High-Quality Diet Linked to Better Outcomes in Bipolar Disorder
A higher-quality diet and lower body mass index have been linked to improved outcomes in patients with bipolar disorder, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News
Psychiatry
Gut Microbiota Signature Altered in Alzheimer’s Disease
The composition of gut microbiota is altered in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, potentially supporting the inflammatory theory of the disease’s pathogenesis, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News
Childhood Trauma May Drive Poor Outcomes in Anxious Depression
Childhood trauma, particularly sexual abuse, is more common in those with anxious depression and causes permanent biological changes, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News
Popular ‘Club Drug’ Tied to Brain, Cognitive Changes
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, which is widely used as a ‘party drug,’ causes functional brain changes, especially after drug-related comas, Dutch researchers have shown for the first time. Medscape Medical News
Maternal Mental Illness Impairs Recognition of Child Emotions
Pregnant women with a history of depression and bipolar disorder are impaired in their ability to recognize baby facial expressions and cries, even if their condition is in remission, new research shows. Medscape Medical News
Promise of Precision Medicine in Psychiatry Nears Reality
Innovative approaches and widespread data sharing are essential to develop novel therapies that deliver on the long-held promise of precision medicine in psychiatry, says a European expert. Medscape Medical News
Delays in NHS mental health treatment ‘ruining lives’
Royal College of Psychiatrists survey reveals patients waiting up to 13 years for supportPeople with mental health problems are waiting so long for NHS care they are ending up jobless, divorced or in financial distress because of the delay, according t…
Foster vs Institutional Care Improves Mental Health Trajectory
The risk for psychopathology is reduced when severely neglected children reared in institutional settings are placed in high-quality foster care families. Medscape Medical News
Online CBT May Improve Daytime Effects of Insomnia
Digital cognitive-behavioral therapy may improve some of the daytime consequences of insomnia that drive patients to seek medical help, a new randomized trial suggests. Medscape Medical News
What’s Hot at ECNP 2018?
Lifestyle, the immune system, and the impact of mass migration are just three of the key topics at this year’s European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress. Medscape Medical News
Brain Patterns May Flag Risk for Schizophrenia
A specific pattern of brain circuitry on imaging may help clinicians to predict whether patients at risk for psychosis will go on to develop schizophrenia, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News
Less Recreational Screen Time Tied to Better Cognition in Kids
A new study suggests that excess recreational screen time may have a deleterious effect on cognitive development, in addition to leading to less sleep and physical activity. Medscape Medical News
More Evidence Links Mediterranean Diet to Less Depression
A new systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that following a plant-rich Mediterranean diet and eating foods that don’t promote inflammation reduce risk for depression. Medscape Medical News
Transgender Teens at Significant Risk for Suicide
Over half of teens transitioning from female to male have attempted suicide, making them at higher risk for suicide than other transgender groups or teens, a new study reports. Medscape Medical News
WHO Reports 3 Million Alcohol-Related Deaths in 2016
The WHO’s new report paints a troubling picture of global trends in alcohol consumption and related health and social effects — and identifies policies to reduce this impact. Medscape Medical News
Depression Tied to Arthritis Pain
Depressed individuals over age 50 should be screened for arthritis pain because the two conditions often occur together, worsening mental and physical health outcomes, researchers say. Reuters Health Information
Depression Tied to Double the Risk for Lupus in Women
A new study adds to the growing evidence that depression may be a causal risk factor for autoimmune disease. Medscape Medical News
‘Mental illness swam in my genes’: why I was born to be a psychiatrist
Edward Hallowell was conceived only because his father tried to kill his mother. His work helps make sense of his ‘crazy family’Edward Hallowell was conceived thanks to an administrative error and his father’s plan to kill his mother. On the day in que…
PUFAs for Anxiety: The Evidence to Date
For patients with anxiety unresponsive to antidepressants or psychotherapy, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be a promising alternative, research suggests. Medscape Medical News
Jokes about ‘snowflakes’ ignore the crisis in young mental health | Holly Bourne
My young adult novel about mental illness has been ridiculed, along with my call for greater kindness. But really, it’s not a laughing matterThere’s no more powerful way to silence someone than to call them crazy. This one word swiftly minimises a pers…