Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
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.
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.
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 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.
A recent study by MSU psychiatrist Dale D'Mello found that nearly half of patients hospitalized with bipolar disorder also suffer from high blood pressure. The study discovered a link between the severity of bipolar disorders and the level of mania experienced by patients with hypertension.
A longitudinal study of former child soldiers in Sierra Leone found that community acceptance, social support, and school attendance can mitigate the negative effects of wartime experiences. The study suggests investing in longer-term approaches to monitoring and supporting war-affected youth.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital describe mathematical patterns underlying human preference, potentially guiding psychiatric disorder diagnosis and treatment. The study's findings meet criteria for scientific laws, showing predictable patterns in preference behavior.
A new study of 9/11 survivors and victims' family members found that on-site psychiatrists can alleviate early trauma symptoms and reduce PTSD. Psychiatrists provided immediate aid to 848 patients in just over two months, with the most common symptoms including sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
A recent study found that teenagers with treatment-resistant depression can become symptom-free within six months of switching medications or combining a medicine switch with cognitive behavioral therapy. Those who showed improvement in symptoms early on were more likely to experience lasting benefits.
Researchers identified central, unifying elements of wisdom, including its uniqueness to humans, experiential nature, and personal quality. The study provides insight into the characteristic qualities of wisdom, shedding light on its distinctiveness from intelligence and spirituality.
Adolescents exposed to prenatal smoking are at a higher risk for use of all psychiatric drugs, especially those treating depression, ADHD, and addiction. Smoking exposure during pregnancy may interfere with brain development, leading to increased need for psychotropic medications in childhood and young adulthood.
Researchers found that older adults with late-life depression don't respond normally to emotional stimuli, making treatment more challenging. This study highlights the importance of emotion in understanding late-life depression and developing effective therapies.
A study of British 12-year-olds found nearly 6 percent exhibiting at least one symptom of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions. The children shared similar risk factors with adult schizophrenia, such as genetic and social risks.
A long-term follow-up study of extremely preterm children reveals nearly a quarter had a psychiatric disorder by age 11. The study highlights the need for early cognitive and psychological monitoring to identify emerging neuropsychiatric disorders.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people who have a stronger association between death and self are more likely to attempt suicide. This association can be measured using an Implicit Association Test (IAT), which may provide a new tool for identifying and predicting clinical behaviors that are not reported verbally.
A new study found that stress can aggravate the impact of prior streptococcal infection on symptoms of Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The researchers identified a link between psychosocial stress and worsening tic and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity in children with Tourette syndrome and OCD.
Researchers found that oxytocin improved emotion recognition in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests potential for earlier intervention and improved social function in everyday settings.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry compared the effects of medication, motivation, and a combination of both on response inhibition in children with ADHD. The results showed that stimulant medication tends to normalize brain function, while motivational incentives also play a role in improving performance.
Researchers have identified four relatively simple measures of alcohol consumption that can accurately index the genetic risk for alcohol dependence in both women and men. These findings provide significant implications for risk identification and suggest that simpler measures of drinking behavior may be sufficient to capture the same ...
Professor Citrome's new theory of evidence-based flying aims to apply medical decision-making principles to frequent flying, analyzing flight delays and upgrade rates. By incorporating factors like airline competition, food service, and passenger loyalty, he hopes to develop a more precise predictive model for optimal flying decisions.
A recent study found that undiagnosed children with autistic traits display repetitive behaviors and social interaction impairments comparable to clinically diagnosed children. This highlights the need for expanded support services for these children, as they are often overlooked due to a gender bias in diagnosis.
Research finds childhood maltreatment can lead to shorter telomeres, a marker of biological aging, and increased risk of age-related diseases. The study suggests early developmental experiences may have profound effects on biology, influencing cellular mechanisms that accelerate aging.
Researchers found amyloid plaques in healthy elderly individuals with disrupted brain connections, similar to those with Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that Alzheimer's may begin quietly, eroding brain networks before symptoms appear.
The National Sleep Foundation's Annual Sleep in America poll explores sleep issues among Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and whites, revealing significant differences in sleep habits and attitudes. Blacks/African-Americans report the busiest bedtime routines, while Asians get the best sleep and infrequently use sleep aids.
A new 27-item questionnaire, the M-3 checklist, is a valid and effective tool to help primary care doctors screen patients for four common psychiatric illnesses. The checklist was developed by a team of mental health practitioners and experts and was found to be effective in screening for any mood or anxiety disorder 83% of the time.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) is a brain region that helps people control their emotional reactions to negative facial expressions from their romantic partners. The LPFC activity was found to predict self-regulation after an interpersonal conflict in daily life.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies reveals a strong bidirectional association between obesity and depression, with obese individuals having a 55% increased risk of developing depression over time. The authors suggest that monitoring weight gain in depressive patients and mood in overweight or obese patients could lead to prevention, early d...
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that individuals with a sense of purpose in life have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Those with higher levels of purpose were approximately 2.4 times less likely to develop the disease.
Researchers found that scopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, reduced symptoms of depression within three days. The study also showed that participants experienced full symptom remission by the end of the treatment period.
A recent NYU study empirically challenges the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' criteria for diagnosing depression, suggesting that psychiatrists' official method to prevent false-positive diagnoses may not be effective. The study examines the Clinical Significance Criterion (CSC)...
A review of nearly 20 years of literature found that depression does not always lead to cognitive difficulties such as memory problems or difficulties concentrating and paying attention. Processing speed was the cognitive function most often affected by depression, with a slower capability when individuals are depressed.
Researchers have discovered a possible biomarker for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder using electroretinography, suggesting retinal deficits contribute to perceptual problems. This finding highlights the importance of considering subtle visual issues in individuals with these conditions.
A new study found that increased social status and support correlate with higher dopamine D2/D3 receptor density in the brain's striatum. This suggests people with greater social status experience life as more rewarding and stimulating due to more targets for dopamine action.
A study found that psychiatric patients who absconded from wards were more likely to be young, unemployed, and homeless with high rates of schizophrenia and substance misuse. Improving ward environments and implementing tighter controls on exits may help prevent these cases.
A new report suggests that preventing patients from leaving psychiatric wards without staff agreement could avoid up to 50 suicide deaths every year. The study found that improving the ward environment and staff training may contribute to reduced risk of in-patient suicides, particularly among high-risk groups.