Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is showing promise as a non-invasive treatment approach for tinnitus in some patients. Research indicates it may be able to reduce tinnitus loudness and annoyance by modulating brain activity. However, significant questions remain regarding optimal protocols. Key Facts: TMS uses electromagnetic coils placed on the scalp to deliver magnetic pulses that …
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a chronic mental illness characterized by dramatic shifts in mood and energy levels. It affects about 2-4% of the population worldwide. While we still don’t fully understand what causes bipolar disorder, research over the past couple decades has uncovered important clues into the biological mechanisms behind this …
Mania is characterized by emotional dysregulation, sleep disturbances, and impaired judgment. Understanding its underlying brain circuitry could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. Key Facts: Mania involves decreased activity in the right ventral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and increased activity in the left amygdala, left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and left basal ganglia. This lateralized limbic …
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective but not perfect therapy. A large new study found that over 4-7 years, a majority of patients experienced adverse events, though most were not severe. Key facts: 86% of 123 DBS patients experienced adverse events over an average 4.7 year follow-up. There was no mortality directly from DBS …
Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical procedure that implants electrodes in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation, may offer hope for people with severe depression that has not responded to multiple treatments. However, larger and more rigorous studies are still needed to confirm its benefits and long-term safety. Key Facts: DBS targets areas of the …
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging experimental therapy that has shown promise in treating patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Early research indicates DBS may help patients who have failed to respond to medications, psychotherapy, and other interventions. Key facts: DBS involves surgically implanting electrodes in specific brain regions to deliver mild electrical stimulation. …
Behavioral addictions like internet, sex, and shopping addictions may not be formally recognized as psychiatric conditions, but research shows that treatments can be effective in reducing problematic symptoms. Key Facts: Psychological, pharmacological, and combined treatments all showed robust improvements in global severity and frequency of compulsive behaviors for internet, sex, and shopping addictions. Treatment gains …
Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a newly recognized behavioral addiction characterized by excessive absorption in fantasy. Key facts about Maladaptive Daydreaming: It involves compulsive,immersive daydreaming that impairs functioning MD serves as an escape and emotional regulation strategy It shares features with other behavioral addictions like gaming and porn addiction MD can occupy many hours a day …
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a challenging psychiatric illness affecting 2% of the population. While some patients respond to therapy and medications, others continue to suffer from severe, treatment-resistant symptoms. Exciting new research shows that directly modulating brain activity through neuromodulation techniques can provide relief for these patients. Key Facts: OCD involves dysfunction in brain networks …
Addiction involves complex interactions between the brain’s reward circuitry and stress systems. The adrenal cortex and its hormones are emerging as key players. Key Facts: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates adrenal cortex hormone secretion. Adrenal hormones like cortisol influence mood, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Disrupting adrenal hormone signaling reduces addictive behaviors in animal studies. There …
