hit counter

At-Home tDCS Trial (HomeDC) Prematurely Terminated Due to Skin Lesions & Safety Concerns (2023 Study)

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is emerging as a promising home-based treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and scalable option for patients. This treatment modulates cortical excitability, potentially altering neuronal activity in the brain areas associated with depression. However, a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT), the HomeDC trial, aimed at investigating …

Read more

Mass Social Media Illness with Tourette-Like Behavior Tics vs. Tourette Syndrome: What Are the Differences? (2023 Study)

In recent years, the medical community has observed a perplexing surge in cases of functional Tourette-like behaviors (FTB), attributed significantly to the influence of social media. Dubbed Mass Social Media-Induced Illness (MSMI), this phenomenon marks a departure from traditional understandings of mass sociogenic illness, leveraging virtual platforms to spread across global populations. Highlights: Surge Since …

Read more

Pets May Help Reduce Anxiety & Depression in Young Adults: Effects of Dog & Cat Ownership (2024 Study)

In the kaleidoscope of mental health solutions, companion animals emerge as silent yet profoundly impactful healers, particularly for the youth navigating the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood. The bond between young adults and their furry companions—dogs and cats alike—extends beyond mere companionship, touching the realms of emotional and psychological well-being. A recent study evaluates …

Read more

Psychological Burnout & Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) (2024 Review)

Burnout, once a fringe topic relegated to the backburners of occupational health discussions, has emerged as a critical public health crisis with far-reaching consequences. Beyond its immediate toll on mental health and workplace productivity, burnout’s insidious effects extend to one of the body’s most vital systems: the cardiovascular system. Highlights: Elevated Risk: Individuals experiencing burnout …

Read more

Personalized TMS for Psychiatric Disorders: Targeting Functional Connectivity (FC) in the Brain (2024 Review)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a beacon of hope in the realm of psychiatry, offering a non-invasive alternative for treating psychiatric disorders. The variability in treatment outcomes highlights the necessity for advancements in personalized approaches. A recent paper analyzed the potential of personalized TMS protocols (customized based on individual brain connectivity) may help …

Read more

Peripheral Inflammatory Biomarkers vs. Suicide Risk in Major Depression (2024 Study)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is not just a mental health concern; it’s a complex interplay of psychological, environmental, and biological factors, where the most tragic outcome can be suicide. Recent research has unveiled a potential link between the immune system’s inflammatory response and the increased risk of suicide among those suffering from MDD. By examining …

Read more

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) for Treatment-Resistant Depression (4 Case Reports)

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) explores the cutting-edge intersection of technology and neuroscience, offering hope to those for whom traditional treatments have failed. By targeting specific brain areas, such as the nucleus accumbens, DBS attempts to modulate the underlying neural circuits associated with depression. A recent review analyzed case reports documenting significant …

Read more