A new small scale study reveals the antidepressant fluvoxamine may be a new tool in the fight against COVID-19. Researchers report fluvoxamine reduced the severity of coronavirus symptoms and hospitalizations.
Degarelix, a drug that reduces testosterone levels, shows potential in the treatment of pedophilic disorder. Men with a history of child sexual abuse who took the drug had reduced overall sexual desire and decreased attraction toward children, with noticeable effects within two weeks.
Fish model study found a potential target for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Researchers implicated NRF2 in seasonal depression and reported celastrol may help in the treatment of SAD.
A single dose of the psychedelic psilocybin reduces depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness in cancer patients for 12 months after the drug is administered.
Numerous recent studies claim psychedelics, such as psilocybin, can help treat a range of mental health problems from depression to PTSD. Researchers investigate how psychedelics can help us become more "nature-connected" and increase a sense of environmental responsibility.
Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, provide lasting improvements in mood and feelings of social connectedness, after the effect of the drug has worn off.
Backing up previous research, a new study reveals psychedelics can have beneficial effects for treating PTSD when combined with traditional trauma-focused psychotherapy. Findings suggest MDMA assisted therapy is significantly more effective at treating patients with persistent PTSD than psychotherapy alone.
Researchers have distinguished two different molecular pathways responsible for addiction and the prosocial feelings generated by MDMA. The findings could lead to novel treatments for psychiatric disorders marked by withdrawal and social awkwardness.
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.
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'.
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.
SSRI antidepressants, such as Prozac and Paxil, interact with opioid medications to make them less effective at providing relief from chronic pain. Tramadol relies on activation of the CYP2D6 enzyme to control pain, but SSRIs inhibit this enzyme. Researchers suggest prescribing different classes of antidepressants which do not suppress the enzyme may benefit those in need of opioid medications. Alternatively, non-opioid pain killers should be considered for those who can not switch from SSRIs.
