Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
Researchers found that thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and fibrates, commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, may help counteract nicotine and alcohol addiction by activating specific receptors in the brain. These drugs stimulate PPAR-α and PPAR-γ receptors, reducing inflammation and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
Researchers found that people who experience stronger stimulating and lower sedative effects of alcohol are more likely to develop binge drinking problems. A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that the 'double whammy' of alcohol effects predicts those who progress to severe drinking and alcohol-use disorders.
Mexican migrants to the U.S. are at a higher risk of experiencing clinically significant depression and anxiety disorders compared to non-migrants. The study found that those between 18 and 25 years old have nearly four-and-one-half times greater odds of developing a depressive disorder.
Seven GHSU investigators will present their research on schizophrenia and psychiatric disorders, including Dr. Peter Buckley's National Institutes of Mental Health-funded study on relapse prevention. Researchers also explore potential treatments for stress-induced anxiety behavior and prenatal stress-related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
A new study found that genetic variants in dopamine-related genes increased the risk of smoking initiation in adolescents, while variants in nicotinic cholinergic receptors influenced persistence in adulthood. These findings could lead to genetic testing and targeted drugs for nicotine dependence.
A new study published in Epilepsia found that children with epilepsy are at increased risk of developing behavioral and psychiatric problems. The study showed that girls were more likely to experience emotional problems, while boys had more hyperactivity/inattention issues and peer relationship problems.
Researchers found that four microRNAs (miR-22, miR-138-2, miR-148a, and miR-488) are associated with panic disorder, regulating genes related to anxiety pathways in the brain. The study suggests a coordinated involvement of multiple risk genes, implying the existence of molecular 'switches' that control gene function.
Researchers found that gut bacteria influence how the brain is wired for learning and memory, leading to anxiety-like behavior. The study also suggests that targeting the immune system and gut function could lead to new therapies for psychiatric illnesses.
A new study finds that larger hippocampal volumes are linked to recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implying that the hippocampus may play a role in reversing damage caused by chronic stress. The research suggests that treatment for PTSD could be viewed as a form of brain restoration, rather than just symptom relief.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescent girls exposed to heavy alcohol use during their first trimester were three times more likely to develop conduct disorder. The study examined 592 adolescents and their mothers or caretakers, utilizing data from a long...
A report from The Hastings Center finds that many children with problematic moods and behaviors receive inadequate care due to systemic and cultural pressures. Experts agree that diagnoses have unclear boundaries, leading to disagreements about treatment, but also conclude that environments contribute to problematic behaviors.
A new study found that naltrexone is effective in reducing alcohol-induced euphoria in women and individuals with the A118G polymorphism of the mu opioid receptor gene. This suggests that personalized treatment options may be possible for those with specific genetic variations.
Researchers at Wayne State University identified three potential subtypes of gamblers: emotionally vulnerable, behaviorally conditioned, and antisocial impulsive. However, their study found that subtyping did not predict treatment outcomes, with all groups showing similar recovery patterns despite varying levels of addiction severity.
A new collaborative care program has been shown to significantly improve depression, anxiety, and emotional quality of life in heart disease patients. After six and twelve weeks, participants in the program reported improved symptoms and better adherence to healthy activities compared to those receiving usual care.
The study found a global prevalence of 2.4% for bipolar spectrum disorder, with severe symptoms primarily affecting depressive episodes. Treatment needs are often unmet, especially in low-income countries where only 25.2% received mental health treatment.
As men lose their primary breadwinner roles, depression and marital conflict are likely to increase. Biological and sociological differences may also make it harder for men to care for young children.
Researchers have identified a genetic variation linked to bipolar disorder, suggesting that Piccolo contributes to the condition. The study used postmortem tissue and genome-wide association studies to find this link.
Deep brain stimulation therapy has shown promise in reducing symptoms of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for a small subset of patients. After years of research, Dr. Benjamin Greenberg presents the longest-term results of the technique, highlighting its potential to improve symptoms and quality of life.
A mega-analysis of brain imaging data found that individuals with bipolar disorder who took lithium had increased hippocampal and amygdala volumes compared to those not taking the medication. Lithium treatment also restored cerebral volume reductions associated with longer illness duration.
A new study by the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and University of Michigan Health System found that peer support programs reduce symptoms of depression better than traditional care alone. These programs, which involve patients and volunteers sharing information, were also as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that civilians with noncombat injuries are more likely to be evacuated for treatment, but also more likely to return to work in war zones due to higher salaries. In contrast, soldiers are less motivated to return after such injuries, possibly due to the loss of hazardous duty pay.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation linked to lower neuropeptide Y levels, increasing stress sensitivity and emotional processing in key brain circuits. This finding may aid in identifying individuals at high risk of developing major depressive disorder, enabling targeted interventions.
Research finds men and women with contact to criminal justice system have higher rate of suicide compared to general population, even without imprisonment or guilty verdict. Exposure to the justice system is independently associated with elevated suicide risk, particularly among younger individuals with violent charges.
Patients with schizophrenia who take antipsychotics for extended periods may experience a measurable decrease in brain tissue over time. The study suggests that long-term antipsychotic use can contribute to progressive changes in brain volume, even after controlling for other factors.
A gene mutation linked to schizophrenia has been identified and shows potential for treating the brain disorder with existing compounds. The mutation impacts a neuropeptide receptor VIPR2, which plays a crucial role in brain development and behavior.
Researchers found that mice with chronic morphine exposure showed decreasing physical dependence during abstinence, but developed depressive-like symptoms. Treatment with antidepressant fluoxetine prevented these symptoms.
Researchers have found that cognitive training can improve working memory and reduce addiction by teaching individuals to think ahead. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, used an approach borrowed from rehabilitation of stroke or traumatic brain injury patients.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will continue studying manic symptoms in children with a renewed $7.8 million NIMH grant. The study aims to develop accurate diagnoses and predictive factors for bipolar spectrum disorders in youth.
A recent study found that approximately one-third of adolescents with any mental disorder received services for their illness, while only half of those with severely impairing mental disorders had ever received mental health treatment. The study highlights the urgent need to address barriers to recognizing and treating mental health co...
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.
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 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.
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.