Thursday, July 03, 2003

Early Discontinuation of Antidepressants Increases Relapse Risk in Some Bipolar Patients
Reuters Health story at Medscape - "In some patients with bipolar disorder, maintaining antidepressant use following successful treatment of a depressive episode may prevent relapse without increasing the risk of manic relapse, according to researchers in the Stanley Bipolar Treatment Network. Concerns about inducing switches or cycle acceleration have led to guidelines advocating antidepressant discontinuation within the first 3 to 6 months after remission of depressive symptoms, lead author Dr. Lori Altshuler told Reuters Health." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Genome Survey Finds Depression Genes
Reuters Health story at Yahoo - "U.S. researchers using the newly published human gene map said on Wednesday they had identified 19 different genetic regions linked with depression. The findings could eventually lead to better treatments and screening for depression and related conditions, such as addiction, a leading cause of disability in the United States."