In 1985 the federal government criminalized the psychotherapy drug MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymeth amphetamine). MDMA is used recreationally under the street name ecstasy. However, the FDA has recently sanctioned research investigating the therapeutic benefits of MDMA. Now, in the first completed clinical study since 1985, research reports that MDMA may relieve post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that may occur after exposure to a traumatic event such as a natural calamity, military combat,...Read More
Mental Health
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In 1985 the federal government criminalized the psychotherapy drug MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymeth amphetamine). MDMA is used recreationally under the street name ecstasy. However, the FDA has recently sanctioned research investigating the therapeutic benefits of MDMA. Now, in the first completed clinical study since 1985, research reports that MDMA may relieve post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that may occur after exposure to a traumatic event such as a natural calamity, military combat,...Read More
In 2007, the diet pill rimonabant was approved in Europe under the names Accomplia, Riobant and Slimona. At that time, rimonabant was considered "a miracle drug" for its weight loss and cholesterol- and glucose-lowering effects. But now a study on the drug has been halted and the diet pill has been pulled from the market after several suicides. The study, testing the drug's heart benefits, found that rimonabant had unacceptable neuropsychiatric effects. Rimonabant targets brain receptors that affect appetite,...Read More
The neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric) has a calming effect on the brain and enhances relaxation. GABA prevents neurons from overfiring in the brain, which blocks stress and anxiety. Now research reports that GABA levels were elevated in the brain after a one-hour session of yoga. The scientists suggest that yoga practice may help treat anxiety and depression through the GABA system. The study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, examined the effects of yoga...Read More
Researchers have presumed that long-term meditation training was needed to achieve beneficial health effects. Now for the first time research reports that even brief meditation training can reduce pain perception. This positive effect occurred after only three days of mindfulness meditation training for 20 minutes each day. Mindfulness meditation is the non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and actions in the present moment. The study, published in The Journal of Pain, examined the effects of mindfulness meditation...Read More
Previous studies suggest that meditation can decrease stress and lower blood pressure. Now research reports that mindfulness meditation may benefit diabetics. Mindfulness is a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and actions in the present moment. Researchers believe that chronic stress and anxiety stimulates stress hormones release, making blood sugar more difficult to control. The pilot study, presented at the 2010 American Diabetes Association Conference, investigated mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in diabetics. The participants practiced self-calming skills and...Read More
Viagra and other medications for male sexual dysfunction have been found to not help women. Various drug approaches for raising a woman's libido have not been successful. Boehringer Ingelheim, a private German pharmaceutical, has requested FDA approval for their experimental drug flibanserin (brand name Girosa), also known as the "pink Viagra". Flibanserin works on increasing serotonin neurotransmitter in the brain and was originally developed as an antidepressant. The FDA's preliminary review questions if the drug...Read More
This year, an estimated 1 in 10 adults will experience a period of depression. Vitamin B6 and methylcobalamin (a type of vitamin B12) deficiencies are associated with depression and anxiety. Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in the synthesis of the "feel good" neurotransmitter serotonin. Now research reports that vitamins B6 and B12 may lower the risk of depression in older adults. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, investigated the effects of...Read More
The botanical red clover contains isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein. Isoflavones have weak estrogen effects that may help improve menopausal symptoms. Now research reports that red clover relieved depression and anxiety in post-menopausal women. More than 25 million Americans visit their doctor every year for treatment of depression. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in Maturitas, investigated the effect of red clover isoflavones on depression and anxiety. Researchers at the General Teaching Hospital in Austria,...Read More
Patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease often experience anxiety about their condition. However, prescription drugs for anxiety may cause serious side effects. Now research reports that exercise can relieve anxiety in patients with chronic illness. This finding suggests that exercise may provide a low-cost and effective treatment for anxiety without using medications that can cause adverse effects. The review, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, examined the effects of exercise on...Read More
Depressed women often experience increased symptoms of depression during pregnancy. Antidepressant drugs are commonly prescribed for depression. However, antidepressant medications are not recommended during pregnancy because they may harm the developing fetus. Now research reports that acupuncture may provide a safe alternative in treating depression during pregnancy. Traditional Chinese acupuncture employs needles to move the vital life force (called chi). The study, presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) in...Read More
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, mood disorders and certain cancers. Omega-3s consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA comprises between 30 to 50 percent of the fatty acid content of the brain. Now for the first time research reports that fish oil may reduce the progression of psychotic disorder in high risk individuals. This included patients having mild...Read More
Every year about 25 million Americans are treated for depression. Antidepressant medications are prescribed for most cases of depression. Now a meta-analysis reports that antidepressant drugs are no better than a placebo in relieving mild to moderate depression. A meta-analysis examines similar studies to reveal trends that may not be evident from just one study. The meta-analysis, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, examined the benefit of antidepressants versus placebo in patients...Read More
Blueberries are rich in flavonoid antioxidants including anthocyanins and flavonols. Previous studies suggest that flavonoids cross the blood brain barrier and may promote brain health. Now research reports that blueberries can improve memory in seniors at risk for dementia and Alzheimer's. The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, investigated the effects of blueberry supplementation on cognitive performance. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center administered wild blueberry juice daily...Read More
Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega 3s found in plants consist of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which requires conversion into EPA and DHA. DHA comprises between 30 to 50 percent of the fatty acid content of the brain. Previous studies suggest that deficiencies in DHA are associated with cognitive impairment. Now research reports that diets deficient in DHA and EPA impede nervous...Read More
Transcendental meditation (TM) is a form of meditation introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960s. Previous studies suggest that TM may decrease stress, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. College statistics indicate a significant increase in student's psychological stress and mental health issues. Now research reports that TM improved emotional health and lowered blood pressure in stressed college students. The randomized controlled trial (RCT), published in the American Journal of...Read More
Dark chocolate contains potent antioxidant flavanols that may contribute to heart health and boost immunity. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine and theobromine, bioactive substances that may be natural antidepressants. Now research reports that eating 40 grams (about 1.5 ounces) of dark chocolate daily for two weeks can reduce stress hormone levels. The study, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, investigated the effect of dark chocolate consumption on stress hormone metabolism. Researchers at the Nestle Research...Read More
A survey conducted by the U.S. Center of Disease Control (CDC) reports that most American adults are sleep-deprived. Nearly 70 percent of respondents report having at least one day of insufficient sleep monthly and 11 percent of respondents report never getting sufficient sleep. Sleep experts recommend that adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night for good health and optimum performance, yet many get considerably less. The survey, published in the...Read More
Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that can damage blood vessels. Homocysteine is a biomarker for cardiovascular disease when elevated in the blood. Alzheimer's disease occurs in older adults and causes memory loss, confusion and eventually death. Now a study reports that high blood levels of homocysteine in middle-aged women is linked with twice the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The 35 year long-term follow-up study is the longest study associating homocysteine with dementia. Researchers from...Read More
Green tea is rich in antioxidant catechins (EGCG) and the amino acid theanine. Research suggests that green tea may reduce inflammation and stress as well as prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other chronic diseases. Now research reports that drinking green tea may reduce the risk of depression. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the association between green tea consumption and depression. Researchers at the Tohoku University in Japan surveyed...Read More
The traditional Mediterranean diet features foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and olive oil with an emphasis on lean protein (like fish, chicken and nuts). Previous research shows the Mediterranean diet offers protection against heart disease, various forms of cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Now research reports that following the Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk for depression. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, investigated the association between the Mediterranean dietary pattern...Read More
