National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

🧬 Did you know that a number of genes can influence a person’s chances of developing bipolar disorder? In an NIMH-funded worldwide collaborative study, researchers discovered 298 gene locations associated with the disorder, four times more than had been found in previous studies. These included 36 genes credibly linked to the disorder. Researchers also found different gene associations for specific disorder subtypes, suggesting that genetics play an important role across the broad spectrum of conditions that make up bipolar disorder. Why does this matter? These findings could pave the way for the development of more targeted and personalized treatments for people living with bipolar disorder. Learn more here: https://go.nih.gov/YCmwew2 #BipolarDisorder #MentalHealth #genetics

Our thoughts and behaviors come from complex patterns of brain activity, shaped by vast networks of interconnected neurons. Mapping these connections is a major challenge—our brain has around 80 billion neurons, each linked to hundreds or thousands of others. A recent study led by NIMH researchers made progress by mapping how hundreds to thousands of neurons influence a single neuron, offering new insights into how brain activity drives behavior. This small but crucial step brings us closer to understanding the brain’s inner workings and potential treatments for neurological conditions. Read more about the study findings: https://lnkd.in/eX7c6H46.

Major depressive disorder is a common mental disorder that can be complex, with treatment options such as therapy and medication working effectively for some, but not for everyone. Some alternative treatments for this disorder are brain stimulation therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and a newer therapy in development called magnetic seizure therapy (MST). Researchers from NIMH's Intramural Research Program and other NIMH-funded researchers compared the neurocognitive effects of MST and ECT in a study involving 73 participants with severe major depressive disorder. For the MST group, they found the following results for up to 72 hours after treatment: 🧠 Improvement in fine motor skills. 🧠 Improvement or no significant change in executive function, attention, verbal learning and memory. 🧠 Less memory impairment compared to those who underwent ECT. Read more about this study: https://lnkd.in/e-t-RtdA. #depression #depressionresearch 

Explore our updated health topic pages! As the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders, NIMH provides basic information on mental disorders, the latest research, clinical trial opportunities, and additional resources. https://go.nih.gov/Gu6VsRE

Dr. Sarah Hollingsworth “Holly” Lisanby, a trailblazer in neuromodulation and mental health research, will join Arizona State University as the Founding Dean of the new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering this April after nearly a decade at NIMH. Since 2015, Dr. Lisanby has been instrumental at NIMH, leading the Division of Translational Research and pioneering advancements in noninvasive neuromodulation, computational psychiatry, and neurotherapeutics. Her leadership has shaped national research priorities and driven transformative collaborations between extramural and intramural programs. Dr. Lisanby’s dedication to innovative mental health research and translational science will leave a lasting legacy at NIMH. While she will be greatly missed, we look forward to seeing the impact she will make in her next chapter at ASU! https://go.nih.gov/FhXW7c8

Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. To learn more about each of these disorders, check out our brochure: https://go.nih.gov/XCZRmB0 #EDAW #shareNIMH 

Eating disorders are serious illnesses, and the way we talk about them matters. Here are some facts you can use to help shape the conversation around eating disorders. https://go.nih.gov/x2fqBsv #EDAW #shareNIMH 

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is from February 24 to March 2. Help NIMH raise awareness about eating disorders, which are serious and often fatal illnesses, by sharing informational materials based on the latest research. Share science. Share hope. https://go.nih.gov/BM9TXnS. #EDAW #shareNIMH

When disaster strikes, it's common to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Be prepared. The Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 emotional support to help you cope. Help is just a call or text away. 1-800-985-5990 We're here for you. http://samhsa.gov/DDH #LAFires #California

Integrating depression treatment into care for chronic conditions like HIV and diabetes significantly improved the well-being of patients and their families, according to an NIMH-funded study in Malawi. Learn more about the study findings: https://go.nih.gov/HMq6vLm