Top 5 Most-Read Mental Health Articles of 2024

The most-read articles on mental health in 2024.

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The most-read articles covering mental health in 2024 discussed advancements in psychiatric therapies and appointment scheduling practices; insights into childhood adversities reveal their different impacts on mental health. Additionally, Lykos Therapeutics began its restructuring following the FDA's decision on MDMA-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and research shed light on improved detection methods in youth harm reduction and suicide prevention.

Here are the top 5 most-read on mental health in 2024.

5. FDA Approves Iloperidone for Adults With Bipolar 1 Disorder

Earlier this year, the FDA approved iloperidone (Fanapt), a second-generation atypical antipsychotic, for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes in adults with bipolar I disorder. Previously approved in 2009 for schizophrenia, iloperidone demonstrated significant efficacy in a phase 3 clinical trial conducted from April 2021 to September 2022, showing notable reductions in Young Mania Rating Scale scores with a difference in least-squares mean of –4.0 (95% CI, −5.70 to −2.25; P = .000008) compared with placebo. The study involved 414 participants and reported a low incidence of akathisia and extrapyramidal symptoms, aligning with its established safety profile. Common adverse effects included tachycardia, dizziness, and weight gain. Experts highlighted iloperidone’s approval as a milestone, offering a new, flexible dosing option with a roubust safety profile for managing the complexities of bipolar I disorder.

4. Impact of Psychiatric Follow-Up Frequency on Outcomes and Waiting Times

A longitudinal retrospective study examined whether different outpatient follow-up frequencies among 4 psychiatrists treating 340 patients with major depressive disorder impacted clinical outcomes or service waiting times. The study found no significant differences in clinical outcomes, such as depression severity, across groups with varying follow-up intervals (mean intervals: 87.0, 46.9, 67.9, and 61.5 days). However, using Little’s law, the researchers estimated that reducing follow-up frequency by 23.9% for the 3 psychiatrists with the highest visit rates could eliminate waiting lists, significantly improving clinic accessibility. The findings suggest that while follow-up frequency does not notably affect clinical outcomes, optimizing scheduling could enhance health care access, emphasizing the need for evidence-based guidelines on appointment frequency.

3. New Study Shows Childhood Adversities’ Impact on Mental Health, Cognitive Development in Youth

Different types of childhood adversities, categorized as Traumatic and Adverse Childhood Experiences (TRACEs), were shown to have distinct and lasting impacts on youth mental health and cognitive development. Data analyzed from nearly 12,000 children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study indicated that adversities such as family conflict and peer aggression correlated with worsening mental health, while others, like community threats, may foster resilience and suppress symptoms. The researchers stated the findings could refine the traditional ACE framework by categorizing 268 adversities into 8 thematic components, offering a more nuanced understanding of their differential effects.

2. Lykos Therapeutics Restructures After FDA Setback, Commits to Progressing MDMA Therapy for PTSD

A major reorganization of Lykos' Therapeutics followed the FDA's highly anticipated decision regarding MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for PTSD, which resulted in the rejection of the company's new drug application (NDA). The reorganization of Lykos included workforce reductions of 75% and the establishment of an Independent Advisory Board. In the complete response letter, the FDA cited the need for a third phase 3 trial to address concerns about safety and efficacy despite the supporting data from 2 prior phase 3 studies (MAPP1 and MAPP2), which demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD symptoms compared with placebo. Lykos appointed David Hough, MD, to lead clinical development and FDA engagement, focusing on generating the additional data required. Although the FDA's decision delays the availability of a potentially groundbreaking therapy for millions with PTSD, Lykos and advocacy groups expressed their commitment to advancing MDMA-AT, emphasizing its transformative potential and higher efficacy compared with current treatments like SSRIs.

1. More Accurate Detection of Self-Injurious Behavior Needed for Minoritized Youth

The need for improved and equitable detection of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB) in youth to enhance suicide prevention efforts was showcased in a study published in JAMA Network Open. Analyzing emergency department (ED) records of 2702 children and adolescents in Southern California, researchers found that current detection methods relying on diagnostic codes and chief concerns often fail to identify SITB accurately, particularly among younger children, minoritized groups, and males. Enhanced algorithms incorporating additional data showed better accuracy compared with traditional methods. Addressing algorithmic bias and stigma while improving clinician practices and suicide prevention strategies was emphasized in order to better serve at-risk populations.