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 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 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/2012/02/120215143120.htm Scientists have provided the first evidence of a link between a traumatic brain injury and increased susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215143120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207100008.htm With no lab tests to guide the clinician, psychiatric diagnostics is challenging and controversial. Antisocial personality disorder is defined as "a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood," according to a standard definition. But, until now, no one has studied the dimensional structure associated with the DSM antisocial personality disorder criteria. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207100008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131175631.htm Over the past 30 years, numerous studies have linked Borna disease virus with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder and dementia, but study results have been inconsistent. Now, the first blinded, case-control study to examine this issue finds no association between the virus and psychiatric illness. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131175631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140011.htm Good news for the 13 per cent of the population with depressive personality traits: their negative outlook does not have to be permanent, according to new research from Sweden. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126224317.htm A family history of psychiatric conditions such as autism and depression could influence the subjects a person finds engaging, new research suggests. Although preliminary, the findings provide a new look at the oft-studied link between psychiatric conditions and aptitude in the arts or sciences. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126224317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm A new report examines the possible association between school-based childhood obesity prevention programs and an increase in eating disorders among young children and adolescents. In a new poll, 30% of parents report at least one worrisome behavior in their children that could be associated with the development of eating disorders. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140311.htm Researchers have found a genetic variation predisposing children to six-times greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome when taking second-generation anti-psychotic medications. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study showed a close association with two conditions in particular: high blood pressure and elevated fasting blood sugar levels, which is a precursor to diabetes. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183040.htm The solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) widely used in industry and to dry clean clothes is a neurotoxin known to cause mood changes, anxiety, and depression in people who work with it. To date the long-term effect of this chemical on children exposed to PCE has been less clear, although there is some evidence that children of people who work in the dry cleaning industry have an increased risk of schizophrenia. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101242.htm A new national report reveals that 45.9 million American adults aged 18 or older, or 20 percent of this age group, experienced mental illness in the past year. The rate of mental illness was more than twice as high among those aged 18 to 25 (29.9 percent) than among those aged 50 and older (14.3 percent). Adult women were also more likely than men to have experienced mental illness in the past year (23 percent versus 16.8 percent). Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, according to psychiatrists. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112237.htm Recent research has found striking links between psychotic disorders and certain types of international immigration. Now for the first time, a major study has found that immigrating in early childhood appears to carry the highest risk and that the younger the age at migration, the higher the risk of psychotic disorders. The study -- the first to include data on age at migration -- suggests that there may be an early window of vulnerability. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112235.htm An important ongoing debate in the field of psychiatry is whether inflammation in the body is a consequence of or contributor to major depression. A new study has attempted to resolve the issue. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111904.htm Psychiatric disorders can be described on many levels, the most traditional of which are subjective descriptions of the experience of being depressed and the use of rating scales that quantify depressive symptoms. Over the past two decades, research has developed other strategies for describing the biological underpinnings of depression, including volumetric brain measurements using magnetic resonance imaging and the patterns of gene expression in white blood cells. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135323.htm Use of torture around the world has not diminished but the techniques used have grown more complex and sophisticated, according to new research. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180842.htm Adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychoses appear to show greater decreases in gray matter volume and increases in cerebrospinal fluid in the frontal lobe compared to healthy adolescents without a diagnosis of psychosis, according to a new report. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227142541.htm Medical researchers have established a direct correlation between sensory processing and ritualistic behaviors in children. A new study suggests that when children experience heightened levels of sensitivity, they develop ritualistic behaviors to better cope with their environment -- one potential pathway to OCD. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227142541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140347.htm Scientists report that abnormal sequences of DNA known as rare copy number variants, or CNVs, appear to play a significant role in the risk for early onset bipolar disorder. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190158.htm Researchers find that mood and anxiety disorders are highly associated with non-medical prescription opioid use. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165857.htm The prevalence of conduct disorder appears to have increased substantially across generations of the Mexican-origin population after migration to the United States, however this increase was observed more for nonaggressive than aggressive symptoms of CD, according to a new study. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165855.htm Over a 10-year period, spending for Medicaid-enrolled patients with depression increased substantially but only minimal improvements in quality of care were observed, according to a new study. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165853.htm Experiencing a psychiatric episode within the first 30 days post-partum appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing bipolar affective disorder, according to a new study. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165110.htm Adolescents who were abused and neglected have less gray matter in some areas of the brain than young people who have not been maltreated, a new study shows. The brain areas impacted by maltreatment may differ between boys and girls, may depend on whether the youths had been exposed to abuse or neglect, and may be linked to whether the neglect was physical or emotional. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102305.htm A new study shows that children with ADHD have nearly 50 percent less of a protein that is important for attention and learning. The finding may mean that there are other biochemical disturbances in the brains of individuals with ADHD than was previously believed. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128132658.htm Depression may have more far-reaching consequences than previously believed. Recent data suggests that individuals who suffer from a mood disorder could be twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to individuals who are not depressed. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128132658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120146.htm Thoughts about killing oneself and engaging in suicidal behavior may begin much younger than previously thought. While about one of nine youths attempt suicide by the time they graduate from high school, new findings reveal that a significant proportion make their first suicide attempt in elementary or middle school. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120138.htm Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers have identified abnormalities in the brains of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder that may serve as a biomarker for the disorder, according to a new study. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133346.htm They say time heals all wounds, and new research indicates that time spent in dream sleep can help. Researchers have found that during the dream phase of sleep, also known as REM sleep, our stress chemistry shuts down and the brain processes emotional experiences and takes the painful edge off difficult memories. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113000.htm A recent trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy reduces functional disability and depressive symptoms in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia. The psychological intervention was found to be safe and effective, and proved to be superior to disease management education. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140422.htm A new study demonstrates how DISC1 variants impair signaling pathways and disrupt brain development. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175811.htm New research identifies the brain chemicals and circuits involved in mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, giving potential new directions to their treatment. In addition, research with children shows that early-life depression and anxiety changes the structure of the developing brain. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175807.htm Scientists are finding new tools to help understand neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and fragile X syndrome. Studies show in new detail how the brain's connections, chemicals, and genes interact to affect behavior. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111152242.htm The negative effects of depression in young people on the health of their hearts may be stronger than previously recognized. Depression or a history of suicide attempts in people younger than 40, especially young women, markedly increases their risk for dying from heart disease. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111152242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162732.htm In a study conducted at 12 university-based research sites, there was wide variation in how best-estimate clinical diagnoses within the autism spectrum were assigned to individual children. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103120220.htm Impulsive individuals tend to display aggressive behavior and have challenges ranging from drug and alcohol abuse, to problem gambling and difficult relationships. They are less able to adapt to different social situations. Impulsivity is also a common feature of psychiatric disorders. New research shows that people may react this way, in part, because they have lower levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter, in a specific part of their brain involved in regulating self-control. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103120220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190026.htm The poor safety profile of the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix) makes it unsuitable for first-line use, according to a new study. Varenicline, which already carries a "black box warning" from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, showed a substantially increased risk of reported depression or suicidal behavior compared to other smoking-cessation treatments, according to researchers. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161305.htm A new study shows that a family-based intervention done while a suicidal youth is still being treated in the emergency room as successful in linking troubled youths to outpatient treatment, with the goal of ending further life-threatening attempts. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093039.htm Functional psychosis can be diagnosed from the first indications of the patient, thanks to affective symptomatology. Depressive moods, hyperactivity and lack of concentration are affective symptoms that can present themselves during the first psychotic episodes, and the presence or absence of any of them may contribute to differentiating, at an early stage, between the different variations of the mental disease, according to new research. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031120245.htm They're the prime demographic for developing eating disorders, yet new research suggests that it could be difficult for college students to notice the warning signs of disordered eating. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031120245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028115348.htm Scientists have identified a new target area in the human genome that appears to harbor genes with a major role in the onset of depression. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028115348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026102740.htm Researchers who spoke to nearly 2,000 teenagers three months after an 8.0 earthquake found high level of post-traumatic stress disorder, especially among girls and senior students. The findings underline the need for young people to receive prompt psychological support after major disasters to avoid them developing long-term mental health problems. The study may be of particular interest to journalists doing follow-up pieces on the aftermath of the Turkish earthquake. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026102740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091231.htm Binge eating is a disorder which affects both men and women, yet men remain underrepresented in research. A new study has found that the medical impact of the disorder is just as damaging to men as it is to women, yet research has shown that the number of men seeking treatment is far lower than the estimated number of sufferers Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025102324.htm A new study provides evidence that changes in gene regulation may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder. Researchers found low levels of a transcription factor in the brain's prefrontal cortex and cerebellum in postmortem samples from patients with bipolar disorder, suggesting a new target for drug therapy. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025102324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024122959.htm Previous depression, daily smoking and a lack of control over life circumstances -- or "low mastery" -- are risk factors for repeat episodes of depression, a new article finds. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024122959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021074726.htm A study focusing on the family and friends of people who were suicidal has highlighted the main challenges they face when trying to judge whether a person is in danger and decide what they should do about it. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021074726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025423.htm Patients with major depression do better by learning to create a more positive outlook about the future, rather than by focusing on negative thoughts about their past experiences, researchers say after developing a new treatment that helps patients do this. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024447.htm A major study of the quality of mental health care provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs finds that the care provided by the VA is as good as or better than that reported by privately insured, Medicare or Medicaid populations. The study also finds that treating US veterans with mental illness and substance use disorders is more expensive than caring for veterans with other medical conditions, costing more than $12 billion in 2007. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024447.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124247.htm Although children and adolescents in the child welfare system are at increased risk of attempted suicide compared with the general population, rates are highest before they enter care, then rates begin to decline. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010104045.htm Two postgraduate students from Northern Ireland have completed the first phase of a pioneering trip to assist in the treatment of psychological distress among child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010104045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007113941.htm A new study has found evidence that a specific gene is linked to suicidal behavior, adding to our knowledge of the many complex causes of suicide. This research may help doctors one day target the gene in prevention efforts. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007113941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170725.htm Our life experiences -- the ups and downs, and everything in between -- shape us, stay with us and influence our emotional set point as adults, according to a new study. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121307.htm New findings from a 16-year study confirm that the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, the gold-standard for the classification of mental health conditions, can be used to accurately identify autism spectrum disorders in children with Down syndrome, according to new research. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004113800.htm Scientists say that a single extra dose of cortisone -- which the body naturally produces just after a traumatic event -- reduces the chance that an individual will develop PTSD by 60 percent. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004113800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161931.htm Prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive therapy, and delayed prolonged exposure therapy, appear to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients who have experienced a recent traumatic event, according to a new report. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161702.htm For the first time, researchers have shown that a psychosocial treatment can significantly improve daily functioning and quality of life in the lowest-functioning cases of schizophrenia. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928142454.htm Researchers have became interested in the way people think, how they organize thoughts, execute a decision, then determine whether a decision is good or bad. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928142454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161649.htm A review of previous studies suggests that even though atypical antipsychotic medications are commonly used for off-label conditions such as behavioral symptoms of dementia, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, these medications are effective for only a few off-label conditions, and that the benefits and harms of these medications for these uses vary, according to a new article. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161643.htm Atypical antipsychotic medications, developed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are frequently prescribed for many off-label uses. A new study finds that medical evidence suggests the drugs are effective in reducing symptoms for some off-label conditions, but not others. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921154737.htm A worldwide consortium has discovered that common genetic variants contribute to a person's risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These studies provide new molecular evidence that 11 regions are strongly associated with these diseases, including six regions not previously observed. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921154737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921142211.htm A new article argues against the proposed changes to redefine the number of personality disorders in the upcoming Diagnostic Statistical Manual. In their study, the researchers found the current scoring already captures the dimensional nature of personality disorders. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921142211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921120039.htm In the first study to systematically investigate genome-wide epigenetic differences in a large number of psychosis discordant twin-pairs, new research provides further evidence that epigenetic processes play an important role in neuropsychiatric disease. The findings may offer potential new avenues for treatment. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921120039.htm