Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) innovative medicine department has introduced Spravato as a standalone treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression. According to Bill Martin, the global therapeutic area head of neuroscience at J&J, patients may experience improvements in depressive symptoms within 24 hours and by 28 days without needing daily oral antidepressants. However, ketamine, the active ingredient in Spravato, carries risks such as sedation, dissociation, and respiratory depression, prompting the FDA to implement a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. To mitigate these risks, patients can only access Spravato at certified clinics or medical offices under direct medical supervision. The expansion of Spravato into a standalone therapy is expected to increase accessibility for people with treatment-resistant depression, potentially paving the way for newer, safer treatments that target different brain receptors tied to depression.
https://gizmodo.com/ketamine-nasal-spray-approved-as-standalone-treatment-for-tough-depression-cases-2000553741Samantha Ruth Prabhu, an actress and social media influencer, has shared the benefits of journaling as a transformative practice for self-discovery, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. According to her post on Instagram, writing down thoughts can enhance mental clarity by organizing one's mind and processing emotions, reduce stress and anxiety by providing a safe outlet for pent-up emotions, boost self-awareness by reflecting on thoughts and behaviors, promote personal growth by tracking progress and setting intentions, and improve emotional regulation by equipping individuals with healthier ways to respond to challenges.
https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/lessons-on-the-importance-of-journaling-courtesy-samantha-ruth-prabhu-7540459#pfrom=home-ndtv_lifestyle_lifestyleImgA new study suggests that favoritism in parenting can have significant consequences for children's well-being and outcomes. In the US, research found that children who were favored by their parents had better mental health, academic success, and relationships with family members compared to their less favored siblings. However, this favoritism also led to negative effects on the child who was not favored, including worse mental health, lower academic achievement, and strained relationships with family members.
https://www.deseret.com/family/2025/01/22/favorite-child-mother-father-risks-byu-study/The Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) in 2023 found that young people aged 15-24 years, particularly females and those with lower levels of education or unemployment, were more likely to experience depression symptoms. The survey recorded a national prevalence rate of 1.4 percent across all ages, with the highest rate found in West Java and the lowest in Bali. Notably, only 10.4 percent of young people with depression sought treatment, indicating a significant gap in care for this vulnerable group.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/342450/indonesias-free-health-screenings-to-include-mental-health-tests?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_newsThe New South Wales public mental health system is facing a staffing crisis as 43 psychiatrists have already resigned and another 100 are threatening to leave over the next two weeks due to concerns about the system's integrity. Negotiations between the government and staff have been ongoing, with psychiatrists seeking a 25% pay increase within one year.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/psychiatrists-resignations-governments-plan-for-mental-health-system-slammed-amid-psychiatrists-resignations/7bf849ff-9e8f-4765-81cb-fa41dc327566A woman reflects on her past struggles with cocaine use during pregnancy and its potential impact on her 15-year-old daughter Esme, who was diagnosed with Asperger's at the age of eight. Research suggests that exposure to cocaine in utero may be linked to a higher risk of autism, citing a 1992 study that found 11.4% of children exposed to cocaine were diagnosed with autism. Despite her daughter's challenges, Esme has been able to attend local schools and maintain friendships. The woman recalls attending a reunion where some friends seemed to revert to old habits, but she chose not to engage in similar behavior due to her love for her daughter.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14317031/pregnant-cocaine-consequences-regret.htmlIn Australia, a commonly prescribed asthma medication called Singulair, also known as montelukast, has been linked to serious psychiatric conditions in children. Research suggests that the drug attaches to brain cells controlling mood, decision-making and impulse control, leading to behavioral side effects such as depression, suicidal thoughts and hallucinations. According to reports from the Therapeutic Goods Association, over 200 cases of adverse reactions have been documented, including 57 cases of depression, 60 cases of suicidal thoughts and seven reported suicides. One notable case is that of Harrison Sellick, a Melbourne boy who attempted suicide at just five years old after being prescribed Singulair for asthma when he was two. Despite the concerning numbers, experts note that the risk is relatively low compared to the number of Australians taking the medication, with over 200,000 prescriptions filled under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in the same time period.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14315621/Urgent-warning-common-drug-perscribed-Australians-increase-risk-suicde.htmlMichael Tan has been appointed CEO of Numinus Wellness Inc., a mental healthcare company, succeeding Payton Nyquvest who will transition to the role of Executive Chair. Michael Tan joined Numinus in 2019 as Chief Operating Officer and added President to his responsibilities in 2022. In his new role, he will prioritize strengthening the Company's clinical research and practitioner training programs while aligning its focus to better address emerging opportunities in mental health care.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/numinus-wellness-announces-corporate-update-302359132.htmlMedia icon Oprah Winfrey recently discussed her personal struggles with weight loss on the January 14 episode of "The Oprah Podcast." She shared how she was fat-shamed in public and accepted these hurtful attitudes as normal, even feeling that she deserved them. Winfrey revealed that she had been blaming herself for being overweight due to a predisposition, but has since come to understand that obesity is a disease related to the brain, not willpower.
https://www.ndtv.com/feature/oprah-winfrey-says-world-has-always-shamed-overweight-people-7542810#pfrom=home-ndtv_lateststories_topstoriesImg