http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/psychiatry/ Psychiatric research news. Read current research on psychiatric disorders such as depression, OCD, schizophrenia, panic disorder, bipolar disorder and more. en-us Mon, 12 May 2008 04:05:01 EDT Mon, 12 May 2008 04:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/psychiatry/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080511190834.htm Women and men tend to have different types of stress-related psychological disorders. Women have greater rates of depression and some types of anxiety disorders than men, while men have greater rates of alcohol-use disorders than women. A new study of emotional and alcohol-craving responses to stress has found that when men become upset, they are more likely than women to want alcohol. Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080511190834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080509105348.htm Millions of American teens report experiencing weeks of hopelessness and loss of interest in normal daily activities and many of these depressed teens are using marijuana and other drugs, making their situation worse, according to a new White House report. Sat, 10 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080509105348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162841.htm Older adults with low blood levels of vitamin D and high blood levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands may have a higher risk of depression, according to a new report. About 13 percent of older individuals have symptoms of depression, and other researchers have speculated that vitamin D may be linked to depression and other psychiatric illnesses, according to background information in the article. Tue, 06 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506074440.htm Fewer than half the patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder based on a comprehensive, psychiatric diagnostic interview -- the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Tue, 06 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506074440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162801.htm Breast cancer patients who have a prior history of mood and anxiety disorders are at a much higher risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder following their diagnosis, new research suggests. A study of 74 breast cancer patients at the Ohio State University Medical Center found that 16 percent of them suffered from PTSD 18 months after diagnosis. Tue, 06 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162801.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162858.htm Although most adopted American teens are psychologically healthy, adoptees appear to be at greater risk for emotional and behavioral problems than non-adoptees, according to a new report in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. They are also more likely to have contact with a mental health professional. Tue, 06 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505072829.htm Parents of children with autism were roughly twice as likely to have been hospitalized for a mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, than parents of other children, according to a new analysis. The association was present regardless of the timing of the parent's diagnosis relative to the child's diagnosis. Mon, 05 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505072829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162849.htm Children who had a parent who died suddenly have three times the risk of depression than those with two living parents, along with an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder according to a new article. Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505162849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430201645.htm The risks of developing Alzheimer's disease differ between the sexes, with stroke in men, and depression in women, critical factors, suggests research published ahead of print in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Fri, 02 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430201645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422203136.htm Despite intriguing findings that omega-3 fatty acid supplements could alleviate depression symptoms, there is still not enough evidence to say whether omega-3s are useful treatments for people with bipolar disorder, according to a review of recent studies. Nevertheless, omega-3s deserve further study, since they seem to have no serious side effects and most experts recommend the supplements for people with heart disease and some immune disorders, said the authors. Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422203136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080418154959.htm Right now, about half of all people who take medicine for an anxiety disorder don't get much help from it. And doctors have no definitive way to predict who will, and who won't, benefit from each antianxiety prescription they write. Scientists are working to bring more certainty to anxiety treatment, by probing the connection between brain activity, genetics and medication. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080418154959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422171452.htm An analysis of NESARC's Wave 2 identifies predictors of first episodes of DSM-IV substance, mood and anxiety disorders. One-year incidence was highest for alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Incidence was significantly greater among men for most substance use disorders, greater among women for most mood and anxiety disorders, decreased among Blacks for alcohol abuse, and decreased among Hispanics for GAD. Age was related inversely to all disorders. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422171452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080411124607.htm Even after the age of 70, people prone to feelings of anxiety, worry, distress and insecurity face a risk for a first lifetime episode of clinically significant depression, according to a unique study. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080411124607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080411082957.htm Time down on the farm with animals could provide some therapeutic benefit for people with mental illness, according to researchers. The results come from the first randomized controlled study of the benefits of farm animals, as opposed to domestic pets. Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080411082957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407195349.htm The performance pressures from end-of-semester exams and papers can take a toll on students, even leading them to turn to potentially harmful substances to keep them awake and alert. Recent studies show that a growing number of high school and college students are turning to stimulants like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) drugs and energy drinks to help them through their stress -- particularly during exam time, says an adolescent medicine specialist. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407195349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409170339.htm Depression and anxiety are more prevalent in Tibetan refugees than they are in ethnic Tibetans born and raised in the comparative stability of exile communities in Northern India and Nepal. The study's author concludes that there is a need for continued support for refugee communities, even after prolonged periods of what seems to be successful adaptation in an exile environment. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409170339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160745.htm Children who sleep less may be more likely to report symptoms of anxiety, depression and aggression later in life, according to a new report. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160731.htm A new study supports the idea that depression is truly a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease rather than a subtle early sign of its underlying pathology. The study found no evidence of an increase in depressive symptoms during the prodromal phase before the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408160631.htm Post traumatic stress disorder is commonly thought to effect victims of major trauma and those who witness violence, but a new study finds that it also can effect children who have lost a parent expectedly to diseases such as cancer. The finding has major implications for helping children cope with grief. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408160631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409205852.htm The way in which professional care workers respond emotionally to substance abuse patients with personality disorders depends on the type of disorder. The idea that the emotional reactions of a professional to his or her patient may play an important part in psychotherapeutic treatment dates back to the work of Sigmund Freud. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409205852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160751.htm Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder appear likely to experience sleep problems, according to a new report. Sleep problems in these children may be associated with poorer child psychosocial quality of life, child daily functioning, caregiver mental health and family functioning. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407160751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080403183046.htm Aripiprazole is currently approved to treat bipolar disorder as well as schizophrenia. A new study has found that it significantly and dose-dependently increases the sedative effects of alcohol and, to a lesser degree, decreases the euphoric effects of alcohol. Future research will need to examine the beneficial versus the side effects of aripiprazole for treatment of alcohol dependence. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080403183046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402194355.htm Mental health problems in childhood blight adult working life, suggests new research. And problems in working life are associated with mid-life depression and anxiety. Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402194355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081930.htm In addition to being a risk factor for a depressive episode, persistent insomnia may perpetuate the illness in some elderly patients, and especially in those receiving standard care for depression in primary care settings. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081937.htm A new study confirms the persistent nature of insomnia and the increased risk of subsequent depression among individuals with insomnia. Seventeen to 50 percent of subjects with insomnia lasting two weeks or longer developed a major depressive episode. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331223744.htm A study examining suicide rates and pre-suicide clinical symptoms in people from different ethnic groups, has found that rates of suicide vary between ethnic groups with young black men aged 13 to 24 at highest risk. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331223744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331223834.htm In the first study in the Arab world to document mental illness and treatment on a national level, researchers from Lebanon have described the prevalence of mental disorders and their relation to exposure to war. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331223834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172155.htm New research holds promise for thousands who suffer from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. RDB, a neurological disorder that causes violent twitches and muscle contractions during rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep, can lead to serious injuries. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172124.htm Researchers have found post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with more hospitalizations, longer hospitalizations and greater mental healthcare utilization in urban primary care patients. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172352.htm Researchers have uncovered genetic errors that may shed light on the causes of schizophrenia. The scientists found that deletions and duplications of DNA are more common in people with the mental disorder, and that many of those errors occur in genes related to brain development and neurological function. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325111800.htm If you are "frightened stiff", not only does the intense fear seem to paralyze the body, it may even retard the blood flow. A study by medical scientists has shown that people with an acute anxiety disorder tend to suffer from higher levels of blood clotting than the psychologically healthy population. This finding may explain why patients with anxiety problems are at greater risk of dying from heart disease. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325111800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325083318.htm A longitudinal study found that individuals with social problems in childhood and adolescence were at increased risk for anxiety and depression in young adulthood. Researchers followed 205 8- to 12-year olds for 20 years and conducted detailed interviews to examine how anxiety and depression related to social competence over time. The relationship between decreased social competence and "internalizing problems" remained the same when explanations including intellectual functioning, quality of parenting, social class, were accounted for. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325083318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320192339.htm Chronic insomnia is costing adolescents more than sleep. It's been linked to a wide range of physical, psychological and interpersonal problems, according to public health researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, who completed the first prospective study of adolescents with persistent sleep problems. Documenting a "twofold to fivefold" increase in personal problems among adolescents with persistent sleeplessness, public health researchers say they have completed the first prospective study demonstrating the negative impact of chronic insomnia on 11 to 17 year olds. More than one fourth of the youths surveyed had one or more symptoms of insomnia and almost half of these youngsters had chronic conditions. Sun, 23 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320192339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320105550.htm In workplaces where nurses are bullied, the quality of patient care declines, the health of nurses suffers, and the retention of quality nurses becomes difficult. A new article reviews the psychological and social issues related to bullying in the workplace and strategies for creating a respectful work environment. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320105550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318094525.htm Individuals who experience military combat obviously endure extreme stress, and this exposure leaves many diagnosed with the psychiatric condition of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. PTSD is associated with several abnormalities in brain structure and function. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318094525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312172620.htm Individual genes do not cause depression, but they increase the probability of having a depression in the face of other accumulating risk factors, such as other genes and environmental stressors. This study is the first to shows that two genes related to the development of serotonin systems in the brain linked to the experience of negative emotions and to the treatment of depression exaggerate each other's effects on this brain system crucial for depression. Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312172620.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080314085032.htm Girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder stand a substantially greater risk of developing eating disorders in adolescence than girls without ADHD, a new study has found. "Adolescent girls with ADHD frequently develop body-image dissatisfaction and may go through repeating cycles of binge eating and purging behaviors that are common in bulimia nervosa," said the psychologist who led the study. Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080314085032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312081256.htm Bipolar Disorder (BPD or manic-depressive illness) is one of the most serious of all mental disorders, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Affected individuals alternate between states of deep depression and mania. Now, a mouse model of the disease has been developed. Researchers found that the glutamate receptor 6 (GluR6) gene is associated with bipolar disorder. Mice that were missing the GluR6 gene underwent a series of tests designed to approximate the symptoms of mania. These mice showed many of the symptoms of mania, including hyperactivity, aggressiveness, driven or increased goal-directed pursuits, risk-taking, and super-sensitivity to amphetamine. The researchers also found that treating the mice with lithium -- the classic treatment for bipolar disorder -- reduced these symptoms. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080312081256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311103908.htm Scientists at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health have discovered epigenetic changes in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This is the first epigenome-wide investigation in psychiatric research, and this groundbreaking data may be a significant step on the journey to fully understanding major psychosis. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311103908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190626.htm A small, three-week trial of tamoxifen, a drug typically used to treat breast cancer, indicates that it also may decrease symptoms of mania in patients with bipolar disorder, according to a new article. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190630.htm Scientists have discovered perhaps the strongest evidence yet linking variation in a particular gene with anxiety-related traits. Particular versions of a gene that affect the activity of important neurotransmitter receptors were more common in both children and adults assessed as being inhibited or introverted and also were associated with increased activity of brain regions involved in emotional processing. It has long been recognized that the tendency to anxiety disorders can run in families and is believed to be influenced by the interaction of several genes. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190656.htm Psychological distress, but not depression, may increase the risk of stroke, according to a new study published in Neurology. Previous studies have shown that stroke often leads to depression, but the evidence was mixed as to whether depression could lead to stroke. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304214437.htm Up to one-half of those seeking help for substance-abuse disorders also have post-traumatic stress disorder. New findings show that the frequency of a PTSD is greater among those dependent on drugs rather than alcohol, and that having a PTSD tends to predict a more severe course and worse outcome for an SUD. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304214437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080227210845.htm Scientists have discovered a gene that increases the risk of developing schizophrenia. A mental disorder which is known to have a strong genetic component, schizophrenia is associated with disturbed thinking and hallucinations. It typically starts in late adolescence, and can have a devastating effect on sufferers and caregivers. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080227210845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226185848.htm Research on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) shows that neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) can remediate anomalies in brain activation, leading to symptom reduction and functional improvement. This evidence raises the hopes for a behavioral, psychophysiological intervention moderating the severity of ASD. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of appropriate eye contact, facial expression, social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behavior. Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226185848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226162906.htm More than half of teenagers with the most debilitating forms of depression that do not respond to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) show improvement after switching to a different medication combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, researchers have found. Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226162906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225213751.htm Researchers have isolated biomarkers in the blood that identify mood disorders, a breakthrough that may change the way bipolar illness is diagnosed and treated. The panel of markers is present in differing amounts in individuals suffering from high or low mood states. The concentration of the blood markers also varies depending on the severity of the depression or mania the individual experiences. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225213751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213090510.htm Post-traumatic stress disorder is an indicator of long-term health problems, similar to biological warning signs such as elevated white blood cell counts. With an in-depth study of Vietnam vets, researchers show that PTSD leaves a distinct biological mark on a person's overall health. Considered a psychological or mental health problem, PTSD should now be viewed as a threat to a person's physical health, according to this research. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213090510.htm