Current medical research and opinion
February 1, 2024
Dakota Sicignano, Adrian V Hernandez, Benjamin Schiff et al.
19 citations
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that psychedelics, including LSD, increased the odds of patients with alcohol use disorder achieving abstinence or substantially reducing drinking compared to placebo. In double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, LSD (3 trials) produced an odds ratio of 1.99, and any psychedelic (4 trials) produced an odds ratio of 2.16. When including less rigorous controlled trials, the positive effect persisted. However, four of six trials had a high risk of bias and other methodological issues. One trial reported suicidal ideation and transient blood pressure increases, highlighting unresolved safety concerns. The evidence is promising but too weak for definitive conclusions; more rigorous trials are needed.
Current medical research and opinion
September 1, 2024
Lisa Harding, Maryia Zhdanava, Aditi Shah et al.
2 citations
Among US adults with treatment-resistant depression who initiated esketamine nasal spray, those whose health plans had prior authorization criteria stricter than the drug label (stringent cohort, 168 patients) and those with less or equally strict criteria (non-stringent cohort, 400 patients) had similar treatment histories. Both groups completed about four antidepressant treatment courses on average before starting esketamine, and roughly 95% used augmentation therapy, with about 59% using an antipsychotic. These averages exceeded the number of antidepressant trials mandated by the esketamine label, suggesting that requiring additional prior authorization steps beyond the label may not be necessary.
Current medical research and opinion
February 1, 2025
Manish Jha, Amanda Teeple, Jason Shepherd et al.
Among 914 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depression with suicidal ideation (MDSI), moderate-to-very severe depression affected 36.5% of those with TRD and 48.3% of those with MDSI. Mean work impairment was 26% and overall impairment 34.7%. Most patients reported no-to-mild impairment in basic needs, social functioning, work, quality of life, and general health. Physicians underestimated the daily-life impact and unmet treatment need. Among 94 patients prescribed esketamine, improvements in clinical global impression occurred in 64.6-77.8% and in activities of daily living in 34-67%, indicating favorable outcomes.