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What Happens to the Brain After a Traumatic Experience?

What Happens to the Brain After a Traumatic Experience?

Psychological trauma, also known as mental trauma or emotional damage, is an emotional response triggered by severe distressing events. These event...

Secondary Traumatic Stress Analyzed

Secondary Traumatic Stress Analyzed

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is a form of psychological trauma that can arise from indirect exposure to traumatic events. This exposure typical...

FDA Approves Simtriyo, a New ADHD Medication for Adults and Children Aged 6 and Older

FDA Approves Simtriyo, a New ADHD Medication for Adults and Children Aged 6 and Older

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Simtriyo (centanafadine), a new once-daily extended-release capsule for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 and older. Simtriyo is classified as a central nervous system stimulant but operates differently from traditional ADHD stimulants by acting on three neurotransmitters: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Traditional stimulants primarily target dopamine and norepinephrine, while serotonin is involved in mood and emotional processing. Clinical trials demonstrated that Simtriyo improved core ADHD symptoms, though it has not been directly compared to other ADHD medications. The drug's manufacturer, Otsuka, suggests Simtriyo may help with emotional dysregulation and executive function, benefits that were observed in exploratory post hoc analyses of trial data. Simtriyo is not yet commercially available as it awaits controlled substance scheduling by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrat...

Consumer Reports Finds Most Prenatal Vitamins Inaccurately Labeled, Urges Stronger Standards

Consumer Reports Finds Most Prenatal Vitamins Inaccurately Labeled, Urges Stronger Standards

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports revealed that the majority of prenatal vitamins tested do not accurately reflect the nutrient content listed on their labels. Out of 17 prenatal vitamin products analyzed for label accuracy and contaminants, only two met industry-accepted potency ranges for every nutrient tested: Carlyle For Her Prenatal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Formula and Bird&Be’s Complete Prenatal Pack. While the good news is that no unsafe levels of contaminants, such as heavy metals, were found in any of the tested vitamins, the widespread inaccuracy in labeling raises concerns about product reliability. Consumer Reports' Jessica D’Argenio Waller highlighted the lack of a regulatory definition in the U.S. for what constitutes a prenatal vitamin and what it should contain, underscoring the need for more robust standards for supplements. Despite these findings, Consumer Reports advises pregnant individuals not to stop taking their prenatal vitamins, as no safety concerns warrant such a cessatio...

Roche's Enspryng Under Priority FDA Review for Rare Disease MOGAD

Roche's Enspryng Under Priority FDA Review for Rare Disease MOGAD

Roche's drug Enspryng (satralizumab) has entered priority review with the FDA for the treatment of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). MOGAD is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes unpredictable and severe attacks on the optic nerves, spinal cord, or brain. A decision from the U.S. regulator is anticipated by January 10 next year. Enspryng, an anti-IL-6 inhibitor, is already approved for anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The drug is also undergoing regulatory review for MOGAD in Europe, with decisions expected later in 2027. Roche reported global sales of approximately $470 million last year for Enspryng in the NMOSD indication. Approval for MOGAD would open a second rare disease market, with an estimated 17,000 patients in the U.S. and up to 300,000 worldwide.

Consumer Reports Finds Most Prenatal Vitamins Inaccurately Labeled, Calls for Stronger Standards

Consumer Reports Finds Most Prenatal Vitamins Inaccurately Labeled, Calls for Stronger Standards

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports revealed that the contents of most prenatal vitamin bottles do not accurately match what is listed on their labels. Out of 17 prenatal vitamin products tested, only two—Carlyle For Her Prenatal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Formula and Bird&Be’s Complete Prenatal Pack—met industry-accepted potency ranges for every nutrient. While the testing found no concerning levels of contaminants like heavy metals, the widespread inaccuracy in labeling highlights a significant issue within the supplement industry. Consumer Reports' Jessica D’Argenio Waller emphasized the need for stronger standards, noting that there is currently no regulatory definition in the U.S. for what constitutes a prenatal vitamin or what it should contain.

Lexidrug Enhances Clinical Drug Information Platform with New FDA Approvals and Special Alerts Features

Lexidrug Enhances Clinical Drug Information Platform with New FDA Approvals and Special Alerts Features

Lexidrug, a comprehensive clinical drug information platform, has introduced new features and updated existing ones to improve access to high-quality information for healthcare professionals. Key enhancements include a dedicated section for "New FDA Drug Approvals," which lists recently approved drugs and provides direct links to their complete Lexi-Drugs monographs. Additionally, the platform now features "Special Alerts" to highlight critical medication information, such as black box warnings, safety issues, drug recalls, market withdrawals, and significant labeling changes. Lexidrug has also integrated "What’s New in Drug Therapy" summaries, curated by expert authors and editors, directly from its landing page, offering brief updates on clinically important topics with links to original research. The platform continues to offer patient education handouts in up to 20 languages, designed to help patients understand their treatment plans and manage their health.

What Does Psychology Actually Study?

What Does Psychology Actually Study?

Psychology stands as the scientific study of both the mind and behavior, encompassing a vast array of phenomena from conscious experiences to uncon...

Secondary Traumatic Stress vs. PTSD: What Is the Difference?

Secondary Traumatic Stress vs. PTSD: What Is the Difference?

Trauma manifests in various forms, extending beyond direct personal experience to encompass the profound effects of indirect exposure. While direct...

SSRIs and SNRIs Remain Primary Pharmacological Treatments for PTSD

SSRIs and SNRIs Remain Primary Pharmacological Treatments for PTSD

The most commonly prescribed medications for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These antidepressants are primarily used to reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, and sleep disturbances, thereby making it easier for individuals to engage in therapy. While medication does not erase traumatic memories, it can significantly alleviate the distress associated with them. Doctors typically adjust dosages or try different medications if the initial prescription does not yield noticeable effects within several weeks. Other medications, such as certain blood pressure medications for trauma-related nightmares or short-term sleep aids, may also be used for specific problems. However, sedative medications like benzodiazepines are generally not recommended for long-term PTSD treatment due to their potential to interfere with recovery and risk of dependence.

Compass Pathways Reports Positive 52-Week Data for COMP360 Psilocybin in Treatment-Resistant Depression

Compass Pathways Reports Positive 52-Week Data for COMP360 Psilocybin in Treatment-Resistant Depression

Compass Pathways, a biotechnology company, has released positive 52-week topline results from Part C of its Phase 3 COMP005 trial for COMP360 psilocybin, an investigational treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The data indicates that an additional dose of COMP360 25 mg provided further benefit, leading to an average 13-point reduction from baseline in MADRS scores at Week 52, with durability extending out to one year for participants who received an additional dose. For participants who initially received a placebo and then their first dose of COMP360 25 mg in Part C, the findings reinforced that a single dose can produce rapid onset, meaningful effect, and durability. Across all participants who received a 25 mg dose in Part C, response rates of 40%-45% and remission rates of approximately 30% were observed within six weeks. The safety profile of COMP360 in Part C remained consistent with previous parts of the trial, showing a generally well-tolerated and safe profile without new safety fin...

Brain's Fuel System Recovers Rapidly After Cessation of Heavy Drinking, Study Finds

Brain's Fuel System Recovers Rapidly After Cessation of Heavy Drinking, Study Finds

New research indicates that the brain's metabolic adaptations to heavy alcohol consumption are highly reversible once an individual stops drinking. The study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, found that after one week of abstinence, individuals with alcohol use disorder showed a significant, 64 percent lower rate of brain acetate oxidation compared to heavy drinkers. Acetate is a secondary fuel source derived from alcohol that the brain increasingly relies on during chronic heavy drinking. Surprisingly, this metabolic slowdown was temporary, with brain acetate consumption increasing by 43 percent after one month of abstinence, becoming nearly indistinguishable from that of light drinkers. This suggests a rapid readjustment of the brain's energy systems to function without alcohol. The study involved four groups: light drinkers, heavy drinkers, individuals in long-term recovery, and those undergoing medically supervised inpatient detoxification.