REM sleep silences the siren of the brain
Restless REM sleep disrupts the adjustment of memory traces during sleep. This may increase negative emotions associated with mental health disorders.... Read More...
PTSD
Autism and sensory processing: Avoiding the sensory overload at the root of meltdowns
Sensory processing difficulties associated with ASD, ADHD, and PTSD often result in 'meltdown' behaviors. While researchers are making headway into discovering the mechanisms behind sensory dysfunction, many in society do not understand the implications of the disorder. Researchers tackle how to prevent meltdowns associated with sensory processing disorders, and consider how social inclusion can help break the stigma.... Read More...
Biological toll on brain function of Holocaust survivors revealed
Neuroimaging reveals Holocaust survivors have decreased gray matter in brain structures associated with emotional processing, memory, and social cognition. Early results show similar neuroanatomical changes in the children of survivors, suggesting an epigenetic link. ... Read More...
Researchers look to unlock post-traumatic stress disorder puzzle
Pre-existing neural circuit function can predispose rats to different fearful responses to threat.... Read More...
Mood neurons mature during adolescence
Late developing neurons in the amygdala may be responsible for emotional development and mood disorders, researchers report. ... Read More...
How to train your brain to have lucid dreams
A sleep researcher shares the secrets for training your brain to experience lucid dreams.... Read More...
Overcoming PTSD: Study reveals memory disruption drug target
Levels of a key molecule are elevated in the amygdala of both humans and mouse models of PTSD. The microRNA, mir-135b-5p, may be a novel biomarker for treating the disorder.... Read More...
Early life stress plus overexpressed FKBP5 protein increases anxiety behavior
Early life adversity, coupled with overexpression of the FKBP5 protein, increase susceptibility for later neuropsychiatric disorders, a new mouse study reveals. The association is more pronounced in females.... Read More...
Women who are experiencing domestic abuse are nearly three times as likely to develop mental illness
Women who experience interpersonal violence from their partners are three times as likely to develop a mental health problem, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Not only did researchers find a higher chance of developing a mental illness following domestic abuse, but also discovered those with a mental health problem were more likely to experience abuse in future relationships. ... Read More...
‘Ecstasy’ shows promise for post-traumatic stress treatment
MDMA shows promise for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Combining the use of Ecstasy with psychotherapy treatments resulted in a reduction of PTSD symptoms after just one session. 54% of the study participants no longer met the PTSD criteria after two sessions. Patients also reported improvements in depression symptoms.... Read More...
Healthy fat hidden in dirt may fend off anxiety disorders
10(Z)-hexadecenoic acid, a fatty acid found in the soil based bacterium Mycobacterium vaccae, interacts with immune cells to inhibit pathways that drive inflammation and increases resilience to stress. Researchers say the findings could bring us one step closer to developing a microbe-based "stress vaccine".... Read More...
Autoimmune disease and stress: Is there a link?
Researchers consider why those with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have a previous diagnosis of stress-related disorders. ... Read More...