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How ketamine acts fast and slow

Researchers discovered that ketamine's sustained effects involve increasing immature cells' activity, while rapid effects rely on newborn neurons firing more rapidly. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new antidepressant treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Gut-brain communication turned on its axis

Researchers at Flinders University uncovered a major breakthrough in understanding the gut-brain axis, revealing that serotonin released from gut cells must communicate via diffusion to activate sensory nerve endings. This discovery has profound implications for drug development and treatments of mental health and digestive problems.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCell and Tissue Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Ketamine’s promise for severe depression grows, but major questions remain

New findings from a study on ketamine's efficacy in treating severe depression reveal that 52% of participants achieved remission after just three infusions. The study also found that half of those who had thought often of suicide before receiving ketamine experienced a dramatic drop in suicidal impulses.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Women may find it harder to adjust to later life divorce and break-ups than men

A large long-term study found that women's antidepressant use increases after later life divorce or break-up, with a significant increase in the 4 years leading up to the event. Women's use tends to tail off only slightly and briefly after re-partnering, while men's use returns to pre-break-up levels within a year.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Ketamine helped many severely depressed veterans, study shows

A study of 215 veterans found that nearly half experienced significant depression score drops, while about one quarter saw a halving of their scores. About 15% achieved full remission after six weeks of ketamine infusions, suggesting the treatment can provide substantial relief for those with complex mental health needs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

How effective are opioid medications for cancer pain?

A recent review of opioid medicines for cancer pain found surprisingly large gaps in evidence regarding their true benefits. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be at least as effective as some opioids for background cancer pain, offering potential alternatives to reduce dependence and waning analgesia over time.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 18, 2023

Genetic testing could greatly benefit patients with depression, save health system millions

A new study suggests that genetic testing for depression could lead to significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes. The test, known as pharmacogenomic testing, can help match patients with medications that are more likely to be effective and cause fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2023

First genetic causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon discovered

Scientists identified two genes, ADRA2A and IRX1, that predispose individuals to Raynaud's phenomenon. The genes affect the body's ability to regulate blood vessel constriction, leading to white fingers and toes in response to cold or stress. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential treatment options, including th...

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

ChatGPT may be better than doctors at evidence-based management of clinical depression

A recent study published in Family Medicine and Community Health found that ChatGPT may be better than human doctors at following recognized treatment standards for clinical depression, without gender or social class biases. The AI technology provided fast, objective insights that supplemented traditional diagnostic methods and offered...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 2023

Amitriptyline helps relieve IBS symptoms

The ATLANTIS trial found that amitriptyline significantly improved IBS symptoms, with participants taking the medication reporting a bigger improvement in symptom scores after six months. The medication was well-tolerated and showed no significant impact on anxiety or depression scores.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2023

Esketamine nasal spray effective against depression

A Phase IIIb study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that esketamine nasal spray achieved higher remission rates (27.1%) compared to quetiapine extended-release (17.6%) in patients with treatment-resistant depression, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for this population.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2023

Ketamine-related drug gives better treatment for difficult to treat clinical depression

The ESCAPE-TRD study found that esketamine nasal spray outperforms quetiapine in treating treatment-resistant major depression, with patients showing higher remission rates and reduced depressive symptoms. The results suggest esketamine as a safe and effective treatment option for those with treatment-resistant depression.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2023

Esketamine nasal spray: an option for patients with treatment-resistant depression

A new study reveals that esketamine nasal spray is effective in treating treatment-resistant depression, with 27.1% of patients achieving remission after 8 weeks compared to 17.6% on quetiapine XR. Long-term data shows sustained remission rates at 21.7% for esketamine NS and 14.1% for quetiapine XR.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2023

Antidepressants may reduce negative memories while improving overall memory, according to Rice study

A new study from Rice University found that antidepressants can reduce negative memories in depressed individuals while improving overall memory function. The study's lead author suggests that the medications shift memory dynamics toward healthy function and may help better select treatments depending on people's symptoms of depression.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

People who are in good shape take fewer mental-health related medication

Research based on the Trøndelag Health Study found that people in good physical shape fill fewer prescriptions for anxiety and depression medications. The study suggests that improving physical fitness can help prevent anxiety and depression, with men experiencing greater benefits from exercise than women.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Underutilized antidepressant treatment for postnatal depression associated with improved child outcomes at age five

Research found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment for postnatal depression was associated with reduced child behavioral difficulties, ADHD symptoms, and maternal depression. The study also suggested long-term benefits of SSRI treatment on child outcomes up to five years after childbirth.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2023

GABA receptors in brain could be targets to treat depression and its cognitive symptoms

Researchers propose GABA-modulating treatments as potential therapeutic targets for depression's cognitive and affective symptoms. The study highlights the importance of GABA-A receptors in regulating balance and signals between neurons, and suggests compounds that promote or inhibit these receptors may alleviate depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2023

Study deciphers the biosynthetic pathway of the antidepressant orcinol glucoside from the plant Curculigo orchioides and engineers the production of orcinol glucoside in the biotech-friendly yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, with yields over 6,400-fold higher th

Researchers have deciphered the biosynthetic pathway of orcinol glucoside from Curculigo orchioides and successfully engineered its production in Yarrowia lipolytica. The resulting yields are significantly higher, exceeding 6,400-fold that of natural plant extraction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2023

Most antidepressants prescribed for chronic pain lack reliable evidence of efficacy or safety, scientists warn

A Cochrane review found that most antidepressants used to manage chronic pain lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness, with only duloxetine showing reliable pain relief. The review also revealed that harms from many commonly recommended drugs have not been well studied, posing a global public health concern.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 9, 2023

Happy worms have healthy eggs

A new study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improved the quality of aging females' egg cells in roundworms by reducing embryonic death and chromosomal abnormalities. Replication in fruit flies confirmed the findings, suggesting a shared signaling system between species.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateMay 4, 2023

People with NAFLD have decreased expression of a liver enzyme needed for medication processing, according to researchers from Indiana University and Eli Lilly

A study from Indiana University School of Medicine found that people with NAFLD have significantly decreased levels of the liver enzyme CYP2C19, which is important for medication processing. This decrease may lead to slower clearance of certain medications and reduced effectiveness of medicines like antidepressants and clopidogrel.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2023

People living with HIV at substantially higher risk of depression and suicide, especially in first 2 years after diagnosis

A nationwide study in Denmark found that people living with HIV are at double the risk of depression and treatment with electroconvulsive therapy compared to controls. Siblings of PLWH also face an increased risk of depression, use of antidepressants, and suicide, but lower than for PLWH.