MentalHealthDaily

Zuranolone for Depression: Rapid Efficacy & Safety in Clinical Trials (2023 Review)

by GLOOM

Zuranolone, a novel antidepressant, shows promise in treating depression, as evidenced by a recent meta-analysis. A new study investigated zuranolone’s efficacy and safety, focusing on short-term rapid antidepressant effects. Highlights: Zuranolone Effectiveness: Demonstrated significant improvement in depression severity scores compared to placebo, with notable effects by day 15. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs): Increased incidence in …

Psilocybin for Major Depression in Adults (2023 Evidence Review)

by GLOOM

The emerging research into psilocybin, a classical psychedelic, reveals its significant potential in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Historically used in spiritual and shamanic practices, psilocybin’s recent clinical studies have opened new avenues in mental health treatment, challenging traditional antidepressants like SSRIs. Highlights: Psilocybin’s Historical & Clinical Relevance: A natural compound used for millennia, recent …

Analyzing Serum Biomarkers to Predict Antidepressant Efficacy in Depression (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Depression, a complex and often debilitating mental health condition, affects millions globally. Despite advances in psychiatric medicine, finding the right treatment remains a challenge for many. A recent comprehensive study, however, is shedding light on this issue by examining the role of serum biomarkers in predicting the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy. Highlights: Innovative Approach: This …

Quetiapine Dosing for Depression Optimized with XGBoost Algorithm (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

Depression is a globally pervasive mental illness that often requires complex treatment strategies. One such strategy involves the use of Quetiapine, an antipsychotic medication, as an augmentation to antidepressants. However, determining the optimal dose of Quetiapine is challenging due to individual variability. A recent study utilizes machine learning techniques to develop a predictive model for …

Mitophagy & Depression: Mitochondrial Autophagy as an Antidepressant Target?

by GLOOM

Depression is a pervasive mental health issue with complex origins and often inadequate treatment options. Recent studies have suggested that mitophagy, the process of selective mitochondrial autophagy, plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of depression, offering new insights into its pathogenesis and potential treatments. Highlights: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects millions globally, …

Trends in U.S. Medicaid Antidepressant Prescriptions: Newer Drugs & Higher Costs (2023 Analysis)

by GLOOM

The U.S. Medicaid program’s spending and prescribing patterns for antidepressants between 2017 and 2021 reveal a significant shift toward newer and costlier medications. Highlights: Rising Expenditure: Medicaid’s spending on antidepressants increased from approximately $1 billion in 2017 to $1.12 billion in 2021. Preference Shift: There’s been a significant shift from older antidepressants like TCAs and …

Effects of Pramipexole on Reward Learning: Possible Depression Treatment? (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

In a significant stride toward understanding and treating depression, a 2023 study meticulously investigates the effects of pramipexole, a dopamine D2-like agonist, on reward learning. By exploring its impact on healthy volunteers through rigorous behavioral and neural assessments, the research offers groundbreaking insights into how this drug (occasionally used in depression) could revolutionize therapeutic strategies …