Researchers are gaining exciting new insights into how the drug ketamine can rapidly treat symptoms of depression, including in people who don’t respond to other antidepressants. Key facts about ketamine for depression: Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that has been found to quickly improve mood in depressed patients, including those with treatment-resistant depression. It works …
A new study published in the journal Mædica – a Journal of Clinical Medicine compared the antidepressant effects of modafinil versus citalopram for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). The medications were equally effective at reducing depressive symptoms over a 6-week treatment period. Key facts: 30 patients with MDD were treated with either modafinil or citalopram …
Staying awake and alert can be challenging, especially for pilots working long hours and night shifts. A new study found that the drugs modafinil and caffeine can significantly improve vigilance in pilots compared to placebo, helping them stay alert and attentive during periods of sleep deprivation. Key Facts: The study tested 32 pilots from the …
Researchers have discovered that classic psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin (‘magic mushrooms’) flatten the energy landscape of the brain. This effect makes it easier for the brain to transition between different states of activity and leads to more diverse and entropic neural dynamics overall. Key Facts: Using fMRI data and network modeling, researchers found …
Major depressive disorder affects over 280 million people worldwide. While the causes are complex, new research is uncovering the role epigenetics plays in depression. Epigenetic changes can regulate how genes are expressed without altering the DNA sequence itself. These changes may explain why some people are more susceptible to depression and highlight new avenues for …
Obesity has been linked to faster brain aging, but can losing weight turn back the clock? A new study provides compelling evidence that shedding pounds through lifestyle changes may attenuate brain aging. Key facts: Participants lost an average of 5% of body weight after 18 months of diet and exercise Just 1% weight loss corresponded …
A new brain imaging study provides insight into how antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may bring about symptom improvement in adolescents with major depressive disorder. The findings suggest that changes in a brain region involved in cognitive control may serve as markers of treatment response. Key Facts: Researchers used MRI scans to examine …
A new study reveals that widely prescribed antidepressants may cause persistent erectile dysfunction in a small but significant number of male patients. Key Facts: The study found that serotonergic antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs triple the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to non-users. After stopping the antidepressants, 0.46% of patients (1 out of every …
A new study provides the first evidence that reversing biological brain age in humans is possible within a practical timeframe of around one year. The research demonstrated that an individually tailored regimen of nutraceutical supplements significantly reduced brain age, while lifestyle changes were only able to slow down aging. This offers hope that accessible interventions …
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social interaction and communication. A new brain imaging study provides insights into how disruptions in the brain’s social networks may relate to core autism symptoms. The research identifies specific brain regions and circuits that differ in children with ASD compared to typically developing peers. Key Facts: Children with ASD showed …
