The underutilization of electrodiagnostic and electrotherapeutic tools has far-reaching consequences, impacting diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, healthcare costs, and patient satisfaction. These issues are often rooted in inadequate training, insufficient physician awareness, and challenges in integrating complex technologies. Underuse compromises diagnostic precision, delays treatment, and limits the potential benefits of advanced therapies, leading to suboptimal management of a wide range of conditions. Additionally, the financial burden of underutilized equipment manifests through reduced facility return on investment, operational inefficiencies, and a decline in healthcare services overall quality and sustainability. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, emphasizing improved training, physician education, and seamless integration of technologies across specialties. Increased utilization can enhance patient outcomes, streamline operations, and ensure the financial viability of healthcare facilities. The purpose of this review is to highlight implications of underutilization while providing a detailed overview of available electrodiagnostic and electrotherapeutic tools across medical specialties, emphasizing the need for enhanced awareness, training, and integration to optimize their use in clinical practice.

The integration of gut microbiota research into the understanding and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders has profound implications for both clinical practice and public health. The microbial community’s influence on neural development through mechanisms such as microbial metabolites, immune regulation, and gene expression underscores the complexity of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As research continues to unravel the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and brain function, innovative therapeutic interventions, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, hold potential to improve symptoms and outcomes. However, the safety and long-term effectiveness of these therapies remain critical areas for future investigation. Advances in diagnostic tools and personalized medicine, which incorporate microbial biomarkers, offer exciting prospects for early detection and tailored treatments, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for translating these findings into practical solutions that address the underlying mechanisms of these complex disorders. This review highlights the critical role of gut microbiota in neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the importance of microbial metabolites, immune regulation, and genetic interactions in shaping brain development.

Nonadherence to prescribed medications is a significant issue across many medical specialties and human conditions. Nonadherence affects individuals with chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, and respiratory conditions, as well as in more acute conditions. Nonadherence can lead to treatment delays or discontinuation, potentially impacting outcomes, but the challenge of medication adherence spans a wide variety of diseases and treatment settings. Factors influencing nonadherence are complex, including psychological, social, financial, and system-level barriers, which apply to numerous medical specialties. Historically, physicians often had to rely on suspicion and guesswork to identify nonadherence or factors contributing to reduced treatment efficacy and delayed or failed outcomes. This uncertainty often left physicians feeling limited in their ability to provide optimal care and effectively apply diagnostic strategies. Fortunately, today, there are various tools available across medical specialties that significantly reduce the uncertainty surrounding nonadherence and its contributing factors. These tools, while widely available, are sometimes underutilized or less well-known. The purpose of this paper is to serve as both a reminder and an introduction to these tools, encouraging healthcare providers to actively and practically employ them for more accurate patient and treatment assessment. This strategy ultimately supports physicians in their commitment to providing each patient with the best possible care and personalized support, as well as improving physician job satisfaction and reducing overall healthcare costs.

Physical activity improves cognitive function and reduces depression by enhancing neuroplasticity, increasing mood-enhancing neurochemicals, lowering cortisol levels, and elevating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and endocannabinoid levels. Lifestyle changes such as aromatherapy, dietary adjustments, massage therapy, and mindfulness meditation are also significant. Aromatherapy alleviates stress and anxiety through its effects on the limbic system. Anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean diet and micronutrients (e.g., B vitamins, magnesium, zinc) support brain function and reduce inflammation. Massage therapy promotes relaxation and mood improvement, while mindfulness meditation and pet therapy aid emotional regulation. Sleep hygiene and strong social support are integral to managing mood disorders. Non-pharmacological interventions, including brain stimulation therapies and psychotherapy, offer additional options. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are effective for severe and treatment-resistant depression. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) addresses trauma-related depression, while phototherapy treats seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by regulating circadian rhythms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) target negative thought patterns and enhance social relationships. Optimal integration into clinical practice requires assessing patient needs, personalizing interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Addressing patient compliance, socioeconomic barriers, cultural sensitivity, and co-occurring conditions is essential. Future research will emphasize technology-enhanced interventions and genetic studies to refine treatments and improve outcomes. This review emphasizes the role of physical activity and lifestyle modifications in preventing, managing, and treating major depressive disorder (MDD).

St. John’s wort (SJW, Hypericum perforatum ) is noted for its potential in treating mild to moderate depression, attributed to its active compounds, hypericin and hyperforin. These compounds boost neurotransmitter levels—serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine—enhancing mood regulation and symptom relief. Also, SJW has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy for mild to moderate depression, showing comparable results to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), though its effectiveness in severe depression is less certain. SJW has common side effects like gastrointestinal issues and photosensitivity and poses serious risks due to interactions with medications, which can reduce the efficacy of drugs such as anticoagulants and hormonal contraceptives and lead to serotonin syndrome. Globally, it is classified as an herbal medicine or dietary supplement, with varying regulatory status and quality control issues. Ethical concerns include its use in vulnerable populations and the need for informed consent due to variable quality and interactions. In clinical practice, SJW is utilized for mild to moderate depression, either as an adjunct to conventional treatments or as a standalone therapy. Standard treatments for psychological disorders usually include pharmacotherapy, brain stimulation, and psychotherapy. However, many patients opt for alternative treatments like nutraceuticals or dietary supplements due to drugs’ side effects, dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and the high costs of conventional options. Factors such as lack of insurance, social stigma, non-adherence, and dissatisfaction with traditional treatments often drive this preference. This review evaluates its use in major depressive disorder (MDD), focusing on long-term efficacy, safety, and potential personalized medicine approaches. Innovations in combination therapies, delivery methods, and biomarkers may enhance therapeutic outcomes. SJW and complementary therapies offer additional options, particularly for patients resistant to conventional treatments, given that standard antidepressants may not address all underlying factors of MDDs, such as inflammation and nutritional deficiencies.