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Economic Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Anxiety, depression and sleep medicines linked to higher risk of neurological disease
A new study links common mental health drugs to a higher ALS risk. The research focused on anxiolytics, hypnotics, and antidepressants. It found a possible connection, not a direct cause. Experts suggest early ALS symptoms might be the real reason. Doctors advise patients to consult before stopping medication. More research is necessary to confirm the findings. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Commonly prescribed medicines for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders may pose a heightened risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS ), a progressive and fatal neurological disorder, according to a new study recently published in JAMA study researched the use of anxiolytics (used to relieve anxiety), hypnotics and sedatives (used to aid sleep or calm the body), and antidepressants (which work by altering brain chemistry to improve mood) and found that individuals who were prescribed such medications were more likely to be diagnosed with ALS in the later stages of study further found that people who used these medication before being diagnosed with ALS had a poorer prognosis, which means that their disease progressed quickly and survival rate is minimal. However, experts caution that this finding is based on association, not causation."These medications are often prescribed for symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, or depression, which may appear during the early (prodromal) phase of ALS - well before a formal diagnosis," explained Dr M S Panduranga, senior consultant (neurology), Dharamshila Narayana Super-specialty Hospital."So, the link may reflect early, subtle neurological changes rather than the harmful effect of the drugs themselves," the doctor study, which was conducted in Sweden, analysed nationwide data from over 1,000 ALS patients and more than 5,000 healthy individuals using the Swedish Motor Neuron Disease Quality Registry. The average age of participants was 67.5 years, and just over half (53.1%) were Manjari Tripathi, professor and head of neurology at AIIMS, told TOI that such neuropsychiatric medications act on the brain's inhibitory pathways, which could interfere with motor neuron activity."There could also be a toxic effect, especially with long-term, consistent use - not just occasional doses," she said."Motor neuron disease leads to slow but steady progression of muscle weakness. Patients begin to struggle with everyday tasks - buttoning a shirt, combing their hair, walking. Eventually, they become wheelchair bound. Swallowing and speech become difficult, and muscles visibly shrink," she said, adding that one type of ALS was the same condition renowned physicist Stephen Hawking lived with for the exact timeline between the medication and the onset of ALS remains unfound. Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, director and head of neurology, Aakash Healthcare, said that a longer history of psychiatric symptoms and prolonged medication use appears to be associated with increased ALS risk."In some observational studies, individuals using anxiety or depression medications for more than 10 years showed a stronger link with ALS, especially in younger patients. It's not yet certain whether this reflects a true biological risk or simply earlier diagnosis due to more medical attention," he said."While there's no definitive proof that these medications cause ALS, we need to be cautious, especially when prescribing them to individuals with signs of neurological disease," Dr Anshu Rohatgi, vice-chairperson (neurology), Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told doctors say patients must not stop medications on their own and should speak with their healthcare providers if they have concerns.(With TOI inputs)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Anxiety, depression and sleep medicines linked to higher risk of neurological disease
Commonly prescribed medicines for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders may pose a heightened risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS ), a progressive and fatal neurological disorder, according to a new study recently published in JAMA Neurology. The study researched the use of anxiolytics (used to relieve anxiety), hypnotics and sedatives (used to aid sleep or calm the body), and antidepressants (which work by altering brain chemistry to improve mood) and found that individuals who were prescribed such medications were more likely to be diagnosed with ALS in the later stages of life. The study further found that people who used these medication before being diagnosed with ALS had a poorer prognosis, which means that their disease progressed quickly and survival rate is minimal. However, experts caution that this finding is based on association, not causation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo "These medications are often prescribed for symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, or depression, which may appear during the early (prodromal) phase of ALS - well before a formal diagnosis," explained Dr M S Panduranga, senior consultant (neurology), Dharamshila Narayana Super-specialty Hospital. "So, the link may reflect early, subtle neurological changes rather than the harmful effect of the drugs themselves," the doctor added. Live Events The study, which was conducted in Sweden, analysed nationwide data from over 1,000 ALS patients and more than 5,000 healthy individuals using the Swedish Motor Neuron Disease Quality Registry. The average age of participants was 67.5 years, and just over half (53.1%) were male. Dr Manjari Tripathi, professor and head of neurology at AIIMS, told TOI that such neuropsychiatric medications act on the brain's inhibitory pathways, which could interfere with motor neuron activity. "There could also be a toxic effect, especially with long-term, consistent use - not just occasional doses," she said. "Motor neuron disease leads to slow but steady progression of muscle weakness. Patients begin to struggle with everyday tasks - buttoning a shirt, combing their hair, walking. Eventually, they become wheelchair bound. Swallowing and speech become difficult, and muscles visibly shrink," she said, adding that one type of ALS was the same condition renowned physicist Stephen Hawking lived with for decades. However, the exact timeline between the medication and the onset of ALS remains unfound. Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, director and head of neurology, Aakash Healthcare, said that a longer history of psychiatric symptoms and prolonged medication use appears to be associated with increased ALS risk. "In some observational studies, individuals using anxiety or depression medications for more than 10 years showed a stronger link with ALS, especially in younger patients. It's not yet certain whether this reflects a true biological risk or simply earlier diagnosis due to more medical attention," he said. "While there's no definitive proof that these medications cause ALS, we need to be cautious, especially when prescribing them to individuals with signs of neurological disease," Dr Anshu Rohatgi, vice-chairperson (neurology), Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told TOI. Meanwhile, doctors say patients must not stop medications on their own and should speak with their healthcare providers if they have concerns. (With TOI inputs)
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
You must weed out that habit for your own mental health's sake
New Delhi: Individuals who sought hospital care or emergency treatment due to cannabis use showed a higher likelihood of developing dementia within five years compared with both general acute care patients and the general populace. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A study published in JAMA Neurology examined health records from Ontario, Canada, where the sale of cannabis is legal, from 2008 to 2021, involving over six million people aged 45 to 105 years. The analysis revealed that 16,275 individuals received acute care for cannabis-related issues, with males comprising 60% of them. Healthcare practitioners across the city confirm that cannabis impacts brain functionality by interfering with neural signals and affecting the endocannabinoid system, which controls mood, memory, and cognitive functions. Extended cannabis exposure leads to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and decreased neurogenesis, symptoms commonly associated with dementia development, particularly in ageing brains susceptible to cognitive deterioration. In India, according to a nationwide survey, 31 million people (2.8% of the total population) reported using cannabis in 2018, of whom 2.5 million showed signs of cannabis dependence. Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, director and head, neurology, Aakash Healthcare, noted that cannabis affects the hippocampus which is responsible for memory and learning. Older individuals experience stronger, prolonged cannabis effects due to slower metabolism and increased neurotransmitter sensitivity, potentially leading to hippocampal atrophy, a recognised dementia indicator. Research indicates that individuals above 45 seeking emergency or hospital treatment for cannabis-related issues demonstrated higher dementia risk within five years, suggesting a link between severe cannabis toxicity and progressive cognitive decline. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A PubMed research identifies Mumbai and Delhi among the world's top ten cities for cannabis consumption even as bhang consumption has religious and cultural significance in several communities. Parliament considered legislation for medicinal and commercial use in 2016 and Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh authorised cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes in 2019. India enacted the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in 1985, prohibiting cannabis cultivation, production and consumption alongside 70 other substances. This followed similar restrictions in the US and Europe, with India joining as a UN Single Convention signatory. Professor Manjari Tripathi, head, neurology, AIIMS, elaborated that while cannabidiol is beneficial in specific medical conditions, the recreational use of marijuana can harm brain function. She cautioned against the worldwide trend towards marijuana legalisation, saying this would result in an increase in dementia cases, particularly early-onset dementia. Cannabis usage is correlated to various health issues. Dr PN Renjen, senior consultant, Neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, listed cardiovascular risks, including elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, myocarditis and higher acute myocardial infarction. Psychiatric disorders, among them psychosis, schizophrenia (especially with early or adolescent use), depression and anxiety are associated with cannabis consumption too. There can also be cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, characterised by severe cyclic vomiting. Cognitive impairments such as reduced attention, memory deficits and impaired motor coordination are particularly concerning in adolescents and cannabis use disorder affects 30% of users. Young people face increased vulnerability due to ongoing brain development until their mid-20s. Dr Rajul Aggarwal, director, neurology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, explained that cannabis disrupted the brain maturation processes, resulting in long-term attention, learning, memory and emotional regulation deficits. Adolescents, and pregnant or nursing women should avoid cannabis, said Dr (Colonel) Joy Dev Mukherji, vice-chairman and head, neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. Those with personal or family histories of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should abstain, he said.
