Steven E Harte

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In this study, researchers looked at how a substance called adenosine in the brain affects pain and sleep. They found that injecting adenosine into a specific brain area increased sensitivity to heat pain in rats that had not previously experienced pain, suggesting that higher levels of adenosine can make pain feel worse. This finding is important because it helps explain how lack of sleep can lead to increased pain sensitivity. Who this helps: This helps patients who suffer from both sleep issues and chronic pain.

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Researchers studied how changes in sleep and wake patterns after a head injury can help identify traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in over 2,000 emergency room patients. They found that observing sleep/wake behaviors during the first week after trauma was most effective for detection, achieving an accuracy of 81% sensitivity and 25% specificity for identifying TBI. Understanding sleep patterns is crucial, as it could lead to better tools for diagnosing TBI and improving patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with head injuries and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how electroacupuncture affects different types of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia. Researchers found that after treatment, women who received electroacupuncture experienced less widespread pain and increased pain tolerance, linked to specific brain activity changes. In contrast, those who received a fake treatment showed different brain responses and pain relief. Who this helps: This research helps patients with fibromyalgia seeking effective pain management options.

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This study looked at how some patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) transition from having pain only in the pelvic area to experiencing widespread pain throughout their bodies. Out of 311 participants, 41% reported only pelvic pain at the start, and 10% of them developed widespread pain over three years, while 26% of those with widespread pain improved. Important factors for these changes included living with a partner and having a higher awareness of bodily sensations, showing that social support and psychological factors play a significant role in how patients experience pain. Who this helps: This research helps patients with chronic pelvic pain and their healthcare providers understand how social support and awareness of bodily symptoms can affect their pain experience.

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This study looked at how nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) affects the way our brains process visual information. Researchers tested 13 healthy adults and found that when exposed to nitrous oxide, participants reported more unpleasant visual experiences and showed changes in brain connectivity. Specifically, there was a decrease in communication between certain brain areas, and the overall organization of brain networks became less stable, impacting how visual information is interpreted. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and clinicians interested in understanding sensory processing and the effects of anesthetic gases on the brain.

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This study looked at how central sensitization—where the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain and discomfort—affects patients with urinary urgency, including those with and without incontinence. Researchers found that 21% of patients with urinary urgency showed signs of central sensitization, compared to just 3.2% of those without such symptoms. Those with higher sensitization scores reported more severe urinary issues and a lower quality of life. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with overactive bladder symptoms and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with chronic pancreatitis to see how widespread their pain is and how it relates to a specific type of pain called nociplastic pain. They found that 64% of the participants reported widespread pain, and those with more painful areas experienced greater severity of pain and health issues. This matters because it shows that a simple body map tool can help doctors better understand and treat pain in these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic pancreatitis and their doctors in managing their pain more effectively.

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This study focused on chronic ocular surface pain (COSP), a common issue that leads people to visit eye doctors, often linked to conditions like dry eye. Researchers believe that for some patients, the pain is not just caused by problems in the eye but also involves the central nervous system, which processes pain differently. They are studying 200 participants to see if certain symptoms indicate that the CNS plays a significant role in their pain, with the goal of discovering new treatments and improving the understanding of pain mechanisms. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic ocular surface pain by identifying new treatment options.

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This study looked at how brain activity related to rewards affects alcohol drinking habits after experiencing trauma. Researchers found that people who showed more brain activation in specific areas two weeks after trauma were more likely to increase their alcohol use within eight weeks. Specifically, those with greater activity in the ventral tegmental area and connected brain regions drank more alcohol after trauma, highlighting potential new targets for early intervention to prevent problematic drinking later on. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced trauma and might be at risk for alcohol use issues.

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This study looked at how different types of pain affect treatment success for people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Researchers found that patients with mostly local pain who received targeted treatment had better results, while those with widespread pain responded better to treatments that affect the whole body. This matters because understanding these pain differences can lead to better-designed clinical trials and more effective treatments for people suffering from chronic pelvic pain. Who this helps: This helps patients with interstitial cystitis and doctors treating chronic pelvic pain.

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This study looked at how social support after a traumatic event affects PTSD symptoms over time and the brain regions involved. Researchers followed 315 people who had gone to the emergency department for trauma and found that those who reported receiving emotional support two weeks after their trauma had better long-term mental health. Specifically, better support was linked to healthier brain function related to emotional responses, but some areas of the brain still showed increased sensitivity to social threats. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from trauma by highlighting the importance of social support in managing PTSD symptoms.

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This study looked at levels of certain brain chemicals in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers found that patients with SCD had significantly higher levels of a substance called Glx in a specific part of their brain, and this was linked to experiencing more painful episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Understanding these changes is important as it suggests that the way the brain processes pain might be different in these patients, which could lead to better pain management strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with sickle cell disease.

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This study looked at high-impact chronic pain (HICP) in patients with a specific type of pelvic pain syndrome, involving 476 participants. They found that 22% of these patients experienced HICP, which significantly affects their daily lives, leading to greater disability and more healthcare visits. The study also highlighted that African American individuals and those with lower education levels were more likely to suffer from HICP. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

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This study looked at how living in segregated neighborhoods affects exposure to air pollution and how that impacts the brain, specifically in recent trauma survivors. Researchers found that non-Hispanic Black participants lived in areas with more segregation and higher air pollution compared to others. Moreover, certain pollutants were linked to changes in brain structure associated with stress reactions, underscoring the importance of the environment on mental health. Who this helps: This research benefits trauma survivors, mental health professionals, and urban planners.

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This study looked at the mental health issues that can follow traumatic events, focusing specifically on how these issues change in the first two months after trauma. Researchers tracked 2,557 trauma survivors and found that many had either low, moderate, or severe symptoms like pain, depression, and anxiety. They discovered that women, non-white individuals, and those who had experienced more childhood trauma were less likely to see their symptoms improve, highlighting the need for better support and intervention strategies for these groups to reduce inequalities in mental health care. Who this helps: This research benefits trauma survivors, particularly women and people from marginalized communities.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) in treating adults with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread pain along with issues like poor sleep and mood problems. Five participants received two doses of psilocybin combined with therapy, and one month later, most reported significant improvements in pain severity, pain interference, and sleep disturbance. Specifically, pain severity improved by an average of 2.1 points on a standard scale, which is considered meaningful. Who this helps: This research benefits adults with fibromyalgia seeking new treatment options.

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The study examined how multisite pain, which affects multiple areas of the body, impacts the brains and behaviors of adolescents aged 11 to 12, particularly looking at differences between boys and girls. Researchers found that both boys and girls with this type of pain showed lower connectivity in a brain network related to sensory processing, and experienced more behavioral problems, with boys showing a stronger connection between brain networks and pain. Notably, girls also faced greater sleep disturbances, which was linked to their brain connectivity issues. Who this helps: This research benefits adolescents suffering from multisite pain, particularly female patients who may experience additional challenges related to sleep and behavior.

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This study looked at how the brain's response to threats can predict the recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event. Researchers found that if the amygdala (a part of the brain involved in fear responses) reacts more strongly right after the trauma, it can indicate greater PTSD symptoms later on. Specifically, a decrease in this reaction over six months was linked to worse PTSD severity, with a p-value less than 0.001, meaning the results are very likely not due to chance. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who have experienced trauma by improving understanding of PTSD's development and potentially guiding treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how acupressure, a method where pressure is applied to specific points on the body, can help reduce pain and other symptoms in people with sickle cell disease. Researchers found that 23 patients who used acupressure alongside their usual care saw improvements in pain, fatigue, sleep, and emotional distress over six months, while the 14 patients who only received usual care did not have any noticeable improvements. This matters because acupressure could be a safe and effective way to manage pain without relying on high doses of medication that can have serious side effects. Who this helps: Patients with sickle cell disease.

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This study looked at how the way people communicate on smartphones after experiencing trauma can reveal their mental health status and whether their symptoms are getting better or worse. Researchers examined data from 1,744 trauma survivors and found that certain language patterns, like talking about health or illness, were linked to worsening symptoms, while mentioning friends or cognitive thoughts hinted at symptom improvement. This information is important because it could help doctors identify patients who might need additional support or treatment after a traumatic experience. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from trauma and their doctors.

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This study looked at how insomnia before experiencing trauma affects alcohol and cannabis use afterward in trauma survivors. Researchers found that almost half of the participants (2449 individuals) who had insomnia before the trauma were more likely to engage in heavy drinking or cannabis use eight weeks later; specifically, insomnia was linked to risky behaviors like binge drinking at that time. This is important because addressing sleep issues might help prevent substance abuse in people after they go through trauma. Who this helps: This helps trauma survivors who may struggle with substance use following their experience.

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This study looked at the relationship between levels of a protein called GFAP in the blood and brain structure in people who recently experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers found that higher GFAP levels were linked to changes in brain connections two weeks after the injury. Specifically, they found that in 328 patients, GFAP levels predicted disruptions in the brain's white matter, especially in female patients who showed a stronger connection than males. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and trauma patients by improving how TBIs are assessed and monitored.

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This study looked at how different types of trauma—such as being assaulted versus being in a car accident—affect people's ability to recognize emotions in others. Researchers found that people who experienced interpersonal trauma, like assaults, had a noticeable drop in their ability to identify emotions over time, while those who experienced non-interpersonal trauma showed no change. Understanding these differences is important because it can help predict mental health issues that may arise after trauma. Who this helps: This information helps patients who have experienced trauma, as well as therapists who support them.

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This study looked at how the timing of puberty affects the likelihood of experiencing painful periods (dysmenorrhea) in girls who have started menstruating. Researchers found that girls who entered puberty early have a 22-31% higher chance of having severe menstrual pain. This is important because it identifies early pubertal timing as a significant risk factor for dysmenorrhea, helping to better understand and potentially address menstrual pain in young women. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly adolescent girls who may struggle with painful periods.

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This study looked at how spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) help people with chronic pain over the course of a year. The researchers found that 33 patients who received these treatments reported significant improvements in their pain severity and overall health, even though the specific sensory tests used did not show strong statistical changes. These findings are important because they suggest that SCS and DRGS can provide lasting relief and improve quality of life for chronic pain sufferers, indicating they may alter how the nervous system processes pain. Who this helps: Patients with chronic pain.

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This study looked at how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and genetic factors influence tobacco and alcohol use in people after experiencing traumatic events, involving nearly 3,000 participants who were followed for up to six months. The researchers found that a higher genetic risk for tobacco use increased the likelihood of smoking by 14%. Also, people with lower genetic risk showed stronger links between PTSD symptoms and increased tobacco use, while this connection was weaker in those with higher genetic risk, indicating a complex interaction between genetics and trauma response. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced trauma, especially those at risk for substance use disorders.

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This study looked at how brain activity patterns shortly after experiencing trauma are connected to symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS) both right away and in the future. Researchers examined data from 275 people around two weeks after a traumatic event and found that specific brain activity was linked to lower current and future PTS symptoms, particularly noting a stronger effect in women. Understanding these brain connections can help identify individuals at greater risk for developing PTSD and improve early interventions. Who this helps: Patients at risk of developing PTSD after trauma, especially women.

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This research examined how pain experiences change during adolescence, particularly noting that girls become more sensitive to pain compared to boys during puberty. The study found that, while children have similar levels of chronic pain, by the time they reach adulthood, women are twice as likely as men to report chronic widespread pain. Understanding these differences is crucial because it can lead to better treatment options specifically designed for different genders at this key stage of development. Who this helps: This research helps patients, especially adolescent girls, and healthcare providers seeking to improve pain management strategies.

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This study focused on a tool called PRISM that helps measure how much people see their identity tied to their illness. Researchers looked at 297 people who used psychedelics for therapy and found that after their experiences, many reported feeling less defined by their conditions and saw notable improvements in symptoms: 95.4% of those with depression, 98.36% with PTSD, and 94.87% with anxiety felt better afterward. These findings are important because they suggest that psychedelics might help not only alleviate symptoms but also change how individuals perceive themselves in relation to their illnesses. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

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This study looked at how different treatments work for patients with Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS), especially focusing on those with widespread pain (pain in multiple areas) versus those with localized pain (pain only in the pelvic area). Researchers found that patients with widespread pain who took centrally-directed treatments saw a significant improvement of over six points on a pain severity scale, while those with localized pain showed no average improvement. This matters because it highlights the importance of understanding different types of pain in tailoring treatments, potentially leading to better outcomes for some patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, particularly those experiencing widespread pain.

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This study focused on finding better treatments for chronic low back pain by looking closely at the characteristics of nearly 1,020 participants. Researchers found that 805 of them were randomly assigned to different treatment stages, gathering detailed data on their health and demographics to understand how to personalize pain relief strategies. These findings matter because they help identify which patients may respond best to specific treatments, paving the way for more effective, individualized care for managing pain. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic low back pain.

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Researchers studied the connection between chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) and opioid use disorder (OUD) in people who visit syringe exchange programs. They found that individuals with OUD had a much higher prevalence of specific pain conditions, such as 30% experiencing chronic low back pain and others like chronic migraines and fibromyalgia being notably common as well. This is important because it highlights the need for better pain management and treatment strategies for those struggling with both OUD and chronic pain. Who this helps: This helps patients with opioid use disorder and chronic pain.

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This study explored how being sensitive to visual stimuli relates to pain responses in various chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. The researchers found that people with chronic pain reported seeing lights as brighter compared to those without pain, and those with more severe fibromyalgia symptoms were less likely to benefit from surgeries aimed at reducing pain. Specifically, a higher sensitivity to visual stimuli was linked to not improving after surgery, suggesting that assessing this sensitivity could help doctors understand different pain conditions better. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic pain conditions and their doctors.

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This study looked at a simple body map to measure widespread pain in patients suffering from urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS). Researchers tested the body map on 568 patients and found that it effectively identified widespread pain linked to more severe symptoms and poorer psychological health. The body map provided consistent results over four weeks, showing that a single assessment was enough to gauge pain levels reliably. Who this helps: This helps patients with UCPPS and their doctors by providing an easy way to assess and understand their pain.

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This study looked at inflammation and autoimmune responses in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers found that SCD patients had higher white blood cell counts and elevated levels of specific substances linked to inflammation—35 different markers in total—along with altered autoantibody levels. These findings are important because they highlight connections between inflammation, pain crises, and sensitivity in SCD patients, which could lead to better treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with sickle cell disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how men and women respond differently in their brains when trying to resist certain impulses, especially after experiencing a traumatic event, and how this relates to developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They found that women with lower brain activity in a specific area two weeks after trauma had more PTSD symptoms six months later, while men with higher activity in another brain region had less worsening of their symptoms. Understanding these differences is important because it could lead to better, targeted treatments for PTSD that consider whether a person is male or female. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from PTSD, especially women.

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This study looked at how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects future substance use, including tobacco and alcohol, among almost 3,000 adults visiting emergency rooms. Researchers found that 37.3% of participants reported likely PTSD, and those with PTSD tended to smoke and drink more—specifically, for every additional unit of PTSD symptoms, tobacco use increased by 0.3% in frequency and 1% in quantity, while alcohol use increased by 0.2% in frequency and 0.3% in quantity. Understanding these links is important because it can help tailor treatment for people with PTSD to prevent further substance use issues, particularly with tobacco and alcohol. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with PTSD and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study focused on understanding why people with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience painful episodes called vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Researchers found that the brain networks of SCD patients are more sensitive, showing changes in their brain activity compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, SCD patients had lower brain wave frequencies and a stronger connection between certain brain activities and their reported pain levels, indicating that these brain changes could be linked to more frequent pain crises. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with sickle cell disease by improving pain management strategies.

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This study looked at how to identify people at risk of developing PTSD after experiencing trauma by tracking their symptoms over time. Researchers followed 2,185 adults who had experienced trauma, checking in with them multiple times a week about symptoms like nervousness and fatigue. They found that 31% of participants showed signs of PTSD after eight weeks, and a simple 3-question survey could accurately predict who was at risk with a high degree of accuracy (about 84%). Who this helps: This helps patients who are recovering from trauma to receive timely care and support.

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This research paper looks at a type of pain called nociplastic pain, which occurs without any visible tissue damage. It highlights that people experiencing this pain often report symptoms like widespread soreness, fatigue, sleep problems, and mental health issues. The study emphasizes that nociplastic pain is complex, influenced by factors like brain function and immune responses, and it identifies two subtypes that may respond differently to treatment. Who this helps: This information benefits patients suffering from chronic pain and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how men and women respond differently to risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing trauma. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 3,000 emergency room patients and found that women reported higher PTSD severity three months after trauma, while some risk factors, like pre-traumatic anxiety and acute dissociative symptoms, were more strongly linked to PTSD severity in men. Understanding these differences is important because it can help create better prevention strategies tailored for each sex. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and mental health professionals working with trauma patients.

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This study looked at how people recover from trauma and identified two key factors of resilience. One static factor explained over 50% of mental well-being six months after experiencing trauma, while a dynamic factor showed the recovery from initial symptoms. The researchers found that certain areas of the brain help people bounce back after trauma by focusing on rewards and important stimuli, while other brain activities can hinder this recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from trauma as well as doctors in understanding how to support their recovery.

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This study explored how trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affect the connection between the brain and the heart. Researchers looked at 315 trauma-exposed adults and found that those with more severe PTSD showed unique brain and heart interactions, particularly with changes in blood pressure and heart rate. These results are important because they could help us understand how PTSD impacts physical health and increase the risk of heart-related diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with PTSD and their doctors by providing insights into the relationship between mental and physical health.

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This study looked at how well acupuncture works for people with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes chronic pain. Researchers found that patients who had lower levels of "temporal summation" (a measurement of how pain builds up over time) saw significant improvements in pain after receiving electroacupuncture, while patients who had higher expectations for pain relief did not show better results. Specifically, electroacupuncture reduced pain scores by more than 50% in those with lower temporal summation, while placebo treatment showed minimal impact. Who this helps: Patients suffering from fibromyalgia can benefit from understanding the factors that predict their response to acupuncture treatment.

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This study looked at how neighborhood green spaces and personal coping skills can affect recovery from trauma and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Out of nearly 2,600 trauma survivors, those who reported better personal resources and lived near more green spaces were more likely to show resilience and experience fewer PTSD symptoms. Specifically, people with strong coping skills and access to green space had significantly improved outcomes compared to those with less support. Who this helps: This helps trauma survivors who are trying to cope with PTSD.

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This study looked at how fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, affects people with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are not currently seeking treatment. Researchers found that 35% of the 141 participants had fibromyalgia, and those individuals were 125% more likely to say that pain had caused them to relapse into drug use in the past. Understanding this connection is important because it highlights how chronic pain can make it harder for people with OUD to stay in recovery and seek treatment. Who this helps: Patients struggling with both fibromyalgia and opioid use disorder.

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This study looked at how factors related to being male or female affect the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after trauma. Researchers found that six specific risk factors, like previous anxiety and experiences of sexual assault, were more serious for women than for men. This understanding is important because it can help create better treatment plans tailored to the needs of different genders. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly women who have experienced trauma.

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This study looked at how wearable devices that track heart rate variability (HRV) can help identify symptoms of mental health issues, like anxiety and nightmares, after someone experiences trauma. Researchers examined data from emergency department patients who had experienced trauma and found that certain HRV patterns could indicate specific symptoms and predict if a person's condition would improve or worsen over time. This is important because it means that these wearables could help detect mental health issues early in people who are at higher risk after trauma. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from trauma by providing early insights into their mental health status.

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This study looked at how a blood marker called C-reactive protein (CRP) relates to chronic pain after experiencing traumatic stress, focusing on differences between men and women. Researchers found that higher levels of CRP in men were linked to less pain over time, with 83% of men showing decreased pain as their CRP levels dropped compared to 65% of women. Understanding this difference is important because it may help tailor treatments for men and women after traumatic experiences. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from traumatic stress and their doctors.