Brain ASAP

Neuromodulation for OCD: Invasive & Non-Invasive Techniques (TMS, TDCS, DBS)

by

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a challenging psychiatric illness affecting 2% of the population. While some patients respond to therapy and medications, others continue to suffer from severe, treatment-resistant symptoms. Exciting new research shows that directly modulating brain activity through neuromodulation techniques can provide relief for these patients. Key Facts: OCD involves dysfunction in brain networks …

Read more

Adrenal Cortex & Addiction: HPA Axis & Cortisol Influence Reward

by

Addiction involves complex interactions between the brain’s reward circuitry and stress systems. The adrenal cortex and its hormones are emerging as key players. Key Facts: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates adrenal cortex hormone secretion. Adrenal hormones like cortisol influence mood, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Disrupting adrenal hormone signaling reduces addictive behaviors in animal studies. There …

Read more

Psilocybin’s Rapid Anti-Inflammatory Effects (TNF-Alpha, IL-6, CRP) for Depression & Social Benefits

by

A new study provides evidence that the psychedelic compound psilocybin has both immediate and lasting anti-inflammatory effects in healthy volunteers. The findings shed light on how psilocybin may improve mood, social behavior, and potentially treat depression. Key facts: Psilocybin decreased the inflammatory marker TNF-alpha immediately after administration. Seven days later, psilocybin reduced two other inflammatory …

Read more

Immune Dysfunction & Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

by

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Research increasingly points to dysregulation of the innate immune system and neuroinflammation as contributing factors in ASD. Key facts: Inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are consistently elevated in the blood of individuals with ASD. These suggest activation of the …

Read more

New MRI-Guided Ultrasound Ablative Surgery for Treatment-Resistant OCD

by

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and often debilitating mental illness characterized by intrusive, irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors. For patients with severe, treatment-resistant OCD, surgical ablation of problematic brain regions may provide lasting relief when other therapies have failed. A novel technique called magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is emerging as a promising …

Read more

Tardive Dyskinesia Research Trends: Examining the Past 50 Years

by

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medications. It involves repetitive, uncontrolled movements of the face, limbs or trunk. TD can be an unrelenting concern for patients and doctors due to its persistent and potentially irreversible nature. Key Facts: Research output on TD peaked in the 1990s, declined …

Read more

New Insights Into Brain Patterns of Psychological Resilience: Frontal Alpha Waves

by

Resilience is key to coping with life’s stressors, but how it works in the brain is still being unraveled. A new study provides evidence that resilience involves distinct brain processes depending on whether someone is depressed or not. Key Facts: Resilience was linked to frontal lobe brain activity patterns that differed between depressed and non-depressed …

Read more

New Epilepsy Treatments in Development (2023): Neuromodulation, CBD, Gene Therapy

by

Epilepsy impacts millions of people worldwide. While medications have been the mainstay of treatment, one-third of patients continue to have seizures despite available drugs. This highlights the need for innovative therapies. Recent years have seen exciting developments that bring new promise for improved seizure control. Key Facts: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, …

Read more

Depression vs. Anxiety Differences: Brain Waves & Activation Patterns via Machine Learning

by

Research provides new evidence that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive disorder (DD) have distinct patterns of brain activity. Machine learning analysis of EEG data reveals signature brain features that may enable more accurate diagnosis. Key Facts: DD showed increased beta band power and complexity compared to GAD Brain network connectivity was altered in both …

Read more

Deep Brain Stimulation for OCD: Long-Term Effects & Outcomes

by

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a brain region called the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) may provide long-term relief for people with severe, treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to a new retrospective study. Key findings: 6 out of 9 people with severe OCD achieved remission after DBS surgery It took an average of 14 months for …

Read more

+ Load more