Answer Addiction

Tag: mental health treatment

  • Veterans Affairs To Offer Ketamine-Based Nasal Spray For Depression Treatment

    Veterans Affairs To Offer Ketamine-Based Nasal Spray For Depression Treatment

    The recently approved drug is said to relieve symptoms of depression as well as suicidal ideation in a short timeframe. 

    Veterans Affairs officials are now allowing VA doctors to prescribe Spravato, a medically viable variation of ketamine, to service members who suffer from depression.

    The drug has been known to beat some symptoms of depression extraordinarily quickly—taking just a few short days, or hours instead of weeks. Suicidal thoughts have been seen to dissipate in a timeframe as short as 40 minutes.

    “That first skyrocket up was my first infusion,” said Matthew Ayo, a 23-year-old who underwent ketamine treatment. “I went from severe depression to no depression symptoms.”

    Doctors will be able to prescribe Spravato only if at least two other antidepressants have been tried and failed to produce results.

    “We’re pleased to be able to expand options for Veterans with depression who have not responded to other treatments,” said VA secretary Robert Wilkie.

    Of the United States’ 20 million veterans, an estimated 14%—or 2.8 million veterans—are diagnosed with depression. Of those veterans, one-third to one-half may suffer from treatment-resistant depression, which is why it was so critical to find something new and fast.

    “Controlled clinical trials that studied the safety and efficacy of this drug, along with careful review through the FDA’s drug approval process, including a robust discussion with our external advisory committees, were important in our decision to approve this treatment,” said Dr. Tiffany Farchione, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Division of Psychiatry Products.

    Spravato isn’t without side effects, however—including sedation, blood pressure spikes, and dissociation, including feeling paralysis or out-of-body sensations. Ironically, misuse may lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Hence, the FDA approved the drug for VA prescriptions with restrictions.

    Veterans approved for the treatment would use the nasal spray under medical supervision. Afterwards, medical staff would monitor the patient for two hours. The patient would have to return for two doses a week for the first month, and one dose every two or three weeks in the months following. To prevent potential misuse, there is no option for home treatment.

    Ketamine’s new role is a far cry from its former life as “Special K,” an anesthetic that saw use on the dance floor as well as the battlefield. In the latter usage, military medical staff found that those prescribed with ketamine for pain also had fewer symptoms of PTSD.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • New Meds May Provide Quick Relief From Postpartum Depression

    New Meds May Provide Quick Relief From Postpartum Depression

    The Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve the new medication some time in March.

    After giving birth to her son in 2017, Marie McCausland began experiencing feelings of exhaustion and guilt, and started suffering from panic attacks. 

    At the urging of her husband, McCausland sought help for postpartum depression—something that 1 in 9 women in the United States are diagnosed with, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

    McCausland was encouraged to seek help from a psychiatrist and antidepressants, which are the typical treatments for postpartum depression. However, the issue with these treatments is that they can take time to become effective. 

    But soon, a faster form of treatment may be an option. Market Watch reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve a new medication called brexanolone sometime in March. Brexanolone was created by Sage Therapeutics and would be marketed as Zulresso.

    If approved, it would become the first “drug therapy approved to specifically treat postpartum depression,” Market Watch reported. 

    Brexanolone is administered via intravenous infusion over a 60-hour period, according to Market Watch, and typically takes effect within days instead of weeks. The medication works by increasing allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite that affects mood regulation and increases in the body when a woman is pregnant, but decreases quickly after birth. 

    Market Watch reports that studies involving the medication have been promising. In one, researchers examined 246 women with varying degrees of postpartum depression and administered brexanolone or a placebo. To determine effectiveness, they used the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. 

    Researchers found that after 60 hours, scores fell more in the group that had taken brexanolone, indicating that it had worked for some women.

    “This is unlike anything we currently have available,” Samantha Meltzer-Brody, the lead author of the study, told Market Watch. “We now [have] an opportunity to treat women quickly, within days.”

    Brexanolone may not be an obvious choice for everyone. Some women experienced side effects like dizziness, fatigue and headaches. 

    Then, there’s the price. According to Sage Chief Business Officer Michael Cloonan, one treatment of brexanolone could run $20,000 to $35,000. Cloonan says the company is currently navigating coverage options. 

    There’s also the time commitment, as women opting for the treatment can expect to spend two to three days in the hospital. 

    “We think this is a novel mechanism that’s not been explored before,” Sage Chief Executive Jeff Jonas tells Market Watch. “Zulresso is, in many ways, just the tip of the spear.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Is Neurotechnology The Future Of Mental Health Treatment?

    Is Neurotechnology The Future Of Mental Health Treatment?

    Scientists believe that one day neurotechnology may be able to erase mental illness from the brain.

    Imagine being able to completely erase any unpleasant thought from your brain.  

    For some future-oriented people, this idea may not be too far-fetched. According to OZY, some believe that one day, humans may be able to erase depression and other mental health issues from our brains via neurotechnology. 

    In simple terms, neurotechnology has to do with mapping activity in the brain and stimulating the brain via magnetic pulses. Neurotechnology could allow a medical professional to examine the brain and determine which parts link to depression, then deactivate that area. 

    Although the idea exists, the implementation is a ways off. 

    “First, we need to better understand the neural circuits that are responsible for those kinds of mental states,” E.J. Chichilnisky, lead researcher in the Stanford NeuroTechnology Initiative, tells OZY. “In the future, the hope is that, rather than just hit a reset button, we can dialectically manipulate the system in order to put things in a better state.”

    But if it comes to the point where this type of neurotechnology is possible, it begs the question: just because we can, does that mean we should? 

    In his book The Hypomanic Edge, psychiatrist John D. Gartner points out that in some cases, those with diagnoses such as bipolar disorder actually experience benefits, too, and disabling that portion of the brain would rid them of those. 

    “Hypomania is a kind of sub-manic state where people with bipolar have an enormous amount of energy, confidence, drive and creativity,” Gartner writes. 

    While this type of neurotechnology does not yet exist, other helpful technologies could be closer to reality. According to OZY, a neural implant could one day help predict depression symptoms before they take hold. 

    Then there’s the technology that already exists, OZY points out, such as the mobile app 7 Cups which allows users to anonymously reach out for help via their phones.

    “People have 2,600–2,700 touches on their cell phones per day,” Arpan Waghray, psychiatrist and chief medical officer for Well Being Trust, tells OZY. “We now have a way in which we can continuously monitor for certain symptoms.”

    Despite the forward steps in technology, the future of mental health isn’t all focused there. In fact, going back to the basics continues to be vital for maintaining one’s mental health. 

    According to OZY, one example is getting good quality sleep. In 2007, founder of the Huffington Post Arianna Huffington fell and broke her cheekbone due to exhaustion. After the experience, she started Thrive Global, an organization that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

    “Chronic sleep problems are found in 50 to 80 percent of those seeking help for mental health issues,” Huffington said. “Sleep deprivation always predisposes us to rumination, to negative bias, to those things that, if they’re not arrested, become depression and anxiety.”

    For more information on these topics, check out OZY’s new podcast, The Future of X. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Bam Margera's Family Reportedly Admits Star Into Treatment Facility

    Bam Margera's Family Reportedly Admits Star Into Treatment Facility

    After a series of irate videos hit the internet, family members are reportedly helping the Jackass star receive mental health treatment. 

    After a 10-day stint in treatment earlier this year, family and friends have now reportedly committed former Jackass star Bam Margera into a behavioral health facility. 

    Concerns about Margera stemmed from recent Instagram videos in which he ranted about his wife, Nicole Boyd, Philly Voice reports. The videos have now been removed from his account.

    Then, according to the Philly Voice, another video came to light of Margera threatening his manager and refusing to attend his appearance at a comedy club in New York.  

    TMZ reports that while entering treatment has to do with alcohol use, family and friends also believe Margera may have a personality disorder as well. 

    Earlier this week, Margera’s sister-in-law Kelly Margera posted on Instagram asking for prayers and support during this time. Margera’s wife also shared the post. 

    “Addiction is a scary and complicated disease. A family disease,” Kelly’s post reads. “Giving and receiving help is a process that is not always easy to navigate. What our family needs right now are not your words, opinions, IG comments and Facebook shares. We need your prayers, prayer is a powerful thing, and until you’ve walked in our shoes on this journey with us, you have no idea.”

    Margera has been to treatment three times previously, according to Pop Culture. In the past, he has talked about the death of his co-star Ryan Dunn and how that has played a role in his drinking.

    “I have spent enough time grieving over Ryan Dunn through alcohol,” Margera previously stated. “I’m 39 years old, the party is over. I don’t plan on drinking anymore. I have wasted too much time at the bad and all my friends who needed decades of help are now all sober. I would like to join the sober parade.”

    Margera has reportedly been sober on and off, and even shared a video of himself ending seven months of sobriety at one point, Pop Culture reports.  

    As Margera enters treatment, two of his previous co-stars on Jackass, Brandon Novak and Steve-O, are celebrating milestones in their own recovery. Both have struggled with substance use disorder. 

    Novak took part in in-patient treatment 13 times before getting sober, Philly Voice reports, and he spoke at a drug court graduation recently. 

    Steve-O celebrated 11 years of sobriety on Monday, March 11 and commemorated the occasion on Instagram.

    “Eleven years clean and sober today, and I couldn’t be more grateful… Thanks to everyone who wished me a “happy birthday”!” his post read. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Why Do Schools Have More Police On Campus Than Mental Health Staff?

    Why Do Schools Have More Police On Campus Than Mental Health Staff?

    On average, schools had just 1 counselor per 444 students, according to a report from the ACLU.

    In schools across the nation, students are more likely to see police officers than nurses or counselors, according to a new report.

    In fact, a third of public school students are enrolled in schools with a police officer but without a counselor, nurse, psychologist or social worker. 

    Using data form the U.S. Department of Education, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) compiled a report, “Cops and No Counselors: How the Lack of School Mental Health Staff is Harming Students.”

    The ACLU found that mental health access is sparse in schools, as more funding is directed toward police and other security. 

    The report points out that the suicide rate among teens increased 70% between 2006 and 2016, and school is often the first and more accessible option for teens who need help. 

    “Today’s school children are experiencing record levels of depression and anxiety, alongside multiple forms of trauma,” the report reads. “School counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists are frequently the first to see children who are sick, stressed, traumatized, may act out, or may hurt themselves or others. This is especially true in low-income districts where other resources are scarce. Students are 21 times more likely to visit school-based health centers for treatment than anywhere else.”

    Schools with adequate mental health care see improved attendance, better graduation rates and fewer disciplinary problems, the reported noted.

    Yet, on average, schools had just 1 counselor per 444 students—something Eric Sparks, assistant director of the American School Counselor Association, says is absurd. 

    “It’s physically impossible for them to have an impact on students with developmental needs,” he said. “We have many schools where students don’t have access to a school counselor and some schools don’t have a school counselor.”

    On the other hand, the presence of police can contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, the report authors argue. 

    “Schools are under-resourced and students are overcriminalized,” report authors wrote. 

    However, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers, Mo Canady, told CNN that tying the issue of police presence and lack of counselors together is a false comparison. 

    ”It doesn’t need to be one or the other, we need counselors and mental health specialists,” said Canady.

    “We definitely need specifically trained [school resource officers] to stand shoulder-to shoulder with mental health specialists. We need folks in there who are not afraid to be vulnerable and engage with students, listen to their concerns and just be real with them.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Could Microdosing Psychedelics Treat Mood Disorders?

    Could Microdosing Psychedelics Treat Mood Disorders?

    A new study investigated whether low doses of psychedelic drugs could have an antidepressant effect. 

    Individuals in and out of the medical community have long been fascinated with psychedelic drugs and their short- and long-term mind-altering effects.

    Some people with depression believe the drugs have the ability to treat mental health disorders, and new research indicates they may be right.

    A study published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience found that rats who received tiny doses of the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) experienced an antidepressant effect, but no negative effects on their memories. 

    “Taken together, the data presented here suggest that subhallucinogenic doses of psychedelic compounds might possess value for treating and/or preventing mood and anxiety disorders,” study authors wrote. However, they warned that more research is needed into the safety and effectiveness of microdosing in humans.  

    “Despite the therapeutic potential of psychedelic microdosing, this practice is not without risks, and future studies need to better define the potential for negative neurobiological or metabolic repercussions,” they wrote. 

    The data suggests that people who extol the virtues of using psychedelics to treat depression and trauma may be on to something. 

    “These antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects are consistent with the anecdotal human reports regarding psychedelic microdosing providing strong supporting evidence that psychedelic microdosing might actually have therapeutic potential,” study authors wrote. “Compounds capable of enhancing fear extinction learning in rodents, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are excellent candidates for treating PTSD symptoms in humans.”

    With microdosing, an individual would receive enough of a drug to stimulate brain changes, but not enough to induce hallucinations. Finding the most effective amount may be time consuming, but researchers expressed “cautious optimism” that it could be done effectively.

    “The overall psychedelic microdosing load, which includes the amount of drug in each dose, the frequency of administration, and the length of treatment, is likely to be critical for achieving the beneficial effects of psychedelic microdosing without negative repercussions,” they wrote. 

    Proponents of psychedelics say that the drugs—even taken at high doses—can help alleviate symptoms of depression, addiction and other mental health conditions. In fact, during the 1950s and ’60s, psychedelics were a mainstream treatment option in Canada. Today, many people with addiction turn to ibogaine treatment, which is illegal in the United States, to help them heal from addiction and trauma. 

    Kevin Franciotti wrote for The Fix about his experience using ibogaine to treat his addiction: 

    “Each month throughout the year following my single dose treatment, an investigator called me to administer an outcomes interview measuring my addiction severity, and mailed me additional scales to fill out myself. At the end of my participation in the trial, ratings for depression, anxiety, and addiction severity had plummeted, reflecting the new lease on life ibogaine had brought me.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • FDA Approves Ketamine-Derived Spray for Depression

    FDA Approves Ketamine-Derived Spray for Depression

    The newly approved esketamine nasal spray will be administered under a doctor’s supervision at approved and certified treatment centers. 

    Clearing the way for the first major change to depression treatment in decades, the FDA approved a ketamine-derived nasal spray that can be used to rapidly treat depression on Tuesday (March 5). 

    “Thank goodness we now have something with a different mechanism of action than previous antidepressants,” Dr. Erik Turner, who teaches psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University, told The New York Times. 

    In recent years ketamine has garnered a lot of attention from the medical community because it quickly and effectively relieves depression and suicidal ideation. Ketamine treatments have become popular, but until now the drug, which is approved as an anesthetic, has been used off label. This means treatments are unregulated and not covered by insurance. 

    The medication approved this week is esketamine, which contains a part of the ketamine molecule. It was developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and will be sold under the name Spravato.

    Since up to a quarter of depression patients don’t get relief from current antidepressants, people in the mental health community are happy to see a new option for treatment. However, Turner and others are cautious in their excitement. 

    “I’m skeptical of the hype, because in this world it’s like Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown: Each time we get our hopes up, the football gets pulled away,” Turner said. 

    Under the FDA recommendations, esketamine will be used in conjunction with an established antidepressants. Patients will get treatment twice a week for four weeks, and then as needed.

    Although the nasal spray is non-invasive, it must be administered in a doctor’s office where patients can be observed for two hours. The use of esketamine could give patients fast relief from their symptoms, which is important since traditional antidepressants can take weeks to become effective. 

    Dr. Todd Gould, a psychiatrist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who has done ketamine research, said that the potential for fast-acting relief is appealing, even if ketamine doesn’t completely revolutionize depression treatment. 

    “These are exciting times, for sure,” he said. “We have drugs that work rapidly to treat a very severe illness.”

    Vanderbilt University professor Steven Hollon agreed. 

    “We’ve had nothing new in 30 years, so if this drug is an effective way to get a more rapid response in people who are treatment resistant, and we can use it safely, then it could be a godsend.”

    The FDA fast-tracked esketamine’s approval process. Although the drug has been used safely as an anesthetic for decades, medical professionals will be carefully monitoring its use in the mental health space, researcher James Stone told Newsweek last year. 

    “Although ketamine is potentially a huge breakthrough in the treatment of depression, we still don’t know about the long-term safety, or about how to keep people well from depression without requiring regular ketamine dosing. Further studies are needed to address these questions.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Wearable Sensor Could Point To Anxiety, Depression In Kids

    Wearable Sensor Could Point To Anxiety, Depression In Kids

    New tech may help children better identify their own feelings.

    Whether or not a child suffers from an internalizing disorder like depression or anxiety may soon be identifiable through a wearable sensor, new research indicates.  

    According to PsyPost, a recent study put the sensors to the test. The study involved 63 children ages 3 to 8, both with and without internalizing disorders. The children wore a motion sensor which tracked their movement, and a machine learning algorithm then analyzed those movements. 

    Study author Ellen W. McGinnis, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Vermont Medical Center, says children struggle to identify their own feelings, so the sensor may help do so. 

    “Young children who suffer from anxiety and depression often have a lot of difficulty understanding and communicating their suffering—and for parents, it’s really difficult to read inner emotions of someone who doesn’t even understand themselves,” she said.  

    “This is also a large problem, with up to 1 in 5 children experiencing an internalizing disorder during childhood, that can lead to increased risk for serious health problems like chronic anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and suicide, later in life if left untreated,” added study co-author Ryan S. McGinnis, an assistant professor at the University of Vermont. 

    During the study, children were taken into a “dimly lit” room. A research assistant then made statements meant to increase the children’s anticipation. The statements included things like, “I have something to show you,” and, “Let’s be quiet so it doesn’t wake up.”

    The back of the room housed a covered terrarium. With the children in the room, the research assistant then pulled out a fake snake, assuring the children the assistant was allowed to play with the reptile. 

    This exercise and the sensors led researchers to determine that the children in the study with disorders like anxiety and depression were more apt to turn away before the snake was taken out. The algorithm from the machine did pick up on some variations between children with internalizing disorders versus those without—in fact, it was 81% accurate. 

    “Feasible objective screening of child anxiety and depression in young children is possible using wearable technology and is proving to be very sensitive—meaning we can find those previously overlooked kids and connect them to the services they need,” Ellen McGinnis told PsyPost.

    “Hopefully people will start to see technologies like these being deployed during their children’s pediatric well visits in the coming years,” Ryan McGinnis added.

    Though the results are promising, as with most small studies, researchers say a larger sample is needed to prove their results further.

    “A big caveat is that, although our results are intriguing and promising, we need to replicate them in a much larger, more diverse sample,” Ellen McGinnis told PsyPost. “In so doing, we’d like to partner with pediatricians to ensure that the resulting technology can easily fit within the workflow of a standard pediatric well visit.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Riverdale's Lili Reinhart Opens Up About Depression, Getting Treatment

    Riverdale's Lili Reinhart Opens Up About Depression, Getting Treatment

    “We are all human. And we all struggle. Don’t suffer in silence. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help,” Reinhart noted on Instagram.

    Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart used Instagram to announce through her Instagram story that she is again seeking help for anxiety and depression.

    The 22-year-old actress is best known for her Riverdale character, Betty—the part that launched her into stardom. By then, Reinhart had already experienced a profound bout with depression, at 18 when she came to Hollywood.

    She became physically sick from depression and moved home to North Carolina for help. After six months of working on her mental and emotional health, she returned to Hollywood, eventually landing the starring role that would make her a household name.

    Reinhart has been public about her mental health struggles, but not without concerns about the level of transparency she’s chosen. She told Teen Vogue, “It’s very much a constant balance of what do I share? What do I not share? I want to be authentic, but I also don’t want to give everyone parts of myself that they don’t need to know about.”

    Still, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the show’s creator and showrunner, told Teen Vogue of Reinhart, “She has a lot of contradictions, but the big thing is there’s nothing we can’t write for Lili that she cannot do. She’s sort of fearless.”

    This week Reinhart spoke about her depression and anxiety on Instagram, directly addressing those reading her words and encouraging anyone experiencing similar difficulties to speak out and get help if they’re feeling overwhelmed. 

    “Friendly reminder for anyone who needs to hear it,” Reinhart wrote, “Therapy is never something to feel ashamed of. Everyone can benefit from seeing a therapist. Doesn’t matter how old or ‘proud’ you’re trying to be.”

    The actress then added, “We are all human. And we all struggle. Don’t suffer in silence. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help. I’m 22. I have anxiety and depression And today I started therapy again.”

    Reinhart shared that her “journey of self-love” included therapy and medication.

    Selena Gomez is another young star who has been open about her mental health issues, which has included mental health facility stays and the therapeutic practice, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. DBT teaches skills such as emotional regulation, improving communication, and incorporating mindfulness practices.

    Gomez told Vogue, “I wish more people would talk about therapy. We girls, we’re taught to be almost too resilient, to be strong and sexy and cool and laid-back, the girl who’s down. We also need to feel allowed to fall apart.”

    Reinhart told Ocean Drive magazine a year ago, “I know so many other young people have [struggles with mental health], and I didn’t have someone who was talking about it. I remember being in middle and high school and hearing Demi Lovato speak up about her mental illness and that was comforting. But I wanted more people to stand up. I needed more people to relate to. I was like, all these people can’t be so happy, can they?”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Students Take Action To Get Mental Health Resources

    Students Take Action To Get Mental Health Resources

    Students in need of mental health resources formed a group to solve the issue for themselves and their peers.

    When a 15-year-old girl in England reached out for mental health assistance and was placed on a waiting list, she and her friends decided to take matters into their own hands. 

    According to The Guardian, Molly Robinson had been battling unexplained pain and worry over what was causing it, creating overwhelming feelings of anxiety. It eventually got to the point where she couldn’t even go to school. 

    So, Robinson and some friends decided to create a group called We Will, to focus on gaining understanding and support for adolescents struggling with mental health. 

    The seven members say aspects, such as the push to do well academically and the pressures of social media, play into their mental health. 

    “It’s very different being a teenager now,” Chloe Wilson, 17, tells The Guardian. “Especially parents; they want their child to be fine. They’ll say, ‘Oh, it’s just hormones.’”

    Jasmine Dean, 17, adds that she has heard a friend talk about suicide and wonders why the lack of mental health resources is justifiable. “How is being in crisis with a mental health issue any different from being in crisis with a physical issue?” Dean said.

    Because the students knew they would need assistance, they reached out to Kate Whitmarsh, who serves as a development worker at Ewanrigg Big Local. Ewanrigg Big Local is community group with “a mandate to grow grassroots initiatives proposed by anyone resident in the area,” according to The Guardian.

    Whitmarsh says that in the area, child poverty rates have climbed, public services and work opportunities are limited, and the statistics regarding health are not positive.

    “It’s tough growing up here on the western edge of Cumbria,” says Whitmarsh. “This isn’t the affluent Lake District: lots of young people live in rural deprivation.”

    Whitmarsh has helped the group in their efforts to create their own video, speak to local businesses about putting out mental health awareness posters, speak to the media, and reach out to leadership in their schools. 

    The students also encouraged 80 students and staff members at their school to participate in a mental health first aid class that covered recognizing a person in emotional pain, but also realizing they are not responsible for solving someone else’s problems. 

    Going forward, the school plans to offer the same course to governors and parents of students, which could be a significant financial investment according to The Guardian.  

    “My argument is: how can we afford not to?” assistant head Steve Milledge tells The Guardian. “Thresholds for Camhs (child and adolescent mental health services) are getting higher. There’s been an increase in the number of children talking about suicide. Without a counsellor, there are children who wouldn’t be able to be in school. A culture of listening and being listened to is really important in people feeling well and healthy.”

    View the original article at thefix.com