The best evidence for benzodiazepines in the elderly is in panic disorder, followed by phobias, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepines are also the mainstay of treating catatonia, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and alcohol withdrawal

Oxytocin levels tend to fluctuate in synchrony when people are in strong, connected relationships, from the mother-child bond to romantic partnerships. A new study extended that to the therapist-patient dyad by comparing the change in oxytocin levels for patient and therapist during each session of psychotherapy for depression. The greater the synchrony in the oxytocin flux, the better the therapy outcomes.

A seven-hour series about chess tournaments doesn’t sound like a blockbuster, but The Queen’s Gambit is currently the #1 show on Netflix. The show makes a bold opening move by casting a woman in the role of the young champion—an unlikely choice, but one that stands on strong empiric ground.

Two recent studies add to the mounting evidence that environmental toxins deserve a place in the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model. The first study correlated ADHD symptoms with exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and processed food. The second study was a meta-analysis of ultra-processed food consumption from 23 cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies.

Pitolisant (Wakix) is now FDA-approved for narcolepsy and is the first histamine H3 agonist released. Though used for a neurologic condition, its novel mechanism has potential psychiatric effects that are worth monitoring.

Vyleesi is FDA approved for low libido in women, but its modest benefits and significant risks give us pause.

Paxil built its reputation as the best SSRI for anxiety, but the data suggests the opposite.