Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental illness and leading cause of disability worldwide. While treatments exist, they are far from optimal and up to 30% of patients fail to respond. There is an urgent need to identify factors that may enhance treatment response in MDD. Targeting inflammation has been proposed as a …
The novel combination drug dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity) was recently approved by the FDA as an oral antidepressant that works rapidly to treat major depressive disorder in adults. This new medication represents an exciting development for depression treatment. Here are some key facts about this drug: Works significantly faster than standard antidepressants, showing efficacy in as little …
Depression affects over 300 million people globally. Current treatments have limited efficacy for many patients. Exciting new research highlights the potential of allopregnanolone agonists like brexanolone and zuranolone as more targeted, rapid-acting antidepressants. Key Facts: Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid that regulates mood and is decreased in depression. Its agonists boost allopregnanolone activity. Brexanolone is the …
Major depressive disorder affects over 17 million American adults each year. For up to 30% of these patients, standard antidepressant medications fail to provide adequate symptom relief – a condition known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Now, new research suggests amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall may be an effective augmentation strategy for TRD when other therapies have …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
