Friday, September 12, 2003

Emory researchers find Paxil improves memory and brain structure in PTSD sufferers
Emory University Health Sciences Center press release - "Emory University researchers have found that paroxetine HCL (Paxil) produces measurable improvement in verbal memory and also increases the size of the hippocampus, a key area of the brain involved in learning and remembering, in persons suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their study, which will be published in the Oct. 1 edition of Biological Psychiatry, also found that Paxil significantly reduces the three main symptom clusters of PTSD–re-experiencing the traumatic event; avoidance and emotional numbing related to experiences that recall the traumatic event; and hyperarousal at inappropriate times."  
  

Family Education Improves Mood Stability in Bipolar Patients
Reuters Health story at Medscape - "When the families of patients with bipolar disorder type I are involved in an intensive family-focused therapy program, patients on maintenance treatment have longer periods of sustained remission and less severe mood symptoms. Dr. David J. Miklowitz, of the University of Colorado, Boulder, and colleagues conducted a study in which 101 patients were recruited within 3 months of a manic, mixed, or depressed episode. Their findings are published in the September issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Weight Gain from Antipsychotic Drugs Is Reversible
Reuters Health story at Yahoo - "A common side effect of many antipsychotic medications is increased appetite and weight gain, but a new study suggests that this doesn't happen to all patients. And even if they do gain weight, they can shed the extra pounds with diet and exercise, or even by switching medication..."