New research published in Translational Psychiatry sheds light on how ketamine, a drug known for its rapid antidepressant effects, specifically alters brain activity in people with treatment-resistant depression. This detailed investigation into the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex reveals that ketamine’s influence on different regions of this area correlates with notable improvements in depressive and anhedonic symptoms.

Researchers pitted ketamine therapy against electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — the so-called “gold standard” intervention for severe depression.

The study found that ketamine held its own.

Are low serotonin levels really to blame for depression? Probably not, according to an umbrella review of 17 studies. (Molecular Psychiatry)

Repeated intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions significantly reduce symptom severity in individuals with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the improvement is rapid and maintained for several weeks afterwards, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Lena Dunham isn't alone in going overboard on benzos. Many fans felt her pain on Monday when the 32-year-old "Girls" creator revealed on a podcast that she's newly clean after a harrowing period of misusing the prescription sedatives, which are commonly prescribed to treat panic disorders and insomnia.

Pierre Blier discusses his research into using a well-known anesthetic to help people with severe depression.