Articles tagged with Psychiatry
Researchers found that mice deficient in glutathione, a molecule essential for cellular protection against oxidations, had impaired parvalbumin neurons when stressed at young age. However, treatment with N-acetylcysteine from birth onwards protected these neurons, suggesting a potential preventive measure for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved working memory performance in individuals with schizophrenia, comparable to healthy subjects. The study suggests rTMS as a potential treatment for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that antipsychotics with high binding affinity of alpha2 adrenergic and M1 muscarinic receptors are associated with a greater risk of stroke in elderly patients. The study also suggests that stroke risk is highest in the initial weeks of treatment and for those with higher daily doses.
Researchers have developed a new approach to screening potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease using the C. elegans worm model. The study identified six compounds capable of alleviating tau-induced behavioral abnormalities in the worm model, as well as azaperone treatment, which can decrease abnormal tau accumulation.
A new study suggests schizophrenia is associated with accelerated aging, particularly in cerebral white matter. Individuals with schizophrenia have shorter average lifespans and are at increased risk of cardiovascular illnesses.
A study found that family-focused treatment improved mood symptoms in children and adolescents at risk for bipolar disorder, with significant benefits for those from high expressed emotion families. The treatment showed promise in stabilizing symptoms and improving long-term outcomes.
A study found that adding folate and vitamin B12 to antipsychotic medication improved negative symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly in individuals carrying specific genetic variants. The results suggest a potential new avenue for treatment, as well as the need for personalized medical approaches.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that selectively activating the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus can reduce anxiety without affecting learning. This suggests that targeting this brain region could be used to treat certain anxiety disorders with minimal cognitive side effects.
A Johns Hopkins study of patients with acute lung injury found that one in three ventilated ICU patients developed PTSD symptoms lasting up to two years. The researchers suggest that preventing and treating PTSD in these patients is crucial, as it can impair quality of life and slow recovery.
Research suggests that major life events can alter gene expression, leading to trans-generational effects on children's brain functions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the causes of mood disorders and addiction.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that scopolamine can rapidly improve mood in depressed patients. Additionally, the drug shows promise as a treatment for anxiety disorders by disrupting contextual processing during extinction learning.
A recent study found that soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mild TBI have measurable abnormalities in their brains, including 'potholes' in the white matter. These abnormalities are related to the severity of the injury and are correlated with cognitive deficits.
Researchers found that modafinil improved response inhibition in patients with initially poor impulse control, but had a detrimental effect in those with low initial impulsivity levels. The study suggests personalized medicine approaches may be necessary when prescribing modafinil for treatment of alcohol dependence.
Researchers found that teaching high-risk adolescents how to manage their personality traits can reduce problem drinking and postpone its onset. This approach also reduces the influence of peer pressure within their social networks, creating group immunity among low-risk youth.
The study found that the new diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is unlikely to be much higher in prevalence than the combined diagnoses of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence. Additionally, the genetic etiology of AUD is largely consistent with that of AA and AD, suggesting that heritable influences are shared across all three conditions.
A new study found that a low subjective response to alcohol, or the ability to 'hold one's liquor,' may protect against short-term alcohol problems but increases the risk of long-term problems as tolerance develops. The study examined associations between early subjective response and acquired tolerance in heavy-drinking young adults.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry suggests that reductions in ECT treatment have an economic basis, with a 43% drop in psychiatric inpatients receiving the procedure. ECT is being discontinued by US general hospitals, primarily due to cost and regulatory issues.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that keeping psychiatric medical records separate from primary care doctors' access can lead to increased hospital readmission rates. The researchers found that patients whose records were shared with non-psychiatrists had a 40% lower risk of readmission within the first month after discharge.
A study found that impaired executive function may exacerbate impulsiveness and increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence in adult offspring of individuals with a family history of alcohol dependence. This cognitive endophenotype is associated with decreased EF capabilities and high levels of impulsivity.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that oxytocin administration to fathers increased their parental engagement, with parallel effects observed in their infants. Oxytocin levels were also found to increase in both parents and children, leading to improved social behavior and bonding.
Researchers found that older adults who reported better well-being had higher education, cognitive function and lower depression levels. The study suggests an optimistic approach to caring for seniors can help reduce ageism and improve outcomes.
A large study found that childless couples have a mortality rate 2-4 times higher than those who adopt. Mental illness rates are halved among adoptive parents compared to the general population.
Researchers found that externalizing symptoms like aggression drove ED visits among children with ASD. Private insurance coverage was linked to a higher likelihood of psychiatric ED visits due to excluded autism coverage and restrictive reimbursement limits.
A study by Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the FKBP5 gene can influence epigenetic alterations caused by early trauma, leading to lifelong dysregulation of stress hormones. This can result in increased risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders in adulthood.
Researchers found that schizophrenia patients' brains process simple auditory tones inefficiently, leading to widespread dysfunction and difficulties in attention, learning, and recalling information. This impairment can also affect social relationships, school or job performance, and overall quality of life.
A new study has identified a potential therapeutic mechanism for Fragile X syndrome, which is the most common heritable form of autism and intellectual disability. Researchers have found that blocking the serotonin 7 receptor may reverse synaptic plasticity in mice with FXS, suggesting a new approach to treatment.
A new study suggests that the human mind can cope with a maximum of four chunks of information before confusion sets in. Professor Gordon Parker from the University of New South Wales re-analyzed experiments and found that this number is more accurate than previously thought.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a novel molecular basis for depression, finding the FTO gene is associated with an eight per cent reduction in the risk of depression. The study found no link between obesity and depression, contradicting common perception that obese individuals are more likely to be depressed.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that 16% of emergency room patients aged 14-20 may have undiagnosed binge eating, bulimia, or other eating problems. Those with signs of eating disorders were also more likely to show signs of depression and substance abuse.
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that less than half of Ontario youth aged 15-19 with a psychiatric diagnosis received follow-up care within a month after discharge. This lack of timely aftercare is linked to demographics, diagnoses, and socioeconomic status.
A new study explores the impact of the interleukin-1β gene on brain function alterations associated with schizophrenia. The research found that patients with schizophrenia who were homozygous for the C allele showed reduced prefrontal cortex activation, while healthy volunteers did not differ by genotype.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researcher Mark Zimmerman found that patients and clinicians have distinct definitions of remission from major depressive disorder. Patients prioritize life satisfaction and well-being over symptoms, emphasizing the importance of a patient-centered approach to treatment.
Dr. Peter F. Buckley received the 2012 Cancro Academic Leadership Award for his work in advancing child and adolescent training experiences through a recovery-oriented model of care. He led the rebuilding of the MCG Department of Psychiatry, developing innovative programs that focus on recovery from mental illness.
A UCLA-led team of experts found the proposed criteria to be reliable and valid in helping mental health professionals diagnose hypersexual disorder. The study accurately classified 88% of patients as having the disorder, with significant consequences including job loss, relationship end, and emotional distress.
Over three-quarters of people with depression report experiencing discrimination, which acts as a barrier to social life and employment. Despite this, nearly half of participants who anticipated discrimination found that their experiences did not confirm this.
Researchers found that people in creative professions are treated more often for mental illness than the general population, particularly for schizophrenia. Creative fields were also associated with higher rates of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety syndrome, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior.
A large genetic replication study found compelling evidence that the chromosome 3p21.1 locus contains a common genetic risk for bipolar disorder, specifically the PBRM1 gene. This replication distinguishes the heritable risk for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, contrasting with previous studies.
A new study has identified variants of genes influencing immune function that may contribute to the heritable risk for schizophrenia. The research, published in Biological Psychiatry, highlights an important gap in understanding how immune alterations are involved in the disorder.
A $20 million gift from Andrew and Barbara Taylor has established the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research at Washington University. The institute aims to develop new therapies for psychiatric disorders, which currently have major limitations in effectiveness and potential side effects.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that highly hypnotizable individuals have greater activity in executive-control and salience networks, indicating a neural trait underlying hypnotizability. This advance enables scientists to better understand the mechanisms of hypnosis and its potential for clinical applications.
A recent study found that a newly proposed mental disorder diagnosis, attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), may not be necessary due to overlap with existing conditions. Researchers evaluated 1,200 patients and found that APS did not identify a single patient who didn't meet the criteria for another existing diagnosis.
A study by UC Irvine neurologist Dr. Jack Lin suggests that screening for comorbidities can enhance the care and quality of life for children and adults with epilepsy. The study highlights the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric, cognitive, and social issues in conjunction with epilepsy.
A study finds that more than 60% of people in low- and lower-middle income regions are not accessing any appropriate epilepsy treatment. The burden of epilepsy in these regions is estimated to be at least double that found in high-income countries, with inadequate facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
A study found that infants with regulatory problems and/or maternal psychiatric issues may develop unexplained physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue in later childhood. Mothers with depression or anxiety during their infant's first year were 7 times more likely to have children with FSS at age 5-7.
A new report by the George Washington University School of Public Health found that antipsychotic drug manufacturers spent over $25 million on marketing to psychiatrists in DC Medicaid in 2010. The majority of these funds, 66%, were directed towards Medicaid providers, raising concerns about the influence of industry funding on prescri...
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has released a new Practice Parameter addressing the unique challenges faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and gender variant youth. The parameter provides best clinical practices to combat stigma, bullying, and discrimination, as well as promote cultural competence and resea...
A new study suggests that a simple, structured risk assessment tool can improve the accuracy of clinicians in evaluating the risk of violence among patients with severe mental illnesses. The tool, called HRC-20-C, has been shown to be effective in reducing errors and improving safety for staff and patients in high-risk settings.
A Mayo Clinic psychiatrist proposes four steps to curb military suicide: gun locks, improved depression care, better sleep monitoring, and more. The expert emphasizes the need for ongoing resources to prevent, diagnose, and treat psychiatric illnesses among service members.
A study found that Somalis living in London experience more major depression and psychological disorders than those in Minneapolis. Practical support during integration is key to better mental health outcomes.
A simple assessment checklist improves the predictive accuracy of inexperienced psychiatrists when assessing violence risk in patients. The tool, called HCR-20-C, is a brief and straightforward checklist with five items that can be assessed by trained mental health professionals.
A new study by Dr. Inti Pedroso and colleagues has identified key genes and neural signaling pathways involved in the development of bipolar disorder. The findings, published in Biological Psychiatry, provide insight into the complex biology of the disorder and highlight potential new avenues for treatment.
Researchers discovered that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) can increase the number of glial cells, supporting neurons and promoting proper neuronal function. This study presents a fundamental new mechanism for treating depression by targeting glial cell growth.
A NIH-funded study reveals that hoarding disorder is associated with abnormal brain activity in areas processing error monitoring and weighing the value of possessions. Patients with hoarding disorder tend to over-activate these areas when deciding about their own possessions, but under-activate them when dealing with others' stuff.
A study found that adding creatine to antidepressant treatment significantly improved response rates, with twice as fast response times and higher remission rates compared to placebo. The supplement may provide a relatively inexpensive treatment option for women who haven't responded well to traditional antidepressants.
A recent study by the University of Leicester found that medical staff struggle to detect alcohol problems in non-intoxicated patients. General practitioners identified 40% of problem drinkers, while hospital doctors and mental health specialists detected 50% and 55%, respectively.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that children with ADHD have delayed brain development, particularly in frontal regions. This suggests a global delay in brain structure important for controlling action and attention.
A neuroeconomic review investigates how anxiety disorders impact everyday decision-making processes. The study highlights the overlap between neural systems underlying anxiety and decision-making, suggesting that fear and anxiety can alter choice patterns. Anxious individuals exhibit specific biases in decision making, which may be med...
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified laboratory-based biomarkers that can help understand brain-based abnormalities in schizophrenia. These endophenotypes could provide clinicians with reliable indicators of brain dysfunction, even when overt symptoms are not apparent.
A new study found that childhood maltreatment is associated with altered epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, which can increase the risk for suicide. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, suggests that early life adversity can lead to long-lasting changes in brain stress response systems.
Researchers found that childhood adversity increases the risk of depression and chronic inflammation, which can persist even after depression resolves. Individuals who experienced early childhood trauma have a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.