New medication for treatment resistant depression added to PBS The nasal spray is available from 1 May to eligible patients, but a GP expert remains concerned about its accessibility.
‘Stopping antidepressants or not?’ New research says collaborative primary care planning between GPs and patients is key to decisions around prescribing and cessation.
Study uncovers 300 new genetic links to depression It is hoped the findings will help identify biological drivers to develop targeted treatments and more accurately predict risk.
Antipsychotic use in aged care ‘not ideal’ New data shows antipsychotic prescriptions significantly outweigh diagnoses, a situation unlikely to change without greater staffing support.
Exercise most benefits those with highest OA pain: Study Research indicates physical activity may be particularly important to manage depression in people with greater osteoarthritis-related pain.
Ketamine pill halves depression severity: Study As well as being more affordable and accessible, the slow-release tablet was also found to reduce patient relapses with minimal side effects.
Could psychotherapy ease depression in aged care? Researchers say it also reduces an ‘over-reliance on antidepressants’, but one GP says the plan is impractical without a funding boost.
Antidepressant withdrawal: The hidden danger New benchmark guidelines highlight the dangers of antidepressant withdrawal and support GPs in safe deprescribing.
Exercise must be ‘core treatment’ for depression: Study Researchers have urged GPs to prescribe physical activity alongside traditional interventions, with yoga and strength training especially beneficial.
Perinatal depression leads to increased risk of death: Study A review of one million people has linked perinatal depression to an increased risk of taking one’s own life, even decades after giving birth.