MentalHealthDaily

Quetiapine-Induced Psychosis: A Rare Adverse Effect (2024 Case Report)

Quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic medication, is renowned for its efficacy in managing a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite its broad therapeutic utility and a generally favorable side effect profile, quetiapine’s role in rare instances of inducing psychotic symptoms warrants a closer examination. Highlights: Quetiapine’s Mechanism of …

Abnormal Glutamate Biomarkers in ADHD: CDK5, MAP2, GKAP, PSD95 (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that has puzzled researchers and clinicians for decades. Recent studies have begun to unravel the intricate relationship between ADHD and the glutamatergic system, a major neurotransmitter pathway in the brain. A newer study evaluated the roles of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2), guanylate kinase-associated …

CNQX as a Potential Drug Addiction Treatment via AMPA & Kainate Receptors (Glutamate) (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

The journey to overcome addiction is fraught with challenges, not least due to the limited options available for pharmacological intervention. In recent research, the focus has shifted toward understanding the role of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter in the brain, in the development and persistence of addictive behaviors. One compound, CNQX, which antagonizes certain glutamate receptors, …

2 Gene Clusters & Anxiety Disorder Subtypes: Glutamate vs. Serotonin & Dopamine (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are a complex set of mental health conditions affecting millions globally. Recent research has made significant strides in understanding the genetic underpinnings of these disorders, linking them to specific brain regions and developmental stages. Highlights: Two Distinct Gene Clusters Identified: Researchers identified two gene clusters with distinct spatial expression profiles in the …

Prolonged Antidepressant Effect of Ketamine: NMDA Receptors & Lateral Habenula “Trapping”

by GLOOM

Ketamine causes rapid and sustained antidepressant effects that last longer than its presence in the body. This is due to ketamine getting trapped and accumulating in NMDA receptors, causing prolonged neural inhibition. Manipulating brain activity can shorten or extend ketamine’s effects. Highlights: Ketamine continues blocking NMDA receptors for 24 hours despite rapid elimination from plasma …

Advanced OCD Treatment Strategies & New Drugs Under Investigation (2023)

by GLOOM

OCD affects approximately 1-3% of the population and often begins in childhood or adolescence. While OCD was previously considered untreatable, advances in the past few decades have led to effective evidence-based treatments. Key Facts: Glutamatergic medications like memantine, ketamine, and N-acetylcysteine have shown preliminary evidence of efficacy in small trials, but larger studies have been …

Taking Lamictal (Lamotrigine) For Anxiety Disorders: Does It Help?

by GLOOM

Lamotrigine is a synthetic phenyltriazine chemical with anticonvulsant and analgesic properties initially sold by GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name Lamictal. It was first approved by the FDA in 1994 for the treatment of partial seizures in adults, and was subsequently approved in 1998 for the management of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome – a severe form of epilepsy …