Featured Articles
Biogen Withdrew Aduhelm Paper After JAMA Asked for Edits
According to well-placed recent reports, Biogen Inc withdrew its paper that analyzed results from the clinical trials of its controversial Alzheimer's drug, Aduhelm, that was submitted to medical journal JAMA. Biogen withdrew the paper as JAMA considered rejecting it unless edits were made, according to the report. (https://bit.ly/3f2zsvf) The U.S. [...]
Some Teenagers At Risk Of Self-Harming Can Be Identified A Decade In Advance
There are multiple risk factors for self-harm, including a history of abuse, trauma, physical and mental illness, and bullying. Identifying these factors is a key part of prevention, ensuring that those at risk receive appropriate support as early as possible — but despite this, predicting who may end up engaging [...]
FDA Reviewers: Why We Are Against Approval of Aducanumab for Alzheimer’s
Three members of a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee are explaining why they do not support approval of the drug aducanumab (Biogen, Eisai) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). G. Caleb Alexander, MD, Scott Emerson, MD, PhD, and Aaron Kesselheim, MD, JD, MPH, all serve on the [...]
Novel Drug Offers Rapid Relief From Agitation in Serious Mental Illness
An investigational, orally dissolving film formulation of dexmedetomidine (BXCL501, BioXcel Therapeutics) may offer rapid relief from acute agitation related to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (BD), results of two phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trials show. Dr Leslie Citrome For both disorders, BXCL501 showed "superiority over placebo" by meeting the primary endpoint of reduction of agitation as [...]
5 Ways to Keep Your Cool When Election Season Gets Heated
According to the a survey conducted by the a prominent medical association, living in the United States in 2020 is a stressful experience, even for the most even-keeled among us. And the impending political contest ranks high on the list of factors keeping us up at night. A survey conducted [...]
CBD Can Improve Mental and Physical Health
With a vast range of medical and therapeutic benefits, CBD, or cannabidiol, is a derivative of the hemp plant. Researches have supported the claims that CBD may be a potential natural alternative to several traditional medicines. Consequently, CBD has become an ever-increasing industry. From pain-relieving balms to skin serums and [...]
Cannabis Use and its Association with Psychological Disorders
ABSTRACT ~ Purpose of Review: This is a comprehensive review of the association between cannabis use and psychological disorders. It reviews the latest and seminal evidence that is available and attempts to conclude the strength of such association. Recent Findings: Cannabis is a flowering plant with psychoactive properties, attributed to [...]
Depressed patients with treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction: a comparison between vortioxetine and escitalopram
In a recent study, researchers described treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD) and tolerability following a switch from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI: citalopram, paroxetine, or sertraline) monotherapy to vortioxetine or escitalopram monotherapy in adults with well-treated major depressive disorder (MDD) and SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. The study was published in CNS Spectrums. [...]
Effects of a depression-focused internet intervention in slot machine gamblers: A randomized controlled trial
By Lara Bücker , Julia Bierbrodt, Iver Hand, Charlotte Wittekind, and Steffen Moritz Background Problematic and pathological gambling have been linked to depression. Despite a high demand for treatment and negative financial consequences, only a small fraction of problematic and pathological gamblers seek professional help. The existing treatment gap could be narrowed by providing [...]
Alzheimer’s Therapy Elenbecestat Reduces Brain Amyloid Levels, Trial Shows, but Decline of Clinical Symptoms Still a Question
Treatment with the investigational compound elenbecestat reduced brain amyloid beta levels and was safe and well-tolerated, according to Phase 2 clinical trial results. The presence of amyloid beta plaques is a major characteristic of the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. Amyloid beta is produced through the work of a key enzyme called [...]