A recent study suggests that virtual reality therapy is effective in treating psychosis, working faster than current cognitive behavioral therapy. The treatment involves exposing patients to simulated social situations to reduce avoidance behavior and anxiety.
A new study explores the connection between grip strength and psychosis, finding that impaired grip strength and well-being share common patterns of brain connectivity. The research provides a unifying brain circuit explanation for psychosis and identifies potential brain targets for new treatments.
Researchers have developed a once-a-week pill that can be taken orally to deliver medication to patients with schizophrenia. The treatment maintains consistent levels of the drug in the body and controls symptoms, making it easier for patients to adhere to their medication regimen.
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.
A new study published in Neuron has identified a brain region, the fusiform gyrus, as key to distinguishing between real and imagined experiences. The region's strength of activity can predict whether someone judges an experience as real or imagined.
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.
Research found that women whose sister experienced postpartum psychosis are over 10 times more likely to experience it themselves. The study highlights genetic and shared environmental influences and suggests early recognition and prevention are crucial.
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.
Dr. Consuelo Walss-Bass shares her groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. She also discusses her work with induced pluripotent stem cells to develop personalized psychiatry and reduce stigma around mental health.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation that increases glycine decarboxylase enzyme, linked to schizophrenia behaviors in mice. The study provides a direct genetic link to psychosis and sheds light on the biochemical pathways involved.
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.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered a potential biomarker for psychosis diagnosis by analyzing brain connectivity patterns. The 'somato-visual' biomarker shows promise in predicting psychosis onset and stratifying patients into clinically meaningful subgroups.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 3.6 million mother-child pairs found that maternal obesity during pregnancy significantly linked with psychiatric and behavioral problems in children later in life, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
A cross-sectional study of commercially insured patients suggests that there may be meaningful heterogeneous associations between cannabis policy and state-level outcomes, as well as between cannabis policy and drug class, with implications for patient substance use and mental health outcomes.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
A potential new strategy for reducing diabetes risk associated with antipsychotic medications involves co-administering drugs that block dopamine receptors in the brain alongside those that stop these same receptors in the pancreas. This approach may limit metabolic side effects and improve glucose metabolism.
A new study suggests that teens using cannabis are at an 11 times higher risk of developing a psychotic disorder compared to those not using cannabis. The research found a strong association between cannabis use and risk of psychotic disorder in adolescence, but not in young adulthood.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.
A Newcastle research team has investigated the genetics of circulating vitamin A and its role in psychiatric disorders. The study found that genetic variation influences retinol levels, which are linked to various complex health conditions such as inflammation, vision, and brain structure connectivity.
Recent research suggests that problems with sleep and internal body clock can trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health, which could lead to new preventative measures and therapies.
McLean Hospital's Division of Psychotic Disorders created a standing research advisory board to engage patients with lived experience and improve research quality. The authors hope their framework can serve as a guide for other mental illness researchers.
A new study published in Heart Rhythm found that over 10% of patients taking quetiapine or haloperidol developed heart rhythm disorders. The study highlights the need for vigilant monitoring of patients using these medications to minimize the risk of cardiac complications.
A new study by Southern Methodist University's Neely Myers found that young people with early-onset psychosis are ambivalent about stopping substance use. Participants offered feedback on ways to improve care, including more information about substance use and strategies for addressing psychological and physical pain.
Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry finds that cannabis use disorder is disproportionately increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with more severe mental health conditions. The study suggests that factors like increased legalization and potency may contribute to this trend.
Researchers have identified age-related changes in brain patterns associated with schizophrenia risk using a new hybrid, data-driven method. The study found alterations in prefrontal-sensorimotor and cerebellar-occipitoparietal brain connections linked to genetic risk for schizophrenia.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
A study of 6.6 million individuals found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. The findings may inform policies regarding cannabis use control.
The April issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry features studies on mood disorders, psychotic disorders, autism, and stress-related disorders. A special issue of The American Journal of Psychotherapy honors the work of Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.
A recent renaissance in psychedelic research investigates the cognitive effects of these drugs, shifting from mathematical modeling to behavioral and clinical studies. Studies have found that psychedelics can increase spontaneous creative insights while decreasing task-specific creativity, as well as affect memories in a malleable way.
A school-based screen for mental health problems, combined with a referral system, has been found to be effective at improving and protecting the mental health of adolescents. The study also identified that this intervention can prevent psychotic experiences in children and adolescents, reducing their risk of developing mental disorders.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. People with psychotic disorders are 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia than those without a psychotic disorder, according to the review.
Early treatment with psychotropic medications in children and adolescents significantly reduces the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) by 30-35% for ADHD and major depressive disorder. Longer treatment durations also show positive results, especially when initiated before age nine.
A study of over 8 million adults in England found significant increases in neuropsychiatric illnesses after hospitalization for COVID-19 or other severe acute respiratory infections. Risks were similar for both conditions.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong discovered a new neural mechanism that enables animals to perceive and integrate environmental cues, such as air puffs and sounds, to initiate defensive behavior. This finding has implications for understanding schizophrenia patients' auditory hallucinations.
A new application allows for daily monitoring of psychotic symptoms in people at risk, enabling adapted medical follow-up and identification of triggers. The study, published in Schizophrenia Research, used an app to assess 86 individuals with microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2, finding it a reliable tool for monitoring symptoms.
Researchers developed an AI tool using longitudinal network analysis to identify predictive symptoms of psychotic illnesses in children with a microdeletion of chromosome 22. The study found that anxiety and feelings of guilt were significant warning signals, enabling early treatment and prevention.
A comprehensive study combining data from 1.8 million participants found a significant association between childhood ADHD and the subsequent development of psychotic disorders. The research suggests that children with ADHD may be at higher risk of developing psychosis later in life.
A study of clinical interviews between psychiatrists and inpatients found that patients with thought disorder can communicate productively with their doctors. Psychiatrists use non-confrontational approaches, open-ended questions, and transactional techniques to build respectful relationships and achieve shared understanding.
A study using UK Biobank data found a genetic link between psychotic experiences and neuropsychiatric disorders. The research suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to psychosis may also be at increased risk for other mental health conditions.
Research has made significant progress in understanding mood and psychotic disorders, enabling individualized treatment approaches. Key findings highlight the potential of biomarkers such as neuroanatomy, neuro-circuitry, and genetic markers to stratify patients into clinically distinct subgroups.
Research shows that frequent school moves during childhood can increase the risk of psychotic-like symptoms in early adolescence by up to 60%. School mobility is strongly associated with mental health problems, including psychotic disorders and suicide. Schools should develop strategies to help students adapt to new environments.
Air crew who work repeated long haul routes are at risk of menstrual cycle problems, transient psychotic disorders, and major affective disorders due to the effects of jet lag. The symptoms can last for several days and include disrupted sleep patterns, mood changes, and gastrointestinal difficulties.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of males and over two-thirds of females met diagnostic criteria for mental or substance use disorders, highlighting a significant concern for the high rates of depression and dysthymia among detained youth.