Latest news with #MajorDepressiveDisorder
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Appears Robust With 75+ Key Companies Actively Working in the Therapeutics Segment
DelveInsight's 'Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Insight 2025' report provides comprehensive insights about 75+ companies and 75+ pipeline drugs in the Major Depressive Disorder pipeline landscape. It covers the Major Depressive Disorder pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and nonclinical stage products. It also covers the Major Depressive Disorder pipeline therapeutics assessment by product type, stage, route of administration, and molecule type. It further highlights the inactive pipeline products in this space. Discover the latest drugs and treatment options in the Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline. Dive into DelveInsight's comprehensive report today! @ Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Outlook Key Takeaways from the Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Report In May 2025, Biohaven Therapeutics Ltd announced a study to determine the efficacy and safety of BHV-7000 in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In May 2025, Neurocrine Biosciences conducted a study will evaluate the efficacy of NBI-1065845 compared with placebo as an adjunctive treatment in participants with MDD on improving symptoms of depression. In May 2025, Neumora Therapeutics, Inc. organized a study will evaluate the effects of NMRA-335140 (formerly BTRX-335140) on symptoms of depression in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The study design consists of a Screening Period (up to 35 days), and a 6-week Treatment Period (during which participants will receive either NMRA-335140 or placebo). At the completion of the 6-week Treatment Period, participants who complete the study, provide informed consent, and meet the eligibility criteria may enter an open-label extension study (NMRA-335140-501). In May 2025, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. announced a phase 2 study parallel-arm trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of centanafadine once-daily (QD) extended-release (XR) capsules for the treatment of adult subjects diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In May 2025, Janssen Research & Development LLC announced a study is to evaluate how well JNJ-89495120 works (anti-depressant effects) and how well it is tolerated as compared to placebo on reducing the symptoms of depression in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD). DelveInsight's Major Depressive Disorder pipeline report depicts a robust space with 75+ active players working to develop 75+ pipeline therapies for Major Depressive Disorder treatment. The leading Major Depressive Disorder Companies such as GH Research, Praxis Precision Medicines, AbbVie, Gedeon Richter, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Relmada Therapeutics, SAGE Therapeutics, Janssen Research & Development, Minerva Neurosciences, Takeda, Neurocrine Biosciences, Pherin Pharmaceuticals and others. Promising Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Therapies such as NMRA-335140 Aticaprant, NBI-1065845, CYB003, Azetukalner, GW679769, BHV-7000 and others. Stay ahead with the most recent pipeline outlook for Major Depressive Disorder. Get insights into clinical trials, emerging therapies, and leading companies with DelveInsight @ Major Depressive Disorder Medication Major Depressive Disorder Emerging Drugs Profile SAGE-217: Sage Therapeutics SAGE-217 is an investigational, oral, novel medicine in development for depression. SAGE-217 is an investigational oral neuroactive steroid (NAS) GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM). The GABA system is the major inhibitory signaling pathway of the brain and central nervous system (CNS), and contributes significantly to regulating CNS function. Biogen and Sage Therapeutics have submitted a new drug application (NDA) to the FDA for zuranolone for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). REL-1017: Relmada Therapeutics Inc. REL-1017, an NCE and novel NMDAR channel blocker with a preference for hyperactive channels associated with MDD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for REL-1017 as an adjunctive treatment of MDD. REL-1017, has entered its Phase 3 registration program as an adjunctive treatment for MDD. Seltorexant: Minerva Sciences Seltorexant is an innovative selective orexin 2 receptor antagonist under development for the treatment of insomnia and related mood disorders. Insomnia is the repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance or quality that occurs despite adequate time and opportunity for sleep, resulting in daytime impairment. The clinical trials are being carried out for the treatment of major depressive disorder in phase III stage of development. SP-624: Sirtsei Pharmaceuticals, Inc. SP-624 is being studied in phase II stage of development for the treatment of major depressive disorder in comparison with placebo by Sirtsei Pharmaceuticals, Inc. SPL026: Small Pharma SPL026 (DMT), is a naturally occurring psychedelic tryptamine found in plants and in the brain of mammals. Scientific evidence suggests DMT offers the potential for rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant effects. DMT is differentiated by its short psychedelic experience (< 30mins), which allows for short treatment sessions and offers the potential for convenient supervised treatments within patient clinics. Small Pharma is advancing a pipeline of DMT-based therapies and is leading the world's first DMT clinical trial for depression, in collaboration with Imperial College London. PDC-1421: BioLite Inc. PDC-1421 (BLI-1005) is a Norepinephrine plasma membrane transport protein inhibitor being developed by BioLite Inc, for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The drug is currently in phase II stage of development. The Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Report Provides Insights into The report provides detailed insights about companies that are developing therapies for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with aggregate therapies developed by each company for the same. It accesses the Different therapeutic candidates segmented into early-stage, mid-stage, and late-stage of development for Major Depressive Disorder Medication. Major Depressive Disorder Companies are involved in targeted therapeutics development with respective active and inactive (dormant or discontinued) projects. Major Depressive Disorder Drugs under development based on the stage of development, route of administration, target receptor, monotherapy or combination therapy, a different mechanism of action, and molecular type. Detailed analysis of collaborations (company-company collaborations and company-academia collaborations), licensing agreement and financing details for future advancement of the Major Depressive Disorder market Explore groundbreaking therapies and clinical trials in the Major Depressive Disorder Medication. Access DelveInsight's detailed report now! @ New Major Depressive Disorder Drugs Major Depressive Disorder Companies GH Research, Praxis Precision Medicines, AbbVie, Gedeon Richter, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Relmada Therapeutics, SAGE Therapeutics, Janssen Research & Development, Minerva Neurosciences, Takeda, Neurocrine Biosciences, Pherin Pharmaceuticals and others. Major Depressive Disorder pipeline report provides the therapeutic assessment of the pipeline drugs by the Route of Administration. Products have been categorized under various ROAs such as Oral Subcutaneous Intravenous Intramuscular Major Depressive Disorder Products have been categorized under various Molecule types such as Bispecific Antibody Peptides Small molecule Gene therapy Unveil the future of Major Depressive Disorder Medication. Learn about new drugs, pipeline developments, and key companies with DelveInsight's expert analysis @ Major Depressive Disorder Market Drivers and Barriers Scope of the Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Report Coverage- Global Major Depressive Disorder Companies- GH Research, Praxis Precision Medicines, AbbVie, Gedeon Richter, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Relmada Therapeutics, SAGE Therapeutics, Janssen Research & Development, Minerva Neurosciences, Takeda, Neurocrine Biosciences, Pherin Pharmaceuticals and others. Major Depressive Disorder Pipeline Therapies- NMRA-335140 Aticaprant, NBI-1065845, CYB003, Azetukalner, GW679769, BHV-7000 and others. Major Depressive Disorder Therapeutic Assessment by Product Type: Mono, Combination, Mono/Combination Major Depressive Disorder Therapeutic Assessment by Clinical Stages: Discovery, Pre-clinical, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III Get the latest on Major Depressive Disorder Medication and clinical trials. Download DelveInsight's in-depth pipeline report today! @ Major Depressive Disorder Companies, Key Products and Unmet Needs Table of Content Introduction Executive Summary Major Depressive Disorder: Overview Pipeline Therapeutics Therapeutic Assessment Major Depressive Disorder – DelveInsight's Analytical Perspective Late Stage Products (Preregistration) SAGE-217: Sage Therapeutics Drug profiles in the detailed report….. Mid Stage Products (Phase II) SP-624: Sirtsei Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Drug profiles in the detailed report….. Early Stage Products (Phase I/II) SPL026: Small Pharma Drug profiles in the detailed report….. Preclinical Stage Products Drug Name: Company name Drug profiles in the detailed report….. Inactive Products Major Depressive Disorder Key Companies Major Depressive Disorder Key Products Major Depressive Disorder- Unmet Needs Major Depressive Disorder- Market Drivers and Barriers Major Depressive Disorder- Future Perspectives and Conclusion Major Depressive Disorder Analyst Views Major Depressive Disorder Key Companies Appendix About Us DelveInsight is a leading healthcare-focused market research and consulting firm that provides clients with high-quality market intelligence and analysis to support informed business decisions. With a team of experienced industry experts and a deep understanding of the life sciences and healthcare sectors, we offer customized research solutions and insights to clients across the globe. Connect with us to get high-quality, accurate, and real-time intelligence to stay ahead of the growth curve. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Business Research LLP Contact Person: Yash Bhardwaj Email: Send Email Phone: 09650213330 Address: 304 S. 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News18
28-05-2025
- Health
- News18
The Prozac Paradox: 50 Years On, Why Is Mental Illness Skyrocketing?
Last Updated: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 8 people globally—i.e., 970 million or 12.5 per cent of the world's population—live with a mental disorder today I write this piece on the eve of 75 years since the birth of modern psychopharmacology and 50 years since the discovery of Prozac, once touted as a miracle drug to treat depression. Before the advent of DSM-III and the arrival of Prozac, cases of mental disorders were limited. However, with the introduction of more and more drugs, the incidence and severity of mental disorders have skyrocketed. An Alarming Increase The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 8 people globally—i.e., 970 million or 12.5 per cent of the world's population—live with a mental disorder today. In the US and UK, the percentages are 23.1 and 25 respectively, while the proportion of Indians suffering from mental illness at any given time is 16 per cent. Humongous Consequences The consequences of the rapid growth in mental illness are immense. According to the WHO, the burden of mental health problems in India is 2,443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. It also estimates the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100,000 population as 21.1. The Most Common Disorders Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) are the most common mental health conditions. As per WHO estimates, 280 million people globally suffer from depression, 304 million from anxiety disorders, 40 million from bipolar disorder, and 24 million from schizophrenia. A Soaring Burden The Lancet, between 1990 and 2019, global DALYs due to mental disorders significantly increased from 80.8 million to 125.3 million. A few pressing questions arise at this juncture: I will attempt to answer these questions a little later. Suffice it to say, for now, that after the discovery in 1975 of fluoxetine—the first SSRI, marketed under the tradename Prozac—and its projection as a 'miracle drug," the following consequences ensued: Prozac was sold as a 'magic pill" to treat depression and other mental ailments including anxiety disorders. But was it? The editorial of the May 2025 edition of the prominent medical journal The Lancet sums it up succinctly: 'But 50 years on from landmark developments in drug treatment (with the arrival of Prozac) that were the cause of so much hope, we remain a long way from providing the level of care that so many people need, and this need continues to demand the attention of the scientific and medical communities." Psychiatric Bible Or Unreliable Dictionary I begin with a brief account of the DSM—the so-called psychiatric bible—and its controversial role in the proliferation of mental illnesses. The DSM first appeared in 1952 as a crisp 32-page document when the Committee on Nomenclature and Statistics of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) published the first edition, DSM-I. From those original 32 pages, the manual expanded to 494 pages in DSM-III, culminating in 1120 pages in the latest version, DSM-5-TR (Text Revision). DSM-I bore a distinct Freudian imprint. It also drew from the seminal work of eminent European classifiers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries—German Emil Kraepelin and Swiss Eugen Bleuler. Everything changed in 1980 with the publication of DSM-III. DSM-III marked a significant shift: the classification of mental disorders moved from 'aetiologically defined illnesses" to symptom-based 'categorical diseases." This was ostensibly done to create a more standardised and reliable framework for diagnosis. Ironically, DSM-III ushered in an era of medicalisation and chemicalisation of mental illness. It contributed to an exponential rise in diagnosed mental illnesses, broadened the scope of psychiatric intervention, and fuelled a dramatic surge in the sales of psychotropic drugs. The result? From fewer than 100 classifications of mental illness in DSM-I, the number swelled to more than 220 in DSM-5-TR—pathologising a wide range of human emotions and behaviours. The latest addition to this list is 'prolonged grief disorder." Moreover, despite eight iterations of the DSM over seven decades, its diagnostic system—based solely on consensus among contributors—continues to suffer from a lack of both reliability and scientific validity. DSM diagnoses are based on agreement over clusters of clinical symptoms, not on objective laboratory measures. Hands Off Unsurprisingly, in 2013, Dr Thomas R. Insel, then Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), announced that the agency would no longer fund research based on DSM criteria. Insel cautioned that the DSM's supposed precision and reliability had been overstated for decades: 'While DSM has been described as a 'Bible' for the field, it is, at best, a dictionary, creating a set of labels and defining each." And, he added, it is not even a particularly good dictionary. Complicity, Collusion, Or Blind Following? Symptom-based diagnoses, coupled with the exponential increase in conditions attributed to brain chemistry, had a profound impact—resulting in a proliferation of drugs purported to treat or cure such disorders. While these medicines brought relief to some, for many they caused unmitigated side effects without meaningful improvement. Nonetheless, the psychiatric community—emboldened by pharmaceutical claims of 'miracle" cures and slavishly adhering to DSM classifications—accelerated the push for ever more medication. Often, this occurred in tandem with pharmaceutical companies, for whom SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, and mood stabilisers became blockbuster profit-making drugs. Pressure from pharmaceutical companies contributed to a massive rise in psychiatric prescribing and an increase in labelling patients to justify that prescribing. Critics of DSM-5 pointed out that: 'Seventy per cent of people serving on its committees to define specific diagnoses had financial ties to pharmaceutical companies—up from 57 per cent for DSM-IV." Multibillion-Dollar Industry It is difficult to accurately assess the annual sales and growth rate of the entire psychotropic drug market. Nonetheless, various estimates place the current market size at around USD 40 billion, expected to grow to USD 75 billion within the next decade. It is now time to examine the birth and rapid expansion of psychopharmacology—particularly over the past five decades since the discovery of Prozac. The Birth We now live in the age of psychopharmacology. Such is the discipline's dependence on psychotropic drugs that, were they to be removed, psychiatry as we know it would collapse. The key question is: when, where, and for which condition was modern psychopharmacology born? The best estimate is 1949, with the serendipitous discovery by John Cade of the effectiveness of lithium salts in treating mania in bipolar disorder. Shortly afterwards came the synthesis of chlorpromazine in 1950 to treat schizophrenia—both marking foundational milestones. But for me, psychopharmacology was truly born in 1949, when John Cade successfully treated ten patients with 'psychotic excitement" using lithium salts. Those 75 Years In the 75 years since, psychotropic drugs—particularly the SSRI class of antidepressants—have become blockbuster medications. Prescription rates have grown exponentially, gradually sidelining psychotherapy. How did this happen? It's The Chemistry, Stupid The aetiology of mental disorders is complex. Understanding it requires an integrated approach accounting for the interplay of multiple factors—genetic, neurochemical, environmental, social, and cultural. However, this nuanced understanding was reduced to an oversimplified explanation following the arrival of DSM-III and the aggressive marketing of Prozac and Zoloft. Pharmaceutical companies popularised the so-called 'chemical imbalance theory," which proposed that mental disorders in general—and depression in particular—stem from imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Yet this theory is far too simplistic. If it were entirely true, we would see far fewer cases of mental disorders today—especially depression and generalised anxiety disorder, which should have been virtually eradicated. That has not happened. On the contrary, we appear to have entered an era defined by what some critics call a 'strategy of marketing diseases as an effective way of marketing drugs." The Early Psychotropic Drugs First came lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder, soon followed by antipsychotics for schizophrenia. In the 1960s, Iproniazid and Imipramine were introduced to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), based on the 'monoamine hypothesis of depression." At that time, the prevalence of mental disorders was relatively low, and so were the annual sales of psychotropic drugs. The Arrival Of SSRIs The seeds of SSRIs were sown in the late 1960s, when post-mortem studies showed decreased levels of serotonin in depressed individuals who had died by suicide. This discovery led the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly to search for compounds that would selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake at transporter sites—thereby increasing serotonin concentrations in the synaptic cleft and stimulating postsynaptic receptors. This formed the basis of what became known as the 'serotonin theory of depression." Prozac Unleashed The journey of Prozac began on 8 May 1972, when Eli Lilly researcher Jong-Sin Horng discovered that the compound 'Lilly 110140" altered serotonin concentrations in the brain. Its efficacy as an antidepressant—with significantly fewer side effects compared to existing drugs—was demonstrated in 1975 by Wong and colleagues. This compound, fluoxetine, turned out to be a potent and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This led to the birth of the first SSRI—fluoxetine—which was later given the trade name Prozac and approved as an antidepressant by the US FDA in 1987. Soon after Prozac's introduction, several other SSRIs were approved, including sertraline (Zoloft®), citalopram (Celexa®), paroxetine (Paxil®), and escitalopram (Lexapro®). The Miracle Pill Prozac was marketed with much fanfare as a miracle pill for depression—promising greater efficacy and substantially fewer side effects than the antidepressants available at the time. Books such as Prozac Nation and Listening to Prozac, along with pop culture, 'Prozac" musicals and repeated references in Hollywood films, helped propel Prozac to unparalleled commercial success. It became the most widely known—and most sold—psychotropic drug in history. The Prozac Moment Today, the name 'Prozac" serves as a shorthand for all antidepressants. The Oxford English Dictionary defines Prozac as: 'Prozac or fluoxetine hydrochloride, an antidepressant drug belonging to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) agents, used in the treatment of depression, obsessive–compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder." The phrase 'Prozac moment" has come to mean a fleeting feeling of happiness—or forgetfulness. People also speak of a Prozac shot, a Prozac smile, or feeling 'better than well." How, then, was humanity sold the miracle of Prozac? It's an interesting tale. A Lot In The Name David Healy, the well-known Professor of Psychiatry and expert on psychopharmacology, famously said: 'What made Prozac good was not that it was potent—which it really was not—but that it had really good marketing." SSRIs are now often referred to as all-purpose 'happy pills", prescribed not just for depression but also for anxiety, obsessive behaviours, substance abuse, chronic pain, shyness, and even to help people feel 'better than well". How did fluoxetine hydrochloride become the miracle 'happy pill" Prozac? The answer lies in branding and marketing. Eli Lilly brought in Interbrand, a reputed branding agency, to commercially repackage the drug and distance it from everything associated with earlier antidepressants—'strong chemicals, side effects, withdrawal symptoms". Interbrand coined the name 'Prozac": 'Pro" connoted positivity 'Z" suggested strength 'Ac" implied action The result was a name—and a narrative—that transformed a modestly effective drug into a global phenomenon. Pill-Popping Children On 3 June 2003, the US FDA approved Prozac for the treatment of children aged 7 to 17. Notably, even before this official approval, between 1987 and 2002, millions of prescriptions for Prozac and its counterparts had already been written to treat emotionally disturbed children. Cult Following The introduction of Prozac—and the subsequent arrival of other SSRIs—led to an astronomical rise in the sale of psychotropic drugs, making them blockbuster medicines. Millions across the world embraced Prozac on a scale previously unseen in the history of psychopharmacology. It would not be an overstatement to say that only two drugs have achieved such a cult following: Prozac, developed by Eli Lilly in 1975, and Viagra, introduced by Pfizer in 1987. Lilly Blooms – The Age of Depression For the pharmaceutical industry, the 1990s became the 'Age of Depression", with annual sales of Prozac and other SSRIs surging dramatically. I'll return to that shortly. First, the Prozac story. In 1988, its first year on the market, Prozac generated USD 350 million in sales—eclipsing all other antidepressants. By 1990, it had become a blockbuster drug, crossing the one-billion-dollar mark in annual revenue. At its peak in 1998, annual sales of Prozac reached USD 2.8 billion. In 2000, just before its patent expired, Eli Lilly reported worldwide sales of Prozac at USD 2.6 billion—25 per cent of its total revenue—making it the fourth best-selling brand-name drug that year. Others Join The Party Between 1991 and 2001, global antidepressant sales increased tenfold, reaching USD 11 billion and becoming the chief profit driver for the pharmaceutical industry over the decade. In 2001, out of the USD 11 billion antidepressant market, the market share was distributed as follows: Sertraline (Zoloft): 18 per cent Paroxetine (Paxil): 16 per cent Fluoxetine (Prozac): 14 per cent Citalopram (Celexa): 13 per cent Bupropion (Wellbutrin): 9 per cent The combined market share of other antidepressants stood at 14.7 per cent, while tricyclic antidepressants had plummeted to just 2 per cent. In the last two decades, the antidepressant market has continued to soar—reaching USD 20.1 billion in 2024, with projections of USD 27 billion by 2033. Do Psychotropic Medicines Work? It has been seventy-five years since the birth of modern psychopharmacology and fifty years since the arrival of the so-called wonder drug, Prozac. During this time, the number of psychotropic medications—and their sales—have exploded. But despite the claims of 'mind-fixers," the actual efficacy of these drugs in treating mental illnesses has not significantly improved. What holds true for many of these drugs is even more true for Prozac, the so-called miracle pill. Short Haul, Long Haul Modern antidepressants were originally approved for short-term use—typically six to nine months—just enough to help patients through a crisis. But soon after approval, psychiatrists began prescribing them for long-term maintenance therapy. And here lies a fundamental problem with psychotropic drugs. Once a drug is discovered or approved, doctors across the world are free to prescribe it as they see fit. Unsurprisingly, despite the lack of robust long-term efficacy data, psychiatrists in India and globally have placed tens of millions of people on antidepressants indefinitely. For example, in the late 1980s in the US, only 1 in 50 people received a prescription for an antidepressant in any given year—and even then, for just a few months. Today, that figure is closer to 1 in 7, possibly even 1 in 5, with an increasing number of patients remaining on medication for decades—often without any clear or sustained benefit. I Rest My Case My argument is not that psychotropic drugs—antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, and others—do not work. It is accepted that psychiatrists have little understanding of the aetiology of mental disorders, and they do not fully know how psychotropic drugs work, or why they sometimes fail. Yet, these medicines do help in a significant number of cases. They may not cure, but they help manage symptoms and offer relief. That said, the consensus remains that in 30 to 50 per cent of depression cases, antidepressants do not work. In such instances, psychiatrists often label patients as 'drug-resistant." The efficacy of psychotropic drugs in treating more serious conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is equally disappointing, if not worse. Medicine, Not Miracle Prozac, along with other SSRIs and SNRIs that followed in its wake, was introduced to the world as a 'miracle drug"—a narrative fuelled by an unprecedented marketing blitz from pharmaceutical companies, books such as Prozac Nation and Listening to Prozac, and even musicals and Hollywood films. Decades have passed, and the reality is far more sobering. SSRIs, like their predecessors, are simply medicines. They work for some, and not for others. Some studies have shown that SSRIs may be less effective than earlier antidepressants. Other long-term studies suggest that SSRIs are no more effective than placebos. Moreover, the milder the depression, the weaker the evidence that Prozac and its kin perform any better than a placebo. Suffice it to say, Prozac not only sparked the fire but poured tonnes of fuel onto the cultural bonfire of 'better living through chemistry"—a promise that ultimately could not be fulfilled. Moreover, SSRIs are not free from side effects—as pharmaceutical advertisements, costing hundreds of millions of dollars, misled the public into believing. Like all drugs, SSRIs come with their own risks: mental fog, suicidal ideation, loss of libido, and other sexual dysfunctions. They also cause withdrawal symptoms for many. And the long-term side effects of SSRIs remain poorly understood. To sum up: antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs can work—and do work—for some people, but not for others. They are life-saving for a few, but can be life-threatening for others. Additionally, what holds true for patients in the US does not necessarily hold true in India. top videos View all It is time to accept that these are not panaceas. The search for a true cure for mental illness must continue. India must invest in Bharat-centric research into the aetiology and understanding of mental disorders, as well as their treatment. The era of symptom-based treatment is over. Period. The author is a past member of GoI's National, Mental Health Policy Group and Central Mental Health Authority and is an India-based international impact consultant, and keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as president advisory services of consulting company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : Antidepressants Depression mental disorder Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 28, 2025, 14:51 IST News opinion Akhil Vaani | The Prozac Paradox: 50 Years On, Why Is Mental Illness Skyrocketing?
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Primary Care Providers Play Crucial Role in Combating Youth Mental Health Crisis
New study examines trends in treatment and diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder in more than one million youth MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Primary care physicians are often the first providers to diagnose Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in young people, according to a new study from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's Health of America initiative. The study analyzed data from more than one million Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) commercially insured youth ages 6 to 17 across the country who have been diagnosed with MDD. Results showed that 41 percent of diagnoses originate in primary care settings. In Washington specifically, the study found that 50 percent of youth diagnosed with MDD were first diagnosed by a primary care provider. MDD, also known as clinical depression, is a mental health condition characterized by persistently low mood and loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, this condition is more common in adolescents than adults. The Department of Health and Human Services also reports almost half of youth experience a mental health condition at some point in their life. The study from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association also found: The prevalence of MDD in teens ages 15 to 17 doubled from 2019 to 2022. Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander youth, as well as youth facing barriers to care, are underdiagnosed until symptoms escalate to a crisis event, like an ER visit or mental health-related hospitalization. "Removing barriers to care is critical to addressing the youth mental health crisis," said Dr. Romilla Batra, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Premera Blue Cross. "At Premera, we're focusing on solutions that meet youth where they are. For many young people, their first touchpoint for care is their primary care physician. Expanding primary care access, integrating mental health services, and supporting local partnerships are all essential to helping Washington's youth thrive." Premera Blue Cross is broadening access to both primary care and mental health care through several initiatives, including: Partnering with Kinwell clinics: Kinwell Medical Group operates 17 clinics across the state, plus a statewide virtual care clinic, for Premera Blue Cross members. Kinwell's integrated approach to care means patients can address mental health concerns with their primary care provider, lowering barriers to diagnosis and care. These clinicians can help children, teens, and adults, and are supported by Kinwell's behavioral health specialists. Integrating care into the community: Through Premera's investment in the AIMS Center at the University of Washington School of Medicine, three clinics serving a higher population of Black and African American patients received funds to implement the Collaborative Care model. This care model, developed by UW, helps patients receive care for their mental health in the same setting they are treated for their physical health. Clinics included HopeCentral pediatrics clinic in south Seattle, and Northwest Medical Specialties in Tacoma and Federal Way. Connecting members through Matchmaker™ for Behavioral Health: Premera members who use this program receive a curated list from the Matchmaker team of in-network behavioral and mental health clinicians. The list is tailored to the member's specific needs and only includes providers who are accepting new patients. The Matchmaker team can source providers for adults and youth anywhere in the country. Lists are provided to members at no cost if they have access to the program through their plan. Providing personalized, one-on-one member support: The Personal Health Support program at Premera offers members access to a team of personal health support clinicians (PHSCs), which includes licensed mental health professionals. These clinicians leverage Premera's market-leading, integrated case management model to meet members where they are. This work includes: PHSCs also track progress to ensure a member's mental health is improving. This year, Premera saw a 31 percent decrease in depression symptoms and 25 percent decrease in anxiety symptoms for Personal Health Support participants via member self-reporting through nationally recognized screening tools. The findings in this report underscore the need for action to improve youth mental health in America. Together with providers, other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and community partners, Premera is committed to a multi-faceted approach to provide America's youth with the tools they need to navigate the challenges they face in school, at home and in their everyday lives. For more information about Premera's approach to mental health care, visit About Premera Blue CrossPremera Blue Cross, a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association based in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., is a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services to more than 2.7 million people, from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. About the Blue Cross Blue Shield AssociationThe Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health IndexSM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Premera Blue Cross
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Primary Care Providers Play Crucial Role in Combating Youth Mental Health Crisis
New study examines trends in treatment and diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder in more than one million youth MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Primary care physicians are often the first providers to diagnose Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in young people, according to a new study from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's Health of America initiative. The study analyzed data from more than one million Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) commercially insured youth ages 6 to 17 across the country who have been diagnosed with MDD. Results showed that 41 percent of diagnoses originate in primary care settings. In Washington specifically, the study found that 50 percent of youth diagnosed with MDD were first diagnosed by a primary care provider. MDD, also known as clinical depression, is a mental health condition characterized by persistently low mood and loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, this condition is more common in adolescents than adults. The Department of Health and Human Services also reports almost half of youth experience a mental health condition at some point in their life. The study from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association also found: The prevalence of MDD in teens ages 15 to 17 doubled from 2019 to 2022. Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander youth, as well as youth facing barriers to care, are underdiagnosed until symptoms escalate to a crisis event, like an ER visit or mental health-related hospitalization. "Removing barriers to care is critical to addressing the youth mental health crisis," said Dr. Romilla Batra, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Premera Blue Cross. "At Premera, we're focusing on solutions that meet youth where they are. For many young people, their first touchpoint for care is their primary care physician. Expanding primary care access, integrating mental health services, and supporting local partnerships are all essential to helping Washington's youth thrive." Premera Blue Cross is broadening access to both primary care and mental health care through several initiatives, including: Partnering with Kinwell clinics: Kinwell Medical Group operates 17 clinics across the state, plus a statewide virtual care clinic, for Premera Blue Cross members. Kinwell's integrated approach to care means patients can address mental health concerns with their primary care provider, lowering barriers to diagnosis and care. These clinicians can help children, teens, and adults, and are supported by Kinwell's behavioral health specialists. Integrating care into the community: Through Premera's investment in the AIMS Center at the University of Washington School of Medicine, three clinics serving a higher population of Black and African American patients received funds to implement the Collaborative Care model. This care model, developed by UW, helps patients receive care for their mental health in the same setting they are treated for their physical health. Clinics included HopeCentral pediatrics clinic in south Seattle, and Northwest Medical Specialties in Tacoma and Federal Way. Connecting members through Matchmaker™ for Behavioral Health: Premera members who use this program receive a curated list from the Matchmaker team of in-network behavioral and mental health clinicians. The list is tailored to the member's specific needs and only includes providers who are accepting new patients. The Matchmaker team can source providers for adults and youth anywhere in the country. Lists are provided to members at no cost if they have access to the program through their plan. Providing personalized, one-on-one member support: The Personal Health Support program at Premera offers members access to a team of personal health support clinicians (PHSCs), which includes licensed mental health professionals. These clinicians leverage Premera's market-leading, integrated case management model to meet members where they are. This work includes: PHSCs also track progress to ensure a member's mental health is improving. This year, Premera saw a 31 percent decrease in depression symptoms and 25 percent decrease in anxiety symptoms for Personal Health Support participants via member self-reporting through nationally recognized screening tools. The findings in this report underscore the need for action to improve youth mental health in America. Together with providers, other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and community partners, Premera is committed to a multi-faceted approach to provide America's youth with the tools they need to navigate the challenges they face in school, at home and in their everyday lives. For more information about Premera's approach to mental health care, visit About Premera Blue CrossPremera Blue Cross, a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association based in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., is a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services to more than 2.7 million people, from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. About the Blue Cross Blue Shield AssociationThe Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health IndexSM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Premera Blue Cross Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO) Partners With Cybin For Phase 3 Depression Treatment
Thermo Fisher Scientific recently partnered with Cybin Inc. to support the Phase 3 clinical supply and potential commercial manufacturing of CYB003, a promising treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. Despite this partnership news, the company's stock price was flat last week, in contrast to a positive broader market trend marked by a 5.1% rise. Factors such as the overall market sentiment driven by strong economic data and earnings reports likely influenced stock movements more significantly, while Thermo Fisher's recent developments added a counterbalancing weight to the modest movement. Be aware that Thermo Fisher Scientific is showing 2 possible red flags in our investment analysis. Diversify your portfolio with solid dividend payers offering reliable income streams to weather potential market turbulence. The partnership between Thermo Fisher Scientific and Cybin Inc. is a significant development with potential implications for the company's future revenue and earnings forecasts. By supporting the Phase 3 clinical supply of CYB003, Thermo Fisher is positioning itself in a promising treatment area for Major Depressive Disorder. This partnership could potentially enhance future revenue streams if CYB003 gains commercial traction. However, the immediate flat response in Thermo Fisher's share price suggests that broader market influences and other news might have played a more significant role in recent stock movements. Over the past five years, Thermo Fisher's total return, including both share price appreciation and dividends, amounted to 20.47%. This is an indicator of the company's ability to deliver shareholder value over a more extended period, despite short-term fluctuations. In comparison, on a one-year basis, the company's shares matched the US Life Sciences industry's return of 31.9% decline, reflecting broader sector challenges. With the company's current share price at US$407.02 and analysts' consensus price target sitting at US$570.17, there is an anticipated upside potential of 28.6%. This highlights market expectations for Thermo Fisher's growth prospects as they integrate new acquisitions and pursue innovation within the life sciences sphere. As analysts project revenue to grow at 5.3% annually over the next three years, supported by innovations like the Vulcan Automated Lab, partnerships like that with Cybin Inc. poise Thermo Fisher to capitalize on emerging opportunities, potentially adjusting forward-looking revenue and earnings estimates upward. The analysis detailed in our Thermo Fisher Scientific valuation report hints at an deflated share price compared to its estimated value. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:TMO. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
