A new study suggests higher levels of remnant cholesterol may increase the risk of depression. Remnant cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that contains triglycerides and cholesterol and has been linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This large study found remnant cholesterol levels were significantly higher in people with depression compared to those without. Key …
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition. Novel treatment approaches are needed, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. This study investigated the effects of adjunctive minocycline on immune-inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes in MDD. Key Highlights: Minocycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties. It shows promise as …
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. It is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior, and impaired cognitive functioning. Current treatments with antipsychotic medications are helpful but have significant limitations, especially for cognitive deficits and negative symptoms like social withdrawal and lack of motivation. This has driven …
A new case study provides initial evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be an effective treatment option for trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder. The study tested an intensified, repeated tDCS protocol targeting the supplementary motor area and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a 25-year-old woman with trichotillomania. After 16 sessions over 20 …
A new study investigates the connections between physical activity levels, eating attitudes, and muscle dysmorphia (also known as bigorexia nervosa) in university students. The findings suggest that increased physical activity is associated with greater muscle satisfaction and more positive eating attitudes. Key Takeaways: Physical activity levels were positively correlated with muscle satisfaction scores in students. …
Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder affecting up to 35% of the general population – and can significantly impair quality of life. Researchers have been investigating new non-pharmacological treatment options like transcranial electric stimulation (TES) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat insomnia symptoms. A new meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reviewed …
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious and complex psychiatric illness impacting 1-2% of the general population. Despite available treatments, many patients continue to struggle with suicidal behavior, emotional dysregulation, and impaired interpersonal functioning. Researchers are now considering the potential of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) as a complementary treatment approach for BPD. Key Facts: BPD involves …
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by difficulties with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and unstable relationships. One of the criteria for diagnosis is chronic feelings of emptiness. While commonly discussed in clinical observations, empirical research on this experience has been limited. A new systematic review published in PLOS …
Bigorexia nervosa, also known as muscle dysmorphia or reverse anorexia, is an emerging psychiatric disorder characterized by an obsessive focus on becoming more muscular. Individuals with bigorexia have a distorted self-image and see themselves as small and weak even if they have large, muscular physiques. This excessive preoccupation leads to unhealthy behaviors like over-exercising, restrictive …
Suicide is a devastating public health problem, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide each year. Understanding the underlying biological and psychological factors that increase suicide risk is key for developing effective prevention and intervention approaches. A recent article comprehensively reviews research on biological markers of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, providing important insights and guidance …
