A recent publication in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice documented that nearly 4/5 individuals diagnosed with major depression are considered ineligible to participate in clinical trials for new antidepressant drugs. This means that for every 5 individuals with depression that attempt to join an antidepressant clinical trial, only one will meet inclusion criteria for registration. …
We’ve all heard the media-driven dogma that everyone needs at least 8 hours of sleep per night for optimal neurophysiological performance. Striving for 8 hours of sleep is generally a healthy rule of thumb [for most people], but shouldn’t be considered a utopian amount for everyone. Many individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) sleep …
Neurofeedback is a technique that involves training an individual to consciously alter the electrical activity (brain waves) within their brain. The technique can be used as an intervention to improve symptoms of a variety of psychological conditions, including depression. Individuals with depression tend to have abnormal brain wave activity compared to those without any preexisting …
Those with social anxiety disorder are reported to suffer from debilitating, uncontrollable anxiety in social situations. This condition, also known as “social phobia” can lead to an intense fear of public speaking, forming friendships, maintaining social bonds, and even getting a job. Individuals living with social anxiety often isolate themselves, suffer from low self-esteem, and …
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) is a drug developed by Shire Pharmaceuticals as a successor to Adderall. Vyvanse was first approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2007. In 2015, Vyvanse was approved for binge eating disorder and was found to successfully minimize appetite and number of binge eating episodes per week compared to a placebo. …
Provigil (Modafinil) is a eugeroic drug that was originally approved in 1998 for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. Despite never attaining FDA approval for the treatment of depression, many anecdotal reports highlight the efficacy of Provigil as an antidepressant. The drug tends to …
Trazodone (Desyrel) is classified as an atypical antidepressant, functioning specifically as an SARI (serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor). It is considered a second generation antidepressant, and is still utilized primarily for the treatment of depression in patients that don’t respond well to newer medications (e.g. SSRIs). The drug also is used on an off-label basis …