Bipolar Disorder (BD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are two of the most prevalent mood disorders, yet they are often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms. This misdiagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and worsened patient outcomes. However, recent advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) offer a promising solution to this challenge. By analyzing brain …
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) presents a promising frontier for treating bipolar disorder, offering potential alternatives or adjuncts to conventional pharmacotherapy. Emerging evidence suggests that certain non-invasive brain stimulation protocols may help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. Highlights: Efficacy: Certain NIBS modalities, like anodal tDCS over F3 plus cathodal tDCS over F4, have shown significant improvement …
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 …
Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, shows promise as an effective and safe adjunct treatment for major depression and mania, according to a new comprehensive systematic review. The analysis also found celecoxib improved symptoms when used as a standalone antidepressant in patients with somatic disorders. However, evidence for efficacy in bipolar depression remains unclear. Key Facts: …
Depakote (divalproex sodium) is a medication regularly prescribed for the management of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. Other medical conditions for which Depakote is occasionally utilized as a complementary (i.e. adjunct) therapy include: AIDS, cancer, dopamine dysregulation syndrome (associated with Parkinson’s disease), schizophrenia. Most who are familiar with this drug understand that Depakote (divalproex …
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed for the prophylaxis and/or management of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Research suggests that Lamictal modifies neurochemistry by: inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, blocking various calcium channels (L-type; N-type; P-type), antagonizing sigma and 5-HT3 receptors, upregulating GABA signaling, and suppressing the release of glutamate and aspartate. Through the aforementioned mechanisms …
Lithium is a naturally occurring element that’s commonly prescribed in the format of “lithium carbonate” for the prophylaxis and/or management of bipolar disorder. Additionally, lithium is sometimes prescribed as an adjunct to treat refractory cases of major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Throughout treatment, lithium is understood to modulate numerous aspects of a user’s neurophysiology to …