Young children whose mothers are severely depressed are nearly three times more likely to suffer accidental injuries than other children in the same age group. Mothers with chronic depression may not properly safeguard their environments, leading to poor supervision and increased injury risks.
A study led by a nursing professor is evaluating the effectiveness of telephone-based interpersonal psychotherapy for treating postpartum depression. The trial involves trained nurses providing therapy to clinically depressed women in remote areas with limited access to mental health services.
New British Association of Pharmacology guidelines suggest that antidepressants are effective in treating depression, especially severe cases. In contrast, evidence for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is limited, particularly for mild and moderate depression.
A study found that low vitamin D levels and high parathyroid hormone levels are associated with depression in older adults. The researchers measured blood levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone and assessed symptoms of depression among 1,282 community residents.
Research highlights importance of targeting stigma associated with depression, particularly among less-educated men and those born overseas. Personal stigma is lower among those with depression, while higher education levels and depression knowledge reduce stigmatizing attitudes.
Researchers discovered disparities in depression among older Hispanics in the US, with Puerto Ricans having higher rates than other groups. The study found nearly 7% of Puerto Ricans suffer from major depression, compared to 2.8% of Mexican Americans and 2.5% of Cuban Americans.
A unique study found that people with anxious personality traits face a higher risk of first-time clinically significant depression after age 70. Long-standing personality traits can predict onset of depression into older adulthood, especially among women and those from working-class backgrounds.
A recent study suggests that depression care management can improve survival rates in older cancer patients. The research found that comorbid depression shortens survival time with cancer, but intervention with medication and psychotherapy can extend life among cancer patients.
Researchers studied 917 older Catholic nuns and found that depressive symptoms did not increase before diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, those with more symptoms were more likely to develop the condition, implying depression may be a risk factor for dementia.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with a history of depression are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those without one. The risk was particularly high for individuals who experienced depression before age 60, with nearly four times greater likelihood of developing the condition.
A study of 1,000 adults found that childhood maltreatment is associated with increased levels of inflammation and depression in adulthood. Individuals with both conditions were at highest risk for cardiovascular disease. The early recognition of maltreatment history may help address pressing needs for care of depressed individuals.
A new study published in Sleep confirms that insomnia increases the risk of subsequent depression among young adults. The study, which followed 591 participants over 20 years, found that insomnia was a chronic problem that preceded depression more consistently than vice versa.
A study of 3,987 older men found that those with low free testosterone levels had a higher prevalence of depression, with men in the lowest quintile having three times the odds of depression compared to those in the highest quintile. Researchers suggest that hormone imbalances may contribute to this link.
A study found that adolescents with ineffective depression medication saw improved symptoms when switching to a different antidepressant and adding cognitive behavioral therapy. The combination of treatments resulted in a higher rate of clinical response compared to changing medications alone.
A recent study published in JAMA found that teenagers with difficult-to-treat depression who switched to another antidepressant medication and added psychotherapy showed significant improvement. The results suggest that a combination approach may be more effective than traditional treatment strategies for adolescents with treatment-res...
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing depression due to chronic pain and functional disability. Only one in five RA patients discuss their symptoms with their rheumatologists, highlighting the need for improved communication about mental health.
Researchers found that hostility and depression together elevate inflammatory proteins in the human body, increasing the risk for heart disease. The study examined associations with blood levels of two inflammatory proteins and found a stronger relationship between these negative emotions when considered simultaneously.
A team approach to treating depression in older adults reduces total healthcare costs, with patients receiving IMPACT care having lower average costs over a four-year period. The cost-effectiveness of the IMPACT model makes it an attractive option for health organizations, which have already implemented it to improve patient outcomes.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that older women are more prone to depression and less likely to die from it compared to older men. The study, which evaluated 754 individuals aged 70+, found that women were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and remain depressed over time.
Researchers identify distinct biochemical profile in patients with bipolar disorder, suggesting a balance of neurotransmitters is disrupted. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective treatments using mood-stabilizing drugs like lithium and valproic acid.
A study found that older women are more likely to develop depression and remain depressed over time, whereas older men are less prone to this condition. This disparity contributes to the higher burden of depression among older women.
A study of rheumatoid arthritis patients found that almost 11% experienced moderate to severe depression symptoms. Patients who were restricted in their activities were more likely to have these symptoms, and few discussed their condition with their rheumatologists.
Researchers at McGill University and Université de Montréal found that depression and anxiety can double a patient's chances of repeated heart ailments. Patients with coronary artery disease who had major depression or anxiety were more likely to experience cardiac events over two years.
Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute found that concussed athletes with depression showed reduced brain activity in regions known to be implicated in depression. The study provides important clinical implications for treating individuals who have suffered a cerebral concussion and highlights the importance of early interv...
A recent study by Gerald Haeffel and colleagues found that genetic and environmental factors interact to increase the risk of depression in adolescents. The researchers discovered that boys with rejecting mothers and a specific form of the dopamine transporter gene were at higher risk for major depression and suicidal ideation.
A large study found that depression significantly worsens HIV treatment adherence and clinical measures, but antidepressant medication can improve outcomes. Depressed patients had lower adherence rates and worse viral therapy responses compared to non-depressed patients.
A study found that depression screening in cancer patients is inadequate, with only half of veterans with lung cancer receiving screening. Lung cancer has a high association with depression, and early detection can improve quality of life during treatment. Clinicians need to prioritize depression screening even for end-stage cancer cases.
Research shows depression significantly increases risk of death following a heart attack, with depressed patients more than twice as likely to die if they don't recover from depression within six months. The study also highlights the role of molecular mechanisms and inflammatory molecules in this association.
Researchers found that older adults with diabetes and depression who receive depression care management live half as long as those who don't. The study, published in Diabetes Care, suggests integrating depression evaluation and treatment into diabetes management in primary care.
A study by Temple University researcher Dr. Robert Whitaker found that smoking and depression often co-occur in new mothers, affecting the health of their children. The combination may lead to sudden infant death, asthma, ear infections, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, language delay, and childhood depression.
LA BioMed researchers found that African-Americans and Latinos responded less well to medication for depression than whites, with socioeconomic factors playing a key role. The study suggests these groups may need more treatment beyond medication, including talk therapy.
A randomized controlled trial found that combining fluoxetine with cognitive behavioral therapy improved depression scores in teens with co-occurring depression and substance abuse disorders. The treatment was as effective as the antidepressant alone in treating depression among teens without substance abuse problems.
Depression is associated with an increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes. Antidepressant treatments have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing mortality and improving health behaviors in patients with coronary artery disease.
A comprehensive survey of maternal depression found that 8.7% of women were depressed before pregnancy, 6.9% during pregnancy, and 10.4% after childbirth. Nearly three-fourths of women with postpartum depression also experienced depression before or during pregnancy.
A depression outreach-treatment program improved symptoms, job retention, and hours worked among employees compared to usual care. The program's financial benefits for employers include recovered hiring, training, and salary costs.
A new study shows that tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication, dramatically reduces manic symptoms of bipolar disorder more quickly than many standard medications. Tamoxifen blocks an enzyme called protein kinase C, which is thought to be over-active during the manic phase.
Depression produces the greatest decrement in health compared to chronic diseases like angina, arthritis, and asthma. People with depression and one or more chronic diseases have the worst health scores, according to a study of 245,404 people.
Most patients with depression treated by primary care physicians don't receive consistent care with quality standards, a new study finds. However, patients who received better-quality care reported fewer symptoms up to two years after treatment began.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that people with bipolar disorder experience accelerated brain tissue loss, particularly in areas controlling memory, face recognition, and coordination. The study shows that repeated episodes of illness can lead to greater brain loss and decline in mental ability.
A study of twins has connected genetic factors to the link between smoking addiction and major depression. The research found a shared gene associated with conduct disorder, which increases the risk of nicotine dependence and major depression, also leading to impulsivity and other drug addictions.
A recent study reveals that depression is common in early Parkinson's disease diagnosis, with 27% of subjects screening positive for depression. Untreated depression can significantly impact daily life activities and overall quality of life.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a unifying principle explaining how different causes and treatments for depression converge. Changes in electrical signal flow through the brain circuit appear to be the cause of depression-related behavior.
A new study published in Sleep finds that chronic insomnia can increase the chances of developing anxiety disorders and depression. Longitudinal data from over 25,000 adults revealed significant relations between chronic insomnia and the development of anxiety disorders and depression.
A link has been confirmed between depression and low folate levels, with a review of 11 studies involving 15,315 participants supporting the measure. Folate supplements may also benefit people with depression, according to Dr Simon Gilbody.
A new survey by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that the majority of doctors in North Carolina do not probe for signs of postpartum depression in new mothers. The study, to be published June 6, 2007, highlights the need for physicians to screen patients for depression during postpartum visits.
A Penn study found that older adults with major depression who receive coordinated care with primary physicians and depression care managers have a 45% lower risk of dying within five years compared to those receiving standard care. The study suggests that engaging primary care practices in mental health services is crucial for improvi...
A survey estimated that approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults may have some form of bipolar disorder during their lifetime, with 2.4% having a sub-threshold condition. The study found that many individuals with bipolar symptoms receive treatment for depression rather than manic symptoms.
New research suggests that breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments can protect maternal mental health from depression. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower stress levels, thereby reducing the risk of depression in new mothers.
Researchers have pinpointed how different types of damage to the DISC1 gene can cause schizophrenia and major depression. The study, published in Neuron, provides further evidence that these illnesses are inherited and may help doctors tailor treatments.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that delayed treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder results in longer periods of depression, more episodes, and increased substance abuse risk. Adults with untreated childhood-onset bipolar disorder experienced poorer quality of life and were less responsive to treatment.
A study of retired NFL players found nearly 15% experienced moderate to severe depression, with chronic pain levels nearly half of the population. The study also highlighted connections between depression, pain, and other issues like sleep, fitness, and social support.
A study of 4,681 older adults found that chronic depression can cause Type 2 diabetes, even after adjusting for lifestyle factors. The study suggests that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, may be the culprit behind this link.
A Chinese online tool for assessing depression has been found to be both accurate and reproducible, offering a potential solution for identifying the growing number of people suffering from depression. The Internet-based Self-assessment Program for Depression (ISP-D) was tested on 579 subjects, revealing that 31% had major depressive d...
A University of Colorado study found that intensive psychotherapy added to medication significantly improved bipolar disorder symptoms, with patients experiencing better mental health faster. The research also highlighted the importance of family-focused therapy in stabilizing daily routines and coping strategies.
Researchers studied 366 participants with bipolar disorder, finding that adding antidepressants to mood stabilizers did not improve outcomes or trigger manic episodes. The study suggests careful management of mood stabilizer medications may be a reasonable alternative to adding antidepressants.
A new study by Group Health researchers found that phone-based therapy can lead to long-term positive effects on depression symptoms. Patients who received telephone psychotherapy soon after starting antidepressant medication showed strong positive effects at 18 months, with 77 percent reporting improved depression symptoms.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that the Clock gene, regulating biological clocks, is involved in developing bipolar disorder in mice. The study reveals behaviors similar to humans with bipolar disorder, including hyperactivity and euphoria, which are restored by lithium treatment.
Recent advances in bipolar II disorder and related disorders highlight the need for further research due to changes in diagnostic criteria and mixed profiles. Treatment options, such as mood stabilisers, are recommended for mixed depression, but controlled pharmacological studies are lacking.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that having both type 2 diabetes and depression significantly increases the risk of death for heart patients. This is because individuals with diabetes who also experience depression may be less motivated to follow their self-care regimen, thereby putting them at a higher risk.
Research suggests that low birth weight may be linked to an increased risk of depression in teenage girls, with 38.1% experiencing at least one episode of depression between ages 13 and 16. In contrast, no significant association was found for boys.