Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
Researchers are creating a centralized database to standardize and share biomarker research in anxiety disorders, depression, and psychosis. This initiative aims to advance precision psychiatry by integrating biological, behavioral, and clinical data for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Adults with asthma who experience depressive symptoms have elevated blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein typically reduced in major depressive disorder. Physical activity may also play a role in depression management, as lower activity levels are linked to worse moods.
A recent University of Michigan study analyzed over 60 million Medicare participants and found that total visits remained stable or declined slightly through June 2024. Despite widespread adoption of telehealth, overall healthcare visits stayed steady or decreased, contradicting predictions of increased utilization.
Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found that alpha frequency determines body ownership by modulating temporal integration of bodily signals. Faster frequencies led to higher temporal resolution, while slower frequencies caused broader timing differences.
A Dartmouth study identifies a novel target for using psilocybin to treat depression and anxiety without hallucinations. The serotonin 1B receptor is found to promote the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, providing a potential new approach for developing safer and more cost-efficient medications.
New study finds psychosis delusions emerge from emotional experiences, bodily reactions, and linguistic fabric. Participants described intense emotional embodiment and disembodiment, with some experiencing positive feelings of awe and love.
This randomized clinical trial found yoga to significantly accelerate opioid withdrawal recovery and improve autonomic regulation, anxiety, sleep, and pain. The study supports the integration of yoga into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention addressing core regulatory processes.
A Cochrane review found that exercise can reduce depressive symptoms similarly to psychological therapy, with moderate-certainty evidence from ten trials. Long-term effects are unclear due to few studies following participants after treatment.
Professor Dan Stein was a visionary who bridged neuroscience, clinical care, and philosophy to transform psychiatric research in Africa. His integrative approach produced scholarship of extraordinary range, with over 1,600 peer-reviewed publications and a Google Scholar h-index exceeding 220.
A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...
A University of Arizona study found that most people who fill out the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) are confused by its instructions, leading to inaccurate data. The study highlights a problematic phrasing in the questionnaire's instructions, which asks patients to indicate the frequency with which they've been bothered by symptoms.
A comprehensive review reveals tau protein plays essential roles in brain functions while driving neurodegeneration and psychopathology. Tau deficiency enhances insulin secretion, normalizing glucose levels in diabetic mouse models.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a smartwatch-based alert system that signals parents to intervene in children with emotional and behavioral disorders, reducing tantrum duration by an average of 11 minutes. The system uses physiological stress signals detected by the smartwatch to prompt parental intervention.
A new study suggests that AI chatbots like ChatGPT can help reduce mental health stigma by making people feel more comfortable seeking support. The research found that believing the tool is effective plays a key role in reducing concerns about external judgment and increasing its perceived effectiveness.
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
Dr. Eric J. Nestler's research has fundamentally reshaped global understanding of addiction and depression by focusing on resilience rather than pathology. His laboratory identified distinct molecular, cellular, and circuit changes in resilient brains that maintain normal behavioral function despite exposure to drugs or stress.
Researchers measured dyadic alliance in support groups using computational algorithms and found verbal and nonverbal communication features, such as head poses and facial expressions, to be strong predictors of connection. The study suggests that AI can potentially identify behavioral markers of alliance and may have a role in mental h...
Children who spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms experience a gradual decline in their ability to concentrate. The study found no association between TV watching or video game playing and attention symptoms.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
A study of 349 new parents found intrusive thoughts and psychotic-like experiences more prevalent than thought, causing severe distress linked to higher parenting stress and lower satisfaction. The research highlights the need for normalisation, stigma reduction, and targeted support for affected parents.
The symposium will feature experts sharing cutting-edge research and insights on AI in clinical settings, aiming to improve chronic health outcomes and expand access to mental healthcare globally. The event is a unique platform for networking and collaboration, highlighting innovative approaches that move the field forward.
Research finds certain psychological disorders are associated with positive attributes like heightened creativity, empathy and resilience. People with mental illnesses may grow and develop unique strengths despite their struggles.
A randomized clinical trial shows that semaglutide improves glycemic control and weight outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia. The study suggests using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as an early intervention strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk in this population.
A researcher warns that AI can distort our perceptions of death and existence by blurring presence and absence. He suggests that embracing selfless selves, or interconnectedness, can help us accept impermanence and the inevitability of death.
A growing trend of antipsychotic medication prescription increases in older U.S. adults, with long-term care pharmacies being a primary source. Non-psychiatrist prescribers contribute to the trend, highlighting concerns over medication accessibility and oversight.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
Researchers found a significant link between longer screen time and increased ADHD symptoms, as well as developmental abnormalities in brain structure. The study suggests that excessive screen exposure may contribute to delayed brain maturation patterns in children with ADHD.
A new study identifies a brain circuit that can drive repetitive and compulsive behaviors in mice, even when natural rewards are available. The researchers used optogenetics to activate the circuit and induce negative states in mice, leading to prioritization of repetitive behaviors over natural needs.
A new study shows that AI-assisted interviews can diagnose mental illnesses with higher accuracy than traditional rating scales. The AI assistant Alba was able to differentiate between diagnoses that often overlap and received positive feedback from participants for its empathic and supportive user experience.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that lithium supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Alternative formulations like LIT-O may be a potential alternative to harness lithium's neuroprotective properties more efficiently.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics found that depression beginning before age 25 has a stronger hereditary component and is associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts. The research identified 12 genetic regions linked to early-onset depression, highlighting the potential for precision medicine in psychiatry.
Research from Colorado State University shows that faculty sharing internal sense of unease and inadequacy can shape students' perception of professors' overall competence, likeability, and effectiveness. Students found a hypothetical professor who publicly acknowledged feelings of being an impostor to be less hirable than an equally a...
This cohort study found a high risk of developing functional somatic disorder (FSD) in individuals with a history of sexual assault. The pooled analysis underscores the biopsychosocial consequences of sexual assault and highlights the importance of further research and targeted interventions to address this critical issue.
A study found that intimate physical contact reduces cortisol responses, while oxytocin administration promotes wound healing. This integration of relationship dynamics and neurohormonal modulation may lead to future interventions for improved health and recovery.
This study confirms the role of negative reinforcement in chronic opioid use, contributing to addiction development. The findings suggest that this mechanism is present even after regular opioid use, highlighting potential for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
A nationwide study found that involuntary psychiatric patients have a significantly higher risk of suicide, particularly during the first month after discharge. The risk is elevated for several years and is associated with factors such as age, diagnosis, and previous self-harm.
The increasing use of unregulated psilocybin mushrooms poses a pressing need for public education, potency testing, and age-specific risk assessment. Existing clinical data are insufficient to guide harm reduction or policy, highlighting the need for real-world research on psilocybin use.
The Mount Sinai team will investigate neural mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder and pioneer novel neuromodulation-based treatment strategies.
The BRIGHT Center aims to equip researchers with state-of-the-art tools to expand the impact and reach of trauma interventions. The center's goal is to make a difference in the lives of those affected by trauma in South Carolina and across the nation, building resilience after trauma.
A randomized clinical trial found that repeated ketamine infusions provided no additional benefit to standard care for inpatients with serious depression. The study, led by Declan McLoughlin and Ana Jelovac, highlights the need for recalibrated expectations in clinical practice and underscores the importance of blinding in trials.
Researchers have uncovered contrasting risk profiles for individuals who attempt suicide and those who die by suicide, with the former showing more overlap with other mental health conditions. These findings suggest distinct approaches may be needed to prevent suicidal behavior and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that uses MRI scans to predict which patients with mental illnesses will gain weight after diagnosis, and which ones won't. The BMIgap tool has the potential to prevent future weight gain and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and UCL found that living in a safe neighborhood with high personal trust reduces psychosis risk among Swedish or European origin residents, but increases it for North African or Middle Eastern origin individuals. The researchers emphasize the need for inclusive environments to promote mental heal...
A new computer model called CogLinks simulates brain circuit decisions and adaptability, helping researchers understand how the brain misfires in psychiatric disorders. The model's results suggest that a specific pathway is essential for adaptability, and its predictions are confirmed by an fMRI study
Researchers found that facial self-touching, particularly around the nose, chin, and cheeks, strongly correlates with stress levels during cognitive work. The study also suggests that this behavior may be an evolutionary, self-soothing mechanism to regulate stress.
A new study finds that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia receiving hospice care may carry major unintended risks, including increased mortality. The study highlights two policy issues: lack of oversight of medication use in hospice and a mismatch between hospice policy and dementia care.
Researchers have found that a ketogenic diet fed to young rats after weaning can prevent lasting effects of prenatal stress. This diet regimen was shown to reduce social and motivational problems in offspring, with males benefiting through reducing inflammation and females boosting antioxidant defenses.
A study of 5,794 adults found that different types of depression are associated with varying levels of risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Those with atypical/energy-related symptoms were more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes, while those with melancholic symptoms were at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
A study confirms that people with ADHD can be more creative due to their tendency to let their minds wander. The research found that individuals with ADHD symptoms showed higher scores on creative achievements and were associated with greater mind wandering, particularly deliberate mind wandering.
Researchers found that females with ADHD are underdiagnosed and often receive a diagnosis five years later than males. They also exhibit greater emotional and functional difficulties.
The latest October issues of APA journals feature new research on adolescent suicidality and depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and safety issues related to ketamine and esketamine treatment. The American Journal of Psychotherapy also publishes a special issue on intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP).
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities account for more than one in five patients who have been in Ontario's mental health beds for over a year. Enhancing specialized supports both in hospital and community settings can reduce their length of stay and admission rates.
A deep learning model achieved up to 98% accuracy in distinguishing autistic from neurotypical participants, providing clear insights into brain regions most influential to its decisions. The model could benefit autistic people and clinicians by offering accurate and explainable results to inform assessment and support.
A study explores how Buddhist philosophy can enhance psychotherapy in the context of digital mental health. The findings focus on three key lenses: networked dynamics, reciprocity, and cognitive flexibility. These lenses frame experience as relational and evolving, highlighting the importance of overlooked connections and incidental en...
A University of East Anglia study found that trauma-focused CBT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation in children with multiple traumas. The therapy was effective and safe, even for those with complex and severe symptoms.
A 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention did not improve hippocampal integrity or cognitive/mental health impairments, but reduced cannabis craving. Regular physical exercise may be a potential strategy for managing cannabis use disorder.
A new editorial urges psychiatrists to prescribe exercise as a core part of depression treatment plans, following the FITT principle to meet individual patient needs. The research is clear: physical activity helps with depressive symptoms, yet it's rare for psychiatrists to prescribe it alongside medication or therapy.
Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.