Articles tagged with Antidepressants
A systematic review of FDA warnings and alerts over 20 years found that communicating health risks can be a complex science, with varying impacts on drug use and health behaviors. The most effective notices were those warning about serious adverse events, but even these had variable effects.
Researchers found that a brief adherence program improves blood sugar test results and depression symptoms in patients with Type 2 diabetes and depression. The study showed that 60.9% of patients with integrated care had improved blood sugar test results, compared to 35.7% with usual primary care.
The TEAMcare program, based on the Chronic Care Model, activates patients to monitor their own health and empowers them to control their diseases. This approach results in improved depression outcomes, better-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and enhanced quality of life for patients with depression and diabetes.
As the US healthcare system faces significant challenges with multimorbidity, research articles and policy briefs offer solutions to improve care for patients with multiple chronic conditions. A study found that primary care attributes like comprehensiveness and patient-centeredness are associated with lower mortality rates.
Most patients need several sequential treatment steps to achieve remission from major depression. The Lancet review highlights the importance of primary care providers recognizing and addressing depression in chronic physical disorders. Deep brain stimulation holds promise as a future treatment option.
Researchers have found a blood test that can predict how well a depressed patient responds to antidepressants, such as escitalopram. The test measures vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, with higher VEGF levels associated with greater relief from depression.
A unique Swedish study of 691 widower men showed that finding a new partner within four to five years of losing their wife significantly reduced the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. In contrast, those who remained single faced higher risks and were more likely to use sleeping pills and antidepressants.
A 10-year study on Medicaid patients with depression found substantial spending increases (29%) but only slight improvement in antidepressant use and decline in follow-up visits. Meanwhile, psychotherapy utilization fluctuated, and hospitalizations decreased.
A Finnish study published in the European Heart Journal found that combining antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs increases the risk of sudden cardiac death during an acute coronary event. The study suggests a need to improve screening for cardiovascular risk factors in psychiatric patients and avoid combining these medications.
A study published in the journal Pain found that opioid-dependent patients treated with escitalopram experienced significant reductions in pain severity and interference. The findings suggest that antidepressants may be an effective alternative to non-opioid pharmacologic therapies for managing chronic pain in this population.
A study found that rats given a commonly prescribed antidepressant during development exhibited brain abnormalities and behaviors characteristic of autism spectrum disorders. The researchers suggest that taking SSRIs during pregnancy may contribute to the rise in developmental disorders in children.
A study funded by the NIH found that perinatal exposure to antidepressants in rats led to stunted brain growth, abnormal behavior, and miswired brain circuitry. The researchers discovered reduced neuronal density and faulty communication between the brain's hemispheres.
Researchers found that antidepressants given to rats during development led to brain abnormalities and behavioral traits similar to autism spectrum disorder. The study suggests a potential link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the rise in developmental disorders in children.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that antidepressants, diuretics, bronchodilators, antihistamines, and sympathomimetics can cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. The study examined data from over 63,000 ethnically diverse men and found associations between specific medication classes and LUTS severity.
Research suggests that referring patients with mental health problems to talking therapies reduces their use of healthcare services and sick leave. Patients who received therapy had fewer hospital admissions, outpatient appointments, and emergency care services, but were prescribed more antidepressants.
Researchers have found that taking common medications for dementia does not cause further cognitive decline in those already suffering from the condition. The study involved 224 participants with established Alzheimer's dementia and suggests that low doses of certain medications may be safe for people with dementia.
Scientists found an antidepressant and antipsychotic that effectively combat prion infections in mice, potentially treating human prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The compounds also reduced disease symptoms and delayed symptom onset.
A four-year study found that exercise can be as effective as a second antidepressant medication for half of depressed patients, with moderate exercise more effective for women with a family history of mental illness. The type and intensity of exercise needed depend on patient characteristics, such as gender.
A study found that only 20.6% of Medicaid-covered children and adolescents in Ohio complete the recommended six-month course of antidepressants, highlighting gaps in mental health care for vulnerable populations. Optimal follow-up visits and adequate dosing were associated with better adherence rates.
A history of depression is linked to a 29% increased risk of total stroke in women, according to new research. Women who used anti-depressant medication also had a higher risk of stroke, likely due to underlying vascular disease or inflammation.
A Johns Hopkins study found nearly four out of five antidepressant prescriptions are written by non-psychiatrist providers for individuals with no psychiatric diagnoses. The share of such providers increased from 30% in 1996 to 55.4% in 2007.
A study published in JAMA found that adding risperidone to ongoing antidepressant therapy did not reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans with chronic, treatment-resistant symptoms. The researchers concluded that the data do not support widespread prescription of risperidone for this patient population.
A meta-analysis by McMaster researcher Paul Andrews found that patients who have used anti-depressant medications can be nearly twice as susceptible to future episodes of major depression. The study suggests that people who have not been taking any medication are at a 25 per cent risk of relapse, compared to 42 per cent or higher for t...
A recent trial found that sertraline and mirtazapine, commonly prescribed antidepressants for dementia patients with depression, provide no benefit but increase side effects. The study suggests that clinicians should reframe their approach to treating depression in Alzheimer's disease, considering alternative treatments.
A new study found that nursing home residents have a fivefold increased risk of falling within two days of a new prescription for or an increased dose of non-SSRI antidepressants. The study suggests that staff should closely monitor these residents following a prescription change to prevent potential falls.
A study found a modest increase in autism spectrum disorders among children whose mothers took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy. The risk was higher for those exposed to SSRIs during the first trimester.
Researchers have discovered how ketamine produces a fast-acting antidepressant effect, shedding light on its potential as an emergency room treatment for high-risk patients. The study's findings could lead to the development of faster-acting and longer-lasting antidepressants.
Researchers found that complex drug labels contain an average of 70 side effects, with antidepressants and newer treatments having the most reactions. The study aims to improve patient safety by presenting information efficiently to healthcare providers.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that agomelatine, a melatonin analogue, may have a role in treating major depression. The research found that agomelatine has similar antidepressant efficacy to other common medications while improving sleep quality and reducing relapse rates.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in 20-51% of patients with an orthopaedic injury, hindering recovery and daily activities. Effective treatment includes therapy, medications, and prevention strategies to mitigate symptoms and improve outcomes.
A new UTHealth trial aims to help pregnant women quit smoking by testing the safety and efficacy of bupropion, a medication that has been shown to almost double the success rate of smoking cessation in nonpregnant smokers. Pregnant women who smoke are at risk for premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining two antidepressant medications does not hasten recovery from depression in a national study involving 665 patients. The study revealed similar remission and response rates across three treatment groups, but higher side effects in the third group.
Researchers identify a promising candidate gene, SLC6A15, involved in the regulation of glutamate, an important neurotransmitter. The study shows that changes in this gene's activity can be influenced by genetic variations and even stress, providing new insights into depression.
A recent study found that medication use among pregnant women is widespread and varies by socioeconomic status, maternal age, race/ethnicity, and state of residence. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of prescription medications during the first trimester, with antidepressants showing dramatic increases.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that anti-inflammatory drugs decrease the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study suggests that this may be due to the overlap between depression, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers analyzed data from the largest study on depression treatment, finding that even responders experience residual symptoms like insomnia and decreased concentration. The study suggests a need for more targeted antidepressant therapies to decrease depressive symptoms and understand their association with concentration.
Research suggests that treatment for depression may have long-term benefits, with depressed adults who use antidepressants being three times less likely to be depressed eight years later. Cognitive behavioral therapy has also been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression.
A University of Iowa study finds that patients treated with antidepressants after a stroke have significantly greater improvement in physical recovery than those on placebo. The study demonstrates that this effect continues to improve for at least nine months after the medication is stopped.
A study of twin veterans found that antidepressant use is linked to thicker arteries, contributing to the risk of heart disease and stroke. The data suggests that antidepressants may combine with depression for a negative effect on blood vessels.
A Canadian study of over 10,900 nursing home patients found that conventional antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines carried higher risks of death, femur fractures, and heart failure compared to atypical antipsychotics. The findings suggest a need for caution when prescribing these medications in this population.
Researchers found that combining tai chi with standard treatment for depressed elderly adults led to greater improvement in depression levels and quality of life. Participants who took escitalopram and participated in tai chi showed higher remission rates than those receiving health education.
A randomized trial of 208 Group Health patients found that online care management significantly reduced symptoms of depression and improved medication adherence. The study suggests that online messaging can be a convenient and affordable alternative to traditional phone calls for follow-up care.
A study by UBC researchers found that US patients search for prescription drugs on government-run websites, while Canadians are directed to Wikipedia or industry-sponsored sites. The discrepancy highlights the importance of verifying online drug information.
A new mouse model has been developed to study selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and their effects on the brain. The model shows that SSRIs target a specific protein in the brain, leading to improved treatment options for depression and potentially shedding light on addiction.
The use of second-generation antipsychotic medications in dementia patients began to decline significantly in 2003, years before a FDA 'black box' warning was issued. This drop in medication use is attributed to emerging understanding of the increased risk of diabetes and stroke associated with these medications.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a fluorescent assay that reveals the mechanism of how fluoxetine inhibits TREK1 potassium channels, a key target for antidepressants. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying depression and opens up potential avenues for developing improved treatments.
Research by Dr. Sébastien Sauvé and André Lajeunesse found that antidepressants accumulate in fish tissues, affecting brain activity and potentially causing long-term harm to the Saint Lawrence River's ecosystem. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the impact of chemical pollution on aquatic organisms.
A study published in JAMA Network found that escitalopram significantly reduced the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes in healthy women. The medication was associated with a 47% decrease in hot flash frequency compared to placebo, making it a nonhormonal option for treating menopausal hot flashes.
The American Geriatrics Society and British Geriatric Society's updated guidelines for preventing falls in older adults emphasize the importance of exercise, such as tai chi or physical therapy, to reduce fall risk. The guidelines also recommend environmental adaptations, medication reduction, and cataract surgery where necessary.
A new antibiotic therapy developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has shown long-lasting relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, even after treatment is stopped. The study found that patients experienced significant relief from bloating, abdominal pain, and loose stools for up to 10 weeks.
Euthymics Bioscience presents Phase II clinical data demonstrating the efficacy of EB-1010, a next-generation antidepressant, in treating major depressive disorder. The study showed significant improvements in depression symptoms and anhedonia, with a favorable safety profile.
A large Scottish study has found tricyclic antidepressants increase CVD risk by 35%, while SSRIs show no association. Lifestyle changes can offset medication risks.
A recent study found that most depression patients (56%) discontinue their treatment within the first four months of medication, while less than a quarter complete therapy for more than 11 months. The researchers suggest that acute depression stages and lower adherence rates are common factors contributing to treatment dropout.
Animal studies suggest that the stress response, immune system, and regulation of nerve cell signals may play important roles in depression. The findings highlight the need for new treatment targets and approaches to help those not responding to existing therapies.
Yale University researchers have found a genetic trigger for depression, identifying the MKP-1 gene as a promising target for new antidepressants. The study found that increased levels of this gene are associated with signaling abnormalities in the brain, which can lead to depression.
A study published in Brain Stimulation found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective, long-term treatment for major depression. The therapy was shown to be durable in the majority of patients and prevented relapse when reintroduced as an adjunct to medication.
A study published in Neurology found decreased levels of BDNF in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and epileptic seizures, potentially identifying a biomarker for PNES. The study also suggests that stress may be a common underlying factor in both conditions.
A study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found no link between increased sales of new antidepressants and lower suicide rates. The researchers also ruled out a connection between declining sales of older, more toxic medications and reduced suicide rates.
A landmark study reports that many US states have inadequate policies and practices governing psychotropic medication use for foster care youth, with estimated rates of 13-52% compared to 4% in the general population. The report calls for a national approach and resources for medication oversight.
Researchers discovered Prozac's mechanism of action, revealing that it increases serotonin levels by releasing a signal molecule that reduces microRNA miR-16, unlocking expression of the serotonin transporter. This unlocks new 'source' of serotonin production in brain neurons, leading to antidepressant effects.