psychopharmacology

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psychopharmacology

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 11, 2019·5 min read

‘Sticky’ gene may help Valium calm nerves

A new study challenges existing theories about how benzodiazepines, such as valium, work to calm nerves. Researchers report a 'sticky' gene called Shisa7 plays a critical role in the regulation of inhibitory neural circuits, and the sedative effects benzodiazepines have on circuit activity. Read More

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 7, 2019·4 min read

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

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 20, 2019·6 min read

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

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 1, 2019·5 min read

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

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 31, 2019·4 min read

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

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 15, 2019·4 min read

Improved mood and focus reported by microdosers

Microdosing, a growing trend where people take small doses for psychedelic drugs, is associated with improved mood, focus, and creativity. For some, microdosing may provide a possible alternative to SSRI antidepressants. However, researchers warn of some potential problems with microdosing, including negative side effects, psychological stigma, and exposure to elicit, black market products. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2019·2 min read

How a popular antidepressant drug could rewire the brain

Fluoxetine rearranges nerve fibers in the hippocampus of mice, a new study reports. Read More

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 25, 2019·4 min read

Common antidepressants interact with opioid med to lessen pain relief

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. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 10, 2019·4 min read

Safe to breastfeed while on bipolar meds? Jury’s still out

Previous research into the effects of lithium exposure via breastmilk are poorly designed and sparse, researchers report. Until more research is done, mothers and babies should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for lithium continuation, as discontinuing the medication could pose a significant risk for both child and parent. Read More

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 3, 2019·3 min read

Diabetes drug alleviates anxiety in mice

Metformin, a common diabetes medication, shows promise for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Read More

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 30, 2019·4 min read

‘Ecstasy’ shows promise for post-traumatic stress treatment

MDMA shows promise for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Combining the use of Ecstasy with psychotherapy treatments resulted in a reduction of PTSD symptoms after just one session. 54% of the study participants no longer met the PTSD criteria after two sessions. Patients also reported improvements in depression symptoms. Read More