Articles tagged with Antidepressants
A study published in JAMA found that policies restricting pharmaceutical detailing associated with modest but significant reductions in prescribing of detailed drugs across six major drug classes. The implementation of these policies led to a shift away from detailed drugs and towards generic drugs, potentially representing a large red...
A study by NIH-funded researchers found that policies restricting pharmaceutical promotion to physicians resulted in fewer prescribed promoted drugs and more non-promoted drugs in the same drug classes. The analysis encompassed over 16 million prescriptions, showing a modest but significant decline in the use of promoted drugs.
A new study suggests that adjusting psychiatric medication can reduce the risk of falls among older adults. The research found an association between depressive symptoms and falls, with moderate increases in depressive symptoms linked to a 30% higher risk of experiencing a fall over two years.
Researchers at Osaka University have identified a novel mode of action for an antidepressant activator that functions independently of SSRIs and increases nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. The activator shows faster response times than fluoxetine, offering new hope for patients with depression who do not respond to current medication.
New studies published in JAMA Network report no increased risk of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among children exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. The research suggests alternative explanations for previous findings may be responsible.
A large-scale analysis suggests that mothers' use of antidepressants during early pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their children. However, a slightly higher risk for premature birth was found among exposed offspring.
A recent article reviews studies on fetal exposure to antidepressants and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) during pregnancy. The analysis of 10 relevant studies found inconsistent results regarding ASDs risk associated with prenatal exposure to antidepressants.
A new Northwestern University study finds that teaching positive emotion skills to men with HIV reduces their viral load and improves mental health. The intervention, which consisted of eight weekly sessions, also led to increased happiness and a stronger immune system.
Veterans with heart disease who are also depressed are more likely to struggle with medication costs and delayed medical care. Researchers found that these patients often have higher rates of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and obesity.
A new blood test measures C-reactive protein levels to guide depression treatment, potentially improving success rates. Researchers found a strong correlation between CRP levels and medication regimens, providing a biological explanation for treatment selection.
Researchers found that specific brain scan patterns can identify which treatment is most effective for individual patients with depression. Patients with positive connectivity in certain brain regions were more likely to achieve remission with cognitive behavioral therapy, while those with negative connectivity were more likely to resp...
A systematic review found moderate evidence that duloxetine and venlaxine were effective in reducing neuropathy-related pain, while pregabalin and oxcarbazepine showed weak evidence. However, gabapentin was not more effective than placebo.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine identified a new approach to treat depression by inhibiting the brain enzyme Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1). The study showed that inhibiting GLO1 alleviated depression symptoms in mice, with faster results compared to conventional antidepressant Prozac.
A WSU researcher has discovered that activated enzyme MAOA facilitates the spread of prostate cancer to bones by activating osteoclasts and enhancing bone degradation. Treatment targeting this enzyme shows promise in reducing bone metastasis.
A recent study found that older adults who suffered a hip fracture were more likely to use antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications. The analysis measured drug levels in blood samples, revealing a surprising number of patients took the drugs despite no medical record evidence.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participating in twice weekly yoga classes, combined with home practice, significantly reduces depressive symptoms. The intervention targets the parasympathetic and gamma aminobutyric acid system, providing a new avenue for treatment.
Adding universal public coverage of essential medicines to the existing system in Canada would significantly reduce financial barriers for Canadians and save $3 billion per year. The list of 117 essential medicines accounted for 44% of all prescriptions written in 2015, suggesting a feasible step towards improving access.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that publicly funding essential medicines for all Canadians could save over $4 billion a year. The researchers identified a list of 117 essential medicines that accounted for 44% of all prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies in 2015.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that nearly all off-label antidepressant prescriptions (around 29%) were not supported by strong scientific evidence. Only 16% of these prescriptions had direct evidence backing the drug's use for the indication, while 40% relied on another drug in the same class with strong evidence.
A study found that seniors taking three or more brain-affecting medications increased by over 100% between 2004 and 2013, with falls and driving problems being major concerns. The combination of opioids, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics carries special risks for older adults.
Researchers found that brain activity patterns, particularly within two networks involved in error detection and interference processing, can predict treatment response. Patients who showed stronger communication between these networks were less likely to benefit from antidepressants.
A new study from the University of Montreal found that antidepressants prescribed to pregnant women may increase the chance of having a baby with birth defects. The risk is significant enough to merit caution in their use, especially considering the marginal effectiveness of these medications.
Antidepressant use nearly doubles hip fracture risk among community-dwelling elderly with Alzheimer's, highest risk seen at the start of treatment. The association remains elevated even after adjusting for other fall and fracture risks.
Patients taking antidepressants for depression are more likely to report gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects if they also have panic disorder, according to a new study. Co-occurring panic disorder is associated with an increased risk of worsening depressive symptoms.
About 1 in 6 US adults take psychiatric drugs, with use increasing with age and women more likely to report use. The study found higher rates of prescription use among older adults and those over 60 taking antipsychotics.
A new study suggests that a metabolite of ketamine can produce antidepressant-like effects in mice, potentially leading to further research on the efficacy and safety of ketamine in humans. Ketamine has been shown to have rapid and potent antidepressant effects in humans, even in those resistant to traditional treatments.
Research suggests a link between gut microbiota and mood, anxiety, and depression, with changes in the diversity of microorganisms linked to behavioral changes and treatment implications.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that Sudarshan Kriya yoga significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in medicated patients with major depressive disorder. The technique, which includes sequential breathing exercises, reduced mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores by several points ...
A new study at the University of Kansas investigates the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation for depression therapy. Researchers will apply a safe, low current of electricity to the brain and measure changes in brain chemistry and neural activity among participants.
Researchers studied 880 MCI patients and found that the majority took at least one medication, with 40% taking four or more. The study highlights the importance of caution when prescribing medications to elderly patients, particularly those with anticholinergic effects.
A Loyola study found that giving severely depressed bipolar patients the arthritis drug celecoxib significantly boosted the effectiveness of their antidepressant escitalopram. In the eight-week study, 78% of patients in the celecoxib group experienced a 50% reduction in depression scores, compared to 45% in the placebo group.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new strategy for antidepressant therapies by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brains of depressed mice. This approach shows promise as a rapidly acting and more effective treatment option.
Released prisoners in Sweden who received antipsychotics, psychostimulants, and addictive disorder medications had a 42%, 38%, and 52% lower rate of violent reoffending, respectively. Completion of psychological treatments also showed significant reductions.
Researchers at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center have identified serotonin type 3A receptors as a key molecular target for antidepressants, including bupropion. This breakthrough finding has the potential to bring new hope to millions of people suffering from depression.
Researchers developed an imaging technique that creates a 3-D video of serotonin transport, mapping its activity across multiple brain regions. This tool could aid the research and development of antidepressants by analyzing how inhibitors like SSRIs work in different parts of the brain.
Research conducted by Rush University Medical Center found that patients with hypothyroidism who have normal TSH levels are more likely to take antidepressants, be less physically active, and exhibit lower energy levels. These findings indicate that persistent symptoms may not be solely in the patient's head.
Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy had a 37-percent increased risk of speech and/or language disorders in their offspring compared to mothers with depression but no treatment. The study, published online in JAMA Psychiatry, used a large sample population and followed children beyond age 3.
Scientists at Northwestern University discovered a new brain pathway that can be manipulated to alleviate depression. The BMP signaling pathway plays a key role in depression and can be targeted by a new molecule called Noggin, which stimulates neurogenesis and blocks the pathway.
A new study aims to evaluate treatment strategies for older adults with depression who have not responded to medications. The researchers will compare the effectiveness of switching people to a new medication or augmenting their current medication with a second drug.
Researchers found that adults who spent eight hours in bed daily showed greater improvements on all fronts, including faster response to treatment and higher remission rates. In contrast, those who spent six hours in bed experienced no significant differences in treatment response.
A new study by University of Vermont scientists contradicts the long-held belief that students flushing unused medications down the drain contribute significantly to pharmaceutical pollution. Instead, research found that excretion and other sources, like pharmaceutical manufacturing, are much more important contributors to wastewater.
Gerontologists call for clinicians to coordinate care among orthopedics, rehabilitation services, and primary care to reevaluate patients' medication use after a fracture. Clinicians should consider reducing or discontinuing psychotropic medications linked to increased risk of falls and fractures, while prioritizing prescribing drugs k...
A study by University of New South Wales and Italian researchers found a significant delay in diagnosing bipolar disorder, with an average delay of almost six years. This delay can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention and reduced severity of episodes.
Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a novel target for depression treatment by manipulating HCN channels in the hippocampus. Reducing these channel's function has been shown to improve mood in mice, offering new hope for millions of patients who don't respond to existing treatments.
A study found that 24 months of treatment with antidepressant escitalopram did not improve mortality, illness, or mood in patients with chronic heart failure and depression. Depression was shown to be an independent predictor of mortality and rehospitalization in these patients.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are exploring the potential of genetic testing and electronic health records to tailor antidepressant treatment. The study finds that genetic variation can affect patient reactions to drugs, offering a unique opportunity to develop pharmacogenetic guidelines.
A study found that long-acting opioids for chronic noncancer pain were associated with a 1.6 times greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to anticonvulsants or cyclic antidepressants. Cardiovascular deaths accounted for over half of the excess deaths.
A comprehensive review of 14 antidepressants found that only fluoxetine was more effective at relieving depression symptoms than placebo. However, the true effectiveness and risk of serious harms remains unclear due to limited clinical trials and selective reporting.
A randomized clinical trial found that psychotherapy for complicated grief is efficacious and adding antidepressant citalopram improves outcomes for those with co-occurring depressive symptoms. The study's results support using antidepressants in conjunction with therapy for relief of co-occurring symptoms.
A blood test developed by King's College London accurately predicts which depressed patients will respond to common antidepressants. The test identifies biomarkers associated with inflammation, guiding patients towards earlier access to more assertive treatments.
A study analyzed treatment indications for antidepressants, finding that antidepressant use in the US has increased over the last two decades, with a significant portion prescribed off-label for conditions like insomnia and pain. The research highlights the need to evaluate evidence supporting off-label antidepressant use.
A small feasibility trial involving 12 people with treatment-resistant depression found that psilocybin was safe and well-tolerated, reducing symptoms of depression in about half of the participants at 3 months post-treatment. Further research is needed to understand the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin.
A new study found that children whose mothers used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy had longer umbilical cords than other newborns. The lengthening of the umbilical cord may indicate increased fetal activity and movement in the uterus.
A team of researchers has identified a ketamine metabolite that quickly reverses depression in mice without ketamine's major side effects. The study suggests that this compound may work by activating AMPA receptors, potentially opening up new vistas for the development of safer antidepressant treatments.
Researchers found that a chemical byproduct of ketamine metabolism is responsible for its rapid antidepressant action, unlike the anesthetic and dissociative effects. This discovery holds promise for developing more robust and safer treatments for depression.
A meta-analysis of nine randomized trials found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an effective treatment option for preventing major depression relapse. Participants who received MBCT had a 31% lower risk of relapse compared to those who did not receive the therapy.
A meta-analysis of 40 clinical trials found that combining omega-3 fish oils with antidepressants had a statistically significant effect on improving mood. Other supplements like methylfolate, Vitamin D, and SAMe also showed promise as mood-enhancing therapies when taken with antidepressants.
Depressed teenagers who received cognitive behavioral therapy in their primary care clinic recovered faster and were more likely to recover than those without the counseling. The study found that 70% of teens in the program had recovered after six months, compared to 43% in the standard care group.
A 2-year study found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the only antidepressant to induce modest weight loss, while others lead to varying degrees of weight gain. Nonsmokers on bupropion lost an average of 2.4 pounds, compared to a 4.6-pound gain on fluoxetine.
Researchers found that 81% of adults with BDD who took escitalopram for 14 weeks experienced substantial improvement in symptoms. Continued treatment also further improved outcomes and reduced the risk of worsening symptoms. The study provides new evidence-based treatment options for this chronic disease.