Articles tagged with Psychiatry
This special issue of Biological Psychiatry highlights the benefits and challenges of postmortem research in studying psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders. Advances in science and technology have expanded the scope of postmortem work, allowing for more detailed studies of brain structure and function.
Research suggests that stimulating alpha-7 nicotinic receptors could enhance cortical function and improve symptoms of schizophrenia. Two studies found that low doses of AZD0328 and DMXB-A produced significant improvements in spatial working memory tasks, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for cognitive impairments.
A long-term study of 15 body dysmorphic disorder sufferers found a high recovery rate of 76% and low recurrence rate of 14%, with some patients recovering within two years and others taking five years or more. The study suggests that BDD is not always debilitating, with a third of participants working full-time.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that people with schizophrenia have abnormalities in inhibitory neurons within the cortex and increases in neurons in white matter below the cortex. The researchers suggest that inhibitory neurons may be 'stuck' at a stage of development due to genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers at University of Michigan have found that an individual's genetic make-up determines their susceptibility to depression and response to stress. The analysis included nearly 41,000 participants and supported previous findings on the serotonin gene's relationship to depression.
A new Université de Montréal study examines early indicators of a criminal lifestyle in preteens. The findings reveal that children with conduct disorders are six times more likely to sell illicit drugs, nine times more likely to join a gang, and eight times more likely to be arrested.
A VA study reveals that childhood maltreatment and other high magnitude stressors have a stronger association with psychiatric symptoms than military sexual experiences. The research suggests that addressing these stressors could lead to interventions to reduce psychiatric symptoms.
Research found that sleep deprivation eliminates fear-associated memories through both fear recognition and physiological fear reactions. This suggests a possible therapy for individuals with PTSD or other anxiety disorders.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that a loss of healthy bacteria due to modern sanitation may contribute to the increasing rates of depression. Experiments are being conducted to test treatments using properties of these beneficial microorganisms, aiming to improve emotional tolerance.
A study found that Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment in primary care clinics was often infrequent and ineffective, with many children receiving inadequate follow-up visits and medication management. In contrast, specialty mental health clinics provided more comprehensive care, but still faced challenges in improving continuity of care.
A recent French survey reveals that one in two emergency care doctors are prone to burn-out, with tension between home and working life being a significant factor. Poor teamwork also significantly increases the risk of burn-out among these physicians.
A culturally sensitive treatment model significantly improves depression recognition among Chinese immigrants, nearly sevenfold. The model addresses misconceptions and stigma through a collaborative care approach.
A family history of Alzheimer's disease significantly increases the risk for developing the disorder, with a new study suggesting that which parent has the disease is crucial. Researchers found altered levels of amyloid and oxidative stress proteins in adult children of mothers with Alzheimer's, increasing their risk.
The NEWMEDS collaboration has pooled resources to create the single largest database of clinical trial data ever amassed in psychiatric research. The database combines data from 23,401 anonymized patients from 67 trials on 11 compounds in over 25 countries.
Researchers will test culturally relevant intervention, behavior activation (BA), to prevent cognitive decline in older African-Americans with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The 24-month study aims to demonstrate that BA can boost public health efforts and encourage active lifestyles.
A study of depressed adolescents found that nearly all recovered from their depression after treatment, but nearly half relapsed within five years. Females were at significantly higher risk of another major episode than males.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans Department of Psychiatry was recognized for its successful integration of mental health services into the school system, youth leadership, and community outreach after Hurricane Katrina. A study found that 72.3% of students had recovered or demonstrated resilience five years post-Katrina.
A recent study found that total health care expenditures for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) per 10,000 covered lives grew by 32.8% from $1,270,435 in 2000 to $1,686,938 in 2003. The treated prevalence of autism increased by 32.2% during the same period.
A new program led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine aims to address the unmet mental health needs of inner-city children and their families. The Center for Collaborative Inner-City Child Mental Health Services Research will utilize a multidisciplinary approach to overcome barriers such as waiting lists, stigma, and poverty.
A new study reveals that men are up to twice as likely to develop alcoholism as women, with increased dopamine release in the brain contributing to this difference. The study found that men had greater dopamine release than women after consuming an alcoholic drink, which may contribute to the initial reinforcing properties of alcohol a...
A study of 35,539 surgical patients found that those with psychiatric illnesses, especially anxiety and depression, have a higher risk of death within 30 days of surgery. The researchers suggest that greater care should be taken among patients with psychiatric illnesses who are undergoing surgery.
A study published in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry identifies four subtypes of pathological gamblers, each with unique characteristics and levels of psychopathology. The findings suggest that different treatments may be needed for each group, highlighting the complexity of this disorder.
A national study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that approximately one in five children in the US will experience severe mental disorders, which disrupt daily life. Anxiety disorders were the most common condition, followed by behavior disorders and mood disorders.
A new survey of psychiatric nurses highlights their crucial role in providing care for patients with mental illness. The study found that 94% of psychiatric nurses feel involved in patient care, and they believe their work affects patient satisfaction.
A study published in Brain Stimulation found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective, long-term treatment for major depression. The therapy was shown to be durable in the majority of patients and prevented relapse when reintroduced as an adjunct to medication.
A recent Iowa State University study estimates that murder costs society approximately $17.25 million per crime, with total costs ranging from $24 million for the average murderer. The research also calculates costs for rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary.
A new study found lower glutamate levels in the hippocampus associated with increased dopamine activity, suggesting a risk marker for later psychotic disorders. The abnormal relationship between glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems may support early treatment of psychosis.
Researchers found that sleeping between 5-6.5 hours per night is associated with excellent survival among women, contradicting previous studies that suggested 6.5-7.5 hours. Obstructive sleep apnea did not predict increased mortality risk in older women.
A review of 19 papers found that healthcare professionals lack adequate training and support to care for people who self-harm. The study highlights the importance of education and training in improving attitudes and quality of care.
The UK Ministry of Defence has moved its inpatient mental health contract to the NHS, improving care for both military personnel and other patients. This shift reduces stigma associated with public-sector mental health services.
Researchers at VCU have identified a potential risk gene for schizophrenia, CMYA5, associated with cardiomyopathy. The study involved over 33,000 participants and verified the findings through multiple independent samples.
Researchers found that individuals can learn to control the activity of specific brain regions when receiving fMRI feedback signals. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess visual emotional stimuli and demonstrated the ability to modulate the response to aversive stimuli.
Researchers have found that traumatic stress can be passed down to future generations through epigenetic changes, affecting gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This discovery has opened up new avenues for understanding the long-term effects of trauma on mental health.
A study of 203,829 individuals in Sweden found that urban living is associated with a higher incidence of schizophrenia and other nonaffective psychoses. Social fragmentation and deprivation were key factors explaining the association.
A new study finds that a school-based intervention can significantly reduce drinking rates among adolescents at risk for substance abuse. The program, which targets personality traits associated with substance use, was delivered by teachers and resulted in a 55% decrease in binge-drinking rates compared to control group.
Schizophrenia is a complex condition characterized by altered brain structure and neurotransmission, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and social withdrawal. Delayed access to treatment can result in slower recovery and increased risk of relapse, highlighting the need for early intervention.
A human study found an association between dysregulation of circadian clock genes and chronic drinking. Lower levels of mRNA in these genes were observed in alcohol-dependent patients, indicating disrupted circadian rhythm.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that disasters disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities and mental disorders, with significant barriers to housing, transportation, and disaster services still present two years after Hurricane Katrina. Researchers recommend case managers knowledgeable about ...
Researchers found that oxytocin levels in fathers were not different from those in mothers, suggesting that other aspects of parenthood stimulate oxytocin release in fathers. Oxytocin was also linked to parent-specific styles of interaction, with mothers showing more affectionate parenting and fathers exhibiting more stimulatory contact.
Research suggests that early life influences can lead to a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Maternal stress and exposure to famine during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of these conditions in offspring.
A collaborative study examines a family with two rare genetic deletions, CNTNAP5 and DOCK4, which are associated with autism and reading difficulties. The research suggests that the CNTNAP5 deletion is linked to autism, while the DOCK4 deletion is co-segregated with reading difficulties.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that amphetamine abuse increases the risk of aortic dissection in young adults. The study, published in American Heart Journal, analyzed medical records from nearly 31 million people and found a threefold increase in odds of aortic dissection among those who abused amphetamines.
A new study explores pharmacological strategies to reduce cocaine self-administration in animals, finding that dysregulation of mGlu2/3 and mGlu5 receptors may play a role in the transition to cocaine addiction. The research suggests that targeting mGlu2/3 receptors could be effective for treating severe cocaine-addicted individuals.
A study published in Clinical Neurophysiology found that an electroencephalography (EEG) test can predict how patients with schizophrenia will respond to clozapine therapy. The test achieved an accuracy of 89%, showing promise for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of serious side effects.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation that moderates whether victims of bullying develop emotional problems. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that a specific gene variant affects the severity of emotional distress in bullied children.
Researchers discovered a set of seven genes in whole blood that can diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) with high accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to unbiased diagnosis and reduce stigma associated with mental health problems, ultimately helping patients receive better treatment.
Researchers found that women with low HDL cholesterol are at higher risk for vascular disease and depression, while men with low LDL cholesterol are at increased mental health risk. The study suggests that regulating cholesterol levels may help prevent depression in the elderly.
Research found that women are more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men, with the highest risk peaking at age 51-55. The study suggests that increased lifespan may contribute to this difference, as individuals have more years to experience traumatic events and their consequences.
A survey of over 1,900 physicians found that more than one-third did not agree that reporting incompetent colleagues is always necessary. Many physicians feel unprepared to deal with impaired or incompetent colleagues, citing reasons such as lack of knowledge about reporting obligations and fear of retribution.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a compound called P7C3 that preserves newly created brain cells and boosts learning and memory in animal studies. The study found that P7C3 protects newborn neurons from dying, restoring normal structure and function of the hippocampus in knockout mice.
A study of 1,329 healthy children found that approximately one in five will have a psychiatric disorder with impairment upon entering formal schooling. Sociodemographic risk factors such as poverty and limited parental education were associated with an increased risk of mental health issues.
Studies found higher and lower levels of genes regulating spine plasticity in individuals with schizophrenia. These alterations may contribute to layer-specific deficits in dendritic spines, a structural abnormality relevant to the disorder. Further research aims to develop new treatments targeting these disturbances.
Researchers exposed fetal monkeys to x-rays and found a profound deficit in working memory ability when tested as adults. This mild insult early in gestation produced significant cognitive dysfunction that emerged with maturation, supporting the critical window of vulnerability during brain development.
Researchers found that virtual food can elicit comparable emotional responses as real food, including increased heart rate and skin conductance. The study suggests the potential use of virtual reality therapy for evaluating and treating eating disorders.
Cyberbullying is associated with a range of psychiatric and physical symptoms, including headaches, abdominal pain, and difficulties in emotions and behavior. Adolescents who are both cyberbullies and victims experience all these conditions, highlighting the need for clear norms and supervision to prevent cyberbullying.
Researchers at UCLA suggest brain atrophy in hippocampus region may be responsible for depression in people battling multiple sclerosis. A specific sub-region of the hippocampus was found to be smaller in MS patients with depression, and excessive cortisol release from HPA axis was also detected.
Brain signs of schizophrenia found in babies with larger brains and lateral ventricles in high-risk group, differing from girls in the study. Early detection could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat the disease.
A study by Dr. Regina Sullivan and colleagues reveals that abusive mothering in rat pups leads to disrupted social behavior and increased engagement of the amygdala, a region involved in regulating stress and emotion. The findings provide insights into the neurobiological origins of psychopathology stemming from abuse.
A study found that patients with PTSD who carried a short allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter responded more poorly to cognitive behavior therapy. The researchers suggest that genetic variation may influence treatment response, leading to potential modifications in treatment approaches.
A new study by UNC researchers found that post-deployment anger and hostility are associated with PTSD hyperarousal symptoms, such as sleep problems and irritability. Veterans who experienced traumatic brain injury or childhood abuse were also at higher risk for aggressive behavior.