These days, AI chatbots feel like the next big thing—whether it’s asking Siri for help with homework or seeking emotional support from a digital friend. The Artificial Therapist: When Teens Turn to AI for Mental Health Support The dizzying proliferation of AI-based mental health chatbots has raised concern among psychiatrists, psychologists, and parents: are these […]
A new study published in The British Medical Journal looked into whether giving a single low dose of ketamine (in the form of esketamine) right after childbirth could help reduce postpartum depression in mothers who were depressed during pregnancy. How the Study Was Conducted This was a well-designed randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial—in plain English, doctors […]
Are Ketamine’s Opiate Receptor Effects Necessary for Its Antidepressant Effect? The question of whether ketamine’s antidepressant action depends on opioid receptor activity has significant implications for clinical practice — particularly for patients taking naltrexone or naloxone for alcohol or opioid use disorder. Several studies suggest that medicines that block opioid receptors—like naltrexone (oral) or naloxone […]
Different parts – different smarts! The Aging Brain Does Not Deteriorate Uniformly New neuroimaging research reveals a suprising finding: parts of our brains age differently. The aging brain does not simply decline as a unitary organ — it selectively remodels itself, with some regions actually strengthening while others atrophy. The results come from experiments studying […]
Understanding which patients are most likely to respond to ketamine therapy is one of the most important task in the treatment of depression. Introduction The study “Predicting non-response to ketamine for depression: An exploratory symptom-level analysis of real-world data among military veterans” was recently presented at the online Ketamine International Journal Club by Dr. Eric […]
Read about the potential of psychedelics like MDMA and ketamine in treating psychiatric conditions, the advancements in research, and our commitment to safety in exploring these powerful therapies. Introduction Psychedelic psychiatry and psychedelic-assisted therapy are experiencing a remarkable revival in the field of psychiatry and psychology. Several jurisdictions have decriminalized magic mushrooms, and institutions, […]
If multiple antidepressants haven’t worked for you, you’re not alone and you’re not out of options. Why Antidepressants Fail: Lessons from the STAR*D Study Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a complex challenge in mental health, characterized by patients’ inadequate response to standard antidepressant therapies. The landmark STAR*D study, which extensively evaluated treatment strategies for depression, revealed […]
The lateral habenula (LHb) stands out as a critical structure in understanding depression. This blog explores the LHb’s role in the intricate landscape of neuroscience, its connection to depressive symptoms, and how ketamine therapy offers new hope by affecting this brain structure. The Lateral Habenula: A Critical Brain Structure The lateral habenula (LHb) is a […]
Introduction The Oxford Ketamine International Conference in March 2024 brought together leading experts and researchers from around the world to explore the basic science and therapeutic use of ketamine. Oxford, with its esteemed university and centuries-long tradition of scholarly inquiry, provided an apt setting for this gathering. Dr. Papp and Dr. Myers attended this stimulating […]
Matthew Perry, celebrated for his iconic role on “Friends,” tragically passed away on October 28, 2023, after being found unresponsive at the heated end of his swimming pool. His live-in personal assistant discovered him upon returning from errands. Despite immediate efforts to revive him, Perry was pronounced dead by emergency personnel at 4:17 p.m. Mr. […]