Psychiatry

Even relatively low levels of in utero alcohol exposure impact fetal brain development, and the effects last into adulthood, study finds. Read More

Keith Meador (Vanderbilt University) Getting together with extended family during the holidays can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be, says Keith G. Meador, professor of psychiatry and preventive medicine and director of the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt. There are ways of… Read More

A combination of biomarkers may reveal new clues about causes of and potential interventions for autism. Read More

An interdisciplinary team of scientists have successfully tagged a protein that regulates the neurotransmitter serotonin with tiny fluorescent beads, allowing them to track the movements of individual molecules for the first time. This capability makes it possible to study the manner in which serotonin regulates mood, appetite and sleep at a new level of detail. Read More

A new catalog of human genetic data may help researchers uncover the genetic roots of disease and enable the ultimate realization of personalized medicine. Read More

Paul Newhouse, Jim Turner Professor of Cognitive Disorders, is interviewed about his research showing that nicotine can help boost memory in people with mild cognitive impairment. Read More

A rare genetic change adds support to the idea that altered dopamine signaling is a key risk factor for ADHD. Read More

Identification of brain regions involved in processing sights and sounds may offer insights into disorders like autism and dyslexia. Read More

Antioxidants may be a beneficial treatment for an inherited genetic disorder. Read More

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is one of approximately 20 centers in a nationwide clinical study investigating the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an intervention for patients with major depression. Read More

Vanderbilt University has emerged as one of the nation’s leading academic centers in neuroscience. Read More

Mutations in hundreds of genes involved in wiring the brain may contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Read More

Autism experts from Vanderbilt University are available for interviews on World Autism Awareness Day, designated by the United Nations as April 2. Read More

A genetic variation that causes early disruptions in serotonin signaling in the brain may contribute to autism spectrum disorder and other enduring effects on behavior. Read More

Shyness may be caused by deficits in the brain. Read More

Brain deficits are not present in the early stages of schizophrenia, suggesting it may be possible to delay or prevent the development of brain abnormalities. Read More

A new analytical tool points to genes that act together to increase disease risk. Read More

Wearing a nicotine patch may help improve memory loss in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, according to a study published this week by Paul Newhouse, director of the Center for Cognitive Medicine. Read More

Recreational use of the "rave" drug Ecstasy is associated with chronic changes in the human brain. Read More

Short-term hormone replacement therapy offers potential benefit for cognitive functioning. Read More