Archive for October, 2005
« Previous Entries Next Entries »Male GPs more likely to prescribe antidepressants than their female colleagues, says mental health charity
Sunday, October 30th, 2005Research by the Mental Health Foundation (UK) today revealed that male GPs are far more likely to prescribe antidepressants as a first treatment response to patients with mild or moderate depression than female GPs (61 per cent, compared to 37 per cent), and are twice as likely to think them effective (43 per cent, compared to 17 per cent)… click link for more info.
New FDA-Approved Device Offers Hope to Depressed Patients
Sunday, October 30th, 2005The Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center medical team involved in the research and development of an innovative therapy for depression - vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) - is starting a new clinic for patients who have treatment-resistant depression. The vagal nerve stimulator was approved Friday by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment-resistant depression following clinical trials around the United States, including Saint Louis University… click link for more info.
Depression linked to previously unknown dopamine regulator - Hope for potential new target for antidepressants
Sunday, October 30th, 2005Researchers from Harvard Medical School have found a molecule that is unexpectedly involved in dopamine signaling, and in a manner that supports the potential of dopamine as an alternative target for treating depression. The results provide evidence that there is a molecular link between impaired dopamine signaling and depression, which affects 16 percent of the adult population in the United States… click link for more info.
A structure of antidepressants’ binding sites
Sunday, October 30th, 2005Some of the body’s most important signalling molecules - such as serotonin and dopamine - rely on transporters to successfully clear them out of the extracellular space in the brain. Transporters move these neurotransmitters across the cell membrane by capitalizing on differences in ionic gradients… click link for more info.
Treatment for recurrent depression available through study at UT Southwestern
Sunday, October 30th, 2005Three years ago, Terry Tuton was laid off from his job as project manager at a large technology firm, leaving him limited insurance coverage at a time when he was suffering from overpowering feelings of hopelessness and depression - and not for the first time in his life. Overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, he happened upon a small advertisement seeking participants for a UT Southwestern Medical Center research study on recurrent depression… click link for more info.
Wall Street Journal Examines Eli Lilly’s Tactics To Persuade Physicians To Prescribe Antidepressant Cymbalta
Sunday, October 30th, 2005The Wall Street Journal on Friday examined how pharmaceutical companies’ contracts with insurers and medical organizations to sell their drugs sometimes restrict “unflattering statements about the costs and risks of drugs when they communicate with health practitioners.” For example, Indianapolis-based http://www… click link for more info.
News on Therapies for Depression Using Magnetic Stimulation of the Brain
Sunday, October 30th, 2005Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is well established for treating depression and other psychiatric disorders. Though effective, ECT produces short-term confusion and occasionally some memory loss, and patients require general anesthesia and muscle relaxants. Now a growing body of research suggests that new techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may offer less disruptive ways to use electromagnetic energy against depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders, reports the August issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter… click link for more info.
Depression and fatigue not associated with cancer risk, Study finds
Sunday, October 30th, 2005Feeling depressed and fatigued does not increase a person’s risk for cancer, according to a new study. Severely exhausted people, however, do engage in behavior that is associated with a higher cancer risk. The study, published in the September 15, 2005 issue of CANCER (http:/www… click link for more info.
RCGP join forces with Mind and NCCMH to tackle depression, UK
Sunday, October 30th, 2005The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), as the National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care (NCCPC), Mind, and the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (NCCMH) have joined forces to produce a new poster aimed at helping people with depression and with anxiety. The poster, which will be on display in GP surgeries around England and Wales, aims to inform patients of a wide range of options available for the treatment of depression and anxiety… click link for more info.
Minor depression episode increases risk for developing major depression
Sunday, October 30th, 2005Those who feel sad and lack an interest in regular life activities for at least two weeks and qualify for a diagnosis of minor depression are six times as likely to develop major depression compared to those who don’t have these symptoms, according to a longitudinal study on risks for depression… click link for more info.
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