Antidepressant Use Linked to Lower Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Study Shows

USA: Use of common antidepressants may lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and slow its progression, according to a large U.S. database analysis.

The findings suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) could play a protective role against both non-exudative and exudative AMD, though more research is needed to confirm the link. The study has been published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

The investigation was led by Raziyeh Mahmoudzadeh from the Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, along with colleagues. Using real-world evidence, the team explored whether patients on antidepressants had a different risk profile for AMD compared with those not taking these medications.

For their analysis, the researchers used the TriNetX database, covering patients aged 40 years and older between October 2004 and October 2023. Individuals were categorized into three groups—those exclusively using SSRIs, SNRIs, or TCAs—and were compared with matched controls without antidepressant exposure. To minimize confounding, the authors applied propensity score matching that accounted for 17 variables, including age, sex, smoking status, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The main outcomes included the incidence of non-exudative AMD, exudative AMD, and progression from non-exudative to exudative AMD.

The key findings of the study were as follows:

  • The study included over 633,000 SSRI users, 826,000 SNRI users, and about 502,000 TCA users after matching.
  • SSRI use was associated with a 39% lower risk of non-exudative AMD (RR 0.606) and a 27% lower risk of exudative AMD (RR 0.733).
  • SNRI use showed an 86% reduced risk of non-exudative AMD (RR 0.141) and an 84% lower risk of exudative AMD (RR 0.161).
  • TCA use was linked to a 77% reduced risk of non-exudative AMD (RR 0.234) and a 73% reduced risk of exudative AMD (RR 0.267).
  • Antidepressant use also reduced the risk of progression from non-exudative to exudative AMD: 30% reduction with SSRIs (RR 0.701), 34% with SNRIs (RR 0.665), and 32% with TCAs (RR 0.676).

The authors highlighted that the potential mechanisms may involve reduced systemic inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, and neuroprotective effects mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factors, and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Since both depression and AMD share pathways of inflammation and neurodegeneration, antidepressants may inadvertently influence eye health.

However, they cautioned that these results are exploratory and hypothesis-generating. As the study was retrospective and based on observational data, causality cannot be confirmed. Prospective clinical trials and mechanistic studies will be essential to determine whether antidepressants can be recommended as part of AMD prevention strategies.

“The analysis suggests that antidepressant use is associated with a lower risk of developing and progressing AMD, offering new insights into the potential dual benefits of these medications. If confirmed in future research, antidepressants could emerge as an unexpected ally in the fight against one of the leading causes of vision loss among older adults,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Mahmoudzadeh R, et al “Antidepressant use and incidence and progression of age-related macular degeneration in a national United States database.” Am J Ophthalmol 2025; DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2025.08.052.

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Can Florida really end vaccine mandates? What would this mean for the US and countries like Australia?

When it comes to the future of childhood immunizations, all eyes are on Robert F. Kennedy Jr, US Secretary of Health and Human Services, and his audacious attempt to discredit vaccinations with misinformation and dodgy “science.”

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Can Florida really end vaccine mandates? What would this mean for the US and countries like Australia?

When it comes to the future of childhood immunizations, all eyes are on Robert F. Kennedy Jr, US Secretary of Health and Human Services, and his audacious attempt to discredit vaccinations with misinformation and dodgy “science.”

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Jamie Oliver is right—this is how much fruit and veg we really should be eating every day

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has stirred debate by calling the familiar five-a-day message “a lie”. Speaking to the Times, he argued that the real health benefits of fruit and vegetables only start to add up at seven, eight or even 11 portions a day.

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No, organ transplants won’t make you live forever, whatever Putin says

What do world leaders talk about when they think we’re not listening? This week it was the idea of living forever.

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AI lung cancer risk model validated in predominantly Black population at hospital

A new study presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) validates the use of Sybil, a deep learning artificial intelligence model, for predicting future lung cancer risk in a predominantly Black population.

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New antibody-drug conjugate shows promising efficacy in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients

A novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), iza-bren (BL-B01D1), demonstrates encouraging safety and efficacy results in previously treated patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to findings presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC).

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HC rules bond posting orders must be issued within bond period, doctor gets relief

Chennai: Observing that the bond service posting orders should be issued within the bond period, the Madras High Court recently granted relief to a doctor by quashing her posting order, which was issued beyond the bond period.

“It is well settled principle of law that the posting order should have been issued within the bond period, as it is coextensive with bond period,” observed the HC bench comprising Justice C. Kumarappan.

These directions were issued by the High Court bench while considering a plea filed by a doctor, who challenged her bond service posting order issued after the bond period had expired.

The petitioner joined a Post Graduate Degree in Madras Medical College for the academic year 2020-2023. Consequently, the petitioner completed her course in October, 2023.

It was submitted by the petitioner’s counsel that even though the bond period was originally fixed as two years, it was later reduced to one year, for those who completed their PG course in the year October 2023. 

He further submitted that since the petitioner completed her course during October 2023, her bond service is only for one year, therefore, the posting order should have been issued within one year from October 2023. However, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine issued a posting order on 26.05.2025, which was in contravention of the orders of the High Court. Therefore, the petitioner’s counsel prayed to issue directions to the authorities to return the original certificates to the doctor.

On the other hand, the Government counsel submitted that according to the prospectus, the doctor has to render two years of bond service and further submitted that the one year bond service which the doctor relied on, did not apply to the petitioner.

Meanwhile, the doctor’s counsel referred to G.O.(Ms).No. 351, dated 27.10.2023, through which, the Government had reduced the bond period to one year for those who completed their PG course in October 2023.

Taking note of this, the HC bench observed, “Admittedly, the petitioner had completed her PG Course in the year October-2023, therefore, as rightly contended by the learned counsel for the petitioner the bond period for the petitioner is only for one year, whereas admittedly the posting order was issued after one year.”

Opining that it was a well settled legal principal that the posting order should have been issued within the bond period, the bench noted that in this case, “it was issued subsequent to the bond period”.

Accordingly, the High Court quashed the bond service order and directed the authorities to return the original certificates to the petitioner. It ordered, “Therefore, this Court deems it appropriate to quash the posting order issued by the 3 rd respondent in R.No.10305312/E5/A4/2025, dated 26.05.2025 signed on 26.06.2025. As a concomitant the respondents are directed to return all the original certificates to the petitioner, within the period of four weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order.”

To view the order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/madras-hc-bond-documents-298736.pdf

Also Read: No Bond Service Posting in 4 Years- Madras HC orders medical college to Return MCh Doctor’s Documents

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Application Process STARTS NOW: SR Post At AIIMS Rishikesh, Here’s Details

Rishikesh: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Rishikesh) has invited online applications for the post of Senior Resident (Non-Academic) on a tenure basis in different specialties in this medical institute. 

AIIMS, Rishikesh an Autonomous Institute of National Importance is one of the new AIIMS and apex healthcare being established by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India under Pradhan Mantri Swastya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY) with aim of correcting the regional imbalance in quality tertiary level healthcare in-country, and attaining self-sufficiency in graduate and postgraduate medical education and training.

AIIMS Rishikesh Vacancy Details:-

Total no of Vacancies:- 74

The Vacancies are in the Departments of Anaesthesiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Community Medicine, Dermatology, ENT, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, General Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, General Surgery, Microbiology, Nuclear Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Pharmacology, Psychiatry, Radio Diagnosis, Radiotherapy, Transfusion Med. & Blood Bank, and Trauma & Emergency (Emergency Medicine).

The last date for online submission of the application form is the 9th SEPTEMBER 2025.

For more details about Qualifications, Age, Pay Allowances, and much more click on the given link:
https://medicaljob.in/jobs.php?post_type=&job_tags=AIIMS+Rishikesh&location=&job_sector=all

How to Apply for Candidates?

Candidates are required to bring the printout of online application form submitted along with relevant documents to Recruitment Cell, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh- 249203 on date of interview.

Online Applications are invited for filling up posts of Senior Resident in following departments in AIIMS Rishikesh on tenure basis. On-line application(s) will be available on AIIMS, RISHIKESH web site www.aiimsrishikesh.edu.in w.e.f. 11.08.2025 10:00 hrs to 09.09.2025 23:59 hrs

To be eligible for selection for these posts, the candidate should have passed the qualifying examination by last date of application submission and result declared to this effect on or before by this date. The tenure of qualifying degree should also be finished latest by last date of application form submission.

Documents to Be Produced in Original at Time of Interview:

Candidate should bring following original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies at time of Interview with application form: –

1. Proof of application fee deposit (If any)

2. One Identity Proof (PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter Card, Aadhar Card etc.)

3. Address Proof

4. Certificate showing Date of Birth. (10th Certificate / Birth Certificate)

5. Four recent passport size photographs

6. Class 10 & 12 Certificates

7. MBBS/UG Mark sheets & Certificates

8. MD/MS/DNB/DM/MCh PG Marks Sheet & Certificate (Verified by MCI).

9. Attempt Certificate

10. Experience Certificate (Copy of completion of Internship for medical candidates)

11. Registration with Medical Council of India / State Medical

12. SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate issued by competent authority (if applicable)

13. Publications

14. PwBD certificate issued by competent authority (if applicable)

15. Fee Receipt

16. Any other relevant document

Tenure: 01 year, renewable.

Also Read:Faculty Post VACANCIES: Walk In Interview At ESIC Medical College and Hospital Bengaluru, Details Are Here….

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SC Questions Effectiveness of UCPMP, Seeks Govt Clarification on Pharma Freebies

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Federation of Medical and Sales Representatives Association of India, seeking statutory backing for the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) to curb freebies offered by pharmaceutical companies to doctors.

The matter came up before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted, “A statutory regime already exists, but I’ll need time to place it before the court.”

As per a recent media report by the LawChakra, Justice Vikram Nath immediately raised a pointed query, asking, “Regime is there, but is it actually being enforced?”

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the parties, added, “In 2024, a new regulatory framework was introduced.”

The Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) had amended the UCPMP 2024 to ease compliance for pharmaceutical companies. The amendments introduced clarity on the valuation of free samples, shifted the responsibility of marketing expenditure disclosure to industry associations, replaced the annexure form, and extended the submission timeline for FY 2024-25.

Also Read: Govt Amends UCPMP 2024: CEOs Must Disclose Marketing Expenses, Free Sample Pricing Norms Finalized

A new sub-clause under the code further clarified:

“(i) In case the company is the manufacturer of such samples, the samples should be valued on a per unit basis, i.e., per tablet/capsule/vial/gram/ml, and its value should be the price charged to the stockist or immediate customer on a per unit basis for the same dosage form and strength; and

(ii) In case the company has purchased such samples from another supplier, the purchase price should be used for determining the monetary value of free samples under this Code. The price of free samples should be recorded as the average price charged to the stockist or immediate customer, or the average price paid for the purchase of medicines for the same dosage form and strength on an annual basis.”

However, Justice Sandeep Mehta raised concerns over the effectiveness of the framework, remarking, “If it’s a toothless tiger, what’s the purpose?”

To this, Solicitor General Mehta countered, “It’s a tiger with teeth.”

After hearing the submissions, the Court granted time for the government to place details of the regulatory framework on record and directed that the matter be listed again on October 7. On the joint request of SG Tushar Mehta and Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, the Bench also tagged Writ Petition (C) 794/2023 to be heard along with the case.

Law Chakra reports that the petition further stressed that “This code is enforceable against doctors, however, does not apply to drug companies, leading to anomalous situations where doctors’ licenses are cancelled for misconduct which is actuated, encouraged, aided, and abetted by pharma companies. The pharma companies go scot-free.”

Also Read: Who were the 30 doctors? RTI sparks questions in Pharma Freebies case

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