Sleep Profiles of Different Psychiatric Traits (2024 Study)

Different psychiatric conditions exhibit varied sleep problems, with insomnia and fatigue being the most common issues. Highlights: Worst Sleep Profiles: Traits related to affect disorders, generalized anxiety, and ADHD show the worst sleep problems, including insomnia and fatigue. Milder Sleep Issues: Autism, eating disorders, and impulsivity traits are linked to milder sleep disturbances. Mania and …

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rTMS of Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DL-PFC) May Treat Methamphetamine Addiction via Altering Cravings & Decision Making (2024 Study)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) improves decision-making and reduces cravings in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Highlights: Improved Decision-Making: rTMS treatment enhanced decision-making abilities in MUD patients, making their choices more rational and similar to healthy individuals. Craving Reduction: Participants experienced a significant decrease in cravings for …

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Hypertension Linked to Impaired Cognition & Gait in Older Adults (2024 Study)

Hypertension in older adults leads to poorer cognitive and walking performance due to the need for more brain resources to manage dual tasks. Highlights: Older adults with hypertension show higher brain activation in motor and sensory areas when performing dual cognitive-walking tasks compared to healthy peers. Hypertensive individuals have worse cognitive performance on single cognitive …

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Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Lower Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) in Hippocampus (2024 Study)

This study shows that type 2 diabetes causes decreased blood flow and changes in neural activity in specific parts of the hippocampus, which may initially compensate for cognitive decline but deteriorate with worsening diabetes. Highlights: Decreased Perfusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes have lower blood flow in the right hippocampal CA1, DG, and subiculum areas. …

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Levels of BDNF, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol May Predict Suicidal Ideation in First-Episode Schizophrenia (2024 Study)

The study found that higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and better cognitive function reduce suicidal thoughts in first-episode schizophrenia patients, while more severe symptoms and higher total cholesterol levels increase the risk. Highlights: Suicidal Ideation Rate: 26.02% of first-episode schizophrenia patients had suicidal thoughts. Risk Factors: Higher total cholesterol (TC) levels and more …

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Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of Nucleus Accumbens Treats Cocaine Addiction in Male Rats But Not Females (2024 Study)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the nucleus accumbens reduces cocaine seeking in male rats but is ineffective in female rats, regardless of their estrous cycle phase. Highlights: No FDA-Approved Treatments: There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for cocaine use disorder. DBS Reduces Cocaine Seeking in Males: Previous studies and the current experiment show that DBS …

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Polygenic Scores May Improve Accuracy of ADHD Diagnosis when Combined with Standard Diagnostic Scales (2024 Study)

The ADHD polygenic score (PGS) adds slight yet statistically significant value to existing ADHD diagnostic tools, though it currently lacks clinical utility. Highlights: Study Overview: Researchers tested if adding a genetic score (ADHD PGS) to traditional diagnostic tools (ASRS and WURS scales) and family history could better predict ADHD. Improvement in Diagnosis: Adding the ADHD …

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Micro & Long Non-Coding RNAs in Blood Samples May Accurately Diagnose Depression & Monitor Treatment Responses (2024 Study)

The study suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in blood and brain tissues can serve as significant biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring major depressive disorder (MDD). Highlights: Diagnostic Potential: miRNAs and lncRNAs show significant variations in depressed patients, indicating their potential as diagnostic biomarkers for MDD. Treatment Monitoring: Changes in miRNA levels …

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Autism Genetics & Immune Cell Activity: Causal Biomarkers Identified (2024 Study)

A study reported significant causal relationships between specific immune cell subtypes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting 26 genetic correlations and potential biomarkers for early detection and treatment. Highlights: Significant Genetic Correlations: The study identifies 26 potential correlations between genetic predispositions in immune cell types (immunophenotypes) and the risk of developing ASD. Bi-Directional Analysis Results: …

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TMS is Effective But Underutilized for Major Depression vs. Standard of Care (2024 Study)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is underutilized in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) despite showing significant clinical benefits, with barriers including insurance coverage and limited access. Highlights: Study Scope: Analyzed real-world data from a large, multi-site psychiatric practice to evaluate TMS utilization and outcomes compared to usual care (UC) for patients with MDD. Patient Cohorts: Among …

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