Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A new study examined brain networks in veterans with trauma exposure using functional magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory tools. The researchers found that veterans with more severe PTSD re-experiencing symptoms showed weaker connectivity in two brain networks, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
A study of over 1,800 Vietnam veterans found that approximately 271,000 have current full or subthreshold PTSD and major depressive disorder, with 4.5-11.2% prevalence rates among male and female veterans. The findings highlight the long-term impact of combat service on mental health.
Researchers find that presenting a new outcome instead of omitting an expected threat can lead to more effective fear extinction in both rats and humans. The study's findings have implications for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and phobias.
Research finds high blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) correlate with smaller prefrontal cortex and brain abnormalities in schizophrenia. This may lead to development of easier diagnostic tests and better disease understanding.
A new study outlines 10 low-cost interventions that can increase safety on psychiatric wards, reducing aggression and self-harm by 15% and coercive control by 24%. The Safewards Model uses small, low-cost interventions aimed at improving staff skills and relationships with patients, resulting in a more peaceful environment.
A study from Duke University found that children with even mild psychiatric issues are more likely to face challenges in adulthood, including criminal charges, addictions, and education failures. The research suggests that early interventions can prevent these problems, but many children do not receive the necessary treatment.
A new spectrum disorder called ALPIM syndrome has been identified by researchers, which links anxiety to physical disorders. The study found a high correlation between panic disorder and four domains of physical illness, including joint laxity, fibromyalgia, and immune disorders.
The study found that antipsychotic medication use increased among adolescents and young adults, with males being more likely to use it than females. However, most office visits by children and adolescents with antipsychotic treatment did not include a clinical diagnosis of bipolar mania, schizophrenia, or autism.
A recent NIH-funded study found that approximately 1.5% of boys aged 10-18 received an antipsychotic prescription in 2010, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) being the most common diagnosis among youth ages 1-18. The study also highlighted a significant increase in antipsychotic use with age, beginning at 0.11% for ch...
A new study from Northwestern University finds that virtual training for veterans with PTSD and individuals with severe mental illness significantly increases their chances of getting a job offer. The program teaches them how to ace job interviews by building rapport with the interviewer.
Researchers found elevated cytokine levels in blood and brain of individuals with suicidality, distinguishing them from non-suicidal patients. This study contributes to understanding the role of immune system dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders, potentially leading to more personalized medicine.
A study examining cesarean section delivery and autism spectrum disorder found an initial association between the two, but further analysis of sibling pairs revealed no causal link. The study suggests that unknown genetic or environmental factors may contribute to the increased risk of both cesarean section and autism spectrum disorder.
Women under chronic stress have significantly lower levels of klotho, a hormone that regulates aging and enhances cognition. The study found even lower levels of klotho in women with clinically significant depressive symptoms, suggesting a link between psychological influences and klotho.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reveals longitudinal brain changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during late adolescence and young adulthood. The research found that these individuals experienced an exaggeration of normal cortical thinning, which wa...
A recent study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry demonstrates that early intensive behavioral intervention improves outcomes for young children with ASD, including intellectual ability and adaptive behavior. The study found no group differences in core autism symptoms immediately post-treat...
Quantitative brain imaging techniques can detect early cognitive decline and prevent it by identifying key brain structures and lifestyle factors. Studies suggest that a 10% reduction in preventable lifestyle risks can prevent up to 3 million cases of Alzheimer's dementia worldwide.
Stanford researchers found a surprising link between creative problem-solving and heightened activity in the cerebellum, traditionally thought of as the brain's movement-coordination center. The study suggests that shifting executive-control centers impairs creativity.
A global study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that psychotic experiences are relatively rare in the general population, affecting approximately 5.8 percent of adults worldwide. The study also revealed significant differences in prevalence rates between countries and demographics.
A study by King's College London found that mood instability occurs in a wide range of mental disorders and is not exclusive to affective conditions. The research also identified that mood instability was associated with poorer clinical outcomes, such as longer hospital stays and increased use of antipsychotic medication.
A UK birth cohort study found a significant association between childhood nightmares and psychotic experiences in adolescence. Researchers suggest that specific parasomnias could be an early warning sign for psychotic disorder.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that former NFL players who lost consciousness due to concussion during their playing days showed key differences in brain structure later in life. The hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory, was found to be smaller in these athletes compared to a control group.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards, revealing a sophisticated role in guiding decision-making behavior. The research used rodent models to examine the neurotransmitter's dynamic tracking of specific elements of value-based decision making.
Research suggests that PTSD is associated with reduced telomere length, increased pro-inflammatory markers, and medical comorbidity, indicating potential for accelerated aging. This finding warrants a deeper look at the phenomenon and a more integrated medical-psychiatric approach to care.
A study published in Psychiatry Research found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who engaged in non-suicidal self-injury were five times more likely to attempt suicide. The research suggests that NSSI could serve as a marker for identifying veterans at high risk of suicide.
Researchers developed two new strategies to mitigate the risk of suicide in young people taking SSRIs, finding that careful dosing can minimize negative effects. Adding a molecule called WAY-100635 eliminates anxiety and impulsivity associated with SSRI treatment.
A Swedish study tracking 500,000 children found that high neighborhood deprivation increases risk of conduct disorder and anxiety disorders, while familial factors have a stronger impact on psychiatric disorders. The research suggests shaping policies to promote mental health by considering both family and neighborhood environments.
The Lieber Institute for Brain Development is conducting a multi-site research effort to investigate the role of non-inherited genetic mutations in schizophrenia, specifically somatic mosaicism. The project aims to identify causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and guide treatment development.
A new Northwestern University study of delinquent youth reveals that mental disorders do not predict future violent behavior, except for substance use disorders. Providing comprehensive treatment to individuals with psychiatric illness may reduce violence, according to the research.
Research by Mark Zimmerman suggests borderline personality disorder's psychosocial morbidity and suicidality comparable to bipolar disorder. The study highlights the need for improved detection and treatment of BPD.
A leading psychiatrist argues that depression is not caused by low serotonin levels and that effective treatments do not raise these levels. The serotonin reuptake inhibiting drug class, popularized in the late 1980s, was marketed despite lacking evidence of its effectiveness.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found no genome-wide significant associations between genetic variants and autism spectrum disorder. Instead, the researchers suggest that clinical variability in autism may be due to factors such as epigenetic changes or environmental responses. The study's results have implications for f...
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that rural African-American women had lower rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and mood disorder compared to their urban counterparts. In contrast, rural non-Hispanic white women had higher rates of MDD and mood disorder. The findings suggest the need for further research into the correl...
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that beta secretase inhibitors can impair synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions, highlighting the need for dose-dependent treatment. The researchers urge caution in dosing these inhibitors to balance safety and efficacy.
A study of over 3.9 million US military personnel found no association between deployment and increased risk of suicide. However, those who separated from service or had shorter periods of service showed higher suicide rates.
A new study finds that high-fat diets produce changes in gut microbiome, leading to altered behavior and cognitive function. Mice with high-fat diet-induced gut microbiota showed increased anxiety, impaired memory, and signs of brain inflammation.
A randomized clinical trial found that various DBT interventions, including skills training and individual therapy, were comparably effective at reducing suicide attempts and nonsuicidal self-injury acts. The study suggests that more research is needed to determine the best DBT intervention for highly suicidal individuals.
Research reveals anorexics' brain mechanisms that enable them to resist food temptations. Women recovered from anorexia nervosa exhibited decreased response to hunger and increased activation of cognitive control circuits.
A recent study found that children of deployed military parents experience increased mental healthcare needs and physical injury rates compared to non-deployed children. The risk of child maltreatment also increases when parents return from deployment injured.
A new study finds that antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of death in dementia patients, particularly those taking higher doses. Researchers analyzed nearly 91,000 veterans and found a higher mortality risk among those taking these medications compared to those not taking them.
A new computational tool identifies 800 ways people are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), allowing for personalized prediction guides. The algorithm, developed by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers, can predict PTSD risk less than two weeks after a traumatic event.
Researchers have found genetic markers in blood samples associated with gene networks regulating innate immune function and interferon signaling, offering insights into the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that these molecular signatures may be used to predict who is at risk of developing PTSD.
A large study found that most voice-hearers experience multiple voices with distinct qualities, while some also report physical effects on their bodies. The findings question traditional views of hearing voices and suggest different types of therapies could be beneficial for voice-hearers.
A new study found that nearly 86% of Tourette syndrome patients will receive a second psychiatric diagnosis, with 58% receiving two or more. Mood and anxiety disorders are common among TS patients, emerging as early as age 5, and are related to OCD and ADHD diagnoses.
A new study has identified antibodies targeting dopamine D2 receptors and NMDA glutamate receptors in children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. This finding suggests that autoimmunity may play a role in the development of psychosis, offering hope for new treatment approaches.
Researchers discover cannabinoid CB2 agonist AM1710 suppresses chemotherapy-induced pain in mice without tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. The therapeutic effect of AM1710 is preserved even after repeated dosing and blocking CB1 receptors produces no signs of withdrawal.
A study led by the University of Vermont found that most doctors prescribe antipsychotics for kids with major mental illness, following guidelines. However, there is room for improvement in lab tests and access to evidence-based therapies.
A new review finds that people with mild cognitive impairment are 65% more likely to develop dementia if they have diabetes and over twice as likely if they have psychiatric symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise may help prevent dementia.
A meta-analysis of 203 articles from 29 countries found that individuals with mental health disorders have a relative risk of mortality 2.22 times higher than the comparison population. The majority of deaths among people with mental health disorders are due to natural causes, with a median potential life lost of 10 years.
A major study by McGill University and the University of Edinburgh found that long-term smoking causes thinning of the brain's cortex, accelerating cognitive decline. Stopping smoking helps restore part of the cortex's thickness, but recovery is slow and incomplete.
A study found that extremely low birth weight babies are more likely to develop psychiatric problems like depression and ADHD as adults. However, those who received steroids during pregnancy were not protected against these issues.
A review of neuroimaging studies suggests that areas of agreement exist in psychiatric diagnoses, particularly regarding the integrity of the anterior insula/dorsal anterior cingulate network. This network is associated with executive function deficits seen across various diagnoses. The study analyzed 193 peer-reviewed articles and fou...
A Stanford study analyzed nearly 16,000 brain images and found a common pattern of gray matter loss in three brain structures associated with high-level functions. This discovery challenges traditional classification of psychiatric disorders based on symptoms.
A new international collaboration reveals a vital relationship between diet quality and potential nutritional deficiencies and mental health. The study finds that nutrient-based prescription has the potential to assist in managing mental disorders at an individual and population level.
A new study found that postpartum depression can have onset of symptoms that begin in pregnancy, impacting prognosis and treatment tailoring. Women who experienced symptoms during pregnancy may be at risk for more severe postpartum depression.
A new study finds that gray matter loss in the brain is a precursor to psychosis, with increased inflammation accelerating this process. Researchers analyzed brain scans of young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis and healthy controls, revealing a significant correlation between proinflammatory cytokines and gray matter thinning.
A long-term study of civilian women found that those with more PTSD symptoms had a nearly two-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that antidepressant use and higher body mass index associated with PTSD may mediate this relationship.
The study found that major depression was highly prevalent in adolescents, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 11%, and females had twice the rates of males. The majority of adolescents with MDD demonstrated severe role impairment and substantial comorbidity with other mental conditions.
Research reveals that women experience stronger urges to smoke at the beginning of their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. This knowledge could help women overcome abstinence-related withdrawal symptoms more easily, especially during the mid-luteal phase when estrogen and progesterone levels are higher.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that children whose parents have attempted suicide are nearly 5 times more likely to attempt suicide themselves. Researchers followed the children of 701 parents with mood disorders for an average of six years, and found a direct effect of parental suicide attempt on child suicide attempt.
Researchers found that music playing alters motor areas of the brain, influencing executive functioning, working memory, and emotional processing. A child's musical background also correlates with cortical thickness in behavior-regulating areas.