Articles tagged with Antidepressants
A new study from Drexel University suggests that in utero exposure to antidepressant medications may contribute to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. The study analyzed large population-based registers and found a two-fold increased risk for ASD associated with in utero exposure to SSRIs.
The FDA has approved medications that raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, despite inadequate safety data. The agency is urged to establish guidelines and require pharmaceutical companies to provide cardiovascular safety data on these medications.
Researchers found that antidepressant citalopram reduced amyloid beta production in mice and humans, potentially slowing Alzheimer's progression. The study suggests a possible new treatment approach for the devastating disease.
A new analysis of data from two independent studies shows that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) administered with the NeuroStar TMS Therapy System resulted in greater symptom improvement than conventional antidepressant medication among patients with Major Depressive Disorder who failed to benefit from prior treatment. Additiona...
A study from the University of Waterloo found a correlation between abnormal binocular vision, general health, and antidepressant use in older adults. Binocular vision disorders affect depth perception and may increase fall risk, affecting up to 38% of those over 80 years old.
A recent study found that high doses of antidepressants are associated with a higher risk of suicidal behavior in children and young adults. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid initiating pharmacotherapy at high-therapeutic doses and monitor patients for several months after starting treatment.
Researchers found that activating neurons instead of dampening them opens a new avenue to mimic and promote natural resilience. The study suggests a conceptually novel therapeutic strategy for treating depression.
Research found that fish exposed to antidepressants like Fluoxetine displayed altered mating behaviors, repetitive behavior, and aggression towards female fish. The effects were reversible once the concentration level was reduced.
Researchers found that two-thirds of women on antidepressants stopped breastfeeding after pregnancy, while one-third continued with successful outcomes. The health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children far outweigh any potential risks from medication.
A new study finds that adult patients with diabetes who trust their medical provider and feel included in treatment decisions are more likely to take and maintain a newly prescribed antidepressant medication. Shared decision-making is also associated with better adherence later in the course of antidepressant treatment.
Researchers at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford conducted a UK study on the use of ketamine intravenous infusions in people with treatment-resistant depression. The study found that 29% of patients experienced benefit that lasted at least three weeks, while 15% took over 2 months to relapse.
Researchers found that acupuncture/electroacupuncture combined with Seroxat improves depressive symptoms and reduces obsessive-compulsive and anxiety symptoms. The treatment produces a rapid onset of therapeutic effect.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies on antidepressants in pregnancy found a strong association between their use and increased preterm birth rates. The study suggests that antidepressant medications may be contributing to the rising trend of preterm births, which can lead to significant health problems and costs.
Researchers found that galanin plays a crucial role in stress mechanisms and influences depression risk, particularly in those with early life neglect or trauma. A new class of antidepressant drugs targeting galanin functionality may provide effective treatment options for patients.
A new study reveals that one in seven critically ill patients who received mechanical ventilation experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The research highlights the need for improved prevention and treatment of psychological problems in these patients.
A study found that 88% of bereaved parents were prescribed antidepressants within a month of losing their child, despite concerns about the effectiveness and timing of treatment. Researchers suggest a more cautious approach and consider psychosocial interventions first.
A recent study published in Psychiatry Research found that nearly half of people taking anti-depressants reported experiencing psychological problems, such as suicidal feelings, sexual difficulties, and emotional numbness. The research highlights the need for better awareness and disclosure about these side-effects.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that cognitive behavioral therapy addressing mood and treatment management skills improved blood sugar control and reduced depression symptoms in poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes patients. The integrated approach showed faster relief of depression symptoms compared to usual care.
A multi-site US-Canada study found that antidepressant citalopram significantly relieved symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer's patients and reduced caregivers' stress levels. The study involved 186 patients with Alzheimer's disease who showed no relief from non-medication therapies or antipsychotic drugs.
A high dose of antidepressant citalopram significantly reduced agitation in Alzheimer's patients, but higher doses pose a risk of heart rhythm disorder. Caregivers experienced reduced distress when caring for patients taking the medication.
A study found that citalopram reduced agitation in Alzheimer's patients, but at the cost of mild cognitive impairment and increased risk of cardiac adverse effects. The researchers concluded that citalopram cannot be generally recommended as an alternative treatment option due to its limitations.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that rapid improvements in depression symptoms during PTSD treatments are associated with better outcomes. Negative social support from family or friends was also linked to worsening depression symptoms, while transient spikes did not negatively impact treatment progress.
A meta-analysis published in The BMJ suggests that infants exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during late pregnancy are at a higher risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension, which can lead to breathing difficulties. However, the authors stress that the overall risk remains low and that depression during pregna...
A study found that most pediatric primary care practitioners are reluctant to prescribe antidepressant medications to adolescent patients, even in severe cases. PCPs who had access to on-site mental health care providers and were more knowledgeable about depression were more likely to prescribe antidepressants.
Researchers at Hebrew University find that chronic stress activates microglia cells, leading to depressive-like behavior and reduced neurogenesis. Blocking or stimulating microglia cells with specific drugs can reverse these effects, offering new avenues for antidepressant treatment.
Researchers found that ketamine increases serotoninergic neurons in brain areas regulating motivation, suggesting its antidepressant action. The PET imaging studies demonstrate the potential of the technology in diagnosing major depressive disorder and developing new antidepressants.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study tracked over 36,000 children taking two commonly prescribed antidepressants and found no evidence of increased suicidal risk. The research aimed to inform decision-making on treatment options for pediatric patients with major depressive disorder.
A study found that using antidepressant nortriptyline for 15 weeks did not improve symptoms of idiopathic gastroparesis. Researchers concluded that tricyclic antidepressants may not be an effective strategy for treating this disease.
A recent meta-analysis suggests that antidepressants are not effective in treating bipolar disorder. The study found no significant difference in response rates or remission for patients using antidepressants compared to placebo.
A study published in Depression and Anxiety found that exercise can improve orgasm function and overall sexual functioning in women taking antidepressants. Regular exercise, especially immediately before sex, was shown to boost libido and alleviate side effects of antidepressant medications.
Researchers found that combining modafinil with antidepressants improved depression symptoms and reduced fatigue, which are common relapse triggers. The study suggests modafinil may be a useful supplement for those struggling with depression.
A large Danish study of over 600,000 children found no significant link between antidepressant medication during pregnancy and the risk of autism. After adjusting for parental psychiatric diagnoses, the researchers determined that taking antidepressants during pregnancy does not further increase the risk of autism.
A new study found that scopolamine causes rapid activation of mTOR signaling and increased synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex, similar to ketamine. This suggests a common downstream action linked to rapid antidepressant responses.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reports that the compound sarcosine enhances NMDA receptor function, causing antidepressant-like effects and improving mood scores in patients with depression. The findings suggest that normalizing NMDA receptor activity may restore mood to normal levels.
A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice reveals that pregnant women with depression often experience conflict when deciding on treatment. They strongly prefer non-drug treatments like psychotherapy and alternative therapies, citing concerns about antidepressant medications' potential effects on the developing baby.
Researchers at OHSU's Vollum Institute published two papers on neurotransmission in Nature, revealing a detailed view of the structural biology of the dopamine transporter. This breakthrough could lead to the development of better antidepressants with few or no side effects.
A study found that targeted communication strategies did not improve mental health outcomes in patients with depression. The interventions increased patient engagement and requests for information about depression, but failed to improve symptoms at a 12-week follow-up.
Researchers have found a potential new class of fast-acting antidepressants that could alleviate symptoms in as little as five days, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers have developed a computational method that analyzes mouse behavior to categorize psychiatric drugs more efficiently. The algorithm, called Pattern Array, identifies complex behaviors in mice on various drugs and classifies them into six classes, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
Research reveals that a genetic variation in the ADRA2B gene affects how well antidepressants like reboxetine weaken negative memory recall in healthy men. The study found that individuals with the variant gene form recalled more negative memories, regardless of treatment.
A study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than progressive muscle relaxation therapy (PMR) in reducing heavy drinking among anxious alcoholics. The addition of medication to either CBT or PMR did not decrease alcohol consumption.
Researchers suggest targeting the glutamatergic system as a viable target for antidepressant drug development, with potential to rapidly alleviate symptoms of depression. A phase II trial demonstrated a surprisingly rapid antidepressant effect in humans, and further studies indicate extended efficacy.
A systematic review by the University of Southampton found that people taking antidepressants are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, although the exact cause is still unknown. Different types of antidepressants may carry varying risks, and further research is needed to determine their individual effects.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that mental state and thinking abilities can predict early hospital readmissions in heart patients. Depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments are related to increased risk of hospital admissions and readmissions.
Researchers found that activating CREM accelerates therapeutic efficacy of current antidepressants, increasing nerve growth in the hippocampus and reducing treatment time to just one or two days. This discovery could lead to faster-acting drug targets for depression.
A form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) called exposure and ritual prevention has been shown to augment antidepressant treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with 80% of patients responding compared to 23% on antipsychotics. The therapy works by retraining the brain's habit-forming circuitry to unlearn compulsive rituals.
A Florida State University researcher is studying how estrogen and progesterone impact the antidepressant effects of ketamine, which has shown promise in treating depression. The goal is to find a safer treatment for men, who require higher doses, while minimizing side effects.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used pharmacometabolomics to analyze biochemical changes in people taking antidepressants, finding that those whose depression improved had distinct metabolic profiles. The study suggests that serotonin metabolism in the pineal gland may play a role in depression treatment outcomes.
A new online risk calculator estimates an individual's likelihood of treatment resistance to antidepressants, providing a graphical estimate based on statistical patterns from the STAR*D study. The calculator aims to help clinicians design personalized treatment plans for patients with depression.
A recent study found that nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug, with 20 percent taking five or more medications. The study highlights the prevalence of antidepressants and painkilling opioids in prescriptions, which may raise concerns about their addictive nature.
A new animal study finds that short-term use of antidepressants, combined with stress and a high-fat diet, leads to long-term increases in body weight. The study suggests that the medication, rather than the diet alone, contributes to the weight gain, which is accompanied by increased bone and spleen weights.
A recent study found that postmenopausal women who experience depression or take antidepressant medication have a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study, led by Dr. Yunsheng Ma, found associations between elevated depressive symptoms, increased insulin levels, and higher waist circumference.
A new biomarker has been identified to predict which type of depression treatment is most likely to be successful, either therapy or medication. The study used pre-treatment brain scans to identify a pivotal predictor of outcomes from two standard forms of depression treatment: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or escitalopram.
A new study suggests that long-term antidepressant treatment impairs fear extinction learning in rats, which may disrupt the effectiveness of exposure therapy. The authors propose a mechanism involving decreased NMDA receptor subunits in the amygdala.
A new compound, GLYX-13, has been shown to rapidly lift depression without the severe side effects associated with ketamine. The molecule activates NMDA receptors, leading to increased memory and learning, and has been found effective in patients who failed treatment with conventional antidepressants.
International researchers found that all seven psychotherapeutic interventions have comparable effects on depressive symptoms, regardless of patient group or therapy type. The therapies worked equally well for individual and group therapy, as well as internet-based interactions.
A clinical study demonstrates the durability of NeuroStar TMS Therapy in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have failed to respond to prior antidepressant medication. After acute treatment, patients maintained significant improvement and remission through 12 months, suggesting a long-term benefit of the therapy.
Researchers found ketamine to be effective in treating treatment-resistant depression within 24 hours, with a response rate of 63.8% compared to 28% in the placebo group. The antidepressant benefits were durable after seven days, making ketamine a promising new treatment option for patients with severe and refractory forms of depression.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered a connection between CB1 receptors and PTSD, finding that individuals with PTSD have lower levels of neurotransmitter anandamide. This breakthrough may lead to the development of novel evidence-based treatments for PTSD.
Randomized trials show exercise reduces depressive symptoms in MDD patients, whether used alone or combined with medication and/or psychotherapy. Exercise intensity and duration are recommended to be 50-85% of maximum heart rate for aerobic exercises and 80% 1-repetition maximum for resistance training.