An ear-clip that modulates mood by stimulating the vagus nerve has obvious appeal — but the evidence base for non-invasive tVNS in depression has been mixed for a decade. A 2026 cross-over RCT by Forbes et al. sharpens what specifically tVNS does well.1 Research Highlights Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive ear-electrode version …
Black Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at 2.42 times the rate of White Americans, and they also score higher on negative-symptom measures than White patients carrying the same diagnosis.2 A 2026 paper by Spann and colleagues asks why. Research Highlights Black Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at 2.42x the rate of White Americans, …
In the intricate world of mental health, the rhythms of our body’s natural processes play a pivotal role, particularly the circadian rhythm of melatonin, a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland. Recent research suggests that variations in melatonin’s circadian rhythm might not only distinguish between depression and bipolar disorder but also correlate with the …
In the quest to find more effective treatments for depression, particularly the challenging symptom of anhedonia, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) emerges as a promising option. This non-invasive brain stimulation technique targets specific brain regions to modulate activity and potentially alleviate symptoms. A recent study has shed light on the efficacy and safety of targeting …
For years, researchers have been investigating illicit drugs to determine whether they could be used under supervision to treat mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder. Although many of these substances have shown promise, in many cases the side effects and addiction potential outweigh any therapeutic benefits. Other times, many drugs may be temporarily helpful …
Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “Meth,” is a potent psychostimulant of both the amphetamine and phenethylamine classes that is used to treat both ADHD and obesity. This stimulant is also used on a recreational basis in the form of Crystal Meth or “crystallized” form. Many people use it simply to achieve a high, party, and/or …
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Although most people think of “hearing voices” and associate them with schizophrenia, those are just some of the symptoms. The symptoms experienced are divided into two subtypes including “negative” symptoms and “positive” symptoms. Negative symptoms usually involve subtracting something from the …