New studies on schizophrenia, depression, trauma and autism highlight annu...( WHAT: The 2007 American College of...)

WHAT: The 2007 American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Annual Meeting will feature hundreds of new studies on brain and behavior from the worlds leading scientists. Presentations include innovative research on potential new treatments for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism and addiction.

SELECTED PANELS INCLUDE:

• Study Finds Genetic Link between Cancer and Schizophrenia A series of studies elucidates evidence that there is a genetic link between schizophrenia and cancer, providing a surprising possible scientific explanation for lower rates of cancer among patients with schizophrenia despite having poor diets and high rates of smoking and their parents. (Embargoed until 9:00 a.m. EST December 8)

• Research Finds Link between Depression and Heart Disease Depression nearly triples the risk of death following a heart attack, even when accounting for other heart attack risk factors, according to research which showed that among 360 depressed, post myocardial infarction patients followed for more than six years, those who did not recover from their depression in the first six months were more than twice as likely to die. (Embargoed until 9:00 a.m. EST December 8)

• Study Shows Psychotherapy Helpful in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Early Stages When treated within a month, survivors of a psychologically traumatic event improved significantly with psychotherapy. Researchers studied 248 adults with early symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event that had occurred no more than four weeks earlier. (Embargoed until 9:00 a.m. EST December 8)

• New Studies Suggest Brain Overgrowth in One-Year-Olds Linked to Development of Autism Brain overgrowth in the latter part of an infants first year may contribute to the onset of autistic characteristics. These findings support concurrent research which has found brain overgrowth in autistic children as young a
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