Biological Psychiatry

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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.

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.

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.

Brain connections in schizophrenia

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

Networked dots in the shape of a brain

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).

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.