Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior. While antipsychotic medications can help manage symptoms, their long-term effects on brain structure are not fully understood. A new study provides important insights into how long-term antipsychotic treatment may impact gray matter in chronic schizophrenia. Key Facts: Both treated and untreated …
New research provides further evidence that insomnia is characterized by brain hyperarousal, even when controlling for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study used electroencephalography (EEG) to measure daytime brain activity in patients with insomnia disorder compared to healthy controls. Key findings: Patients with insomnia disorder showed increased high-frequency beta and gamma brain wave activity …
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and debilitating mental health condition characterized by obsessive, anxiety-provoking thoughts and compulsive rituals aimed at reducing anxiety. Affecting 1-3% of adults worldwide, OCD often begins in childhood and impairs functioning across life domains. Advances are being made on multiple fronts to better understand and treat this complex disorder. Key …
Suicide is a leading cause of death globally, and people who use drugs are at heightened risk. Key facts: People who use opioids have 7-22 times the risk of suicide compared to the general population. Men who use drugs die by suicide more often, but women who use drugs have a higher proportional increase in …
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, yet its complex neurobiological underpinnings remain poorly understood. Emerging research implicates disturbances in neuronal apoptosis and neuroplasticity in the development of depression. A new study led by researchers in Poland sheds light on the involvement of caspase-3, a key mediator of …
A new study suggests higher levels of remnant cholesterol may increase the risk of depression. Remnant cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that contains triglycerides and cholesterol and has been linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This large study found remnant cholesterol levels were significantly higher in people with depression compared to those without. Key …
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition. Novel treatment approaches are needed, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. This study investigated the effects of adjunctive minocycline on immune-inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes in MDD. Key Highlights: Minocycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties. It shows promise as …
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. It is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior, and impaired cognitive functioning. Current treatments with antipsychotic medications are helpful but have significant limitations, especially for cognitive deficits and negative symptoms like social withdrawal and lack of motivation. This has driven …
A new case study provides initial evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be an effective treatment option for trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder. The study tested an intensified, repeated tDCS protocol targeting the supplementary motor area and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a 25-year-old woman with trichotillomania. After 16 sessions over 20 …
A new study investigates the connections between physical activity levels, eating attitudes, and muscle dysmorphia (also known as bigorexia nervosa) in university students. The findings suggest that increased physical activity is associated with greater muscle satisfaction and more positive eating attitudes. Key Takeaways: Physical activity levels were positively correlated with muscle satisfaction scores in students. …
