American Psychosomatic Society's 64th Annual Scientific Conference
The American Psychosomatic Society's 64th annual scientific conference took place March 1-4 in Denver. The conference drew 528 leading researchers from around the world and covered issues ranging from the relationship between neuroscience and psychosomatic medicine to the cardioprotective roles of the hormone oxytocin and religious practice.
"One of the major themes was that the field of neuroscience has much to offer and learn from the field of psychosomatic medicine," said the conference program chair, Martica Hall, Ph.D., of the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh. "For example, there are tools and technologies used in neurosciences, such as functional MRI and lesion studies, that can help inform us about the neuromechanisms of stress and how they might be related to pathological mechanisms like inflammation and heart disease."
According to Hall, some of the most significant research in this field was presented during the "Neuroscience" symposium by Ralph Adolphs, Ph.D., of Cal Tech University in Pasadena, who spoke on lesions, electrophysiological recordings and social neuroscience. During a related symposium, "Brain Mechanisms of Pain from a Psychosomatic Medicine Perspective," James Gross, Ph.D., of Stanford University, spoke on functional neuroanatomy and the psychophysiology of emotion regulation.
"There was an elegant series of studies presented on the hormone oxytocin," Hall said. "Philip McCabe, Ph.D., of the University of Miami, presented twice at the conference. His research on animal models showed that oxytocin interferes with the effects of psychological stress on endothelial damage, which is associated with inflammation, physiological damage and the development of arterial plaques and foam cells."
Lynda H. Powell, Ph.D., of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, presented a study to build on the well-documented observation that religiosity is associated with a lower mortality risk. She wanted to know if there were factors other than regular church attendance that help religious people maintain their good health. "She went to churches, synagogues and mosques, and asked ministers, priests, rabbis and imams to recommend the 10 most spiritually enlightened members of their congregations. After interviewing these members, she found what they had in common was daily religious practices. Regardless of their faith, they had the daily experience of taking themselves out of their lives through practices such as prayer, meditation and touching worry beads," Hall said.
Abstract #1101; A-3
Abstract #1109; A-3
Antidepressant Use May Pose Risk for Heart Patients
TUESDAY, March 7 (HealthDay News) -- Preliminary findings suggest that antidepressant medications may be an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with coronary artery disease, according to research presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Denver.
Abstract #1553; A-95
Low Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Influence Mood and Behavior
MONDAY, March 6 (HealthDay News) -- Low blood levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may adversely affect mood, behavior and personality, according to research presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Denver.
Abstract #1411; A-79
Serotonin System Linked to Early Cardiovascular Disease
FRIDAY, March 3 (HealthDay News) -- In young and healthy adults, decreased serotonergic activity is associated with an increased risk of preclinical cardiovascular disease, according to research presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Denver.
Abstract #1450, P. A-25
Marital Discord Linked to Coronary Artery Calcification
FRIDAY, March 3 (HealthDay News) -- Marital strife is associated with coronary artery calcification in both men and women, but in slightly different ways, according to research presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Denver.
Abstract #1731, P. A-25
