Paxil May Cause Birth Defects

The New York Times Reports on the drug manufacturer's report on the increased risk of taking Paxil during the first trimester of pregnanacy. See Paxil Alert for Pregnant Women.

Pregnancy and SSRIs

Many women are concerned about taking SSRIs during pregnancy. A large study several years ago was said to have demonstrated safety. However, a more recent study, reported in the New York Times, shows some risk to babies.

Machine Simulates Hallucinations

Janssen Pharmaceutica has developed a virtual reality machine that teaches empathy for individuals who experience hallucinations. Click the link below to see the story.

Officials experience schizophrenia sensations through a new virtual hallucination machine

Breast Cancer Drug and Bipolar Disorder

The anti-cancer drug tamoxifen is currently being studied on people with bipolar disorder. The drug appears to affect protein kinase C, or PKC, which researchers think might be involved in bipolar disorder. Ultimately, if research findings are positive, researchers hope to develop a new class of quick-acting drugs. (See also my article in BP Magazine.

Schizophrenia and Infection

Offspring of women exposed to parasitic infection, toxoplasmosis, during pregnancy may be at increased risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood says one study.

Toxoplasmosis can result from eating undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. It can also be contracted through unwashed hands after gardening or cleaning cat litter boxes.

The increased risk resulting from infection may not be due to the a specific infection, but a secondary mechanism, such as inflamation.

Brain Changes During Menstruation Linked to Anxiety/Seizures

A new UCLA study shows that changes in specific receptors in the brain can affect seizure activity and anxiety levels during the menstrual cycle. See also Menstrual Cycle May Change Women's Brains.