Section - Quick Takes

02. Novel and Emerging Treatments for Major Depression

Published on April 1, 2023 Certification expiration date: April 1, 2026

James Phelps, M.D.

Research Editor - Psychopharmacology Institute

Key Points

Major advances are taking place regarding 5 different new treatments for depression.
These include NMDA modulators, psychedelics, brain stimulation, GABA modulators, and anti-inflammatories.

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What’s new for the treatment of depression? So much it’s hard to keep track of them all.

Hi! Jim Phelps here for the Psychopharmacology Institute. In reviewing novel and emerging treatments for depression, Dr. Steven Marwaha and colleagues examined 13 new approaches. We’ll start by lumping them into 5 categories and then dig out a few interesting details for each of those 5 groups.

First, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). The main NMDA modulators are ketamine and dextromethorphan. Well, there’s memantine, which has been studied in geriatric depression, but the results are not very impressive. The second group, the psychedelics. There’s psilocybin and ayahuasca, the active ingredient of which is dimethyltryptamine. In the third group, brain stimulation. There is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Fourth, the GABA-A modulators—brexanolone and its anticipated but not-yet-released oral cousin, zuranolone. And in the fifth group are the

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03. Effects of a Smartphone-Based Self-Management Intervention for Individuals With Bipolar Disorder on Relapse, Symptom Burden, and Quality of Life

Learning Objectives:

Evaluate 2 studies, which suggest that clozapine can decrease the use of cannabis among patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Examine research literature on 5 novel approaches to treatment-resistant depression.
Evaluate a landmark randomized trial of a smartphone app for relapse prevention in patients with bipolar I disorder.
Examine variables that might influence success when patients attempt to stop smoking using e-cigarettes.
Determine whether pharmacogenomic testing affects antidepressant medication selection and whether such testing leads to better clinical outcomes.

Original Release Date: April 1, 2023

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: April 1, 2026

Expert: James Phelps, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

James R Phelps declares the following interests:

- McGraw-Hill: Royalties

- W.W. Norton & Co.: Royalties

All of the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
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Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.