this week, Psychiatry Times® discussed a wide range of psychiatric issues and industry updates, from the link between cannabis use and schizophrenia to some non-psychiatric medications that can worsen symptoms of major depression . Here are some highlights from this week.
FDA approves first oral selective 5HT1A receptor agonist for MDD
A new class of antidepressants has emerged with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the first oral selective 5HT1A receptor agonist for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Gepirone hydrochloride extended-release tablets (Exxua) are the first drug approved with this new mechanism of action.
This recognition marks a number of unique achievements. Not only is Exxua the first antidepressant in its class, it also received FDA approval with no warnings or side effects related to sexual dysfunction or weight gain. He was also rejected three times by the FDA and overcame many obstacles before finally getting the green light. Continue reading
Nonpsychotic medications that may worsen symptoms of major depression
Residual depressive symptoms are common in MDD. Comorbidities have been identified as risk factors for persistent depressive symptoms. The mechanisms of this association are not clear, but inflammation and childhood adversity, which are associated with both depressive pathology and poor treatment outcomes, may play a role.
Patients with depression and medical comorbidities often use non-psychiatric medications, which may themselves be associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Continue reading
concussion recognition
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when brain function changes due to inertial forces, such as an external impact to the head or body, or rapid acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull. According to national data, approximately 3 to 4 million new traumatic brain injuries occur in the United States each year, and concussions account for 75% to 90% of all traumatic brain injuries. Recent studies have reported that concussions are on the rise in adolescents, especially those aged 10 to 19, and older adults aged 65 and older. The main cause of concussions in older people is falls, but concussions in young people occur when a concussion occurs as a result of a sports or recreation-related injury.
Approximately 25% of all concussions occur during jobs among working-age adults, primarily in manufacturing, construction, and transportation industries. A significant proportion of people who sustain a concussion are not diagnosed in the emergency department, but instead seek medical attention or are referred to a doctor. Office and outpatient settings. Continue reading
Cannabis and schizophrenia: Implications for the legalization era
The growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis use around the world emphasizes the need to understand its potential health effects. One major concern is the link between cannabis use and schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought and emotion. This association is particularly important given the global burden of schizophrenia, which affects more than 20 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
A Mendelian randomized study by Vaucher et al. provided observational evidence of an increased risk of schizophrenia associated with cannabis use. Rentero et al. emphasized the importance of distinguishing between cannabis-induced psychosis and schizophrenia for therapeutic purposes. Ortiz-Medina and colleagues emphasized the need for further research to fully understand the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis. Continue reading
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