Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
A magnetic resonance imaging study found that toddlers with autism tend to have an enlarged amygdala, a brain area associated with processing faces and emotion. This brain abnormality is also linked to improved joint attention ability in children with autism.
A new study challenges the idea that individuals with certain genotypes are predestined to negative life outcomes. Infants raised in small social groups were more likely to be aggressive and anxious, particularly those with a low activity MAOA genotype. However, no genotype effects were evident in monkeys reared in larger social cages.
A new study found that a novel compound decreases rats' preference for cocaine-associated environments during subsequent tests. This process is called extinction learning, where the brain creates new associations instead of retrieving old ones.
A study found that microRNA miR-504 regulates the expression of the dopamine D1 receptor gene, increasing the risk of nicotine dependence. The research suggests a potential link between smoking risk genes and neurobiology of addiction.
Researchers studied ICU patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and found that those with greater organ failure and higher benzodiazepine doses were more likely to experience depression after discharge. The study suggests that certain aspects of critical illness and ICU care may contribute to depression.
A study of 5,302 Finnish individuals found that childhood psychiatric problems were associated with later severe suicidality in males, particularly those with conduct, hyperactive, or emotional problems. In contrast, depression at age 8 was not linked to female suicidal behavior.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have reviewed the neurobiology of wisdom, identifying key brain regions involved in its attributes such as empathy, compassion and emotional stability. The study suggests an optimal balance between primitive and pre-frontal cortex brain regions may enhance wisdom.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by examining brain activity in soldiers with and without the condition. The study found that individuals with PTSD exhibit distinct brain patterns, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing and sense of self.
Researchers are comparing two family-based therapies to treat adolescent anorexia nervosa. The Maudsley Approach involves supervised feeding and monitoring, while Family Systems Therapy focuses on family dynamics. Both approaches aim to break the vicious cycle of starvation and obsessive behavior.
Researchers found that naltrexone, an opiate receptor blocker, reduced the urges to steal and stealing behavior in individuals with kleptomania after eight weeks of treatment. The study suggests a potential link between kleptomania and substance addictions, highlighting the drug's efficacy in treating impulse control disorders.
Research links sleep disturbances to higher risk of suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts in adults. Scientists found a strong association between early morning awakening and increased likelihood of suicidal behaviors.
Researchers found that women with severe mental illness are more likely to have been abused in childhood than the general population, with a twofold increased risk compared to healthy women. In contrast, no such association was found in men.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that modafinil can reduce weight gain associated with olanzapine treatment. The study showed that subjects receiving olanzapine and modafinil experienced less weight gain than those receiving only olanzapine.
A significant minority of therapists continue to offer treatments aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation, despite a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. The therapies, often rooted in moral and religious views, can be harmful and lead to increased stress for clients who are already discriminated against.
Researchers develop a novel approach to treating PTSD by selectively disrupting traumatic memories with a cortisol-blocking drug. The treatment's effectiveness is linked to the intensity of the initial trauma and can be administered shortly before recalling the memory.
New study finds stress-related changes in brain structure may lead to depression-like behavior and PTSD. Researchers propose that restoring hippocampal synapses could provide immediate relief from depressive symptoms.
Researchers at Children's National Medical Center and colleagues in Tokyo have achieved the first successful application of exon-skipping to curb Duchenne muscular dystrophy in dogs. The treatment uses synthetic DNA-like molecules called morpholinos to skip over mutated gene parts, showing promise for humans with this genetic disorder.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that patients requesting physician-assisted death cite concerns about future suffering as a leading motivator. The study surveyed 56 patients and ranked factors influencing their requests, highlighting the importance of symptom control and patient sense of control.
Children with childhood obsessive and compulsive symptoms are six times more likely to suffer from an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as adults, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data from the Dunedin Study, which tracked participants' psychological variables from childhood to adulthood.
A Yale University study found varenicline significantly reduced heavy-drinking smokers' alcohol consumption and cravings. The drug also showed no adverse effects when combined with low doses of alcohol.
A study of 1,698 young adults found that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were more likely to attempt suicide than those exposed to traumatic events without developing PTSD. The researchers suggest that PTSD may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior.
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.
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 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.