You've Got a Friend: Befriending for the Distressed
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
This intervention, pioneered in the U.K., is better than nothing — but not as helpful as psychotherapy.
Reviewing:
Mead N et al., Br J Psychiatry 2010 Feb; 196:96
Acupuncture for Depression ... Only If You're Pregnant?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Although many studies have not found acupuncture to be effective for depression, it might work in pregnant women with major depression.
Reviewing:
Manber R et al., Obstet Gynecol 2010 Mar; 115:511
Depression and Hippocampal Damage: Which Comes First?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Hippocampal malfunction may precede the onset of depression, and environmental factors may worsen the damage to the hippocampus.
Reviewing:
Rao U et al., Biol Psychiatry 2010 Feb 15; 67:357
Genetic Variant Influences Extinction Learning
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
A single-nucleotide polymorphism affects anxiety-related behavior in both mice and humans.
Reviewing:
Soliman F et al., Science 2010 Feb 12; 327:863
Does a Sick Cingulate Syndrome Promote Anxiety?
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
March 8, 2010
Joel Yager, MD
In generalized anxiety disorder, the pregenual anterior cingulate might inadequately regulate emotional processing by the amygdala.
Reviewing:
Etkin A et al., Am J Psychiatry 2010 Feb 1
More on Depression and Diabetes
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
March 8, 2010
Joel Yager, MD
Even low-grade preexisting depression may increase the risk for diabetes.
Reviewing:
Campayo A et al., Am J Psychiatry 2010 Feb 1
Omega-3s for Prodromal Psychosis
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
A relatively safe intervention yields early positive results.
Reviewing:
Amminger GP et al., Arch Gen Psychiatry 2010 Feb; 67:146
Quetiapine Beats Lithium and Paroxetine for Bipolar Depression
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Two manufacturer-sponsored studies show efficacy for this antipsychotic as acute treatment, but careful clinical judgment remains necessary when prescribing to individual patients.
Reviewing:
Young AH et al., J Clin Psychiatry 2010 Feb; 71:150
McElroy SL et al., J Clin Psychiatry 2010 Feb; 71:163
Maternal Flu and the Postnatal Brain: An Animal Study
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
In rhesus monkeys, titers of virus-specific immunoglobulin are associated with brain abnormalities.
Reviewing:
Short SJ et al., Biol Psychiatry 2010 Jan 13
Intimate Relationship Problems and Depression Treatment Outcome
SUMMARY AND COMMENT
Chronically depressed patients are less likely to remit in the presence of dyadic discord.
Reviewing:
Denton WH et al., Psychol Med 2010 Mar; 40:415