Biological Psychiatry Archives
Study examines genetic risk for suicide attempt
Nov. 30, 2021—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
Oct. 29, 2020—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
Mar. 7, 2019—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
Mar. 9, 2018—Brain imaging studies have implicated the connection between two brain regions in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Study helps map signaling system in brain linked to ASD
Feb. 8, 2018—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
Apr. 28, 2017—Two brain signaling pathways have overlapping functions in regulating anxiety, suggesting that therapeutics aimed at one or the other will impact both.
Probing drug abuse circuitry
Nov. 4, 2016—Vanderbilt researchers have identified cocaine-induced modifications at specific neuronal connections, which could aid the development of new therapies for substance abuse disorders.
Brain circuitry in psychosis
Aug. 21, 2015—Functional magnetic resonance imaging has revealed faulty circuits between the thalamus – a central hub of brain activity – and other brain regions.
Skin biopsy to diagnose depression?
Aug. 29, 2014—It may be possible to use skin cells as biomarkers to diagnose and manage depression.
Antioxidants promising for rare disorder
Feb. 6, 2014—The antioxidant vitamin E prevented the buildup of toxic products in a model of a rare genetic disorder, suggesting new strategies for therapeutic development.
Memory intact in early psychosis
Feb. 16, 2012—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.