Articles tagged with Antidepressants
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.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) can effectively treat adults with major depressive disorders who do not respond to antidepressant medication. The supplement was well-tolerated and improved measures of depression and remission rates compared to a placebo.
Depression is associated with dysfunction of specific brain regions involved in cognitive control and emotional response, particularly the medial prefrontal cortex. Persistent abnormalities after treatment may indicate a need for complementary therapy.
Research highlights the connection between circadian rhythms and affective disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. The study found that disrupted circadian rhythms can lead to sleep disturbances, hormonal imbalances, and other health issues.
A Yale team has discovered the secrets of a 'magic' antidepressant that can take effect in hours, rather than weeks or months. The study found that ketamine restores connections between brain cells damaged by chronic stress.
A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University finds that antidepressant desvenlafaxine, known as Pristiq, effectively treats major depression in women during perimenopause and menopause. The medication showed significant improvement in symptoms, with response rates of 58.6% for those taking Pristiq compared to 38.2% on placebo.
A recent study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found no evidence that antidepressants can treat autistic spectrum disorders in children. In fact, the medication may cause serious harm due to the small number of trials conducted and varying assessment methods.
A new survey of child psychiatrists reveals that nearly one-third of school-aged and adolescent patients suffer from insomnia, leading to the widespread use of sleep medication. The study suggests that management of insomnia in this population is a common practice, although clinical approaches vary widely.
Researchers have discovered a strain of genetically defective mice that exhibit behavioral, hormonal, and neurochemical characteristics similar to those of human patients with drug-resistant depression. The mice respond to certain antidepressant drugs, offering a potential animal model for understanding human depression.
A study published by University of Copenhagen researchers found that psychotropic medications were associated with serious side effects such as birth deformities, low birth weight, and premature birth. Psychostimulants like Ritalin and antidepressants like Prozac were linked to over half of the cases.
A study found that psychotropic medications were associated with 429 adverse drug reactions in Danish children under 17, with serious reactions including birth defects and neonatal withdrawal syndrome. The researchers called for tighter controls on the prescription of these medicines to pregnant women.
A large clinical study found Omega-3 supplementation to be effective in improving depression symptoms among patients with unipolar depression unaccompanied by anxiety. The study used high-quality EPA supplements and demonstrated efficacy comparable to conventional antidepressant treatments.
Researchers found an association between sun-sensitizing medications and the development of cortical cataract in a study of 4,926 individuals. The study suggests that increased UV-B exposure may be a critical factor in this link.
New studies link SSRI antidepressants to increased cataract risk, with a 15% higher risk for seniors taking the medication. Amantadine, a Parkinson's treatment, also causes corneal damage, particularly after long-term use, potentially leading to vision impairment.
The article discusses different interventions for secondary suicide prevention, focusing on high-risk patients with psychiatric illnesses. The authors argue that physicians need to be taught about the association between mental disorders and suicide and should not hesitate to ask people about their thoughts of suicide.
A new study published in CMAJ found a significant association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The study, which analyzed data from over 5,000 women, found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly at higher doses.
Researchers identified a key receptor in the brain that influences serotonin-related antidepressants, providing a potential new target for treatment. The discovery could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for depression and anxiety with fewer side effects.
A new study suggests that magnetic stimulation therapy produced significant antidepressant effects in a subgroup of treatment-resistant patients, with remission rates of 14% compared to 5%. The treatment has few side effects and may be an effective alternative for those who don't respond to current medications.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA Health Sciences has found that over a third of drinkers aged 60 and older consume excessive amounts of alcohol, posing health risks. The study also highlights demographic factors, such as age, education level, and income, that contribute to at-risk drinking among the elderly.
A study at the Buck Institute for Age Research found that drugs promoting neurogenesis can lessen the severity of stroke and improve function in rodents. The researchers suggest these drugs, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers, may be suitable for human clinical trials to explore their potential benefits.
Researchers at UCLA developed a non-invasive biomarker to detect changes in brain function that may indicate worsening mood or suicidal thoughts. The test, using QEEG measurements, shows a sharp drop in brain activity within 48 hours of antidepressant medication start.
Scientists identified alternative routes for pharmaceuticals to enter the environment through bathing, showering, and laundering. These routes may lead to higher environmental impact for certain medications applied topically. Reducing consumption and developing better drug delivery systems can minimize environmental harm.
A systematic review of 51 studies found antidepressants to be more effective than placebos in treating depression in physically ill patients. However, adverse effects such as sexual dysfunction and dry mouth were more commonly experienced by those receiving treatment.
Researchers found that scopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, reduced symptoms of depression within three days. The study also showed that participants experienced full symptom remission by the end of the treatment period.
Physicians can deny patient requests for antidepressants using patient-centered approaches, such as exploring the context of the request and recommending alternative diagnoses. These strategies are associated with higher visit satisfaction rates.
Researchers discovered that N-acetylserotonin, a melatonin precursor, activates the same brain growth factor circuits as BDNF, potentially explaining its antidepressant activity. This finding suggests new targets for depression treatment and may also shed light on neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new compound that appears to balance neurotransmitters better than existing antidepressants, potentially offering improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
Patients taking antidepressant escitalopram experienced improved cognitive recovery following a stroke, outperforming those on placebo or in problem-solving therapy. This study suggests that escitalopram may be effective in promoting post-stroke recovery, despite being well-tolerated and not significantly affecting depressive symptoms.
A new study links commonly used antidepressants to delayed lactation in postpartum women. The medication's impact on serotonin regulation in the breast may contribute to this issue. Researchers call for more human research before making specific recommendations regarding SSRI use during breastfeeding.
A study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with severe treatment-resistant depression. The procedure showed promising results with minimal side effects.
Researchers identified a causal link between serotonin receptors and depression treatment resistance. Higher autoreceptor levels in the brain were associated with reduced stress resilience and decreased response to antidepressant medication.
A study from Columbia University Medical Center found that an excess of one type of serotonin receptor in the brain's center may cause antidepressants to fail for half of patients. Researchers created a mouse model with high and low receptor levels, showing that reducing receptors can transform non-responders into responders.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that antidepressant medications provide substantial benefit for patients with very severe depression, but little to no benefit for those with mild or moderate symptoms. The study suggests that the efficacy of these medications largely depends on the severity of depression symptoms.
A national survey found that only 21% of Americans with clinical depression receive adequate treatment, while half go untreated. Disparities in mental healthcare access persist, particularly for African Americans and Mexican Americans, who face significant barriers to care.
A new study found that antidepressant medication during inpatient treatment can significantly reduce the risk of hospital readmission among suicidal adolescents. The research also highlights concerns over the use of multiple medications in this population, which was associated with a three-fold increased risk of readmission.
Researchers found that antidepressant medications can substantially change patients' personalities, particularly those with high neuroticism and low extraversion. Personality changes were linked to long-term improvements in mood, suggesting a potential mechanism for modern antidepressants.
A study of over 136,000 postmenopausal women found a 45% higher risk of stroke and a 32% higher risk of death among those taking antidepressants compared to non-users. The researchers note that while the overall risk is small, it can have significant implications for large patient populations.
Postmenopausal women taking antidepressants may be at higher risk of stroke and death compared to those not taking the medication. Researchers emphasize the need for individualized risk assessment and further study to determine the exact association.
A new study reveals that most antidepressants miss the mark on a key brain protein called monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), which is highly elevated during clinical depression. This finding has important implications for understanding why antidepressants don't always work, with potential benefits for developing more effective treatments.
A study found no association between antiepileptic drugs and increased suicidal thoughts or actions in individuals with bipolar disorder. In fact, antiepileptic drug treatment may have a protective effect on suicidality, particularly among those not receiving other treatments.
A study found that antidepressants can change personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion while alleviating depressive symptoms. Individuals taking the medication reported significant decreases in neuroticism and increases in extraversion compared to those receiving placebo or cognitive therapy.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that sedatives and hypnotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines significantly increase the risk of falling in older adults. The study suggests that psychotropic medications contribute to falls and fracture risks, emphasizing the need for careful medication management in elderly populations.
A UBC study found significant associations between sedatives, antidepressants, and anti-psychotics with falling among seniors. Safer alternatives like counseling and less-sedating therapies may be more appropriate for certain conditions.
Flibanserin, originally developed as an antidepressant, has been shown to improve sexual desire and satisfaction in women with low libido. The results of pooled clinical trials found significant improvements in sexual encounters, desire, and distress associated with sexual dysfunction.
Researchers found that depression-related genes and stress-related genes have almost no overlap, indicating that chronic stress does not cause the same molecular changes as depression. This finding challenges the long-held belief that stressful life events are a major cause of depression.
New research suggests that augmenting antidepressant therapy with omega-3 fatty acid supplements does not provide benefit for patients with coronary heart disease and depression. The study found no difference in improvement between groups on the Beck Depression Inventory-II scores.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that the popular antidepressant nortriptyline is associated with a dramatic increase in suicidal thoughts among men. Compared to its competitor escitalopram, nortriptyline was linked to a 9.8-fold increase in emerging suicidal thoughts and a 2.4-fold increase in worsening suicidal thoughts.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina pioneer bilateral epidural prefrontal cortical stimulation, providing significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Five patients showed average improvement of 54.9% after seven months, including three who reached remission.
Studies found that antidepressant medication exposure during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low five-minute Apgar scores. Exposure was also linked to a higher risk of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study suggests that treatment of depression during pregnancy may be warrant...
A new biomarker test has been developed to predict the effectiveness of antidepressant medication in patients with major depression, allowing for quick switching to more effective treatments. The test measures changes in brain-wave patterns and showed an accuracy rate of 74%.
A new study found that adding psychosocial therapy to medication can improve depression scores short-term and long-term in stroke patients, leading to better perceived recovery, physical condition, and social participation. Depression following stroke is a significant public health problem affecting one-third of patients.
The rate of antidepressant treatment increased significantly in the US between 1996 and 2005, from 5.84% to 10.12%, affecting racial and ethnic minorities at lower rates, with 18-69 year olds being most likely to use these medications
A study by researchers from four Madrid-based health centres found that family conflict is not a significant factor in the use of psychopharmaceuticals among Spanish women. The results show that 24% of women take antidepressants, with benzodiazepines used by 30.6%, primarily for sleep aid.
Dry mouth, caused by decreased salivary function, affects one in four Americans and is linked to over 400 prescription and non-prescription drugs. Patients may experience symptoms like constant thirst, difficulty eating or speaking, and increased tooth decay risk.
Researchers found that combining antidepressants with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) improves depression symptoms more than using ECT alone, reducing memory problems, particularly when using nortriptyline or unilateral ECT on the right side of the brain.