JANE BRAMHAM, M.D.

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This research looked at how psychological therapies can help reduce depression in people who have suffered an acquired brain injury (ABI) over a long time, specifically more than a year after their injury. Out of 48 studies reviewed, those who received psychological therapy showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms in 29 of them, with a small overall effect size of -0.31, indicating that these therapies can be helpful. This matters because it shows that psychological support can improve the mental health of individuals well after their initial injury, leading to better quality of life. Who this helps: Patients recovering from acquired brain injuries and their families.

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This study looked at how ADHD affects romantic relationships for adults. Researchers gathered experiences from 355 people with ADHD and found several significant challenges: many felt overwhelmed by emotions, struggled to balance love and distraction, experienced uneven roles with partners often feeling like caregivers, and identified that understanding themselves better could lead to healthier relationships. These findings highlight the unique difficulties faced by individuals with ADHD in maintaining romantic connections. Who this helps: This helps individuals with ADHD and their partners understand and improve their relationships.

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This study looked at how effective and acceptable Ireland's National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults is for those with ADHD. The research included 249 adults, revealing significant improvements in symptoms and daily functioning after six months of support, with many of these gains maintained at 12 months. However, challenges remain, such as barriers to access and the need for more resources, highlighting the importance of ongoing support for individuals with ADHD. Who this helps: This helps adults with ADHD trying to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

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This study explored how people with severe mental health difficulties (SMHDs) experience kidney healthcare. Researchers talked to nine individuals with SMHDs and four family members, finding that personalized kidney care is crucial, care services need to work together better, and some healthcare providers harbor stigma against those with SMHDs. Importantly, while many participants appreciated the commitment of kidney doctors, some felt they faced discrimination, highlighting the need for healthcare staff to receive more training on SMHDs. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental health difficulties and their families.

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This research reviewed studies about people experiencing cognitive difficulties after having COVID-19, specifically looking at their immune system responses at least three months after infection. It found that about 75% of studies indicated these individuals had problems with thinking and decision-making, especially in tasks that require executive function. Additionally, 64% of studies showed higher levels of inflammation in these patients compared to healthy individuals, suggesting that this increased immune response is linked to the cognitive issues. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19 who may be facing memory and thinking problems.

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This study looked at how psychological factors like fatigue, negative thinking, and feelings of injustice affect distress in people suffering from long COVID, a condition that can follow a COVID-19 infection. Researchers found that these factors combined to explain 67.5% of the psychological distress experienced by participants, indicating that issues like cognitive difficulties and avoidance behaviors play a significant role. Understanding these factors helps in developing better support and interventions for those impacted by long COVID. Who this helps: Patients dealing with long COVID and healthcare providers looking to improve their care.

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The study looked at how adults with ADHD use and feel about a smartphone app designed to provide helpful information about their condition. Over one year, 12,000 people used the app, and 6,400 of them returned for more after their first visit. The findings highlight that the app is a valuable resource for those new to ADHD but could better serve those with more experience by offering specific support during tough times. Who this helps: This helps adults with ADHD looking for information and support.

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This study looked at a tool called the A-B Neuropsychological Assessment Schedule (ABNAS) to see how well it can identify cognitive issues in people suffering from long COVID. They found that a total ABNAS score of 21.5 accurately identified 81.6% of people with long COVID symptoms, with a specificity of 72.3%. Additionally, the fatigue and mental slowing sections of the test showed strong results, with fatigue detecting 87.2% of individuals without long COVID and mental slowing catching 82.8% of cases. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing long COVID and doctors who need reliable screening tools for cognitive issues.

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This study looked at how depression and fatigue affect cognitive reserve (CR) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers found that people with MS who engaged in mentally stimulating activities had fewer cognitive difficulties, but this link disappeared when considering their levels of depression and fatigue. Specifically, higher depression levels led to less participation in these activities. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with MS by emphasizing the need to address mental health when recommending lifestyle changes.

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This research looked at the emotional health of 32 people with moderate-to-severe brain injuries over eight years after their injury. Nearly half of the participants reported high levels of anxiety and depression eight years later, and their mental distress was linked to how they coped with their difficulties and their overall quality of life. This study shows that brain injuries can lead to ongoing emotional challenges, emphasizing the importance of providing long-term psychological support for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from brain injuries and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how general practitioners in Ireland refer adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to specialized mental health services. Researchers found that referrals varied widely, with some community teams receiving as few as 14 referrals and others as many as 122 in a year. Furthermore, about 25% of those referred also needed treatment for other mental health issues, and specialist ADHD teams could only assess a fraction (3-4 times fewer) of the referrals they received. This matters because as more people become aware of ADHD, there’s a clear need for better and more varied referral options to ensure everyone gets the help they need. Who this helps: This helps patients with ADHD and their doctors.

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This study looked at how people with multiple sclerosis (MS) report their cognitive difficulties compared to what tests show about their cognitive abilities. Researchers found that people's previous cognitive functioning before they had MS affected the differences between self-reported struggles and actual test results; specifically, individuals with high premorbid cognitive functioning might feel more cognitive challenges even if their test scores are average. Understanding this can help in treating and supporting MS patients better by considering their past cognitive abilities. Who this helps: Patients with multiple sclerosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at sleep and daily functioning in children with Tourette syndrome (TS) compared to children without the condition. Researchers tracked the sleep patterns of 34 children over two weeks and found that those with TS spent more time in bed, took longer to fall asleep, and reported poorer sleep quality, with 83% meeting the criteria for a sleep disorder. Understanding these sleep issues is important because they can affect how children with TS function during the day. Who this helps: This helps children with Tourette syndrome and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how sleep issues affect children with Tourette syndrome (TS) compared to those without it. Researchers found that 85% of children with TS had sleep disorders, and more severe tics were linked to worse sleep and greater problems with daily tasks. Understanding the relationship between sleep and tics is important for doctors to help improve the quality of life for these children. Who this helps: Children with Tourette syndrome and their parents.

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Researchers focused on helping people with multiple sclerosis (MS) manage hidden symptoms like anxiety, depression, and fatigue through a new online group therapy program called NIMIS-MS. After participating in six sessions, 118 group members reported significant reductions in depression and anxiety and felt more accepting of their MS. They also appreciated the peer support and found the online sessions easier to attend than in-person ones. Who this helps: This helps patients with MS seeking support for their mental health and invisible symptoms.

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This study examined how people who care for loved ones with dementia experienced their caregiving roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers talked to eight caregivers and discovered that they faced unique challenges, such as feeling overwhelmed while trying to manage both pandemic restrictions and their loved one’s needs. The findings highlight the importance of understanding caregivers' experiences to provide them with better support and resources. Who this helps: This benefits caregivers of people with dementia.

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This study looked at how people's immune health and mood affect thinking problems in individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Researchers compared 71 people with PCS to 50 others who had COVID-19 but did not have PCS. They found that those with PCS reported lower immune health, more thinking difficulties, and higher depression and fatigue levels, with immune health being a key factor in the cognitive issues they experienced. Who this helps: Patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

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This study looked at a program called Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD (UMAAP), which offers online group support for adults with ADHD. The program included six sessions combining education and therapy, and involved 257 participants. Results showed that, after the program, people reported a higher quality of life (an increase of about 9.7 points), improved self-acceptance, and better knowledge about ADHD, and these benefits lasted for at least three months. Who this helps: This benefits adults with ADHD by providing accessible support and resources.

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This study looked at how people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who also have severe mental health issues, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are treated compared to those without such mental health difficulties. Researchers found that patients with severe mental health issues lived an average of 13.1 years less than those without these issues and generally had more advanced CKD when they first saw a kidney specialist. This matters because it shows that people with severe mental health issues face significant challenges in receiving proper kidney care and are at a higher risk of premature death. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic kidney disease and severe mental health difficulties by highlighting the need for better healthcare and support.

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This study looked at how a protein called DNMT3A interacts with specific parts of DNA and histones (the proteins that help package DNA) to help attach to chromatin, the material that makes up chromosomes. The researchers found that a specific part of DNMT3A binds well to a modified nucleosome, helping it stick to chromatin, but certain mutations linked to diseases disrupt this process. Understanding this interaction is important because it sheds light on how DNMT3A works in DNA regulation, which is crucial for proper gene function and health. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on genetic diseases related to DNA methylation.

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This study looked at the relationship between ADHD and being overweight or obese in children over time, using data from around 6,500 kids aged 9 and 13. Researchers found that, while children with ADHD were more likely to be overweight or obese by age 13 compared to those without ADHD, other factors like low exercise, parents being overweight, and smoking during pregnancy were more important in explaining why some children gained weight. Understanding these connections helps target the real causes of obesity in children rather than attributing it directly to ADHD. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the factors influencing obesity in children, especially those with ADHD.

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This study looked at the mental health of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Ireland. It found that 23.5% of participants had received a mental health diagnosis, with about 14.5% struggling with depression and 14.2% with anxiety. Additionally, 26.4% had considered suicide, and 9.3% had attempted it. These high rates of psychological distress affect the quality of life for these patients and highlight the need for better mental health support in their healthcare. Who this helps: Patients with chronic kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how impulsivity affects children's performance in a fun, game-like version of a task called the Stop-Signal Task. It found that children who showed more impulsive behavior tended to make more mistakes during the task, but their level of motivation did not seem to affect their performance. This matters because understanding children's impulsivity can help in developing better tools for assessing and supporting kids with conditions like ADHD. Who this helps: This benefits children, especially those with ADHD, and their families.

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The study looked at the challenges and solutions for providing better kidney care to people with severe mental health difficulties and kidney disease. Researchers interviewed twenty-two healthcare professionals and found that many patients struggle with accessing care due to their mental health issues, a lack of integrated services, and stigma. They also discovered that when these patients receive proper support and individualized care, their health outcomes can improve significantly. Who this helps: This benefits patients with both severe mental health issues and kidney disease, as well as the doctors who treat them.

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This study examined how difficulties in understanding social situations affect the quality of life for patients with cervical dystonia, a condition that causes muscle contractions in the neck. The researchers found that patients who struggled more with social cognition, as measured by the "Faux Pas" questionnaire, reported a lower quality of life; for example, the average quality of life score was 31.9 out of a possible higher score indicating better quality. This is important because it highlights that non-motor symptoms, like social difficulties, can significantly impact how these patients experience their lives, and healthcare providers should pay more attention to these issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with cervical dystonia and their doctors.

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This research examined how factors like education, job experience, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities—collectively known as cognitive reserve—affect brain function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that while nearly half of the examined research considered ongoing cognitive enrichment after diagnosis, only 31% of studies recognized the potential impact of common MS symptoms, such as fatigue and depression, on cognitive reserve. This is important because understanding the relationship between cognitive reserve and MS symptoms could help improve care and interventions for people living with MS. Who this helps: Patients with multiple sclerosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how mood and fatigue affect people with multiple sclerosis (MS) when they report their cognitive abilities. Researchers found that 39% of participants felt their thinking skills were worse than what tests showed, while 23% thought their abilities were better than the tests indicated. Those who underestimated their cognitive abilities also reported higher levels of depression and fatigue. This matters because understanding the relationship between mood, fatigue, and self-reported thinking skills can improve care for MS patients by encouraging regular screening for these factors. Who this helps: This helps patients with MS and their doctors.

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Researchers studied what adults with ADHD want to learn about their condition and how this information should be included in digital health tools. They found strong agreement among 43 adults with ADHD on the importance of many topics related to the condition, achieving 94% consensus in the first round and 98% in the second round. This matters because including the voices of those with ADHD can make educational resources more effective and accessible, ultimately leading to better support for managing the condition. Who this helps: This helps adults with ADHD seeking better information and support.

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This study looked at how fatigue affects thinking abilities in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers found that higher levels of self-reported fatigue were linked to poorer performance in tasks measuring information processing, and verbal and visual learning. Specifically, fatigue explained about 11.7% of the differences in cognitive performance scores, meaning that when someone feels more tired, they tend to perform worse on cognitive tests. Who this helps: This helps patients with MS and their doctors understand the impact of fatigue on cognitive function.

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This study looked at how daytime napping and the quality of nighttime sleep affect how infants pay attention. Researchers examined 50 infants and found that those who napped longer during the day and had better nighttime sleep, indicated by less light sleep, showed better visual attention skills. Specifically, poor sleep quality and shorter daytime naps were linked to lower attention performance; 23 infants had complete data to support these findings. Understanding these links is important because it can help improve infant development and inform parents about sleep's role in attention skills. Who this helps: This helps parents and caregivers who want to support their child's attention and sleep habits.

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This research reviewed studies to find out what increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder in children who are born preterm (before the 37th week of pregnancy). They examined 11 studies and found that being male, being born smaller than expected for their gestational age, and having general cognitive difficulties were strong risk factors for autism, identified in at least two studies. Understanding these factors is important because it can help doctors identify children at risk for autism early, allowing for better support and resources. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare professionals working with premature infants.

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This study looked at how sleep problems and family dynamics affect young children at risk for ADHD compared to those without such a risk. Researchers found that infants and toddlers in families with a history of ADHD had worse sleep compared to those without this risk, but this difference disappeared in preschool-aged children. Additionally, family functioning was linked to children's ability to manage their behaviors, while sleep quality influenced their mood. Who this helps: This benefits parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers working with young children at risk for ADHD.

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This study looked at children under 6 years old who have a family history of ADHD to see if they have more trouble processing sensory information compared to children without such a family history. Researchers found that those at higher risk showed more extreme reactions to sensory experiences, with more hyperresponsiveness (reacting too strongly) and hyporesponsiveness (not reacting enough), but not more sensory-seeking behaviors. These challenges in processing sensory information could be early signs of negative emotions and may indicate a higher chance of developing ADHD later on. Who this helps: This helps parents and teachers of young children, especially those with a family history of ADHD.

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This study looked at sleep issues in children and teens with persistent tic disorders (PTDs) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially when these conditions occur together. Researchers reviewed 20 studies and found that those with only PTDs and those with both PTDs and ADHD slept less efficiently and took longer to fall asleep compared to people without these disorders. Specifically, the PTD + ADHD group spent more time in bed and had a longer total sleep time but did not sleep any better overall than others. Understanding these differences in sleep can help doctors better identify and address sleep problems in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with tic disorders and ADHD, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at how adults recovering from eating disorders (EDs) build resilience, the ability to bounce back from challenges, by interviewing both patients and their clinicians. The researchers identified a three-stage process: understanding one's identity outside of the eating disorder, recognizing that it does not define them, and realizing they don't need the eating disorder anymore. They concluded that resilience is influenced by both personal experiences and the surrounding environment, with a framework developed to help support recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from eating disorders and the clinicians supporting them.

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This study looked at people who had moderate-to-severe brain injuries and how they managed daily life and used healthcare services over seven years. Researchers found that, after seven years, most participants (69%) were still using multiple health services, but there were only slight improvements in their ability to live independently, move around, or return to work. This is important because it highlights the long-term challenges these individuals face, showing that many still need support years after their injury. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain injuries and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how adult ADHD affects attention and executive functions, which are skills needed for tasks like planning and organizing. It found that adults with ADHD struggled more than those without ADHD in areas like divided and sustained attention, while their selective attention was similar to the control group. Additionally, adults with ADHD reported more everyday problems related to attention and memory, highlighting the challenges they face in daily life. Who this helps: This helps adults with ADHD by providing insights into their attention and cognitive challenges.

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This study looked at how brain activity is connected in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their relatives and healthy individuals. Researchers found that brain connectivity patterns while eyes were open predicted hyperactive symptoms and certain inattentive symptoms in adults with ADHD. Specifically, different brain wave frequencies were linked to these symptoms, suggesting that measuring brain connectivity could help understand adult ADHD better. Who this helps: This helps patients with ADHD and their doctors.

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The study looked at brainwave patterns using EEG to find markers that could identify adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It found that specific brainwave activity, especially in the delta, theta, and certain beta frequencies, could distinguish adults with ADHD from those without, with a classification accuracy ranging from 71% to 77%. However, the theta/beta ratio did not prove useful in identifying ADHD status, indicating it may be more relevant to childhood ADHD. Who this helps: This helps adults with ADHD and their healthcare providers by providing clearer diagnostic tools.

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This study examined the non-abuse negative experiences related to family life that adults with eating disorders endure, looking specifically at experiences like family disagreements, mental health issues, and loss of loved ones. The researchers found that adults with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder often face more impacts from these issues, such as family separations and negative interactions with parents, compared to those with anorexia nervosa. Understanding these family-related challenges is important for healthcare providers, as it can help them offer better support and care for their patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with eating disorders and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating a version of a verbal learning test, called the EirPrVLT-12, specifically for older adults in Ireland. Researchers tested 145 people and discovered that results varied based on factors like age, gender, and education level. This improvement matters because it provides a reliable way to assess memory in older Irish adults, which can help identify those who may need support or treatment. Who this helps: This helps older adults in Ireland and the healthcare professionals assessing their memory.

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This study looked at how well current tests for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety (ANX) can differentiate between the two conditions in adults. Researchers found that the commonly used rating scales didn’t work well for identifying ADHD when anxiety was also present, as they showed low accuracy. They recommended changes to these tests to improve their accuracy and highlighted the need for more research to ensure these new methods are reliable. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and mental health professionals by improving diagnostic accuracy for their patients.

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This study looked at how brain activity measured through EEG can help predict thinking skills and the speed of processing information in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and in healthy individuals over two years. Researchers tested 78 participants with specific tasks and found that brain responses during visual tasks could effectively predict cognitive abilities at the start of the study and a year later, while responses to auditory tasks did not show this ability. This research is important because it offers a potential way to track cognitive changes in MS patients using objective methods, which can lead to better care strategies. Who this helps: Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a six-month nutrition supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, resveratrol, and whey protein affects thinking and memory in older adults in Ireland. The researchers tested 37 older adults with healthy cognitive function and found that while there were no significant improvements overall, those taking the supplement completed a specific cognitive task (the Stroop test) faster at the three- and six-month marks. This is important because it suggests that while the supplement may not offer broad benefits, it could enhance certain aspects of cognitive performance. Who this helps: This benefits older adults looking to maintain or improve their cognitive function.

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This study examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that affects breathing during sleep. Researchers provided 19 adults with either 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily or a placebo for 15 weeks. They found that vitamin D levels significantly increased and some heart-related health markers improved: low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) decreased, while there were trends suggesting better blood sugar control and increased high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol), though there were no changes in overall quality of life or mental function. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with obstructive sleep apnea who may have vitamin D deficiency.

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This study looked at adults with both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) to understand their symptoms and challenges. Researchers found that people with both conditions showed higher rates of impulsivity—40% more than those with only ADHD—and had more depression and anxiety issues, along with worse overall cognitive functioning. This is important because it highlights that individuals with both ADHD and BPD face greater challenges in mental health and everyday life, making targeted support crucial. Who this helps: This helps patients with ADHD and BPD, as well as their doctors and mental health professionals.

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In this study, researchers tested a new method called Visual Evoked Spread Spectrum Analysis (VESPA) to examine vision problems in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). They found that the delay in the VESPA responses was greater in MS patients than in healthy individuals. Specifically, those with secondary-progressive MS had the longest delays, indicating that this method could effectively measure visual impairment over time in MS patients. Who this helps: This research benefits both patients with multiple sclerosis and their doctors by providing a better way to assess vision issues related to the disease.

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This study looked at how caring for adults with both intellectual disabilities and mental health issues affects the psychological well-being of their caregivers. It found that 24% of those cared for had additional mental health challenges, and caregivers of these individuals experienced much higher stress and mental distress compared to those caring for people with only intellectual disabilities. This is important because it shows that caregivers need more support when their loved ones have both types of challenges, as their mental health can significantly suffer. Who this helps: This helps caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities, especially those whose loved ones also have mental health issues.

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This study looked at a specific gene called SHOX to see how its changes might be linked to autism and similar brain development disorders. Researchers found that microduplications of the SHOX gene were much more common in people with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), especially those with autism—about 3.6 times more likely than those without these disorders. These findings are important because they suggest that alterations in the SHOX gene could increase the risk of developing autism, particularly in females. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with autism and their families by improving understanding of potential genetic risks.

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This study looked at whether a person's current mood influences how accurately they remember their childhood symptoms of ADHD. Researchers assessed 160 adults with ADHD and 92 without it, finding that while those with more anxiety tended to report higher ADHD symptoms, their current mood did not change how accurately they remembered their past symptoms. This matters because it shows that adults can reliably report their childhood ADHD symptoms regardless of how they feel now, which is important for diagnosing ADHD in adults. Who this helps: This helps adults seeking an accurate ADHD diagnosis and the doctors diagnosing them.