May 6th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
In a small Canadian study of depressed patients who failed traditional methods of treatment, deep brain stimulation provided significant relief to 56% of the patients.
In this study, volunteers had to have documented resistance to at least four types of treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy. They also had to be in a depressive episode at least two years long and have a score on the Hamilton scale of 20 or higher. Improvement in symptoms of depression was defined as at least a 40% improvement on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.
Although these findings are extremely informative and promising, deep brain stimulation is still purely an investigational technique for depression and more research in this area needs to be done.
American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting
via MedPageToday
April 15th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
A recent study found that contact with farm animals appeared to be therapeutic for patients with mental illness. These findings were similar to previous studies which have shown that animal-assisted therapy involving cats and dogs was associated with decreased stress and improved self-confidence, social competence, and overall quality of life.
via MedPage Today
September 12th, 2007 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
In a recent study of 202 adults who suffered from depression, researchers found that those who underwent group-based exercise therapy three-times weekly for four months, did as well as those treated with an antidepressant drug. A third group who followed a home-based exercise program for four months also improved, though to a lesser degree. All three groups did better than a fourth group given a placebo.
Start an exercise program
Psychosomatic Medicine, September 2007
July 6th, 2007 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
In a recent review of published clinical trials, researchers have again found a significant correlation between increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids with a lower prevalence of depression. Fish and fish oil, as well as flax seed oil, are rich sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Appropriate dosages and the best composition of omega-3 supplements remains to be determined by clinical researchers.
via Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
July 19th, 2006 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Recently the FDA has warned against mixing common migraine drugs, called triptans, with antidepressants categorized as either SSRIs or SNRIs. Combining these drugs together can trigger a life-threatening condition called serotonin-syndrome which is characterized by rapid heart beat, sudden changes in blood pressure, and increased body temperature. Other symptoms include restlessness, hallucinations, loss of coordination, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients with these symptoms when taking these drugs should seek immediate medical care, the FDA said.
SSRIs, for depression, included in the warning are Celexa (citalopram), Fluvoxamine (generic), Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine) Symbyax (olanzapine/fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline). SNRIs are Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine).
Triptans, for migraine, are Amerge (naratriptan), Axert (almotriptan), Frova (frovatriptan), Imitrex (sumatriptan) Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT (rizatriptan), Relpax (eletriptan), and Zomig and Zomig ZMT (zolmitriptan).
The FDA issued the warning after receiving reports of serotonin syndrome among patients mixing triptans and SSRIs or SNRIs. The FDA said patients who are taking a triptan along with an SSRI or SNRI should talk to their doctor before stopping their medications.
via FDA, MedPage Today
March 6th, 2006 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
A two-year study of elderly people suffering from recurrent episodes of depression found drugs worked better than psychotherapy in controlling the symptoms. Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, this study reinforces the rising trend to prescribe antidepressants not only to treat depression, but to keep it from recurring.
via New England Journal of Medicine
November 30th, 2005 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
A study involving new techniques for brain imaging strongly suggest that marijuana use is a risk factor for schizophrenia. Researchers have identified a brain region affected by both schizophrenia and marijuana use that is still developing during adolescence. This area is responsible for speech development, language interpretation and several other higher order functions. This language/auditory pathway continues to develop during adolescence, and is thus most susceptible to the neurotoxins introduced into the body through marijuana use.
via Radiological Society of North America
