Research indicates ketamine's potential neurotoxicity at both recreational and therapeutic doses, with evidence showing brain damage in long-term users. While ketamine can temporarily increase neuroplasticity, it's not neurogenetic, and its regular use may lead to irreversible brain damage even at therapeutic levels. Concerns are rising about ketamine clinics' proliferation and dosing practices, though benefits may outweigh risks for treatment-resistant depression.
Medical advances, including gepants and related treatments, have redefined migraine as a manageable condition, moving beyond historical misconceptions of it being purely psychological or vascular. Brain research reveals migraine as a complex neurological condition involving the hypothalamus and limbic system, with various triggers affecting different people differently. Recent developments in CGRP-blocking drugs have shown promising results for some patients, though they're effective for only a subset of people.
A personal exploration of introversion and extroversion challenges traditional definitions, suggesting that energy exchange in relationships is key. The author introduces the concept of '2%ers' - rare individuals who energize rather than drain - and emphasizes the importance of finding and maintaining relationships with these people for happiness and fulfillment.
A deeply personal reflection marks the 10-year anniversary of the author's daughter Rebecca's death at age six, exploring the weight of lost possibilities and ongoing parental grief. The narrative touches on visiting her grave and a final remembrance at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple before its closure.
Research findings reveal significant functional brain hyperconnectivity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing children. The study demonstrates that brain hyperconnectivity patterns can predict ASD symptom severity and is supported by data from multiple independent cohorts. Results suggest potential mechanisms underlying ASD and implications for understanding brain development in autism.
Ketamine treatment offers a promising alternative for depression by targeting different brain systems than standard antidepressants and promoting neural regrowth. Yale experts explain that ketamine's rapid effects on neuroplasticity may create opportunities for enhanced therapeutic outcomes, particularly when combined with psychotherapy.