Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) News and Research

Latest Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) News and Research

Study examines correlation between polyunsaturated fatty acids in blood and risk of PTSD

A study published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics has examined the correlation between polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blood and the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder.

6 Dec 2013

Western University research points to promising avenue for PTSD treatment

Pioneering research conducted at Western University (London, Canada) points to a promising avenue for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: utilising neurofeedback training to alter the plasticity of brain networks linked to the condition.

4 Dec 2013

Cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD affects underlying biology of the disorder

A new paper published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder not only reduces symptoms but also affects the underlying biology of this disorder.

4 Dec 2013

Long-term untreated PTSD symptoms may increase risk of cardiovascular health

There is growing concern that long-term untreated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may increase the risk of developing a number of medical problems, particularly compromised cardiovascular health.

2 Dec 2013

Children of PTSD afflicted mothers are at high risk of developing this disorder

A Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) study indicates that children are more likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if their mother is already afflicted.

27 Nov 2013

Inhibition of parvalbumin-expressing prefrontal interneurons triggers fear behaviours

Using an approach combining in vivo recordings and optogenetic manipulations in mice, the researchers succeeded in showing that the inhibition of parvalbumin-expressing prefrontal interneurons triggers a chain reaction resulting in fear behaviour. Conversely, activation of these parvalbumin interneurons significantly reduces fear responses in rodents.

22 Nov 2013

Many Boston-area military veterans psychologically affected by Boston Marathon Bombing

According to a new study, many Boston-area military veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder experienced flashbacks, unwanted memories and other psychological effects as a result of the Boston Marathon Bombing in April 2013.

11 Nov 2013

Researchers use voxel-based morphometry method to study brain structure in PTSD

Wars, earthquakes, major traffic accidents, and terrorist attacks may bring about profound spiritual pains, and even cause extreme fear and helplessness for people that have experienced or witnessed these unusual threats or disasters.

6 Nov 2013

Early-life stress suspected to contribute to development of chronic pain in adulthood

Childhood neglect and abuse, whether physical or psychological, confers a lifetime vulnerability to stress, anxiety, and mood problems. Such early-life stress is also suspected to contribute to the development of chronic pain in adulthood.

6 Nov 2013

Lifestyle of veterans influences their post-deployment wellness

A new study in the American Journal of Health Promotion finds that the lifestyle of veterans both pre- and post-deployment influences their post-deployment wellness.

31 Oct 2013

Websites targeting veterans fail to provide information about risks of tobacco products

Studies have shown that U.S. military veterans smoke at a higher rate than civilians. Websites targeting veterans, however, fail to provide information about the risks of tobacco products and how to quit smoking, finds a new report in the American Journal of Health Promotion.

31 Oct 2013

Ghrelin hormone released during chronic stress may predispose people to PTSD

About a dozen years ago, scientists discovered that a hormone called ghrelin enhances appetite. Dubbed the "hunger hormone," ghrelin was quickly targeted by drug companies seeking treatments for obesity - none of which have yet panned out.

16 Oct 2013

BUSM researchers identify promising biological predictor of PTSD diagnosis

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and several other institutions including the National Center for PSTD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Suffolk University, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University, have determined that psychophysiologic reactivity to trauma-related, script-driven imagery procedures is a promising biological predictor of a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis.

10 Oct 2013

Study shows PTSD increases individual's risk of metabolic syndrome

People suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and death. A new study involving a comprehensive review of the medical literature shows that PTSD also increases an individual's risk of metabolic syndrome.

3 Oct 2013

Study examines new method for beating PTSD related to childhood sexual abuse

A new method for overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder related to childhood sexual abuse has been tested and findings are published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

30 Sep 2013

Discovery of gene essential for memory extinction could lead to new PTSD treatments

If you got beat up by a bully on your walk home from school every day, you would probably become very afraid of the spot where you usually met him. However, if the bully moved out of town, you would gradually cease to fear that area.

19 Sep 2013

Discovery points to clear, workable method to disrupt unwanted memories

The human brain is exquisitely adept at linking seemingly random details into a cohesive memory that can trigger myriad associations-some good, some not so good. For recovering addicts and individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, unwanted memories can be devastating. Former meth addicts, for instance, report intense drug cravings triggered by associations with cigarettes, money, even gum (used to relieve dry mouth), pushing them back into the addiction they so desperately want to leave.

11 Sep 2013

PTSD in mothers linked with increased risk for child maltreatment

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mothers appears to be associated with an increased risk for child maltreatment beyond that associated with maternal depression, according to a study published by JAMA Pediatrics, a JAMA Network publication.

3 Sep 2013

Researchers review limited literature available on PTSD prevention

Current research indicates that at some point in their life up to 84% of people will be exposed to some form of traumatic event. Although effective post-traumatic stress disorder treatments have been - and continue to be - developed, there remains a lack in relevant research pertaining to the prevention of PTSD.

26 Aug 2013

Study: Mental health services should be included into disaster response plans

Mental health services should be integrated into disaster response as part of emergency services planning, according to a new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center psychiatrists who completed an exhaustive review of articles on the aftereffects of disasters on mental health.

8 Aug 2013