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MRI May Predict Who'll Respond Best to Schizophrenia Treatment

Specialized brain scans may accurately predict whether a psychotic patient will go on to develop treatment-resistant schizophrenia, Dutch researchers report.

The scan — called a neuromelanin-sensitive MRI, or NM-MRI for short — zeroes in on a brain pigment called neuromelanin. This pigment...

Many Can't Access Mental Health Services that Save Money, Keep People Out of Jail

When it comes to giving at-risk Americans access to the mental health services they need, prevention is far better than detention, new research confirms.

However, a majority of the 950 U.S. counties surveyed in the report do not offer access to the types of mental health and substance use disorder services that can save communities money and prevent incarceration.

"Most co...

Blood Test to Predict Schizophrenia Shows Promise

Researchers say they have developed a blood test for schizophrenia.

More than 3 million people in the United States have schizophrenia, a disorder marked by hallucinations and delusions, or a related psychotic illness. 

The new test, which is expected to be available later this year from MindX Sciences, identifies markers in the blood that objectively measure a person's risk fo...

Long-Acting Injected Antipsychotics Help People With Schizophrenia Stay Out of Hospital

For people with schizophrenia hospitalized after a psychotic episode, getting a long-acting antipsychotic injection works far better than pills to keep them from returning to hospital care.

That's the finding of a new study from researchers at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J.

They found that injected antipsychotic meds -- which provide continuous treatment from two weeks up...

New Clues to How Inflammation in Young Children's Brains Might Spur Autism

Severe inflammation very early in childhood might hamper the development of key brain cells, perhaps setting the stage for conditions such as autism or schizophrenia, new research suggests.

The origins of many neurodevelopment disorders remain mysterious. But the new study of postmortem brain tissue from children who died between the ages 1 and 5 shows how inflammation affects brain cells...

Pets Don't Help Those With Severe Mental Illness Fare Better

It's commonly thought that having a companion animal — be it a dog, cat or bird — is good for the owner's mental health.

A new study suggests that's not so, at least for people with severe mental illness and for pets that aren't trained therapy animals. Pets may, however, be an important part of the social network for folks with severe mental illness.

Having pets was not signifi...

Fewer Kids Are Being Prescribed Antipsychotic Meds

The use of antipsychotic medication in children is continuing to plummet, likely because of better policies and education, new research shows.

The study found a 43% drop in antipsychotic prescriptions for Medicaid-enrolled children in 45 states, a stark contrast from the sharp rise in the 2000s.

“The decline we observed likely reflects the convergence of multiple state safer-use p...

'Complex' Genetic Links Between Marijuana Use, Psychiatric Ills

A subset of people may be at high risk for both psychiatric disorders and for using marijuana, based on their genetics, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Oslo in Norway have found that some of the genetic variants associated with cannabis use are also linked to psychiatric disorders.

“These findings are important as they show that the complex links betw...

Marijuana Use Implicated in Almost a Third of Cases of Schizophrenia in Young Men

Marijuana appears to significantly increase young men's risk of developing schizophrenia, a new study suggests.

Up to 30% of schizophrenia cases among men aged 21 to 30 are related to heavy and problematic use of marijuana, according to the findings.

The researchers also found a tripled overall risk of schizophrenia linked to cannabis use in young men compared to women: Around 15% o...

Regular Sleep May Be Crucial for People Living With Schizophrenia

Consistently good sleep is important for everyone, but it is particularly important for patients with schizophrenia, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, along with collaborators in Italy, used wrist monitors to measure activity and rest in 250 people, including 150 patients with schizophrenia, in both outpatient settings and in psychiatric hospitals.

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Smoking Plus Mental Illness Can Send Caffeine Intake Soaring

One group of Americans drinks more caffeinated beverages than all others.

That's people who smoke cigarettes and also have serious mental illness, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to new research.

While Americans overall are drinking more caffeinated beverages than ever, this group consumes the highest amount and also has the highest risk of negative health ...

Major Gene Study Spots DNA Tied to Autism, Other Disorders

More than 70 genes are very strongly associated with autism and more than 250 are linked to the condition, a major new genetic analysis has revealed.

The analysis is the largest of its kind to date, involving more than 150,000 participants, including 20,000 diagnosed with autism.

The researchers found t...

Too Few Psychiatric Beds: Psychiatrists' Group Takes Aim at Ongoing Crisis

Amid a stark shortage of psychiatric beds that only worsened for millions suffering from mental illnesses during the pandemic, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is rolling out a new model that can help communities determine exactly how many beds they need.

Having enough in-patient beds would cut down on overcrowding in emergency departments and early release from needed care, the...

Various Mental Illnesses Share Same Genes: Study

Many people who get a diagnosis for one mental illness may find they have additional psychiatric conditions, and new genetic research offers an explanation why.

A number of mental illnesses share genetic similarities, researchers found. This discovery helps explain why multiple conditions are common among people with psychiatric disorders, the investigators pointed out in a new study.

...

Mental Illness Linked to Higher Risk of Deadly Heart Issues

People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other severe mental illnesses are at increased risk of death from heart problems, a large research review finds.

"Our systematic review and meta-analysis of over 100 studies has confirmed a strong association between severe mental illness and cardiovascular disease which became stronger in the 1990s and 2000s," said study author Amanda Lambe...

Mental Health Issues Linked to Higher Risk of Breakthrough COVID Infections

People with substance abuse disorders, depression and other mental health conditions may be at higher risk for COVID-19 -- even when they are fully vaccinated, new research suggests.

"Individuals with psychiatric disorders, and especially older adults with psychiatric disorders, may be particularly vulnerable to breakthrough infections," said study author Kristen Nishimi, a postdoctoral f...

Brain Scans Spot When Psychosis, Depression Might Worsen

The future of diagnosing and targeting treatments for serious mental health disorders may include MRI brain scans.

Researchers in the United Kingdom found that brain scans enabled them to identify which patients with major depression or

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
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  • April 18, 2022
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  • Full Page
  • Study Uncovers Large Collection of Genes Behind Schizophrenia

    Researchers who identified 120 genes linked to schizophrenia say their findings are the strongest ever demonstrating the genetic basis of the psychiatric disorder and could lead to new treatments.

    "Previous research has shown associations between schizophrenia and many anonymous DNA sequences, but rarely has it been possible to link the findings to specific genes," said co-lead author Mic...

    Heart Risks Double for People With Bipolar, Schizophrenia

    People with serious mental illness have up to double the risk of heart disease, and should have their heart health monitored from a young age, a new study finds.

    Specifically, those mental health issues are bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

    "Previous research has indicated that people diagnosed with a serious mental illness die 10-20 years earlier than t...

    Conservatorships Keep the Homeless in Psychiatric Wards Too Long: Study

    Homelessness is difficult enough, but when it's compounded by serious mental health issues the result can be an inability to function at even the most basic level.

    Sometimes that leads to round-the-clock involuntary hospitalization, and when that happens a state-appointed psychiatric conservator can take over, making critical health care decisions for a person deemed mentally unstable.

    Americans' Stigma Against Depression May Finally Be Fading: Study

    Americans may be dropping some of the stigma they once had toward depression, but attitudes toward other mental health conditions still seem stuck in the past, a new study shows.

    The research, based on interviews with U.S. adults conducted over 22 years, found a mixed bag when it came to menta...

    AHA News: Severe Mental Health Disorders May Increase Risk of Death in Men With Heart Failure

    Men with heart failure have worse long-term survival rates if they have severe depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, according to a new study that urges doctors to change the way they treat people with mental disorders.

    Previous research shows people with these conditions have an earlier onset of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart attack. But little was known about how heart...

    Blood Test Spots Biological Markers for Schizophrenia

    Schizophrenia is a debilitating disease that can make navigating daily life a massive challenge, but a new blood test could flag it in its early stages, researchers say.

    Their analysis of blood samples identified epigenetic markers -- part of your DNA -- that differ between people with schizophrenia and those without the mental health disorder.

    The researchers developed a model to a...

    Severe COVID for People Under 45: Who's Most at Risk?

    Young people aren't immune from severe COVID-19, and a new study warns that some are more at risk than others.

    Folks under 45 have more than triple the risk for severe COVID-19 if they have cancer or heart disease, or blood, neurologic or endocrine disorders, according to Mayo Clinic researchers.

    "One of the surprising findings was that almost every single chronic condition category...

    Could Heavy Marijuana Use Be Driving Rise in Schizophrenia Cases?

    There's been a sharp rise in schizophrenia cases linked with marijuana use since the mid-1990s, a new Danish study finds.

    Prior research has suggested that marijuana -- particularly very heavy use -- is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. Although strict cause-and-effect can't be proven by the new study, many experts believe that heavy pot use might work in conjuncti...

    Drug Makers Reach $26 Billion Deal on Opioid Lawsuits

    A proposed $26 billion settlement on opioid-related lawsuits has been reached with four large drug companies, a group of state attorneys general announced Wednesday.

    If enough states sign on to the deal with the country's three major drug distributors -- Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen and McKesson -- and pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, the companies could be released from all ...

    Body's 'Signals' May Feel Different in People With Anorexia, Depression

    The brain interprets physical signals differently in people with depression, anorexia and some other mental health disorders, new research shows.

    British scientists examined "interoception" -- the brain's ability to sense internal conditions in the body -- in 626 patients with mental health disorders and a control group of 610 people without mental illness.

    "Interoception is somethi...

    Many U.S. Mass Shooters Had Untreated Mental Illness: Study

    A new study finds that many mass shooters in America suffered from a mental illness that wasn't being treated when they committed their crime.

    "Without losing sight of the larger perspective that most who are violent are not mentally ill, and most of the mentally ill are not violent, our message is that mental health providers, lawyers and the public should be made aware that some unmedic...

    Having OCD May Triple a Person's Odds for a Stroke

    Adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a common mental health condition known as OCD, may have more than triple the risk of having a stroke, according to a new report from Taiwanese researchers.

    As to why, the study authors aren't sure.

    The investigators speculate that other mental health problems suffered by OCD patients - "comorbidities" such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorde...

    Switch to Vaping Helps Smokers With Schizophrenia Quit

    Vaping high-strength nicotine can help adults with schizophrenia stop smoking traditional cigarettes, according to a new study.

    Between 60% and 90% of people with schizophrenia smoke, compared to 15% to 24% of the general population, the researchers noted in the report published March 16 in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

    Smoking is the main reason for a 15- to 25-...

    Could ADHD Raise Odds for More Serious Psychiatric Ills?

    As if attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn't already tough on a child, new research suggests the condition might also raise the odds for a psychotic disorder later in life.

    But parents should not panic.

    "I would say that this finding should not be an alarm for parents and people who have ADHD, because the absolute risk for psychotic disorders remains low," sa...

    Mental Illness Not a Factor in Most Mass Shootings

    Contrary to what many believe, a new study finds that mental illness isn't a factor in most mass shootings or other types of mass murder.

    "The findings from this potentially definitive study suggest that emphasis on serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or psychotic mood disorders, as a risk factor for mass shootings is given undue emphasis, leading to public fear and stigmatizati...

    Many Psych Meds Trigger Weight Gain, But New Research Points to Better Options

    Scientists may have uncovered the reason critical medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder cause weight gain and diabetes -- findings they hope will lead to better drugs.

    The medications, known as antipsychotics, help control the hallucinations, delusions and confused thoughts that plague people with schizophrenia. They can also help stabilize extreme mood swings in those with b...

    COVID Especially Deadly for People With Schizophrenia

    Schizophrenia is second only to age when it comes to risk factors for dying from COVID-19, new research suggests.

    People with this mental illness are known to be at greater risk for contracting COVID-19, but the new study shows they are also more likely to die from this virus.

    "Old age is still the most important risk factor for dying of COVID-19, but in our study, schizophrenia sur...

    Severe Mental Illnesses Often Overlooked at Hospital Admission: Study

    Severe mental illness diagnoses often get missed in patients hospitalized for physical health problems, according to a new study.

    Researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,800 U.K. adults who were diagnosed with severe mental illness, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, between 2006 and 2017 and who had more than 45,700 emergency hospital admissions over the period.

    Suicide Rate 170 Times Higher for People With Schizophrenia

    People with schizophrenia have a suicide rate 170 times higher than the general population, Canadian researchers report.

    The researchers looked at 20 years of population data, including information on 75,000 patients with schizophrenia. Each was followed for about 10 years, on average.

    Risk of suicide was heightened the first five years after the mental illness was diagnos...

    Lockdown Got You Feeling Low? Yoga May Help

    Many people under stay-at-home orders have turned to online yoga as a way to manage the stress. And a new research review suggests they're onto something.

    The review, of 19 clinical trials, focused on the benefits of yoga for people with clinical mental health conditions ranging from anxiety disorders to alcohol dependence to schizophrenia. Overall, it found yoga classes helped ease t...

    Experimental Drug Shows Promise for Schizophrenia

    An experimental drug may ease a range of symptoms that strike people with schizophrenia, without the side effects of existing medications, an early clinical trial suggests.

    Researchers found that, over one month, the drug helped manage the different ways in which schizophrenia manifests -- from delusions and hallucinations, to flattened emotions and social withdrawal.

    Among ...

    Schizophrenia Meds Safe Long-Term, Study Finds

    Good news for people with schizophrenia: Long-term antipsychotic-drug treatment does not increase the risk of heart disease. And taking the drugs is associated with a lower risk of death, according to a new study.

    The average life expectancy of people with schizophrenia is 10 to 20 years less than in the general population. There has long been concern that one reason is long-term use ...

    Can Pot Bring on Psychosis in Young Users? It May Be Happening, Experts Say

    The idea of marijuana causing a psychotic breakdown sounds like something out of the camp film classic "Reefer Madness," but many experts argue it's not that far-fetched.

    As legalization of recreational marijuana spreads across the United States, more people are showing up in ERs with psychotic symptoms after consuming too much pot, said Dr. Itai Danovitch, chairman of psychiatry and ...

    Could the Family Dog Lower a Child's Odds for Schizophrenia Later?

    You might just want to throw Fido a few extra bones for the holidays, as new research suggests that growing up with a dog may lower schizophrenia risk by as much as 24%.

    Unfortunately, cat lovers are out of luck. No similar link was seen with respect to feline ownership.

    "We found that a history of having had a pet dog present at birth or before age 3 was associated wit...

    Spurred by Mass Shootings, More Americans View Mentally Ill as Violent

    Americans are increasingly viewing people with mental illnesses as a violent threat, despite scientific evidence to the contrary, a new study suggests.

    Media coverage of mass shootings may be a contributing factor to the shift in attitudes, experts noted.

    Researchers found that compared with 10 to 20 years ago, more Americans today believe that people with schizophrenia are ...

    Did Brexit Vote Drive Man to Psychotic Episode?

    Brexit has thrown the United Kingdom into political and economic uncertainty, but it might have actually triggered a psychotic break in one man, a new report suggests.

    The 2016 Brexit referendum started the process of the U.K. leaving the European Union.

    Three weeks after the referendum, a middle-aged man was taken by paramedics to the hospital in an acute psychotic state.

    Scientists ID Genes Tied to Left-Handedness

    For the first time, scientists have found four spots on your DNA that might determine whether you wield your pen with your left hand.

    Of the four gene regions, three are associated with proteins involved in brain development and structure, according to a genetic analysis of about 400,000 people in the United Kingdom, including more than 38,000 left-handers.

    The study also fo...

    Could Dirty Air Spur a Rise in Serious Mental Illness?

    As air quality declines, the prevalence of mental health conditions may rise, a large, new study suggests.

    Looking at data on millions of people in the United States and Denmark, researchers found correlations between air pollution exposure and rates of certain psychiatric disorders. In both countries, poorer air quality was linked to a slightly heightened risk of bipolar disorder.

    1 in 5 People Living in Conflict Areas Has a Mental Health Problem

    About 22% of people who live in conflict areas suffer from mental health problems, a new study review finds.

    Common problems include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, according to the World Health Organization. About 9% have a moderate to severe mental health condition.

    These conclusions are based on a review of ...

    Shame Around Mental Illness May Be Fading, Survey Shows

    Stigma regarding mental health could be disappearing in the United States, a new survey finds.

    In the online poll of more than 1,000 adults, 87% said a mental disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, and 86% said they believe that people with such disorders can get better.

    And a sizable group doesn't view the most common mental disorders as disorders -- 33% said tha...

    Can High-Potency Pot Make You Crazy?

    The jittery, delusional potheads of the old movie "Reefer Madness" have prompted eye rolls and chuckles over the years, but a new study argues that the cult classic might contain a kernel of truth.

    Smoking pot every day could increase your risk of a psychotic break with reality, particularly if you have access to high-potency strains of marijuana, European researchers report.

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    Common Heart, Diabetes Meds May Help Ease Mental Illness

    A new study is raising the question of whether certain cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes drugs could help manage mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

    The findings come from a study of over 142,000 Swedish patients with serious mental illnesses -- including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The researchers found that those patients typically fared better during periods when th...