Brittany Albright MD, MPH’s Post

Long noncoding RNAs emerge as promising biomarkers for mood disorders. New review highlights potential of blood-based RNA molecules for diagnosis and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. In a groundbreaking peer-reviewed review article, researchers have uncovered compelling evidence that long noncoding RNAs - molecules once dismissed as "junk DNA" - may hold the key to revolutionizing how we diagnose and treat mood disorders. The study, published in the journal Genomic Psychiatry (Genomic Press, New York), reveals that these RNA molecules circulating in blood samples could serve as powerful biomarkers for conditions like major depression and bipolar disorder, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments. For more information, click here for the full, open-access PDF: https://lnkd.in/dCnX5gaT The EurekAlert! news release can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dGV_5efy #UAB #YogeshDwivedi #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #LncRNABiomarkers #MoodDisorderResearch #DepressionBiology #BipolarBiomarkers #PsychiatricGenomics #EpigeneticsAndMentalHealth #CirculatingLncRNA #PersonalizedPsychiatry #BrainEpigenetics #MolecularPsychiatry #PrecisionMentalHealth #BiomarkerDiscovery #DepressionDiagnosis #BipolarTreatment #NoncodingRNA #PsychiatricBiomarkers #MentalHealthGenomics #RNABiomarkers #BloodBasedBiomarkers #FutureOfPsychiatry

Efficacy and Tolerability of FDA-Approved Atypical Antipsychotics in Bipolar Depression 🚀 Bayesian network meta-analysis The analysis included 16 randomized controlled trials involving 7234 patients treated with one of five AAPs: 1. Cariprazine 2. Lumateperone 3. Lurasidone 4. Olanzapine 5. Quetiapine. 👉All AAPs demonstrated greater efficacy than placebo in improving depression 👉Cariprazine, lurasidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine were more effective than placebo in achieving remission Tolerability and Adverse Events: 👉Olanzapine showed lower odds of all-cause discontinuation compared to placebo, suggesting better overall tolerability. 👉Quetiapine had higher odds of discontinuation due to adverse events. 👉Lumateperone, olanzapine, and quetiapine were associated with higher odds of causing somnolence than placebo. 👉Lumateperone had a lower incidence of significant weight gain (≥7%) compared to other AAPs and placebo. 👉Olanzapine was linked to significant increases in total cholesterol and triglycerides. Paper 👉 Li S, Xu C, Hu S, Lai J. Efficacy and tolerability of FDA-approved atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of bipolar depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Eur Psychiatry. 2024 #bipolardepression #bipolardisorder #psychiatry #psychopharmacology

A sharp rise in Adderall (generic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts, Schedule II controlled substance) #prescriptions over the past two decades has sparked concerns among researchers about rare but serious side effects. In a newly published study, researchers at Mass General Brigham Hospital in Boston found that individuals aged 16 to 35 taking Adderall were 2.68 times more likely to have been hospitalized for #psychosis or #mania compared to those who were not; this increased to 5.28 times more likely at higher doses of 40 milligrams and above. Ritalin (methylphenidate), another #stimulant prescribed for ADHD, did not show this risk, which could be due to differences in their mechanisms of action. When the FDA became aware of such cases in the 2000s, it added a warning to the drug's label; however, relatively little research has been done on how these side effects relate to dosage levels. While the severe impairment of ADHD symptoms may require higher doses, researchers pointed out the need for clear upper dose limits on labels. The current label recommends treating patients with 20 milligrams, but in practice, doctors vary widely in their prescriptions. The researchers concluded that caution should be exercised when prescribing high doses of #amphetamines, with regular screening for symptoms of psychosis or mania. Access to abstract only #psychiatry #medicine #psychology #psychotherapy #psychopharmacology #pharmacy #mentalhealth #education

A fascinating conversation with Rick Doblin, Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Licia Sky, Gita Vaid, MD, Jim Hopper and Elizabeth Call on the #promises and #pitfalls of #psychedelic #assisted #therapies. #MDMA-assisted #psychotherapy claims to offer a truly ‘disease modifying’ mechanism of action, disrupting brain circuits to help people process the traumatic memories implicated in #PTSD rather than merely suppressing their physiological manifestations. Could a new age of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy end the crisis currently facing psychiatry? Rick Doblin argues yes! Phase II and III clinical trials have been so promising that the FDA has granted the application for the approval of MDMA-AT priority review, with a target action date of August 11th 2024. If successful, the DEA will then have 90 days to reschedule the drug. Treatment could then be available commercially in as little as a year’s time! But… Over 90% of individuals with PTSD have at least one lifetime #comorbid #psychiatric #disorder, and PTSD is also strongly associated with a host of physical conditions like bone disease, cardiovascular conditions, and metabolic disease. The issue? Most studies to date have excluded participants with a history of any significant medical disorder meaning that the risk-benefit profile associated with #MDMA-AT is limited to a narrow, non-representative patient sub-population. I’m excited about the prospect of psychedelic therapies and I think they have great potential. But, with the current absence of truly long-term safety data and understanding of comorbidity, I’m not sure whether the risk-benefit ratio is currently in psychiatry’s favour.

https://lnkd.in/g5qk52NU                                                                    Article title: Comparison of two questionnaires (PDQ-39 and SEIQoL) for assessment of the quality of life in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease   Author(s): Lena Waldvogel; Ketevan Toloraia; Peter Fuhr; Ute Gschwandtner* Journal: Annals of Psychiatry and Treatment   Journal ISSN: 2640-8031 Abstract: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that begins insidiously and progresses over time with a loss of nerve cells in certain brain regions. People with chronic diseases often experience a change in their quality of life. For patients, relatives, and the whole community, a reduced quality of life can pose a significant burden. Therefore, it is imperative to reduce socioeconomic costs to preserve high health quality in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Parkinson’s disease can cause people to have difficulty performing daily activities such as working or shopping. It is not uncommon for social interaction to be impaired, as patients sometimes struggle to participate in social life due to their symptomatology. The quality of life of Parkinson’s disease patients can be measured in different ways. A distinction can be made between Health-related Quality of Life and Individualised Quality of Life. Several questionnaires and screening tools are investigating the Quality of Life in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, their validity and practicability are often not extensively analyzed. #ParkinsonsDisease #PDQ39 #SEIQoL #QualityOfLife #Neurodegeneration #BiologicalPsychiatry #Psychopharmacotherapy #PsychologicalMedicine #ForensicPsychiatry #SocialPsychiatry #Sociotherapy #PTSD #Peertechz #PeertechzPublications #ChildAndAdolescentPsychiatry #AddictionPsychiatry #MoodDisorders #Nosography #Schizophrenia

New Insights into Endocannabinoid System Dysregulation in Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders 🧠 Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is linked to various stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders (SRDs) such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. A new systematic review and meta-analysis screening 1072, 1341, and 400 articles for inclusion in Aims 1, 2, and 3, respectively, aimed to explore circulating anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) concentrations at rest and in response to acute psychosocial stress in individuals with SRDs compared to controls. Results: 🔸 Aim 1: Out of seven studies in controls, most reported stress-related increases in AEA (86%) and 2-AG (83%), though meta-analyses did not support these patterns statistically. 🔸 Aim 2: From twenty studies, higher baseline concentrations of both AEA (63%) and 2-AG (60%) were observed in individuals with SRDs compared to controls, confirmed by meta-analyses (p's < 0.05). 🔸 Aim 3: In three studies, one reported a statistically significant difference in stress-related 2-AG changes between PTSD patients (decrease) and controls (increase), supported by meta-analysis (p < 0.001). Despite significant heterogeneity in study designs, consistent patterns were identified, including elevated baseline AEA and 2-AG in individuals with SRDs and smaller stress-related increases in 2-AG in these individuals compared to controls. Standardised research methods are crucial to clarify the complex relationships between eCBs, SRDs, and psychosocial stress, positioning eCBs as potential biomarkers and intervention targets for SRDs. 🔗 Read the complete study here: https://lnkd.in/d6f24Ser #Neuropsychiatry #EndocannabinoidSystem #MentalHealthResearch

The “psychedelic renaissance” is among us — with almost 500 clinical trials currently investigating psychedelics like LSD as treatment options for depression, anxiety, autism, PTSD and more. Breanne Pirino, PhD writes. https://lnkd.in/ehvjv-8Q #psychedelictherapy #psychology #psychiatry #depression #mentalhealth #innovation #healthcare #medicine #meded #medicalwriting #news

"The conference will highlight a paradigm shift in medicine and the newfound recognition of immune dysregulation in some patients with OCD, psychosis, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and mental health conditions previously viewed solely through the lens of psychiatry. Attendees can expect a fresh perspective on mental health, with presentations on the role of neuroinflammation in some psychiatric deteriorations, the impact of immune dysregulation on mental health, and therapeutic strategies that leverage immunomodulation to address symptoms that have historically been treated primarily with psychotropics." #cme #cmecredits https://lnkd.in/e2zbZeWK

This case-control study conducted in a small hospital revealed a 2.62 to 5 fold increase in rates of hypomania psychosis, which is considered quite significant despite the limitations. The study like has many confounding variables. There are pharmacokinetic reasons contributing to the risk of mania with high dose dextroamphetamine users. Notably, methylphenidate use was not associated with an increased risk of mania or psychosis. Providers should consider prescribing methylphenidate compounds to patients with ADHD, rather than dismissing them automatically due to risk of hypomania. of course , appropriate diagnosis is crucial and also taking thorough history and ruling out bipolar disorder is also important. Learn more about this study at the provided link: https://lnkd.in/gijQDj52

With the FDA approval of the first muscarinic treatment for schizophrenia (and more muscarinic and other non-D2 receptor-based strategies showing great promise), it is more critical than ever that we stop using antiquated psychotropic nomenclature. “Antipsychotic” just doesn’t cut it anymore -dopamine antagonists and serotonin dopamine antagonists/partial agonists (or, say it with me, “SDA-PAs”) do much more than treat psychosis. And muscarinic modulators (which treat psychosis) simply cannot be thrown into the same class as the SDA-PAs. Let’s put a “SDA-PA” to outdated “antipsychotic” nomenclature. And be sure to download the fantastic Neuroscience-based Nomenclature (NbN) app to stay up to date on psychotropic “name calling” for existing and emerging psychotropic medications. The issues outlined in this NEI Focuser from a couple years back are still relevant today. In this incredible time of novel therapeutics for mental illness, it is truly time to use more accurate, mechanism-centered nomenclature in psychiatry. https://lnkd.in/eme2tfgn