Chamomile, a popular herbal tea, has frequently been associated with benefits for relaxation and sleep. A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Phytotherapy Research comprehensively analyzes the clinical research on chamomile for anxiety, insomnia, and sleep quality. Key facts from this study: 12 randomized controlled trials with 965 total patients were included. Trials tested …
Amphetamine is well known for its ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain. But new research suggests the psychostimulant drug may also directly alter dopamine 2 receptors, with implications for behavioral effects and physiological changes seen after chronic amphetamine use. Key facts: In cells expressing the dopamine transporter, prolonged amphetamine exposure decreased dopamine 2 …
A new study published in the Journal of Personality suggests that individuals exhibiting secondary psychopathic traits are perceived as less intelligent than those with primary psychopathic traits. The research examined how laypeople view the intelligence of others based on psychopathic traits. Here are some key findings: Individuals described as exhibiting high secondary psychopathy traits (impulsivity, …
New research demonstrates that repeated focused ultrasound treatments can have antidepressant-like effects in rats. The non-invasive technique was able to improve performance on a common test of depressive behaviors. While not a silver bullet solution, focused ultrasound represents an exciting potential alternative for depression treatment. Key Facts: Focused ultrasound (FUS) uses targeted sound waves to …
A new brain imaging study has uncovered structural differences in the white matter of young men diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These differences provide clues into the neural correlates underlying the grandiose sense of self and lack of empathy that characterize NPD. Key Facts: Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to compare white matter microstructure …
Mental health and music are deeply intertwined, with music being able to powerfully impact emotions and psychological states. A new study explores how music preferences and use of music for emotion modulation may change after the onset of mental disorders, providing intriguing findings on the complex role music can play in mental health. Key facts: …
Our brains contain around 100 billion neurons communicating through an intricate web of connections. This complex circuitry controls everything we think, feel, and do. But sometimes things can go wrong, leading to neurological disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, depression and Alzheimer’s. An exciting new approach called transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is showing great promise as …
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is an exciting noninvasive brain treatment technology that is revolutionizing how we approach neurological and psychiatric diseases. This incisionless technique uses precisely targeted sound waves to therapeutically stimulate or ablate brain tissue. The Big Picture: FUS uses focused, high-intensity sound waves to precisely treat diseased brain regions without incisions. It has FDA …
The FDA-approved diabetes drug semaglutide reduces alcohol drinking in mice and rats, suggesting it could be repurposed as an effective medication for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Key findings include: Semaglutide dose-dependently decreased binge-like drinking in both male and female mice. In rats, semaglutide reduced binge-like and dependence-induced alcohol drinking. Semaglutide also decreased consumption of caloric …
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition characterized by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors. One aspect that contributes to the heterogeneity seen across the autism spectrum is differences in intelligence and cognitive abilities. Recent research is shining new light on the intelligence profiles of individuals with ASD, showing a shift away from …
