Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more predictive of poor mental health in adults than autism spectrum disorder (ASD), new research suggests. In a trait-based analysis of more than 500 adults, researchers found that ADHD traits trumped ASD traits in predicting internalizing problems. “Further research is now needed to delve deeper into understanding exactly why ADHD … Read more
A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (SITB) has identified significant cross-ancestry risk loci. The findings provide further evidence of a genetic basis for SITB. Dr. Allison Ashley-Koch “It’s really important for us to continue to study the genetic risk factors for suicidal behaviors so we can really understand the biology and … Read more
Weak handgrip in older adults is linked to a higher risk for depression — while a stronger handgrip may have protective benefits, new research suggests. In a study of more than 115,000 adults, there was a significant association between a stronger handgrip, up to 40 kg in men and 27 kg in women, and lower … Read more
A genetic postmortem analysis of the brains of patients with schizophrenia suggests a dysfunction of dopamine receptors in the caudate nucleus may cause the disorder. Investigators have identified a mechanism on the dopamine receptor, known as the autoreceptor, which regulates how much dopamine is released from the presynaptic neuron. Impairment of this autoreceptor leads to … Read more
Brain indicators of motor impairment were distinct among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and controls, in a new study. Previous research suggests that individuals with ASD overlap in motor impairment with those with DCD. But these two conditions may differ significantly in some areas, as children with ASD … Read more
Children who experience adversity ― including serious family illness or death, poverty, neglect, or dysfunctional and stressful family relationships ― are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in early adulthood, a large Danish study has found. Compared to young adults who experienced little adversity in childhood, peers who experienced high levels of childhood … Read more
Researchers have identified 72 genes very strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders and more than 250 other genes with a strong link to ASD, according to a study published in Nature Genetics. The findings, based on analysis of more than 150,000 people’s genetics, arose from a collaboration of five research groups whose work included comparisons … Read more
Adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) had significantly reduced expression of chemokine receptor 4 on blood T lymphocytes, which predicted disease severity in combination with polygenic risk scores in a study of 54 individuals. Chemokines and their receptors “influence neuroendocrine signaling, neurotransmission, and interaction between neurons and microglia and have therefore been suggested to be … Read more
A new study sheds light on some of the risk factors for the development of psychosis, including the potentially causative role of sexual assault. Investigators conducted an exposome-wide association analysis on over 155,000 individuals. Of more than 140 correlates of psychotic experiences that they identified, they narrowed it down to 36 variables, which they further … Read more
A new analysis reveals a bidirectional relationship between sleep patterns and schizophrenia, leading researchers to suggest that sleep may be a potential treatment target for the disorder. Applying a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, the investigators selected genetic variants from a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted using data from UK Biobank and 23andMe. They … Read more