The American journal of psychiatry
Audio Summaries

Association of Fetal Gene Regulatory Gene Deletions With Poor Cognition in Schizophrenia and Community-Based Samples

Jun 24, 2026

This study investigates how various copy number variants (CNVs) associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) influence severe phenotypes, specifically childhood-onset psychosis and borderline intellectual functioning (IQ). The authors found that known risk CNVs and deletions of genes involved in fetal brain development are significantly linked to poor cognitive outcomes in SSDs, suggesting that disrupted neurodevelopment plays a critical role in the clinical variability of these disorders. Additionally, the research highlights the potential of using a neurodevelopmental framework to better understand the mechanisms underlying severe SSD-related phenotypes.

Deadly Heat: The Association Between Ambient Temperature and Suicide in Young People in the United States

Jun 24, 2026

The authors investigate the relationship between ambient temperature and suicide rates among young people (ages 5-24) in the United States, particularly focusing on seasonal variations. Their findings reveal that suicide rates increase significantly with rising temperatures, especially during summer months, with the most pronounced effect observed in individuals aged 15-24. This study underscores the need for further research on the mental health impacts of heat on youth and the development of targeted interventions.

Neurocognitive Development in Adolescent Offspring at Familial High Risk of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder and a Population-Based Control Group

Jun 24, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate neurocognitive development in adolescents at familial high risk for schizophrenia (FHR-SZ) and bipolar disorder (FHR-BP) compared to a population-based control group (PBC) at ages 7, 11, and 15. They found that offspring at FHR-SZ exhibited significant developmental delays in processing speed and deficits across various cognitive domains by age 15, while those at FHR-BP showed mostly normative development with minor deficits in semantic verbal fluency. These findings suggest that distinct neurocognitive trajectories could serve as potential predictors for the onset of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Circadian Rhythm Stabilization App to Prevent Mood Episode Recurrence in Patients With Mood Disorders: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Jun 24, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Circadian Rhythm for Mood (CRM) smartphone app in preventing mood episode recurrence in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). In a randomized clinical trial involving 93 adults, the CRM app significantly reduced the recurrence rate of mood episodes compared to a sham app, suggesting its potential as a digital adjunct to standard care for mood disorders.

A Pragmatic SMART Study of Medication and CBT Sequencing in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Jun 24, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether starting treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders with fluoxetine or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) leads to better outcomes, and how to optimize treatment if initial care is insufficient. The study found that symptom reduction was similar across all treatment sequences, with no significant advantage of combination therapy over monotherapy after three months. Additionally, the effectiveness of treatment varied by racial and ethnic background, suggesting the importance of tailoring approaches to individual patient preferences.

Gray Matter Iron and Neuromelanin in Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of MRI Studies

Jun 10, 2026

The authors aimed to clarify the relationship between brain iron and neuromelanin alterations in individuals with psychosis through a systematic review and meta-analysis of MRI studies. They found that patients with psychosis exhibited lower iron-sensitive MRI values in subcortical regions, particularly the substantia nigra, alongside higher neuromelanin-sensitive MRI values, suggesting a complex interplay between iron levels and neuromelanin in dopamine neurons. The study highlights the potential influence of antipsychotic medication on these findings and emphasizes the need for further longitudinal research to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Social Media Use Trajectories and Substance Use Experimentation: A Prospective Cohort Study

Jun 10, 2026

This study aimed to investigate the prospective relationship between social media use trajectories and substance use experimentation among adolescents. Analyzing data from over 7,000 participants, the authors identified four distinct patterns of social media use, finding that those with increasing usage were significantly more likely to experiment with alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine, particularly among those with early-onset, rapid increases in use. The results highlight the importance of promoting healthier digital habits to mitigate potential substance use risks in early adolescence.

Cognitive, Electrophysiological, and Behavioral Presentation of First-Episode Psychosis With or Without Cannabis Exposure

Jun 3, 2026

This study aims to determine whether first-episode psychosis differs in clinical presentation, biology, and illness course between individuals with cannabis exposure (CAP) and those without (NCAP). The findings indicate that CAP participants showed better cognitive improvement and distinct symptom profiles, including lower negative symptoms and higher mood symptoms, compared to NCAP. Additionally, resuming cannabis use was linked to a higher risk of relapse, suggesting that cannabis-associated psychosis may represent a unique subtype of first-episode psychosis.

Convergence of TMS Sites and Lesion Locations Associated With Nicotine Addiction Improvement on a Common Brain Circuit

Jun 3, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) sites that are more connected to a lesion-derived brain circuit associated with nicotine addiction remission correlate with greater reductions in withdrawal symptoms among individuals with tobacco use disorder. Their findings indicate a significant association between TMS site connectivity to this circuit and improvements in withdrawal symptoms, suggesting that targeting this common brain circuit may enhance the effectiveness of TMS interventions for nicotine addiction.

Schizophrenia in Offspring of Holocaust Survivors: Intergenerational Effects of Preconception Parental Trauma Within the Jerusalem Perinatal Study

Jun 3, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate whether parental preconception trauma, specifically from Holocaust experiences, increases the risk of schizophrenia in their offspring. Their findings indicate that children of mothers who were older than five years at the time of the trauma have more than double the risk of developing schizophrenia, highlighting the significance of the timing of trauma exposure in the intergenerational transmission of psychiatric disorders.