Exercise for Depression and Anxiety: 2025 Evidence Synthesis
Exercise reliably reduces depression and anxiety symptoms — but the cardio-vs-resistance gap and antidepressant parity claims are overstated.
meta-analysis
tDCS for Fibromyalgia: Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (2024 Review)
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to update the understanding of the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treating fibromyalgia (FM), focusing on its effects on analgesia, antidepressant outcomes, and the reduction of FM’s impact. Highlights: Efficacy of tDCS: The analysis revealed that tDCS is effective in reducing pain intensity, …
Psilocybin for Depression: Optimal Dosages for Antidepressant Effects (2023 Review)
Recent research has provided compelling evidence on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic, in treating depression. A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis shed light on the optimal dosage of psilocybin for depression, revealing variations in effectiveness based on patient subgroups and associated risks. Highlights: Psilocybin showed significant antidepressant effects, with optimal dosages …
Non-Directive Supportive Therapy (NDST) for Major Depression: Is It Effective? (2024 Review)
Depression, a common yet complex mental health disorder, has various treatment options, including psychotherapies like Non-Directive Supportive Therapy (NDST). A recent meta-analysis sheds light on the effectiveness of NDST in treating depression, comparing it with control conditions and other therapies. Highlights: NDST has been identified as a moderately effective treatment for depression compared to control …
Gray Matter Abnormalities in Major Depression & Social Anxiety (2023 Analysis)
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are two of the most prevalent mental health issues facing society today. They often occur together, challenging both patients and healthcare providers. Recent neuroimaging studies have begun to shed light on the unique and overlapping characteristics of these disorders, offering new insights into their complex neurobiology. …
Are Binaural Beats & Brainwave Entrainment Effective? Latest Research (2023)
The phenomenon of binaural beats and their proposed ability to synchronize brainwave frequencies through a process called brainwave entrainment (BWE) has intrigued neuroscientists and the public for decades. However, the empirical evidence for BWE remains inconclusive. A recent systematic review evaluated 14 studies on binaural beats and EEG markers of brainwave entrainment, finding mixed results …
Paxil vs. Placebo: 2014 Meta-Analysis with Unpublished Data Questions Drug’s Efficacy
A new meta-analysis recently showed that the antidepressant Paxil (Paroxetine) is only slightly more effective than a placebo for both depression and anxiety disorders. Prior to this finding, it was assumed that all SSRI antidepressants were significantly more effective than a placebo, hence getting approval to treat depression. In the article I wrote entitled “Do …