Serotonin

Dextromethorphan, a common cough medicine ingredient known for causing hallucinations at high doses, is now being used as an antidepressant in Auvelity, a drug approved by the FDA in 2022. Unlike traditional psychedelics, Auvelity combines dextromethorphan with buproprion to prevent hallucinations, offering a safer, trip-free treatment for depression. This development challenges the notion that hallucinogenic experiences are necessary for therapeutic benefits, with ongoing research exploring trip-free treatments for mental health conditions.

Mind Medicine Inc. announced FDA breakthrough therapy status for an LSD formulation, MM120, to treat generalized anxiety disorder, showing 48% remission at 12 weeks. The phase 2b trial highlighted significant clinical improvements without psychotherapy, marking a pivotal step in psychedelic treatment research.

The World's Best Hospitals 2024 ranking highlights 12 top U.S. hospitals, including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital, known for their excellence in patient care, research, and medical innovations. These institutions lead in various specialties, from cardiovascular care to organ transplantation and cancer research, showcasing the U.S.'s prominence in global healthcare.

Google revolutionized health information access, enabling instant searches but also spreading misinformation. Strength training is vital for health, offering benefits like bone strength and longevity. Prozac changed perceptions of depression, making it a treatable medical condition. Viagra transformed men's health, encouraging doctor visits and addressing erectile dysfunction as a medical issue.

The U.S. sees a rise in mental health awareness and therapy use, yet mental health worsens. Despite increased access to care, issues like misdiagnosis, overdiagnosis, and ineffective treatments persist. Experts argue for a broader approach, addressing societal factors and improving care quality beyond medication.

Schizophrenia, a debilitating psychiatric disorder, involves cognitive deficits, positive, and negative symptoms, impacting social relationships and quality of life. Cognitive assessment and research are crucial for developing treatments to improve cognitive impairment and symptoms. Schizophrenia's brain basis involves neurodevelopmental deviations, with treatments aiming to enhance long-term outcomes and life quality.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression with a seasonal pattern, affecting mood, thoughts, and behavior. Symptoms include persistent sadness, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite, differing between winter-pattern (oversleeping, overeating) and summer-pattern (insomnia, poor appetite) SAD. Treatments include light therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressants, and vitamin D, with effectiveness varying by individual. SAD is more common in women, those living farther north, and individuals with a history of depression or bipolar disorder. Research continues into causes and prevention strategies.

Evotec and Exscientia used AI to develop an anticancer molecule in 8 months, a process traditionally taking 4-5 years. Exscientia's AI platform accelerates drug discovery, leading to partnerships and significant funding. AI's role in drug discovery is expanding, with companies like Recursion and BenevolentAI leveraging AI for innovative treatments and collaborations with pharma giants.