psychiatry

A study at the Icahn School of Medicine has uncovered that asenapine, an antipsychotic medication, may work through the TAAR1 receptor, revealing crucial differences between human and rodent TAAR1. This discovery suggests new avenues for treating substance use and neuropsychiatric disorders and rethinking drug development strategies. Credit: SciTechDaily.comStudy sheds light on TAAR1, pointing to potential enhancement opportunities in drug development.Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have…

The cerebellum, indicated by pointer, is the brain within the brain or the tiny brain. It contains half of the brain’s neurons, tightly packed. New research shows that PTSD is associated with a smaller cerebellum, offering new insights into the neurological underpinnings of the disorder and potential treatment approaches. Credit: Dan Vahaba, Duke UniversityPeople with PTSD have a cerebellum about 2% smaller than unaffected adults, especially in areas that influence emotion and memory.Adults with posttraumatic stress…

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression, likely working by increasing aperiodic activity in the brain. Recent research provides insights into its mechanism, paving the way for improved mental health treatments and a better understanding of brain activity.Scientists from UC San Diego may have solved the century-old mystery of why this controversial treatment works.Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), formerly known as electroshock therapy, involves triggering a short seizure in the brain using…

A recent study revealed that metformin helps prevent weight gain in youth treated for bipolar disorder with SGAs. Involving 1,565 patients, the study showed metformin’s effectiveness in weight management, despite its limited impact on metabolic syndrome.Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and Northwell Health discovered that metformin effectively prevents weight gain in young patients treated for bipolar disorder with SGAs, based on a large-scale study involving over 1,500 participants.A new large-scale study…

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a connection between depression and cellular metabolism, identifying specific blood markers that indicate a higher risk of suicide. Their study, published in Translational Psychiatry, suggests new methods for personalizing mental health care and potential new drug targets, focusing on metabolic deficiencies and mitochondrial dysfunction.University of California, San Diego study suggests new way to personalize mental health care.Major depressive disorder…

A research review in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the growing concern over cannabis use disorder, exacerbated by increased cannabis potency and usage. This disorder, affecting a significant portion of Americans, particularly young adults, is often accompanied by other psychiatric conditions. Credit: SciTechDaily.comReview article published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds 16 million Americans have cannabis use disorder.The widespread use of cannabis (marijuana) and its increased potency are…

Research from Washington University shows that smoking shrinks the brain and speeds up brain aging, a process that is irreversible even after quitting. The study, analyzing data from the UK Biobank, highlights the crucial role of quitting smoking in preventing further brain damage and reducing dementia risk. Credit: SciTechDaily.comFindings help explain how smoking is linked to Alzheimer’s, dementia.Smoking shrinks the brain, according to a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The…

A groundbreaking study by Korean researchers has revealed a link between reduced taurine levels in the hippocampus and depression in young women. This finding, using 7T MRI technology, opens new paths for the treatment and understanding of depression, emphasizing the significance of taurine in brain health. Credit: SciTechDaily.com Precise observation using ultra-high magnetic field 7T MRI.For the first time, a research team in Korea has discovered there is a significant relationship between depression and the taurine…

A major study involving 87,000 participants has found that excessive night light exposure increases the risk of psychiatric disorders, while increased daytime light can reduce these risks. This groundbreaking research underscores the importance of balancing light exposure for mental health and suggests simple lifestyle adjustments for better wellbeing.Exposure to artificial light during nighttime is linked to a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress…

New research has found that intermittent rather than continuous use of benzodiazepines significantly reduces side effects and health risks, such as falls and hospitalizations, particularly in older adults. This research challenges long-standing prescribing practices and highlights the need for careful management of these commonly used medications. More than six decades since their introduction, medical professionals have discovered the first substantial evidence supporting the notion that intermittent use of…