Social anxiety disorder, whether generalized or specific, can be severe enough to affect a person’s ability to work or have a social life, but only about half those with the disorder get treatment.
Early research on the use of deep-brain stimulation for treatment of major depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder has led to establishment of a set of recommendations regarding its use.
Research suggests that prolonged stress is linked to high blood pressure, clogged arteries, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and obesity.
A small study found that people with major depression who received one dose of ketamine experienced a significant improvement in mood, but the results will be of interest mainly to researchers, because of how ketamine acts on the brain.
Light therapy is typically prescribed to treat seasonal affective disorder, but there are risks for certain people. Researchers are looking at making adjustments to the timing and duration of the therapy to try to reduce this risk.
New U.S. rules will require sunscreens to be tested against both types of rays from the sun. Revised labels will offer a standard way to compare products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the changes June 14. Changes will take effect in one year. They have been in development for more than 30 years. Now products must be tested for protection against ultraviolet A and B rays. UVA rays cause wrinkles. UVB rays cause sunburn. Both can cause skin cancer. Sunscreens now carry a sun protection factor (SPF) rating to show how well they protect against UVB. Some products claim “broad spectrum” protection against both UVA and UVB rays. New rules require certain tests before making this claim. The SPF level must be 15 or higher for both types of rays. Products that don’t meet this standard must carry a warning. Numbers above SPF 50 are not allowed.
Cognitive behavioral therapy may be an effective treatment option for people with seasonal affective disorder who do not respond to light therapy.
People with major depression who have not responded sufficiently to treatment with medications may benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation.
A study of treatments for anxiety disorders in children showed that medication and cognitive behavioral therapy were both effective, and that the combination of the two was even more so.
Doctors should prescribe drugs to their patients less often, and with more care, a new report proposes. And they should favor medicines that are time-tested and known to be safe, the report says. The report is from the Center for Patient Safety Research and Practice. The center is based at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Medicines can cause side effects. They also can cause problems when they interact with each other. Often, other treatments can help as much as drugs, or more, the report says. These might include exercise, physical therapy or diet changes. The report urges doctors to practice conservative prescribing. This means they should think carefully about side effects and alternatives before prescribing a drug. They are urged to be especially cautious about new drugs. And they should explain to patients why this approach might be better for their health.