Alpha psychiatry
January 1, 2024
Junrong Ye, Yuanxin Pan, Chenxin Wu et al.
13 citations
A meta-analysis of 5 trials found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) significantly reduces depressive symptoms in older adults (effect size g = 0.53) and anxiety (g = 0.43). The authors recommend MBCT for treating depression and anxiety in older individuals, with involvement of authorized psychiatric nurses, but caution that the limited number of studies and potential publication bias call for further research with longer follow-up and larger samples.
Alpha psychiatry
March 1, 2024
Anna Famuła, Jakub Radoszewski, Tomasz Czerwiec et al.
8 citations
Ketamine, long used as an anesthetic, is being investigated as a treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). This narrative review examines how ketamine may work through effects on glutamate signaling, neuroplasticity, and reward pathways. The psychotropic and dissociative properties of ketamine are considered for their role in therapeutic outcomes and patient experience. The review calls for more research to understand ketamine's potential and to develop personalized addiction treatments.
Alpha psychiatry
August 1, 2024
Francesco Bartoli, Daniele Cavaleri, Ilaria Riboldi et al.
4 citations
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects about 20-30% of people with major depressive disorder. Esketamine nasal spray was approved for TRD in 2019, but its mechanisms of action remain unclear. This protocol describes the ReDREAM project, an observational, prospective study that will use metabolomics to identify metabolic biosignatures associated with response to esketamine. Sixty people with TRD from three Italian clinical sites will receive esketamine nasal spray twice weekly for four weeks (induction phase), then once weekly for four more weeks (maintenance phase). The study will test correlations between baseline metabolic profile and depressive symptom improvement at weeks 4 and 8, and explore metabolic differences between responders and non-responders. Hypothesized involvement includes energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, urea cycle, and nitric oxide synthesis.
Alpha psychiatry
April 1, 2025
Francisco López-Muñoz, Pilar D'Ocón, Alejandro Romero et al.
3 citations
Most new antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and other modern classes, were developed through rational, targeted design rather than chance. Only moclobemide and ketamine involved serendipity: moclobemide's antidepressant effect was discovered after chance observation of MAO inhibition during antihyperlipidemic research, and ketamine's antidepressant properties emerged from illicit use observations, not its original development as an anesthetic. The majority follow a type IV pattern where serendipity played no role.
Alpha psychiatry
January 1, 2024
Murad Atmaca, Muhammed Fatih Tabara, Mehmet Gürkan Gürok
3 citations
Detached mindfulness (DM), a technique from metacognitive therapy, significantly reduced obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adults with OCD who were already taking medication. In a group of 17 patients, average Y-BOCS scores dropped from 25.29 before treatment to 13.53 afterward, a statistically significant improvement. Homework compliance was acceptable. The authors conclude DM is beneficial for moderately severe OCD but note that larger studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for treatment-resistant patients.
Alpha psychiatry
December 1, 2025
Samantha Knep, Alice Shires
1 citation
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) derived from established programs such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Mindfulness-Integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve interoceptive awareness (IA) in adults. Across six studies with 646 participants, IA partially mediated the relationship between MBI participation and depression relief, though only one study directly tested mediation. Effect sizes varied. The review notes limitations including a small number of eligible studies, heterogeneity, and mixed evidence quality. Future research should standardize IA measurement and explore its mediating role further.
Alpha psychiatry
September 1, 2024
Murad Atmaca, Muhammed Fatih Tabara, Mehmet Gurkan Gurok
1 citation
Detached mindfulness (DM) as a standalone therapy reduced panic severity, anxiety, and depression in patients with panic disorder. In an open study of 11 patients (7 female, 4 male), Panic Disorder Severity Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory scores all decreased significantly from baseline to end of treatment. Attendance and homework completion were good. The authors suggest DM is effective and easy to apply for panic disorder, but note that results need confirmation in larger studies.
Alpha psychiatry
August 1, 2024
Dandan Li, Mingsi Fan, Hailei Bian et al.
1 citation
Nurse-led mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for hospitalized elderly suicide survivors was associated with lower suicidal ideation, hopelessness, depression, and physical symptoms at six months. A retrospective analysis of 160 patients (100 in the MBCT group, 60 in the conventional group) used propensity score matching to balance baseline characteristics. At six-month follow-up, the MBCT group had significantly lower scores on the Suicidal Ideation Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire 15, and Geriatric Depression Scale compared to the conventional group. Logistic regression indicated the intervention was the main factor influencing these outcomes. The findings suggest MBCT may reduce suicidal ideation and improve psychological and physical well-being in this population.
Alpha psychiatry
June 1, 2025
Qian Yin, Chenxi Shi, Shuqin Wang
A self-help mindfulness-based stress reduction exercise therapy (MBSRET) improved psychological status and sleep quality in medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighty-five Hubei medical staff were randomly assigned to an intervention group (43 people) receiving MBSRET for 8 weeks or a control group (42 people) receiving routine care. After the intervention, the intervention group had significantly lower scores on the Symptom Checklist-90, Perceived Stress Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index compared to the control group, indicating better mental health and sleep. The therapy is described as simple, convenient, and low-cost.