Publications by authors named "V G Frokjaer"
Poor sleep quality is a major issue for many adolescents and is associated with fatigue, poor academic performance, and depression. Adolescence is a crucial neurodevelopmental stage where multiple neuropsychiatric illnesses often emerge, suggesting increased central nervous system vulnerability, specifically at this age, which could be exacerbated by poor sleep. Studies on adolescent mice show that sleep deprivation or sleep disturbance (SD) induces structural and functional brain changes, indicating that SD affects the adolescent brain.
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- - Postpartum depression impacts 10-15% of women, and recent evidence suggests genomic markers may help identify those at risk.
- - A study with 13 Danish women revealed that most see external factors as primary triggers for their depression, with only a few linking it to hormonal sensitivity.
- - While some women perceive genomic testing as a way to prevent depression and reduce stigma, others worry it might increase their risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.
Background: Using [F]altanserin, a serotonin 2A receptor (5-HTR) antagonist Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracer, a positive association between cortical 5-HTR binding and the inward-directed facets of neuroticism has been demonstrated in healthy individuals. Psilocybin, a 5-HTR agonist, shows promise for the treatment of depression, reducing neuroticism and mood symptoms potentially via hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) modulation. 5-HTR and neuroticism are both modulated by HPA axis function.
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- - Serotonin reuptake inhibitors may help boost memory and increase hippocampal volume in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), particularly through the involvement of the 5-HT4 receptor. - In a study with 91 patients, significant reductions in hippocampal volume were observed after 8 weeks of treatment, especially in those responding well to the antidepressant escitalopram. - The research indicated a negative relationship between 5-HT4 receptor binding and hippocampal volume in females, suggesting a complex interaction that needs further exploration to understand its impact on memory and brain plasticity in MDD.
Introduction: Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) increases substantially during pregnancy and is primarily produced by the placenta. Elevated levels of GDF15 have been associated with mental health problems in non-perinatal populations, higher corticosterone levels, and decreased estrogen receptor activity. However, the role of GDF15 in mental health during the perinatal transition remains unknown.
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