6 Psychiatry Headlines You Missed in October 2025

From a new long-acting injectable for bipolar I disorder to a digital therapeutic targeting schizophrenia’s negative symptoms, October brought a wave of innovation in psychiatry. This month in review also highlights research exploring key differences in antidepressant side effects, novel adjunctive strategies for antidepressant tolerance, and how dietary habits may influence depression through the gut-brain axis. Rounding out the list, new trial data shed light on magnetic seizure therapy’s potential to match electroconvulsive therapy in efficacy while preserving cognition.

Here are 6 psychiatry headlines you may have missed last month.

The Latest FDA News in Psychiatry

FDA Approves Risperidone Extended-Release Injectable for Bipolar I Disorder

The FDA approved UZEDY (risperidone extended-release injectable suspension) for the maintenance treatment of adults with bipolar I disorder, announced by Teva Pharmaceuticals on October 10, 2025. UZEDY, previously approved for schizophrenia in 2023, is the first subcutaneous, long-acting risperidone formulation using SteadyTeq™ technology for controlled release. The decision draws on phase 3 data from the RISE and SHINE studies and Model-Informed Drug Development (MIDD) approaches, which found that patients reach therapeutic blood concentrations within 6 to 24 hours of a single dose.

Psychiatry Phase 3 Findings

Digital Therapeutic Reduces Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia in Phase 3 Trial

CT-155, an investigational digital therapeutic developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Click Therapeutics, significantly reduced negative symptoms of schizophrenia in the phase 3 CONVOKE trial presented at the 2025 ECNP Congress. Led by Gregory W. Mattingly, MD (Washington University in St. Louis), the 16-week study showed a 6- to 8-point CAINS-MAP improvement with CT-155 versus 4.2 points in controls.

Designed to complement antipsychotics, CT-155 delivers interactive psychosocial interventions targeting defeatist beliefs and motivational deficits. CT-155’s patient-centered design has the potential to expand access to effective therapy for schizophrenia’s negative symptoms.

Additional Findings in the Psychiatry Field

Antidepressants Differ Significantly in Cardiometabolic Side Effects

A large meta-analysis led by Toby Pillinger, PhD, at King’s College London, found major differences in cardiometabolic side effects across 30 antidepressants. Drawing from 151 randomized controlled trials and 17 FDA reports involving 58,534 patients, the study revealed clinically significant variations in weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. Drugs like maprotiline and amitriptyline were linked to the most weight gain, while fluoxetine and agomelatine were associated with weight loss. Duloxetine, venlafaxine, and desvenlafaxine increased cholesterol, glucose, and liver enzymes. The authors emphasized that these findings can help clinicians tailor antidepressant selection to reduce metabolic risks in vulnerable patients.

Esmethadone Shows Promise as Adjunctive Treatment for Antidepressant Tolerance

A post-hoc analysis led by Clotilde Guidetti, MD, at Massachusetts General Hospital found that esmethadone (REL-1017), developed by Relmada Therapeutics, may benefit patients with MDD who develop antidepressant tolerance (tachyphylaxis). Drawing from the Reliance phase 3 trial, patients with tachyphylaxis treated with esmethadone showed a 5.4-point greater improvement in MADRS scores versus placebo (P = .023) and greater response rates (P = .0004). Esmethadone, a novel NMDA receptor channel blocker, demonstrated consistent benefits in severe depression and per-protocol populations, suggesting promise as an adjunctive therapy for difficult-to-treat MDD, warranting confirmation in larger trials.

Soft Drinks Linked to Depression Through Gut Microbiota Alterations

A study led by Sharmili Edwin Thanarajah, MD, at University Hospital Frankfurt–Goethe University, linked soft drink consumption to MDD through gut microbiota changes, particularly increased Eggerthella abundance. Using data from the Marburg-Münster Affective Cohort (405 patients with MDD; 527 controls), investigators found soft drink intake predicted MDD diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.081; P =.03) and symptom severity, with stronger effects in women (OR, 1.167; P =.003).

Magnetic Seizure Therapy Rivals ECT, Protects Cognition in Adolescent MDD

A randomized trial at Shandong Mental Health Center found magnetic seizure therapy (MST) matched electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in antidepressant efficacy while offering superior cognitive protection and safety in adolescents with MDD. Among 120 participants, ECT yielded slightly greater depression score reductions, but MST significantly improved memory, orientation, and executive function, with fewer subjective cognitive complaints and adverse events. MST also demonstrated stronger reductions in suicidality and faster recovery times. Investigators concluded MST may preserve neurodevelopment and reduce suicide risk in adolescent depression, supporting its potential as a safer, effective alternative to ECT.