Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Allopregnanolone Agonists for Depression: Brexanolone & Zuranolone in Focus

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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 …

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Mobile Neurofeedback for ADHD in Children: Adjunct Treatment Option?

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children. A new randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science suggests that mobile neurofeedback training may help improve attention and reduce symptoms in children with ADHD. Key Takeaways: 74 children aged 8-15 with ADHD participated in a …

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Amphetamine (Adderall) for Depression: Effective Adjunct Treatment?

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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 …

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Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Depression: Optimizing Its Efficacy

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Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an emerging form of brain stimulation showing promise for treating depression. Though still considered experimental, VNS has a long history dating back over 100 years. Recent advances are unlocking its potential as a new tool for mood disorders. Key Facts: VNS stimulates the vagus nerve, which connects to emotion regulation …

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Asymmetrical EEG Brain Waves & Suicide Risk: No Link Discovered?

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Suicide is a major public health problem, with over 700,000 people dying by suicide every year globally. Identifying factors that may indicate risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors is an important area of research, as this could aid prevention and intervention efforts. Some studies have investigated whether asymmetric brain activity, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG), …

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TMS for Tinnitus: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Effective?

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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 …

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Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder: Genetic & Brain Imaging Links

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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 …

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Bipolar Mania & Brain Activation: Right Ventral PFC & Limbic Dysfunction

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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 …

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Deep Brain Stimulation Side Effects in Parkinsons Disease: Do Benefits Outweigh Risks?

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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 …

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Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Potential Benefits & Effectiveness Reviewed

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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 …

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