12 Psychiatry Headlines You Missed in July 2025

July 2025 brought important developments in psychiatry, from US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) breakthroughs and pivotal depression trials to fresh insights on healthy habits and mental health. This psychiatry month in review also highlights key interviews from the 2025 Southern California Psychiatry Conference (SoCal Psych), including expert perspectives on postpartum depression, tardive dyskinesia, bipolar disorder, and new treatments, such as muscarinic agents for schizophrenia.

FDA News and Pivotal Data in Psychiatry

FDA Grants TSND-201 Breakthrough Therapy Designation for PTSD

The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to TSND-201, a fast-acting, non-hallucinogenic treatment for PTSD. In a phase 2 trial, it significantly improved symptoms with rapid and durable effects. With only 2 modestly effective PTSD drugs currently approved, TSND-201 could offer an alternative for millions of patients.

J&J Submits sNDA to FDA for Lumateperone (CAPLYTA) to Prevent Schizophrenia Relapse

Johnson & Johnson submitted an sNDA to the FDA for lumateperone (CAPLYTA) to prevent schizophrenia relapse. Phase 3 data showed a 63% reduction in relapse risk. With strong safety and efficacy, lumateperone may offer a long-term solution to preserve stability and reduce hospitalizations in patients with schizophrenia.

Trials on Depression, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Phase 4 Data Supports Esketamine 56 mg, 84 mg Monotherapy for TRD

Phase 4 data support esketamine nasal spray (56 mg, 84 mg) as effective monotherapy for treatment-resistant depression, with symptom relief seen within 24 hours. The trial showed significant improvements in MADRS scores by week 4. Adverse events were generally mild, and no serious treatment-related events occurred, confirming esketamine’s safety and efficacy.

Insomnia Triples Depression Risk from Inflammation in Older Adults

A randomized clinical trial found older adults with insomnia experienced a 3-fold increase in depressive symptoms after inflammatory exposure compared to those without insomnia. Symptoms also lasted longer. The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies addressing both insomnia and inflammation to reduce depression risk in this vulnerable population.

No Link Found Between Aluminum in Childhood Vaccines and Autoimmune Disorders

A study found no evidence linking aluminum in early childhood vaccines to increased risk of autoimmune, allergic, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Hazard ratios per 1-mg aluminum exposure were near 1.00, indicating no significant risk. Findings support vaccine safety.

Healthy Habits, Better Mental Health

Walking 7000 Steps Per Day Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases, Cognitive Decline

A meta-analysis found that walking ≥ 7000 steps per day significantly lowers the risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia, depression, and falls. Benefits plateau beyond 7000 steps for most outcomes.

Low FODMAP Diet Improves Fatigue, Mental Health in IBS, Study Finds

A 12-week low FODMAP diet significantly reduced fatigue, anxiety, and depression in patients with moderate to severe IBS. Participants also showed improved attention. These benefits occurred independently of changes in GI symptoms.

SoCal Psych 2025 Coverage

Gaps in Postpartum Depression Diagnosis, With Deb York, PMHNP-BC

Deb York, PMHNP-BC, emphasized the importance of distinguishing bipolar from unipolar postpartum depression and discussed evidence-based treatments, including brexanolone, zuranolone, exercise, and red light therapy to improve outcomes for new mothers.

Strategies for Managing Tardive Dyskinesia, With Alejandro Alva, MD

Alejandro Alva, MD, discussed identifying tardive dyskinesia using the AIM scale, the importance of maximizing medication doses, and emerging treatments for treatment-resistant depression, highlighting advances in interventional psychiatry and novel drug targets.

How Family History Distinguishes Bipolar Depression From MDD, With Gerald Maguire, MD

Gerald Maguire, MD, explained how family history helps distinguish bipolar depression from MDD. He also highlighted limited bipolar treatment options, managing agitation in dementia, and mental health challenges in patients who stutter.

When to Use Cobenfy Over Clozapine, With Chelsie Monroe, APN

Chelsie Monroe, APN, discussed the novel muscarinic agent xanomeline trospium chloride (Cobenfy) for schizophrenia, its promising efficacy, cautions about use with clozapine in treatment-resistant cases, and the evolving pipeline of targeted muscarinic therapies.

What’s New in Tardive Dyskinesia, With Jonathan Meyer, MD

Jonathan Meyer, MD, discussed the importance of accurately diagnosing tardive dyskinesia (TD) to avoid confusing it with Parkinsonism, which requires different treatments. He highlights that only 2 FDA-approved VMAT2 inhibitors—tetrabenazine and valbenazine—are effective for TD.