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MicroRNA Biomarkers May Help Diagnose Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by a myriad of symptoms, typically divided into positive, negative, and cognitive categories. Despite the prevalence and severity of this condition, current diagnostic methods are largely based on subjective clinical interviews and observations, leading to potential misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Recent studies have focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) …

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Best Antidepressants for Preventing Depression Relapse & Maintenance Treatment (Study)

Depression is a complex, often long-term condition requiring careful management. Recent research has shed light on the effectiveness of various antidepressants during the maintenance phase of major depressive disorder (MDD). Highlights: Extensive Study: The meta-analysis included 34 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with a total of 9,384 participants. Multiple Drugs Analyzed: 20 different antidepressants were compared for …

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Antidepressants May Trigger Mania In Bipolar Disorder via Mitochondria

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 …

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Long-Term Antidepressant (SSRI) Use Increasing: Overprescription & Withdrawal Hesitancy

The rise in antidepressant prescribing, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) since the 1980s, is a complex phenomenon with broad implications for public health. While these medications are crucial for many, the increase in long-term use has raised concerns about overprescription, side effects, and withdrawal challenges. Key Facts: Rising Prescriptions: Antidepressant prescriptions, particularly SSRIs, have …

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Metformin Prevents Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain: A Saudi Study Finds

Research suggests that metformin may reduce weight gain associated with antipsychotic medications. Key facts: Antipsychotics are linked to weight gain, especially clozapine and olanzapine. Metformin may counteract antipsychotic-induced weight gain through effects on insulin resistance and appetite. Study found metformin reduced mean weight gain on antipsychotics from 2.5 kg to -0.04 kg. Younger patients ages …

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Clonidine For Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms: Does It Help?

Clonidine is an antihypertensive drug originally synthesized in the early 1960s by chemists employed under the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim.  At the time, the chemists intended to develop a peripherally-active adrenergic nasal decongestant to be administered in the form of nose drops.  In the process, the chemists sought to modify amidines to fit the chemical …

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Gabapentin For Opiate Withdrawal

Gabapentin is rumored to have been synthesized by chemists in the 1970s in attempt to develop an antispasmodic agent.  After its synthesis, rights to gabapentin were acquired by Parke-Davis (a subsidiary of Pfizer) whereafter it underwent clinical trials that evaluated its safety and anticonvulsant efficacy in the treatment of seizures.  Clinical trial data indicated that …

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