Long-term exposure to multiple air pollutants is associated with a significantly increased risk for depression and anxiety, new research suggests. Analysis of nearly 400,000 people in the United Kingdom who were followed for a decade showed that even low levels of small particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO)2), and nitric oxide (NO) increased depression risk … Read more
A specific lipid profile can identify patients with schizophrenia, possibly paving the way for the development of the first clinically useful diagnostic test for a severe psychiatric illness, new research suggests. Although such a test remains a long way off, the investigators said, the identification of the unique lipid signature is a critical first step. … Read more
A network of neural connections is linked to six psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BD), depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety, new research shows. Investigators used coordinate and lesion network mapping to assess whether there was a shared brain network common to multiple psychiatric disorders. In a meta-analysis of almost 200 studies encompassing more … Read more
Higher levels of anxiety sensitivity were associated with more severe depression in adults with dissociative identity disorder, based on data from 21 individuals. Xi Pan, LICSW, MPA Anxiety sensitivity refers to fear of the signs and symptoms of anxiety based on the individual’s belief that the signs of anxiety will have harmful consequences, wrote Xi … Read more
Sleep complaints by patients with a major depressive episode (MDE) may be a red flag signaling a higher risk for developing other psychiatric disorders, new research suggests. Investigators studied 3-year incidence rates of psychiatric disorders in almost 3,000 patients experiencing an MDE. Results showed that having a history of difficulty falling asleep, early morning awakening, … Read more
A cancer diagnosis can take a heavy emotional toll on a patient’s spouse, even years after the diagnosis, as new research shows. In a study of more than 3 million Danes and Swedes, spouses of patients with cancer faced an increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions, … Read more
During the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic US medical students were suspended from in-person clinical interaction. This decision was based on specific guidance from the Association of American Medical Colleges and subsequently implemented in medical schools across the United States.1 Our research project addressed students’ stress level before and after clinical in-person suspension and … Read more
More than a quarter of cardiologists in an international survey reported experiencing mental health conditions ranging from anxiety or anger issues to major depression or other psychiatric disorders. Such conditions varied in prevalence by cardiology subspecialty and years in the field, were more common in women than in men, and were closely linked to enduring … Read more
Persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) are tied to a significantly increased risk of developing subsequent depressive symptoms, new research shows. Results from a large meta-analysis that included 18 studies and more than 9,000 patients showed a fourfold higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in those with PPCS versus those without PPCS. “In this meta-analysis, experiencing PPCS … 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