Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A Swedish study suggests that antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women treated with these medications had a fourfold higher risk of gestational diabetes compared to those not taking any medication, according to the study published in Archives of General Psychiatry.
Researchers identified a distinct subset of individuals with PTSD characterized by high symptoms of dissociation and a history of sexual assault, contributing to the understanding of PTSD's course and accurate classification.
A 9-year study by UCSF researchers found that preventing or better managing diabetes can help prevent cognitive decline. The study linked the severity of diabetes to increased risk of cognitive decline and showed that patients with uncontrolled blood sugar levels suffered faster declines.
A new study reveals that consumers shop proactively to protect themselves against potential challenges, yet reactively after experiencing stress. They tend to choose products specifically associated with bolstering or guarding the self under threat.
A significant association has been found between alcohol dependence and genetic variations on chromosome 5q13.2, a region containing genes implicated in rare neurological disorders. The study, using genotyping arrays, identified two copy number variations (CNVs) that were associated with AD.
A recent study found that a high proportion of smokers calling quitlines also drank at hazardous levels, making it difficult for them to quit. Quitlines can be a valuable resource in reaching these individuals and providing brief alcohol interventions.
Researchers will directly examine biological aging in schizophrenia using psychiatric and medical interviews, as well as laboratory techniques. The study aims to unravel biological mechanisms underlying faster aging in patients with schizophrenia.
A study of 8,466 police responders found that 5.4% had full PTSD, while 15.4% exhibited subsyndromal symptoms associated with elevated rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders and functional difficulties.
The university's School of Medicine will train and place additional psychiatrists, primary care physicians, advance practice nurses, dentists, and other practitioners to serve Medicaid beneficiaries. The program aims to expand healthcare workforce focused on Medicaid patients' needs.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased irritability in children with autism, while being well-tolerated and causing minimal side effects. A large randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the findings and explore potential treatment benefits for other symptoms.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry confirms ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in patients with bipolar disorder. Ketamine was found to significantly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts within hours of administration.
A study analyzing industry-funded studies at psychiatric conferences found that 97.4% reported positive results for medicines being marketed, while non-industry funded studies showed a more balanced outcome. This 'presentation bias' echoes publication bias seen in major journals and may impact clinical care.
Two Johns Hopkins psychiatrists argue that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) needs radical change due to its current 'field guide' form, which provides checklists of symptoms but lacks underlying causes. The manual's limitations make it difficult for clinicians to direct treatment or investigate disorders.
Suicide rates among psychiatric in-patients have fallen by 29-31% between 1997 and 2008, according to a new study. Young patients and those with schizophrenia saw the largest declines. However, the risk of suicide for recently discharged patients may have increased over the same period.
Dr. Elizabeth Osuch has received a $100,000 grant to improve diagnosis of bipolar disorder in youth through functional brain imaging. The average misdiagnosis often lasts 6-10 years and can lead to declining patient condition if treated with antidepressants.
Researchers identified rare mutations in MAGI1 and MAGI2 genes associated with psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that these genes may play a role in brain connections and synaptic development, providing new insights into the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Studies suggest that careful analysis of electrical signals from brain activity may reveal important harmonic relationships in brain circuits. Abnormalities in structure and function are reflected in disrupted musical combinations, such as cacophonous music.
A brief training program led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers improved residents' empathy with patients, contrary to previous studies. The study found that participating residents showed significant improvement in patient ratings of their empathic behavior and knowledge of the mechanisms underlying empathy.
The TEAMcare program, a collaborative approach to managing chronic diseases like depression and diabetes, appears to pay for itself. After accounting for the program's $1,224 per patient cost, it may save as much as $594 per patient in outpatient costs.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry reveals that psychopathy is characterized by reduced grey matter volumes in key brain areas, leading to impaired empathy and moral behavior. The findings suggest a clear behavioral difference between psychopaths and non-psychopathic offenders with anti-social personality disorder.
Individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as an increased likelihood of developing psychosis. A Finnish study found that families with a history of epilepsy were more likely to experience both conditions.
A quality-of-care incentive program at community health clinics reduced depression treatment time by more than half, from over 60 weeks to less than 25 weeks. The initiative improved patient care and clinical outcomes for low-income adults with temporary disabilities.
A new study found that long-term survivors of acute lung injury (ALI) experience significant neuropsychological impairment, including cognitive decline and mental health issues. The study suggests that hypoxemia may be a contributing factor to these impairments.
Depressed individuals with rumination tendencies show altered brain network activation compared to healthy individuals. The study found a dissociation pattern between anterior and posterior medial cortex regions, positively associating rumination with increased connectivity.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry has discovered that testosterone's antidepressant properties are mediated by a specific pathway in the hippocampus. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to effectively improve mood, particularly in men with hypogonadism.
A national team of scientists has created the first atlas of the human brain surface based on genetic information, revealing distinct genetic divisions that differ from traditional brain maps. This atlas provides a new tool for understanding how genes influence brain development and function.
A new diagnostic criteria for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) has been proposed, expanding on existing criteria for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS). A clinical trial testing an immune-based treatment is currently underway, aiming to provide appropriate care fo...
Smartphones can be used to track symptoms and deliver real-time interventions for people with schizophrenia, according to Dartmouth College research. A survey of 1,600 individuals found that 70% had cellphones and used them frequently.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that the blood pressure drug prazosin is an effective treatment for PTSD-related nightmares. The medication was shown to be well-tolerated and take effect rapidly, within days to weeks, in a systematic literature review of 12 prazosin studies.
Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation to measure brain activity in individuals with ASD and healthy controls, finding a blunted response to motor cortex stimulation. This suggests that deficits in the mirror neuron system contribute to social deficits in autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at Stanford University highlight potential treatments for cognitive dysfunction in Down syndrome, which shares similarities with Alzheimer's disease. The review focuses on insights from animal models and structural abnormalities in the DS brain.
Chronic diseases, particularly stroke, are the leading causes of death among older adults in Latin America, India, and China. Education has been shown to have a significant impact on mortality rates, suggesting that efforts to ensure universal access to education could lead to substantial health benefits for generations to come.
The GHSU Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior has received the 2012 Award for Creativity in Psychiatric Education from the American College of Psychiatrists. The program's Project GREAT initiative focuses on recovery from mental illness, empowering patients to be part of their own care.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that depression is associated with shorter telomeres and a low cortisol state, suggesting that stress plays an important role in depression. The study's findings have implications for understanding the aging process and developing treatment strategies.
A recent study published by Archives of General Psychiatry found a strong association between smoking and more rapid cognitive decline in men. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 men and women in the Whitehall II cohort study, revealing that continued smoking was linked to greater cognitive decline.
A new blood test developed by Ridge Diagnostics analyzes levels of nine biomarkers to accurately diagnose major depressive disorder with a sensitivity of about 90% and specificity of 80%. The test, known as MDDScore, could improve diagnostic accuracy and help track individual patients' response to treatment.
Researchers found that women's memories of unpleasant experiences are less accurate, while men's memories are enhanced by both arousal and low-valence conditions. Brain scans revealed differences in brain activity between men and women when recognizing pleasant pictures.
Researchers found that adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities have a higher likelihood of having autism. The study revealed that about 60% of men and 43% of women with severe learning disabilities have autism, emphasizing the need for improved services and training for staff.
A family history of psychiatric conditions such as autism and depression may shape a person's intellectual interests. The study found that students interested in humanities or social sciences were more likely to report a family member with mood disorders or substance abuse, while those interested in science and technical majors were mo...
Researchers have discovered that stem cells from patients with schizophrenia proliferate faster than healthy individuals, indicating dysregulation of the natural cell cycle. This finding provides a potential path to understanding schizophrenia and developing new treatments.
A new study suggests that GABA deficits in the brain may trigger disturbances in the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating substances similar to cannabis products. The research also found that cannabis use can alter GABA activity in the brain.
Researchers discovered that homeless individuals with severe alcohol problems cut their heavy drinking by 35% when provided with stable housing. The study also showed a decrease in instances of delirium tremens and improved overall health.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that guanfacine extended release significantly improves symptoms in children with ADHD who have a suboptimal response to psychostimulants. The study, conducted by Dr. Timothy E. Wilens and colleagues, showed that adjunctive administrat...
A study of nearly 12,600 participants found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with a decreased risk of current depression, particularly among those with a prior history of depression. Low vitamin D levels were linked to depressive symptoms in patients with a history of depression.
A recent study conducted in the Netherlands has found a striking link between migrating at a young age and an increased risk of psychotic disorders. Those who migrated before the age of five had a twofold higher risk than those who immigrated as adults.
A study found that marijuana ingredients Δ9-THC and CBD affect different regions of the brain during visual processing tasks. Δ9-THC increased psychotic symptoms by modulating prefrontal and striatal function, while CBD enhanced response to salient stimuli.
Research finds that women experiencing post-partum psychiatric episodes within the first 30 days are at a higher risk of developing bipolar affective disorder. The study also suggests that the severity and type of initial episode may be important factors in predicting conversion to bipolar disorder.
Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging data from 406 adult human twins to confirm the long-standing idea that human cortical regionalization is similar to and consistent with patterns found in other mammals. The study found genetic influences on brain development progress along an anterior-to-posterior scale, with differences base...
Researchers found that sleep paralysis is more common in students and psychiatric patients, affecting nearly 28% of students and 32% of psychiatric patients. The study also identified three types of hallucinations experienced during sleep paralysis, including the presence of an intruder, pressure on the chest, and levitation.
New research suggests that low GABA levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may contribute to impulsive behavior and aggression. The study found a link between lower GABA levels and higher urgency ratings among men with no history of psychiatric disorders or substance dependence.
Separating newborns from their mothers stresses the baby, with heart rate variability increasing by 176% and quiet sleep decreasing by 86%. Skin-to-skin contact with mother reduces this stress, but further research is needed to understand its long-term effects.
A new study by UCLA researchers shows that a specialized mental health intervention for suicidal youth can significantly improve follow-up treatment rates. The intervention, which involves a family-based crisis-therapy session and telephone support, resulted in higher rates of follow-up treatment compared to standard ED treatment.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that targeted brain stimulation increased cigarette cravings, while low-frequency stimulation had no effect. The study suggests that stimulating the superior frontal gyrus could be a potential treatment for smoking cessation.
Researchers found global increases in ligand binding to CB1 receptors in the brains of women with anorexia nervosa, suggesting a compensatory process. The study suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be a potential new target for developing drugs to treat eating disorders.
Researchers found a significant association between a specific gene variation and accelerated decline in intellectual function with aging. The 'met' version of the BDNF gene was linked to steeper declines in flight simulator scores and smaller hippocampi, a critical brain region for memory and spatial reasoning.
Dr. William E. Bunney, a renowned UCI psychiatrist, has been awarded the prestigious Institute of Medicine's 2011 Rhoda & Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health for his groundbreaking research on mood disorders. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of biological factors and treatment options for depression...
A critical shortage of 1.18 million mental health workers threatens global mental health, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt. Community-based programs and task-shifting approaches are proposed as cost-effective solutions to fill this gap.
The study found a significant increase in pediatric psychiatric visits to emergency departments, with the underinsured group experiencing the largest growth. The data show that publicly insured patients are forced to seek care in EDs due to limited outpatient mental health resources.
A study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements from 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after conception reported a significantly lower prevalence of severe language delay in their children at age 3. Researchers analyzed data from the Norwegian pregnancy cohort MoBa, which included over 38,000 children.
Routine depression screening for primary care patients has been deemed ineffective by researchers, with evidence suggesting it diverts resources away from those who need them most. Consistent treatment for recurrent depression is recommended as a more effective approach.