Top psych stories of July: Cannabis and schizophrenia risk, sugar and Alzheimer’s risk

Healio Psychiatry has compiled a list of its five most-viewed stories in July.

A study on the association between cannabis overuse and schizophrenia, findings on changes in brain reward processing linked to eating disorder behaviors and research that showed a correlation between high sugar intake and increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease were some of the most-read stories on Healio Psychiatry for the month.

Cannabis ‘not harmless’ given link between overuse, schizophrenia

The proportion of schizophrenia cases linked to cannabis use disorder increased three- to fourfold in the past 2 decades, according to results of a nationwide prospective cohort study published in JAMA Psychiatry. Read more.

Eating disorder behaviors linked to changes in brain reward processing

Eating disorder behaviors appeared to change brain reward processing, according to results of a cross-sectional imaging study published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

High sugar intake may increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease

Total sugar intake may affect cognitive function over time, with higher amounts potentially increasing risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to study results presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read more.

Cognitive behavioral group therapy, mindfulness intervention reduce social anxiety

Two treatments were effective and provided long-term benefits for patients with social anxiety disorder, according to results of a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry. Read more.

Gestational age impacts prevalence of psychiatric disorders, intellectual disability

Groups with shorter fetal maturity at birth had slightly higher rates of multiple neuropsychiatric disorders while groups with the longest fetal maturity exhibited the lowest rates for most disorders. Read more.