In this double-blind randomized clinical trial with 93 participants, the percentage of heavy drinking days during 32 weeks of follow-up was significantly lower in the psilocybin group than in the diphenhydramine group and was accompanied by a decrease in daily alcohol consumption.

This single-center observational study sought to assess the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms occurring in the setting of long COVID. Fifty patients were included in the study. SSD diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria was positive in 32 (64%) patients. In the remaining 18 patients, SSD was considered possible given the high score on diagnostic scales.

Adult-onset genetic disorders may present with clinical and brain imaging features suggestive of acquired inflammatory diseases. An ever-growing number of potentially treatable adult-onset genetic neuroinflammatory disorders have been described in the past few years that need to be rapidly identified. This review aims to provide insights to neurologists so they can confirm a diagnosis early, when some of these genetic disorders can be successfully treated.

Sixty-one unmedicated adults — 75% female, mean age of 45 years — with major depressive disorder, body mass index > 25 kg/m2, and plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) ≥ 3.0 mg/L were randomly assigned to receive EPA 1 g/d, 2 g/d, or 4 g/d or placebo for 12 weeks. The EPA 4 g/d demonstrated a medium effect versus placebo. This dose may alleviate MDD in overweight individuals with elevated inflammatory markers. Further, decline in hs-CRP may be correlated with clinical response.

Dextromethorphan HBr-buproprion HCl has been FDA approved in extended-release tablet form for MDD. The study supporting the approval showed improved MADRS total score at 6 weeks (15.9 points for Auvelity vs 12.1 points for placebo) and a statistically significant difference in the change from baseline in MADRS total score at weeks 1 and 2 between Auvelity (AXSOME) and placebo. “The approval of Auvelity represents a milestone in depression treatment based on its novel oral NMDA antagonist mechanism, its rapid antidepressant efficacy demonstrated in controlled trials, and a relatively favorable safety profile.” Maurizio Fava, MD, Psychiatrist-In-Chief, Massachusetts General Hospital

The demand for mental health treatment soars alongside an ongoing physician shortage and an increase in physician burnout. What is the toll paid by the mental health experts? How do they see the issues and how are they dealing with them? Read the study analysis here.