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<td><span style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;">PsyPost – Psychology News Daily Digest (Unofficial)</span></td>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/large-scale-study-links-ketamine-to-lower-risk-of-suicidal-ideation-in-depression-patients/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Large-scale study links ketamine to lower risk of suicidal ideation in depression patients</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Oct 15th 2024, 10:00</div>
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<p><p>A recent study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-03033-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Translational Psychiatry</a></em> found that ketamine, a medication typically used as an anesthetic, may significantly reduce suicidal thoughts in individuals with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to those prescribed more common antidepressants. The research shows that those prescribed ketamine had a lower risk of developing suicidal ideation over the short and long term, up to 270 days following treatment, compared to patients taking other antidepressants.</p>
<p>Major depressive disorder is a widespread condition that often recurs, meaning individuals who experience one episode of depression are highly likely to have future episodes. Recurrent MDD can be particularly challenging to treat, and many patients do not respond to traditional antidepressants. Suicidal ideation, or thoughts of suicide, is common among those with MDD and poses a major public health concern, as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States.</p>
<p>In recent years, ketamine has emerged as a promising treatment option for people with treatment-resistant depression. Research suggests that it can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation. However, most studies on ketamine’s effects have focused on the short term, and there is limited evidence regarding its long-term impact on suicidal thoughts.</p>
<p>“Ketamine is increasingly used for managing depression. Recent clinical trials showed promising benefits (relatively short follow-up time). However, long-term real-world evidence of effects of ketamine in patients of MDD is lacking,” said study author <a href="https://case.edu/medicine/aicenter/about/faculty-and-staff/rong-xu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rong Xu</a>, a professor of biomedical informatics and director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.</p>
<p>The research team conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network, a platform that aggregates electronic health records from millions of patients across 62 healthcare organizations. This network provided access to data from over 108 million patients, allowing the researchers to study a large and diverse group of individuals with recurrent MDD.</p>
<p>The study focused on 514,988 patients who had been diagnosed with recurrent MDD and were prescribed antidepressants between January 2019 and January 2023. The researchers divided the patients into two groups: those who were prescribed ketamine and those who were prescribed more common antidepressants such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or bupropion. Patients prescribed ketamine could also have been taking other antidepressants, as ketamine is often used alongside other treatments.</p>
<p>To ensure the two groups were comparable, the researchers used a method called propensity-score matching, which balances the groups based on various factors such as age, gender, race, medical history, and socioeconomic status. This technique helps minimize potential biases that could affect the results. After matching, each group had 21,372 patients, allowing for a fair comparison of the effects of ketamine versus other antidepressants.</p>
<p>The primary outcome the researchers examined was the presence of suicidal ideation, as recorded in patients’ health records. They tracked the occurrence of suicidal thoughts in both groups over different time periods, ranging from one week to 270 days after the initial prescription.</p>
<p>The study found that ketamine was associated with a significantly lower risk of suicidal ideation compared to other antidepressants. Within the first week of treatment, patients prescribed ketamine were about 37% less likely to develop suicidal thoughts. This effect remained consistent over time, with the risk being about 22% lower even after 270 days.</p>
<p>“Our study showed potential benefits of ketamine in reducing sucide risk in patients with MDD compared with other antidepressants,” Xu told PsyPost.</p>
<p>The beneficial effects of ketamine were particularly notable in certain demographic groups. Patients over the age of 24, both male and female, saw the most significant reductions in suicidal ideation. White patients also experienced a greater reduction in suicidal thoughts compared to those prescribed other antidepressants.</p>
<p>However, no significant difference was observed for patients under the age of 24 or for Black patients. The researchers suggest that these variations might be due to smaller sample sizes in these subgroups, which could limit the strength of the findings. Future studies with larger and more diverse samples are needed to better understand how ketamine affects different populations.</p>
<p>Despite its promising findings, the study has several limitations. First, because it is a retrospective study based on electronic health records, it is difficult to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between ketamine use and reduced suicidal ideation. The study can only show an association, meaning it is possible that other factors not accounted for in the data influenced the results.</p>
<p>“This is an associational study using patient electronic health records, which has inherent limitations of unmeasured and uncontrolled confounding and biases,” Xu noted. “Therefore, no causal inference can be drawn.”</p>
<p>Future research could focus on comparing ketamine directly with specific antidepressants and other non-drug treatments, such as therapy or electroconvulsive therapy. Additionally, understanding the optimal dosage and duration of ketamine treatment for reducing suicidal thoughts is an important next step.</p>
<p>“We will continue to monitor the risk and benefits of ketamine in real-world patients with MDD,” Xu said.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-024-03033-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suicidal ideation following ketamine prescription in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder: a nation-wide cohort study</a>,” was authored by Yiheng Pan, Maria P. Gorenflo, Pamela B. Davis, David C. Kaelber, Susan De Luca, and Rong Xu.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/girls-with-adhd-in-childhood-tend-to-become-less-conscientious-and-agreeable-as-adolescents/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Girls with ADHD in childhood tend to become less conscientious and agreeable as adolescents</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Oct 15th 2024, 08:00</div>
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<p><p>A longitudinal study of a racially and socioeconomically diverse group of girls found that those diagnosed with ADHD in childhood tend to become less conscientious, agreeable, and emotionally stable as they grow up. Girls from higher-income families tended to describe their personalities in a more negative way. The paper was published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10802-024-01204-x"><em>Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology</em></a>.</p>
<p>Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD struggle with staying focused, following instructions, and managing time. Most often, it is diagnosed in childhood, usually when a child starts school. It can persist into adulthood, but symptoms tend to vary with age.</p>
<p>The causes of ADHD are not fully understood. However, there is an extensive list of well-studied consequences. Studies link ADHD with worse academic performance. As they grow up, individuals with ADHD often struggle to stay organized, meet deadlines, or maintain focus on tasks, leading to work-related difficulties. These individuals are also more likely to face financial problems, challenges with romantic relationships, and are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues.</p>
<p>Study author Laura J. Bell and her colleagues wanted to explore the relationship between inattention and hyperactivity in childhood, two defining symptoms of ADHD and personality traits in adolescence. They analyzed data from various sources and at different time points to minimize the risk of bias in their conclusions. These researchers hypothesized that children with ADHD will, on average, tend to have lower conscientiousness, be less agreeable, and less emotionally stable.</p>
<p>The authors analyzed data from the Berkeley Girls with ADHD Longitudinal Study, which is a longitudinal dataset that assessed ADHD in childhood and Big Five personality traits in adolescence. The Big Five personality traits are a widely accepted model that describes human personality through five broad traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability (or neuroticism).</p>
<p>Data came from 228 girls, 140 of whom were diagnosed with ADHD, while 88 were without this diagnosis. Of the girls with ADHD, 93 had high levels of both inattention and hyperactivity. Their ADHD symptoms were assessed when they were between 6 and 12 years old, while personality assessments were conducted when the girls were between 11 and 18, i.e., when participants were old enough to rate their own personality traits.</p>
<p>Assessments of ADHD symptoms were collected using a parent and teacher report questionnaire (the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham questionnaire), while ADHD diagnosis was established using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children. When these girls became adolescents, they completed a popular assessment of personality—the Big Five Inventory. From this inventory, the authors calculated their personality trait scores and also developed an indicator of negative self-views in adolescence, reflecting how negatively participants described themselves.</p>
<p>Results showed that girls with ADHD in childhood tended to have lower scores on the personality traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness and higher scores on neuroticism. In other words, they tended to be less conscientious, less agreeable, and less emotionally stable. ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity were associated with these same personality traits in adolescence. Consequently, girls with ADHD tended to have more negative self-views as adolescents, as the negative self-view score is derived from these three personality traits.</p>
<p>Further analysis revealed that the strength of the link between ADHD symptoms and negative self-views depended on family income. The link was stronger in girls from high-income families, while it was weaker in girls from low-income families. The authors believe this may be due to stronger familial pressure to achieve in higher-income families, producing more pronounced negative effects of ADHD on personality development.</p>
<p>“Indeed, it may be that negative self-perceptions emanating from childhood ADHD are a potential mechanism by which difficult adult outcomes are perpetuated, perhaps via a “scar” model. Personality shows considerable malleability, so that if personality (or “identity”/self-concept) accounts for relations between childhood ADHD and adult dysfunction, it could potentially become an intervention target (e.g., inoculation against negative self-perceptions via psychoeducation, targeted skill building, and/or enhancement of strengths),” the study authors concluded.</p>
<p>The study sheds light on the links between personality and ADHD. However, it should be noted that there is substantial overlap between the concepts of inattention and conscientiousness, meaning that associations could be expected. Additionally, personality traits in adolescence are still developing and might differ somewhat from those in adulthood.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-024-01204-x">ADHD Symptoms in Childhood and Big Five Personality Traits in Adolescence: A Five‑Year Longitudinal Study in Girls,</a>” was authored by Laura J. Bell, Oliver P. John, and Stephen P. Hinshaw.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/new-intranasal-rna-therapy-shows-promise-in-boosting-memory-and-reducing-anxiety/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">New intranasal RNA therapy shows promise in boosting memory and reducing anxiety</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Oct 15th 2024, 06:00</div>
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<p><p>A recent study published in <em><a href="https://gp.genomicpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GP0043-Rohn-2024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Genomic Psychiatry</a></em> has unveiled a promising new therapy that may help improve memory and reduce anxiety. The study, conducted by scientists at Cognigenics, explores the potential of an innovative intranasal treatment known as COG-201. This therapy uses RNA-based technology to decrease the activity of a specific serotonin receptor in the brain, leading to significant improvements in memory and reductions in anxiety-like behaviors in rodent models.</p>
<p>The motivation behind the study lies in the significant public health burden posed by neurological conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and anxiety disorders. MCI is often viewed as a transitional state between normal aging and dementia, affecting millions worldwide. Anxiety disorders are also highly prevalent, frequently co-occurring with cognitive decline. Currently, no single treatment addresses both cognitive impairment and anxiety, and the available therapeutic options are limited.</p>
<p>Given these challenges, the researchers set out to explore an innovative treatment approach using RNA interference (RNAi), a genetic technique that can selectively reduce the activity of specific genes. The target of their therapy, the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, plays an essential role in regulating mood, anxiety, and cognitive functions. By focusing on this receptor, the researchers aimed to develop a therapy that could improve both memory and anxiety symptoms simultaneously, offering hope for more comprehensive treatment options.</p>
<p>“My struggles with anxiety and my relentless pursuit of novel treatment options have significantly fueled my dedication to this field of work. Gene therapy, such as COG-201, described in our most recent publication, offers that hope; I argue that these tailor-made medications are the future of therapeutics,” said Troy T. Rohn, the director of preclinical studies for <a href="https://www.cognigenics.io/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cognigenics</a>, a professor of biology at Boise State University, and the lead author of the study.</p>
<p>The study used COG-201, an intranasal therapy based on short hairpin RNA (shRNA). This RNA molecule is designed to interfere with the expression of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor gene, reducing its activity in the brain. The therapy was administered through a nasal spray, making it non-invasive and potentially easy to use in future clinical settings.</p>
<p>To evaluate the therapy’s effects, the researchers conducted experiments on animal models, specifically mice and rats. They first developed a shRNA designed to reduce the production of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor by targeting its gene, HTR2A. The treatment was delivered using an adeno-associated virus (AAV9) vector, which served as a carrier to transport the shRNA into the neurons.</p>
<p>The researchers assessed the animals’ memory and anxiety levels using established behavioral tests. For memory, they employed the novel object recognition test, which measures how much time animals spend exploring new objects versus familiar ones. Animals with better memory are expected to spend more time investigating new objects. To evaluate anxiety, they observed the animals’ behaviors in environments that typically elicit anxiety-like responses, such as open fields or elevated platforms.</p>
<p>The study also included an in-depth analysis of how the therapy affected the brain on a molecular level. The researchers examined brain tissue from treated animals to confirm that the shRNA successfully reduced the expression of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. They used a combination of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot techniques to measure the receptor’s mRNA and protein levels in the brain. Additionally, they monitored the electrical activity of neurons in cultured brain cells to determine how reducing the receptor’s activity affected overall brain function.</p>
<p>The results of the study were promising. Animals treated with COG-201 displayed significant improvements in memory and reductions in anxiety-like behaviors. In the novel object recognition test, treated rats spent considerably more time exploring new objects compared to untreated animals, indicating better memory retention. The researchers calculated a discrimination index, a measure of memory performance, and found that the treated group scored 22.5% higher than the control group, which exhibited a negative score.</p>
<p>“The profound effects we found on the improvement of memory were very much unexpected,” Rohn told PsyPost. “This was based on the literature that hinted at a possible role of the 5-HT2A receptor in memory, but it certainly was not a role written in stone.”</p>
<p>On the anxiety front, the treated animals showed reduced anxiety-like behaviors in anxiety-inducing environments. This suggested that COG-201 may have a dual benefit: improving memory while also alleviating anxiety.</p>
<p>The molecular data supported these behavioral findings. The researchers confirmed that the intranasal delivery of COG-201 effectively reduced the expression of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor in the brains of both mice and rats. There was a 38% reduction in receptor mRNA levels and a corresponding 34% decrease in receptor protein levels in treated neurons. This knockdown of receptor expression was directly linked to changes in neuronal activity. Neurons in treated animals showed a decrease in electrical activity, which aligns with the theory that reducing serotonin 5-HT2A receptor activity could dampen the excitatory signals that contribute to anxiety and memory deficits.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the study revealed that while individual neurons showed reduced activity, there was an increase in synchronized network activity among groups of neurons. This suggests that COG-201 may enhance the brain’s ability to coordinate information processing, which could explain the improvements in memory.</p>
<p>“The evolution of gene therapy from a science fiction plot to a tangible real-world solution with the potential to revolutionize the way anxiety and various neuropsychiatric conditions are treated is genuinely remarkable,” Rohn said. “I am excited about the impact our work at Cognigenics may have in motivating scientists, patients, and healthcare professionals to explore possibilities for advancements in medicine and patient care as we enter a promising era of personalized treatment options tailored to individual needs. I believe gene therapy is set to become the landmark medical breakthrough of the 21st century, offering solutions to various diseases and ushering in what I believe will be the Golden Age of Medicine.”</p>
<p>While the findings from this study are encouraging, there are some important limitations to consider. First, the experiments were conducted in animal models, and results from such studies do not always translate directly to humans. The researchers acknowledged that while rodents are useful for initial testing, their brain structure and function differ from humans in significant ways.</p>
<p>“The major caveat is that rodent models may not directly translate to human central nervous system (CNS) diseases,” Rohn noted. “Also, considering the immense olfactory region in rodents, translating the ability of COG-201 to gain entry into the brain via intranasal delivery is not certain.”</p>
<p>Looking ahead, the researchers plan to continue studying the mechanisms behind COG-201 and its potential to treat other conditions beyond mild cognitive impairment and anxiety. They are particularly interested in exploring how the therapy could be adapted to target other receptors and conditions, paving the way for a new class of RNA-based treatments for neurological disorders.</p>
<p>A key goal is “gaining approval to start human clinical trials of COG-201,” Rohn said. “We are also interested in using our platform to potentially target other receptor systems to target currently untreatable diseases.”</p>
<p>“We have struggled in the past nine months to obtain the necessary capital to take us into clinical trials,” he added. “I now realize how naive my academic mind was in understanding the world of venture capitalists.”</p>
<p>“My thinking was akin to the quote from <em>Field of Dreams</em>: ‘If you build it, they will come.’ In the past five years, we have accumulated robust proof-of-concept data for our gene therapy strategy, so naturally, in my mind, the money would follow. Through these experiences, I have realized that creating a foundation of science does not necessarily lead to financial backing, especially in the volatile realm of venture capital, where success often depends on factors beyond having reliable preclinical data.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://gp.genomicpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/GP0043-Rohn-2024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Treatment with shRNA to knockdown the 5-HT2A receptor improves memory in vivo and decreases excitability in primary cortical neurons</a>,” was authored by Troy T. Rohn, Dean Radin, Tracy Brandmeyer, Peter G. Seidler, Barry J. Linder, Tom Lytle, David Pyrce, John L. Mee, and Fabio Macciardi.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/sugary-diets-associated-with-greater-likelihood-of-depression/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Sugary diets associated with greater likelihood of depression</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Oct 14th 2024, 16:00</div>
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<p><p>A new study has found that individuals who prefer sweet foods and drinks are more likely to experience depression. Published in the <em><a href="https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-024-05663-0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Journal of Translational Medicine</a></em>, the research revealed that people with a “sweet tooth” had a 31% higher likelihood of depression compared to those who preferred healthier options.</p>
<p>The new study also sought to address gaps in nutrition research by using data-driven methods to explore the biological pathways that could connect dietary habits to mental health and other health conditions.</p>
<p>“In the field of nutrition research, there is still an unmet need for clarity of the effects of food types we choose on our health,” said study author Hana Navratilova, a PhD candidate at the University of Surrey. “This can be addressed by leveraging data-driven methods that offer practical solutions for nutrition problems. Developments in this area offer clear benefits for nutritionists, healthcare professionals, as well as clients/patients. For example, a nutritionist can get a gist of a client’s health risk and, by focusing on clients’ food preferences, tailor nutritional advice more effectively. From a client’s perspective, they can identify their risks before consulting a nutritionist or dietitian for further advice.”</p>
<p>The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database that includes health and lifestyle information from over 500,000 participants aged 40 to 69 years. For this research, the team focused on 180,000 individuals who completed a detailed Food Preference Questionnaire in 2019. The questionnaire asked participants to rate their preference for 140 food items—such as fruits, vegetables, meats, sweets, and beverages—on a nine-point scale ranging from extreme dislike to extreme like. The study excluded participants who had a significant number of missing or incomplete responses to ensure accuracy.</p>
<p>The researchers employed latent profile analysis, a statistical method, to categorize participants into three distinct food preference profiles based on their questionnaire responses: (1) Health-conscious, who favored fruits, vegetables, and healthier food options, (2) Omnivores, who enjoyed a broad range of foods, including meats, fish, and some sweets, and (3) Sweet tooth, who had a strong preference for sugary foods and drinks and a lower interest in healthier foods like fruits and vegetables.</p>
<p>“Similar to an MBTI (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator) personality test, our study provides an overview of someone’s health profile based on their food preferences,” Navratilova told PsyPost. “However, this profile isn’t fixed, it helps identify areas for improvement to achieve better health.</p>
<p>In addition to the food preference data, the researchers analyzed health outcomes and biological markers in blood samples from the participants. They examined how each food preference profile was associated with conditions such as depression, diabetes, stroke, and other chronic diseases. They also examined biomarkers such as blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers to assess any metabolic differences between the groups.</p>
<p>The study’s key finding was that individuals in the sweet tooth group were at significantly higher risk for various health issues. Specifically, they were 31% more likely to suffer from depression compared to those in the other two groups. Additionally, participants with a strong preference for sweet foods were more likely to have higher rates of diabetes and stroke. These findings suggest that a diet high in sugary foods and drinks may negatively impact both mental and physical health.</p>
<p>In contrast, the health-conscious group, which preferred fruits and vegetables, exhibited more favorable health outcomes. They had lower levels of inflammatory markers, healthier cholesterol profiles, and were at reduced risk for conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The omnivore group fell between the health-conscious and sweet tooth groups in terms of health risks, reflecting their more balanced but less targeted dietary choices.</p>
<p>The biological analysis revealed notable differences in blood markers between the groups. For example, the health-conscious group had higher levels of beneficial fatty acids and ketone bodies, which are associated with better metabolic health. The sweet tooth group, on the other hand, exhibited higher levels of biomarkers linked to poorer metabolic outcomes, such as elevated blood glucose. These metabolic differences provide insight into how dietary preferences might contribute to the development of chronic diseases over time.</p>
<p>“What’s surprising is that these profiles were identified without relying on actual food intake, only individual preferences as reported by over 180,000 people in the UK Biobank, yet we were able to identify biomarkers that are meaningful to health status,” Navratilova said.</p>
<p>“Our findings show that essentially, you are what you <em>like</em> to eat,” added senior author Nophar Geifman, a professor of health and biomedical informatics at the University of Surrey. “But, we don’t want people to walk away from reading this research thinking their future health is pre-determined and fixed, that whichever foods they tend to like will directly affect their health outcomes. There is an obvious link between what we like to eat and what we actually eat – but individuals have a choice; Increasing dietary fiber intake while reducing that of sugars and ultra-processed foods will contribute to better health outcomes.”</p>
<p>Although this study offers valuable insights, it is not without limitations. One of the main limitations is that it relied on self-reported data from participants, which can introduce bias. People may not always accurately report their food preferences or health conditions. Additionally, the cross-sectional nature of the study means that it cannot establish cause and effect—only associations between food preferences and health risks.</p>
<p>“These findings still need to be validated in different cohorts and populations to ensure their wider generalizability,” Navratilova said.</p>
<p>For future research, the authors suggest exploring whether personalized nutrition advice based on food preferences could help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They also recommend further studies that track changes in food preferences over time and how these changes might influence health outcomes. The research team aims to develop tools that could help individuals, nutritionists, and healthcare providers use data about food preferences to offer more personalized and effective dietary advice.</p>
<p>“Building on this work, our longer-term goal is to develop AI-based personalized nutrition tools that can enable individuals, nutritionists and healthcare providers, to make informed decisions about their diet and health that are also aligned with their own personal circumstances and preferences,” Navratilova said.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-05663-0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Artificial intelligence driven definition of food preference endotypes in UK Biobank volunteers is associated with distinctive health outcomes and blood based metabolomic and proteomic profiles</a>,” was authored by Hana F. Navratilova, Anthony D. Whetton, and Nophar Geifman.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/around-3-of-children-suffer-from-symptoms-of-both-autism-and-adhd/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Around 3% of children suffer from symptoms of both autism and ADHD</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Oct 14th 2024, 14:00</div>
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<p><p>A study in Spain found that around 3% of schoolchildren exhibit symptoms of both autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Approximately 0.5% of children could be diagnosed with both disorders. About 33% of autistic children and 31% of those with autism symptoms that do not reach the diagnostic threshold also had ADHD. Additionally, 10% of children with ADHD also had autism. The paper was published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.3146"><em>Autism Research</em></a>.</p>
<p>Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. It affects individuals differently, ranging from mild to severe, with some people displaying significant intellectual disabilities, while others may have average or above-average intelligence. Early signs of autism typically appear in childhood, often before age three, and can include delayed speech, difficulty understanding social cues, and a preference for routine.</p>
<p>Another mental health disorder often diagnosed in childhood is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. Individuals with ADHD may struggle to focus, organize tasks, sit still, or control impulses, which can affect their performance at school, work, and in social situations. ADHD can persist into adulthood, often requiring ongoing management.</p>
<p>Study author Josefa Canals and her colleagues aimed to explore how often ADHD and autism co-occur in the same children. The study was part of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Epidemiological Research Project, conducted between 2014 and 2019 in the province of Tarragona, Spain.</p>
<p>The study participants included 3,374 preschoolers (4–5 years old) and 3,520 school-aged children (10–11 years old). Over 99% of the teachers of these children participated in the study, but only 54% of the families did, resulting in a final sample of 3,727 children with information from both families and teachers. The study authors determined the likelihood of autism and ADHD based on information obtained from both parents and teachers.</p>
<p>The results showed that around 3% of children had symptoms of both autism and ADHD. The co-occurrence of autism and ADHD was much higher in boys than in girls—4–5% vs. 1–2%, depending on whether the diagnosis was based on information from parents or teachers. The study authors estimated that around 0.5% of children could be formally diagnosed with both disorders.</p>
<p>Thirty-three percent of children with autism also had ADHD, with the rate being higher among older children (46%) compared to younger ones (22%). Ten percent of children with ADHD also had autism, with the percentage being somewhat higher among younger children (16%) than older children (8%). However, it remains unclear if this difference is due to random variation. An additional 6% of children with autism showed symptoms of ADHD that did not reach the diagnostic threshold.</p>
<p>“Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently coexist, but prevalence reports exhibit significant variability based on population characteristics and assessment methods. In the present study, parents and teachers reported a similar 3% prevalence of autism and ADHD traits, with an estimated comorbid diagnosis prevalence of 0.5%. Only 16% of the children had received prior diagnoses for both conditions, although parents and teachers identified traits of autism and ADHD in almost all cases. Based on the findings, early screening for co-occurring autism and ADHD in both school and family settings is recommended,” the study authors concluded.</p>
<p>The study sheds light on the prevalence of ADHD and autism among children in Spain. However, it should be noted that this study only involved children from one province in Spain, and the reported percentages might not be the same in other parts of the world.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.3146">Prevalence of comorbidity of autism and ADHD and associated characteristics in school population: EPINED study,</a>” was authored by Josefa Canals, Paula Morales-Hidalgo, Núria Voltas, and Carmen Hernandez-Martínez.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/new-study-reveals-lasting-impact-of-childhood-adversity-on-brain-development/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">New study reveals lasting impact of childhood adversity on brain development</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Oct 14th 2024, 12:00</div>
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<p><p>A new study published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291724000710"><em>Psychological Medicine</em></a> sheds light on how childhood adversities, such as abuse and neglect, can affect brain development, even in children who do not show signs of psychiatric disorders. Researchers analyzed brain scans of nearly 1,000 young people and found that those who experienced higher levels of adversity had distinct patterns of brain activity, particularly in regions involved in self-reflection and emotional processing.</p>
<p>The brain undergoes significant development during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. While many factors contribute to brain growth, negative experiences, such as abuse, neglect, and exposure to adversity, can disrupt typical development and increase the risk of mental health issues later in life. However, there is still limited understanding of how early life adversity affects brain architecture, especially in individuals who do not have diagnosed psychiatric conditions.</p>
<p>The goal of this study was to investigate whether it was possible to identify patterns of atypical brain development in a large, population-based sample of otherwise healthy children and young people. By focusing on resting-state brain activity, the researchers sought to pinpoint neural signatures that distinguish typical from atypical development and explore how these brain patterns are associated with adversity.</p>
<p>“Children go through a myriad of factors during the developmental stage. We do not know which factor has maximal impact on the brain and can tip the balance from healthy to unhealthy development,” said study author Rajan Kashyap, an assistant professor (Ramalingaswami Fellow), at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in India</p>
<p>The study was based on resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) data from a subsample of 987 participants from the Consortium on Vulnerability to Externalizing Disorders and Addictions (cVEDA) cohort, which overall includes nearly 9,000 children, adolescents, and young adults aged 6 to 23 years. This cohort represents a diverse population from different regions of India, many of whom were exposed to various forms of adversity, including abuse, neglect, and socioeconomic challenges.</p>
<p>The researchers applied a technique known as dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) to these brain scans. This method helps to analyze complex, time-varying brain activity by breaking it down into distinct dynamic modes (DMs), which reflect patterns of neural activity.</p>
<p>“The work uses AI-based techniques to understand the mental health in the brain data of a larger population,” Kashyap said. “Without AI, such understanding from data is impossible.”</p>
<p>Using the DMD technique, the researchers classified the participants into two groups based on their brain activity patterns. One group, which consisted of 809 participants, had relatively homogeneous brain activity patterns, which were considered typical of healthy neurodevelopment. The other group, comprising 178 participants, had more heterogeneous or atypical brain activity patterns, indicating potential deviations from typical development.</p>
<p>The atypical group showed distinct differences in brain activity within the default mode network, particularly in regions located in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. These areas are known to be involved in higher-order cognitive functions, such as decision-making, emotional regulation, and social interactions.</p>
<p>After classifying the participants based on their brain activity patterns, the researchers compared a wide range of measures between the two groups. The researchers did not initially assume which behavioral traits would differ between the groups. Instead, the researchers compared a wide range of factors, including socioeconomic status, cognitive abilities, psychopathology, and measures of adversity, such as abuse and neglect. They then examined how these factors correlated with brain activity patterns across different age groups.</p>
<p>The study’s most significant finding was that participants in the atypical brain activity group had experienced significantly higher levels of adversity compared to those in the typical group. Specifically, the participants in the atypical group were more likely to have been exposed to abuse and neglect during childhood. Abuse, in particular, emerged as the strongest factor associated with atypical brain development.</p>
<p>“A kid’s home is the temple for his/her brain’s development,” Kashyap told PsyPost. “Abuse and neglect at home can alter the functional architecture of the brain.”</p>
<p>Despite these differences in exposure to adversity, there were no significant differences in cognitive performance between the two groups. This suggests that while early life adversity can alter brain development, it may not immediately manifest in measurable cognitive impairments. However, the researchers noted that the long-term effects of these brain alterations on mental health and cognition might become more apparent later in life.</p>
<p>Interestingly, the study found that the relationship between adversity and brain activity varied depending on the age of the participants. Among children in the atypical group, disruptions were most prominent in the parietal regions of the brain, which are involved in processing sensory information and spatial awareness. In adolescents, the disruptions shifted to the frontal regions, which are responsible for executive functions such as planning and impulse control.</p>
<p>By young adulthood, the disruptions were found in both the parietal and temporal regions, the latter of which plays a critical role in memory and emotion processing. This age-dependent shift suggests that the brain’s response to adversity may evolve as children grow and develop.</p>
<p>In contrast, the typical group exhibited a stable pattern of brain activity across all age groups, with consistent activation in default mode network regions. This consistency reflects a typical developmental trajectory where the brain matures in a predictable manner, without significant disruptions caused by external factors such as adversity.</p>
<p>“Our sample consists of a population (6-23 years) from rich, middle, and poor socioeconomic backgrounds,” Kashyap said. “The participants had varying levels of education, with some receiving good education while others had little to no education. Some participants came from areas affected by terrorism, and some had parents who suffered from neuropsychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that, regardless of where a child grows up, the home environment matters the most.”</p>
<p>But the study, like all research, has limitations. The data were collected at a single point in time, meaning the researchers could not track how brain patterns changed over time or establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between adversity and brain development. Longitudinal studies, where participants are followed over several years, would provide a more detailed understanding of how childhood adversity affects brain development and how these effects might evolve into adulthood.</p>
<p>Another limitation is that the study focused on a relatively healthy population without diagnosed psychiatric conditions. As a result, it is unclear how these brain patterns might relate to clinical mental health issues that emerge later in life. Future research should explore whether individuals with atypical brain development are at higher risk for developing mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, and whether interventions targeting early life adversity could mitigate these risks.</p>
<p>“I primarily work on understanding the trajectory of brain ageing from birth to death,” Kashyap said. “In <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hbm.24873" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our previous work</a> using Human Connectome Project data (25-90 years), we found that substance use as well as higher rates of smoking and drinking alter the functional architecture of the brain and can make you vulnerable to neuropsychiatric problems. The work became the cover-page of the Human Brain Mapping journal.”</p>
<p>“With this current work, we find that the root for altered brain signatures start from childhood — particularly a person’s environment at home. Longitudinal analysis of population-based brain data can help us to understand the tipping point at which neuropsychiatric disorders can start and the ways we can adopt to stay healthy.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/childhood-adversities-characterize-the-heterogeneity-in-the-brain-pattern-of-individuals-during-neurodevelopment/0764CFD619C23052786628676FF31B82" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Childhood adversities characterize the heterogeneity in the brain pattern of individuals during neurodevelopment</a>,” was authored by Rajan Kashyap, Bharath Holla, Sagarika Bhattacharjee, Eesha Sharma, Urvakhsh Meherwan Mehta, Nilakshi Vaidya, Rose Dawn Bharath, Pratima Murthy, Debashish Basu, Subodh Bhagyalakshmi Nanjayya, Rajkumar Lenin Singh, Roshan Lourembam, Amit Chakrabarti, Kamakshi Kartik, Kartik Kalyanram, Kalyanaraman Kumaran, Ghattu Krishnaveni, Murali Krishna, Rebecca Kuriyan, Sunita Simon Kurpad, Sylvane Desrivieres, Meera Purushottam, Gareth Barker, Dimitri Papadopoulos Orfanos, Matthew Hickman, Jon Heron, Mireille Toledano, Gunter Schumann, Vivek Benegal, and the Consortium on Vulnerability to Externalizing Disorders and Addictions (cVEDA).</p></p>
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<p><strong>Forwarded by:<br />
Michael Reeder LCPC<br />
Baltimore, MD</strong></p>
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