Depression

Quercetin Alginate Nanogels Loaded with BDNF for Depression (2023 Study)

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TLDR: Quercetin-based alginate nanogels loaded with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier via intranasal delivery, providing a promising treatment for depressive disorders. Highlights: Nanogels: Quercetin nanogels protect BDNF from oxidative damage, exhibit rapid brain distribution, and significantly enhance bioavailability compared to oral administration. Efficacy: BDNF-Quercetin nanogels delivered via intranasal route show …

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Esketamine Nasal Spray Rapidly Treats Depression & Suicidal Ideation (2023 Study)

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TLDR: Esketamine nasal spray, combined with standard antidepressant therapy, significantly improves remission rates and reduces time to remission in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and acute suicidality compared to standard care alone. Highlights: Remission Rates: Patients treated with esketamine plus standard of care had higher remission rates than those treated with placebo plus standard …

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Veterinarians & Animal Euthanasia: Mental Health Effects & Attitudes Toward Assisted Dying in Humans (2024 NORVET Study)

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TLDR: A study found that veterinarians frequently euthanizing animals have higher rates of serious suicidal thoughts and are more likely to support euthanasia for humans. Working with companion animals is associated with positive attitudes towards human euthanasia. Highlights: Data from over 2,500 veterinarians in Norway. 55% of veterinarians support euthanasia for humans with terminal illness. …

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Rethinking Long-Term Antidepressant Use: Weighing Benefits vs. Risks

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Antidepressant use has risen steadily for 30 years. Over 10% of adults in England now take them long-term, but evidence suggests up to half lack clear medical justification to continue. Patients and doctors are reluctant to stop treatment due to fears of relapse and withdrawal effects. Research indicates more proactive treatment review, slower drug tapering …

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Antidepressants for Insomnia Treatment in Adults: Are They Effective? (Cochrane Review Findings)

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Insomnia is a common sleep disorder affecting up to 15% of adults. While sedative medications are often prescribed, their long-term use can lead to dependence. As an alternative, antidepressants are widely used in clinical practice despite limited evidence supporting their efficacy and safety for insomnia. Key Facts: Insomnia affects up to 15% of adults, causing …

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How do Antidepressants Work in the Brain? Delayed Onset vs. Rapid-Acting & Neuroplasticity

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Current antidepressants can take weeks to improve symptoms of depression. New research explores reasons for this delay and provides clues to develop more rapid-acting drugs. Key Facts: Most antidepressants increase brain serotonin and norepinephrine, but their mood benefits are delayed for weeks. Researchers are investigating other mechanisms that could explain this lag. Two leading theories …

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Navigating Mild Depression: Early Treatment, Psychotherapy, Antidepressants

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Minor or subthreshold depression causes significant suffering and impairment, despite falling short of a major depression diagnosis. Effective early treatment is crucial to alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, and prevent progression to major depression. Both psychotherapy and antidepressants show efficacy, with antidepressants possibly having a slight advantage. In a shared decision-making model, patient preferences and values …

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Comparing Depression Treatments for Adults: Antidepressant Drugs, Talk Therapy (CBT), & Other Non-Drug Interventions

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A large review of research found that talk therapy works about as well as antidepressant medications for treating depression. The study also looked at other non-drug options, like exercise. While benefits were similar across treatments, side effects differed. Key Facts: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) achieved comparable results to medications for treating major depression. Remission rates …

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NLRP3 Inflammasome & Depression: Antidepressant Potential with Targeted Therapy?

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The NLRP3 inflammasome is increasingly being recognized as a mediator between inflammation and depression. Targeting this molecular complex shows promise for developing new antidepressant therapies. Key Facts: The NLRP3 inflammasome is made up of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 proteins that trigger inflammatory responses when activated. Evidence shows the NLRP3 inflammasome is overactivated in the brains …

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Ketamine’s Long-Lasting Antidepressant Effects via “Trapping” in NMDA Receptors & LHb

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Researchers uncover a surprising molecular mechanism that explains ketamine’s exceptionally long-lasting antidepressant effects. Key Facts: Ketamine’s antidepressant effects last for days after its concentration drops to low, ineffective levels only an hour after administration. This contrasts starkly with ketamine’s short 13-minute half-life in the body. Ketamine continues blocking NMDA receptors and suppressing activity in the …

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