FDA Halts Psych Drug Trial After Participant Death; Tips to Curb Phone Addiction; Asian Americans Report Highest Worry Levels

FDA Halts Trial After Participant Death Raises Safety Questions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stopped new patient enrollment in a late-stage clinical trial for the drug evenamide, which was being tested for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The company behind the drug, Newron Pharmaceuticals, announced the halt after a participant in the phase III trial died suddenly.

This type of trial pause is serious but not unheard of in drug development. When a death occurs during a clinical trial, regulators step in to protect other participants while they investigate what happened. For patients and families dealing with treatment-resistant schizophrenia—a condition where standard medications fail—this news can feel like a setback. Experts often remind the public that trial halts don’t automatically mean the drug is unsafe. But they do mean more scrutiny is needed before anyone else receives the experimental treatment.

If you or a loved one is considering a clinical trial, health experts recommend asking the research team specific questions: What safety monitoring is in place? Have there been any serious side effects so far? What happens if the trial is stopped early? Knowing these answers can help you weigh the risks and benefits.

Magnetic Seizure Therapy Shows Promise for Bipolar Depression

In other mental health news, a new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that magnetic seizure therapy worked about as well as electroconvulsive therapy for people with bipolar depression. However, patients who received magnetic seizure therapy tolerated it better and experienced less decline in their autobiographical memory—the memory of personal life events.

For people with severe bipolar depression who haven’t responded to medication, this is meaningful news. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has long been a gold standard for hard-to-treat depression, but memory loss is a well-known side effect. Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) uses a magnetic field to trigger a seizure in the brain, but it is more targeted than ECT. Experts say this could mean fewer cognitive side effects while still providing relief. If you are considering either treatment, ask your psychiatrist about the differences in recovery time, memory impact, and how many sessions are typically needed.

Questions to Ask Before Starting a Mental Health Medication

Time magazine recently offered a list of questions patients should ask their doctor before starting a mental health medication. The suggestions aim to help people make informed decisions about their treatment.

Being your own advocate is key when starting a new drug. Experts suggest writing down your questions before your appointment. Ask about how long it takes for the medication to work, what side effects to expect, and whether it interacts with other medicines you take. Also ask what to do if you miss a dose or want to stop the medication. Having a clear plan with your doctor can reduce anxiety and improve your chances of sticking with treatment.

Patient Activation: Feeling in Control of Your Health

A global survey published in PLOS Medicine found that people with poor mental health reported lower levels of “patient activation”—meaning they felt less able to manage their own health. They also reported receiving worse quality care and had less trust in the health system overall.

Patient activation is a term experts use to describe how confident you feel about taking charge of your health. When you have low activation, you might skip appointments, avoid asking questions, or feel overwhelmed by medical advice. This can create a cycle where poor mental health leads to less engagement, which leads to worse outcomes. Practical steps to boost your activation include keeping a health journal, bringing a friend to appointments, and setting small health goals you can actually achieve. Even small wins can rebuild your confidence.

988 Crisis Lifeline Faces Staffing Shortages

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is facing major staffing shortages, according to a report in JAMA Network Open. Over 70% of call center leaders said they are understaffed, and about 90% said they struggle to find the money and resources needed to hire new employees.

This matters because 988 is meant to be a lifeline for people in crisis. When centers are understaffed, wait times can increase, and callers may not get the immediate help they need. Experts say that funding for mental health crisis services has not kept pace with demand. If you or someone you know is considering calling 988, know that the service is still available—but it may help to have a backup plan, such as a trusted friend or a local crisis center number. Advocacy groups are pushing for more federal and state funding to stabilize the system.

Practical Tips to Curb Phone Addiction

For those looking to cut down on screen time, The New York Times recently published tips to help curb phone addiction. The suggestions include practical strategies to reduce compulsive phone use.

Many of us feel glued to our phones, and research shows that excessive screen time can worsen anxiety and disrupt sleep. Experts recommend starting small: turn off non-essential notifications, set a timer for social media apps, and keep your phone in another room while you sleep. Another tip is to replace phone time with a different habit, like reading a physical book or going for a short walk. The goal isn’t to quit your phone entirely—it’s to use it on your terms, not the other way around.

Veterans and Alcohol Use Disorder: A Treatment Gap

A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at how veterans are treated for alcohol use disorder. Researchers found that roughly 70% of veterans hospitalized for the condition did not receive any medication to help treat it.

This is a significant gap because medications like naltrexone and acamprosate are proven to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Experts say that stigma around addiction, lack of training among doctors, and limited access to addiction specialists all contribute to this problem. If you are a veteran struggling with alcohol use, ask your VA provider about medication options. You can also seek help from community-based programs. Treatment works best when it combines medication with counseling and support.

Treating Anxiety in Primary Care

Experts writing in JAMA Internal Medicine reviewed the best ways to treat anxiety in primary care settings. Their analysis offers guidance for doctors who are often the first to see patients with anxiety.

Primary care doctors treat the majority of anxiety cases, but they don’t always have the time or training to offer the most effective care. The review suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and certain medications like SSRIs are first-line treatments. Doctors are also encouraged to screen for anxiety routinely and to refer patients to mental health specialists when needed. For patients, this means it’s okay to bring up anxiety during a regular checkup. Your primary care doctor can be a great starting point for getting help.

Cancer Patients Face Higher Risk of Mental Disorders

New data from Denmark, published in the British Journal of Cancer, showed that cancer patients are more than twice as likely to develop a mental disorder compared to people without cancer.

The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis is enormous. Patients may face depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress as they navigate treatment and uncertainty. Experts say that mental health care should be integrated into cancer treatment from day one. If you or a loved one has cancer, ask your oncology team about support services like counseling, support groups, or psychiatric referrals. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as treating the cancer itself.

Asian Americans Report Highest Worry Levels

A survey called the STAATUS Index found that 44% of Asian Americans reported feeling worried—the highest rate among all racial groups in the United States.

This finding reflects a broader trend of rising anxiety in Asian American communities, driven in part by increased hate incidents, discrimination, and cultural pressures. Experts say that mental health stigma within some Asian cultures can make it harder for people to seek help. If you are Asian American and feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Culturally competent therapists, community organizations, and peer support groups can provide a safe space. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Mobile Crisis Teams Face Funding Crisis in California

In California, federal funding for mobile crisis response teams is ending just as demand for their services is rising sharply. These teams are made up of licensed and trained first responders who handle mental health emergencies. State and local officials are now trying to figure out what to do next, according to a report from CalMatters.

Mobile crisis teams are an alternative to police response for mental health emergencies. They can de-escalate situations and connect people to care without involving law enforcement. When funding runs out, communities lose a critical resource. Experts say that sustainable funding models are needed to keep these teams running. If you live in California, you can contact your local representatives to voice support for continued funding. In the meantime, know that 988 and local crisis hotlines can still help connect you to services.

Positive Affect Treatment Shows Benefit for Severe Depression

A clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open studied adults with severe depression, anxiety, and low positive affect—meaning they had trouble feeling pleasure or interest in life. After 15 weeks, those who received “positive affect treatment” showed greater clinical improvement than those who received “negative affect treatment.”

Positive affect treatment focuses on building skills to experience joy, gratitude, and reward. It’s different from traditional therapy that often focuses on reducing negative thoughts. Experts say this approach can be especially helpful for people who feel numb or disconnected. If traditional therapy hasn’t worked for you, ask your therapist about treatments that emphasize building positive emotions. Simple practices like savoring good moments or keeping a gratitude journal can also help.

New Drug Option for Major Depressive Disorder

Finally, Johnson & Johnson announced that its drug lumateperone (brand name Caplyta) performed better than other treatments for major depressive disorder when used as an add-on therapy. In a meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials, lumateperone outperformed other options across four different measures of effectiveness.

For people whose depression hasn’t fully responded to standard antidepressants, add-on therapies can be a game-changer. Lumateperone is already approved for schizophrenia and bipolar depression, so this new data suggests it may help a wider group of patients. Experts caution that more research is needed, but the results are encouraging. If you are struggling with treatment-resistant depression, talk to your doctor about whether an add-on medication like lumateperone might be right for you.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Content reviewed by the HealthyMag Editorial Team. Source: MedPage Today