The Washington Post (12/6, Sima) reports that postpartum depression “has commonly been linked to the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy,” but now “scientists say that the immune system may play a much larger role than previously known.” The Post notes that findings from emerging research “could one day identify mothers most at risk, so that support and treatment could begin before symptoms occur.”

Related Links:

— “The Washington Post (requires login and subscription)

CNN (12/6, Holcombe) reports, “Clinicians, researchers and activists have stressed the need for better treatment and services of people with eating disorders who don’t fit the stereotypical patient profile – and recent data suggests a growing need.” A study tracked pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations in Ontario between April 2002 and March 2020, finding that “hospitalizations generally increased over that time, rising by 139% from 2002 to 2019.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.

Related Links:

— “Pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations are rising. Who is affected may surprise you,” Madeline Holcombe, CNN, December 6, 2023

Healio (12/5, Burba) reports a study found “acamprosate and oral naltrexone were associated with significantly improved alcohol consumption outcomes compared with placebo and could be used alongside psychosocial interventions as first-line treatment for alcohol use disorder.” The researchers said, “In conjunction with psychosocial interventions, these findings support the use of oral naltrexone, 50 mg/d, and acamprosate as first-line pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorder.” The findings were published in JAMA.

Related Links:

— “,” Kate Burba, Healio, December 5, 2023

Gastroenterology Advisor (12/5) reports “major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with a higher risk for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study.” The researchers said the findings of the “prospective cohort study of people from 22 centers in the UK showed that MDD had a 26% higher risk [for] IBS compared with no diagnosed depression.” The findings were published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

Related Links:

— “Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is a Risk Factor for Major Depressive Disorder,” Gastroenterology Advisor, December 5, 2023

HealthDay (12/5, Mundell) reports “methamphetamine abuse has long plagued the gay community, but a new study finds that any form of substance abuse treatment can help users quit.” Researchers “tracked outcomes for 285 Los Angeles men who said they’d used meth at least once during the 2014-2022 study period.”

The researchers “found that if these men were involved in any form of substance abuse treatment – even if it was for another drug, such as opioids or cannabis – rates of meth use went down.” The findings were published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment.

Related Links:

— “Any Kind of Drug Abuse Treatment Can Help Gay Men Kick Meth Habit,” Ernie Mundell, HealthDay, December 5, 2023