None of the 41 most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications increases the risk of depression. Nine medications that lower blood pressure were found to significantly lower depression risks. Read More
Focusing on genes associated with psychiatric and neurological disorders, and drugs approved for use in other diseases, a new AI system can increase the effectiveness of drug repurposing. Read More
Placebos reduce biomarkers in the brain of emotional distress, even when a patient knows they are taking one. Read More
Patients with psychosis who have higher levels of an antioxidant called glutathione responded more quickly to medications and had improved outcomes. Researchers estimate a 10% increase in antioxidants could lead to reduced time spent in hospital for those with psychosis. Read More
Psilocybin reduces activity in the claustrum, an area of the brain believed to contribute to consciousness and sense of self. Researchers say the reduced activity may tie in with the reduced sense of self and ego often associated with psychedelic drug use. The study also reports psilocybin alters the way the claustrum communicates with brain areas involved in attention, decision making, auditory processing, and memory. Read More
The SSRI sertraline (Zoloft), if taken while pregnant, can result in birth defects caused by the drug damaging a cell's genetic information. Researchers report one potential way to counter the effect is with specific antioxidants. Read More
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. Read More
Brain connections strengthened with treatment from fast-acting antidepressants, such as ketamine, are consolidated during deep sleep. Researchers propose rapid antidepressant treatments share the ability to regulate both synaptic potentiation and homeostatic mechanisms, which may contribute to how the brain reorganizes its activity to defeat depression. Read More
Computational simulations reveal the integration of both neuronal and neurotransmitter systems at a whole-brain level is vital to fully understand the effects of psilocybin on brain activity. Read More
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. Read More
Is it possible to have a psychedelic experience from taking a placebo alone? A new study says it is. Read More
A new substance named Lu AF60097 may help reduce side effects from tricyclic antidepressants in those with severe depression. Read More
