All articles tagged with #psychiatry
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Medical Xpress
Research from the University of Oslo reveals extensive genetic links between neurological and psychiatric disorders, challenging traditional distinctions and suggesting a more integrated approach to treatment and understanding of brain conditions.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Mad In America
A retired surgeon shares a detailed and personal account of being misdiagnosed, forcibly medicated, and subjected to ECT in psychiatric care, highlighting issues of patient rights, treatment abuses, and the impact of psychiatric practices on his life and family.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Hacker News
Recent research suggests that psychiatric disorders identified by the DSM may not correspond to distinct, biologically valid categories, highlighting the limitations of symptom-based clustering and the importance of clinical judgment and understanding individual patient experiences. The article discusses the potential for more nuanced, data-driven approaches to psychiatric diagnosis, emphasizing the need for better diagnostic tools and recognition of the spectrum of mental health conditions.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by WIRED
A rising concern in psychiatry involves 'AI psychosis,' where prolonged interactions with chatbots may reinforce delusional beliefs, though it is not yet a recognized diagnosis. Experts warn that such interactions can exacerbate mental health issues, especially in vulnerable individuals, but caution against prematurely labeling this as a new disorder, emphasizing the need for further research and careful terminology to avoid stigma and misdiagnosis.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The New York Times
Max Fink, a pioneering psychiatrist and neurologist who championed the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression, died at 102. He dedicated his career to demonstrating ECT's effectiveness, despite opposition and misconceptions, and authored numerous influential works on the subject.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by Neuroscience News
Professor Barbara Franke's research bridges genetics, neuroscience, and psychiatry to uncover the biological roots of ADHD and neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the role of DNA variations and environmental influences, with the goal of developing personalized treatments and improving psychiatric diagnosis and care.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Evening Standard
Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, is emerging as a revolutionary treatment for depression by targeting the glutamate pathway, which is crucial for brain communication and emotional regulation. Studies show that Esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, significantly reduces suicide risk and overall mortality compared to standard antidepressants. Despite its effectiveness, widespread adoption is hindered by a lack of awareness and the need for specialized facilities for safe administration. The rise of "Interventional Psychiatry" aims to address these challenges, ensuring safe and effective delivery of this promising treatment.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Neuroscience News
Researchers have discovered specialized brain cells that create flexible coordinate systems to track progress in sequences of actions, similar to a music box playing different tunes. These cells help generalize learned behaviors to new tasks, a key aspect of intelligent behavior. The study, involving mice, suggests these circuits may be disrupted in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, potentially advancing treatment by targeting cognitive processes. The findings highlight the brain's ability to map complex behaviors and could inform understanding of mental health conditions.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Ars Technica
Psychiatrists are grappling with the challenge of distinguishing between unintentional injuries from TikTok challenges and potential suicide attempts among children and teens. A case involving a 10-year-old girl highlights the complexity, as she participated in the 'blackout challenge' but also exhibited signs of depression and suicidal thoughts. The situation underscores the need for careful psychiatric evaluation and increased awareness of the dangers of social media challenges. Experts call for more research to understand the impact of these challenges on youth mental health and safety.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Mad in America
Nassir Ghaemi, a psychiatry professor, criticized a systematic review challenging the belief that lithium prevents suicide, labeling it as pseudoscience. The review, which included trials with zero suicides, found no significant difference in suicide rates between lithium and placebo. Ghaemi's response, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, was notably pejorative and unprofessional, suggesting a defensive stance from the biological psychiatry community. The debate highlights the ongoing contention over the efficacy and role of psychiatric drugs in treating mental illnesses.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Neuroscience News
A study analyzing 340,000 texts from 1940-2019 reveals a shift in mental health terminology from "disease" and "disturbance" to "mental health" and "psychiatric," with "mental illness" now the most-used term, reflecting growing recognition of mental health issues. Further research is needed to understand the impact of these terms on those experiencing mental ill health.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
A meta-analysis of 90 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 10,000 adults found that placebos can significantly improve symptoms of various mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. The study supports the ethical use of placebo controls in clinical trials and suggests that initial non-medication approaches may be viable for some patients. However, for disorders like OCD and schizophrenia, medication remains crucial. The findings highlight the importance of belief in treatment and the natural course of mental disorders.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Daily Mail
Psychiatrist Dr. Roy Perlis has sparked outrage among doctors for suggesting that antidepressants should be available over-the-counter without disclosing his financial ties to antidepressant manufacturers. Critics have accused him of bias and unprofessionalism, pointing out the potential side effects and limited effectiveness of antidepressants. Dr. Perlis holds equity in antidepressant manufacturers and has received fees from several pharmaceutical companies. His proposal comes amid calls for other medications, such as birth control pills, to be available over-the-counter.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by National Post
A 20-year-old man in Quebec had two healthy fingers amputated to relieve his intense desire to remove them due to body integrity dysphoria (BID), a rare condition where individuals feel a disconnect between their body and mind. After failed attempts at non-invasive treatments, the elective amputation resulted in immediate relief from distressing preoccupations and improved functionality, allowing the patient to live in alignment with his perceived identity. While controversial, amputation has been used as a treatment for BID in the past, and recognizing and addressing the unique needs of BID patients is crucial for their well-being.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by PsyPost
Psychiatrists detailed a case study of a 70-year-old woman from Hungary who developed erotomania, a delusional belief that a person of higher social status is in love with her, after falling victim to an online romance scam. The woman's vulnerability, compounded by isolation, depressive mood, and mild cognitive impairment, made her susceptible to the fraudulent emotional manipulation. The case underscores the need for increased awareness of the psychological risks associated with online romance fraud, particularly among individuals with preexisting mental health conditions, and highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention in such cases.