MentalHealthDaily

Abnormal Brain EEG Activity Doesn’t Predict Antidepressant Efficacy in Depression (2023 Study)

Depression is a multifaceted mental health condition that presents significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. Recent studies have explored the potential of electroencephalography (EEG) as a predictive tool for treatment outcomes in major depressive disorder (MDD), with particular focus on the response to antidepressants like escitalopram. Highlights: EEG Abnormalities & Antidepressant Response: Contrary to …

Cerebellum Activity Predicts Euthymia (Stable Mood) vs. Depression in Bipolar Disorder (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

Bipolar disorder (BD), a complex and multifaceted mental illness, manifests through various mood states including depression, mania/hypomania, and euthymia. Recent advances in neuroimaging, particularly resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have shed light on the intricate dynamics of brain activity underlying these mood states. A new study employing dynamic fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (dfALFF) …

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) Changes Brain Connectivity & Activation to Treat Binge Eating Disorder (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Binge-eating disorder (BED), characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating without compensatory behaviors, is a significant global health concern. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX), the only drug approved for moderate to severe BED, is showing promise not just in reducing episodes but also in altering brain function in ways previously not fully understood. Through a groundbreaking study, researchers …

Symptom Provocation in Psychiatric Disorders: TMS, EEG, Neural Circuits for Personalized Treatment (2023 Review)

by GLOOM

Symptom provocation, a cornerstone of psychiatric research and therapy, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate relationship between brain activity and psychiatric symptoms. By deliberately triggering symptoms, researchers and clinicians can identify neurophysiological biomarkers and target them with personalized therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This technique not only enhances our understanding of psychiatric …

Calorie Restriction (CR) Effects on Brain Gene Expression & Behavior in Rats (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Calorie restriction (CR) is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits beyond just weight loss, including reducing anxiety, slowing aging, and mitigating the risk of obesity. Recent research focused on how both short-term and long-term CR affect behavior and gene expression in various brain regions, providing insights into the molecular underpinnings of these effects. Highlights: Behavioral …

Effects of Coffee & Caffeine on Brain Connectivity in Habitual Drinkers (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Coffee, one of the world’s most consumed beverages, is often lauded for its ability to enhance alertness and cognitive performance. Recent studies utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques like resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have begun to unravel the intricate ways in which coffee, and its key component caffeine, modulate brain activity. This exploration into the …

Cannabidiol (CBD): Neuropsychiatric Uses, Mechanisms, Effects on Brain (2023 Review)

by GLOOM

Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in Cannabis sativa, has emerged as a substance of interest in the medical community due to its potential therapeutic benefits for various neurological and mental disorders. This comprehensive review examines the current scientific understanding of CBD’s effects on brain function, its potential as a therapeutic agent, and the ethical and …