Posts Tagged ‘news and research’

New research suggests that the anti-psychotic medication Seroquel (olanzapine) — can be an effective single-drug treatment for bipolar disorder.

Teenagers in the United States are being neglected, both medically and emotionally, according to the lead author of a new book assessing research on teen mental health problems. The book finds that while 20 percent of adolescents suffer from a mental health disorder, treatment does not feature as a priority on the US public health agenda.

New studies explore the connection between sleep and depression and suggest that treating insomnia may increase both the likelihood and the rate of recovery for individuals receiving treatment for major depression. Additional research examines the first melatoninergic antidepressant, agomelatine (Valdoxan), and its use as an adjunctive therapy for bipolar disorder.

New estimates suggest that bipolar disorder is over 4 times more common than previously believed, and that its cost in terms of lost productivity and higher suicide risk has been significantly underestimated, compared to the more familiar major depressive disorder. New research on lithium shows it is the single most effective psychopharmacological agent for reducing rates of suicide for those affected by bipolar disorder.

According to Chinese and European experts at a conference in China, a drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia prevents and treats SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), the deadly flu-like disease caused by the coronavirus which killed hundreds and sickened thousands in 2003.