Articles tagged with Antidepressants
A new Cochrane review confirms that antidepressants reduce anxiety symptoms in GAD patients under trial conditions. However, there is limited data on long-term usage and its potential benefits and harms.
A study found that people with delayed REM sleep have higher levels of toxic proteins amyloid and tau, and lower levels of healthy protein BDNF, which can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Practicing healthy sleep habits may help mitigate this risk.
A new study found disparities in access to semaglutide based on insurance plan, job industry, sex, and other factors. Individuals with female identities, preferred provider organization coverage, and antidepressant use were more likely to start taking semaglutide compared to males or those with certain employment industries.
A new study reveals that delta opioid receptor agonist KNT-127 has a rapid and effective antidepressant effect with minimal side effects. The research highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying its action, including mTOR signaling pathways and Akt activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.
A new study published in the COPD Foundation journal found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk of falls and related injuries when taking commonly prescribed medications. The likelihood of falls increases relative to the number of fall-risk increasing drugs used.
A cross-sectional study found that maternal use of certain antidepressants and anti-inflammatory medications can lower protein and fat levels in breast milk. This may impose health risks on infants who are breastfed by mothers taking these medications, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the clinical implications.
Researchers used zebrafish to test ketamine's effects on depression, revealing that the drug suppresses 'giving up' behavior by overstimulating astroglia cells. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating depression by targeting these non-neuronal cells.
Researchers at George Mason University have received $1,049,998 in funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to develop an AI system that helps patients find the right depression medications. The new study aims to address known challenges in AI and incorporate an empathetic tone.
Increasing serotonin levels in the gut epithelium improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in animal studies, suggesting a new therapeutic approach. The study also highlights the risk of digestive issues in children exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy.
Researchers found that targeting antidepressants to intestinal cells reduces anxiety and depressive behaviors in mice, and may offer a better alternative to current treatments during pregnancy. The study suggests that increasing serotonin signaling in the gut can impact gut-brain communication and ultimately mood.
A new Simon Fraser University study finds that antidepressants are associated with reduced genital sensitivity in 13% of users, compared to 1% of other psychiatric medication users. The study highlights the need for better patient education and warnings about potential side effects.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified the binding site of low-dose ketamine, revealing how it alleviates major depression symptoms within hours. The study also identifies how depression originates in the brain and may lead to further research on using ketamine-like drugs for other brain disorders.
Researchers discovered that NMDA receptors set the baseline level for neural network activity, helping maintain stable brain function. The study's findings suggest potential innovative treatments for diseases linked to disrupted neural stability.
A new study has identified ten priorities for future research on reducing and stopping psychiatric medication, covering topics such as safely reducing/stopping medication and providing support to individuals undergoing discontinuation. The findings highlight the value of co-production and address gaps in the existing evidence base.
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
The number of seizures in US children due to medication or substance exposure has more than doubled between 2009 and 2023. The main culprits are over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants, painkillers, and synthetic cannabinoids.
A recent study found that psychiatric drugs are 50% more effective in clinical trials funded by the manufacturer compared to those sponsored by other groups. The researcher attributed this phenomenon to the sponsorship effect, which is reduced by 20% when unpublished trials are included in the analysis. Preregistration has helped reduc...
A systematic review found that FDA-issued warnings about antidepressant use among youth led to a decline in pediatric mental health care and an increase in suicides. The study suggests that these warnings, intended to encourage physician vigilance, had unintended consequences.
Researchers found that serotonin release scales with the value of rewards, indicating its role in monitoring reward quality. The study used a new biosensor to measure serotonin levels in mice receiving varied concentrations of evaporated milk as rewards.
Researchers found that SSRI antidepressants improve cognitive functions like verbal memory by reducing a specific serotonin receptor. The study suggests that stimulating this receptor may be a promising target for optimizing antidepressant treatment outcomes.
A 6-month study found that psilocybin offered similar improvements to SSRI escitalopram in depressive symptoms, but with greater social functioning and psychological connectedness. Psilocybin may offer an alternative for those not responding to SSRIs, but its benefits are still being studied.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have found an antidepressant, vortioxetine, effective against glioblastomas, a particularly aggressive brain tumor with no cure. The drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger a signalling cascade makes it promising for treating this deadly tumour.
Researchers found limited evidence to support antidepressant use in older adults for most pain conditions, highlighting the need for a multidimensional approach and non-pharmacological strategies. Antidepressants were associated with increased negative effects, such as falling and injury, compared to placebo groups.
Prescription volumes for stimulant and antidepressant medications rose, while opioid volumes decreased between 2019 and 2022. Telehealth prescriptions climbed across medications, with a notable increase in opioids.
A significant increase in drug overdose rates was recorded in Colombia between 2010 and 2021, with a notable rise among young women. The study found that the pandemic contributed to higher levels of anxiety and mental health problems, leading to overuse of drugs, particularly tranquilizers/sedatives/antidepressants.
A new study from King's College London found that a common antidepressant does not improve breathlessness in patients with respiratory disease and may cause side effects. The researchers call for further research into potential therapies for severe breathlessness and recommend using non-pharmacological approaches to treat the symptom.
A cross-sectional study of commercially insured patients suggests that there may be meaningful heterogeneous associations between cannabis policy and state-level outcomes, as well as between cannabis policy and drug class, with implications for patient substance use and mental health outcomes.
The September issues of APA journals focus on depression risk factors and treatments, as well as noninvasive brain stimulation therapies. The American Journal of Psychiatry explores the promise of these therapies in treating depression.
A study found that ketamine clinics have inconsistent policies on pregnancy-related safeguards, including inadequate warning systems and contraception prescription. This is concerning given the potential harm of ketamine to developing fetuses.
A new study explores how older adults in a South Florida retirement community coped with the pandemic, finding they grew stronger and more resilient. Participants discovered new interests, deepened relationships, and used technology to adapt, leading to increased confidence and life appreciation.
A disproportionality analysis of World Health Organization data revealed a signal of semaglutide-associated suicidal ideation, particularly among patients with co-reported antidepressant use. This finding warrants urgent clarification and highlights the need for further research on the safety profile of semaglutide.
A new study found that Cannabigerol (CBG) significantly reduced feelings of anxiety at 20, 45 and 60 minutes after ingestion, with stress ratings also decreasing. CBG's effect on memory was unexpectedly positive, enhancing the ability to recall lists of words.
The use of mood-altering drugs among children and young people is rising steadily, with a tendency to prescribe them for longer periods. Experts emphasize the need for better understanding of psychotropic medications' risks and safe doses in different age groups.
A nationwide study found a marked increase in new GLP-1RA prescriptions for obesity, particularly since 2020. Semaglutide was the most prescribed GLP-1RA, but prescriptions among those with obesity without type 2 diabetes spiked, worsening existing racial and ethnic disparities.
The college will develop a Knowledge-enhanced Antidepressant Recommendation Dialogue System (KARDS) to engage users in a conversation to identify the appropriate antidepressant medication. The AI chatbot aims to address medication needs of Black and African Americans with depression, a gap in current management.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the benefits of palliative care in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease. Palliative care complements standard cardiovascular care by reducing physical symptoms, emotional distress, and assisting patients in making decision...
A study of over 183,000 adults found that certain antidepressants can cause significant weight gain or loss, while others have little to no effect. Bupropion was consistently associated with the least weight gain among 8 first-line antidepressants, which may impact medication adherence and patient treatment decisions.
Researchers have discovered that the Z-isomer of doxepin has a higher affinity for the H1 receptor, which could lead to the development of more effective antihistamines. The study also sheds light on how the binding environment enhances selectivity for the Z-isomer.
A new study found that bupropion is associated with the least amount of weight gain among common antidepressant medications, with users being 15-20% less likely to gain clinically significant weight. The research also highlights the varying weight gain effects of different antidepressants.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...
A University of Otago-led trial found that extended-release ketamine tablets significantly improved depressive symptoms in adults with treatment-resistant depression. The tablets showed good tolerability and minimal side effects compared to traditional injection or nasal spray methods.
A new ketamine tablet form has shown promise in treating severe depression with negligible side effects and convenience. The study found that patients on the strongest dose of ketamine had the best results compared to placebo.
A new study reveals that depression and antidepressant use are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women. Epigenetic age acceleration, measured by GrimAge DNA methylation age acceleration, partially mediates the relationship between antidepressant use and increased mortality risk.
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, work by restoring connections between brain regions, rather than correcting a chemical imbalance. The framework highlights the importance of these medications in alleviating depressive episodes, even if MDD isn't caused by a lack of serotonin.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients found that one in six to seven patients will experience discontinuation symptoms directly caused by stopping the medication. Severe symptoms occurred in about 3% of patients, with certain antidepressants increasing the risk.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that one in three people reports symptoms after discontinuing antidepressant treatment. The nocebo effect, where negative expectations contribute to symptoms, is estimated to be responsible for half of these effects.
A new study found that almost two-thirds of prescribed tricyclic antidepressants were above the safe dosage threshold, with Black patients more likely to receive these high-dose medications. The research highlights the need for routine evaluation of drug efficacy in clinical care environments.
Researchers at George Mason University used artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 3.6 million patients and create personalized antidepressant recommendations. The free website MeAgainMeds.com provides evidence-based guidance for clinicians and patients, enabling faster symptom relief and reduced medication trial time.
Researchers from the University of South Australia have developed a new coating that targets the gut microbiome to improve antipsychotic medication absorption, mitigating unwanted weight gain. The reformulated Lurasidone reduces weight gain by 8-fold and boosts serotonin levels by over 250%.
The study reveals that noradrenaline transporter forms a homodimer mediated by cholesterol and lipids, regulating substrate binding. Six different antidepressants bind to NET with overlapping but distinct modes, conferring subtype selectivity.
New research emphasizes the importance of integrated care for children with epilepsy and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. The study reveals that fragmented care can lead to negative outcomes, including disjointed treatment plans and inadequate seizure control.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that adults with higher depression symptoms are less likely to engage in physical activity, while being more active is linked to better mental health. The research suggests that current physical activity can have a lasting impact on future depression symptoms and vice versa.
A head-mounted device generating an ultra-low frequency magnetic field has improved symptoms of four male patients with major depressive disorder. The study suggests that future trials may offer a safe and non-invasive way to treat depression.
Researchers developed a new method for nose-to-brain drug delivery using HS15 micelles to target insoluble drugs. The study found that the micelles provided higher and more sustained brain distribution, with rapid entry into the brain region after intranasal administration.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that dietary adjustments, such as a low FODMAP diet and low-carbohydrate diets, resulted in significantly reduced IBS symptoms for over seven out of ten patients. In contrast, medication-based treatment showed fewer symptom improvements.
A study found that social stress during adolescence in female mice leads to prolonged cortisol elevation after giving birth, similar to women exposed to adverse early life experiences. The researchers suggest alternative treatments may be more effective for postpartum depression.
A study analyzing 8,384 clinical appointments found that women aged 45 are the majority of patients treated at public psychiatric outpatient clinics in Brazil. The patients had sadness, anxiety, and irritability as primary symptoms, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being commonly prescribed medications.
A new study identifies multiple emotion regulation systems in the human brain, providing targets for therapy. The research reveals that regions in the anterior prefrontal cortex and higher-level cortical hierarchies are involved in emotion regulation.
A trio of studies show increased diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in pregnant and new mothers with private insurance, but disparities persist. The findings suggest that policy changes and increased awareness have contributed to the rise in diagnoses and treatments.
Research highlights treating anxiety and depression in people with heart disease can significantly reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even death. The study found that talk therapy and antidepressant medications improved heart outcomes among those with blocked arteries or heart failure.