TL;DR: A 2025 study in Nutrients found that a systematic review of adolescent diet and mental health found the clearest readout for whole dietary patterns, while single nutrients and supplement-style interventions looked less consistent. Key Findings 19 studies reviewed: The review covered six randomized controlled trials and 13 prospective cohort studies. Diet patterns looked clearer: …
TL;DR: A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis in Drug and Alcohol Review estimated high adolescent substance-use exposure in South Africa, with lifetime alcohol use at 35.09%, tobacco at 25.47%, and cannabis at 10.47% across community and school-based studies. Key Findings 30 publications were included: Researchers synthesized 202 prevalence estimates from South African adolescent samples. Total …
TL;DR: A 2026 systematic review in European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience argues that catatonia, a syndrome of freezing, mutism, and abnormal movement, may involve underweighted limbic-system circuitry linking emotional regulation with motor shutdown. Key Findings Limbic system has been comparatively underexplored in catatonia neurobiology: Most prior models focused on cortical motor systems and …
TL;DR: A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis in Neuropsychopharmacology found that dopamine D2-like receptor activation suppressed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), insulin release after high glucose, in animal pancreatic cells, suggesting one peripheral route by which antipsychotic dopamine blockade can disturb glucose control beyond weight gain. Key Findings 39 eligible studies: Researchers screened 12,457 citations and …
TL;DR: A 2026 systematic review in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a structured behavioral sleep treatment, plus sleep medication improved chronic insomnia more than medication alone, but adding medication to CBT-I did not improve the critical insomnia outcomes. Key Findings 15 analyzable articles: Researchers screened 1,179 articles, …
TLDR: Lower serum vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke, and are linked to poorer stroke outcomes. Highlights: The meta-analysis included 27 studies with 45,302 participants, finding a combined relative risk (RR) of 1.28 for stroke risk associated with low vitamin D levels. A lower level of serum …
New research provides clarity on the most effective cessation aids available. Varenicline, cytisine, and e-cigarettes help the greatest proportion of people quit long-term. Slowly tapering nicotine dose before ending treatment may also boost success rates. Bupropion slightly raises the risk of serious side effects. Key Facts: Varenicline, cytisine, and e-cigarettes have the highest quit rates, …
Valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sleep problems and anxiety. Recent research suggests it may be an effective option, but results are mixed. Here are some key facts: Valerian is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia whose roots have sedative properties. The active ingredients are likely valerenic …
Energy drinks are beverages that contain ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, and herbal extracts designed to provide mental and physical stimulation. Their popularity and consumption have grown exponentially in recent years, especially among young people. However, concerns have emerged about potential dangers and side effects. Key facts from a recent systematic review: 96,549 people who …
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common and debilitating mental health condition, yet medication options remain limited according to a new systematic review published in CNS Drugs. The study found minimal evidence supporting the benefits of medication for BPD beyond some improvement in individual symptoms. No drugs have been approved for BPD and there is …
