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Nortriptyline-Induced “Room Tilt Illusion”: A Rare Adverse Event of Antidepressants (2024 Case Report)

Room Tilt Illusion (RTI) presents a perplexing challenge to both patients and physicians, transforming the familiar into the surreal as surroundings appear rotated or flipped. This rare condition, often linked to neurological or vestibular disorders, has recently been observed as an adverse effect of the antidepressant nortriptyline, used in treatment-resistant depression. A case report highlights …

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Elevated Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Levels Linked to Depression (Possible Diagnostic Biomarker)

New research reveals that individuals with depression exhibit significantly higher levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) compared to healthy individuals. This suggests mtDNA could serve as a promising biomarker to improve depression diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Key facts: Meta-analysis of 12 studies with 1400 participants shows elevated mtDNA levels in blood and skin cells of depressed …

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MicroRNAs as Blood-Based Biomarkers for Early ADHD Diagnosis in Children

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While highly heritable, the heterogeneity of clinical presentation suggests complex interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors. A new study suggests that it may be possible to diagnose ADHD or detect ADHD susceptibility risk in children …

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Eye Tracking Technology for Rapid Depression Diagnosis in Young Adults

Researchers have proposed a novel eye tracking method to rapidly screen for depression risk in young adults. This intelligent approach analyzes emotional perception deficits through objective eye movement biomarkers. Initial findings suggest promise for large-scale, low-cost depression screening without specialized doctors. Key Facts: The “eye movement emotional perception evaluation paradigm” extracts digital biomarkers related to …

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Parkinsons Disease Diagnosis Years in Advance? Retinal Thinning via Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Recent research provides evidence that Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with thinning of specific retinal layers that can be detected years before diagnosis. Key facts: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) had thinner retinal ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers compared to controls. Thinning of the inner nuclear layer, which contains dopamine cells, was also seen …

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Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Trichotillomania is psychiatrically classified as subtype of obsessive compulsive disorder characterized chiefly by the urge to pull out one’s own hair.  The condition, also known as “hair pulling disorder,” affects upwards of 2.5 million individuals in the United States at some point during their lives.  Onset of trichotillomania occurs most frequently between 9 and 13 …

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Impulse Control Disorder (ICD): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Impulse control disorder (ICD) is an overarching classificatory label given to psychiatric disorders characterized by inability to resist impulses (or urges) that yield deleterious implications.  Examples of impulse control disorders include: compulsive gambling, incessant sexual encounters, and binge shopping.  If unrecognized and/or unaddressed for an extended duration, an impulse control disorder may ruin a person’s: …

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