, and being exposed to bullying.
Researchers have discovered proteins that could serve as diagnostic markers for bipolar I disorder, differentiating it from other mood disorders and potentially guiding treatment choices.
A new study suggests that pomaglumetad methionil, a glutamate pathway target, may be an effective treatment for individuals in the early course of schizophrenia. Researchers found a statistically significant response in patients who are early-in-disease or have not already been exposed to other antipsychotic medications.
A UTSW-led study identified three neurobiologically distinct biotypes of psychoses, which do not always match conventional clinical diagnoses. The findings suggest that the term 'psychosis' might describe unique psychiatric disorders with distinctive mechanisms and treatments.
A team of researchers has identified biological markers that can classify mental disorders with greater precision, using neurobiological measures to differentiate conditions. The findings may lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for those suffering from mental illness.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that cannabis use is associated with increased neural noise in healthy human subjects. The researchers found that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active constituent of cannabis, induces psychosis-like effects by increasing random brain activity.
High levels of inflammation markers in blood are connected to stubborn symptoms of depression, such as anhedonia. Researchers believe blocking inflammation or its effects on the brain may reverse anhedonia in depressed individuals who fail to respond to antidepressants.
Decreasing county-wide psychiatric services led to a significant increase in emergency psychiatric consults and prolonged hospital stays. The study found that patients with mental illness faced greater challenges in accessing care, resulting in increased medical issues.
A large national survey found nearly 10% of Americans have lifetime drug use disorder diagnoses, resulting in significant impairment and comorbidities. The study also highlights the importance of treatment, with only 24.6% of those with lifetime diagnoses receiving treatment.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who switch to clozapine have better outcomes, including fewer hospitalizations and longer medication adherence. The findings provide important guidance for clinicians caring for this vulnerable population.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than light therapy in preventing relapse of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). CBT was found to be significantly better at preventing depression recurrence, with only 27% of subjects experiencing symptoms compa...
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that treatment for insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy or tai chi reduces inflammation levels in older adults. These behavioral interventions also represent a third pillar, along with diet and physical activity, to promote health and reduce age-related morbidities.
A $20 million gift from the Dolby Family Fund will support UCSF's Department of Psychiatry in its research on depression, bipolar disorder, and related illnesses. The goal is to rapidly advance treatments and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness.
A new study finds that the APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with an increased risk of late-life depression, even after controlling for Alzheimer's disease. The presence of this allele predicts future depression in older adults, highlighting its potential as a marker for prevention and early detection.
Internet-delivered CBT has been shown to benefit people with depression and anxiety, offering a cost-effective and empowering way of accessing treatment. It allows clinicians to treat more patients effectively in less time, providing patient empowerment and increased clinical efficiency.
A new study found that early life stress can impair the development of reward circuits in adolescents, increasing the risk of depression. The study revealed a decrease in ventral striatum activity in response to rewards, which predicted the emergence of depressive symptoms.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that adults with schizophrenia are more than 3.5 times as likely to die as the general population, particularly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The research also highlights tobacco use as a key modifiable risk factor for premature death among individuals with schizophrenia.
A large-scale study reveals that certain depression symptoms play a bigger role in driving the condition than others. The researchers suggest focusing treatment efforts on these key symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
A study found nearly 3 out of 10 marijuana users experienced a disorder in 2012-13, affecting 6.846 million Americans. The prevalence of marijuana use doubled over the period from 2001-2002 to 2012-2013.
The estimated prevalence of adults who used marijuana in the past year increased from 4.1% to 9.5%, while the prevalence of marijuana use disorder rose from 1.5% to 2.9%. Notably, black and Hispanic individuals experienced higher rates of marijuana use disorders.
Research at Mayo Clinic found that 42% of lung transplant patients exhibit depression-related emotional symptoms and 52% have depression-related physical symptoms. These findings highlight the need for interventions to reduce stress and support emotional health in patients awaiting a transplant.
A recent study found that counties implementing the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program experienced lower rates of suicide attempts among young people aged 16-23. The program's comprehensive activities, including education and mental health awareness, contributed to these findings. The results suggest significant impl...