5 New Anxiety Treatments in Development

An interesting article looking at possible new anxiety treatments. The reason I am sharing this is not to condone any new treatment or old treatment but to highlight that in 2015 there are people still looking to address this debilitating illness.

5 New Anxiety Medications In Development (2015)

There are currently many different types of medications that can be utilized to treat anxiety (list of anxiolytics). The problem is that many of the drugs are poorly tolerated and/or produce significant unwanted side effects. Perhaps the most effective class of drugs to treat anxiety are the benzodiazepines as they provide rapid and significant relief.

The problem with the benzos is that they impair cognitive function while taking them, and long-term usage could lead to permanent memory impairment. (Read: Dementia linked to benzodiazepines). Ultimately most people end up better off (in terms of health) pursuing natural cures for anxiety such as taking up a meditation practice, partaking in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reducing stress, and getting more exercise.

That said, there are people that have explored every logical method of biohacking their mental health and have still not been able to find relief. Sometimes people may genuinely need a medication to help them cope with their reality. Fortunately there are always new drugs on the horizon that give people who are struggling hope that one will be a “magic bullet.”

New Anxiety Medications In Development (2015)

In the United States, there are approximately 40 million people with anxiety disorders. Many of these individuals feel as if their anxiety is so bad, they can’t work, talk, sleep, eat or function. If you happen to be struggling with significant anxiety, you may feel hopeful that there are new anxiolytics on the horizon that may be more effective and safer than older options.

1. Aloradine (PH94B)

This is a drug that has been in Phase III clinical trials since 2013 for the treatment of social anxiety disorder in women. It is being developed by the company Pherin Pharmaceuticals in the format of a “nasal spray.” Of all the treatments for anxiety disorders in the pipeline, this one appears to have the most promise of actually making it to market.

What’s unique about Aloradine is that it is a new class of treatments called “pherines.” Pherines are compounds that directly influence targeted areas of the brain without circulating through the bloodstream to produce an effect. Aloradine is administered via nasal spray and is able to directly target peripheral receptors from “nasal chemosensory neurons” that are linked to the hypothalamus/limbic system of the brain. Its particular mechanism of action results in rapid relief from anxiety, and thus far it has been found to be both safe and very tolerable.

This “nasal spray” format may be favorable to antidepressant medications due to the fact that they often take weeks before a person experiences an anxiolytic effect.  Even beta blockers for anxiety can take between 30 and 60 minutes before a person notices their full effect. With Aloradine, one spray can provide seemingly immediate relief. That said, I’m still not sure why the product is tailored specifically for women with anxiety.

The company developing this substance is known as Pherin Pharmaceuticals and focuses specifically on working with “pherins” to alter neuropsychiatric and neuroendocrine function within humans. They have other molecules in development for the treatment of depression, premenstrual dysphoria, and cognitive enhancement.

• Source: http://www.pherin.com/products.html
• Source: http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.12101342

2. B-GOS

This is a prebiotic, or non-digestible food ingredients that improve healthy by stimulating the production of beneficial bacteria in the colon. It has long been thought that a person’s gut flora (or bacteria) may play a role in determining whether they develop a mental illness or experience anxiety. Additionally, there is evidence demonstrating that most pharmaceutical drugs (e.g. antidepressants) have detrimental effects upon a person’s gut flora.

Clasado Biosciences Limited currently are testing “B-GOS” in Phase I clinical trials. B-GOS is considered a unique “trans-galactooligosaccharide” and thus far has been shown to be effective in the reduction of anxiety. In preliminary research, it has been found to decrease both “waking cortisol levels” as well as “attentional vigilance towards negative information.”

People who are overstimulated tend to have high levels of cortisol production, and often get caught up in negative thinking. It seems as though this prebiotic substance may provide some degree of relief. Early evidence also suggests that the substance may alter the functioning of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. Individuals suffering from anxiety often have varying degrees of dysfunction within the HPA axis.

Some speculate that this substance may also prove to have therapeutic effects among individuals suffering from depression. There is mounting evidence that gut bacteria may be directly influencing brain function. Altering the gut microbiome may drastically change your mental health and/or cognition.

3. IW-2143 (BNC210)

This is an experimental anxiolytic medication undergoing clinical trials, but there’s currently no information regarding its mechanism of action. It has demonstrated a potent anxiolytic effect in animal subjects as well as in Phase I clinical trials. The good news is that it is unlikely to impair cognitive function, it isn’t addictive (in rodent models), and won’t make you feel sedated. No major side effects have been reported during the early stages of trials.

This drug is a “small molecule” that was discovered by the company Bionomics through a medicinal-chemistry program. Some evidence has shown that the molecule is capable of promoting “neurite” outgrowth (e.g. axon/dendrite). The company developing this drug (Bionomics) is a biotech company that is focused on creating therapies for CNS disorders. They have since licensed “BNC210″ to Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, who refer to it as “IW-2143.”

4. S32212

This is a substance that is under investigation as a potential antidepressant with anxiolytic properties. It functions as a selective, inverse agonist at the 5-HT2C receptor, and Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist. It also elicits an effect upon the 5-HT2A receptor and a minimal one on the 5-HT2B receptor as an antagonist.

The good news is that it is thought to not affect histamine or acetylcholine receptors. Many drugs that affect H1 histamine and mACh receptors tend to result in memory impairment. Should this drug ever make it to the market, it will likely be classified as an NaSSA (noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant); the same classification of Remeron.

Based on animal research, this drug elevated levels of BDNF with the amygdala and hippocampus of the brain. It also amplified the amount of neuronal firing within other locations, while increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine (in the prefrontal cortex). It didn’t affect serotonin or histamine (which is probably a good thing).

Researchers have noted a variety of effects resulting from this substance including: antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-obsessional, as well as anti-aggressive behaviors. It also is thought to enhance sleep and cognition in animals without any signs of weight fluctuation or diminished sex drive. Some speculate that it may even result in weight loss due to its “alpha blocking” effect.

• Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22178753

5. SL-651,498

This is a drug that has long been used as an anxiolytic in scientific research, but wasn’t considered for human usage until 2006. In 2008, a report surfaced that preliminary human trials were underway and that the drug was considered as effective as Ativan in reducing anxiety, yet produced minimal sedation, cognitive impairment, or reduction in motor skills. This provides some early evidence that SL-651,498 may be an effective treatment.

Although its anxiolytic potential is equal to that of benzodiazepines, it is structurally distinct from the benzo classification. It has been classified as a “nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic.” It functions as a subtype-selective GABAA agonist, and elicits primarily anxiolytic effects in animals (with minor sedation). Early research has also suggested that the drug is unlikely to produce dependence or tolerance due to its low affinity for the Alpha-5 receptor.

From the little research there is, it appears as though this substance has some advantages over benzodiazepines. I’m not sure if we should buy into the lack of sedation and no cognitive impairment quite yet. Even if the cognitive impairment isn’t “significant” in preliminary research, I wouldn’t be surprised if it hampered cognition in later trials. In the coming years, we should get a better understanding of SL-651,498.

Which of these new anxiolytics seems most promising?

There really isn’t enough data to compare these substances directly with one another to determine which is most promising. However, judging by the current statuses of each of the anxiolytics, it would appear as though Aloradine is a clear-cut favorite to get FDA approval simply because it is already in Phase III clinical trials. This doesn’t mean that it will necessarily end up making it to the market, but it likely has something going for it to already be in Phase III.

Following Aloradine, I think the prebiotic B-GOS is relatively exciting because it highlights a new modality of treating anxiety. As science continues to decipher the functions of gut bacteria, more prebiotic treatments will likely surface as a means to influence brain function as well as physical health.

Personal thoughts on the new anxiolytics

I like the method of administration for Aloradine, reminds me of a natural substance called “Rescue Remedy” that works fast. I also like the fact that more attention is being paid to gut bacteria and its potential to cause anxiety. I don’t think there are as many anxiolytics in development as there should be given the fact that the most effective drugs (e.g. benzos) are associated with addiction, dependence, and dementia.

When companies think outside the box to come up with unique treatments is what I like. The dogma that all cases of anxiety need to be treated with pills that target neurotransmitters can be put to rest. Unfortunately pharmaceutical companies have a tough time breaking free from the pill-to-target-a-specific-neurotransmitter paradigm. More attention needs to be paid to an individual from a holistic perspective rather than targeting one specific hormone, chemical, gut bacteria, etc.

There are an estimated 40 million people above age 18 that suffer from anxiety, while there are an estimated 350 million people that suffer from depression. Clearly more emphasis will be placed on coming up with treatments for the biggest societal burden that is depression.  Fortunately with new research surfacing all the time of things that may be linked to anxiety (e.g. translocator protein), more companies should continue to improve upon existing treatments.

Are you excited about any new anxiolytics in development?

Although it could be the case that none of these anxiolytics ever make it through clinical trials, I have a hunch that some will. If you are excited about any anxiolytic in particular, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Keep in mind that none of these drugs should be perceived as a panacea and most will likely still carry side effects.

Some people may not be impressed at all by these developments in the works for anxiety, and that’s fine. However, it’s important to realize that we can all easily act as critics on the lack of new developments for the treatment of anxiety. If you want to improve treatments for mental illness, then you may want to consider contributing in whatever way you are capable to make it become a reality.

Suicide and the route to recovery

Suicide and the route to recovery.


The impact of suicide is felt by family, loved ones, friends and the community. For those left behind they can be haunted by questions and guilt. The search for meaning trough’s up endless questions such as “why”, “could I of stopped them”, “did I listen, hear, understand”, “do they know I loved them”. The never ending cycle of questions that may never be answered can leave a void of isolation and despair that cuts to the very sole of those who are left behind.

The emotional consequences of such a loss can bring about an array of feelings including anger, guilt and despair. Although one may never find a sense of who they used to be, many find renewed strength and outlook that can see them overcome the pain and find a new perspective to life. Reaching out to friends and family, asking for help and sharing your feelings are vital. Most find it best to acknowledge openly that their loved one committed suicide, in so doing it can make talking about it easier for both yourself and others who want to help but are afraid of saying the wrong thing. When ready, getting your routine back, staying active and social, joining support groups and possibly therapeutic intervention are all important aspects of the recovery process.

The truth is everyone grieves in their own ways, there is no set time to coming to terms with such a lose and so you need to be kind and good to yourself. Yours is a pain that goes beyond most others and so accepting and acknowledging its impact on you and your family is important. If children are involved ensure that their grief is acknowledged, assure them that no one is at fault, and give them time to share their understanding and ask questions which should be answered honestly and age appropriately. You and your family might find it beneficial to hold a memorial for your loved one, celebrate their life in someway each year. When the time comes to move on never feel ashamed to find your happiness again, finding such happiness is a sign of healing, you deserve it and your loved ones I am sure would want you to be happy.






Mark Reddy
Edited by The Irish Independent

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness can be defined as the experiencing of severe and distressing psychological symptoms to the extent that normal functioning is seriously impaired, and some form of help is usually needed for recovery. Examples of such symptoms include anxiety, depressed mood, obsessional thinking, delusions and hallucinations. Help may take the form of counselling or psychotherapy, drug treatment and/or lifestyle change.

Professor Anthony Clare, psychiatrist and broadcaster defines mental illness as follows:

“A diagnosis of mental illness usually means in practice that:

a) A person is experiencing symptoms characteristically regarded as psychological, such as anxiety, depression, elation, hallucinations, delusions, obsessions, compulsions;

b) The symptoms are severe and disabling; that is to say, the individual is distressed by them, cannot function, and feels ‘unwell’. The layman’s term is ‘breakdown’ and it is a good one for it suggests that the individual’s normal ability to cope with stress or a setback has broken down, that he/she has lost the normal ability to ease tension, lift mood, regain control, cope;

c) The individual is so afflicted that he or she cannot ordinarily recover control without external help [be it by means of talking, listening and learning (psychotherapy, behaviour therapy), physical treatment, (drugs, ECT) and/or social interventions (attention to stresses at work, in the home, within marriage or relating to money, status, power)];

d) The ill health can be caused by genetic factors; by loss such as bereavement or unemployment or financial disaster; by catastrophic stress such as war, disasters like the Lockerbie air tragedy or the Stardust fire; by physical illness; or indeed, a combination of some or all of these factors.

e) Rarely is there a single cause of a psychiatric illness and rarely, too, a single treatment.”

Written by Mental Health Ireland 2007
(Link found on Left)

Symptoms of Trauma

Symptoms of trauma

How does trauma develop?

In the days and weeks after a traumatic event, most people experience trauma and stress reactions. These reactions are the result of normal and adaptive survival mechanisms. They can contain elements of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, anger, and grief.

Trauma reactions often appear quickly – in the hours, days, and weeks after the event. However, delayed trauma reactions also can occur anywhere from several weeks or months to years later. Delayed trauma reactions are sometimes sparked by something that reminds the individual of the original traumatic event.

Trauma reactions tend to change in intensity and character over time and usually subside gradually during the first weeks and months after a traumatic event. Most people who have experienced a traumatic event will return to a healthy state of functioning eventually but may have a lasting vulnerability. For example, if you experience a bank robbery, you are likely to think of that event when you enter a bank, and you may experience some temporary anxiety when something reminds you of that event.

Approximately 25% of people who experience a traumatic event go on to experience lasting trauma-related difficulties. These long-term reactions can include elements of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and/or substance abuse. If this has happened to you, it doesn’t mean that you are weak. It may mean that the traumatic event was so powerful that it pushed you far past your normal coping strategies. It also means that you might benefit from working with a counselor or mental health professional who understands trauma.

Common symptoms of trauma

Individuals exposed to a traumatic event can experience a wide variety of trauma reactions after the event. However, some trauma reactions are more common than others. Given the likelihood that humanitarian workers will experience some degree of trauma as a result of their work, it is important for you to be familiar with.

The signs that you (or someone else) are experiencing an unusually intense trauma reaction and should seek support from a mental health professional.
The following table outlines some common symptoms of trauma. Many more general symptoms of stress can also be present after a traumatic event.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA

Intrusive symptoms

Persistently re-experiencing the event in thoughts, images, recollections, daydreams, and/or nightmares

Feeling upset, distressed and/or anxious in the presence of reminders of the event

Avoidance symptoms

Avoiding places, thoughts, conversations and/or people associated with the event
Problems recalling some aspects of the event

Losing interest in formerly enjoyable and important activities of life
Feeling “removed” from other people
Feeling numb

Arousal symptoms

Being on the alert for danger

Being jumpy and easily startled

Experiencing sleep disturbances (such as not being able to get to sleep, waking up often, or having vivid dreams or nightmares)

Difficulty concentrating

Irritability or angry outbursts

(Adapted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders IV-TR, 2000)

Experiencing some of these symptoms in the first days and weeks after a traumatic event is quite common, and their intensity will probably subside gradually. However, if the symptoms are severe enough to cause you significant distress, interfere with your daily routine and functioning, or last for more than a month, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you are worried about trauma reactions you have been experiencing please see links on the side of this page or contact me.

Spiritual symptoms of trauma

In addition to the symptoms listed above, there are some common spiritual symptoms of trauma. Spirituality is a core component of human nature. It shapes and informs our sense of meaning, purpose, hope, and faith. It is a foundation, guide, and motivation for morality, personal growth, and service to others. Whether due to an explicit belief in a deity, a more diffuse sense of transcendence or connectedness with nature or a life force, or a faith in human nature and solidarity, most people believe that to be fully human involves more than simply the physical dimensions of existence.

Traumatic events are usually sudden, unexpected, and very frightening. They can cause us to feel unsafe, out of control, isolated, “damaged”, or “dirty”, and/or to lose trust in other people. It’s not surprising that traumatic events may also cause us to question the fundamental beliefs and assumptions that are connected to our deepest sense of meaning and purpose in life – to our spirituality.

Common spiritual symptoms of trauma include:

Altered worldview. Your view of God, who you are in relationship to God, and how the world works, can change after exposure to a traumatic event. For example, trauma may cause you to question assumptions about the world – such as “bad things don’t happen to good people” – that you weren’t even fully aware that you held.

Troubling existential questions. Traumatic events can cause you to struggle with questions and issues related to suffering, evil, forgiveness, fairness, hope, justice, purpose, and divine order.

A loss of a sense of meaning and coherence in life. Traumatic events often raise personal questions related to what life is all about and what’s really important to you. It’s not uncommon to doubt your deepest beliefs, feel empty, and/or feel that life has lost its meaning and coherence.

A sense of discouragement and loss of hope. This can express itself through feelings of depression, painful questioning, and/or cynicism.

Alienation and a loss of a sense of connection. You can feel isolated, or have a sense of being cut off from the connection you feel to the source of your deepest sense of meaning and purpose (whether that be God, nature, a life-force, or other people).

Symptoms of intense trauma reactions

Sometimes individuals experience more severe trauma reactions. When this occurs, they should be monitored and supported by a mental health professional. Symptoms and reactions of a severe trauma reaction include:
Severe dissociation: Feelings of enduring disconnection from your body or surroundings, derealization (feeling as if you or the world is not “real”), and depersonalization (feeling as if you are losing your identity or adopting a new identity). Dissociation may also involve “losing time” or experiencing amnesia regarding significant periods of or the entire traumatic event.

Repeated intrusive “re-experiencing” of the event: Re-experiencing occurs when some facet of the trauma (perhaps a sight, smell, or noise) triggers significant emotional distress and feelings of terror and vulnerability. In its most vivid form, re-experiencing can include flashbacks (feeling as if you are experiencing the event all over again), recurrent and terrifying nightmares, and repetitive and automatic re-enactments related to the event (such as acting out parts of the event over and over again).

Extreme withdrawal: Extreme withdrawal from normal and supportive social networks, drastic relationship changes, and/or compulsive avoidance of other people.

Extreme hyperarousal: Experiencing panic attacks (e.g., times when you hyperventilate, your heart beats very fast, and you think you are going crazy or dying), feeling unable to concentrate on anything, and/or difficulty controlling violent impulses.

Debilitating anxiety: Severe phobias or obsessions, and paralyzing anxiety attacks.

Severe depression: Feeling a constant lack of happiness and pleasure in life, and/or constant feelings of worthlessness and self-blame.

Problematic substance abuse: Prolonged and excessive use of alcohol or drugs to numb distress and aid coping.

Impaired self-care: Diminished capacity for self-care behaviors related to nourishment, hygiene, and rest.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing severe trauma reactions, click on the links on the left to learn how to find professional help and support.

For personal reflection…

Reading through the possible trauma reactions in this section of the module may have stirred up some uncomfortable memories and feelings in you. Take a moment to “check in” with how you are feeling and decide whether you need to take a break from this study and do something else for a while. If that’s the case, think about what you feel like doing – something fun, distracting, creative, productive.

Taking care of yourself after traumatic events, and try some of the suggestions listed there.