rTMS of Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DL-PFC) May Treat Methamphetamine Addiction via Altering Cravings & Decision Making (2024 Study)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) improves decision-making and reduces cravings in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Highlights: Improved Decision-Making: rTMS treatment enhanced decision-making abilities in MUD patients, making their choices more rational and similar to healthy individuals. Craving Reduction: Participants experienced a significant decrease in cravings for …

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Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of Nucleus Accumbens Treats Cocaine Addiction in Male Rats But Not Females (2024 Study)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the nucleus accumbens reduces cocaine seeking in male rats but is ineffective in female rats, regardless of their estrous cycle phase. Highlights: No FDA-Approved Treatments: There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for cocaine use disorder. DBS Reduces Cocaine Seeking in Males: Previous studies and the current experiment show that DBS …

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Shexiang Baoxin Pills (SBP) May Reduce Depression & Improve Heart Function via Anti-Inflammatory Effect (2024 Rat Study)

Shexiang Baoxin Pills (SBP) may help improve heart function and reduce depression in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by reducing inflammation. Highlights: Depression & Heart Disease Link: Patients with heart attacks often experience depression, which can worsen their heart condition. Study Purpose: This study tested the effectiveness of SBP, a traditional Chinese medicine, in …

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Allopregnanolone vs. Diazepam: Antidepressant Effects via Brain Activity Modulation (2024 Mouse Study)

Allopregnanolone shows antidepressant-like effects in mice by increasing social interaction and specific brain wave activities, unlike diazepam. Highlights: Allopregnanolone: Allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid, increases social interaction time in mice experiencing social defeat stress, indicating potential antidepressant-like effects. Brain Activity: This increase in social interaction is associated with heightened theta and beta oscillations in the basolateral …

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Moderate Alcohol Intake Increases Depression Relapse in Men on SNRIs (2024 Study)

Moderate alcohol intake in men treated with SNRI antidepressants significantly increases the risk of depression relapse, according to a new study. Highlights: Risk Increase with SNRIs: Men with moderate alcohol consumption and elevated liver enzymes are significantly more likely to relapse when treated with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Sex Differences: Men generally had higher alcohol …

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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Like Semaglutide (Ozempic) May Treat Reward System Dysfunction (2024 Review)

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) show promise in regulating the reward system and potentially treating motivation and reward-processing disorders. Highlights: Regulation of Reward System Dysfunction: GLP-1RAs influence the brain’s reward system, which is involved in behaviors related to food and substance use. Brain Activation: These agonists affect brain regions differently in individuals ranging from lean to …

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Lactofem Probiotic May Boost SSRI Efficacy & Counteract Sexual Side Effects in Women with Depression (2024 Trial)

Probiotics may help improve sexual function and reduce depression severity in women treated with SSRIs. Highlights: Depression Prevalence: Approximately 5% of all adults will experience depressive disorder, often accompanied by reduced sexual desire and dysfunction. Study Design: The study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial involving 112 women with depressive disorder treated with SSRIs, comparing …

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Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Contributing Factors via Neuroclinical Addiction Analysis (2024)

A study broke down Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) into specific brain-related categories and identified key factors that can help understand and classify AUD more accurately. Higlights: Cravings & Insensitivity: The study identified two main factors related to alcohol desire – one about craving alcohol and the other about not feeling its effects strongly. Emotions: Three …

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Ketamine Alters Sleep Architecture in Depression: Delta Waves, Alpha Waves, Beta Waves (2024 Study)

A study examined the effects of ketamine on sleep arousal metrics in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) vs. healthy volunteers, finding that ketamine increases certain sleep-related brain activities but does not significantly mediate its antidepressant effects through these sleep changes. Highlights: Individuals with TRD had lower total sleep time and shorter REM latency compared to …

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Case Report: Ozempic (Semaglutide) Worsening Depression in 54-Year-Old Female (2024)

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, used for managing Type 2 diabetes, may be linked to adverse mood changes, necessitating further investigation into their psychiatric effects. Highlights: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: These medications mimic GLP-1 hormone effects, enhancing insulin secretion and reducing appetite, commonly used for Type 2 diabetes management. Mood Effects: Data on the impact of …

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