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Grip strength gives researchers a new handle on psychosis

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.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

University of Houston researchers find that females with flexible personalities have fewer eating disorders

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·DateJun 10, 2025

June issues of APA journals feature new research on treatment for depression and psychosis and more

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.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2025

Women whose sister experienced postpartum psychosis are more than 10 times as likely to experience it themselves, according to new research

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2025

Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids’ and young adults’ access to chronic disease medicine

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2025

Why does one person develop schizophrenia while another does not? A leading psychiatric geneticist investigates the answer

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.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2025

Pink elephants in the brain?

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.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2024

New evidence suggests link between teen cannabis use and psychotic disorders may be stronger than previously thought

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.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2024

People with depression see no immediate change from common GP assessment, study shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024

New study explores how young people with early-onset psychosis view substance use and interventions

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.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalEarly Intervention in Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateDec 19, 2023

Study: cannabis use disorder increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders

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.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

April issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover genetic underpinnings of common disorders, a digital intervention for depression and anxiety in youth, and more

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.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 3, 2023

Psychedelics and Cognition: A New Look

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.

Medication treatment of pediatric psychiatric disorders reduces the later onset of substance use problems

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.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

CityU scientists reveal new neurocircuitry essential for animals to sense environmental cues of imminent danger

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.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

An application to monitor people at risk of psychosis

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalSchizophrenia Research·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

An algorithm to predict psychotic illnesses

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournaleLife·TypeNews article·DateSep 29, 2021

Childhood ADHD, risk of developing psychotic disorder

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2021

Rethinking interactions with mental health patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralasian Psychiatry·DateJan 17, 2020

Frequent school moves can increase the risk of psychotic symptoms in early adolescence

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.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2014