SSRI and Other Antidepressants and Pregnancy – 2020

Peter ForsterMajor Depression, Physical Conditions and Health, Treatments of Depression Leave a Comment

We have several other posts on this topic which trace the evolution of our thinking about the risks of using antidepressants during pregnancy. Generally, the data continues to support our view that the risks of depression during pregnancy, both in terms of effects on the mother and effects on the child, usually outweigh the risks of antidepressant use. Another large …

Psychotherapy is Important for Depression Prevention

Peter ForsterBest Practices, Major Depression, Treatments of Depression Leave a Comment

Psychotherapies — particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches used as adjunctive treatments — can play a critical role in helping people with a history of depression avoid relapse. For many people, major depression is a chronic illness. Even when they are no longer depressed, people who have had several episodes of depression have to be concerned about a significant risk of a recurrence …

Mobile Monitoring Systems for Depression Care

adminTreatments of Depression Leave a Comment

Passive tracking of vocal and behavioral indicators of symptoms via a smartphone app can be an effective way to treat depression in a time-sensitive and accurate fashion.  A recent randomized clinical trial compared the use of an app to track indicators with “usual care” for depression, and, although the sample size is small, the results are very promising. For the …

Treatment Resistant Depression – More Clues to Predicting Response – VAST-D

Peter ForsterMajor Depression, Treatments of Depression Leave a Comment

Clues that can help us provide more effective care for those with treatment resistant depression are urgently needed. Sidney Zisook and colleagues report an analysis of the data from a large study of veterans with chronic depression (VAST-D) and conclude that two clinical features can help predict likely response to medications changes for some patients who have failed at least …

Gerard Sancora Esketamine is Effective

Intranasal Esketamine is Effective for Depression

Peter ForsterGPS, Major Depression, Treatments of Depression Leave a Comment

Intranasal esketamine is effective for treating severe depression and suicidality when added to comprehensive standard of care treatment in patients who were felt to be at imminent risk of suicide. 68 patients seen in an emergency department were randomized to receive esketamine or placebo as well as comprehensive treatment including inpatient care and antidepressant medications. Patients receiving esketamine had a …