Bipolar Disorder (BD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are two of the most prevalent mood disorders, yet they are often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms. This misdiagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and worsened patient outcomes. However, recent advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) offer a promising solution to this challenge. By analyzing brain …
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) presents a promising frontier for treating bipolar disorder, offering potential alternatives or adjuncts to conventional pharmacotherapy. Emerging evidence suggests that certain non-invasive brain stimulation protocols may help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. Highlights: Efficacy: Certain NIBS modalities, like anodal tDCS over F3 plus cathodal tDCS over F4, have shown significant improvement …
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 …
Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, shows promise as an effective and safe adjunct treatment for major depression and mania, according to a new comprehensive systematic review. The analysis also found celecoxib improved symptoms when used as a standalone antidepressant in patients with somatic disorders. However, evidence for efficacy in bipolar depression remains unclear. Key Facts: …
Vraylar (Cariprazine) was approved by the FDA on September 17, 2015 for the treatment of schizophrenia and mania associated with bipolar disorder. In clinical trials, the drug was referenced as “RGH-188” – containing Cariprazine as the primary active ingredient. The drug had completed Phase III clinical trials in 2012, and was pending FDA approval for …
Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by cyclical mood swings, transitioning from depression to mania (or hypomania). For a period of time, an individual with bipolar disorder will experience debilitating bouts of depression – and often unexpectedly, their entire neurophysiology will shift to facilitate a state of mania (elevated mood). Diagnostically, there are multiple types …
Delusions of grandeur are false beliefs held by an individual in which they believe with full conviction that they are a celebrity, person of high rank, omnipotent, and/or a powerful entity – despite significant evidence to the contrary. Imagine waking up one day thinking that you’re the president of the United States, despite the fact …