Valerian, a herb long cherished for its sedative properties, stands at the crossroads of traditional medicine and modern scientific inquiry. Despite its widespread use across cultures for promoting sleep and alleviating insomnia, the scientific community remains divided over its efficacy. Highlights: Historical Significance: Valerian has been used since the times of ancient Greece and Rome …
Depression, a complex and multifaceted disorder, presents differently in men and women, not only in symptoms but also in how each sex/gender responds to treatment. This divergence has led scientists to explore the molecular mechanisms behind these differences, revealing intricate biological and neurochemical pathways. Highlights: Sex-Specific Prevalence and Symptoms: Women are twice as likely as …
Recent research has provided compelling evidence on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic, in treating depression. A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis shed light on the optimal dosage of psilocybin for depression, revealing variations in effectiveness based on patient subgroups and associated risks. Highlights: Psilocybin showed significant antidepressant effects, with optimal dosages …
Depression, a complex and multifaceted disorder, challenges both individuals and society with its pervasive effects and the limitations of current treatments. Recent research has spotlighted the opioid system, specifically the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), as a potential target for innovative treatments. This focus is grounded in findings that KOR activation influences stress hormone levels and …
Anorexia nervosa (AN), a severe mental disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, remains a formidable challenge in psychiatric treatment. Recent research has shone a light on the potential of olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, in offering new hope through both systemic and innovative intranasal administration methods in animal …
Suicide, a tragic end to around 800,000 lives each year, remains one of the most perplexing and devastating phenomena in mental health. Despite the vast number of studies and data, accurately predicting who is at risk of suicide has remained largely elusive, with current tools heavily reliant on subjective assessments and the clinician’s experience. A …
Quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic medication, is renowned for its efficacy in managing a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite its broad therapeutic utility and a generally favorable side effect profile, quetiapine’s role in rare instances of inducing psychotic symptoms warrants a closer examination. Highlights: Quetiapine’s Mechanism of …