Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
A genome-wide investigation found that reading ability in individuals with ADHD shares common genetic variants with the condition, but also has distinct genetic underpinnings. The study identified four chromosomal regions associated with reading ability, overlapping previously identified areas for ADHD and reading disorder.
A new study explores the potential of erythropoietin (EPO) as a neuroprotective agent for schizophrenia. EPO was found to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enhance cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia. The results suggest that EPO may be a promising compound for preventing loss of brain function in this disease.
The Emory-GSK-NIMH Collaborative Mood Disorders Initiative will develop innovative models for basic and clinical research in mood disorders. Scientists at NIMH will create clinical models to assess novel antidepressants, while Emory faculty will develop preclinical models of fear, anxiety, and depression.
A new genetic variant has been identified in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), showing a strong link to the development of the condition in multiple generations. The I425V mutation affects serotonin transporter function and is rare, found in only 7 out of 833 individuals studied.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that a specific gene variant, M129V, affecting the prion protein is associated with changes in cognitive performance. Researchers discovered this link while investigating genetic influences on mental health disorders, also noting a connection to mad cow disease.
Researchers found that minorities were less likely to receive an insanity opinion than whites, but the difference was small. The study also suggests that a community-based forensic mental health system in Virginia is reliable for offering insanity opinions.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that 22% of seniors over 75 have cognitive disorders, with multiple factors contributing to the condition. The study highlights the importance of good medical care in preventing brain disease and identifying risk factors for cognitive impairment.
A study conducted at Duke University Medical Center found that relief from poverty can lead to a decrease in frequency of psychiatric symptoms in children. The research, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that removing family poverty is associated with improved mental health outcomes.
A recent study found that only 17.7% of eligible substance abuse treatment programs provide specialized care for older adults, despite the increasing number of people over 65 in high-risk states like Iowa, Florida, and Arizona. The study highlights the need for developing strategies to manage late-life alcoholism.
A study found that chronic drinking elevates cortisol levels both during intoxication and withdrawal, impacting overall health. Elevated cortisol is also associated with increased risk of medical and psychiatric problems such as diabetes and cognitive deficits.
Paxil has been shown to improve memory and brain structure in PTSD sufferers, with clinically significant improvements in memory and concentration observed. The study found increased hippocampal volume and decreased cortisol levels, leading to relief of PTSD symptoms.
Researchers identify key genes and cellular pathways contributing to schizophrenia, providing new insights into the disorder's complex biology. The study's findings hold promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified a sex-specific gene variant associated with an increased risk of developing severe depression in women. Over 80% of women who inherited the CREB1 variant developed depressive disorders, highlighting the importance of considering sex-specific factors in depression research.
A study found that doctors and mental-health professionals often fail to address alcohol consumption during visits, even when patients have multiple health or social problems. This missed opportunity can lead to inadequate treatment referrals and counseling.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that nicotine replacement therapy works as well for smokers with long-term sobriety as it does for smokers without a history of alcoholism. In fact, most smokers with past alcoholism (85%) can quit smoking without difficulty and benefit from nicotine-patch treatment.
A mutation in the GRK3 gene, specifically in the promoter region, is linked to bipolar disorder in up to 10% of cases. The study suggests that this mutation causes individuals to become hypersensitive to dopamine, leading to mood extremes characteristic of the disease.
Research supports the hypothesis that mesocortical dopamine function is impaired in schizophrenia, with decreased D2/3 receptor density associated with negative and general psychopathological symptoms. Age was also negatively correlated with D2/3 receptor density among controls.
Researchers found two genes, HTR1D and OPRD1, associated with anorexia nervosa in the 1p33-36 linkage region. These genes regulate behaviors including eating and anxiety, and individuals carrying specific alleles for developing anorexia nervosa are at increased risk.
A study of retired physicians and their spouses found that both groups enjoyed very high life satisfaction following retirement. The happiest retirees were those who had chosen to retire at a young age and had progressed through the initial post-retirement adjustment phase. Factors associated with better life satisfaction for the physi...
Researchers found lower concentrations of amino acid N-acetylaspartate in the right hippocampus of males with bipolar disorder. The study suggests a progressive nature of the disease, with decreasing levels of NAA seen over time.
The American Psychiatric Association and AstraZeneca have launched an international awards programme to support young psychiatry researchers working in the fields of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The programme aims to provide vital career development support to help advance innovative research and treatment options for patients.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry reveals that high prenatal alcohol use significantly increases the risk of a child developing drinking-related problems by age 21. The research found that 14% of young adults with prenatal exposure to five or more drinks per occasion had alcohol problems, compared to just 4.5% wit...
A study found that patients with schizophrenia experienced improved symptom management and reduced side effects when switching to Seroquel, including significant reductions in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores and Clinical Global Impression Severity of Illness ratings.
A new study finds that ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a highly effective and sensitive marker of recent alcohol use, detecting consumption up to 80 hours after complete elimination. The marker helps identify patients who have lapsed or relapsed in treatment, ensuring they are alcohol-free for work and other activities.
Researchers found that preschoolers with depression exhibit symptoms similar to those in older children and adults, including anhedonia, sadness, and low energy. The study also highlighted the importance of identifying and treating depression in young children to prevent impairment of normal development.
Researcher North studies survivors of disasters, including plane crashes and mass shootings, finding most people are resilient but vulnerable to PTSD. People with a history of psychiatric illness are at high risk for developing PTSD, especially those experiencing avoidance and numbing symptoms after disasters.
A genetic study found a new gene variant associated with general intelligence, located within the cathepsin D (CTSD) gene. The study, which followed 767 healthy adults over 15 years, discovered that a specific functional transition in exon 2 of CTSD increased cognitive decline.
Researchers describe groundbreaking cognitive therapy approach that helps people with schizophrenia identify and challenge negative thoughts, leading to significant symptom reductions. The therapy, combined with medication, offers hope for those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Researchers investigated a repeat polymorphism in the estrogen receptor alpha gene and found associations with neuroticism, psychoticism, and non-conformity. The study suggests that genetic variations in this gene may contribute to specific components of personality.
Researchers found a significant association between the DQB1_05 and _04 alleles and sleepwalking disorder, suggesting that these genes play a role in disorders of motor control during sleep. The study identified Ser74 as a key genetic marker for sleepwalking, providing new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
Research suggests that the mammalian ventral tegmental area plays a critical role in mediating both rewarding and aversive properties of nicotine. Blockade of mesolimbic dopamine signaling induced by neuroleptic medications may selectively block the aversive effects of nicotine, increasing vulnerability to its addictive properties.
Dr. Salzman, a Columbia University professor, has been awarded the Charles E. Culpeper Scholarship in Medical Science from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. The award will support his research on understanding emotion and developing new treatments for psychiatric illness.
Quetiapine has delivered strong and positive results in treating acute mania associated with bipolar disorder, confirming its potential as an ideal first-line therapy. The medication also showed improved quality of life by minimizing side effects, making it a valuable treatment option for patients.
A multicenter study identified a positive association between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a serotonergic receptor gene variant. This genetic phenotype may represent an early onset risk factor for the disorder, suggesting age of onset should be considered in molecular genetic studies.
A study led by VCU researchers identified a genetic link to bulimia nervosa on chromosome 10p, building upon prior research that found the disorder's heritability. The findings aim to inform the search for effective treatments and preventative therapies for bulimia.
Researchers will investigate brain structures controlling responses to rewarding stimuli and their role in mood regulation. The goal is to develop new treatments for depression, which affects 20% of Americans.
Researchers have identified a genetic basis for aggression and anger, with the vasopressin 1b receptor playing a key role. The study found that mice without this receptor exhibit reduced aggression and impaired social recognition, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for treating aggressive behavior.
Researchers have discovered a new structure in the human brain linked to learning and memory, called the marginal division (MrD). This pan-shaped structure, composed of spindle-shaped neurons, plays a key role in linking other memory-related structures.
The UNC Conte Center will conduct four interrelated studies using distinct research methods to identify critical brain events triggering the development of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. The center aims to explain how certain behavioral and neurobiological factors transform normal individuals into those with schizophrenia.
A study published in The Lancet found that individuals with a family history of completed suicide and mental illness are two and a half times more likely to commit suicide than those without such a history. A family history of psychiatric illness increased suicide risk by around 50% for those without a prior psychiatric history.
A recent study by Dr. Gus Thompson found that Canadians, particularly Albertans, attribute schizophrenia to genetic factors and biochemical imbalances. Although stigma remains, the study shows a positive shift in perceptions towards mental illness over the past few decades.
The research aims to identify genes contributing to the development of anorexia nervosa, a serious and potentially lethal illness. The study will build on recent genetic studies and gather data from 400 families affected by the condition.
Researchers found that 43% of participants with mild cognitive impairment had psychiatric symptoms, and 75% of those with dementia did. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and treating these symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
A study found increased transmission of SNAP-25/DdeI variant in Irish ADHD trios, suggesting a genetic link between the SNAP gene and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential of SNAP gene variants as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found a common mutation in the DAT gene to be associated with trauma survivors who developed chronic PTSD, suggesting a genetic contribution to the disorder's development. The study implies that genetically determined variation in dopaminergic neurotransmission may play a role in shaping the pathological response to trauma.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found a link between a genetic variant of the serotonin receptor gene and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The research suggests that individuals with this variant may be more susceptible to developing OCD, potentially leading to earlier identification and treatment.
A genetic study in Palau reveals distinct genetic factors contributing to schizophrenia in each of five families. The findings reinforce the complexity of schizophrenia and demonstrate the value of large extended pedigrees for gene mapping.
Research suggests BDNF and NMDA receptor subunits are reduced in rats with early maternal deprivation, leading to changes in hippocampus function. This study provides evidence for the presence of molecular changes in the brain following exposure to stressful conditions during development.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that the cannabinoid receptor is crucial for erasing fear behavior. In mouse models lacking this receptor, fear behavior evoked by an aversive acoustic sound was significantly reduced compared to normal control mice.
Researchers propose that schizophrenia may be triggered by an interaction between genes and viruses in glial cells, which can disrupt brain cell connections. This new hypothesis combines previous theories on the disease's causes, offering a potential explanation for its development.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that specific genetic markers on chromosome 2 are associated with severe depression in women, but not in men. This discovery suggests important differences in the molecular basis of clinical depression between sexes, which may contribute to varying treatment responses and symptoms.
A study found that patients taking olanzapine were at risk of developing diabetes, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with severe symptoms and even death. The researchers identified 289 cases of diabetes linked to the drug, highlighting a potential link between atypical antipsychotics and metabolic disorders.
Brain scans reveal abnormal brain structure and function at an early stage, suggesting a powerful predictor of future illness. This finding may enable treatment to prevent distressing symptoms like hallucinations from developing.
Research found that heavy drinkers exhibit a 'biphasic' response to alcohol, experiencing increased stimulation and euphoria during rising blood alcohol concentrations, but sedation and fatigue during declining levels. In contrast, light drinkers showed only sedation and no positive mood changes.
A study found that cognitive therapy was as effective as medication in treating severe depression, with a lower cost. Cognitive therapy showed a long-term cost benefit and offered enduring protection comparable to ongoing medication.
Stanford researchers have established a link between creative genius and mental illness, with healthy artists showing more similarities in personality to individuals with manic depression. Emotional range was found to be a key factor in this relationship.
A study conducted at Brown University found that 33 percent of psychiatric patients, compared to 13 percent of medical patients, reported significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychiatric patients were more likely to experience trauma-related symptoms such as thinking about the attacks and avoiding reminders.
Researchers examined abstinent alcoholics and healthy controls to investigate motor functioning, finding impaired limb movements, gait, and postural stability. Alcoholic men showed slower movement speeds and jerky movements, while women displayed less impairment but still struggled with postural instability.
Studies reveal connections between the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4 and autism, as well as a potential link between the glutamate receptor 6 (GluR6) gene and the syndrome. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of autism.
The UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry will provide annual conferences, consultation services, and education campaigns to support SACPA's goal of reducing crime and improving health outcomes for non-violent offenders. The partnership aims to address the root causes of addiction as a public health issue.