Psychiatry and Mental health

Memantine to Treat Social Impairment in Youths With Autism Spectrum Disorder A Randomized Clinical Trial

This small, placebo-controlled clinical trial suggests that memantine improved social impairments in youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who do not have intellectual disability. The treatment was particularly effective in participants with abnormally high glutamate levels in a specific brain region, indicating these levels could serve as a biomarker for predicting treatment response. While promising, the study's small, unrepresentative sample and reliance on caregiver reports limit broad generalizability.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Oct 07, 06:54 PM

Antidepressant prescribing in transgender and nonbinary individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria and mood or anxiety disorders

This retrospective, single-center study found that 38% of transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adults diagnosed with gender dysphoria and co-occurring mood or anxiety disorders did not have an active antidepressant prescription at the time of their gender dysphoria diagnosis. While antidepressant prescribing rates were similar across gender identities, transgender females were more often prescribed bupropion, and transgender males had significantly higher rates of generalized anxiety disorder. This highlights a potential gap in mental health care for TGNB adults and warrants further investigation.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Oct 01, 06:35 PM

Functional vs Structural Cortical Deficit Pattern Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder

This study found a consistent pattern of reduced blood flow in certain brain areas in people with major depressive disorder (MDD) across multiple datasets, which was reflected in a functional MRI measure called regional homogeneity (ReHo). However, the effect sizes were small, meaning the differences, while consistent, were not large, and the study primarily used a white, middle-aged population sample.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Sep 22, 01:39 PM

A pilot study examining a ketogenic diet as an adjunct therapy in college students with major depressive disorder

This small pilot study (no control group) suggests a ketogenic diet may help reduce depression symptoms in college students alongside standard therapy. Participants saw improvements in mood scores, well-being, and some measures of metabolic health. It's important to note the limitations of the small sample size and lack of a control group for comparison.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Sep 20, 04:12 PM

A pilot study examining a ketogenic diet as an adjunct therapy in college students with major depressive disorder

This small pilot study (n=16) suggests that a ketogenic diet, combined with standard counseling/medication, may help reduce depression symptoms in college students with major depressive disorder. Participants saw a significant reduction in depression scores and improved well-being after 10-12 weeks on the diet. However, the lack of a control group and the small sample size limit the strength of these findings.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Sep 10, 02:29 PM

ADHD Diagnosis and Timing of Medication Initiation Among Children Aged 3 to 5 Years

This study found that a substantial proportion of preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD started medication within 30 days, often before behavioral therapy was attempted. Racial and insurance disparities were evident, with White children and those with public insurance more likely to receive early medication. Follow-up rates after medication initiation appeared low, but likely underestimated due to limitations in data capture.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Sep 01, 01:12 PM

Patterns of Serum Prolactin Elevation Associated with Nine Second-Generation Antipsychotics in a Large Cohort of Patients with Schizophrenia

This real-world database study examined the association between nine second-generation antipsychotics and serum prolactin elevation in a large cohort of patients with schizophrenia. It found varying levels of risk for prolactin elevation with different medications, highlighting the need for individualized treatment strategies. Researchers also observed differences in medication usage across various age groups.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Aug 27, 05:33 PM

Effect of naltrexone pretreatment on ketamine-induced glutamatergic activity and symptoms of depression: a randomized crossover study

In a randomized, double-blind crossover study, researchers found that pretreatment with the opioid blocker naltrexone reduced ketamine's antidepressant effects and its impact on glutamate levels in the brain one day after administration in individuals with major depression. The findings suggest that the opioid system is involved in ketamine's antidepressant mechanism, though further research is needed to explore the precise nature of this interaction.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Aug 11, 05:29 PM

Light therapy for bipolar disorders: Clinical recommendations from the international society for bipolar disorders (ISBD) Chronobiology and Chronotherapy Task Force

This review summarizes the evidence for bright light therapy as a treatment for bipolar depression, concluding that it is likely an effective acute treatment, particularly when used alongside medication. However, further research with larger samples is needed to confirm its efficacy and long-term benefits. There's also a need for more research to optimize treatment protocols and address practical challenges that limit access to this therapy.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Aug 10, 07:39 PM

Sensory Processing in Individuals With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Compared With Control Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 studies found that individuals with ADHD experience significantly more atypical sensory processing patterns compared to controls, particularly in sensory sensitivity, seeking, avoiding, and low registration. Children and adults with ADHD also demonstrated increased difficulties in tactile, visual, auditory, oral, and movement sensory processing.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Jul 31, 10:51 AM

Association between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia stronger in young males than in females

This nationwide Danish study found a stronger association between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and schizophrenia in young males compared to females. Using register data, researchers found that in 2021, approximately 15% of recent schizophrenia cases in males (vs. 4% in females) might have been preventable without CUD. The study is observational so causality cannot be determined, and other unmeasured factors (like tobacco use or THC potency of used cannabis) could influence the results.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Jul 24, 06:36 AM

Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

This large review found that various types of exercise, particularly walking/jogging, yoga, and strength training, are effective for treating depression, comparable to psychotherapy and medication. The effects were larger with higher intensity exercise, and different modalities may be better suited for different age and sex groups, although most studies lacked blinding, potentially inflating effects.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Jul 22, 12:56 PM

Association of time spent in outdoor light and genetic risk with the incidence of depression

This study found a non-linear relationship between time spent in outdoor light and depression risk, with an average of 1.5 hours per day associated with the lowest risk. Genetic predisposition to depression increased risk, but this could be mitigated by spending the optimal amount of time outdoors. The study was limited to white participants in the UK Biobank.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Jul 21, 06:34 AM

International League Against Epilepsy classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in childhood: Position paper by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions

This position paper updates the classification of epilepsy syndromes starting in childhood, simplifying terminology and focusing on seizure semiology. The syndromes are divided into self-limited focal epilepsies, generalized epilepsies, and developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathies, with revised names and diagnostic criteria to enhance clarity and aid management.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Jul 14, 10:37 AM

Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women

This expert consensus statement provides guidance for identifying and treating ADHD in girls and women, highlighting the often subtle and internalized presentation of symptoms that can lead to underdiagnosis. The statement emphasizes the need for a lifespan approach to care, addressing the evolving challenges and support needs of females with ADHD across different age groups.

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Psychiatry and Mental health Jul 14, 10:36 AM