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 …
A new study provides evidence that the psychedelic compound psilocybin has both immediate and lasting anti-inflammatory effects in healthy volunteers. The findings shed light on how psilocybin may improve mood, social behavior, and potentially treat depression. Key facts: Psilocybin decreased the inflammatory marker TNF-alpha immediately after administration. Seven days later, psilocybin reduced two other inflammatory …
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Research increasingly points to dysregulation of the innate immune system and neuroinflammation as contributing factors in ASD. Key facts: Inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are consistently elevated in the blood of individuals with ASD. These suggest activation of the …
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and often debilitating mental illness characterized by intrusive, irrational thoughts and repetitive behaviors. For patients with severe, treatment-resistant OCD, surgical ablation of problematic brain regions may provide lasting relief when other therapies have failed. A novel technique called magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is emerging as a promising …
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder caused by long-term use of antipsychotic medications. It involves repetitive, uncontrolled movements of the face, limbs or trunk. TD can be an unrelenting concern for patients and doctors due to its persistent and potentially irreversible nature. Key Facts: Research output on TD peaked in the 1990s, declined …
Epilepsy impacts millions of people worldwide. While medications have been the mainstay of treatment, one-third of patients continue to have seizures despite available drugs. This highlights the need for innovative therapies. Recent years have seen exciting developments that bring new promise for improved seizure control. Key Facts: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, …
