ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a condition characterized by inability to concentrate and often comorbid hyperactive behaviors. It is considered the most common psychiatric disorder among children and adolescents (affecting approximately 5%) and is fairly common among adults (affecting approximately 4%). Individuals with ADHD may face serious difficulties completing projects, studying at school, holding a steady …
For individuals in the United States between the age of 15 and 44, major depression is the leading cause of disability. Major depression is often a heritable condition, caused by maladaptive genes getting transferred across generations. That said, not everyone diagnosed with major depressive disorder inherited the condition from ancestors or should be blaming their …
Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) is a drug that was approved July 10, 2015 for the treatment of schizophrenia and as an adjunctive option for major depressive disorder. In clinical trials it was referred to as the chemical “OPC-34712” and is being marketed as a superior successor to Abilify (Aripiprazole) due to the fact that Abilify’s patent expired …
A recent publication in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice documented that nearly 4/5 individuals diagnosed with major depression are considered ineligible to participate in clinical trials for new antidepressant drugs. This means that for every 5 individuals with depression that attempt to join an antidepressant clinical trial, only one will meet inclusion criteria for registration. …
The number of individuals being diagnosed with mental illnesses in recent years is relatively alarming from both a micro and macro perspective. From a micro perspective, an individual with a condition like depression feels bad about themselves, is lethargic, often isolates themselves, and has a low income as a result of inability to work. They …
In recent years, biotech and pharmaceutical companies have been developing new classes of antidepressants. These new classes attempt to improve on older classes of medication in regards to efficacy, side effects, and tolerability. One such class that is being developed is that which targets opioid receptors, particularly the kappa receptor. These drugs are classified as …
Individuals diagnosed with major depression often are found to have reduced volume within their hippocampus. The hippocampus is a small region of the brain that is responsible for regulating various memory and spatial navigation functions. It is also believed to play a pivotal role in the regulation of mood. Modern day antidepressants such as SSRIs …