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Alcohol & Brain Volume in Older Adults: Cortical Thinning & White Matter Loss in Heavy Drinkers (250g/Week) (2023 Study)

Alcohol’s effects on the brain, especially among the elderly, have long been a subject of scientific inquiry. A recent study from Gothenburg, Sweden, provides new insights into how varying levels of alcohol consumption impact brain structure in individuals aged 70 and over. This research sheds light on the relationship between alcohol intake and the aging …

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Nortriptyline-Induced “Room Tilt Illusion”: A Rare Adverse Event of Antidepressants (2024 Case Report)

Room Tilt Illusion (RTI) presents a perplexing challenge to both patients and physicians, transforming the familiar into the surreal as surroundings appear rotated or flipped. This rare condition, often linked to neurological or vestibular disorders, has recently been observed as an adverse effect of the antidepressant nortriptyline, used in treatment-resistant depression. A case report highlights …

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Quetiapine-Induced Psychosis: A Rare Adverse Effect (2024 Case Report)

Quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic medication, is renowned for its efficacy in managing a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite its broad therapeutic utility and a generally favorable side effect profile, quetiapine’s role in rare instances of inducing psychotic symptoms warrants a closer examination. Highlights: Quetiapine’s Mechanism of …

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Gene Editing with CRISPR/Cas9 to Treat Corticosteroid-Induced Neuropsychiatric Disorders (2023 Review)

The widespread use of corticosteroids (CCSs) across the globe for treating inflammatory conditions has led to an increased incidence of corticosteroid-induced neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs), raising significant public health concerns. These disorders range from depression and anxiety to severe cognitive changes, challenging the medical community to find effective treatments. The exploration of genetic and epigenetic factors …

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Probiotics & Synbiotics for the Metabolic Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications: Are They Effective? (2024 Review)

Patients with severe mental illnesses (SMI), such as schizophrenia and chronic depression, often face the challenge of managing weight gain and metabolic complications, side effects commonly associated with antipsychotics and antidepressants. These medications are known to induce increased appetite and weight gain, leading to long-term metabolic syndromes. Recent studies have evaluated into the role of …

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Antidepressants, Bacterial Mutations, & Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotics have long been the cornerstone of modern medicine, but their effectiveness is increasingly threatened by the rise of antibiotic resistance. While the overuse of antibiotics is a well-acknowledged culprit, recent research reveals a surprising and relatively unexplored contributor: antidepressants. Highlights: Antidepressants and Resistance: Antidepressants, particularly those used in large quantities like SSRIs and SNRIs, …

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Antidepressants May Trigger Mania In Bipolar Disorder via Mitochondria

Antidepressants, commonly used to treat major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, might have more profound effects on our body’s energy factories, the mitochondria, than previously understood. A recent study examined how certain antidepressants alter mitochondrial energetics, potentially influencing the risk of treatment-emergent mania in bipolar disorder patients. Highlights: Antidepressants Double Edged Sword: While crucial for …

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