Articles tagged with Antidepressants
Researchers conducted the largest clinical trial to date of psilocybin, finding a statistically significant rapid reduction in symptoms of depression. The study suggests that COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support could be an effective treatment strategy for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Researchers at Intermountain Healthcare found that taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) does not reduce the severity of COVID-19 illness or death. Not being on an SSRI was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization and death from COVID.
A multicentre clinical trial found that a single dose of COMP360 psilocybin significantly reduced depression symptoms in participants with treatment-resistant depression. The study, involving 233 participants, showed improved outcomes for those receiving the 25mg dose compared to the control group.
A Cornell University researcher is using optical microscopy and other tools to map the brain's neural response to psychedelics. The study aims to develop fast-acting antidepressants and treatments for substance-use disorders and cluster headaches.
A meta-analysis of six studies concludes that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is more effective than ketamine in quickly relieving major depression symptoms. The analysis, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found no significant differences in ECT's success rate across various age groups and geographic locations.
A recent study identifies a specific gene, GNL3, that regulates neural proliferation in response to lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder. This gene plays an important role in brain function and has been implicated in risk for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and inter-individual variations in intelligence.
A new study found that timely treatment of depression can reduce the risk of dementia by about 30% in certain patient groups. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 350,000 participants and found that depression elevated the risk of dementia by 51%, but treatment reduced this risk. Those with increasing ...
Researchers analyzed data from 145,000 pregnancies and found that antidepressant exposure was not associated with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that antidepressant use during pregnancy may not increase the risk of these conditions in children.
Researchers used multi-omics technologies to analyze samples from 350 patients with major depressive disorder, finding distinct blood-based signatures between those with and without a history of attempted suicide. Variations in genes CLOCK and ARNTL were associated with lower antidepressant response rates.
Scientists have designed compounds that activate the 5HT2a receptor, producing antidepressant and antianxiety effects in mice. The compounds' mechanism of action differs from psychedelics like LSD, offering a potential new approach to developing effective antidepressants with fewer side effects.
A recent study found that patients who filled prescriptions for folic acid experienced a 44% reduction in suicidal events over a two-year period. Filling a prescription for folic acid was associated with a decreased risk of attempting suicide, even after adjusting for various confounding factors.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill, UC San Francisco, Yale, Duke, and Stanford have developed a new compound that targets the same brain cell receptor as psychedelic drugs but triggers long-lasting antidepressant action without psychedelic effects. The compound is patented by Yale, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UCSF and licensed to Onsero.
A clinical trial found that using positive words and images during the window of heightened brain plasticity after a single ketamine treatment can help maintain depression relief for at least one month. Researchers developed an automated intervention to pair ketamine with computer-based training, showing promising initial findings.
Researchers developed an AI-based tool to calculate harmful effects of medicines, reducing risks of confusion, blurred vision, and falls. The International Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Tool (IACT) provides a more accurate scoring system, supporting personalized medicine approaches.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a method to produce crocins, a key ingredient in saffron, using a common garden plant. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable and efficient production of these compounds for pharmaceuticals, food coloring, and flavor additives.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that ketamine's antidepressant response in mice is influenced by male administrators. The team discovered a specific brain region, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), responsible for this effect, suggesting new ways to improve antidepressant therapy.
A large, randomized trial found that metformin reduced serious COVID-19 outcomes by more than half in high-risk patients when started early. The study compared three medications and provided valuable insights into their effects on COVID-19.
A large meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D supplementation may alleviate depressive symptoms in adults with depression. The analysis included 41 studies and found that vitamin D was more effective than a placebo in alleviating symptoms. However, the results were limited by study heterogeneity and risk of bias.
Researchers used natural language processing and machine learning to analyze nearly 35,500 death records, identifying the most common substances involved in overdose deaths. The system reduced data processing time by months, allowing for more rapid public health responses and interventions.
A recent study from the University of Geneva suggests that ketamine's therapeutic use may be safe due to its limited impact on dopamine levels and neuronal communication. The research found that ketamine triggers a short increase in dopamine, but also inhibits a specific receptor that prevents addiction progression.
Research teams at Mass General Brigham will conduct large-scale studies to treat acute suicidal depressed state and bipolar depression. The studies aim to compare the effectiveness of various treatments and provide valuable data on treatment outcomes.
A comprehensive review of research on serotonin and depression found no link between the two, contradicting long-held theories. The study suggests that antidepressants' effectiveness may be due to managing stressful life events rather than correcting chemical imbalances.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that older patients respond equally well to rTMS but with slower onset of effects compared to younger patients. The researchers suggest revising treatment protocols to consider longer courses for older adults, making this treatment more accessible.
New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that noradrenaline causes brief wake-ups during sleep, potentially leading to better memory and less anxiety. High levels of noradrenaline result in brief awakenings, while low levels promote deeper sleep.
The WHO advises against the use of colchicine and fluvoxamine for treating non-severe COVID-19, citing insufficient evidence and potential harms. No recommendation is made for these drugs in patients with severe or critical illness.
A study found that pharmacogenomic testing can help providers avoid prescribing antidepressants with undesirable outcomes. The test, which analyzes genes related to drug metabolism, resulted in a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to usual care.
A pooled data analysis of available research found that ADHD drugs may successfully treat key aspects of Alzheimer's disease. Noradrenergic drugs, which target the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, showed a small but significant positive effect on overall cognition and a large positive effect on apathy in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
A study published by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that psychiatric drugs imipramine and olanzapine can improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including boosting cognition and reversing clinical diagnoses.
A study by researchers from the University of Basel found that probiotics can improve depressive symptoms in patients taking antidepressants. The probiotic group showed a greater improvement in symptoms than the placebo group, with changes in intestinal flora composition and brain activity when viewing emotional stimuli.
A new Northwestern University study reveals ketamine's fast-acting antidepressant effects by increasing activity in existing newborn neurons, offering hope for a faster-working treatment with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have synthesized GB18, a psychotropic compound found in the bark of the Galbulimima belgraveana tree. The compound binds to opioid receptors in the brain, potentially offering new hope for treating depression and anxiety. Further studies are needed to adapt it for human use.
A new study found that antidepressant use over two years does not significantly impact physical or mental health-related quality of life in individuals with depression. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that in utero exposure to mother's antiepileptic or antidepressant medication can lead to widespread changes in cortical networks, affecting local and global brain function. This may have implications for infants' neuropsychological development and future research on environmental factors.
Researchers found that NYX-783, a newly discovered drug, modulates NMDA receptor activity in neurons to suppress traumatic memories and spontaneous recovery of PTSD. The drug was effective in reducing fear responses and improving treatment outcomes, particularly in female mice.
A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry found that pharmacogenetic testing significantly improved symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study involved 276 patients and showed a nearly two-fold increase in remission rates compared to treatment as usual.
A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that antidepressants were associated with a lower risk of suicide among residents aged 75+, who had a significantly increased risk if taking sleep medication or having a history of self-harm. The research highlights the need for early recognition and quality care ...
A recent brain imaging study has found evidence of weakening connections between key brain areas in adolescents at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder. This study suggests that early intervention strategies may be effective in preventing the progression towards major changes in the brain.
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
A systematic review of psilocybin interactions with psychiatric medications reveals a lack of scientific research, leaving clinicians and patients uncertain about treatment combinations. The review highlights the need for further studies on clinical outcomes of combining pharmaceutical medications with psilocybin.
Researchers from UBC Okanagan and the University of Exeter found ketamine to have significant anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects in a comprehensive systematic review. The study suggests ketamine may be helpful in treating various disorders, including eating disorders, substance use, and anxiety.
Mayo Clinic researchers used AI to predict antidepressant outcomes in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder. They identified six depressive symptoms and assessed them using the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised to predict treatment outcomes.
A Swedish study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that victims of sexual and gender-based harassment in the workplace are at a higher risk of prescribed psychotropic medication. The study analyzed over 23,000 participants and found a 20% increase in medication use among those who experienced harassment.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that individuals without jobs or stable housing experience worse depression symptoms when treated with therapy or antidepressants. The researchers analyzed data from nine studies involving over 4,800 participants and discovered that unemployed patients had 28% poorer outcomes compar...
A new Northwestern University study found that pregnant women often continue to experience depression and anxiety symptoms even with antidepressant treatment. The study suggests that these women require closer monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum to tailor their treatment and alleviate symptoms.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant and durable improvements in depression, with effects lasting at least a year for most patients. The treatment was shown to produce large decreases in depression severity and stable rates of response throughout the follow-up period.
A new review and meta-analysis found that drug companies are increasingly disclosing negative study findings for antidepressants. While progress has been made, full transparency remains an issue, with researchers emphasizing the need to report all trial results, both positive and negative, to inform patient treatment.
The study found that psychotropic drug use was associated with a higher risk of premature death in cardiac patients, particularly those with anxiety. Nearly 1 in 3 cardiac patients had symptoms of anxiety, and the use of these medications was twice as high among anxious patients.
Researchers found a significant increase in psychotropic drug use among children and adolescents in Canada before the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed that the use of antidepressants and stimulants increased substantially during this period.
A new study has identified a biomarker for depression and antidepressant response in human platelets. The biomarker can be detected through a blood test and may indicate therapeutic response within one week of treatment.
A review suggests that doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants and for shorter periods due to the potential severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. The use of antidepressants is also associated with a range of side effects, but clinical trial data often don't assess outcomes that matter most to patients.
A new Australian study has found that taking anxiety drugs like nitrazepam and antidepressants before hip or knee surgery can lead to postoperative delirium. The risk is particularly high for older patients, highlighting the need to adjust medication regimens before undergoing elective procedures.
Children of depressed parents are more likely to develop depression and poor academic performance, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE. The study found that both maternal and paternal depression have significant effects on children's mental health and educational outcomes.
A large US-based analysis of electronic health records found that people taking SSRI antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine, were significantly less likely to die from COVID-19. The results add to evidence suggesting SSRIs may have beneficial effects against the worst symptoms of COVID-19.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a new target for rapid antidepressant drugs using ketamine's role in synaptic effects. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for approximately half of patients whose current antidepressants are ineffective, significantly reducing the risk of suicide.
A five-year study from Columbia University found that a single dose of ketamine improved thinking and reasoning, independent of depressive symptoms, making those in suicidal crisis less likely to harm themselves. The study also showed greater cognitive improvements in those given ketamine compared to midazolam.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that robotic pet cats improved mood scores and cognitive function in adults with mild to moderate dementia. The intervention involved 12 visits with the robotic cat, where participants interacted with it and reported positive emotions.
A new study published in EClinical Medicine found that a person's existing medical conditions can significantly impact which antidepressant works best for them. The data-driven website allows patients to share their medical history and receive personalized recommendations for antidepressants.
Children in foster care are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications, with a prevalence of 35% compared to 8% for non-foster peers, according to a new study. The research found significant differences in medication use across all age groups.
A pilot study found that depressed COVID patients responded well to SSRIs, with 91% showing improvement within 4 weeks. The study suggests post-COVID depression is treatable and may benefit from antidepressant treatment.
Researchers found that depressed adolescents' brains reduce activity in brain areas related to visual processing when shown distressing images. Antidepressant treatment restored brain activity to healthy levels, suggesting a potential vulnerability in adolescent brains.