Tau May Explain Greater Frequency of Alzheimer’s in Women
More women than men are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. New research suggests higher levels of tau deposits in women may explain this difference. Medscape Medical News
Psychiatry
Infanticide Risk Factors Identified for the First Time
For the first time, researchers have identified risk factors for single and repeat neonaticide, revealing that such occurrences are not as rare as previously thought. Medscape Medical News
Psychosis May Accelerate Brain Aging
Accelerated aging of cognitive networks after psychosis onset may offer the potential for early intervention in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News
Impact of Trazodone on Dementia Risk: New Data
Animal studies suggest a potential role for trazodone in reducing dementia risk. New research in patients suggests the drug confers no protection and may even increase the risk. Medscape Medical News
Adolescent Cannabis Use Tied To Depression, Suicidal Thoughts
Cannabis consumption during adolescence is tied to an increased risk for depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts during young adulthood, suggests a new meta-analysis of 23,300 participants. Medscape Medical News
Criminal Case Spurs a Rethink of Euthanasia for Mental Illness
Amid the first criminal charges in a case of medically assisted death for mental illness, experts criticize the review process while others question the ethics. Medscape Medical News
Hunger Hormone Protective Against MCI, Alzheimer’s?
Cholecystokinin, a little-studied amino acid involved in appetite regulation, specifically satiety, may protect against mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Medscape Medical News
Substituting Medical Cannabis for Other Drugs a Common Practice
A survey of more than 2000 respondents has concluded that people who use medical cannabis often substitute it for other agents, including opioids, tobacco, and alcohol. Medscape Medical News
Brain Biomarkers May Help ID Those At Risk for Severe PTSD
Patterns of neurological and physiological responses to associative learning may eventually help determine which individuals are more at risk for severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Medscape Medical News
Lithium for Bipolar Maintenance ‘Safe, Tolerable’ in Kids
Lithium is safe and tolerable as maintenance therapy in children with bipolar disorder, new research suggests. However, a few concerns about the study have been flagged. Medscape Medical News
Higher Fruit, Vegetable Consumption Tied to Well-being
A longitudinal analysis of more than 40,000 British people has concluded that both the quantity and frequency of fruit/vegetable consumption affects mental well-being. Medscape Medical News
FDA Panels Endorse Ketamine Spray for Resistant Depression
Two FDA panels jointly recommended esketamine 28-mg single-use nasal spray for the patients with treatment-resistant depression. News Alerts
CBT Best for Perinatal Depression Prevention, USPSTF Says
Perinatal depression is common with negative consequences for women and their babies. A final recommendation from the USPSTF says CBT is the best way to prevent it. Medscape Medical News
Minocycline Reduce Synaptic Pruning in Schizophrenia Cell Models
Minocycline reduces excessive synaptic pruning in schizophrenia patient-derived cell models, suggesting that it might delay or prevent the onset of schizophrenia in some individuals, according to new research. Reuters Health Information
Endorsing Cannabis as an Opioid Substitute ‘Irresponsible’
Even as two states have passed laws to encourage clinicians to use cannabis as a substitute for opioids, some experts are warning against this practice. Medscape Medical News
Gut Bacteria Tied to Depression
Researchers identify specific gut bacteria associated with depression and create the first catalogue of potentially neuroactive gut bacteria. Medscape Medical News
FDA Cracks Down on Illegal Sale of Alzheimer’s ‘Cures’
The FDA has sent warning letters to companies illegally marketing more than 58 products claiming to prevent, treat, or cure Alzheimer’s disease and other serious conditions. News Alerts
Borderline Personality Disorder: High Risk for Early Death
It is well known that patients with borderline personality disorder have high suicide rates. However, new research shows they also have high rates of premature death from nonsuicidal causes. Medscape Medical News
Mild TBI May Fuel or Exacerbate Mental Health Problems
Mild TBI is associated with new onset or exacerbation of preexisting mental health problems in a substantial minority of patients, which has implications for follow-up care. Medscape Medical News
Push Is On to Reclassify Schizophrenia as a Neurologic Disease
Schizophrenia is classified as a psychiatric disorder. An advocacy group is seeking to reclassify it as a neurologic disease to obtain CDC funding and reduce stigma. Medscape Medical News