Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A new study suggests that people with minimal manic symptoms or mixed depression presentations may be at greater risk of experiencing treatment-emergent mania when taking antidepressants. Researchers recommend exploring alternative treatments like mood stabilizers to manage depressive phases of bipolar illness.
A study reveals that adolescents who undergo kidney transplants have a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions, including depression, phobia, and ADHD. They also experience educational impairment and social isolation. The study highlights the need for routine screening and support to address these challenges.
A Swedish thesis found that people who experience nightmares after a suicide attempt are five times more likely to attempt suicide again. The study also revealed that sleeping difficulties do not increase the risk of repeat attempts, contrary to previous research.
Research suggests that people with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of premature death from medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The study found that the risk is similar for men and women, with endocrine problems also contributing to the increased mortality rate.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 12 new-generation antidepressants found sertraline and escitalopram to be the most effective and acceptable options. They showed better efficacy compared to other drugs, with escitalopram being more efficacious than duloxetine by 33%.
A global study reveals that people with schizophrenia experience and expect significant discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, relationships, and social interactions. The study, which analyzed data from 27 countries, found that negative experienced discrimination was common across all domains.
A new study from Indiana University suggests that meager levels of physical activity can significantly improve the mood of individuals with serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia. The study found a positive association between physical activity level and positive mood, particularly among ...
A study by Emory University School of Medicine and CDC found childhood trauma increases CFS risk six-fold, with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms further exacerbating the risk. Low cortisol levels are also associated with childhood trauma, suggesting they may be a marker for CFS risk rather than a symptom
Women with bulimia nervosa exhibit greater impulsivity and differences in brain activity compared to healthy controls. Frontostriatal circuits, responsible for regulating behavior, are also impaired in individuals with bulimia nervosa.
Up to 20% of children and adolescents experience anxiety disorders, which can lead to educational underachievement and increased rates of depression and substance abuse later in life. Effective treatments include antidepressant medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a combination of both, with partial treatment not being adequate.
Nationwide Finnish study reveals that well-developed outpatient services and higher outpatient-to-inpatient ratios are associated with a significantly reduced risk of death by suicide. Emergency services operating 24/7 also showed a risk reduction of 16%.
Smokers carrying a specific gene variant are more susceptible to concentration problems and cognitive deficits during abstinence, increasing the risk of relapse. The study paves the way for novel medications to treat nicotine addiction.
A literature review found that patients receiving coerced medication are more likely to have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or another psychotic disorder. The practice is often used in the UK and has been linked to negative feelings among patients.
The Genomic Psychiatry Cohort aims to identify genetic factors leading to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a large-scale population study. The initiative, led by USC researchers, will collect data from 40,000 subjects and become a major resource for researchers worldwide.
A five-year study found that older adults with symptoms of depression are more likely to gain abdominal fat, but not overall fat. Depression is associated with an increase in visceral fat, which may contribute to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers discovered that Cdk5 protein stimulates stem-cell maturation but also causes neurodegenerative diseases. Removing Cdk5 from immature nerve cells promotes normal cell division, but the cells never reach maturity. The 'Mr. Hyde' component of Cdk5 causes destructive effects on motor coordination and learning.
Babies placed in incubators have a lower risk of developing depression as adults, with a significant decrease in major depression rates. The study found that incubator care can trigger a complex chain of biological and emotional factors that help reduce depression.
Researchers found elevated rates of psychoses among black and minority ethnic subgroups compared to white British individuals. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, analyzed data from 484 patients who developed psychoses between 1996 and 2000.
A new study reveals that substance abuse disorders (SUDs) and other psychiatric disorders are prevalent among French prisoners. Dual diagnosis (DD), a co-existence of SUD and any Axis I disorder, is a major risk factor for suicide, with mood and anxiety disorders being the most frequent disorders found in DD prisoners.
Patients with PTSD symptoms experience a 2.4-fold increased mortality risk compared to those without, according to a study of 211 patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators. Those with PTSD also reported more cardiac symptoms despite similar clinical characteristics.
Research suggests that birth hypoxia may contribute to the development of schizophrenia by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. The study found a significant decrease in BDNF among individuals who later developed schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of maternal health during pregnancy.
Researchers found that deleting the gene for glutamate transporter EAAT1 leads to increased responses to NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, resulting in schizophrenia-like features in mice. The study suggests a promising new class of glutamate-targeting antipsychotic treatments may help correct these abnormalities.
Research suggests that cerebral inflammation and microglia activation contribute to schizophrenia development. Anti-inflammatory agents targeting activated microglia may provide a new treatment option for the condition.
A new genetic association study found associations between six mouse genes and specific human anxiety disorders, including social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The study suggests that these genes may play a role in predisposing individuals to developing an anxiety disorder.
A study found that the genome in people who have committed suicide as a result of major depression was being chemically modified, with nearly ten times the rate of methylation compared to control groups. This modification involved genes regulating behavior and neurotransmitter receptors.
A new study finds that developing depression after a heart attack substantially increases the risk of cardiac-related morbidity and mortality. This increased risk is significant, even when controlling for traditional cardiac risk factors.
A new animal model study suggests that high-dose corticosterone, a cortisol-related substance, can prevent negative consequences of stress exposure in PTSD. Low-dose corticosterone potentiated these responses, indicating a dose-dependent relationship between corticosterone levels and vulnerability/resilience.
NARSAD recognizes six scientists whose groundbreaking research has led to significant strides in understanding and treating mental illness. The 2008 prize winners include experts in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, childhood disorders, and cognitive neuroscience.
Training programs in Iraq have led to the establishment of child mental health departments, benefiting from international collaboration, and innovative public awareness campaigns using television and radio. Despite challenges, there is a growing need for child psychiatrists, but progress is being made, with increased support for educat...
The Movement for Global Mental Health aims to scale up mental health services globally through citizen advocacy and action. Key findings include the establishment of national taskforces in Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as progress in Brazil.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University will conduct a single-site study of 200 AMD patients to determine the effectiveness of a treatment program designed to prevent depression and disability. The Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial aims to improve vision skills in people with AMD, thereby preventing depression and promoting ind...
Research by Dr. J. Donald Richardson found that deployed peacekeeping veterans with PTSD experience significant impairments in health-related quality of life. The study highlights the importance of assessing quality of life when evaluating veterans for rehabilitation needs.
A new study found that American children are three times more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medication than their European counterparts. The differences in practice may be attributed to various factors, including diagnostic classification systems, government cost restrictions, and the use of direct-to-consumer drug advertising.
The Asian Journal of Psychiatry aims to bridge a knowledge gap in psychiatric research and development across Asia, focusing on regional mental health issues. The first issue includes reports on psychosocial responses to disasters, highlighting the need for evidence-based literature on psychiatric disorders in the Asian continent.
Researchers at Yale University found that natural childbirth is associated with stronger emotional connections between mothers and their babies. The study suggests that vaginal delivery may influence neurohormonal factors that contribute to parental bonding and postpartum depression.
A Penn State bioethicist and Georgetown University law professor argue that the US Army continues to involve physicians in interrogations despite professional medical associations' adoption of restrictive policies. The Army's Behavioral Science Consultation Memo attempts to justify physician participation in interrogations.
Hallucinations are associated with changes in brain connections and localized activity, highlighting the need for a broader perspective on the condition. The study reveals increased activity in visual brain regions and alterations in connection strength, shedding light on the neural basis of hallucinations.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have uncovered a molecular circuitry associated with schizophrenia, linking three previously known proteins. The study found that these proteins interact synergistically during normal brain development and are linked to the condition in some patients.
Researchers found that losing sleep for part of one night activates cellular pathways producing tissue-damaging inflammation, linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. Good sleep habits may ease this risk.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that adding N-acetyl cysteine to usual treatment improved depressive symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for psychiatric disorders, particularly those involving brain glutathione metabolism.
Researchers found that serotonin transporter binding potential values were higher in fall and winter, suggesting a link between lower serotonin levels and seasonal mood changes. The study suggests that variations in brain serotonin levels may explain why people feel happier on sunny days and more sluggish during the dark winter season.
A study found that low-birth-weight children are more likely to experience externalizing and internalizing psychiatric problems, as well as attention problems in urban communities. Early interventions may improve attention skills and lead to better outcomes later.
A new study suggests that blocking the corticotrophin releasing factor-1 (CRF1) receptor and the vasopressin-1B (V1B) receptor may retain their efficacy in treating depression, even when neurogenesis is disrupted. The researchers found that restoration of the stress axis may be key to how these new antidepressant approaches work.
Researchers found that chronic stress alters the genetic immune response by changing the pattern of gene expression in monocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response. This altered response can lead to increased inflammation and contribute to the risk for illnesses like depression, heart disease, and diabetes.
Researchers found that excessive drug use causes increased brain connections as a defense mechanism against addiction. Boosting MEF2 protein activity may help combat addiction, according to the study.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that pregnant women experiencing severe stress during the second month of pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop schizophrenia. Women born in Jerusalem during the Arab-Israeli war had a higher risk of schizophrenia, particularly females.
Research found pregnant women experiencing high psychological stress are more likely to give birth to a child with schizophrenia. The study, which analyzed data from 88,829 people born in Jerusalem between 1964 and 1976, discovered a significantly higher incidence of schizophrenia among females.
Researchers found that women with a history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse were more likely to attempt suicide postpartum. The study suggests screening for past diagnoses during prenatal care may identify high-risk women.
Children and adolescents who get less REM sleep are more likely to be overweight. In the study, those who were overweight slept about 22 minutes less per night compared to normal-weight individuals.
A multinational study has discovered that people with schizophrenia are more likely to carry rare chromosomal structural changes, particularly those altering gene function. Two new genomic areas have been identified as significantly increasing the risk of developing the disease.
NYU researchers have identified new predictors for Alzheimer's disease, including brain atrophy and biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid. These findings may help predict individuals at high risk of developing the disease, enabling early detection and prevention.
Researchers found that physical surroundings where alcohol cues are experienced can greatly influence the ability of those cues to trigger relapse. The study suggests that presenting cues repeatedly in multiple distinct contexts without alcohol can diminish their triggering effect.
Researchers found that oxytocin increases the encoding of positive social memories, allowing individuals to better recall happy faces. This breakthrough has potential implications for treating psychiatric disorders related to social isolation.
A new analysis of a 2005 survey found that male students were more likely to carry weapons than females, with certain racial groups also being overrepresented. The study suggests that socioeconomic factors, such as living in violent neighborhoods, may contribute to the carrying of weapons among disadvantaged students.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center presented several key findings on Alzheimer's disease risk factors, including a study that identified signs of brain pathology in healthy individuals. They also reported promising results from couples counseling and antibody tests against common mouth bacteria linked to Alzheimer's disease. The...
The Combining Medication to Enhance Outcomes of Depression (CO-MED) trial aims to test multiple-medication treatment for depression. Researchers hope to find a better approach than using single medication, with the goal of improving remission rates and long-term prognosis.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found four chromosomal regions linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder risk factors, suggesting that these disorders may represent different genetic subtypes. The discovery highlights the complexity of psychiatric diagnoses and provides new insights into potential treatment targets.
Dimebon significantly improves clinical course of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, with increasing benefits over time. The drug demonstrated significant improvement in cognition, function, and behavior compared to placebo.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share a core set of genes involved in nervous system development and cell death. This common genetic signature may provide a window into discovering new brain mechanisms and effective treatments for these debilitating conditions.
A new study has replicated the association between genetic variation in the FKBP5 gene and treatment response to antidepressants, suggesting a potential link to childhood maltreatment. The findings support earlier research implicating the same gene and provide encouragement for personalized medicine approaches to depression treatment.