Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
A weight control program has been shown to reduce weight gain and improve cholesterol levels in patients taking antipsychotic medication. The study found that participants who engaged in regular physical activity and healthy eating experienced significant improvements in their lipid profile and body mass index.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers reveals that the majority of psychiatry outpatients have more than one disorder when seeking treatment. The study found that patients with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder had the highest number of diagnoses.
Researchers have discovered new treatment mechanisms for schizophrenia, targeting the dopamine D2 receptor and novel neurotransmitters like N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and serotonin. These approaches aim to complement existing treatments and offer new hope for patients with schizophrenia.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the RGS4 gene predict antipsychotic treatment response in schizophrenia patients, with varying predictive power across different ethnic groups. The research highlights the potential for pharmacogenomics to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
A recent study has linked lower mental health scores to an increased risk of major amputations in diabetic veterans. The research, published in General Hospital Psychiatry, suggests that addressing mental health functioning is crucial in preventing amputation risk.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that paliperidone extended-release tablets were effective in treating schizophrenia symptoms, with improvements seen in social functioning. The treatment's long half life and extended release formulation offer practical advantages over existing treatments.
Researchers found that green tea polyphenols protect dopamine neurons and inhibit the ROS-NO pathway, which contributes to cell death in Parkinson's disease. The study suggests green tea polyphenols may be developed into a safe and easily administrable drug for Parkinson's disease treatment.
The PREVENT study found that nearly 80% of patients with recurrent major depressive disorder achieved an adequate therapeutic response to venlafaxine extended-release or fluoxetine, with almost none relapsing after 6 months. The results suggest a subgroup of depressed patients may benefit from early and sustained treatment.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that erythropoietin, a natural human hormone, may have antidepressant properties. The study found that erythropoietin regulated emotional responses and had neuroprotective effects on neural function, supporting its potential as a treatment strategy for depression.
Researchers identified six courses of mental health, with poorer outcomes associated with smaller birth weight and delayed developmental milestones. The study suggests a 'fetal programming' model for depression and anxiety, where prenatal stress may result in permanent maladaptive changes to the developing fetal brain.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that psychiatrists are less religious than other physicians but more comfortable addressing patients' spiritual concerns. Psychiatrists are twice as likely to discuss spiritual issues with patients and more likely to encourage patients in their own religious ideas.
A new study shows transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to be an effective, non-drug treatment for major depression, with response and remission rates approximately twice those of sham TMS. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients with mild side effects.
Research suggests that males exposed to female sex hormones in the womb may be more likely to develop anorexia nervosa. Studies of Swedish twins born between 1935 and 1958 found a higher risk among males with female twin sisters.
Researchers found that former anorexics showed distinct brain pattern differences, particularly in emotional response regions. Their brains were more focused on consequences and planning, suggesting a persistent risk of obsessive thinking. This study may lead to better understanding and treatment development for anorexia nervosa.
New research suggests that nicotine patches can improve attention and working memory in recovering alcoholics, particularly those who smoke. The study found that these individuals are more sensitive to the effects of nicotine, which may help explain their struggles with quitting nicotine use.
A meta-analysis of four clinical trials found that patients taking rimonabant experienced a 4.7kg greater weight reduction but were at a 40% higher risk of adverse events. Rimonabant also increased the likelihood of discontinuation due to depressive disorders and anxiety.
Research by Dr Brendan Kelly found that medical romance novels often feature primary care and emergency settings, with common plot pairings including male doctor with female doctor or nurse. The novels highlight the romantic possibilities of these settings and suggest an urgent need for training programs to include romance education.
A study of psychiatrists and parents found significant differences in perceptions of pediatric ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities. The researchers suggest that improving communication between psychiatrists, parents, and patients can lead to better treatment outcomes for children with complicated ADHD.
Researchers propose a new approach to treating psychiatric disorders by focusing on an individual's need for internal balance. Studies suggest that decision-making is linked to maintaining homeostatic balance, which can be disrupted in individuals with addictions and psychiatric disorders.
A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that 80% of participants who 'heard' phrases in length developed a schizophrenia-related illness. The finding suggests an early warning sign for the condition, which could be identified through inexpensive preventive drug therapy.
Researchers found that darkness amplifies the impact of social stress on anxiety levels, with a startle response boosted in healthy volunteers. The study suggests that stress can alter nervous system function and contribute to anxiety disorders.
Ninety-eight percent of psychiatric nurses believe service shortages play a role in inadequate care for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), while only three percent have received post-graduate training. Providing specialist services and skills training are favored options to improve BPD care.
The study found that mice with a better ability to cope with stress had increased activity of potassium channels in the brain, which counters increased nerve firing and BDNF release. In humans, depressed individuals showed a 40% increase in BDNF levels in the nucleus accumbens, suggesting a link between stress handling and depression.
Patients with severe psychiatric illness lose 25-30 years of life expectancy due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Lifestyle interventions like healthy eating and exercise can be challenging for this population.
Researchers found that depression in older people increases the risk of subsequent mental impairment and can act as a predictor of future intellectual decline. The study, which analyzed over 700 patients, showed that depression raises the risk of executive function loss, a key indicator of cognitive decline.
A study has identified genetic variants associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. Women with specific variants in the estrogen receptor alpha gene were more likely to experience PMDD, suggesting hormonal factors play a key role in its development.
A study of 3,369 postmenopausal women found that those who experienced at least one full-blown panic attack had a four times higher risk of heart attack and nearly twice the risk of death from any cause. The findings suggest that panic attacks may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events.
A large study found that healthy individuals with schizophrenia risk alleles had minute decrements in cognitive ability and altered schizotypal beliefs, highlighting the genetic liability to psychosis expressed at the population level.
Researchers found that administering a drug to stimulate another type of glutamate receptor can normalize abnormal brain function associated with schizophrenia. This finding provides promising therapeutic potential for improving treatments available to patients struggling with the disorder.
A study found that individuals with a specific genetic variant (CYP2B6*6 allele) benefit from bupropion treatment and maintain abstinence longer than those without the variant. The study provides insight into personalized medicine for smoking cessation.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh psychiatrist Eva Szigethy has been awarded a prestigious NIH grant to study the interactions between the brain, gut, and immune system in adolescents with chronic disease. Her research aims to improve early identification and treatment of depression in children with IBD.
A new study found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to reduce their drinking when prescribed naltrexone. However, those without a family history of alcoholism may experience increased drinking with higher doses of naltrexone.
A new study finds that maternal depression and controlling behavior are linked to increased stress responses in infants, as measured by cortisol levels. Infants of depressed mothers had lower pre-stress cortisol levels and a correlation between mother and infant cortisol levels.
A study found that women experienced worsening mood and increased caution when serotonin levels were reduced, while men became more impulsive. The researchers discovered a genetic link influencing the response in women, highlighting sex differences in serotonin utilization.
A study of 100,000 pregnant Norwegian women found an unexpected increase in new cases of binge eating disorder during pregnancy. The research suggests that adequate prenatal care and nutritional support are crucial to prevent the development of disordered eating behaviors.
A new study led by Dr. Mary S. Mittelman found that enhanced counseling and support for Alzheimer's caregivers preserves their physical health and eases depression. The intervention improved self-reported health within four months of enrollment, lasting over a year.
A study found that adult offspring of Holocaust survivors with PTSD had lower cortisol levels than those without PTSD. Lower cortisol levels in these offspring suggest a predisposition to PTSD or a protective effect against the condition.
A nationwide survey of American physicians found that psychiatry is the least religious medical specialty, with Jewish psychiatrists making up over half of the field. The study also revealed that religious physicians are less likely to refer patients to psychiatrists and more likely to send them to clergy or counselors. This gap in rel...
A new study found that high stress levels contribute to memory loss among individuals at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Those with the APOE-å4 gene variant and high cortisol levels showed significant memory impairment, suggesting a link between chronic stress and cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that people with bipolar disorder experience accelerated brain tissue loss, particularly in areas controlling memory, face recognition, and coordination. The study shows that repeated episodes of illness can lead to greater brain loss and decline in mental ability.
A new study has identified a specific genetic variation linked to severe premenstrual depression in women. The study found that four genetic variants in the estrogen receptor alpha gene were more common in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, suggesting a hereditary link to the condition.
Eran D. Metzger, a psychiatrist at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, has been named a Practice Change Fellow by The Atlantic Philanthropies to improve mental health care for elderly patients. The program aims to expand the number of health-care leaders who can promote high-quality care to older adults in various organizations.
Dr. Hugh Hendrie receives prestigious Jack Weinberg Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to geriatric psychiatry research and clinical practice
Two studies presented at the Seventh International Conference on Bipolar Disorder have identified novel pathways and markers for diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. The findings suggest a new avenue for treating the underlying cause of the disease, rather than just treating symptoms.
Research suggests that low doses of ecstasy may harm verbal memory function, particularly in areas involving serotonin. A study found that individuals who started using ecstasy at a young age showed decreased verbal memory performance compared to those who never used the drug.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that mice genetically engineered to lack a single enzyme in their brains are more adept at learning and quicker to adapt to changing environments. This discovery may serve as a target for treating disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and drug addiction.
Researchers used metabolomics to analyze blood chemicals in patients with schizophrenia before and after treatment, revealing distinct chemical signatures that differ according to the medication used. The findings may lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment planning, and a deeper understanding of the disease's causes and effects.
The New Orleans Metropolitan Area Family Resiliency Project aims to enhance mental health services for children and first responders, reduce individual and family symptoms, and improve school performance. The program will also develop prevention and intervention strategies for future disasters.
A study investigates the impact of methylphenidate on young ADHD drivers' ability to focus while navigating real-world distractions. The research team aims to determine if controlled-release stimulant medication improves driving performance in such situations.
Research found that nurses experience high levels of fear and aggression on psychiatric wards, with 57% of incidents aimed at staff. The study suggests that training should focus on improving communication between staff and patients to reduce aggression.
A Chinese online tool for assessing depression has been found to be both accurate and reproducible, offering a potential solution for identifying the growing number of people suffering from depression. The Internet-based Self-assessment Program for Depression (ISP-D) was tested on 579 subjects, revealing that 31% had major depressive d...
Scientists have created a technique to directly control brain cell activity with light, enabling experimentation with neural circuits and potentially leading to therapies for disorders like depression and Parkinson's disease. The 'traffic light' system uses light-sensitive proteins to selectively stimulate or dampen different neurons.
A new study found that less than a quarter of US child and adolescent psychiatrists screen for dating violence, despite its common occurrence among teens. The authors emphasize the importance of clinicians taking the lead in discussing romantic relationships to identify potential abuse.
Following FDA warnings on suicidal behavior risks, antidepressant prescriptions among children and teens decreased from 2003 to 2005. Psychiatrists became the primary prescribers for this age group, replacing primary care physicians.
Recent advances in bipolar II disorder and related disorders highlight the need for further research due to changes in diagnostic criteria and mixed profiles. Treatment options, such as mood stabilisers, are recommended for mixed depression, but controlled pharmacological studies are lacking.
A University of Iowa study found antidepressant treatment improves post-stroke cognitive abilities, including executive function, in stroke survivors. The improvements occurred 21 months after treatment ended and were independent of changes in depression.
A genome-wide study of 1,200 families with multiple cases of autism has identified a previously unidentified region on chromosome 11 and implicated genes affecting glutamate neurons. The findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of autism and offer potential routes to breakthroughs in treatments.
Researchers found a specific area of the genome on chromosome 2 associated with attempted suicide, bipolar disorder and major depression. The study identified a high degree of genetic similarity among family members with a history of attempted suicide and bipolar disorder.
Researchers found that newborn brain regions controlling vision and sensory information grew significantly faster than those controlling abstract thinking. Gray matter, which contains most of the neurons, grew by 40% in the first months after birth, leading to potential implications for autism research.
A new test, Hypomanic symptom check list (HCL-32), has been validated to identify type II bipolar disorder patients. The test, which consists of 32 questions, is more precise than the Mood disorder questionnaire in identifying this underdiagnosed disease.