Infectious Disease Advisor (12/14, Barowski, RN) reports, “Although HIV infection is associated with increased risk for mental” illnesses, “antiretroviral therapy mitigates this risk,” according to a study. The findings were published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.

Related Links:

— “Antiretroviral Therapy Reduces Risk for Mental Health Disorders in HIV,” Janelle Barowski, Infectious Disease Advisor, December 14, 2023

Psychiatric News (12/14) reports, “Women who experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors may experience worsening symptoms in the days before and during menses, though the symptom changes vary significantly among individuals, according to a study.” The study found “suicidal planning was more likely to occur during the perimenstrual period compared with other phases of the menstrual cycle.” The findings were published in The American Journal of Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Suicidal Symptoms May Worsen for Some Women Before, During Menses,” APA Psychiatric News Alert, December 14, 2023

CNN (12/14, Howard) reports, “The first oral pill approved in the United States to treat postpartum depression is now available by prescription, according to the drugmakers.” The therapy, called Zurzuvae (zuranolone), which was approved by the FDA in August and “is now at specialty pharmacies, can also be shipped directly to patients, Biogen and Sage Therapeutics Inc. said in an announcement Thursday.” Notably, “the medication will cost $15,900 per course before insurance, raising some concerns about how many people will be able to access it.”

Related Links:

— “First postpartum depression pill now available in the US, drugmakers say,” Jacqueline Howard, CNN, December 14, 2023

Healio (12/13, Schaffer) reports, “CDC data show a spike in infective endocarditis deaths among young adults despite an overall decline in such deaths from 1999 to 2020, with researchers citing the role of comorbid opioid use disorder.” The findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

HealthDay (12/13, Mundell) also reports on the research.

Related Links:

— “,” Regina Schaffer, Healio, December 13, 2023

Psychiatric News (12/13) reports, “Children diagnosed with major depressive disorder between the ages of 3 and 6 – known as preschool-onset MDD – are more likely than their peers to express suicidal thoughts and behaviors before the age of 13, a” study found. The research “found that 67.9% of 8-to 12-year-old children who had preschool-onset MDD expressed suicidal thoughts and behaviors by preadolescence, including 26.3% over the prior month.” The findings were published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Related Links:

— “Study Highlights Need to Screen Young Children With Depression for Suicidal Behaviors,” APA Psychiatric News Alert, December 13, 2023