Current neuropharmacology
January 1, 2024
Michel Sabé, Chaomei Chen, Wissam El-Hage et al.
25 citations
A scientometric analysis of 42,170 publications on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from 1945 to 2022 identified four major research trends: war veterans and refugees, treatment of PTSD/neuroimaging, evidence syntheses, and somatic symptoms of PTSD. The largest cluster focused on evidence synthesis for genetic predisposition and environmental exposures leading to PTSD. War-related trauma research has shifted from battlefield in-person exposure to drone operator trauma and is being outpaced by civilian trauma research, including the COVID-19 pandemic, postpartum, and grief disorder. Recent trends show a burst in PTSD treatment research involving Mhealth, virtual reality, and psychedelic drugs. The USA dominates collaboration networks, with a recent surge of publications from China. Compared to other psychiatric disorders, there is a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials for pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments.
Journal of neuroradiology = Journal de neuroradiologie
March 1, 2024
Sindy Sim, Igor Lima Maldonado, Pierre Castelnau et al.
14 citations
Mindfulness meditation and hypnosis both reduce default mode network activity and strengthen connections between the central executive and salience networks in the brain, as shown by MRI studies of stress, anxiety, and depression. A systematic review of 97 studies (84 on mindfulness, 13 on hypnosis) from 2010 to 2022 found that only mindfulness practice and predisposition increase connectivity between the default mode and salience networks, a change not seen in hypnosis. The findings clarify shared and distinct neural mechanisms, but the authors call for more rigorous research.
European journal of psychotraumatology
December 1, 2026
Maud Rothärmel, Lila Mekaoui, François Kazour et al.
1 citation
In a retrospective study of 22 adults with treatment-resistant depression and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder who received esketamine nasal spray, trauma re-experiencing episodes occurred during treatment sessions. For 16 patients (72.7%) these episodes disappeared as sessions progressed. Treatment was stopped for 6 patients (27.3%) due to re-experiencing. Among those who continued esketamine, depression response rate was 45.5% and remission 22.7%; PTSD improvement rate was 45.5% and remission 18.2%. The findings suggest esketamine can be safely administered in this comorbid population and that trauma re-experiencing does not prevent clinical improvement.
L'Encephale
May 23, 2025
Maroussia Dumenil, Gabriel Cordova, Wissam El-Hage
1 citation
A Mexican student in France with recurrent unipolar depression experienced incomplete relief from Escitalopram over two years, with side effects including nausea, fatigue, and numbness. After two supervised psilocybin sessions in Mexico in summer 2020, he achieved full remission of depressive symptoms and remained antidepressant-free through 2020. A 2021 double-blind trial with 59 subjects reported 70% of psilocybin-treated patients had over 50% reduction in depression, versus 48% on Escitalopram. Psilocybin, a 5-HT2A agonist, reduces amygdala reactivity to negative emotions and alters brain connectivity. The case suggests psilocybin may help treatment-resistant depression, though larger studies are needed.
EClinicalMedicine
April 2, 2026
Antony Salamé, Samuel Bulteau, Gabriel Robert et al.
A single 60-minute inhalation of 50% nitrous oxide (N2O) significantly reduced depressive symptoms in older adults (aged 60–90) with late-life depression who had not responded to at least one adequate antidepressant trial. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 60 participants, those receiving N2O showed a greater reduction in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores at two weeks compared to placebo (−6.2 points; 95% CI: −9.1 to −3.4). Improvements were rapid, appearing within 24 hours and persisting at one week. All adverse events were mild and transient. The findings suggest N2O may be a safe and effective rapid-acting treatment for this difficult-to-treat population, though further studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.
Molecular psychiatry
September 1, 2023
Thomas Desmidt, Paul-Armand Dujardin, Frédéric Andersson et al.
A single one-hour session of a 50:50 nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture (EMONO) rapidly alters functional connectivity in the default mode network and increases brain tissue pulsations in depressed women who respond to the treatment. Among 20 women with treatment-resistant depression, 45% showed at least a 50% reduction in depression scores one week after exposure. Responders exhibited decreased connectivity between the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and the precuneus, and a larger early increase in brain tissue pulsations, which may enhance drug delivery. Non-responders and healthy controls showed different connectivity changes. The findings suggest potential cerebral mechanisms and markers for antidepressant response to nitrous oxide.