Severe COVID Anxiety in UK Adults Treated with CBT-HA (2024 Study)

TLDR: A study in the UK found that severe COVID anxiety tends to decrease over 6 months from onset, both organically and with the help of CBT for Health Anxiety (CBT-HA), though many individuals still experience significant anxiety and poor social functioning, with health anxiety being a key factor that can be effectively targeted with …

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Esketamine Nasal Spray Rapidly Treats Depression & Suicidal Ideation (2023 Study)

TLDR: Esketamine nasal spray, combined with standard antidepressant therapy, significantly improves remission rates and reduces time to remission in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and acute suicidality compared to standard care alone. Highlights: Remission Rates: Patients treated with esketamine plus standard of care had higher remission rates than those treated with placebo plus standard …

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Case Report: Online Romance Fraud & Erotomania in 70-Year-Old Female (2024)

TLDR: A case study reveals a 70-year-old woman developed erotomanic delusions and attempted suicide following online romance fraud. Highlights: 70-year-old woman with persistent depressive disorder. Victim of online romance fraud involving a renowned musician’s image. Developed erotomanic delusions and attempted suicide. Treatment included antidepressants, low-dose risperidone, and therapy. Significant symptom remission after four weeks of …

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Veterinarians & Animal Euthanasia: Mental Health Effects & Attitudes Toward Assisted Dying in Humans (2024 NORVET Study)

TLDR: A study found that veterinarians frequently euthanizing animals have higher rates of serious suicidal thoughts and are more likely to support euthanasia for humans. Working with companion animals is associated with positive attitudes towards human euthanasia. Highlights: Data from over 2,500 veterinarians in Norway. 55% of veterinarians support euthanasia for humans with terminal illness. …

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

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)

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?

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

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)

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)

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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