Articles tagged with Antidepressants
A nationwide study led by USC professor Lon Schneider found that most Alzheimer's patients prescribed antipsychotic drugs discontinue use due to severe side effects, despite showing some effectiveness in managing delusions and agitation. The study suggests that these medications should be used with caution and only when necessary.
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.
A study at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting found that plastic surgery can lead to a significant decrease in antidepressant medication use among patients. Cosmetic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and facelifts were associated with improved self-esteem and reduced antidepressant needs.
A study found associations between genetic polymorphisms and response to antidepressant treatment, suggesting personalized treatment options. Patients carrying specific gene variations had better response rates to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
A recent study found that nearly one in five stroke survivors suffer from depression, with only 22% of those taking antidepressants being effective. Researchers hope to increase identification and treatment by educating physicians, patients, and families about the risk of depression after stroke.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that short duration of depressive symptoms in teens can make it difficult to distinguish between actual treatment efficacy and placebo effects. This design issue may lead to unnecessary long-term drug therapy for some children, as those who recover quickly from depr...
A study published in PLoS Medicine found a possible association between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and severe violence in a small number of individuals. The authors analyzed data from various sources, including prescription-event monitoring studies and legal cases, to examine this potential link.
Researchers compared two commonly used antidepressants, nortriptyline and sertraline, to determine their effectiveness in treating postpartum depression. The study found that both drugs were effective in reducing depressive symptoms, with no significant differences in response rates or side effects.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon and Ohio State researchers found that antidepressants are not causally linked to an increased risk of suicidality among most teens. The study suggests that only adolescents with major depressive disorder who take a specific class of antidepressants, SSRIs, may be at higher risk.
A study suggests that ketamine, a general anesthetic agent, can rapidly alleviate depression symptoms within two hours. The effects of ketamine last for up to one week, making it a potential game-changer in treating depression with rapid onset and sustained response.
A preliminary study found that a single intravenous dose of ketamine provided symptom relief in treatment-resistant depression patients within two hours. The results suggest a new class of faster- and -longer-acting medications could be developed, pointing to potential breakthroughs in treating depression.
Severely depressed children and adolescents are 1.5 times more likely to attempt or complete suicide if treated with antidepressants compared to those not treated. In contrast, antidepressant use is not associated with increased risk of suicide attempts or deaths in adults.
A large-scale study found that adding a broad-spectrum psychotropic agent, Risperidone, to standard antidepressant therapy can effectively treat resistant major depressive disorder. Patients who were less severely ill only needed a brief period of Risperidone treatment to experience lasting benefits.
A placebo study found that brain activity during a 'placebo lead-in' phase prior to antidepressant treatment can predict clinical outcomes. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, used EEG measurements to analyze changes in brain activity and its impact on depression scores.
A University of Georgia study found that three-quarters of people prescribed antidepressant drugs receive the medications for a reason not approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. The researchers called for greater emphasis on evidence-based medicine to ensure greater safety in off-label prescribing.
A study found that mild sadness can provoke depressive thinking in some recovered patients, leading to a higher risk of relapse. Cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication were tested on 301 patients with major depressive disorder, showing that those who displayed greater cognitive reactivity were more likely to relapse.
A recent study by Dr. Wolfgang Paulus found no increased risk of congenital abnormalities in children born to mothers taking the antidepressant paroxetine during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that a reliable pharmaco-vigilance system is crucial for documenting fetal outcomes, but more funding and support are needed.
A recent study at Mayo Clinic suggests a strong association between REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) in younger patients and antidepressant use. The study found that 80% of RBD patients under 50 years old used antidepressants, compared to 15% of those over 50.
A study in PLoS Medicine found that US suicide rates fell from 12.2 to 10.4 per 100,000 between 1960 and 2002, coinciding with an increase in fluoxetine prescriptions from 1988 to 2002. The researchers suggest that fluoxetine may have saved up to 33,600 lives during this period.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine analyzes federal data on US suicide rates and sales of the antidepressant fluoxetine since its introduction in 1988. The research found that suicide rates dropped steadily over 14 years as sales of fluoxetine rose, with the strongest effect among women.
Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrate desvenlafaxine succinate's effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life for adult patients. The medication also showed promise in managing depression-related pain, highlighting its potential as a valuable treatment option.
Researchers found five predictors associated with bipolar disorder risk: people were unfriendly, co-morbid anxiety, depression diagnosis within five years, family history of bipolar disorder, and legal problems. These findings may help physicians better assess a patient's risk for bipolar disorder.
A recent study found that patients with diabetes who take an antidepressant medication after recovering from depression experience significantly lower rates of depression and better blood glucose control. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests that controlling depression can help manage blood sugar levels.
A study of 152 patients with diabetes found that taking sertraline significantly reduced the risk of depression recurrence. After one year, 65.8% of patients remained in remission compared to 47.9% on placebo.
A recent study found that patients with minor or subsyndromal depression are five and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with major depression within a year. These less-severe conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated, causing greater functional disability among the elderly population.
Researchers found a decreased risk of colorectal cancer for those taking high SSRI doses before diagnosis. The study's results provide interesting insights but highlight the need for further investigation and trial data.
The BRITE-MD trial aims to determine the accuracy of technology in predicting patient response to antidepressants, which could lead to faster recovery times. Preliminary analysis suggests high accuracy rates, but the study is currently recruiting participants.
A four-phase study on treatments for depression found that one-third of patients achieved full remission after initial treatment, while nearly 50% became symptom-free after one or two treatments. The study suggests that augmenting a first antidepressant with a second may be effective for some patients.
The STAR*D study found that switching to a new medication and augmenting the initial SSRI were effective treatment options for depression. The study showed that all three medications switched to, despite having different mechanisms of action, appeared useful options for treating depression following failure on the first SSRI.
A long-term controlled trial found that continuing antidepressants for two years can reduce the chance of another depressive episode by 60 percent. Interpersonal psychotherapy was not effective in preventing new episodes of depression in this age group.
A clinical trial tested maintenance therapy to prevent depression recurrence in patients 70 years and older. The study found that long-term antidepressant medication and psychotherapy were effective, but specific types of psychotherapy may be needed for this population.
Researchers found a significant association between genetic variation and treatment outcome for antidepressant medication. Patients with the AA gene type were 16-18% more likely to benefit from citalopram, suggesting a key role of the serotonin 2A receptor in mechanism of action.
A two-year study found that faxes from physicians to patients with antidepressants did not increase adherence rates. The proportion of nonadherent patients remained relatively constant at about 75 percent despite the intervention.
A Harvard Medical School study found that faxing alerts to physicians about patient non-adherence to antidepressants did not increase medication adherence rates. The study, which assessed over 13,000 patients starting treatment with antidepressants, suggests that other complementary interventions are needed to improve compliance.
A meta-analysis of 24 clinical trials involving over 4,500 pediatric patients found a higher risk of suicidal ideation and behavior when taking antidepressants. The FDA has required warnings and close monitoring for children taking these medications.
A study found that heart patients taking antidepressants have a 55% higher risk of dying, even after controlling for age and other factors. The researchers suggest that non-pharmocological approaches like exercise may help reduce this risk.
A mouse model of depression reveals a persistent molecular scar left by chronic stress in the brain's hippocampus. Antidepressants temporarily restore gene expression but fail to remove silencer molecules, highlighting the need for new treatments.
Studies show that deleting a specific gene called BDNF improves behavior in stressed mice, while also providing insight into the underlying molecular events involved. The researchers' findings have implications for understanding human ailments like social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers discovered that mice without brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exhibit increased BDNF and gene expression in response to social defeat, leading to improved social behavior. Antidepressants reverse this effect, suggesting a potential treatment for mood disorders.
A study by UCSD/Boston University found a small but significant increased chance of delivering an infant with severe respiratory failure (PPHN) if pregnant women take SSRIs like Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft in the second half of pregnancy. The risk is relatively low, affecting about 6-12 mothers per thousand.
A study of 120 babies found that antidepressant use during pregnancy was associated with a 30% risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Infants exposed to SSRIs exhibited common symptoms such as tremor, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep disturbances.
A study published in JAMA found that pregnant women with major depression are at a high risk of relapse if they discontinue antidepressant medication. The research highlights the need for accurate information and treatment guidelines to help clinicians make informed decisions about managing depression during pregnancy.
A recent study found that discontinuing antidepressant medication during pregnancy can lead to a higher risk of depression relapse compared to continuing treatment. The study, which enrolled 201 pregnant women, suggests that women taking antidepressants who anticipate pregnancy should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found antidepressants to be an effective treatment option for major depression in children and adolescents. The research suggests that these medications can help alleviate symptoms of depression in this age group, improving their quality of life.
Recent developments in depression treatment highlight the effectiveness of antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as mainstay treatments. ECT is particularly recommended for patients presenting with psychotic symptoms, while antidepressants remain a primary choice for most patients due to their widespread availability and ...
Researchers found that the protein p11 helps regulate serotonin signaling, which is a key target of antidepressants. Increasing p11 levels can lead to improved mood and reduced depression-like symptoms in mice.
About a third of participants reached remission or virtual absence of symptoms, while nearly two thirds remained treatment-resistant. The study, STAR*D, included 2,876 participants and was conducted over six years.
A third of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) fully recovered from symptoms after initial treatment with antidepressant medication. Nearly 47% showed a response rate, with one in three achieving symptom-free state.
A long-term population-based study found that adults do not experience an increased risk of suicidal behavior after starting antidepressants. The study analyzed over 65,000 patients and discovered a significant decline in suicide attempts following treatment initiation.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found that alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of violent behavior, with a 13.2-fold higher risk within 24 hours. Use of certain medications, such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants, was associated with a decreased risk of violence.
Dr. Raz examines inconsistencies in antidepressant data for treating child and adolescent depression, highlighting the need for stronger evidence and questioning the safety of SSRIs for this age group.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase nerve impulse-carrying axon density in the frontal and parietal lobes, controlling emotions and motivation. This growth may explain why antidepressants take time to work, with effects seen within hours but clinically meaningful results taking weeks.
Researchers have discovered a new drug that raises the level of endocannabinoids, providing measurable antidepressant effects. The study found similar results to commonly prescribed antidepressants, suggesting URB597 as a safer, non-addictive alternative for pain and depression treatment.
Researchers found a twofold increase in adolescent depression visits between 1995 and 2002, with medication use rising from 47% to 52% and psychotherapy dropping from 83% to 68%. SSRIs accounted for 76% of prescribed antidepressants during this period.
A two-year, open-label trial demonstrated that adults with ADHD experienced significant long-term symptom control when treated with once-daily ADDERALL XR. The treatment showed a good tolerability profile and was significantly associated with improved quality of life.
A new approach to preventing SAD by starting antidepressant treatment in the fall has shown promise. Early intervention with bupropion-XL reduced the risk of fall-winter depression by 44% in patients with a history of recurring episodes.
A new report by Express Scripts, Inc. found that U.S. consumers could have saved $20 billion in 2004 by using more generic drugs, with the most dramatic savings potential existing for generic gastrointestinals and anti-cholesterol medications.
A survey of 44 medications found that 43 were cheaper in Canada than in the US, with potential savings of up to 24% per dose. Second-generation antidepressants showed similar efficacy and safety compared to other options, making choosing an antidepressant difficult for patients.
Researchers are exploring novel mechanisms for antidepressant drug action, hoping to develop better treatments for depression. The study aims to identify compounds that facilitate neurogenesis, increasing the potential for innovative therapies.
A new statistical analysis of paroxetine trials reveals a significantly higher rate of suicide attempts among adults compared to placebo groups. The study confirms that all SSRIs increase suicidal tendencies in depressed adults, with increased intensity over time.