Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
A new editorial urges psychiatrists to prescribe exercise as a core part of depression treatment plans, following the FITT principle to meet individual patient needs. The research is clear: physical activity helps with depressive symptoms, yet it's rare for psychiatrists to prescribe it alongside medication or therapy.
Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.
New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.
A new study reveals that autistic individuals identify loneliness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness as key factors contributing to their suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the need for improved access to support services and reduced stigma within society.
The latest issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research on psychiatric genetics, telehealth prescribing of controlled substances, and trends in ADHD medication. Highlights include a new APA Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium.
The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of EAET on nearly 700 war veterans across seven US Department of Veterans Affairs centers. Previous research by Dr. Brandon Yarns found that EAET provided significant pain relief compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy among older adults.
Professor Siegfried Kasper reveals biological bases of psychiatric disorders alongside psychosocial determinants, influencing treatment protocols globally. His pioneering research transformed approaches to treatment-resistant depression, improving millions of lives.
Professor Gregor Hasler's pioneering research reveals how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself and break free from depression, PTSD, and addiction. His discoveries have the potential to fundamentally alter international approaches to mental health treatment.
Researchers found neglected children had abnormalities in critical brain regions, including right corticospinal tract and superior longitudinal fasciculus, linked to behavioral difficulties. These findings provide objective markers for identifying children affected by neglect.
A 12-week online program has been shown to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa, with a significant reduction in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. The study found that guided internet-based CBT can help people who struggle to access specialist care.
A UCLA study reveals how a region of the medial prefrontal cortex integrates information across the brain to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses. The findings could help develop targeted therapies for stress-related and social dysfunction disorders.
Researchers have found a strong link between abnormal changes in retinal blood vessels and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that routine eye exams could potentially reveal early signs of the condition.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
A nationwide study found that a smartphone-based digital therapy reduced repeated suicide attempts by 58.3% among patients with a prior history of attempting suicide. The app guided users through short lessons focused on managing emotions and building safety plans.
Patients are nearly 4 times more likely to recall being told of short-term memory loss and 6 times more likely to recall being told ECT can be life-saving rather than about potential heart problems. The study suggests that the medical pros of ECT are being exaggerated while the cons are downplayed.
The University of Houston is expanding its behavioral health offerings with new ABA training programs, addressing growing need for behavior analysts. Salaries range from $63,000-$77,000 annually, with autism diagnoses on the rise due to improved screenings and assessments.
A systematic review of 172 studies reveals significant gaps in global representation of adolescent mental health research. Traditional bullying is reported more frequently in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries.
Victims of enforced disappearances experience prolonged uncertainty and ambiguous loss, leading to chronic depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Mental health professionals lack clear guidance on treating these cases, highlighting a need for evidence-based treatments and policy changes.
The report warns that immigration enforcement is a public health emergency for millions of children, causing constant anxiety and harm to their emotional development and academic performance. Clinical case studies reveal how trauma is transmitted across generations, shaping the mental health of immigrant children.
Researchers found that older adults who challenge themselves to learn new things are less likely to experience loneliness or depression, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued skill learning is associated with improved mental health outcomes, including greater resilience to external stressors and reduced depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that non-hallucinogenic versions of psychedelic drugs, like tabernanthalog (TBG), promote neuroplasticity through the same biochemical pathway as psychedelics. TBG activates the serotonin 2A receptor, inducing downstream activation of TrkB, mTOR, and AMPA. This is sufficient for promoting neuroplasticity and growth of...
Recent scientific advances aim to enhance the efficacy of psychosocial treatments for mood and psychotic disorders, according to Dr. Marc J. Weintraub's upcoming webinar. Innovative approaches discussed include a mobile app adjunct therapy for adolescents at risk and psilocybin integration for adults with major depression.
Researchers used AI tools to analyze posts from 54 Reddit communities, finding similarities in speech patterns between hate speech groups and communities for certain psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that exposing oneself to hate speech online may lead to decreased empathy and traits similar to Cluster B personality disorders.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has been listed among the nation's top 20 hospitals for care excellence by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, with top-10 rankings in five specialties and top-20 rankings in nine. The hospital was also rated High Performing in all 22 procedures and conditions assessed by U.S. News.
A large-scale study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that individuals experiencing persistent and intense grief are nearly twice as likely to die within 10 years after losing a loved one. The study followed a cohort of 1,735 bereaved individuals and found that those with high grief symptom levels had significantly higher r...
A major study by researchers at Aarhus University found that most cases of depression and schizophrenia occur in people without a family history of the condition. The study used data from over 3 million Danes to estimate absolute and relative risks of mental disorders in families.
A new study published in JCPP Advances found that watching a ten-minute video can shift how teenagers view themselves by promoting mental well-being. The intervention appeared to have little immediate effect on symptoms of anxiety or depression, but may work best as part of a broader toolkit of services.
Dr. Deanna L. Kelly has been named Director of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, building on her expertise in schizophrenia treatments and nutrition. She continues to advance personalized treatment options, including effective medications and innovative dietary interventions.
Studies reveal that people in western and northeastern states, as well as Democrats, are more likely to use the 988 lifeline. Over 10% of calls came from veterans, highlighting a key demographic for targeted communication campaigns.
A specific group of neurons in the amygdala has been identified as a key player in anxiety, depression, and altered social behavior. Restoring balance to this area can reverse these behaviors in mice.
Researchers used advanced neuroimaging and the Julich-Brain Atlas to identify specific brain networks linked to psychopathy, finding reduced volumes in multiple regions including basal ganglia, thalamus, and cortex. This study advances research on neuropsychobiological correlates of aggression.
Research found that ADHD medication was associated with lower risks of self-harm, unintentional injury, and crime, but the magnitude of these associations decreased as prescription rates rose. The study highlights the need to regularly assess medication use in different patient populations.
JMIR Publications' portfolio of journals now includes 21 titles with a Journal Impact Factor. Several journals saw significant increases in impact factor, including JMIR Medical Education, which debuted with a score of 12.5, securing the top-ranked journal spot in its category.
The Supreme Court's decision increases the likelihood of states limiting or eliminating family access to medical care. Medical professionals emphasize the need for individualized assessments and patient-centered care.
A new international study identified two distinct genetic signatures for complex forms of Alzheimer's disease, with one primarily driven by apolipoprotein E and the other involving a combination of 75 additional genetic variants. This shared biological mechanism is largely consistent across global populations.
A study of 7,944 ADHD patients found that telehealth-based relationships did not increase the risk of substance use disorder. However, patients aged 26 and above who received initial stimulant prescriptions during telehealth appointments were at higher risk.
Sara Poletti's research reveals how childhood trauma triggers persistent neuroinflammation pathways and alters brain structure, creating lifelong vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. Her work identifies biological markers of trauma and explores prevention strategies to reduce mental illness odds.
Researchers at the University of Houston found that females with more psychologically flexible personalities have fewer signs of eating disorders. The study suggests a personalized approach to therapy may be most effective for preventing eating disorders when using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Dr. John Oldham's contributions have fundamentally reshaped personality disorder classification, moving from rigid categories to a more nuanced dimensional system. His Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) has marked the most significant epistemological shift in psychiatric diagnosis for decades.
Dr. Enrico Castillo, an assistant professor of psychiatry at UCLA, has been recognized as an emerging leader in health and medicine scholar by the National Academy of Medicine. He will collaborate with the organization's members over three years to address urgent health challenges.
The new residency program will train 16 psychiatry residents to strengthen mental health resources in Imperial County, addressing a significant shortage of mental health professionals. The program is designed to provide high-quality behavioral health treatment, innovation, and research, with medical leadership from UC San Diego Health.
A comprehensive review reveals that early ECT sessions show substantial improvement, but subsequent sessions may lead to diminishing returns and cognitive side effects. The researchers propose a response-guided sequential treatment strategy, categorizing patients into three groups based on their response patterns.
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature new research on treating depression and psychosis, as well as studies exploring postpartum mental health risks. These studies highlight the importance of predicting postpartum depression and developing effective treatment models.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness training and non-invasive brain stimulation can significantly reduce bladder leaks and feelings of urgency evoked by specific environments or scenarios. The study, published in Continence, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to activate the prefrontal co...
The BIAL Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 4th edition of its international award, recognizing exceptional work in biomedical research published within the last decade. Nominations are open until June 30, with a significant increase in prize amount to €350,000.
A systematic review found that positive expressive writing interventions improve psychological wellbeing, including measures of happiness and life satisfaction, but effects on physical health vary across individuals and intervention types.
A recent epigenetic study identified RABGGTB as a promising biomarker for autism spectrum disorder, revealing extensive DNA methylation abnormalities in key brain regions. The findings suggest that studying this gene could unlock new doors to understanding ASD and lead to future diagnostic breakthroughs.
UCLA Health psychiatrists and researchers will discuss Los Angeles wildfire mental health impacts, perinatal and postpartum mental health, and athlete mental health. Experts will also cover the therapeutic potential of cannabis, mind-body interventions, and quality of care for individuals with disabilities.
A recent study found that the average duration of ADHD medication for children and adolescents is more than three years. Long-term effects in children have not been sufficiently studied due to limited data on the safety of marketed ADHD medicines.
GLP1-RA treatment is associated with improvements in quality of life, restrained eating, and emotional eating behavior. The treatment also provides reassurance regarding its psychiatric safety profile.
JMIR Mental Health is seeking rigorous research on AI-powered therapy bots and virtual companions for mental health. The journal aims to explore their effectiveness, limitations, and place within broader care models.
A new study from the University of Surrey and Université du Québec à Montréal found that controlling coaching styles disrupt athletes' physical and psychological strain. Autonomy-supportive coaches boost mental resilience, while controlling tactics lead to acute stress and burnout.
A new UC lab-on-a-chip device developed by engineers measures the stress hormone cortisol from a patient's saliva, helping doctors diagnose depression and anxiety. The device provides objective evidence for clinicians to supplement traditional screenings, raising red flags about patients' levels of stress.
A meta-analysis reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in the reporting of race and ethnicity in clinical trials for pharmacotherapy of mental disorders. The study underscores the importance of equitable recruitment and reporting in clinical trials to ensure inclusive representation of diverse populations.
A new study found that only 39% of clinical trials report the race or ethnicity of participants involved. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive reporting and recruitment practices to ensure studies better reflect diverse populations globally. This is crucial for developing inclusive, effective, and equitable treatments.
Professor Carmen Sandi has made significant contributions to the understanding of stress and anxiety mechanisms in the brain. Her research focuses on the neurobiological effects of stress and anxiety, including their impact on cognition and behavior.
The Psychedelics journal has expanded its focus to include all psychoactive drugs, challenging traditional classifications and embracing a broader understanding of consciousness-altering substances. This move aims to reveal novel therapeutic applications and deepen human knowledge of the mind.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found an increase in use of only psychotherapy, from 11.5% to 15.4%, and a decline in patients taking medication only, from 68% to 62%. The shift may be attributed to various factors beyond the COVID pandemic.
A study by Emory University researchers has found that spiritual health practitioners' personal experiences with psychedelics drive their careers in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The study introduced a novel training approach, emphasizing self-literacy and reflective learning to balance personal experience with cl...
Researchers identified risk factors for sudden unusual mental or somatic experiences, including past psychedelic use, reality distorting practices, and extensive spiritual practice. These findings can help clinicians diagnose and treat associated suffering, and inform the development of practical guidelines.