Older folks with depressive symptoms had a 28% increased risk of mortality and a 63% higher risk of cardiovascular disease in a study with median 9.4 years of follow-up. (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)
Not so shocking news: the FDA declined to approve Alkermes’ combination buprenorphine-samidorphan (ALKS 5461), citing insufficient efficacy data, after an advisory panel voted 20-3 against approval for the depression treatment back in November.
A healthy diet — particularly one that’s nutrient dense and weight-loss focused — may relieve symptoms of depression though not symptoms of anxiety, according to a meta-analysis. (Psychosomatic Medicine)
Dasotraline, a dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, curbed ADHD symptoms in kids ages 6-12 years in a 6-week, placebo-controlled trial. (Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology)
From 2003 to 2015, benzodiazepine prescription rates didn’t change among psychiatrists but doubled in primary care. (JAMA Network Open)
CanaQuest Medical said it filed patents and plans to start clinical trials in psychiatric disorders with a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and an unspecified botanical extract.
The genetic root of depression? A genome-wide study found over 100 independent variants and 269 genes associated with depression. (Nature Neuroscience)
BioXcel Therapeutics said its investigational sublingual dexmedetomidine formulation called BXCL501 showed promise in a phase Ib study for treating opioid withdrawal.
Source: MedicalNewsToday.com
