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Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) For Anxiety Disorders

Hydroxyzine (brand names Vistaril, Atarax) is a first-generation antihistamine of the diphenylmethane and piperazine class.  It was initially synthesized in 1956 and thereafter marketed in the U.S. by the pharmaceutical juggernaut, Pfizer.  Although a relatively ancient medication by today’s standards, hydroxyzine is still commonly prescribed: as a preoperative anesthetic, analgesic, and anxiolytic adjunct; as an …

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Inositol For Anxiety Disorders: An Effective Treatment?

Inositol (cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol) is a non-essential nutrient synthesized within the body from glucose and is abundant within spinal fluid.  Although inositol exists in the form of 9 distinct stereoisomers, the most abundant format within cellular membranes is myo-inositol, accounting for approximately 95% of free inositol within the body.  Myo-inositol was initially isolated by researchers in 1849, …

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TMS For Anxiety Disorders (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

TMS (Transcranial magnetic stimulation) is considered a non-invasive neurostimulation procedure aimed at normalizing brain activity among those with abnormal neurological function.  Individuals diagnosed with psychiatric conditions (e.g. depression) may turn to TMS for relief if standard first-line pharmacological options fail to ameliorate symptoms.  A TMS device works by using pulsed magnetic fields to generate low-grade electrical currents. …

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Genetically Modified Mice: PDE4B Inhibition Increases Intelligence, Reduces Anxiety

Perhaps you’ve heard of the fictional story “Flowers for Algernon” about a laboratory mouse named Algernon.  The mouse undergoes a nootropic-esque surgical procedure that dramatically amplifies his intelligence.  The experiment is deemed so successful, that scientists decide to test the procedure in a human character named Charlie Gordon. Prior to the artificial enhancement of Charlie’s …

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Neurofeedback For Anxiety Disorders: An Effective Treatment?

People with lifelong anxiety disorders often have genetic polymorphisms that cause abnormal activation of various neural circuitry and changes in neurotransmission, provoking excessive fear.  While fear in appropriate situations such as getting attacked by a lion is beneficial in that it helps us survive by giving us superhuman abilities (e.g. endurance, strength, thinking), many people …

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