Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Research increasingly points to dysregulation of the innate immune system and neuroinflammation as contributing factors in ASD. Key facts: Inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are consistently elevated in the blood of individuals with ASD. These suggest activation of the …
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and often debilitating mental illness characterized by intrusive, irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors. For patients with severe, treatment-resistant OCD, surgical ablation of problematic brain regions may provide lasting relief when other therapies have failed. A novel technique called magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is emerging as a promising …
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medications. It involves repetitive, uncontrolled movements of the face, limbs or trunk. TD can be an unrelenting concern for patients and doctors due to its persistent and potentially irreversible nature. Key Facts: Research output on TD peaked in the 1990s, declined …
Resilience is key to coping with life’s stressors, but how it works in the brain is still being unraveled. A new study provides evidence that resilience involves distinct brain processes depending on whether someone is depressed or not. Key Facts: Resilience was linked to frontal lobe brain activity patterns that differed between depressed and non-depressed …
Epilepsy impacts millions of people worldwide. While medications have been the mainstay of treatment, one-third of patients continue to have seizures despite available drugs. This highlights the need for innovative therapies. Recent years have seen exciting developments that bring new promise for improved seizure control. Key Facts: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, …
Research provides new evidence that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive disorder (DD) have distinct patterns of brain activity. Machine learning analysis of EEG data reveals signature brain features that may enable more accurate diagnosis. Key Facts: DD showed increased beta band power and complexity compared to GAD Brain network connectivity was altered in both …
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a brain region called the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) may provide long-term relief for people with severe, treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to a new retrospective study. Key findings: 6 out of 9 people with severe OCD achieved remission after DBS surgery It took an average of 14 months for …
Extreme sports like rock climbing are often described as “addictive” – but is this just a figure of speech or is there scientific evidence that these sports can produce addiction-like behaviors? A new study took a deep dive into this question, examining withdrawal symptoms in rock climbers during periods of abstinence from climbing. Key Facts: …
Cannabidiol (CBD) is emerging as a promising therapeutic for a variety of health conditions, but research is still in early stages. Here are some key facts on purified CBD: Purified CBD is showing positive results in clinical trials for anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia, PTSD and substance abuse. Evidence is strongest in these neurological and psychiatric conditions. …
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to afflict millions worldwide, necessitating more effective therapeutic options. Key Facts: PTSD involves dysfunctional fear processing and altered threat perception. Current treatments fail to comprehensively address its complex symptoms. Research implicates dysregulation in brain systems like the HPA axis and glutamate, presenting novel drug targets. Medications modulating oxytocin, cannabinoids, opioids …
