Diabetes Before Pregnancy Linked to Higher Epilepsy Risk in Children

Diabetes Before Pregnancy Linked to Higher Epilepsy Risk in Children

TL;DR: In 3 large birth studies covering 5.3 million children, kids whose mothers had type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy were about a third more likely to develop epilepsy. Diabetes that first appears during pregnancy showed no clear link, and none of this proves diabetes is the cause. Key Findings 3 studies, 5.3 …

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Daily Self-Acupressure May Ease Fatigue, Sleep and Mood Problems After Breast Cancer

BrainASAP cover illustration: a thumb pressing a glowing point on an open forearm and hand, with other glowing points along a dotted line, on a dark green background. Text reads Self-Acupressure May Ease Fatigue After Cancer: 108 breast cancer survivors; beat pressing fake points; sleep and mood improved too.

TL;DR: In a Chinese trial of 108 breast cancer survivors, 7 weeks of daily self-acupressure eased a combined score for fatigue, poor sleep and low mood more than pressing fake points or usual care. The gains held 12 weeks later, though all results were self-reported. Key Findings 108 survivors, 3 groups: Real acupressure, fake-point pressing …

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Urdu-Adapted Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Proved Feasible in a Small Pakistan Pilot Trial

Urdu-Adapted Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Proved Feasible in a Small Pakistan Pilot Trial

TL;DR: In a small Pakistan pilot, 23 of 25 adults given an Urdu version of a talk therapy for anxiety and depression finished all 14 weeks. The trial was too small to show the therapy works. Key Findings Signed up and stayed: 51 adults were randomly assigned to therapy or a waitlist. 42 of 51 …

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PTSD Therapy Tied to Large Symptom Gains in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, but the Evidence Is Weak

PTSD Therapy Tied to Large Symptom Gains in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, but the Evidence Is Weak

TL;DR: Across 55 trials in low- and middle-income countries (5,041 adults), people who got therapy had much lower PTSD symptoms than people on a wait-list or other comparison. The evidence was very low certainty because many trials were weakly run. Key Findings Big gap after treatment: PTSD symptoms 1.31 standard deviations lower in therapy groups …

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Trazodone May Boost Deep Sleep in Depression, but Causes Drowsiness

Trazodone May Boost Deep Sleep in Depression, but Causes Drowsiness

TL;DR: In a pooled review of 8 studies of 980 people with depression and sleep problems, sleep tests showed more deep sleep and less light sleep after taking trazodone than before. Compared with placebo, though, the deep-sleep gain was not clear, and drowsiness and dizziness were more common. Key Findings 8 studies, 980 people: 5 …

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A Therapy App for Depression After Concussion Didn’t Beat an Education App

A Therapy App for Depression After Concussion Didn't Beat an Education App

TL;DR: A therapy app did not reduce depression scores more than a look-alike education app in a trial of adults with past concussions. Insomnia scores improved more with the therapy app, but only 42 of 113 participants completed the main 12-week check-in. Key Findings No edge on depression: Over 12 weeks, depression scores fell 2.0 …

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Repeated Brain Injuries From a Partner Linked to About a Decade of Extra ‘Cognitive Age’

Repeated Brain Injuries From a Partner Linked to About a Decade of Extra 'Cognitive Age'

TL;DR: Women who reported 10+ brain injuries from a partner performed on a speed test like someone about 21 years older than their actual age. They scored about 11 years “older” than survivors with no brain injury; the study of 207 women found a link, not proof that the injuries caused the difference. Key Findings …

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Lumateperone 42 mg Added to Antidepressants Increased Side Effects in Two Depression Trials

Lumateperone 42 mg Added to Antidepressants Increased Side Effects in Two Depression Trials

TL;DR: A 2026 pooled analysis in CNS Drugs combined two six-week trials of adults whose depression hadn’t responded well enough to an antidepressant. Adding the antipsychotic lumateperone instead of a placebo raised the share of people with side effects from 45.1% to 68.1% and the share who quit because of them from 0.8% to 8.7%. …

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