Latest

PTSD

This shows a child covering their ears at fireworks

Autism Featured Neurology Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 5, 2019·10 min read

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.

This shows the train track with the entrance to Auschwitz in the distance

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 1, 2019·2 min read

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.

This shows someone with PTSD made from scrabble letters in their hands

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 26, 2019·4 min read

Researchers look to unlock post-traumatic stress disorder puzzle

Pre-existing neural circuit function can predispose rats to different fearful responses to threat.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 24, 2019·8 min read

Mood neurons mature during adolescence

Late developing neurons in the amygdala may be responsible for emotional development and mood disorders, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 20, 2019·5 min read

How to train your brain to have lucid dreams

A sleep researcher shares the secrets for training your brain to experience lucid dreams.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 19, 2019·4 min read

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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 11, 2019·4 min read

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.

This shows a woman holding her head in her hands

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 8, 2019·6 min read

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.

This shows two heads with a psychedelic background

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 30, 2019·4 min read

‘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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 29, 2019·7 min read

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".

This shows a woman covering her face with her hands

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 26, 2019·6 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 23, 2019·6 min read

Proof it’s possible to enhance or suppress memories

Using optogenetics to stimulate different areas of the hippocampus has the ability to enhance or suppress memories in mice. The findings could have implications for suppressing memories associated with traumatic events in PTSD, and also in enhancing cognitive ability or improving memory for those with neurodegenerative diseases, in the future.