Biological Psychiatry

(iStock)
November 30, 2021

Study examines genetic risk for suicide attempt

New research from Vanderbilt identifies the first replicated genomic region contributing to risk of suicide attempt and confirms that genetic risk for the trait is not driven solely by risk for psychiatric disorders.

By Paul Govern
October 29, 2020

Histamine circuits in brain reward center

Histamine — commonly associated with allergies — also has a signaling role in the brain’s reward center and may offer a novel target for treating addiction.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 7, 2019

Brain aging occurs at accelerated rate in patients with psychosis

According to a new study by Vanderbilt researchers, normal brain aging patterns in patients with a psychotic disorder occur at an accelerated rate, impacting the patient’s cognitive functioning and suggesting treatment intervention in the early psychosis period may improve long-term outcomes.

By Kelsey Herbers
March 9, 2018

Brain connections in schizophrenia

Brain imaging studies have implicated the connection between two brain regions in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

By Leigh MacMillan
Networked dots in the shape of a brain
February 8, 2018

Study helps map signaling system in brain linked to ASD

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have worked out part of the “wiring diagram” of a signaling system in the brain that has been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

By Bill Snyder
April 28, 2017

Regulating anxiety in the brain

Two brain signaling pathways have overlapping functions in regulating anxiety, suggesting that therapeutics aimed at one or the other will impact both.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 4, 2016

Probing drug abuse circuitry

Vanderbilt researchers have identified cocaine-induced modifications at specific neuronal connections, which could aid the development of new therapies for substance abuse disorders.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 21, 2015

Brain circuitry in psychosis

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has revealed faulty circuits between the thalamus – a central hub of brain activity – and other brain regions.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 29, 2014

Skin biopsy to diagnose depression?

It may be possible to use skin cells as biomarkers to diagnose and manage depression.
By VUMC News and Communications
February 6, 2014

Antioxidants promising for rare disorder

The antioxidant vitamin E prevented the buildup of toxic products in a model of a rare genetic disorder, suggesting new strategies for therapeutic development.
By Bill Snyder
February 16, 2012

Memory intact in early psychosis

Brain deficits are not present in the early stages of schizophrenia, suggesting it may be possible to delay or prevent the development of brain abnormalities.
By Leigh MacMillan