During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been widely recognized that older people and those with pre-existing conditions are at heightened risk for severe illness and death compared to their younger, healthier counterparts. However, when considering pre-existing conditions, much of the focus is on diseases associated with being overweight, such as … [Read more...]
Do Antipsychotics Increase the Risk of Dying from COVID-19?
New Data on Whether Bronchodilators Can Help Tobacco-Exposed Patients
Bronchodilators have long been used in people with respiratory problems that require dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles to reduce respiratory airway resistance and increase the air flowing to the lungs. These bronchodilators can be short-acting, providing quick “rescue” relief or long-acting, helping to prevent symptoms and control the … [Read more...]
New Information on the Link Between Maternal Antidepressant Use and Birth Defects
The relationship between maternal antidepressant use and fetal health has long been of concern to both the women’s health and pediatrics communities. Research into how antidepressants affect a growing fetus has led to some actionable information on which antidepressants are safest and if and how certain women can stay on antidepressants while … [Read more...]
Can Antidepressants Prevent Severe COVID-19?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, physicians and researchers have investigated the factors that predict how well people manage COVID-19 once infected and have looked to the potential effects of existing drugs on COVID-19 severity. A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry highlights the possibility that psychiatric medication may be beneficial … [Read more...]
Does Fetal Cannabis Exposure Affect Metabolism?
Cannabis is becoming more popular as laws around its use are relaxed and more and more cannabis-based products hit the market. Given the increased use and growing perception that cannabis use is safe, it is critical that we accelerate research into understanding the specific effects of cannabis use and the contexts in which it may be helpful or … [Read more...]