PANDAS may be associated with a form of basal ganglia encephalitis (BGE) caused by repetitive Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections. Findings show that the immune response targeting repetitive GAS infections… Read more »
A modifiable transcriptomic signature of immune dysfunction in pediatric obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Research shows that many children with PANS have dysfunctional immune systems. When conventional psychiatric medications fail, treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have shown some success; however, IVIG is short-term,… Read more »
Examining circadian and non-circadian phenotypes in obsessive compulsive disorder with delayed bedtimes
Relapse rates following OCD treatment are 50%, suggesting the existence of unidentified and untreated mechanisms in OCD. One of these mechanisms relates to circadian rhythm – the body’s biological clock…. Read more »
Perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder: A person-centered, dynamic systems approach
1 in 5 parents experience perinatal distress (PND), significant mental health challenges that impact their – and their children’s and families’ – lives and wellbeing. While perinatal mood and anxiety… Read more »
Improving access to evidence-based interventions for adolescents with body dysmorphic disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a common and impairing disorder that typically onsets before the age of 18. Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can effectively prevent severe long-term consequences of… Read more »
Expanding the genetic landscape of pediatric OCD
While the role of genetic factors in the development of OCD has been emphasized through research, more attention is needed to identify specific risk factors and underlying biological pathways. Past… Read more »
CBT augmentation to promote medication discontinuation in pediatric OCD
Several treatments have shown efficacy for treating pediatric OCD: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), and their combination (SRI+CBT). Although best practice suggests using CBT… Read more »
Neural mechanisms of active avoidance in obsessive compulsive disorder
According to behavioral models of OCD, compulsions are avoidance behaviors that alleviate distress from obsessions in the short term. Over time, this reinforces beliefs that obsessions are intolerable and that… Read more »
Dissecting the temporal and causal relationships between OCD and bipolar disorder
Compared to the general population, people with OCD are 10 times more likely to have a bipolar disorder (BPD) diagnosis. Research has shown that BPD comorbidity is associated with more… Read more »