Articles tagged with Antidepressants
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.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified 14 genes that can cause and three that can prevent weight gain, offering a promising lead in developing new treatments for obesity. The findings were made using a worm model of obesity and automation to test hundreds of genes.
A new study by UCL researchers has found that staying on long-term antidepressants reduces the risk of relapse by 39% compared to those who stop taking them. The study involved 478 primary care patients and found that 56% experienced a relapse within a year if they discontinued their medication, while only 26% did so after a full year.
A new study found that nearly three in ten people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland were prescribed antidepressants before their diagnosis. Additionally, one in ten individuals received antipsychotic prescriptions prior to T2D diagnosis. These findings suggest a link between mental health and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that antidepressants inhibit the growth of pancreatic and colon cancers in mice by blocking a mechanism used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. The findings suggest a promising approach for combining antidepressant drugs with immunotherapy to treat incurable cancers.
Researchers from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that combining long-term injectable medications with psychosocial intervention improves adherence and symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. The study enrolled 30 people with bipolar disorder who had adherenc...
Researchers found that certain species of gut bacteria accumulate human drugs, altering their types, activity, and metabolism. This can change the effectiveness of the drug both directly and indirectly, affecting side effects.
Researchers found a spike in prescription opioid and anti-anxiety sedative consumption, while illicit drug use plummeted during the early pandemic. The study used wastewater analysis to track community-wide habits and anxiety levels.
Researchers found Prozac reduces lipid concentrations in monkey brains, linked to potential side effects in young patients. The study suggests dietary changes may alleviate adverse effects by influencing lipid synthesis.
A systematic review of medical research found that ketamine and esketamine do not have significant deleterious neurocognitive effects in treatment-resistant depression. Some cognitive functions even improved after repeated infusions.
The study reveals ketamine's binding pocket in human NMDA receptors and identifies key residues essential to its action. This discovery paves the way for developing rapid-acting antidepressants with fewer side effects.
A UCSF study found that older adults who are lonely are more likely to use prescription opioids and sedatives to ease their symptoms. The researchers advocate for 'social prescribing' to local resources instead of medication.
The study found that medications prescribed for children dropped by more than a quarter, with steep declines in infection-related medicines like antibiotics and cough-and-cold drugs. Chronic disease drug prescriptions also declined, but no change was observed in antidepressant prescriptions.
Research suggests that antidepressant treatment can improve outcomes for individuals with comorbid diabetes and depression, reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease. Regular adherence to antidepressants is associated with better diabetes management and quality of life.
A randomized clinical trial found that physical exercise was significantly more effective in improving depressive symptoms among older adults with mild to moderate depression, compared to antidepressant treatment. Adverse side effects were more common in the medication group.
A study found that anticholinergic medications may increase the risk of cognitive decline and falls in under-18s. In the German population, up to 6% of this age group are at risk due to these medications.
A new study found that many younger adult dental patients are taking medications, highlighting the importance of reviewing medication histories. Medications such as antidepressants and opioids can increase the risk of dry mouth, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
A recent study found that mothers with psychiatric disorders had a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delay in their children. In contrast, antidepressant use was not associated with an increased risk of ASD. The research provides reassurance for pregnant women taking SSRIs.
A new study found that antidepressant pollution in streams can alter crayfish behavior, including increased foraging and reduced aggression. This change has the potential to disrupt stream ecosystem processes, leading to cascading effects on nutrient flows, oxygen levels, and algal growth.
A study by University of Florida scientists found that crayfish exposed to low levels of antidepressant medication behave more boldly, emerging from hiding earlier and spending more time searching for food. This altered behavior could have a ripple effect on stream ecosystem functions.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed AI2 software that analyzes patient data to detect gaps in care and trigger interventions. The tool showed potential in reducing hospitalization rates among patients with severe mental illnesses.
Researchers at RUDN University developed an eco-friendly method to synthesize pyrrole and pyrazole derivatives, which exhibit fluorescent properties. The new process is safer, cheaper, and more efficient, generating a wide range of bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine.
A phase 2 trial found that a single one-hour treatment with nitrous oxide can relieve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression for several weeks. The study showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, with a four-fold lower risk of adverse effects at lower concentrations.
A single treatment involving breathing in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide significantly improved symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression. Symptoms of depression improved rapidly following treatment, with benefits lasting for several weeks.
A recent University of Huddersfield study has found a sharp increase in antidepressant prescriptions and costs in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of prescriptions grew by four million items, costing NHS England an additional £139 million.
New research identifies persistent Gαs associated signaling changes in lipid rafts following drug withdrawal as the cause of antidepressant withdrawal syndrome. This finding has significant implications for developing personalized treatment for depression.
Researchers from Synapsy have identified lactate's key features, including NADH and neurogenesis, which contribute to its antidepressant effect. Lactate restores adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and depression.
A new study highlights the urgent need for more research on safe approaches to discontinuing antidepressant treatment. Long-term use can lead to adverse events, but the current low-certainty evidence makes it difficult to determine the best tapering strategies.
In a small study, psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, was found to be at least as effective as a leading antidepressant medication in reducing depressive symptoms. The results showed that depression scores decreased more quickly and were greater in magnitude in the psilocybin group compared to the escitalopram group.
Researchers found that psilocybin restored the pleasure response in mice with depression, even when the psychedelic effects were blocked. The study suggests that a version of the drug without or with less psychedelic effects could be developed to make therapy more accessible and cost-effective.
A study of over 42,000 children found that mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy were more likely to have children with affective disorders, but not due to the medication itself. The research suggests that parental mental illness may be the underlying cause.
Researchers discovered that itraconazole and fluoxetine effectively block SARS-CoV-2 virus production in laboratory cells. Combining these with remdesivir resulted in synergistic effects, inhibiting the virus by over 90%.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that 94% of older adults were prescribed fall-risk-increasing drugs in 2017, leading to a significant increase in deaths from falls. The study also revealed that women, particularly Black women, were more likely to be prescribed these medications.
A new study found that 1 in 7 people with dementia are taking at least three brain and nervous system medications, which can accelerate memory loss and increase the risk of falls, overdoses, and death. Regular prescription drug reviews could help spot risky combinations.
A large study found that people taking antidepressants were no more likely to have an intracerebral hemorrhage than those who didn't take such medications. Researchers analyzed data from over 127,000 stroke patients and found a slight decrease in risk associated with antidepressant use.
A new study reveals that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other conventional antidepressants boost BDNF signalling by binding to its TrkB receptor. This finding challenges the primary role of serotonin or glutamate receptors in the effects of antidepressants.
A new Geisel-led study found substantial regional variation in the intensity of fracture-associated drug (FAD) use among long-term care facility residents, with areas experiencing higher FAD use having higher hip fracture rates. The study analyzed Medicare data and prescription records, revealing a 12% difference in FAD prescribing ran...
The study analyzed tweets of 186 users taking antidepressant medication, revealing increased activity and positive emotions during treatment. Users posted longer messages with more interactions and fewer messages at night.
A new prediction model has identified 10 preoperative characteristics that may predict persistent high-dose opioid use after knee replacement surgery. Certain patient demographics and medication history, including substance abuse and benzodiazepine use, were found to be risk factors.
A new study from the University of East Anglia suggests that genetic testing before prescribing common medicines could benefit four million UK patients annually, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital visits. The testing process is simple and cost-effective, making it a promising technology for the NHS.
Researchers found that street trees close to homes decrease depression rates, particularly among disadvantaged groups. The study analyzed data from almost 10,000 Leipzig inhabitants and found a strong association between tree proximity and reduced antidepressant prescriptions.
Researchers found that antidepressants were either ineffective or provided a small effect on chronic back pain, with effects being even smaller for osteoarthritis. The study suggests antidepressants may not be the best treatment option for these conditions and could even cause adverse events.
A systematic review of antidepressant effectiveness for back and osteoarthritis pain found small, insignificant benefits for some patients. The evidence suggests that antidepressants may not be a worthwhile treatment option for chronic pain, highlighting the need for large-scale, industry-free trials.
Researchers found that acute intervention in epigenetic mechanisms produces antidepressant-like effects more rapidly than conventional drugs. The study used epigenetic modulators to 'erase' the damage done by stress to neuroplasticity, showing a potential faster route to treating depression.
Researchers found that ketamine works by targeting specific brain proteins involved in memory formation, specifically 4E-BPs. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating major depressive disorder, particularly for patients resistant to standard antidepressants.
A new study from University at Buffalo found that over 34% of older adults in the US are prescribed potentially inappropriate medications, leading to twice as many prescriptions and nearly twice as likely hospitalizations. These medications also cost patients an additional $458 per year.
A clinical study has identified the most effective treatments for cryptogenic sensory polyneuropathy (CSPN), a condition affecting over 20 million people in the US. Nortriptyline and duloxetine emerged as top performers, with nortriptyline showing the highest efficacy rate.
An elderly population study from Sweden found a higher risk of suicide among women born outside the Nordic region with untreated depression. The study also highlighted gender differences in factors related to suicide, including the protective effect of marriage in men and social isolation in both genders.
A new study estimates that antidepressant warnings may have contributed to 5,958 excess suicides nationally by 2010. The warnings reduced depression treatment among young people, exacerbating existing issues with access to care.