Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a mainstay in the treatment of various mental disorders but often come with the unwelcome side effect of sexual dysfunction. This issue can significantly affect patients’ adherence to their medication regime, often leading to treatment discontinuation. A recent clinical trial offers a new perspective, suggesting that ‘drug holidays’ – …
Depression, a complex and often debilitating mental health condition, affects millions globally. Despite advances in psychiatric medicine, finding the right treatment remains a challenge for many. A recent comprehensive study, however, is shedding light on this issue by examining the role of serum biomarkers in predicting the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy. Highlights: Innovative Approach: This …
Recent research in the Australian Genetics of Depression Study reveals a fascinating connection between an individual’s chronotype and the efficacy of antidepressants. A study, focusing on selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), suggests that evening chronotypes may experience poorer responses to these medications. Highlights: Chronotype Impact: Individuals with an evening chronotype reported …
Anxiety disorders, a widespread mental health concern, encompass a range of conditions, each with specific characteristics and treatment protocols. However, the realm of “unspecified anxiety disorder” remains a grey area, often challenging healthcare professionals due to its lack of clear-cut guidelines. A recent study aimed to fill this gap by developing a consensus among experts …
Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) are medications of the selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) classification utilized most commonly for the management of major depressive disorder (MDD). Lexapro was co-developed by the pharmaceutical companies Lundbeck and Forest Laboratories (starting in 1997) and received U.S. FDA approval for medical use in 2002. Zoloft was developed by the pharmaceutical …
Zoloft (Sertraline) is a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribed for a variety of medical conditions, including: major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. On occasion, Zoloft is even used off-label to help manage symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), body dysmorphic disorder, vascular headaches, and premature ejaculation. Though the effectiveness of Zoloft …
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 …