Summer Science
By Thomas Insel on August 24, 2012
Numerous provocative advances in neuroscience were reported during the summer of 2012.
Pre-treatment scans of brain activity predicted whether depressed patients would best achieve remission with an antidepressant medication or psychotherapy, in a study that may help mental health treatment decision-making move beyond trial-and-error. The study sought to identify a biomarker that could predict which type of treatment a patient would benefit from based on the state of his or her brain.
Once considered a childhood rite of passage, bullying lingers well into adulthood. Bullies and victims alike are at risk for psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicide when they become adults, reported a study partially funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that was published in the April issue of JAMA Psychiatry.
NMDA or glutamate receptor modulators as antidepressants have come of age. Human clinical studies demonstrated that ketamine can ward off depressive symptoms within 2 hours of administration and last for several days. Yet serious side effects are attached to this drug, including excessive sleepiness, hallucinations, and substance abuse behavior.
Losing weight is challenging for everyone. It can be particularly difficult for someone with a serious mental illness. An NIMH-funded clinical study proves that a modified diet and exercise program can work for people with serious mental illnesses. Participants lost 7 pounds more than controls—and continued to lose weight.
Five major mental disorders share some of the same genetic risk factors, the largest genome-wide study of its kind has found.
By Thomas Insel on August 24, 2012
Numerous provocative advances in neuroscience were reported during the summer of 2012.
By Thomas Insel on December 06, 2011
Dr. Insel discusses the complicated nature of research on the efficacy antidepressants.
By Thomas Insel on February 10, 2011
Rapid progress in understanding how memory works – from the molecular to the behavioral level – holds promise for improved treatment of memory components of mental disorders.
By Thomas Insel on December 23, 2010
10 breakthroughs and events of 2010 which are changing the way we approach mental disorders.
By Thomas Insel on October 28, 2010
Dr. Insel summarizes NIMH’s research efforts to better understand and treat postpartum depression.