Articles tagged with Antidepressants
The FDA warnings had a modest impact on the use of antidepressants among youth, with significant declines in paroxetine prescriptions. However, other antidepressants also saw declines, albeit less pronounced.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that erythropoietin, a natural human hormone, may have antidepressant properties. The study found that erythropoietin regulated emotional responses and had neuroprotective effects on neural function, supporting its potential as a treatment strategy for depression.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to developing antidepressants by targeting novel brain molecules, which can lead to faster treatment and relief from depression. The study found that patients responded within two hours and 70% showed improvement within 24 hours.
A new study shows transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to be an effective, non-drug treatment for major depression, with response and remission rates approximately twice those of sham TMS. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients with mild side effects.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a novel gene, VGF, that plays a crucial role in exercise-induced antidepressant effects. The study found that enhancing VGF expression can function like a powerful anti-depressant, providing a potential new treatment target for depression.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has updated its practice parameters for the treatment of narcolepsy and other central hypersomnias. The guidelines recommend a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms, including modafinil, sodium oxybate, and tricyclic antidepressants. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is crucial to ...
LA BioMed researchers found that African-Americans and Latinos responded less well to medication for depression than whites, with socioeconomic factors playing a key role. The study suggests these groups may need more treatment beyond medication, including talk therapy.
Between 2002 and 2005, the number of children taking type-2 diabetes medications increased by 166% among girls aged 10-14. Obesity is a likely cause of this trend. Additionally, changes in prescribing behaviors and increased office visits are also possible explanations.
Depression is associated with an increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes. Antidepressant treatments have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing mortality and improving health behaviors in patients with coronary artery disease.
A recent clinical trial funded by the NIH found that combining psychotherapy and antidepressant medication is the most effective treatment for adolescents with major depressive disorder. The TADS study showed improved recovery rates compared to using medication or therapy alone.
A new genetic test, Mark-C, has been announced to identify patients at risk of suicidal ideation when prescribed antidepressant drugs. The test is expected to help reduce suicide rates among U.S. youth and make antidepressant medication safer for patients worldwide.
A comprehensive survey of maternal depression found that 8.7% of women were depressed before pregnancy, 6.9% during pregnancy, and 10.4% after childbirth. Nearly three-fourths of women with postpartum depression also experienced depression before or during pregnancy.
Researchers identified two genes linked to suicidal thinking during antidepressant treatment, with certain versions increasing the risk by 2-15 fold. The findings may lead to genetic testing and individualized treatments for depression.
Researchers found an antidepressant (citalopram) may perform as well as a commonly-prescribed antipsychotic (risperidone) in reducing psychosis and agitation in patients with dementia. The study also showed citalopram was associated with significantly lower adverse side effects.
A new study suggests that newer antidepressants are likely to reduce suicide risk in teens, contrary to earlier warnings. The researchers found a significant protective benefit from these medications, with only a small group of people being adversely affected.
Researchers have discovered a new class of antidepressants that work by directly enhancing nerve impulses of serotonin neurons. The compounds, RS 67333 and prucalopride, target serotonin type-4 receptors and have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression in rats after just three days of treatment.
Most patients with depression treated by primary care physicians don't receive consistent care with quality standards, a new study finds. However, patients who received better-quality care reported fewer symptoms up to two years after treatment began.
The study found that the number of office visits resulting in a bipolar disorder diagnosis for youths ages 19 and younger increased from 25 per 100,000 people in 1994-1995 to 1,003 per 100,000 people in 2002-2003. In contrast, adults saw a rise from 905 per 100,000 people to 1,679 per 100,000 people over the same period.
Patients with depression have impaired heart rate variability recovery after acute coronary syndromes, but treatment with antidepressants improves this ability. Sertraline treatment also increased heart rate variability in depressed patients.
Researchers conclude that primary care-based psychological interventions, such as interpersonal therapy, are cost-effective for treating depression and managing hazardous alcohol use. Low-cost antipsychotic drugs and family-focused psychosocial interventions also show promise for schizophrenia management.
A new study suggests that loss of treatment response may be due to loss of placebo response, indicating patients who were not true drug responders experienced a relapse. The study's findings challenge the common interpretation of tachyphylaxis as a loss of efficacy in antidepressant activity.
Researchers found that antidepressant medicines normalized decreased brain blood flow in patients with depression, while electroconvulsive therapy was associated with additional decreases. Objective imaging evaluations may support subjective clinical decisions in treating depression.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that people with a variation in the GRIK4 gene are more likely to respond to citalopram, an antidepressant medication. Researchers also discovered that variations in another gene, HTR2A, make people more likely to respond as well.
A new study reveals that blocking NMDA receptors leads to an increase in AMPA activity, which is crucial for ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects. This finding suggests that targeting AMPA directly may lead to the development of faster-acting antidepressants with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a unifying principle explaining how different causes and treatments for depression converge. Changes in electrical signal flow through the brain circuit appear to be the cause of depression-related behavior.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that antidepressants significantly lower the risk of suicide attempt in young adults ages 18 to 25, even those with severe depression.
Regulatory warnings about antidepressant risks led to a 33% decrease in new prescriptions among Tennessee's expanded Medicaid program. Fluoxetine prescriptions actually increased, suggesting altered treatment decisions.
A study of over 100,000 patients found that suicide attempts decreased during the first month of treatment for depression, regardless of medication or therapy type. Patients who received antidepressant prescriptions from psychiatrists were more likely to attempt suicide than those who received them from primary care doctors.
Two studies found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are linked to increased rates of hip bone loss, particularly among women over 78 years old. The research suggests that SSRIs may interfere with the function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, leading to reduced bone density.
Two studies by OHSU scientists found that elderly men taking SSRIs have lower bone mineral density, while elderly women taking the drugs experience a higher rate of yearly bone loss. The researchers caution against drawing conclusions about causality but suggest screening and extra protection may be needed.
Research identifies genetic variations that predispose some men to suicidal thoughts during depression treatment, highlighting the need for tailored care. The study analyzed DNA of over 1,400 patients and found two specific SNPs associated with increased risk in men, but not women.
A Pitt School of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adding a medication to a standard treatment regimen for major depressive disorder in the elderly improves chances of recovery. The study showed that recovery rates increased from 40% to 60% when adding a second drug to the treatment.
Research suggests that antidepressants and psychological therapies like hypnotherapy can alleviate IBS symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy is also effective in managing IBS, with benefits lasting longer than medication treatment.
A recent study found that bipolar spectrum disorder affects about 1% of the population, with individuals receiving inadequate treatment. The research highlights the importance of identifying subtypes of bipolar disorder and using appropriate medication to effectively manage symptoms.
Researchers found that monthly maintenance IPT was effective in preventing recurrence of depression in women who achieved remission through IPT alone. The study also showed no significant difference in recurrence rates between those who received maintenance IPT weekly, bi-monthly or monthly.
Researchers found people taking antidepressant medications were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those not taking the medication. Depression was identified as an early symptom of Parkinson's, appearing in the year before diagnosis.
A meta-analysis of 27 major studies found antidepressants effective in treating anxiety, OCD, and depression in children and adolescents. The study suggests that while there is a small risk of suicidal thoughts, it is outweighed by the benefits of treatment.
A review of studies indicates antidepressants may be effective for treating depression and anxiety in children and teens, despite increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. The benefits appear to outweigh the risks, supporting cautious use of these medications as a first-line treatment option.
A new study found that antidepressants are effective in treating pediatric major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, with a lower risk of suicidal thoughts compared to FDA estimates. The study suggests antidepressants should be considered as first-line treatment options for children under 19.
Following FDA warnings on suicidal behavior risks, antidepressant prescriptions among children and teens decreased from 2003 to 2005. Psychiatrists became the primary prescribers for this age group, replacing primary care physicians.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that treatment with beneficial soil bacteria activated neurons producing serotonin, a key brain chemical linked to depression. This discovery sheds light on why some individuals are vulnerable to mood disorders like depression and may lead to new treatments.
Researchers studied 366 participants with bipolar disorder, finding that adding antidepressants to mood stabilizers did not improve outcomes or trigger manic episodes. The study suggests careful management of mood stabilizer medications may be a reasonable alternative to adding antidepressants.
A small clinical trial of escitalopram, an antidepressant medication, found no conclusive benefit in treating kleptomania. However, the results suggest that some medications may still be effective for certain patients.
A study found no difference in the relapse rate of people with compulsive-buying disorder when taking escitalopram compared to those on a placebo, contradicting previous research findings. The results may be due to differences in biological roots among individuals with the disorder.
A University of Iowa study found antidepressant treatment improves post-stroke cognitive abilities, including executive function, in stroke survivors. The improvements occurred 21 months after treatment ended and were independent of changes in depression.
A CIHR-funded study found that while antidepressants reduce alcohol consumption in men with depression, this effect is lost for women. Men taking antidepressants consumed significantly less alcohol than depressed men who did not use antidepressants.
A new care management program, AIM, has been shown to be significantly more effective than standard treatment in improving depression in stroke survivors. The study found that 39% of patients who received AIM had complete remission from depression after 12 weeks of treatment.
A study published in JAMA found that citalopram was superior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease. The treatment also improved perceived social support and daily function.
A study of 5,008 adults found that daily use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is associated with a doubled risk of certain fractures. The use of SSRIs was also linked to an increased risk of falls and decreased bone mineral density.
A new study found that patients who initiate general discussions about antidepressant medication are more likely to be thoroughly evaluated for depression than those with brand-specific requests or no request. This increase in history-taking also leads to better provision of initial care and diagnostic accuracy.
Chronic kidney disease affects a significant portion of the UK population, particularly elderly individuals taking multiple medications. Healthcare professionals require specific guidance on using drugs that can cause or be altered by kidney disease, as 'use with caution' advice is often insufficient.
A large Finnish study found that individuals taking antidepressant medications have a higher risk of additional suicide attempts, yet a lower risk of dying from suicide or other causes. The study showed a significant association between antidepressant use and reduced mortality rates.
The National Institute of Mental Health is funding five new projects to investigate the relationship between antidepressant medications and suicidal thoughts or actions. Studies will analyze data from various sources, including the FDA, VA, and Medicare records, to determine the effectiveness of different depression treatments in reduc...
A new study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that depression itself increases mortality risk in heart failure patients, not the use of antidepressant medications. The study analyzed over 1,000 depressed patients with heart failure and found a 15% higher death rate among those who were depressed.
Researchers found significant variation between individuals with depression and healthy women, particularly in the mu-opioid system involved in stress and emotions. The study suggests that these differences may predict treatment response, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to depression treatment.
Regular follow-up is essential during antidepressant treatment due to individual variability in response, according to Dr. Greg Simon. The author suggests maintaining a connection between patients and providers to address potential concerns and provide support.
A six-year study, STAR*D, found that 67% of patients achieved full remission after one to four treatment steps. Careful monitoring and collaboration between patients and clinicians are crucial for improving outcomes.
A US study found an inverse relationship between antidepressant prescriptions and child suicide rates, with counties having high prescription rates showing lower suicide rates. The study predicts that no SSRI prescriptions would lead to 253 more suicides per year among children and adolescents.
A new study found that low doses of sertraline taken before the onset of menstruation may be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome. Researchers also tested two other dosing strategies, including daily medication throughout the menstrual cycle and symptom-onset dosing.
A large-scale clinical trial funded by the NIH found that commonly prescribed antipsychotic medications for Alzheimer's patients with delusions and aggression have limited effectiveness, while increasing the risk of severe side effects. The study suggested that alternative treatments may be more suitable for this vulnerable population.