Nasal Spray Could Prevent Suicides: Suicide among U.S. veterans and active-duty soldiers is at an all-time high. A report from the Pentagon this past June noted that suicides among soldiers averaged one per day so far in 2012.
To combat the problem, the Army has just awarded $3 million to researchers at the University of Indiana’s School of Medicine to develop a nasal spray that could prevent suicides. The spray contains a naturally occurring neurochemical called thyrotropin-releasing hormone, or TRH.
Previous studies showed that when administered to nerve cells, TRH decreased suicidal ideas, depression and bipolar disorders. But getting the hormone to the nerves has proved difficult. Since pills and injections aren't effective at delivering the drug to the neurons, doctors have relied on spinal taps. But a nasal spray could work better and faster.
via The Daily
