Articles tagged with Psychiatry
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that understaffed nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to overmedicate residents with antipsychotics. The researchers suggest that increasing staffing levels could help reduce the use of these medications and address the root causes of behavioral issues.
A repeated cross-sectional study of recreational marijuana laws and teen marijuana use from 1993-2021 found no evidence of an encouraging effect. The logistic regression and interaction-weighted models showed no significant association between the two variables.
A study by the Sant Pau Research Institute reveals a significant increase in non-lethal suicidal behaviors after the COVID-19 lockdown in Catalonia. The results show a 50.77% rise in ideation or suicide attempts survived, with increases among women and minors under 18.
Research suggests that mentally active employees are less likely to experience cognitive decline and dementia-related issues. The study analyzed various interventions aimed at boosting mental performance, revealing promising results for those looking to reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.
A study of over 1 million Swedish children reveals that genetic differences contribute to phenotypic variation in autism spectrum disorder, differing significantly between males and females. The findings suggest underlying causes of autism may differ between the sexes, partly explaining the skewed sex ratio in the condition.
Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.
Research suggests that frequent mobile device use among preschoolers leads to lower-quality and quantity of parent-child interactions compared to non-users. Joint, real-life activities help prevent problematic digital device use and its negative effects.
A large naturalistic study found ECT to be effective in reducing illness severity for depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, and mania. Common side effects included confusion and cognitive impairment, but rare complications such as prolonged seizures and cardiovascular issues were also reported.
Children who felt lonely for over 6 months before age 12 are at higher risk of experiencing an episode of psychosis. Women were found to be more susceptible to this condition compared to men. The study suggests that addressing social connectedness and emotional well-being from a young age could help prevent psychotic disorders.
A new study reveals a significant rise in mental health problems among Ukrainian children and adolescents displaced by the war. Key findings include a one-third of child population experiencing clinically relevant anxiety, traumatic stress, depression, conduct behavior, and ADHD.
A nationwide Swedish study reveals a bidirectional link between premenstrual disorders (PMS/PMDD) and perinatal depression. Women with PMS/PMDD are five times more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression are twice as likely to develop PMS/PMDD.
Researchers from USC's Keck School of Medicine synthesized over 23,000 studies to inform updated clinical practice guidelines for ADHD. The comprehensive literature review found that both medications and psychosocial treatments work for treating ADHD and that children can and do get better.
Researchers will characterize initial environmental exposures and collect biospecimens and data from residents potentially impacted by the disaster. Investigators will evaluate biospecimens for early signs of liver dysfunction, detecting known liver carcinogen vinyl chloride.
A new Dartmouth study reports on a unique case of prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), a rare condition that distorts facial features. The researchers used computer software to visualize the patient's real-time perception of face distortions, providing accurate and photorealistic visualizations for the first time.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a method to determine the clinical potency of psilocybin and psilocin in Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. This technique uses liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, allowing for accurate extraction and measurement of the strength of the mushrooms.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet has found a clear link between childhood adversity and the risk of mental illness later in life. The research suggests that genetics and environment play a significant role in contributing to adult psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for targeted health care interventions within families ...
A study using twin data suggests an association between adverse childhood experiences and poor mental health in adulthood. Targeted interventions may be associated with reduced risks of future psychopathology.
A new review paper from Brigham and Women's Hospital concludes that menopause does not uniformly elevate the risk of depression and other mental health conditions. Certain groups, such as those with a history of depression or severe sleep disturbances, are more likely to experience depressive symptoms during menopause.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new treatments across the lifespan for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. The March issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry highlights several studies with these findings.
A new study suggests that personal recovery, defined as living a full meaningful life despite illness limitations, can prevent serious mental health problems. Key elements of recovery include understanding mental health challenges, finding purpose and meaning, and receiving support.
A UCLA Health study suggests Kundalini yoga can improve cognitive function, memory and brain health for postmenopausal women. The study found that yoga prevented brain matter decline, reversed aging and inflammation-associated biomarkers – improvements not seen in a group who received standard memory training exercises.
A study of 1,948 U.S. adults with lifetime suicide attempts found that nearly 20% had no prior psychiatric diagnosis, raising questions about suicide risk screening limits. This finding suggests a broader population is at risk and warrants further investigation into suicidal behavior.
A randomized clinical trial found acupuncture to be clinically efficacious and favorably affect PTSD symptoms in combat veterans. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of acupuncture for PTSD treatment.
A study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that crisis response planning can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts among U.S. military members and veterans receiving massed cognitive processing therapy for PTSD. The intervention was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving 157 participants, with promising results.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that familiar scents can strengthen memory recall in depressed individuals, potentially aiding recovery. Researchers discovered that odors engage the amygdala, a key component of memory formation, more effectively than words.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found a causal link between government policies and mental health decline in people with Black Caribbean heritage. The research team analyzed data from over 58,000 participants and found an increase in psychological distress after the 2014 Immigration Act and the Windrush scandal.
A new blood test developed by Indiana University School of Medicine has identified biomarkers that can objectively measure schizophrenia severity and predict future risk. The test enables personalized treatment matching, reducing uncertainty and improving patient outcomes.
A machine-learning tool trained on brain MRI scans of over 2,000 people worldwide can accurately predict psychosis before it occurs. The tool achieved an accuracy rate of 85% in training and 73% in testing, suggesting its potential as a valuable aid for early diagnosis.
New findings from a study on ketamine's efficacy in treating severe depression reveal that 52% of participants achieved remission after just three infusions. The study also found that half of those who had thought often of suicide before receiving ketamine experienced a dramatic drop in suicidal impulses.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to analyze brain scans and clinical data, predicting treatment response with 8-week accuracy.
A research team has discovered a novel mechanism by which stress affects the brain, revealing a potential new pathway for treating depression. Stress increases the production of MMP-8, an enzyme that alters neuron function and leads to behavioral changes.
Researchers found a correlation between body temperature and depression symptom severity in a large international study. Participants with higher depression scores had higher body temperatures, suggesting that cooling the body may be a novel treatment approach for depression.
A UCLA-led evaluation found that 81% of homeless residents in the pilot program were no longer unsheltered after one year. The initiative improved housing placement rates and reduced time spent in locked psychiatric settings.
The latest APA journals issue highlights new developments in understanding and treating opioid and cannabis use disorders. The focus also includes trends in telepsychiatry and emerging topics in reproductive psychiatry.
A high prevalence of mental disorders was found to affect over 1 in 10 individuals aged 5-24 worldwide, with around one-fifth of all disease-related disability attributed to these conditions. This age group accounts for nearly a quarter of the global mental disorder burden across the entire life course.
The PsyPal study will investigate psilocybin therapy's effectiveness in easing psychological distress in patients with incurable diseases. The trial aims to treat over 100 patients across four clinical sites, using a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
Researchers found that access to community perinatal mental health teams significantly improved the risk of acute relapse, but also associated with increased stillbirth and neonatal death rates. Women with severe mental illnesses had a lower risk of relapse after birth in regions with CPMHTs.
Researchers analyzed 241 studies of CBT-I for chronic insomnia and found that cognitive restructuring, third-wave components, sleep restriction, stimulus control, and in-person delivery were the most effective strategies. In-person interaction with a therapist was more beneficial than self-help guides.
AI models predict patient outcomes with high accuracy within their training data, but their performance deteriorates when used outside the original trial or in different clinical settings. Researchers aim to improve accuracy by examining large patient groups and exploring new data modalities.
A large cohort study in Sweden found that women diagnosed with perinatal depression are twice as likely to die from natural or unnatural causes, with an increased risk of death peaking in the month after diagnosis. The study suggests that providing better screening and care for these women is crucial.
Female high-school students with sub-threshold ADHD and autism traits experience worsened mood swings, irritability, bloating, and fatigue before menstruation. These findings highlight the need for better support systems to address PMDD's impact on school adjustment, performance, and relationships.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that therapy targeting spider fear can also reduce fear of heights. Exposure therapy increased self-efficacy, potentially leading to a common denominator between the two fears.
A study from Duke University found that people with PTSD have a significantly smaller cerebellum, especially in areas related to emotion and memory. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to targeted treatments and more research on the brain region's role in PTSD.
A large study published in Psychiatry Research reveals that individuals with bipolar disorder are 4-6 times more likely to die prematurely than the general population. In contrast, smokers are only twice as likely to die, highlighting the need for targeted preventive efforts to address mental health risks.
Researchers developed an AI system that analyzed video recordings from therapy sessions with patients with borderline personality pathology. The system accurately detected the emotional states of patients, including fleeting micro-expressions. It also identified a predictor for therapy success: 'social' smiling at the start of a session.
A nationwide case-time-control study found an association between benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The results suggest that healthcare professionals should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using benzodiazepines to treat psychiatric and sleep disorders in pregnant women.
A study published in PAIN found that exposure-based CBT and traditional CBT are equally effective in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia. The study involved 274 participants with fibromyalgia and showed significant reductions in symptoms and functional impairment after 10-week treatment.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati's Lindner Center of HOPE have developed a novel approach to treating depression using spinal cord stimulation. The study found that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord decreased depressive symptoms and showed therapeutic potential.
A diagnostic study of 1,890 eyes supports the use of artificial intelligence in screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and assessing symptom severity. Retinal photographs may improve accessibility to specialized assessments by reducing resource strain.
A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that female patients with a history of suicidality experience increased suicidal ideation and planning during the premenstrual phase, offering new guidance for clinicians. The study identified individual differences in how the menstrual cycle affects symptoms and suicidality.
Research highlights the role of racism in producing mental health disparities among Black Americans, calling for community-driven action to reduce inequitable care. The study's findings emphasize the need to address systemic racism as a root cause of poor mental health outcomes.
A national study using telehealth assessments aims to identify infants with early behavioral differences that may indicate autism or developmental delays. The study will provide valuable insights into predicting these developmental skills and offer improved feedback and support for families.
Research led by Professor John McGrath found no association between neonatal protein C4 and risk of mental disorders, but a link was discovered between higher C3 concentration and reduced schizophrenia risk in women. The study also found strong genetic links with several autoimmune disorders.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that smoking causes brain shrinkage and increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can prevent further loss of brain tissue, but stopping does not restore the brain to its original size.
Research compares US, Australian, and UK gun violence rates to mental illness rates, finding higher US rates without comparable differences in mental illness prevalence. Gun ownership and access to firearms are suggested as plausible but unproven explanations for the disparity.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry calls for improved processes for developing medicines for children and young people. Experts and patients collaborated to define new parameters for the development of these medicines.
A randomized clinical trial found that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) plus usual care significantly decreased drug use, pain, and depression in individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Participants who received MORE also showed increased methadone treatment retention and adherence.
Researchers found that a person-centered approach, trusting relationship, and proper training are crucial for effective peer support. Trained peer support can help plug gaps in medication advice and improve patient adherence to treatment.
A novel pilot study combines mindfulness and exposure therapy to reduce PTSD symptoms in cardiac arrest survivors, with 80% showing significant improvement. The treatment protocol also improved cardiovascular health behaviors, including sleep quality and physical activity.
Two large studies found that people with ADHD who take medication for a long time and in higher doses are at a higher risk of developing some cardiovascular diseases. The highest rate of discontinuation occurred among 18 to 19-year-olds, highlighting the need for better transition to adult psychiatry services.