Understanding the complexity of catatonia
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Catatonia, a perplexing neuropsychiatric condition, often remains misunderstood despite its profound impact on individuals’ lives. Characterized by a range of motor disturbances, catatonia can manifest as immobility, repetitive movements, or even peculiar…
The Remarkable Journey of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD In the annals of medical history, certain breakthroughs stand out as both controversial and groundbreaking. One such discovery that has sparked debates, evolved, and ultimately proven its efficacy is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)….
Breaking Ground: MAPS PBC Submits First NDA to FDA for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Written By: Dr. Joao De Quevedo In a historic leap forward for the field of mental health, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by submitting the first New Drug Application…
A Ray of Hope: FDA Approves Zuranolone for Postpartum Depression
Written By: Dr. Joao De. Quevedo In a groundbreaking moment for mental health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved Zuranolone, a novel medication, to treat postpartum depression (PPD). This decision marks a significant step forward in addressing…
A New Dawn: FDA Greenlights Exxua (Gepirone ER) for Major Depressive Disorder
Written By: Dr. Joao De Quevedo In a significant stride towards advancing mental health treatment, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved Gepirone ER, a promising medication now available under the brand name Exxua. This breakthrough offers…
Bipolar Disorder
Written By: Dr. Joao De Quevedo What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a psychiatric condition that causes unusual shifts in mood state, sleep, energy and activity levels. The person can have a period of…
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
Written By: Dr. Joao De Quevedo What is seasonal affective disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It is a mood-related condition that affects almost 5% of the U.S. population annually and…
The Genetics of Depression: Unraveling the Molecular Tapestry
Written by Dr. Joao De Quevedo Depression, a prevalent and debilitating mental health disorder, has long been recognized as having a multifactorial etiology, with genetic factors playing a substantial role. This essay delves into the intricate interplay between genetics and…
The Serotonin Basis of Depression: Unraveling the Neurochemical Web
Written By: Dr. Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Depression, a pervasive and debilitating mental health disorder, has long been a subject of scientific inquiry. Among the myriad factors contributing to its complex etiology, serotonin, a neurotransmitter, has emerged as…
Pharmacogenetics-Guided Treatment for Depression: A Personalized Approach to Mental Health
Written by: Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Depression is a complex mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide, with a myriad of contributing factors ranging from genetic predispositions to environmental stressors. Traditional approaches to treating depression often involve a trial-and-error method,…