Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals a strong link between antidepressant use and weight gain, with an average 2% increase in body weight among participants. The study highlights the need to consider this association when prescribing antidepressants and monitor weight changes accordingly.
Research from UVA Health and the Flo app finds that many women experience perimenopause symptoms as early as their 30s, including anxiety, depression, and physical problems. The study sheds light on the often-ignored transition period leading to menopause and aims to improve care and support for women approaching this stage.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
Researchers discovered a common cognitive feedback loop used by Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues practices to achieve profound focus and joy. This 'Attention, Arousal and Release Spiral' offers insights into cultivating deep states of tranquility and bliss.
Researchers used machine learning to predict diagnostic transition to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with schizophrenia being notably easier to forecast. By analyzing routine clinical data, the study suggests a possible approach for early intervention and personalized treatment plans.
Researchers are testing noninvasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to treat major depressive disorder. The trial, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, aims to confirm whether this method reduces signaling in specific pathways related to depression.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.
Researchers discovered a link between neuroactive steroids in pregnant women's blood and the risk of developing postpartum depression. Measuring these molecules via a blood test could enable doctors to provide treatment sooner. The study may lead to a preventive treatment using existing prescription drugs.
Studies identified 153 cases of psychosis caused by brain lesions, which connected to a common circuit in the hippocampus. The circuit, including the rostromedial prefrontal cortex, is a promising target for transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, potentially improving symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
A new study published in Brain Medicine reveals that over 26.7% of schizophrenia patients experience distinct manic symptoms, which can be predicted by the severity of positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Researchers developed a biomarker test that can detect small amounts of tau protein and its misfolded forms in cerebrospinal fluid, correlating with cognitive decline severity. The test identifies early stages of tau tangle formation up to a decade before brain scans, opening doors for early-stage disease diagnosis and intervention.
The APA Annual Meeting will take place in Los Angeles from May 17-21, featuring over 450 educational sessions and 1,000 poster sessions on topics such as lifestyle for positive mental and physical health. Media attendees will have access to exclusive interviews with experts and embargoed research studies.
A pilot study will explore whether a ketogenic diet helps stabilize mood symptoms in teens and young adults with bipolar disorder. Preliminary research suggests improvements in mood and executive function among older adults.
Researchers at UC Davis have successfully synthesized ibogaine and its related compounds using a new, efficient method. The study's findings suggest that these analogues may be useful in treating substance use disorders and other conditions, and highlight the potential for safer and more effective medicines.
The latest issues of APA journals bring together research on addictions, including substances and behaviors. The February issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry highlights research on addictions, while Psychiatric Services features articles on various mental health topics.
Research by Professor Stephen M. Stahl suggests that Jackson Pollock incorporated images into his pre-drip paintings, possibly due to spatial skills linked to bipolar disorder. The same images appear in multiple drip paintings, implying a deliberate encoding of images.
A new study found that 81% of Brazilian adolescents had experienced some form of childhood trauma by age 18, with the more types of trauma experienced increasing the risk of mental health problems. The study highlights the need for early interventions to reduce trauma exposure and mitigate its long-term consequences on mental health.
A cohort study from JAMA Network Open reveals an association between temperature exposure and increased psychiatric symptoms among adolescents in the Netherlands and Spain. The findings suggest a possible link between climate change and mental health, warranting further research across diverse climates.
A study by ISGlobal found that exposure to cold temperatures was associated with increased internalizing problems, while heat exposure was linked to attention problems in adolescents. Psychiatric symptoms affect about one in seven adolescents worldwide, and climate change may exacerbate these conditions.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that medically recommended cannabis use is associated with a higher prevalence of cannabis use disorder and more frequent use among US adults. The study suggests that medically recommended cannabis may not be effective in reducing addiction risk compared to nonmedical use.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that childhood obesity treatment can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in young adults. However, it did not have a lasting impact on depression and anxiety, which remained unchanged regardless of treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.
A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows that a clinical alerts-driven AI system can effectively prompt doctors to screen patients for suicide risk during regular clinic visits. The study found that interruptive alerts were more effective than passive alerts, leading to a 42% increase in screenings.
A new study reveals multilingualism enhances executive function skills, including focus, understanding perspectives, communication, and reduces repetitive behaviors in both autistic and non-autistic children. Parents of multilingual households report stronger overall executive function compared to mono-lingual households.
The January issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry explores the use of psychedelic medications in psychiatry, addressing basic pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and public health considerations. The series of articles aims to provide sufficient evidence for therapeutic strategies utilizing psychedelic drugs.
Emory University MD candidate Fayzan Rab's research investigates the economic and public health implications of psychedelic therapy implementation. His work emphasizes making these innovative treatments accessible to traditionally underserved communities.
A longitudinal cohort study found that state cannabis legalization is associated with increased cannabis use disorder and poisoning diagnoses. Communities with increased access to cannabis may experience increased healthcare use and costs due to these rising diagnoses.
The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) varies by sex and region but persists globally across all age groups. ASD is significantly higher among males, with a higher prevalence in High-Income Asia Pacific regions.
Researchers found that a blunted response to reward feedback in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidal ideation. This study contributes to understanding neural risk factors for mental health disorders and developing new methods to assess mental health risks.
A randomized controlled trial examines the association between treatment expectancies and the relative efficacy of psilocybin versus escitalopram for major depressive disorder. The results suggest that psilocybin is more effective than escitalopram in treating depression.
Researchers have identified structural grey matter differences in the brains of women with a history of peripartum depression compared to those without. The study found that hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and childbirth may be key to understanding this condition.
A new Simon Fraser University study finds that antidepressants are associated with reduced genital sensitivity in 13% of users, compared to 1% of other psychiatric medication users. The study highlights the need for better patient education and warnings about potential side effects.
A review paper suggests that MDMA-assisted therapy can benefit military personnel with traumatic brain injuries, improving emotional and cognitive challenges. The drug may facilitate social connections, increased self-esteem, and neural plasticity, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at UCSF found a brain signature of resilience in mice that suggests a new way to treat severe depression. Stress changes activity in the amygdala, distinguishing resilient from less resilient mice. By stimulating neurons, the team improved decision-making and reduced ruminating in less resilient mice.
A new survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds that 56% of Americans prioritize alone time for mental health, while 46% don't get enough during the holidays. Dr. Sophie Lazarus suggests taking brief breaks alone to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that patients with frontotemporal dementia show reduced brain activity when witnessing pain in others, leading to a lack of empathy. This study aims to increase understanding of this specific dementia disease and its impact on caregivers.
Professor Lavretsky's pioneering work integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with mind-body interventions, developing novel therapeutic combinations for treatment-resistant depression and cognitive disorders. Her research has transformed approaches to mental health and aging, emphasizing whole person health and prevention.
The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services journals feature research on the amygdala, PTSD, and discrimination in their December issues. The studies highlight the interconnections between these topics and explore their implications for diagnosis and treatment.
A new study by the University of Exeter highlights the need for more targeted mental health support for migrant children in schools. The review of 38 studies shows that stigma around mental health and stressors associated with migration are significant barriers to accessing support.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found the 'lizard brain' is connected to newly evolved social cognitive network regions, which are involved in thinking about other people. This link helps shape the function of the social cognitive network by giving it access to the amygdala's role in processing emotionally important content.
A two-week arts intervention found to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being in adolescents with depression. The study suggests that engaging in the arts offers a pathway for exploring new ways of thinking, developing insights, and sparking self-discovery.
The Medical University of South Carolina is using a $1.75 million grant to develop and test the effectiveness of telehealth-enabled collaborative care management for primary care patients in rural South Carolina. The goal is to improve behavioral health outcomes while reducing pressure on primary care physicians.
A randomized clinical trial shows cognitive behavioral therapy for prolonged grief outperforms present-centered therapy in treating comorbid symptoms, while both treatments demonstrate effectiveness and acceptability. The findings suggest potential for dissemination and increased patient choice.
This study found that adolescents who used cannabis exhibited unique metabolomic patterns associated with psychotic-like experiences, including variations in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. In contrast, non-users showed correlations between inflammatory metabolic changes and hallucinations.
Researchers found semaglutide and liraglutide substantially decrease AUD hospitalization risk compared to approved medications. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore their efficacy in treating AUD.
Dr. Etienne Sibille's work develops novel therapeutics for cognitive deficits in depression and age-related disorders through Damona Pharmaceuticals, a biopharma company he co-founded.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that religiosity, spirituality, and meaning-making have a small but significant protective effect against suicidality. The study suggests that clinicians should personalize and culturally adapt suicide prevention and treatment strategies to effectively address this issue.
A new study has identified ten priorities for future research on reducing and stopping psychiatric medication, covering topics such as safely reducing/stopping medication and providing support to individuals undergoing discontinuation. The findings highlight the value of co-production and address gaps in the existing evidence base.
Researchers discovered brain cells that map an animal's position in behavioural coordinates, helping understand how the brain generates complex behaviors. The findings may be useful in understanding psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.
Researchers developed a method to visualize AMPA receptors using PET scans, revealing differences in density and distribution between healthy subjects and those with psychiatric disorders. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.
The November issues of APA journals focus on research related to substance use disorders, including a special issue on the topic. The American Psychiatric Association has published several studies and guidelines on these topics, providing valuable insights for mental health professionals.
A study by neurodivergent researchers has revealed that psychiatrists who are unaware they're autistic may misdiagnose patients. Recognizing one's autism improves therapeutic relationships with autistic patients, but some assessors remain unaware due to lack of disclosure.
A new study led by CAMH shows that a combination of therapies can slow cognitive decline in older adults with conditions increasing the risk of dementia. Participants receiving Cognitive Remediation plus transcranial direct current stimulation experienced slower cognitive decline compared to those receiving a control intervention.
A new study found that psilocybin significantly reduced OCD-like behaviors and tic-like head-body twitches in genetically modified mice. The research provides hope for new treatments for these conditions and may offer benefits for patients who have not responded to current therapies.
Depression alters neural circuits in the amygdala, leading to reduced activity in pleasant stimuli and increased activation in negative stimuli. This negativity bias contributes to depressive symptoms. Researchers found a potential treatment by reactivating neurons involved in positive encoding of environmental stimuli.
A cohort study examines how traumatic and adverse childhood experiences influence developmental changes in psychiatric risk and cognitive ability. The findings suggest targeted early prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
A new therapeutic approach combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lucid dreaming has shown promise in reducing nightmare severity and frequency in patients with narcolepsy. The study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found overall reductions in nightmare symptoms in all six participants tested.
Researchers say implementing established strategies is critical to addressing the physician well-being crisis, including reducing workload and facilitating timely mental health treatment. The review also highlights the need for policies supporting diverse perspectives to improve well-being among underrepresented groups.
A large cohort study found that mothers with eating disorders were more likely to have children with psychiatric disorders, while those with pre-pregnancy BMI outside the normal range also showed an increased risk. The findings suggest that clinicians should consider these factors when preventing offspring mental illness.
A randomised clinical trial shows that integrating physiotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy is effective in improving symptoms and physical aspects of the quality of life of patients with functional movement disorders. The study suggests this approach could be cost-effective and opens up new lines of research.