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- Schizophrenia-Related Gene Linked to Imbalance in Dopamine Pathways
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December 17, 2007
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Science Update
Forms of a gene known to increase risk for schizophrenia may create an imbalance in brain pathways for dopamine, suggests a recent study by NIMH scientists. The findings could help explain how this key chemical messenger goes awry in the disorder, which affects about one percent of adults.
- Scientists May Have Found Long-Pursued Binding Site for Antidepressants
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September 28, 2007
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Science Update
NIMH-funded scientists have a major new clue as to where the long-pursued binding site for commonly used antidepressants – potentially the site that triggers the medications’ effects – may be on brain cells. The finding could lead to better medications for depression, but also has important implications for other mental illnesses because it addresses a biological flaw that a number of them share.
- Genes Linked to Suicidal Thinking During Antidepressant Treatment
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September 27, 2007
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Press Release
Specific variations in two genes are linked to suicidal thinking that sometimes occurs in people taking the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, according to a large study led by scientists at NIMH. Depending on the particular mix inherited, these versions increased the likelihood of such thoughts from 2- to15-fold, the study found.
- Drops in SSRI prescription rates may coincide with increases in youth suicides
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September 19, 2007
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Science Update
A 2004 spike in suicide rates may have coincided with a drop in antidepressant prescriptions for youth, following warnings from U.S. and European regulatory agencies that the medications might trigger suicidal thoughts.
- Manic Phase of Bipolar Disorder Benefits from Breast Cancer Medication
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September 12, 2007
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Press Release
The medication tamoxifen, best known as a treatment for breast cancer, dramatically reduces symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder more quickly than many standard medications for the mental illness, a new study shows.
- Studies Refine Understanding of Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
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September 1, 2007
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Science Update
Two new studies provide additional details on best practices for treating people with bipolar disorder, a sometimes debilitating illness marked by severe mood swings between depression and mania. The two studies are part of the NIMH-funded Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD).
- Faster-Acting Antidepressants Closer to Becoming a Reality
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July 24, 2007
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Press Release
A new study has revealed more about how the medication ketamine, when used experimentally for depression, relieves symptoms of the disorder in hours instead of the weeks or months it takes for current antidepressants to work.
- Improvement Following ADHD Treatment Sustained in Most Children
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July 20, 2007
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Press Release
Most children treated in a variety of ways for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed sustained improvement after three years in a major follow-up study funded by NIMH.
- New Study Will Examine Effects of Excluding Anti-anxiety Medications in Medicare Part D Coverage
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June 22, 2007
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Science Update
A new research grant funded by NIMH will examine the costs and benefits of excluding a commonly prescribed class of anti-anxiety medications—benzodiazepines—from coverage in the new Medicare Part D program.
- Gene Variants Linked to Suicidal Thoughts in Some Men Starting Antidepressant Treatment
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June 7, 2007
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Science Update
Some men who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors after they first start taking antidepressant medications may be genetically predisposed to do so, according to the latest results from the NIMH-funded Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study.
