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ACP publishes depression recommendations; news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians recommends using either cognitive behavioral therapy or second-generation antidepressants to treat adults with major depressive disorder. Both treatments are found to be similarly effective for treating depression, and physicians should consider a discussion with the patient about treatment effects, a...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2016

'Window of recovery' can reopen after stroke

Studies show that inducing a second stroke nearby in the brains of mice can help them regain motor function to pre-stroke efficiency. This suggests that the optimal recovery window after a stroke may not be permanently closed and can reopen under certain conditions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateJan 7, 2016

Study finds no increased risk of autism, ADHD with prenatal antidepressant exposure

A large study published in Translational Psychiatry found no evidence that prenatal antidepressant exposure increases the risk of autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research team analyzed medical records data from over 1,200 children with an autism-related diagnosis and nearly 3,800 control children. Matern...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJan 5, 2016

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder -- review looks at treatment effectiveness

A comprehensive review of treatment options for PMDD identified selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as the first-line treatment, effective in reducing symptoms. For women who experience an inadequate response to SSRIs, alternative treatments such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and oral contraceptives are recommended.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateSep 9, 2015

Common antidepressant may change brain

Researchers found that the antidepressant sertraline increased the volume of one brain region in depressed subjects, while decreasing two brain areas in non-depressed subjects. The study used middle-aged female monkeys to replicate human depression and tested the effects of sertraline on brain volumes.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateSep 4, 2015

Seniors get mental health drugs at twice the rate of other adults, see psychiatrists less

A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that seniors receive prescriptions for mental health medications at more than twice the rate of younger adults. However, they are much less likely to be getting their mental health care from a psychiatrist, raising concerns about potential interactions with other medications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 29, 2015

Cultural and economic factors affect European antidepressant use

A new study by researchers from King's College London found that antidepressants were prescribed more often and used more regularly in countries with higher levels of healthcare spending. Attitudes towards mental illness, such as viewing people with a mental illness as 'dangerous', were also associated with higher use of antidepressants.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2015

Warts and all: How St. John's Wort can make you sick

Researchers found that St John's Wort produces the same adverse reactions as antidepressants, including anxiety, panic attacks, and dizziness. The study highlights the need for people to seek advice from qualified healthcare practitioners when using herbal medicines like St John's Wort.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalClinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology·DateJul 1, 2015