New Research Shows How the Body Truly Keeps the Score: Cells Outside the Brain Keep Memories
The concept of memory has traditionally been associated primarily with the brain and nervous system, though we know based on holistic health practices that “the issues are [stored] in the tissues” and the body keeps the score. Recent research published in Nature Communications challenges the former traditional notion and corroborates the latter holistic views, demonstrating that non-neural cells can also exhibit memory-like behaviors.
Why Emotional Regulation is the Most Important Skill to Teach Anyone Who is Suffering from Mental Health Challenges (Guest Post)
Neuropain Health Coach and Strategy Director Julia Mirer, MD reviews why emotional regulation is the single most important tool to learn as adults (or to teach children) in order to address/prevent mental health challenges and improve one's quality of life.
Podcast: Comprehensive Pain Management and Alternative Therapies with Katie Walker and Adam Marr
Recently, I joined Adam Marr and Katie Walker on the Revitalist Clinic Podcast to discuss some of the most exciting developments in pain management. Our conversation explored the roles of ketamine and alternative, holistic therapies in transforming the landscape of treatment for chronic pain and PTSD.
Chronic Pain is More Common Than Diabetes or Depression: A Call for a Bio-Psycho-Social Approach
1 in 5 Americans experience chronic pain, which now exceeds the prevalence of diabetes and depression. Dr Weiner explores how a bio-psycho-social approach offers a more effective strategy for managing this pervasive issue.
Ketamine for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Management - a Systematic Review
Fibromyalgia affects millions worldwide, causing widespread body pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive issues, and mood changes. Despite its prevalence, treatment options remain limited.
Recent research finds promising results in using ketamine for short-term fibromyalgia relief, and case studies show potential for long-term relief for some patients with chronic pain, too.
Glutamate’s Role in Depression
Given the recent debunking of the serotonin theory of depression, Dr. Weiner explores glutamate’s role in depression and neuroplasticity, exploring how glutamate's complex signaling mechanisms contribute to mood regulation and mental health, offering new perspectives for effective treatments.
Matthew Perry’s Ketamine Case: What Went Wrong
The tragic passing of Matthew Perry highlights critical missteps in the administration of ketamine, underscoring the necessity for stringent ethical standards and proper patient care in medical practice. This analysis breaks down the key areas where Perry's treatment deviated from acceptable medical practices.
Research Review: Cannabidiol's Potential in Reversing Fentanyl Addiction and Reducing Neuroinflammation
Dr. Weiner reviews a recently published study on the potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in treating fentanyl addiction. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties could revolutionize addiction therapy by providing a safe and effective treatment alternative that mitigates neuroinflammatory responses, offering hope in the battle against the opioid crisis.
Research Review: Ketamine vs ECT for Treatment-Resistant Depression: New Insights from the ELEKT-D Trial
Dr. Weiner explores a recently published secondary analysis of a trial that compared ketamine to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant depression, finding that ECT and ketam!ne both effective long-term, with moderate to severe depression patients having faster improvement with ketamine, and very severe depression responding faster to ECT.
The Surge of Microdosing: Rising Search Term Popularity and Legislative Impacts
The practice of microdosing psychedelics has seen a staggering increase in popularity. A comprehensive study (published June 28, 2024) reveals a 1250% surge in public interest over the past eight years, coinciding with significant legislative changes across the United States.
Research Review: The Impact of Physician Empathy on Chronic Pain Management
A recent study underscores the crucial role of physician empathy in improving outcomes for patients with chronic low back pain, highlighting its significance over traditional treatments (including opioids!) and even surgical interventions.
Research Review: Is Off-Label Repeat Prescription of Ketamine as a Rapid Antidepressant Safe?
Dr. Weiner reviews a recently published deep dive into ketamine's use as a rapid antidepressant, exploring its potential and pitfalls and highlighting therapeutic effects, ethical concerns, and safety issues in treatment-resistant depression.
Research Review: Exploring Ketamine Can Produce Oscillatory Dynamics in Brainwaves (Gamma & Delta)
New (May 2024) research unveils the mechanisms behind ketamine's ability to induce altered brain oscillations, offering profound insights into its therapeutic potential and the nature of consciousness itself.
Research Review: Exploring Effects & Experiences of Ketamine in Group Couples Therapy
A recent study explores the effect of a “relational dose” of ketamine combined with Imago relationship therapy for couples; quantitative data showed significant improvements in relationship satisfaction scores post-treatment, with benefits persisting for up to 15 months.
Research Review: Chronic Pain as an Emergent Property of a Complex System & the Potential Roles of Psychedelic Therapies
A recent study offers a fresh perspective on pain by applying the lens of complexity science to chronic pain. We review the study's key points and discuss how psychedelic therapies may offer promising solutions.
Research Review: Therapeutic Alliance Significantly Improves Outcomes of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
A recent study examined the role of the therapeutic alliance between patients and intervention facilitators in PAT for MDD. The study found that a stronger therapeutic alliance was associated with more positive outcomes for patients.
Research Review: Ketamine Metabolite Reduces Anxiety-Like Behaviors Associated with Morphine Withdrawal
A recent study found that ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine effectively reduces anxiety-like behaviors associated with morphine withdrawal in mice by modulating neuronal excitability and potassium channel activity in the brain.
Research Review: 1 Single Low Dose of Esketamine after Childbirth Shows Promise for PPD
A single low dose of esketamine administered right after childbirth shows promise for postpartum depression, showing it could be a viable treatment option for new mothers showing signs of prenatal depression.
Research Review: Ketamine VS Morphine for Acute Pain Relief in the ER
Ketamine shows better faster relief with fewer adverse events.
IV Ketamine Shows Potential Promise for Refractory Headache in Children
The retrospective study analyzed 68 treatment sessions involving 41 patients aged 5-21 years, predominantly girls with chronic migraine without aura. Patients were administered a median dose of 0.25 mg/kg/hr of IV ketamine over a median duration of 3 days.