Persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) are tied to a significantly increased risk of developing subsequent depressive symptoms, new research shows. Results from a large meta-analysis that included 18 studies and more than 9,000 patients showed a fourfold higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in those with PPCS versus those without PPCS. “In this meta-analysis, experiencing PPCS … Read more
Cluster headache (CH) is associated with a significantly increased risk for comorbid conditions, including mental disorders and other neurologic disease, leading to significant disability and absenteeism, new research shows. Results from a Swedish register-based study also showed that patients with CH had a sixfold increased risk for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and a twofold … Read more
Strength training is the most effective form of exercise for reducing migraine, with high-intensity aerobics coming in second, and both beating top-line migraine medications topiramate and amitriptyline, new research suggests. The new results should encourage clinicians to recommend patients with migraine engage in strength-training exercise whenever possible, study author Yohannes W. Woldeamanuel, MD, a physician-scientist … Read more
A single 25 mg dose of synthetic psilocybin in combination with psychotherapy appears to effectively ease symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — at least in the short-term, new research shows. In the largest study of psilocybin for TRD to-date, results of the phase 2b randomized, double-blind trial show participants in the 25-mg dose group experienced … Read more
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is more effective than intravenous (IV) ketamine for patients experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE) in new findings that are in line with the KetECT study ― the first head-to-head trial of ketamine and ECT. As reported by Medscape Medical News, the KetECT trial was published earlier this year. It showed that … Read more
Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation with real-time supervision significantly improved clinical symptoms of major depressive disorder, based on data from 26 individuals. Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability and a significant predictor of suicide worldwide, Rachel D. Woodham, PhD, of the University of East London and colleagues wrote. Transcranial direct current … Read more
Computer vision syndrome (CVS), a condition involving eye problems resulting from screen time with digital devices, is significantly associated with both insomnia and migraine — with stress as a central mediating factor, new research suggests. Investigators administered an online questionnaire to more than 700 adults, of whom 71% had CVS. Results showed the presence of … Read more
There is no convincing evidence that low serotonin levels are the primary cause of depression. This is the conclusion of an “exhaustive” review by UK investigators, which upends the widely held belief that depression is the result of lower levels, or reduced activity, of the chemical. Researchers say the results call antidepressant use into question. … Read more
Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBTs) can provide relief from comorbid, persistent posttraumatic headache and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new research suggests. Results from a randomized clinical trial of almost 200 military veterans showed that, compared with usual care, CBT for headache led to significant improvement in both headache disability and PTSD symptoms. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) also … Read more
Triptan use during pregnancy does not increase the risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring, new research suggests. Hedvig Nordeng, PhD “The findings should satisfy women who need to take this class of drugs during pregnancy,” study author Hedvig Nordeng, PhD, professor and head of the Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group at the University … Read more