Stress from daily psychosocial challenges is a significant health concern with limited pharmacological treatment options. Psychosocial stress triggers distinct responses in the autonomic and central nervous systems, measurable via heart rate variability (HRV) and electroencephalogram (EEG). This post hoc analysis of clinical trial data explores the impact of the anti-stress medication Neurexan (Nx4) on HRV and EEG signals, and their correlation in a resting state following acute psychosocial stress induction.

Scopolamine disrupts cholinergic mechanisms via nonspecific muscarinic antagonism. Centrally, excitatory neocortical innervations are antagonised causing spectral electroencephalography (EEG) changes and cognitive impairment. Peripherally, parasympathetic control of heart rate variability (HRV) is disrupted, although acute HRV effects of scopolamine are not well-defined.

C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) have been increasingly linked to neuroinflammation. This study evaluated the impact of escitalopram on serum CCL5 and FGF2 levels in patients with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

This double-blind positive-controlled study investigated the potential for the aroma of a novel blend of essential oils, Genius to enhance cognitive performance and mood in healthy adults, and whether any such benefits might be related to changes in cerebrovascular oxygenation measured using Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy. Ninety participants (61 female) were pseudo-randomly allocated to achieve a gender balance across three experimental groups: Genius aroma, Sage aroma (positive control) or no aroma (control). All participants completed mood questionnaires after completing a range of cognitive tasks whilst wearing a Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy headband. Multivariate and subsequent univariate data analysis revealed significant enhancements to memory and executive function tasks in the Genius and sage aroma conditions compared to no aroma with larger effects noted for the Genius blend. Furthermore, the novel blend outperformed the aroma of pure sage and also left participants feeling significantly more alert and less fatigued at the end of the testing session. Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy data indicated that both sage and Genius blend enhanced metabolism during task performance with a greater impact from the Genius aroma. Although suggestive of a mechanism underpinning the enhancements observed no correlations were found between the Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy signals and cognitive performance. This study strengthens the evidence base for the beneficial effects of essential oil aroma inhalation for cognitive performance, however the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. One of the newer treatments for AD is amyloid beta (Aβ) directed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of this class of drugs.

Loss of function mutations in the WFS1 gene cause Wolfram syndrome, which is characterized by juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, neurodegeneration, hearing loss and optic nerve atrophy. Psychiatric symptoms, including major depression and suicidal behavior, are common in this disorder. WFS1 mutations induce this condition through altering interactions between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, resulting in diminished Ca import that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Quite recently, it was shown that such impaired Ca transport could be restored by the experimental σ1 receptor agonist PRE084. In animal models of Wolfram syndrome, this compound restored the behavioral phenotype. Based on these previous data, we propose that Wolfram syndrome may serve as a mechanistically informative model for exploring σ1 receptor modulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and affective symptoms. This proposal is based on four arguments. Firstly, the R-enantiomer of ketamine exhibits largely selective binding to the σ1 receptor as an agonist. Secondly, R-ketamine and other σ1 agonists display antidepressant-like activity in rodent depression models. Thirdly, while both S- and R-ketamine hold potential for reducing suicidal behavior, the latter is likely to have a lower potential for abuse and fewer side effects. Fourth, Wolfram syndrome is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, which has also been linked to depression.

Bupropion, a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, is FDA-approved for depression and smoking cessation but not for anxiety disorders. Its role in patients with comorbid depression and anxiety remains debated. This review examines bupropion's potential anxiolytic and/or anxiogenic effects. Clinical trials suggest bupropion may reduce anxiety symptoms in depressed patients, showing comparable efficacy to SSRIs and SNRIs in mild to moderate anxiety. However, its stimulating properties can also provoke anxiety, particularly at higher doses. While some studies indicate no significant difference in anxiolytic efficacy between bupropion and serotonergic antidepressants, others suggest SSRIs may be preferable for severe depression with anxious distress. Emerging data hint at potential benefits for generalized and social anxiety disorders, though findings remain inconclusive. Given its mixed effects, a cautious approach is recommended. Initiating treatment at lower doses and monitoring for anxiogenic symptoms can help optimize outcomes. Further research is needed to clarify bupropion's potential role in anxiety management and its comparative efficacy against standard treatments.

This study examined the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on negative mood and drinking behaviors, and whether those effects were moderated by levels of perceived discrimination among participants who identify with a racial, ethnic, gender, or sexual identity that is underrepresented in research.

To assess the effect of caffeine and stress on behavior during unsolvable tasks in humans.

Prior studies have raised concerns about postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) risk associated with selective serotonin and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs), although limitations include possible confounding by maternal indications. The current study examined the risk of PPH associated with prenatal S/NRIs accounting for diagnosed maternal depression during pregnancy.

We describe prescribing of anxiolytics/hypnotics/antidepressants at an all-England level between 2010 and 2023, taking account of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic-period.

Treatment-resistant depression is one of the most significant clinical challenges in psychiatric practice. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of intranasal esketamine on depressive symptoms in a real-world outpatient setting. A secondary objective was to explore the potential benefits of intranasal esketamine on hopelessness and suicide risk (suicidal ideation and suicide attempts).

Patient-reported side-effect questionnaires contribute to balanced decisions regarding treatment strategy among patients with mental health disorders. However, current side-effect questionnaires are less suitable for older adults because they often lack age-specific side effects. Therefore, the Scale for Subjective Somatic and Cognitive Complaints of Psychotropic Medication Adult-Aged-Spectrum (SCOPA) was developed to quantify psychotropic side effects across the full adult age spectrum. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of the SCOPA.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It affects as many as 11.5% of women giving birth. Allopregnanolone (an endogenous progesterone metabolite) has been a promising avenue of clinical research for the treatment of PPD.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of zopiclone as a potent positive control for the assessment of residual effects of hypnotic drugs on the next day driving performance in clinical trials.

The cognitive-enhancing effects of peppermint have been widely reported. Vasodilation, causing an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the prefrontal cortex, has been implicated as a possible mediator. We tested this here. A total of N = 25 individuals, all aged over 18 years, were recruited via convenience sampling. A randomized, single blind placebo-controlled, independent groups design was used to assess whether groups (peppermint vs. placebo control) could be differentiated with respect to change in cognition, assessed via a computerized battery, and change in cerebral blood flow, assessed with Near-Infrared-Spectroscopy (NIRS), from pre-post intervention. Groups disparities in both cognitive and cerebrovascular change scores (from pre-post intervention) emerged. Improvements in cognitive performance were better in the peppermint group. Increases in hemodynamic activity, indexed by Oxygenated (Oxy-Hb) and Total hemoglobin (Total-Hb), were also greater in the peppermint group. Cerebrovascular changes from pre-to post-intervention were unrelated to cognitive changes over the same period, ruling out mediation effects. In conclusion, 200 mL of peppermint, consumed as tea, effectively boosted cognition and cerebral blood flow in otherwise healthy adults. Increased cerebral blood flow, however, did not mediate the cognitive-enhancing effects of peppermint. Future research incorporating larger samples and exploring other neurophysiological mediators is encouraged.

Due to its short plasma half-life, clozapine is typically prescribed in a divided dosing regimen. Although once-daily dosing has proven effective in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Canada, and the United States, its adoption in real-world clinical practice in China remains unclear. This study aimed to compare patient characteristics, psychiatric symptoms, side effects, and plasma clozapine concentrations between once-daily and divided dosing regimens, and to determine the dosage required to achieve plasma levels of 350-600 ng/mL in the Chinese population.

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on individuals' alcohol consumption.