BrainASAP

Eczema & Psychiatric Disorders: Bidirectional Links Discovered in Genetic Analysis (2024)

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TLDR: A recent study explored the potential causal relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) a.k.a. eczema and various psychiatric disorders – finding bidirectional links. Highlights: Data from over 860,000 individuals were analyzed Atopic dermatitis (eczema) increased risk of ADHD & ASD ADHD, anorexia nervosa (AN), bipolar disorder (BD) increased the risk of developing atopic dermatitis (eczema) …

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Personality Disorders Increase Risk of Suicide (2023 Evidence)

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Those with personality disorders face an elevated risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and deaths. Factors like childhood trauma and substance use issues may partially explain this vulnerability. While treatments like dialectical behavior therapy show promise for prevention, more research is still needed. Key Facts: 17 of 24 studies found personality disorders tied significantly to suicidal …

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Pregnancy Denial: What Are the Causes of this Phenomenon?

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Pregnancy denial, also known as cryptic pregnancy, refers to a lack of awareness of being pregnant, often until late in the pregnancy or even childbirth. It is a more common phenomenon than generally realized, occurring in an estimated 1 in 500 pregnancies. Women affected are usually mentally and physically healthy. The underlying causes are complex …

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Rethinking Long-Term Antidepressant Use: Weighing Benefits vs. Risks

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Antidepressant use has risen steadily for 30 years. Over 10% of adults in England now take them long-term, but evidence suggests up to half lack clear medical justification to continue. Patients and doctors are reluctant to stop treatment due to fears of relapse and withdrawal effects. Research indicates more proactive treatment review, slower drug tapering …

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Vestibular Migraine Prevention: Efficacy & Safety of Current Medications (2023 Evidence Review)

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Vestibular migraine is a disabling health condition characterized by severe, recurrent attacks of vertigo. A Cochrane review assessed the benefits and potential harms of medications used to try to prevent these attacks. Key Facts: Only 3 small studies, with 209 participants in total, were identified that compared medications to placebo or no treatment The studies …

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Ménière’s Disease: Lifestyle & Dietary Interventions (2023 Evidence Review)

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Ménière’s disease, a debilitating inner ear disorder, has long puzzled scientists and patients alike with its unpredictable episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Recent studies have explored the potential benefits of lifestyle and dietary changes in managing this condition, but the evidence remains uncertain. Key Facts: Ménière’s Disease Impact: Affects the inner ear causing …

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Most Effective Smoking Cessation Aids: Varenicline, Cytisine, E-Cigs (Evidence Review)

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New research provides clarity on the most effective cessation aids available. Varenicline, cytisine, and e-cigarettes help the greatest proportion of people quit long-term. Slowly tapering nicotine dose before ending treatment may also boost success rates. Bupropion slightly raises the risk of serious side effects. Key Facts: Varenicline, cytisine, and e-cigarettes have the highest quit rates, …

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Antidepressants for Insomnia Treatment in Adults: Are They Effective? (Cochrane Review Findings)

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Insomnia is a common sleep disorder affecting up to 15% of adults. While sedative medications are often prescribed, their long-term use can lead to dependence. As an alternative, antidepressants are widely used in clinical practice despite limited evidence supporting their efficacy and safety for insomnia. Key Facts: Insomnia affects up to 15% of adults, causing …

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Antidepressants & Cardiovascular Effects: SNRIs, Atypicals, Others

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Depression is highly prevalent in older adults and those with cardiovascular disease. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally safe first-line treatments, but many wonder if they’re safe for those with cardiovascular disease. Key Facts: There is insufficient evidence to confirm the safety of most newer antidepressants for older and cardiovascular patients. SNRIs like venlafaxine …

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How do Antidepressants Work in the Brain? Delayed Onset vs. Rapid-Acting & Neuroplasticity

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Current antidepressants can take weeks to improve symptoms of depression. New research explores reasons for this delay and provides clues to develop more rapid-acting drugs. Key Facts: Most antidepressants increase brain serotonin and norepinephrine, but their mood benefits are delayed for weeks. Researchers are investigating other mechanisms that could explain this lag. Two leading theories …

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