The Briefing · Psychiatry & Cognitive Neurology
Continuous newsroom coverage of evidence in Psychiatry & Cognitive Neurology — newest first.
This week
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Biallelic EIPR1 Variants Cause Neurodevelopmental Syndrome and Neutropenia
Defects in endosomal recycling and dense core vesicle biogenesis drive a spectrum of microcephaly, ataxia, and spasticity.
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Hong Kong Genome Project Identifies Population-Specific Genetic Variants, Informs Prescriptions
A large-scale genomic initiative in the Chinese population reveals diagnostic rates for rare diseases and pharmacogenomic insights.
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Psychotherapy Benefits for Depression Persist for Years, Meta-analysis Shows
A comprehensive meta-analysis clarifies the long-term trajectory of psychotherapy's effectiveness for adult depression, showing sustained benefits.
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African Ancestry Parkinson’s Disease Linked to Distinct GBA1 and LRRK2 Variants
Genetic screening of 710 African ancestry cases reveals that common European risk variants are absent, replaced by population-specific mutations.
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Sternal Vibration Plus Mindfulness Improves Body Awareness, White Matter in Trauma
A study in trauma-exposed adults found sternal vibration combined with mindfulness meditation enhanced interoceptive awareness and increased neurite.
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Axonic Spines on Axon Initial Segment Initiate Action Potentials, Route Information
A new study in mice identifies axonic spines as a mechanism for precise action potential generation and directed neural circuit communication.
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Social Rank Modulates Empathic Pain via ACC-NAcC Circuit in Mice
A specific glutamatergic pathway and molecular target influence empathic pain responses based on social hierarchy.
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APOE ε2 and ε4 Drive Alzheimer's Risk Through Distinct Molecular Pathways
A multicohort proteomic analysis reveals allele-specific protein signatures influencing Alzheimer's disease risk and progression.
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CTBS to Right DLPFC Reduces Heavy Drinking Relapse Risk in AUD Over 12 Months
Continuous theta-burst stimulation to the right DLPFC lowered heavy-drinking relapse risk in AUD over 12 months in a randomized trial.
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SSRIs Induce Spatially Distinct Molecular Changes in Dorsal Raphe Serotonin Neurons
A mouse study reveals how fluoxetine alters gene expression and neuropeptide levels in specific serotonergic subpopulations.
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CANMAT and ICOCS launch 2025 international guideline for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
New joint guidelines establish a clear, tiered algorithm for OCD management, solidifying first-line options and defining evidence-based augmentation.
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Autism Subtypes Linked to Distinct Brain Connectivity and Biological Pathways
A cross-species neuroimaging study identifies two replicable autism subtypes with specific functional connectivity patterns and biological underpinnin
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Simvastatin Rescues Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's Model via Epigenetic and Synaptic Pathways
A preclinical study in mice identifies specific molecular mechanisms by which simvastatin may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.
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Somatic Symptoms, Sensory Dysregulation Are Core to PTSD Presentation
Current PTSD treatments often fall short because they overlook the central role of physical sensations and sensory processing.
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ED Nudge Strategy Increases Naltrexone Prescribing for Alcohol Misuse
A multicomponent emergency department protocol significantly raised naltrexone initiation for patients with alcohol-related diagnoses.
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Demographics Influence Etiology in 2,052 Patients With Late-Onset Seizures
A multicenter study finds that while stroke remains common, neurodegeneration and unexplained causes dominate the geriatric epilepsy profile.
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Selective HDAC6 Inhibition Improves Motor Function in Preclinical ALS Models
A CNS-penetrant small molecule restores protein clearance and axonal transport, reducing neurofilament levels and TDP-43 pathology.
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Multimodal AI System Matches Clinicians in Simulated Telehealth Diagnostics
A new AI system, multimodal AMIE, integrates diverse data types to achieve high diagnostic accuracy and conversational quality in simulated telehealth
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SHANK3 Haploinsufficiency in Macaques Reveals Diverse Behavioral, Cognitive Phenotypes
A new macaque model of SHANK3 haploinsufficiency provides insights into Phelan-McDermid syndrome and potential biomarkers.
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SSPOP Mutations Linked to Pediatric Epilepsy and Developmental Disorders
Researchers identify pathogenic variants in a supposed pseudogene, expanding the diagnostic landscape for unexplained neurodevelopmental delay.
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Long-Duration Levodopa Response Distinguishes Parkinson's, Predicts Outcomes
A study details how sustained levodopa motor improvement helps differentiate parkinsonian syndromes and offers prognostic insights for PD.
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Gender-Affirming Mastectomy Linked to Sustained Satisfaction, Quality of Life
A cross-sectional study finds high patient-reported chest satisfaction and psychological well-being years after gender-affirming mastectomy.
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Digital and Mixed Interventions Support Physical Activity After Exercise Therapy
An umbrella review suggests digital and mixed delivery methods help patients with chronic conditions maintain physical activity and quality of life.
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Postpartum Psychosis Heritability Estimated, Specific Risk Genes Identified
New research quantifies genetic contributions to postpartum psychosis and identifies specific genes, including shared pathways with other psychiatric