MUSC Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

09/27/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Matthew Carpenter and other collaborators on their new publication in NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The study examined adults who smoke and started using e-ci******es alongside combustible ci******es (dual users) compared to those who continued smoking only. Dual users reduced their cigarette consumption and had more cigarette-free days during the study period and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Findings suggest that initiating dual use may help reduce smoking and increase days without ci******es, offering potential benefits for smoking reduction efforts.

Read Here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40037836/

09/26/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Erin McClure and other collaborators on their new publication in NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The study summarized current evidence and identified research priorities on inhaled to***co-cannabis co-use. Experts highlighted gaps in terminology, understanding of co-use patterns, and its impact on to***co cessation and lung health. The findings emphasize the need for standardized data, research on populations facing to***co-related disparities, and studies on how co-use affects lung disease and treatment outcomes.

Read Here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40845321/

09/25/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Jacobo Mintzer and other collaborators on their new publication in NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The study reviewed psychosis in neurodegenerative diseases, which can appear before cognitive symptoms and worsen outcomes. Emerging treatments include non-drug approaches like WHELD and new medications such as pimavanserin, highlighting opportunities for precision care and better symptom management.

Read Here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40835496/

09/24/2025

We are proud to share that Dr. Julia Rhodes, a fourth-year psychiatry resident, was featured in Psychiatric Times. She spoke about integrative approaches to chronic pain, the connection between chronic pain and mood disorders, and the importance of advocacy for patients who often feel overlooked. Dr. Rhodes also opened up about her own journey living with chronic pain, bringing a unique perspective that helps her connect more deeply with the patients she serves.

Watch here: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/chronic-pain-and-personal-perspectives-from-emily-rhodes-md

09/24/2025

Congratulations to Drs. Anna Kirkland, Lindsay Squeglia, and other collaborators on their new publication in NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The study looked at brain chemistry and impulsivity in youth who use alcohol. Youth who drank showed higher trait impulsivity, and brain glutathione levels were linked differently to impulsivity compared to controls. These findings give early insights into how alcohol affects the young brain.

Read Here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40845440/

09/23/2025

Dr. Xingbao Li and his team recently published a new study that could lead to personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, for smokers who want to quit.

“We want to improve the effectiveness and specificity of rTMS and reduce side effects,” said study leader Xingbao Li, M.D. He’s an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences who has done extensive research on TMS.

Learn more here:

MUSC study provides new insight that may lead to personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS, for smokers who want to quit.

09/23/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Sudie Back and other collaborators on their new publication in NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The study examined alcohol use outcomes in adults with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD). Results showed that reducing drinking by 1–2 levels on the WHO risk scale was more common than stopping heavy drinking or achieving full abstinence, with medication-based treatments showing the strongest effects. These findings suggest that WHO risk reductions can be meaningful and achievable treatment goals, helping guide care for people with PTSD and SUD.

Read Here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40850028/

09/22/2025

🌟Psychology Intern Spotlight Series: Mary Takgbajouah! 🌟

Hometown: Saint Paul, MN
Graduate School: DePaul University
Favorite Place to eat in Charleston: Renzo
Favorite Book: The Trees by Percival Everett
Favorite TV Show: Veep
Favorite Quote: “By any means necessary.” Malcolm X
Hobbies: Traveling, origami, yoga, and going to the beach, museums, and bars and restaurants
Fun Fact: I'm on a quest to visit all 50 states and all 7 continents in my lifetime
Training Program: Clinical Psychology

09/22/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Allison Wilkerson and other collaborators on their new publication in NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The study highlighted the extensive burden of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs) through a large international survey. Individuals reported numerous comorbidities, including chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and dysautonomia, with diagnostic delays averaging 17–22 years. These findings emphasize the need for earlier recognition, updated diagnostic frameworks, and improved care for this often under-recognized population.

Read Here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40869462/

09/22/2025

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, a time to raise awareness and recognize the incredible research happening across MUSC to shape the future of brain health.

Our student researchers are looking closely at how lifestyle factors like diet and obesity may drive inflammation in the brain and contribute to cognitive decline.

From student-led projects to statewide collaborations like the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, MUSC is committed to advancing research in this space.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/a8bu3d4m

09/21/2025

Recently, Dr. Julianne Flanagan joined SC Public Radio to discuss research underway to enhance therapy for veterans with alcohol use problems. Dr. Flanagan is a Professor in the Addiction Sciences Division and a staff psychologist at the Charleston VA Medical Center.

Tune in here: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/podcast/health-focus/2025-09-15/improving-therapy-for-veterans-with-alcohol-use-problems

09/21/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Kelly Hyland and other collaborators on their new publication in NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information.

The study examined insomnia and related symptoms among women with breast cancer receiving care in medically underserved, mostly rural areas. Women with greater insomnia severity reported significantly higher fatigue, depressive symptoms, and pain, highlighting a multi-symptom burden. Findings emphasize the need for behavioral interventions targeting insomnia, which may improve fatigue, mood, and pain in this population.

Read Here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40766990/