Research from the field of mental-health medicine. Covers diagnostic agreement, youth psychiatric emergencies, schizophrenia genetics, and clinical leadership.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Research reveals that brain inflammation is the primary cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, including irritability, agitation, and anxiety. The study found a strong association between microglial activation and neuropsychiatric symptom severity, suggesting new pathways for therapy development.
Researchers from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre conducted a study on patients who choose to voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED) to hasten death. They identified three distinct groups: older patients seeking control over their lives, care-dependent patients with poor quality of life, and younger psychiatric patients. Th...
A study of 278,000 individuals in Sweden found that longer cumulative duration of ADHD medication use was associated with an increased risk of hypertension and arterial disease. Clinicians should regularly monitor cardiovascular signs and symptoms during long-term treatment.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool to identify and treat Hikikomori, a condition characterized by prolonged physical isolation or social withdrawal. The Hikikomori Diagnostic Evaluation (HiDE) assesses the severity of social withdrawal, providing a practical guide for clinicians.
A new study from UCLA Health researchers demonstrates that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in most patients with major depressive symptoms, starting to alleviate symptoms as quickly as one week. The treatment was found to be associated with a significant response rate of 54% of patients, with early impr...
Rahn Baily, MD, has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and healthcare reform through his research on health disparities, violence, and mental illness. He will receive the prestigious Solomon Carter Fuller Award for his outstanding achievements in addressing pressing societal needs.
Researchers propose a new hypothesis that ECT alleviates depression symptoms by increasing aperiodic activity in the brain. Aperiodic activity helps boost inhibitory activity, slowing down neuronal cycles and effectively controlling how neurons turn on and off. The studies also found similar effects in magnetic seizure therapy.
Research from Karolinska Institutet found that non-European individuals in Sweden have a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms, but limited access to specialist care. The study reveals a significant gap between those with disordered eating and those receiving specialized treatment.
The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...
A new study in Nature Communications presents a large-scale chart of cognitive development in teens, revealing that executive function usually matures by 18 years old. The findings have significant implications for psychiatrists, neuroscientists, parents, educators, and the judicial system.
A large-scale study found that metformin can reduce weight gain and increase adherence to treatment in youth with bipolar disorder. The medication, typically used for Type 2 diabetes, was effective in preventing weight gain and showed promise as a potential solution to this common side effect of SGAs.
A study by Nagoya University found that children with a genetic predisposition to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) used screens for longer periods. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also increased their screen time as they grew older, suggesting a potential link between genetic risk and excessive screen use.
Researchers found that hierarchical cortical organization is impaired in people with schizophrenia, leading to disruptions in processing stimuli from the external world. This disruption affects secondary processing of sensorimotor-visual gradients, explaining behavioral and clinical symptoms of the disease.
A long-term study found that changes in core autism characteristics are related to the development of mental health challenges during elementary school years. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors may help reduce anxiety for autistic individuals.
A major study has found that taking benzodiazepines like Valium and Ativan intermittently instead of continuously can lead to significant reductions in side effects such as falls, hip fractures, hospitalizations, and even death. The research showed a 20% decrease in hip fractures, 33% fewer men's falls requiring hospitalization, and a ...
Researchers found that training expectant mothers can improve their ability to recognize happy baby expressions, leading to fewer signs of depression. This new approach aims to promote healthier emotional development for both mother and child.
Researchers found that antidepressant escitalopram increases synaptic density in the brain over weeks, leading to greater brain plasticity. This explains why effects of antidepressants take time to kick-in, with significant differences in synapse density between treatment and placebo groups.
Previous studies suggest that psychedelics can induce an altered state of consciousness leading to new thought patterns, which is promising in treating OCD. Research analyzing the experience of past users found dissipation of obsessive thoughts, reduced anxiety, and increased acceptance of OCD symptoms.
Researchers developed a wearable device to track bipolar disorder patients' skin electrical activity, detecting manic and depressed phases. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment with personalized, rapid interventions.
The ESCAPE-TRD study found that esketamine nasal spray outperforms quetiapine in treating treatment-resistant major depression, with patients showing higher remission rates and reduced depressive symptoms. The results suggest esketamine as a safe and effective treatment option for those with treatment-resistant depression.
New research reveals that children with childhood mental health issues are at higher risk of social isolation, low educational attainment, financial difficulties, and heavy substance use in late teens and early 20s. The study also found a strong link between internalising symptoms and poor physical health in young adulthood.
Researchers found that women experience a significant increase in anxiety and negative feelings during the 7-day pill-free period, similar to those experienced during menstruation. Long-term pill users may benefit from mood-stabilizing effects while taking their pill.
A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduces fibromyalgia pain by decreasing pain-catastrophizing, a negative response that amplifies pain. CBT participants showed reduced connectivity between brain regions associated with self-awareness and emotional processing.
A study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that obesity significantly worsens life expectancy and mortality risks in individuals with bipolar disorders. The findings show a rapid increase in BMI among those with bipolar disorders, leading to a higher risk of premature death and comorbidity.
A new evaluation tool, HiDE, offers practical guidance for diagnosing hikikomori, a form of extreme social isolation. The tool provides structured interview questions for clinicians to diagnose the condition, which is characterized by stress caused by months-long isolation at home.
The ECNP 2023 conference will feature discussions on a wide range of new work in clinical and applied neuroscience among over 5000 attendees from around the world. Accredited journalists are welcome to attend and register for online access.
A Northwestern University study found that endogenous cannabinoid molecules released by the brain during stress can calm it down. These molecules activate the same receptors as THC and may provide a natural coping response to stress.
A new study uses brain imaging to explore the neural underpinnings of uncertainty processing in OCD, finding that patients struggle with certainty and decision-making, particularly when outcomes are more certain. This understanding may offer new hope for developing therapies targeting uncertainty processing in OCD.
Research found that a healthy lifestyle involving moderate alcohol consumption, healthy diet, regular physical activity, and frequent social connection can reduce the risk of depression. The study identified seven healthy lifestyle factors linked to a lower risk of depression, with good sleep being the most protective.
Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.