Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A new review article suggests that certain probiotics have the potential to exert behavioral and immunological effects in patients with depression. These psychobiotics can alter the intestinal microbial balance and regulate inflammatory responses, which may be involved in the modulation of mood and behavior.
A study by Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University found that older adults with severe mental illness have a higher rate of medical emergency department visits and longer hospital stays. The study highlights the need for more intensive care models that consider psychosocial factors.
A new study suggests that early life stress can lead to increased sensitivity to pain in adulthood, particularly if followed by later stress exposure. The study found that rats subjected to early-life maternal neglect showed enhanced muscle pain in response to mild stress as adults.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that offspring of stressed mothers show stress-induced changes at birth, with altered behavior and gender-related differences continuing into adulthood. The researchers identified the CRF1 gene as a key contributor to this intergenerational transmission of patterns.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids is associated with cortical thinning and increased risk for stress and emotional problems in healthy, full-term children. The findings suggest that glucocorticoid administration may alter the trajectory of brain development.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry reveals that topiramate, an anti-epileptic drug, shows promise in treating cocaine dependence by reducing cravings and improving global functioning. The study enrolled 142 participants and found that topiramate was more efficacious than placebo.
A recent study in Biological Psychiatry suggests a possible link between sunny climates and reduced ADHD prevalence rates. The research found that regions with high sunlight intensity tend to have lower ADHD rates, even after controlling for other known risk factors.
Researchers found that methylphenidate and atomoxetine, two FDA-approved ADHD medications, increase brain activation when making fine temporal distinctions. This improvement in brain function is linked to improved behavior in children with ADHD.
Researchers found that differences in brain growth trajectories differentiate individuals who recover from childhood ADHD from those whose disorder persists into adulthood. Cortical thinning in attention regions was more pronounced in adults with persistent ADHD, suggesting a critical role of cortex development in ADHD recovery.
A multidisciplinary team treats a patient with severe OCD using DBS, achieving significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Whole-genome sequencing reveals gene variants associated with neuropsychiatric illness, providing insights for personalized care.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that approximately one-third of teens with bipolar disorder developed substance abuse. Risk factors identified included experimentation with alcohol, cannabis use, and certain mental health conditions.
Charles P. O'Brien, a leading expert on alcohol dependency, is being honored with the French Legion of Honor Medal for his pioneering work in addiction treatment. He has made significant contributions to the field through his research, advocacy, and leadership.
A new study found that prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with lower gray matter volume in key brain regions involved in emotion, reward, memory, and executive function. This can increase the likelihood of initiating substance use by up to 83.6%, highlighting the need for a long-term perspective on the risks.
A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research reveals that a simple measurement of the sweat gland activity can determine if a person is suicidal, confirming previous research. The test found a strong correlation between hyporeactivity and suicide in depressed people, with 97% accuracy.
A new study found that even long-term abstinence from cocaine does not result in a complete normalization of brain circuitry. Former cocaine users showed differences in reward processing and impulsivity compared to healthy controls, indicating pre-existing risk factors for addiction.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that chronic care management did not result in increased abstinence from alcohol among individuals with alcohol and other drug dependence. The study compared participants receiving chronic care management with those receiving usual primary care, but no significant difference was found.
Researchers discovered abnormalities in both myelin and axons among patients with schizophrenia, suggesting a complex relationship between the two. The findings indicate that strategies targeting both axonal health and myelin synthesis may be needed to restore normal brain functioning in this condition.
A form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) called exposure and ritual prevention has been shown to augment antidepressant treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with 80% of patients responding compared to 23% on antipsychotics. The therapy works by retraining the brain's habit-forming circuitry to unlearn compulsive rituals.
A University of Iowa study documents how schizophrenia impacts brain tissue and the effects of anti-psychotic drugs on those with relapses, revealing that medication can lead to lifelong brain damage, while longer psychosis periods are toxic to the brain.
Researchers found similar disturbances in cortical circuit function between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with individuals with schizophrenia showing more severe abnormalities. The study suggests a continuous spectrum of circuit dysfunction across the disorders.
A study found that young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant difficulties in transitioning into employment. Only half of this group had ever worked for pay outside the home, and only a third were employed at the time of the survey. However, outcomes improved for those who were older, from higher income househ...
A study found that forensic psychologists and psychiatrists who believed they were working for the prosecution assigned higher risk scores to sexually violent offenders than those who thought they were working for the defense. The researchers hope this finding will prompt experts to re-examine their training and practice methods.
A new genome-wide association study has identified two major pathways involved in causing schizophrenia, including a calcium channel pathway and a micro-RNA 137 pathway. The study, published in Nature Genetics, provides the strongest clues to date for understanding the causes of this debilitating mental illness.
The minimum age of criminal responsibility is a contentious issue in modern juvenile justice systems. Experts debate the age at which children are considered mature enough to be held responsible, with many arguing for reforms to the current laws and policies.
A new study led by Tel Aviv University researchers found that Holocaust education trips can cause mental health issues in Israeli teenagers, including anxiety, adjustment, and mood disorders. While most affected teens exhibited pre-existing risk factors, others experienced stressors like bullying during the trip.
A new study found that oxytocin increases responses to social stimuli in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a potential treatment approach for the condition. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, used functional imaging scans to examine brain activity in participants with ASD and healthy controls.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry demonstrates support for the DSM-5 symptom structure for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers found that the DSM-5 model was a better fit to the data than other models used during toddler assessment.
A recent study reveals that many people experience mental health disorders after disasters, with nearly 1 in 3 showing signs of PTSD. The study emphasizes the need for a consistent and integrated system for identifying, triaging, and treating these individuals.
Researchers found that mineralocorticoid receptors play a crucial role in enabling the brain to adapt to stressful situations. When these receptors are blocked, learning efficiency decreases and brain activity shifts from conscious to unconscious learning systems.
A screening tool used to detect suicide risk among patients who have self-harmed fails to accurately identify those in need of admission or treatment. The SADPERSONS Scale only picked up a small percentage of patients at high risk of further self harm, highlighting the need for more accurate assessment methods.
Researchers found that a small percentage of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis experience isolated psychiatric symptoms, which can be treated with immunotherapies. The study suggests that abnormal test findings or subtle neurological symptoms should prompt screening for the condition.
A study published in The Lancet found that people with epilepsy are ten times more likely to die prematurely than the general population, with mental illness being a major contributor. The research revealed a strong correlation between psychiatric diagnoses and increased risk of accidents and suicide.
Young men who are gang members suffer from high rates of mental disorders, including psychosis and anxiety disorder, compared to non-violent peers. Gang membership is associated with increased substance misuse, depression, and violent ruminative thinking.
Research suggests negative symptoms of schizophrenia are associated with abnormalities in weighing effort cost versus reward value. Individuals with severe motivational problems tend to avoid higher-effort tasks for smaller rewards.
Researchers at University College London discovered a 36% faster cognitive decline in smokers who consumed heavy alcohol compared to non-smoking moderate drinkers. The study found that combining smoking and heavy drinking could accelerate brain aging by an equivalent of 12 years.
Researchers found decreased structural integrity of white matter tract connecting brain regions, but increased functional connection between them. This may contribute to abnormally high functional interactions among brain circuits associated with depression.
A new online risk calculator estimates an individual's likelihood of treatment resistance to antidepressants, providing a graphical estimate based on statistical patterns from the STAR*D study. The calculator aims to help clinicians design personalized treatment plans for patients with depression.
Research suggests that gene mutations causing cell signaling network disruptions during embryonic development can lead to subtle brain disruptions contributing to psychiatric disorders. Dact1 protein mutations in mice have been found to have structural flaws in interneurons, which regulate brain activity and cognitive processes.
A new study found that patients with PTSD who have a less functional variant of the BDNF gene respond poorly to exposure therapy. The study suggests that BDNF levels modulate the therapeutic effects of treatments for mood and anxiety disorders.
A new study suggests that long-term antidepressant treatment impairs fear extinction learning in rats, which may disrupt the effectiveness of exposure therapy. The authors propose a mechanism involving decreased NMDA receptor subunits in the amygdala.
A new study found that children and adolescents with seizures involving the temporal lobe are at risk for clinically significant behavioral problems and psychiatric illness, especially depression. Routine psychiatric evaluation is crucial before epilepsy surgery to improve quality of life.
The Intelligent Clinician's Guide to the DSM-5 explores revisions to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. The book provides a balanced assessment of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, essential reading for mental health professionals navigating the post-DSM-5 era.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found a link between genetic risk for schizophrenia and lower IQ, suggesting common genetic variants may contribute to cognitive decline. The research analyzed data from 937 individuals and found that those with higher genetic risk had lower IQ at age 70 but not at age 11.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered a connection between CB1 receptors and PTSD, finding that individuals with PTSD have lower levels of neurotransmitter anandamide. This breakthrough may lead to the development of novel evidence-based treatments for PTSD.
A new study found no increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms or death in patients taking daily doses of citalopram above 40mg, contradicting the FDA's warning. Higher dosages were associated with fewer adverse outcomes than lower dosages.
Researchers at UCLA found that individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have abnormal brain connections, which may impair information processing. The study suggests that these patterns in the brain relate to impaired symptoms, particularly compulsive behaviors.
A study published in Journal of Affective Disorders found that patients with moderate to high levels of belief in God experienced improved psychological wellbeing and decreased depression and self-harm. The study involved 159 patients who received short-term treatment, highlighting the clinical implications of spiritual life.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed novel statistical models to identify associations between DNA variants and diseases, leading to a more complete understanding of genetic underpinnings and potential breakthroughs in disease treatment and gene discovery.
Researchers found that severely ill psychiatric patients in the Boston area experience lengthy waits for hospitalization, with some cases taking up to five hours of psychiatrist time. This delays treatment and wastes valuable clinician time, highlighting the need for reform in the healthcare system.
Research examines similarities between food intake and addiction, but debates the application of the addiction model to food. A special issue in Biological Psychiatry explores the state of the field, covering neurobiological mechanisms, brain reward circuitry, and risk factors.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports that high frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the prefrontal cortex temporarily reduced cue-induced smoking craving in nicotine-dependent individuals. The treatment, which targets brain function and behavior, showed promise as a potential tool for smoking cessation.
A study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can improve the quality of life for severely depressed patients who go into remission. However, patients may experience challenges with social function and emotional role after treatment.
Researchers discovered that nalmefene significantly reduces alcohol consumption and improves patients' clinical status and liver enzymes. The medication is well-tolerated with mild to moderate side effects.
A pilot program called Single Fathers Due to Cancer has been launched at the University of North Carolina Health Care to provide emotional support to men facing unique challenges after losing their partner to cancer. The group aims to address feelings of profound aloneness and provide a safe space for men to share advice and feedback.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that common genetic variants explain 42% of individual differences in antidepressant response, providing a significant step towards personalized treatment for depression. The research identified multiple genetic markers involved in predicting response to antidepressants.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that humans report emotions in three distinct systems: attention, categorization, and intensity. The researchers used brain scans to examine the neural architecture underlying emotional reports.
A UK study found that compulsory community treatment (CTOs) for mentally ill patients did not reduce rates of hospitalization. The study compared 166 patients under CTOs with 167 patients released under Section 17 leave and found no significant differences in readmission rates or clinical outcomes.
A new study reveals that men who have children at older ages are more likely to have grandchildren with autism. The research found that the risk of autism increases with the age of the grandfather, suggesting that genetic risk can accumulate over generations.
A new somatic symptom disorder in DSM-5 risks mislabeling many people as mentally ill due to a lack of specificity and high false-positive rate. The condition will classify excessive responses to distressing symptoms, potentially leading to inappropriate medical decision-making.
Researchers identified a rare variant in GRIN3A associated with schizophrenia, suggesting an intrinsic mechanism producing psychotic symptoms. The study supports the 'NMDA receptor hypothesis' and proposes a novel point of therapeutic intervention.