Psychiatry

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden determined β-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels can act as predictor for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Analyzing the brain patterns of social anxiety disorder (SAD) patients, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University (BU), and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), neuroscientists uncovered a method to pinpoint which candidates will benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Mice which were previously self-administering cocaine were less likely to go back to the habit after a period of abstinence, during which brain proteins were measured, according to a report published in Molecular Psychiatry.

Smoking cessation had long been associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and improved positive mood and quality of life compared with continuing to smoke. Yet many smokers who wish to quit are afraid to do so because they believe smoking decreases their feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress and improves their mood and promotes relaxation. This sentiment is reported by smokers both with and without diagnosed mental disorders.

The current issue of The Lancet takes a deep dive into the World War I treatment of phantom limb pain and amputated limb patients.

As hospitals around the country deal with the newly instituted readmission penalties many are having to look at how they will handle providing the same level of care without some of the money they counted on in the past.

A study presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2014 reported home exercise could potentially alleviate feelings of hopelessness in people afflicted with coronary heart disease.

The symptoms of depression were reduced in mice models which had high levels of PGC-1a1 in their skeletal muscle.

For patients suffering a first-time cardiac event there could be warning signs in the form of a condition called vital exhaustion. A recent study looked at the causes and signs of vital exhaustion and potential preventive measures and treatments for these patients.

Thyroid dysfunction causes many well-recognized changes at the level of the brain, and most are reversible with treatment. Patients who have hypothyroidism often have other neuropsychiatric comorbidities, including affective disorders, depression, cognitive function loss, anxiety, or irritability.

Emotional response to stress can contribute to depressive symptoms, suggests a study published in PNAS.

Acceptance-based therapy encourages a mindful but nonjudgmental approach to give participants the tools to note, but not act on, urges to overeat or to make unhealthy food choices.

Use positive language, start with the basics, and keep it fun. These are the fundamentals in designing a family-based program to combat childhood obesity.

Mindfulness-based treatment for obesity and binge eating disorder can promote self-regulation and yield significant results. A dose-response effect may yield better results for those who practice the approach more intensively.

Even as Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems become more commonplace in the medical community there is still a large knowledge gap between health care professionals and their patients regarding the availability and use of these systems, according to a recent survey.

In an 18-year study, researchers tracked cognitive decline in patients with multiple sclerosis.

While the dangers of smoking are well known to most people there still remains a segment of the population who continues to smoke despite efforts to encourage them to quit.

As the workload for doctors increases some practices and hospitals are turning to scribes to help with some of the duties. What they should be doing and how much involvement they should have remains a topic of discussion.

Can a family dinner help fight cyberbullying? A recent study asked just that question.

Pain and depression, but not disability, stem from sleep disturbances in patients with osteoarthritis, suggests a study published in Arthritis Care & Research.

PET scans can determine if psychodynamic therapy will be an effective treatment for depression patients, according to a study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

Research has shown that comorbid epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder is fairly common, with several factors appearing to influence risk.

Severely mentally ill patients often lack access to primary medical care compared with the general population, leading to increased risk of health care complications and emergency room visits.

More than one in three adults with a mental illness smoke cigarettes, compared with about one in five adults with no mental illness, according to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Twenty percent of Americans smoke and one in five has a mental illness.

Addiction is a chronic and progressive brain disease of the reward, motivation, and memory pathway that moves from an impulse or positive reinforcement to compulsive and negative reinforcement.

Treatment failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including misdiagnosis of the primary psychiatric complaint, the presence of one or more comorbid conditions, and nonadherence to medication plans.

When treating patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, you should consult with their oncologist to brainstorm interventions that can help your patient have the best possible quality of life.

Prolonged exposure therapy can help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder overcome the fear, anxiety, and depression that can lead to avoidance behaviors and other responses that negatively impact quality of life.

Provocative research raises the question of whether we should we look at Alzheimer's disease as "type 3 diabetes."

A pattern of sleep disturbance is a risk factor for depression and suicide and also increases the risk of cancer, infection, hypertension, weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, osteoporosis, chronic pain, and arrhythmias. It can also have a significant negative impact on cognition and creativity.