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Ssris

All articles tagged with #ssris

SSRIs Surge as Anxiety Treatments Expand, Sparking Public Debate
health23 days ago

SSRIs Surge as Anxiety Treatments Expand, Sparking Public Debate

America’s use of anxiety medications jumped from 11.7% of adults in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024—roughly 38 million people—driven by easier telehealth access and pandemic-related stress. SSRIs like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft are frontline treatments for disorders such as generalized anxiety and panic, with studies showing meaningful relief for many despite side effects; experts caution that they are most effective when paired with therapy, and note benzodiazepines carry dependence risks. Public figures, including RFK Jr., have questioned expanding SSRI use and potential links to behavior or pregnancy outcomes, fueling a broader debate about medicalization, safety, and access. The rise is greatest among young adults, women, and those with higher education or LGBTQ+ identification, while talk therapy and broader mental-health support also grew during this period.

Kennedy taps vaccine-skeptical obstetricians to CDC vaccine panel
health2 months ago

Kennedy taps vaccine-skeptical obstetricians to CDC vaccine panel

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed two obstetrician-gynecologists, Dr. Adam Urato and Dr. Kimberly Biss, to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, despite their histories of challenging vaccine safety consensus and questioning antidepressants in pregnancy. The hires come as Kennedy reshapes ACIP amid concerns about conflicts of interest and amid ongoing debate within the panel over Covid vaccine recommendations and broader immunization policy.

FDA Panel Weighs Safety Warnings for Antidepressants During Pregnancy
health7 months ago

FDA Panel Weighs Safety Warnings for Antidepressants During Pregnancy

An FDA advisory panel has recommended warning labels for antidepressants during pregnancy due to potential risks like autism, miscarriage, and birth defects, though the medical consensus generally considers these medications safe and emphasizes the dangers of untreated depression. Experts highlight that most SSRIs are safe for pregnant women, with some risks like neonatal adaptation syndrome, and warn against unnecessary discontinuation of medication, which could harm both mother and child. Critics argue the panel's warnings may cause undue fear and discourage necessary treatment.

FDA Panel Questions Safety of Antidepressants During Pregnancy
health7 months ago

FDA Panel Questions Safety of Antidepressants During Pregnancy

An FDA panel discussion on antidepressant use during pregnancy highlighted skepticism about the safety of SSRIs, despite evidence suggesting that untreated mental health issues pose significant risks to pregnant individuals. Critics argue the panel's focus was biased, emphasizing risks over benefits, which may influence pregnant people's treatment decisions and overlook the importance of managing mental health during pregnancy.

Gut-Targeted Antidepressants: A New Frontier in Mental Health Treatment
health1 year ago

Gut-Targeted Antidepressants: A New Frontier in Mental Health Treatment

Recent research suggests that targeting gut cells rather than brain cells with SSRIs could effectively treat depression and anxiety while minimizing side effects. The study, led by researchers from Columbia University and NYU, found that increasing serotonin signaling in the gut of mice improved mood without the usual side effects of systemic SSRIs. This approach could be particularly beneficial for pregnant individuals, as it avoids risks associated with traditional antidepressants. The findings highlight the significant role of the gut-brain connection in mood regulation.