Extreme sports like rock climbing are often described as “addictive” – but is this just a figure of speech or is there scientific evidence that these sports can produce addiction-like behaviors? A new study took a deep dive into this question, examining withdrawal symptoms in rock climbers during periods of abstinence from climbing. Key Facts: …
Cannabidiol (CBD) is emerging as a promising therapeutic for a variety of health conditions, but research is still in early stages. Here are some key facts on purified CBD: Purified CBD is showing positive results in clinical trials for anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia, PTSD and substance abuse. Evidence is strongest in these neurological and psychiatric conditions. …
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to afflict millions worldwide, necessitating more effective therapeutic options. Key Facts: PTSD involves dysfunctional fear processing and altered threat perception. Current treatments fail to comprehensively address its complex symptoms. Research implicates dysregulation in brain systems like the HPA axis and glutamate, presenting novel drug targets. Medications modulating oxytocin, cannabinoids, opioids …
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has found that the medication clonidine is more effective and safer than zopiclone for treating insomnia in people with chronic pain. Key findings: Clonidine provided better pain relief than zopiclone. Clonidine helped patients fall asleep faster. Patients felt more rested after taking clonidine compared …
A new retrospective study analyzing data from over 33,000 COVID-19 patients points to omega-3 fatty acids as a potential preventive strategy against the psychiatric aftereffects of the illness. Key findings: Patients taking omega-3 supplements before COVID-19 had around 20% lower risk of depression, anxiety and insomnia in the year following infection. The benefits remained consistent …
Gambling is a complex behavior influenced by multiple factors in the brain. New research in mice provides insight into the neurobiology underlying key aspects of gambling such as making the initial decision to gamble and persistently chasing losses. Key Facts: Mice exhibit typical gambling behaviors like choosing to gamble more when odds of winning are …
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring molecule that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects in the body and brain. Key Facts: PEA is produced naturally in the body and is also found in many foods like egg yolks, coffee, and soy. It activates PPAR-alpha receptors which regulate inflammation, pain perception, and …
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a newly recognized condition causing severe nausea and vomiting in long-term cannabis users. Key facts about CHS: Repeated, uncontrollable vomiting is the main symptom Occurs in long-term heavy cannabis users Exact cause is unknown, but likely involves cannabis effects on brain receptors Stopping cannabis use is the only definitive cure …
Researchers have identified a powerful combination of drugs that may help treat alcoholism by reducing cravings and blocking relapse. The dual treatment virtually wiped out binge drinking and heavy drinking in an animal model of alcohol addiction. Key Facts: Rats treated with both a probiotic and antioxidants showed a dramatic 90% decrease in relapse-like binge …
A new study looked at the side effects people report from using delta-8-THC products and found that most match the side effects seen with regular cannabis. This suggests delta-8-THC acts on the brain in a similar way as the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, delta-9-THC. Key Facts: Delta-8-THC is a compound derived from hemp that …
