Psilocybin Demonstrates Antidepressant Effects in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on June 17th, 2026
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Major depressive disorder affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of disability. The burden is particularly severe among patients with treatment-resistant depression, a condition in which two or more antidepressant therapies fail to produce meaningful clinical improvement. To address this unmet need, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association evaluated the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
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TSND-201 Shows Promise as a Novel Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on June 15th, 2026
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Currently, only two medications - paroxetine and sertraline - are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and while they can be beneficial for some patients, their effectiveness is often modest and treatment may be limited by adverse effects. Given the need for new therapeutic options, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association evaluated the efficacy and safety of TSND-201, a novel neuroplastogen, for the treatment of PTSD.
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The Antidepressant, Mirtazapine, Help Manage Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on May 8th, 2026
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Methamphetamine addiction imposes a major burden on both healthcare systems and society. Chronic methamphetamine use has been associated with increased risks of psychosis, cardiovascular disease, and a range of psychiatric disorders. Given the limited pharmacologic options available for methamphetamine use disorder, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association evaluated the potential role of mirtazapine in reducing methamphetamine use.
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Semaglutide for Antipsychotic-Associated Metabolic Dysfunction in Schizophrenia
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 20th, 2026
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Individuals with schizophrenia face a markedly elevated risk of premature mortality, largely driven by cardiovascular disease. Second-generation antipsychotics, particularly clozapine and olanzapine, are strongly associated with weight gain, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disturbances. Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has demonstrated efficacy in weight reduction and cardiovascular risk mitigation. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association evaluated whether semaglutide could improve metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotic therapy.
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Ketogenic Diet and Treatment-Resistant Depression
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on March 18th, 2026
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The ketogenic diet, characterized by high fat and very low carbohydrate intake, induces sustained production of ketone bodies that influence metabolic pathways, inflammatory signaling, and neurotransmission. Given its neurobiological effects, interest has grown in evaluating its potential role in psychiatric disorders. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined whether a ketogenic diet could improve outcomes in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
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Explore the Usage of Simvastatin with Escitalopram to Manage Depression
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 19th, 2025
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As Vietnam’s diet and lifestyle patterns have shifted, obesity rates have risen sharply. At the same time, improved diagnosis and changing social conditions have contributed to a growing prevalence of depression. These two conditions often occur together, compounding chronic health burdens and increasing mortality risk. With support from the German Ministry of Education and Research, researchers conducted a study to investigate whether simvastatin could help manage both depression and obesity.
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Using Esketamine to Manage Treatment-Resistant Depression
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 17th, 2025
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Although many treatments are approved for major depressive disorder, about 35 percent of patients fail to respond to at least two antidepressants. These individuals are classified as having treatment-resistant depression, a condition associated with greater illness burden and a markedly increased risk of suicide. To explore alternative therapies, Janssen funded a study evaluating esketamine for this difficult-to-treat population.
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Managing Insomnia with Seltorexant, an Orexin-2 Receptor Antagonist
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on December 15th, 2025
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Insomnia is increasingly common, yet treatment options remain limited. Currently, only two major classes of medications are approved: benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics such as zolpidem. These drugs are effective for some patients but often come with drawbacks, including daytime drowsiness, dependence, tolerance, and a higher risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. To explore better alternatives, Johnson & Johnson funded a study evaluating the use of seltorexant for insomnia.
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Lumateperone as Adjunct Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed & Translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 3rd, 2025
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Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent condition that profoundly affects quality of life, yet standard antidepressant treatment achieves remission in only about half of patients. Efforts to enhance efficacy with adjunctive antipsychotics have been limited by poor tolerability and high rates of treatment discontinuation. To address this, Johnson & Johnson funded a study evaluating lumateperone, a novel antipsychotic, as an adjunct to traditional antidepressants in the management of major depressive disorder.
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Infection Risk in Schizophrenia Patients Treated with Clozapine
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on September 12th, 2025
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Clozapine is an antipsychotic commonly used to manage schizophrenia. Unintentionally, the medication has an immunomodulatory effect. In vitro study has found that clozapine can reduce neutrophil count, promote interleukin-6 production, and suppress B-cell activity. Usage of the antipsychotic is also associated with a higher incidence of respiratory infection. A study, recently published in the Lancet, was performed to assess the risk of infection associated with clozapine usage.
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Positive Results for Brexpiprazole in Youth Schizophrenia
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on June 6th, 2025
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Schizophrenia in children often presents with more severe symptoms and a poorer prognosis compared to adults. While there are effective antipsychotic treatments available for children and adolescents, these agents tend to carry higher risks in younger patients. Recent studies have suggested that beyond dopamine, other monoamine neurotransmitters—such as norepinephrine and serotonin—also contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. With funding from Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a study was conducted to evaluate the use of brexpiprazole in managing pediatric schizophrenia.
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Combination Therapy with Brexpiprazole and Sertraline for PTSD
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on March 28th, 2025
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline and paroxetine are the only US FDA-approved treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, these medications are effective in only about half of patients and tend to be inconsistent in managing intrusion and arousal symptoms. This has sparked increased interest in alternative treatments. Funded by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a study was conducted to evaluate the off-label potential of Brexpiprazole for managing PTSD.
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Postpartum Psychiatric Outcomes Following SSRI/SNRI Discontinuation During Pregnancy
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 21st, 2025
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective for managing depression and anxiety during pregnancy. However, many pregnant women choose to stop taking these medications out of caution. A study was conducted to examine the postpartum psychiatric outcomes associated with discontinuing SSRIs and SNRIs.
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Inhibiting Muscarinic Signaling with Xanomeline-Tropsium to Manage Schizophrenia.
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 31st, 2025
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Antipsychotic medications commonly used to treat schizophrenia work by blocking dopamine receptors. However, these medications are not effective in addressing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and are often poorly tolerated due to their adverse effects. Xanomeline-tropsium chloride is a novel antimuscarinic agent that may offer a new approach to managing schizophrenia by targeting the acetylcholine imbalance associated with the disease. A study funded by Karuna Therapeutics was conducted to investigate the potential use of Xanomeline-tropsium chloride in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Effectiveness of GLP-1 Agonists in Managing Alcohol Use Disorder
Topic: PSYCHIATRY, DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on January 6th, 2025
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GLP-1 agonists, including semaglutide and liraglutide, have proven effective in managing diabetes and obesity. Additionally, biological research has suggested that activating the GLP-1 receptor may help reduce alcohol consumption. A study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association explored the potential of using GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide to treat alcohol use disorder.
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Benzodiazepines usage during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on June 19th, 2024
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Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia in pregnant women. However, the molecule can cross the placental barrier, so there has been concern that the substance can increase the risk of abnormal fetal development and miscarriage. Recent studies that examine this association contain several confounders such as maternal comorbidities, lifestyle, and the severity of anxiety and insomnia. Thus, a population-wide study was conducted to examine the in utero effect of benzodiazepines.
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Examine the Effect of 2nd Generation Antipsychotic Medications on Children and Young Adults
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on June 12th, 2024
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In adults, it has been characterized that antipsychotic medications increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, respiratory failure, and metabolic dysfunction, and death. The usage of 2nd generation antipsychotic agents has been increased in children and adolescents, frequently, in the form of off-label use. Thus, the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development had sponsored a study to investigate the impact of antipsychotic medications on the health of children and adolescents.
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Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine and Methylphenidate Usage during Pregnancy and the Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on June 11th, 2024
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With the increase in prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, the amount of stimulant medication being prescribed had also increased. However, there is a limited number of studies that investigate the effect of these medications on the neurodevelopment of a fetus. A study, recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigates the possible association between maternal usage of stimulant medication to treat ADHD and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the child.
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Investigating the Effect of Early Iron Supplementation in the Neurodevelopment of Breastfed Infants
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on June 5th, 2024
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Infantile iron deficiency is a common global problem, which is more severe in resource-limited communities. Anemia caused by iron deficiency can potentially interfere with neurodevelopment and cause cognitive impairment and behavioral problems. Since the iron content of breast milk is low, there is a debate on the necessity of iron supplementation. To fill this gap in knowledge, a study was conducted in Poland and Sweden to investigate the effect of daily iron supplementation on early cognitive development.
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Comparing Esketamine and Quetiapine in Treating Treatment-Resistant Depression
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on October 23rd, 2023
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Between 10% and 30% of all cases of major depressive disorder are resistant to common treatments in the form of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). Esketamine and Quetiapine are two other alternative treatments. A study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using Esketamine with SSRI and SNRI in treating depression.
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Cannabis usage disorder can increase the risk of psychiatric disorders
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on September 27th, 2023
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Cannabis usage and addiction had been linked to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders. However, the association has not been well-characterized in the literature. This prospective cohort study was conducted in Denmark to examine the the relationship between cannabis use disorder to depression and bipolar disorder.
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Inflammation in the brain linked to COVID-19 may lead to depressive symptoms and hinder cognitive abilities
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on September 25th, 2023
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Previous studies had observed depression, cognitive impairment, and anhedonia to be post-COVID-19 sequelae; however, the exact mechanism behind this association is not known. Thus, a study, recently published to the Journal of the American Medical Association, had investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain, especially compartments that can be associated with mood disorder and mental faculty.
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Treating major depressive disorder without psychotic features: subanesthetic ketamine versus electroconvulsive therapy
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 19th, 2023
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For nearly a century, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) had been the standard treatment for major depressive disorder. Despite its effectiveness, application of ECT is still limited due to social stigma, the need for anesthesia, and the elevated risk of cognitive impairment. In the recent decades, ketamine has also been used as an antidepressant treatment for patients without psychotic features. However, it is currently unknown if one treatment is inferior to the other; thus, a study has been conducted to compare the effectiveness in treating nonpsychotic major depressive disorder between ECT and ketamine.
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Peripartum usage of benzodiazepine and the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic spectrum disorder
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on December 19th, 2022
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Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to manage anxiety and depression in pregnant women. However, little is known about the effect of the medication on fetal neurodevelopment. Previous studies had shown that the molecule can be found in amniotic fluid and might affect the fetus. Thus, a large cohort study was conducted to understand the risk of neurodevelopmental abnormalities due to prenatal exposure to benzodiazepine.
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The risk of severe acute respiratory infections and COVID-19 in patients with neuropsychiatric disorder
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 16th, 2022
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Previous cohort studies had found that patients with severe neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression are at a greater risk of developing severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), including COVID-19. In addition, it has been reported that the usage of certain neuropsychiatric drugs increases the susceptibility to airway infections. Since COVID-19 is becoming endemic, a study has been conducted to understand the risk profile of certain neuropsychiatric conditions and treatments.
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The potential for using psilocybin to treat patients with major depressive disorder
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on November 11th, 2022
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Previous study had reported that the usage of psilocybin in treating cancer also elicits an antidepressant effect. The compound can be isolated from several species of mushroom, and consumption for recreational purposes can result in euphoria and hallucination. Due to its ability to induce an euphoric sensation, psilocybin can potentially be used to treat patients with major depressive disorder. A recent phase 2 clinical trial had reported on the effect of single-dose psilocybin therapy in treating patients with major depressive disorder that had not been responsive to other treatment.
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Supplementation of D-cycloserine to intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy helps reduce the severity of depression
Topic: PSYCHIATRY
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 19th, 2022
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Past studies had reported that transcranial magnetic stimulation, such as with intermittent bursts of theta wave, can be used to treat major depressive disorder. The efficacy of these methods are dependent on synaptic plasticity; thus, supplementation with regulating agents can be beneficial. D-cycloserine is a partial agonist to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor on the postsynaptic membrane that regulates synaptic plasticity. A study conducted by researchers and clinicians at the University of Calgary had reported that supplementation with this agent helps with treating depression.
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Peripartum usage of antidepressants is not associated with higher risk of neurodevelopmental disruption to the children.
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on October 17th, 2022
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Because the effect of antidepressants during pregnancy is unknown, many expecting mothers give up their therapy due to their concern over the potential impact on their children's neurodevelopment. Compounded with stress due to peri- and post- partum factors, the psychological health of these mothers are worsen, and this can directly affect their relationship with the neonates. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association had assessed the effect of peripartum antidepressant usage on the neurodevelopmental and psychological health outcomes of children.
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