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Antidepressants & Dementia Risk in Elderly Users: SSRIs vs. TCAs (2024 Study)

Recent research has uncovered connections between the use of antidepressants and the risk of developing dementia in the elderly. This complex relationship, marked by varying results and considerations, is becoming a critical area of study in geriatric medicine and mental health. In light of these findings, it is crucial to delve into the nuances of …

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Evening Chronotype & Lower Efficacy of SSRI Antidepressants (2024 Study)

Recent research in the Australian Genetics of Depression Study reveals a fascinating connection between an individual’s chronotype and the efficacy of antidepressants. A study, focusing on selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), suggests that evening chronotypes may experience poorer responses to these medications. Highlights: Chronotype Impact: Individuals with an evening chronotype reported …

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Genetics of Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) & Nicotine Addiction (2024 Study)

Tobacco use is a complex behavior influenced by both environmental factors and genetic predispositions. A recent study leveraging the UCLA ATLAS biobank explored the genetic underpinnings of Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) and its systemic health effects using a Polygenic Score (PGS). Highlights: Genetic Underpinnings of Tobacco Use: The study used a European ancestry-derived PGS to …

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Minocycline for PTSD: Inhibition of Fear Memory Retention via MMP-9 (2024 Study)

Recent research has uncovered the potential of minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, in modifying fear memory retention. A new study conducted by Yanfang Xia and colleagues, published in Translational Psychiatry, highlights how minocycline could play a role in treating anxiety and stress-related disorders. Highlights: Study Basis: The study was based on Pavlovian fear conditioning as a …

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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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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) May Treat OCD via Neuronal pH & Dopamine Modulation (2024 Study)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a prevalent neuropsychiatric condition, presents significant treatment challenges due to its varied symptom patterns and poor response to traditional medications. Recent research has revealed a novel approach to treating OCD, focusing on the interplay between dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Highlights: OCD’s Complex Treatment Landscape: Traditional treatments …

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Long-Term Buprenorphine Treatment: The Impact of Genetic & Psychiatric Factors (2024 Study)

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) remains a significant public health crisis, with buprenorphine emerging as a key medication in its treatment. Approved by the FDA, buprenorphine works as a partial opioid agonist, helping reduce opioid use and improve treatment retention rates compared to placebo. Despite its effectiveness, challenges in patient retention and optimal treatment duration persist. …

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