Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

May 21, 2020

Survey links employees with mental health resources

In alignment with May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Vanderbilt Behavioral Health and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences are offering employees an additional way to receive support for their mental health.

By Kelsey Herbers
April 23, 2020

Clinical trial to test possible new therapy for autism deficits

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is participating in a multisite clinical trial to test a potential new medication for treating core deficits of autism spectrum disorders in children ages 2-4.

By Kelsey Herbers
Improving social competence in adults with autism is the goal of an upcoming study using the SENSE Theatre program. (photo taken before social distancing.)
April 22, 2020

Study seeks to improve social competence in adults with autism

Researchers from VUMC are investigating whether participation in a specially designed theatre program can improve social competence in adults with autism.

By Kelsey Herbers
April 8, 2020

Self-care crucial for providers during pandemic

High levels of stress and anxiety can be debilitating, especially for health care providers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are ways they can protect themselves and their ability to provide the best and most compassionate care.

By Bill Snyder
March 23, 2020

Report sheds light on U.S. behavioral health crisis

A growing need for behavioral health services compounded by limited access to care has created a health crisis in the United States, according to a report issued by leaders of academic health centers across the country.

By Kelsey Herbers
February 13, 2020

VUMC-led study set to explore risk factors for depression recurrence

VUMC researchers are conducting a five-year multisite trial to explore potential methods for predicting which patients may have a worse course of depression or are most vulnerable to recurrent episodes.

By Kelsey Herbers
February 12, 2020

Study seeks link between menopause, Alzheimer’s

Beginning this month, researchers from VUMC and the University of Vermont are launching a study to examine whether cognitive changes that occur at menopause for some women are related to an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.
By Kelsey Herbers
January 15, 2020

VUMC study to use artificial intelligence to explore suicide risk

Investigators will use computational methods to shed light on suicidal ideation and its relationship to attempted suicide, predict suicidal ideation and suicide attempt using routine electronic health records (EHRs) and explore the genetic underpinnings of both.
By Paul Govern
January 15, 2020

Study sheds light on link between cannabis, anxiety and stress

A molecule produced by the brain that activates the same receptors as marijuana is protective against stress by reducing anxiety-causing connections between two brain regions.
By Kelsey Herbers
December 20, 2019

Reversing stress-related anxiety

Inhibiting COX-2 — an enzyme associated with inflammation — could provide a novel therapeutic approach for stress-related psychiatric disorders.
By VUMC News and Communications
November 27, 2019

Study finds ‘frozen’ fear response may underlie PTSD

To explore how fear becomes entrenched, VUMC researchers traveled down the precise neuronal pathways in the brains of mice that trigger fear responses, and which normally extinguish the behaviors once the danger has passed.
By Bill Snyder
October 10, 2019

Study examines pain processing in co-occurring cancer, Alzheimer’s disease

A new multisite study will examine whether co-occurring Alzheimer’s disease and stage 4 breast or prostate cancer alters pain perception, potentially leading to undertreated cancer pain.
By Kelsey Herbers
September 10, 2019

Relational memory in early psychosis

Studies of relational memory function may reveal novel mechanisms for therapeutic intervention for patients in the early stages of psychosis.
By Kelsey Herbers