World Mental Health Day 2024: A Look at Recent Research

World Mental Health Day, established by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992, is observed annually on October 10 to raise global awareness of mental well-being. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” emphasizes the urgent need to create supportive and healthy environments for employees. Despite increasing awareness, mental health issues like depression and anxiety continue to impact productivity and overall well-being in professional settings. The WFMH encourages participation in their “Voices of the Workplace” initiative. Their platform seeks to unite diverse communities worldwide through shared experiences, solutions and impactful narratives.

A Look at Recent Mental Health Research

Targeting Social Anxiety: Vistagen’s PALISADE-4 Trial

As organizations worldwide emphasize mental health, 2024 has seen remarkable progress in transformative mental health solutions.Vistagen has launched its PALISADE-4 Phase III study of fasedienol, a neuroactive pherine nasal spray, as an adjunctive treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD). The study involves 236 adults, evaluating the safety and efficacy of fasedienol in alleviating anxiety symptoms.

Recognized with Fast Track designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), fasedienol could become a much-needed treatment option for the 30 million Americans affected by SAD. If successful, this trial could pave the way for a New Drug Application (NDA) submission.

Non-Hallucinogenic Alternatives in Mental Health: Enveric’s Efforts

At the 7th Neuropsychiatric Drug Summit, Enveric Biosciences presented data on its lead product candidate, EB-003, a non-hallucinogenic N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) analog designed to treat anxiety and depression. With positive outcomes in preclinical models, EB-003 has confirmed oral bioavailability, adding to its therapeutic potential.

Enveric is set to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application by the third quarter of 2025, with plans to start clinical development by the end of the year. This development highlights a growing interest in neuroplastogens as alternative mental health treatments.

Innovative Approaches to Depression: Autobahn’s AMPLIFY Phase II Trial

Autobahn Therapeutics initiated its AMPLIFY Phase II trial of ABX-002, an oral thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRβ) selective agonist, as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). This placebo-controlled study involving 230 adults will explore ABX-002’s safety and efficacy when combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Autobahn is also planning a Phase II trial for bipolar disorder depression by late 2024, aiming to report topline data for MDD in the second half of 2025.

Exploring Psychedelic Therapies: Sermo Barometer Insights

Sermo’s latest survey found that 94 percent of mental healthcare professionals are open to integrating psychedelic treatments into their practices if legalized. The survey, which included 430 global healthcare providers, highlighted that 89 percent view psychedelics as having unique therapeutic potential, particularly for conditions like treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

However, healthcare professionals emphasized the need for clinical guidelines, comprehensive training and legal frameworks before these treatments can be widely adopted.

The State of Workplace Empathy: Declines in Mental Health

Businessolver’s 2024 State of Workplace Empathy DEI report shows a decline in employees’ sense of belonging and connectedness, with only 65 percent feeling a sense of belonging at work — a 14-point drop from the previous year.

This decrease aligns with a rise in mental health issues, as 50 percent of employees reported experiencing a mental health concern in the past year, emphasizing the urgency of more effective workplace strategies for employee well-being.

Creating a workplace that prioritizes mental health is crucial as organizations seek new strategies and treatments to support employees effectively.

With organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) rallying for improved mental health at work this World Mental Health Day 2024, everyone has a role to play. You can wear a green ribbon to show your support and help foster a more supportive, stigma-free workplace.