Science News
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- New Therapies Show Promise for Vascular Depression; Heart, Metabolic, Risks of Some Antipsychotic Medications Flagged
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May 7, 2008
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Science Update
Researchers see new treatments on the horizon for a type of depression related to blood vessels that affects the elderly, and have discovered why some elderly people fail to respond to current medications. In other studies, scientists urge caution regarding use of antipsychotics (usually for schizophrenia or other psychosis) in this and other populations to minimize metabolic, heart, and stroke risks. - Virtual Reality, Psychotherapy, Show Promise in Treating PTSD Symptoms; Civilian Access to Care Remains a Concern
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May 7, 2008
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Science Update
Early data from an NIMH-sponsored double-blind study of 24 war veterans shows a marked reduction in acoustic startle ─ the reflex response to sudden loud sounds ─ in those treated with virtual reality exposure therapy combined with either d-cycloserine, an antibiotic that has been shown to facilitate the extinction of fear memories; pill placebo; or the anti-anxiety medication alprazolam (Xanax). - Mental Disorders Cost Society Billions in Unearned Income
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May 7, 2008
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Press Release
Major mental disorders cost the nation at least $193 billion annually in lost earnings alone. - Clues to Role of Brain Development as Risk for Mental Disorders May Also Lead to Better Treatments
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May 6, 2008
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Science Update
Increasing evidence points to links between the timing and growth rates of specific brain areas in the young brain and the likelihood of developing a wide range of mental disorders later in life, say researchers convened by NIMH - Imaging Identifies Brain Regions and Chemicals Underlying Mood Disorders; May Lead to Better Treatments
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May 6, 2008
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Science Update
Recently developed imaging techniques allow the mapping of the brain circuits and chemical systems believed responsible for a range of mood abnormalities including depression and bipolar disorder, and hold promise for improved treatments, scientists say. - Studies Identify Subtle Genetic Changes’ Risk for Mental Disorders; May Lead to Targets for New, Better, Therapies
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May 5, 2008
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Science Update
Epigenetics ─ the examination of how environmental factors like diet, stress, and post-natal maternal behavior can change gene function without altering DNA sequence ─ plays a major role in depression and in the actions of antidepressant medications. New studies in the field are revealing new molecular targets for better therapies for depression, scientists say. - Medication-Enhanced Learning in Therapy Hailed as “Paradigm Shift” for Anxiety
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May 1, 2008
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Science Update
A medication that enhances learning, taken just before an exposure therapy session, may aid cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders, say NIMH-funded researchers, who adapted the technique from studies in rats. - Study launched to test possible preventive treatment for schizophrenia in high risk youth
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May 1, 2008
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Science Update
NIMH recently awarded a grant to study whether an intensive, computerized training program can help prevent youth at high risk for developing schizophrenia from having a first psychotic episode and improve adaptive functioning. - Human Brain Appears “Hard-Wired” for Hierarchy
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April 23, 2008
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Press Release
Human imaging studies have for the first time identified brain circuitry associated with social status, according to researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) of the National Institutes of Health. - Mark Your Calendars, NIMH Science Track at APA Annual Meeting, May 3-8, 2008
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April 17, 2008
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Science Update
NIMH will host science track symposia, lectures, press conferences at the American Psychiatric Association 161st Annual Meeting.
