The American journal of psychiatry
Audio Summaries

Clinical and Cognitive Outcomes Comparing Right Unilateral Ultrabrief Electroconvulsive Therapy Versus Magnetic Seizure Therapy for Bipolar Depression: The CORRECT-BD Trial

May 6, 2026

The CORRECT-BD trial aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and cognitive adverse effects of Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) versus right unilateral ultrabrief-pulse Electroconvulsive Therapy (RUL-UB ECT) in patients with bipolar depression. The study found that both treatments had similar effects on depression symptoms, but MST was associated with less deterioration in autobiographical memory and better overall tolerance. These preliminary results suggest that MST may be a safer alternative for treating bipolar depression, though further research with larger sample sizes is needed.

Transcriptional Profiles of Somatostatin and Parvalbumin Interneuron Subtypes in the Human Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: Implications for Schizophrenia

Apr 22, 2026

This study aims to characterize the transcriptional profiles of somatostatin (SST) and parvalbumin (PVALB) interneuron subtypes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of young and middle-aged adults without psychiatric disorders, as alterations in these interneurons are believed to contribute to cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, the authors identified 37 interneuron subtypes, revealing distinct features among them, which may help in understanding how specific subtypes are altered in schizophrenia. The findings provide a foundation for future research into the role of these interneuron subtypes in the disorder.

The Comparative Efficacy of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Suicidal Ideation: A Network Meta-Analysis

Apr 17, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) interventions for reducing suicidal ideation (SI) across various psychiatric conditions through a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Their findings suggest that while bitemporal electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) combined with SSRIs are effective in reducing SI, other NIBS methods without pharmacotherapy do not show significant benefits over sham treatments. The study highlights the need for further research due to limitations in the number of studies and heterogeneity in outcomes.

Envisioning Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Biased Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Schizophrenia

Apr 17, 2026

The authors investigate the potential of targeting the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) as a therapeutic strategy for treating schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with comorbid cannabis use. They review the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and schizophrenia, highlighting how cannabis exacerbates symptoms and affects prognosis. The paper aims to outline recent advances in understanding CB1R biology and pharmacology that could inform the development of effective treatments for schizophrenia.

Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Amygdala and Hippocampus in PTSD: Results From the PGC-ENIGMA PTSD Working Group

Apr 2, 2026

The authors aimed to systematically compare alterations in resting-state functional connectivity of the amygdala and hippocampus in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through a large-scale multicohort analysis. They found that PTSD patients exhibited stronger connectivity between the left amygdala and right hippocampus, as well as other brain regions, and that greater PTSD severity was associated with increased connectivity in these areas. The study suggests that enhanced connectivity among subcortical regions related to fear processing and memory may characterize the resting state in PTSD, highlighting potential avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Precision Neuromodulation in Psychiatry: Focus on Temporal Interference Stimulation

Apr 2, 2026

The authors investigate the potential of transcranial electrical stimulation with temporal interference (TES-TI) as a noninvasive method for modulating deep brain circuits relevant to psychiatric disorders. They review the biophysical principles, safety, and feasibility of TES-TI, while highlighting the need for further research to optimize parameters and assess the clinical relevance of its effects. Ultimately, the study positions TES-TI as a promising yet exploratory approach in the field of psychiatry.

Personalized fMRI-Guided TMS Targeting the Threat Neurocircuitry in PTSD: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Apr 2, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate whether personalized fMRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting the threat neurocircuitry, specifically the right amygdala, could effectively reduce PTSD symptoms. In a randomized clinical trial involving 50 adults with PTSD, results indicated that active TMS significantly reduced amygdala threat reactivity and led to improvements in hyperarousal and total PTSD symptoms over time compared to sham TMS. These findings support the potential of personalized neuromodulation strategies in treating PTSD.

Regional Blood Flow Signatures of Opioidergic Modulation of Ketamine in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Crossover Study

Apr 2, 2026

This study aimed to investigate whether modulation of the opioid system with naltrexone affects ketamine's acute impact on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings revealed that ketamine increased rCBF in specific brain regions regardless of naltrexone pretreatment, and that the relationships between rCBF changes and subjective and clinical outcomes were disrupted by naltrexone. These results suggest intricate interactions among glutamatergic, opioidergic, and GABAergic systems in the context of ketamine's antidepressant effects.