Depression may be improved by magnesium supplements

Posted on June 30, 2017July 12, 2017 by Dr. Howard Chusid

Takeaway

After 6 wk, magnesium supplementation was associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, but the study did not include a placebo control.

Why this matters

Magnesium supplementation is safe and inexpensive.

Study design

108 adults with depression were randomly assigned to 6 wk of treatment (248 mg of elemental magnesium per day) or to delayed treatment.
Funding: University of Vermont.

Depression may be improved by magnesium supplements
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Post-traumatic stress symptoms 5 years after military deployment to Afghanistan

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Dr. Howard Chusid

Summary Background: Deployment can put soldiers at risk of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms. Despite several longitudinal studies, little is known about the timing of an increase in post-traumatic stress symptoms relative to predeployment. Longitudinal studies starting pre-deployment, in which participants are repeatedly measured over time, are warranted to assess the timing of an increase in Read more about Post-traumatic stress symptoms 5 years after military deployment to Afghanistan[…]

Addiction: Pain self-medication “the norm” in substance-using primary care patients

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Dr. Howard Chusid

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is common among patients with drug use disorders. The prevalence of chronic pain and its consequences in primary care patients who use drugs is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine: 1) the prevalence of chronic pain and pain-related dysfunction among primary care patients who screen positive for drug use, and 2) the prevalence Read more about Addiction: Pain self-medication “the norm” in substance-using primary care patients[…]