Recent research reports on Brain, Behavior and Memory
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Low vitamin D levels linked to depression
Low levels of vitamin D already are associated with a cavalcade of health woes from cardiovascular diseases to neurological ailments. This new study -- published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings -- helps clarify a debate that erupted after smaller studies produced conflicting results about the relationship between vitamin D and depression. Major depressive disorder affects nearly one in 10 adults in the U.S.
Inflammation in depression: Chicken or egg?
An important ongoing debate in the field of psychiatry is whether inflammation in the body is a consequence of or contributor to major depression. A new study in Biological Psychiatry attempted to resolve the issue. "Our results support a pathway from childhood depression to increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), even after accounting for other health-related behaviors that are known to influence inflammation. We found no support for the pathway from CRP to increased risk for depression."
The aftermath of trauma influences borderline symptoms
Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) specific invalidation at the time of disclosure and general invalidation contribute to the development of borderline symptoms among previous nondisclosers of CSA.
Preliminary support for imagery rescripting as an early intervention to prevent PTSD
This analogue study investigated the impact of early imagery rescripting on intrusion development after an aversive film. Seventy-six participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: imagery rescripting (IRS), imagery reexperiencing (IRE) and positive imagery (PI). All participants watched an aversive film, had a 30-min break and then received a 9-min intervention (IRS, IRE or PI). The IRS group developed fewer intrusive memories relative to the IRE and PI groups, and fewer negative cognitions than the IRE group.
Study points to long-term recall of very early experiences
Most adults can't recall events that took place before they were 3 or 4 years old a phenomenon called childhood amnesia. While some people can remember what happened at an earlier age, the veracity of their memories is often questioned. Now a new longitudinal study has found that events experienced by children as young as 2 can be recalled after long delays.
Telling the truth
A new study shows that children as young as three or four years old can talk informatively and accurately about experiences including incidents of abuse if they are interviewed by specialists who understand childrens strengths and weaknesses. Its findings, published today in the journal Child Development, may prompt a review of current practice by police and social workers.
Staggered lessons may work better
Are you like a snail? When snails start to learn something, two major molecular cascades kick off in nerve cells. Genes jump into action, churning out proteins that then spur other genes into action. One of these cascades happens quickly, and the other one is sluggish, but both need to deliver their products at the same time for a memory to stick. Instead of evenly spacing the five at 20-minute intervals, new mathematical model suggested a completely different pattern: Give three doses 10 minutes apart, followed by a fourth dose five minutes later, wait a half hour, and then give a final dose.
