MentalHealthDaily

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 …

Lateral Habenula & Depression: The Anti-Reward Center (Mechanisms & Antidepressant Treatments)

by GLOOM

Depression is a complex and multifaceted disorder affecting millions worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests the lateral habenula, a small brain region, plays a crucial role in depression’s development and persistence. By influencing neurotransmitter systems and interacting with stress pathways, the lateral habenula’s dysfunction may lead to the classic symptoms of depression. Highlights: The lateral habenula is …

D-Mannose & ACSS2 Enzyme: Rapid Depression Treatment via BDNF & TPH2

by GLOOM

Researchers have uncovered a critical role for the metabolic enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) in depression, identifying it as a novel target for rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant therapies. Findings show ACSS2 regulates both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels to improve synaptic plasticity and serotonin synthesis through tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) to mediate …

Lithium For Anxiety Disorders: An Unconventional, Underinvestigated Intervention

by GLOOM

Elemental lithium was first discovered by Johann August Arfvedson in 1817 and was later isolated via electrolysis of lithium oxide (Li2O) through a joint effort of William Thomas Brande and Sir Humphrey Davy. In the 19th century, scientists discovered that lithium was capable of dissolving uric acid crystals isolated from kidneys, and for this reason, …

Whole-Body Hyperthermia For Depression: Turning Up The Heat To Enhance Mood?

by GLOOM

Hyperthermia is defined as supraphysiological body temperature resulting from absorption and/or production of more heat than is dispelled. Medically, local hyperthermia is often used as an adjunct to radiation and/or chemotherapy for the treatment of cancers. It is thought that deliberate induction of hyperthermia to a cancerous region of the body increases the sensitivity of …

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

by GLOOM

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is regarded as a subtype of impulse control disorder characterized by impulsive, uncontrollable explosive outbursts of anger, aggression, and/or rage – sometimes accompanied by violence. To be considered intermittent explosive disorder, the explosive outbursts of anger must be triggered in situations and/or conditions in which such anger is unjustified. In other …

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

by GLOOM

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: …