The common coexistence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and depression may be explained in part by MS lesions occurring along a specific “depression circuit” in the brain, new research suggests. In an analysis of almost 300 participants with MS, investigators estimated whole-brain connectivity of each person’s white matter lesion locations. Results showed that functional connectivity between … 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
Two forms of short-term exposure therapy may help reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new research suggests. In a randomized clinical trial comparing an abbreviated form of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy against an intensive outpatient program (IOP) form of PE, military veterans with combat-related PTSD in both groups experienced significant improvements in PTSD symptoms. … 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
People with high stress levels have a significantly higher risk for acute stroke than their counterparts with low stress, but the risk lessens if they feel in control of work and home life, a new study suggests. The benefit was greatest among those who believed they had more control at work, compared with those whose … Read more
The study covered in this summary was published on medRxiv.org as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. Key Takeaways Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and possible mTBI are associated with greater risk for poor behavioral and mental health outcomes in adolescents. An unexpected finding was the association of mTBI with decreased cerebrospinal … Read more
Boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters can recover cognitive and memory skills after they retire from fighting, results of a longitudinal study show. Dr Aaron Ritter “What is most exciting about the findings is that it shows us brain resiliency in action,” Aaron Ritter, MD, associate staff, neuropsychiatry and behavioral neurology, Cleveland Clinic Lou … Read more
Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) can provide relief from comorbid, persistent posttraumatic headache and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new research suggests. Results from a randomized clinical trial of almost 200 military veterans showed that, compared with usual care, CBT for headache led to significant improvement in both headache disability and PTSD symptoms. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) also … Read more
Sparring among professional mixed martial arts (MMA) practitioners may have both positive and negative effects on the brain, early research suggests. Investigators found sparring, defined as strategically hitting opponents with kicks, punches, and other strikes during practice sessions, is to increased white matter hyperintensities in the brain, pointing to possible vascular damage from repeated head … Read more
The study covered in this summary was published on medRxiv.org as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. Key Takeaways Meta-analysis data from eight randomized controlled trials (RCT) showed that transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) treatment for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) was more effective at improving behavior performance compared to controls. Patients … Read more