Researchers are gaining exciting new insights into how the drug ketamine can rapidly treat symptoms of depression, including in people who don’t respond to other antidepressants. Key facts about ketamine for depression: Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that has been found to quickly improve mood in depressed patients, including those with treatment-resistant depression. It works …
A new study published in the journal Mædica – a Journal of Clinical Medicine compared the antidepressant effects of modafinil versus citalopram for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). The medications were equally effective at reducing depressive symptoms over a 6-week treatment period. Key facts: 30 patients with MDD were treated with either modafinil or citalopram …
Major depressive disorder affects over 280 million people worldwide. While the causes are complex, new research is uncovering the role epigenetics plays in depression. Epigenetic changes can regulate how genes are expressed without altering the DNA sequence itself. These changes may explain why some people are more susceptible to depression and highlight new avenues for …
A new brain imaging study provides insight into how antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may bring about symptom improvement in adolescents with major depressive disorder. The findings suggest that changes in a brain region involved in cognitive control may serve as markers of treatment response. Key Facts: Researchers used MRI scans to examine …
A new study reveals that widely prescribed antidepressants may cause persistent erectile dysfunction in a small but significant number of male patients. Key Facts: The study found that serotonergic antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs triple the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to non-users. After stopping the antidepressants, 0.46% of patients (1 out of every …
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social interaction and communication. A new brain imaging study provides insights into how disruptions in the brain’s social networks may relate to core autism symptoms. The research identifies specific brain regions and circuits that differ in children with ASD compared to typically developing peers. Key Facts: Children with ASD showed …
Researchers have found signs of ongoing inflammation in the brains of athletes still experiencing concussion symptoms months or years after their injury, according to a new study published in Journal of Neuroinflammation. The findings suggest the concussion triggered chronic neuroinflammation that may be contributing to their persistent symptoms. Key Facts: The study examined athletes who …
Summary: A new study reveals how certain genes and education levels impact Alzheimer’s disease risk, even in individuals destined to develop dementia. Key facts: The APOE gene influences Alzheimer’s onset in people with a genetic mutation causing early-onset Alzheimer’s. Having APOE e4 accelerates onset of decline while APOE e2 delays it. More years of education …
A new report from the CDC provides insight into suicide rates among different industries and occupations in the United States. The key takeaways: Suicide rates have increased 40% from 2000 to 2017 among working-age adults (ages 16-64). Men who work in the mining, construction, and other manual labor jobs have the highest suicide rates. Women …
A study finds that antidepressant treatment reduces empathy – but depression itself doesn’t impact empathy. Key Facts: People with untreated depression showed normal empathy and brain responses. After 3 months of antidepressant treatment, they showed reduced empathy and brain responses. The more their depressive symptoms improved, the more their empathy decreased. Antidepressants specifically reduced emotional …
