Researchers discover the brain circuits that rapidly detect friend or foe
Three key components have been identified, which allow for the rapid processing of emotion to assess whether someone is a potential friend or foe. ... Read More...
psychosis
Distinct brain region alterations in youth with psychosis spectrum disorders
Teens with psychosis spectrum disorders have significantly reduced surface areas in the orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate, precentral, and postcentral brain regions. MRI scans also revealed decreased thalamic volume.... Read More...
Cannabis study reveals how CBD offsets the psychiatric side-effects of THC
CBD blocks the ability of THC to overstimulate the ERK pathway in the hippocampus, preventing negative side effects associated with cannabis use.... Read More...
Abused or neglected children are four times more likely to develop serious mental illness
Adults who were maltreated as children have an increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and anxiety than their peers who were not abused.... Read More...
Teens are using a highly potent form of marijuana
Many teens are turning away from using traditional marijuana and are using marijuana concentrates. Marijuana concentrates increate the risk for addiction, psychosis, and cognitive impairment.... Read More...
Neurological brain markers might detect risk for psychotic disorders
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for psychosis in the striatal dopamine neurons. Those at risk for psychosis showed increased activation in the striatum for positive feedback and decreased activation when faced with negative feedback.... Read More...
Some women with psychotic disorders are more vulnerable around the time of menstruation
A new study confirms the link between menstruation and worsening of psychosis symptoms in women with mental health disorders. Researchers found psychiatric admissions for women were one-and-a-half times higher during the time of menstruation. ... Read More...
Immune system and mental health are connected
Researchers explore the link between the immune system and mental health disorders. Cytokines appear to play a critical role in the development and progression of mental illness. They question if administering prednisolone, a steroid that curbs inflammation, can have a beneficial effect on treating and preventing mental health problems.... Read More...
Study examines cannabis’ effects on brain neurochemistry
Study evaluates the effects of regular cannabis use on cortical dopamine function in youth at high risk of psychosis. ... Read More...
Guns and mental illness – The facts and consequences of using a blanket term so vaguely
Despite widespread propaganda, people with mental illnesses only commit 3-4% of all violent acts within the U.S in any given year. Mental health conditions are more strongly associated with suicide, not homicide. Restricting access to guns for those with mental health issues does not take into account those who already own guns and develop mental health conditions over their lifetime. Researchers say, given the climate of blame, people with severe mental health disorders may be dissuaded from seeking treatment.... Read More...
Dissociative disorders are nearly as common as depression. So why haven’t we heard about them?
Dissociative disorders affect 10-11% of people at some point in their life. Dissociation is often the result of a traumatic event and can lead to emotional numbness. The condition is often comorbid with other mental health disorders. However, dissociative disorders are often overlooked. A new paper explores the phenomena of dissociation and calls for more understanding of the condition.... Read More...
Why marijuana affects different people differently
By looking at THC’s effect on a rat brain, the researchers showed that THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can produce highly rewarding effects in the front-most part of a region of the brain called the nucleus accumbens. The image is in the public domain.... Read More...