Turning to turkey’s tryptophan to boost mood? Not so fast
Research examines the myths and science behind how the amino acid tryptophan, associated with turkey, affects mood.... Read More...
antidepressants
Could psychedelic drugs be a new treatment option for people with depression?
Study discussed the benefits of using psychedelics as an antidepressant option for those with depression.... Read More...
Side effects mild and brief with single antidepressant dose of intravenous ketamine
The side effects of administering ketamine to treat major depressive disorder are mild and persist for no longer than four hours, researchers report. Most of the side effects peaked within an hour of treatment, and many patients reported the effects as being significantly reduced two hours post ketamine administration.... Read More...
Saffron effectively complements antidepressant medications
Patients reported a greater reduction of depressive symptoms when taking saffron extract in addition to antidepressants.... Read More...
Number of depressed over-65s unchanged but antidepressant use soars
The proportion of those aged 65 and older prescribed antidepressants has more than doubled over two decades, from 4.2% in the 90s to 10.7% in twenty years later. However, the prevalence of depression among the age group has dropped since the 90s from 7.9% to 6.8%.... Read More...
AI helps scientists predict depression outcomes
Artificial intelligence technology was able to identify specific brain regions which were most important for predicting whether a person with depression would respond to SSRI antidepressants. ... Read More...
Common antidepressant may not reduce depression symptoms, but does reduce anxiety
Sertraline (Zoloft), a commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant, may not be as effective at treating depression within 6 weeks as previously thought. However, the drug is effective for treating anxiety symptoms. ... Read More...
How serotonin and a popular anti-depressant affect the gut’s microbiota
Serotonin and SSRIs like Prozac can have a major effect on gut bacteria. When exposed to serotonin, specific gut bacteria grew to higher levels. However, when exposed to SSRIs, the bacterium grew to much lower levels in mouse models.... Read More...
Psychedelic drugs: would you accept a prescription? It depends if you’ve tried them before
Numerous studies have linked controlled psychedelics to improvements in mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD. In March, the FDA approved Esketamine as a treatment for depression. However, with much stigma surrounding psychedelics, researchers question how many patients would take psychedelic medications if prescribed to them. According to a new study, 40% of people with no experience of psychedelics would be unlikely to take the prescription due to fears of 'brain damage' or a 'bad trip'.... Read More...
Ketamine isn’t an opioid and treats depression in a unique way
A new study clarifies the mechanism behind how ketamine works as an antidepressant. Researchers say there is evidence to suggest ketamine binds to NMDA receptors, instead of opioid receptors. Reducing the belief that ketamine is an opioid may make patients with depression more open to using the treatment.... Read More...
Red wine compound shows promise for treating depression and anxiety
Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, may help to combat depression and anxiety. The compound inhibits PDE4, an enzyme induced bt excessive amounts of corticosterone, which causes depression-like symptoms in mouse models. ... Read More...
Obstructive sleep apnea may be one reason depression treatment doesn’t work
A potential link has been identified between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and major depressive disorder. Treating OSA may help to improve depressive symptoms, as well as reduce suicidal thoughts and improve sleep for those with insomnia.... Read More...