Articles tagged with Depression
A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...
Researchers from SWPS University develop Post-Game Depression Scale (P-GDS) to capture players' experiences after finishing video games. The study reveals RPG fans are most at risk of intense P-GD, associated with stronger depressive symptoms and lower well-being.
Research suggests that persistent pain drives progressive changes in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in emotional regulation. This can shape whether people develop depression or remain emotionally resilient. The study's findings challenge the idea that depression is an inevitable consequence of long-term pain.
A concerning rise in adolescent obesity has been found, with overall rates climbing to 15.9% in 2023. Obesity patterns also reveal a decline in weight-loss attempts, with females more likely to attempt weight loss but fewer adolescents reporting efforts in 2023.
A cohort study found that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were associated with an increased risk of treatment-resistant depression in adults. Preventing ACEs and incorporating ACE history into clinical assessment may help identify individuals at elevated risk for treatment resistance.
A new study finds that widowed men experience poorer physical and mental health, while widowed women show resilience and improved well-being after losing their spouse. The study highlights the need for gender-specific strategies to support recovery after spousal loss.
A UK study found that a 12-week ketogenic metabolic therapy program led to significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores. The program, delivered remotely, showed a 62% reduction in depression symptoms and a 46% reduction in anxiety, with 100% of participants completing the program.
Emerging research across conceptual frameworks, biomarker science, digital phenotyping, and artificial intelligence synthesizes a translational pathway toward a more biologically grounded and clinically useful approach to psychiatric diagnosis. The current system falls short due to standardized clinical language and lack of biological ...
A new study models brain aging and resilience over the lifespan, uncovering individual factors that affect cognition and identifying potential biomarkers of healthy brain aging. Researchers are now incorporating diverse data, including social and lifestyle factors, to create a broader picture of the aging brain.
A new PET imaging study reveals that ketamine relieves treatment-resistant depression by altering AMPAR in brain regions, providing potential biomarker for personalized treatment. The study found that ketamine increased AMPAR density in several cortical regions and decreased it in reward-related areas, strongly correlating with reducti...
Researchers analyzed data from over 62,000 participants, finding that loneliness partially mediated the link between anxiety and suicidal thoughts as well as depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Targeting loneliness may be a crucial strategy to prevent progression from these conditions.
A decision-support system improved depressive and anxiety symptoms, increased medication adherence, and reduced symptoms over time for patients with major depressive disorder. The system used clinical and demographic predictors to tailor treatment, resulting in better outcomes for patients compared to usual care.
Scientists employed targeted sound vibrations to influence brain behavior in a computer game, revealing robust effects on neurotransmitter levels and choice behavior. The technique may offer new treatments for conditions like depression and addiction, which involve disrupted brain regions.
Benzodiazepine use decreased across the US from 2018 to 2022, with the greatest decline among older adults. Nearly half of patients receiving benzodiazepines also took other central nervous system depressants, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
A study found distinct inflammatory biomarkers and brain signatures for early-stage depression and psychosis, differing even in the earliest stages. These findings support customized therapies and may reduce risk of severe progression.
A recent study published in CANCER found that adults with cancer who developed mental health conditions within the first year after diagnosis had a significantly higher likelihood of dying over the next few years. The analysis of data from University of California-affiliated hospitals revealed a 51% increased risk of death among those ...
A new study found that Black young adults experiencing high levels of online racism are more likely to use digital mental health tools. The research also showed that these individuals were more likely to engage in online mental health communication, regardless of their anxiety or depression symptoms.
Researchers found that a condensed brain stimulation therapy, known as '5x5' TMS, produced comparable results to the standard six-week course of treatment. Patients who showed little improvement immediately after finishing their five-day course still benefited significantly in the weeks that followed.
This cross-sectional study highlights critical gaps in accessible mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms to address systemic inequities and provide disability-informed care.
A cohort study found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, particularly psychotic and bipolar conditions. The study's results inform the development of interventions and policies to prevent or delay adolescent cannabis use.
A study analyzing data from 44,000 adults found that those with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression. The study also highlights significant healthcare treatment and access barriers facing this population.
Cohort study finds prenatal depression and gestational diabetes independently increase childhood obesity risk, while children exposed to both face the greatest risk, highlighting need for universal screening and targeted interventions.
A large cohort study found that air pollution exposure increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study suggests that improving air quality could be an important way to prevent dementia and protect older adults.
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
Research finds that SSRIs during pregnancy increase gestational diabetes risk in newborns but lower preterm birth and low birth weight risks. SSRIs also associated with breathing problems and neonatal care needs in newborns.
Researchers found a pattern of gene activity associated with higher depression risk in women who experienced childhood abuse. This discovery may help explain individual differences in risk and provide biological markers for depression.
A study led by University College London found that academic pressure at age 15 is linked to higher depressive symptoms and self-harm in young people. The association persists into adulthood, with high levels of academic pressure at age 15 associated with increased risk of self-harm up to age 24.
Researchers found that patients with major depressive disorder share immune abnormalities with inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis. The study suggests targeting the Th2 pathway and interleukin-4 receptor alpha as potential therapeutic strategies for psychiatric illness.
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed wearable trackers that can detect depression relapse weeks before it occurs, providing a potential early warning system. The study monitored 93 adults with a history of depression using a research-grade actigraphy device, collecting over 32,000 days of sleep and activity data.
A new study found that nearly one in five adults with tinnitus have had to reduce their working hours or leave employment due to the condition. The research also revealed that targeted interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can improve work productivity and overall wellbeing.
Exercise has a medium-sized effect on depression symptoms and a small to medium-sized effect on anxiety symptoms, with aerobic formats being the most effective for relieving depression. All forms of exercise are as good as or better than medication or talking therapies for easing symptoms, regardless of age or sex.
Researchers discovered that brief intermittent intense exercise is a more effective treatment for panic disorder than relaxation therapy. The 12-week program showed significant reductions in Panic and Agoraphobia Scale scores, anxiety, depression, and panic attack frequency and severity.
A new study highlights the clinical relevance of brain functional connectome uniqueness in identifying biomarkers for major depressive disorder. Researchers found that patients with MDD displayed reduced FC uniqueness, especially in frontoparietal and sensorimotor networks.
A large-scale Japanese cohort study and mouse experiments reveal that maternal perinatal depression increases autistic-related traits in toddlers, with a particularly strong impact on girls. The findings suggest a sex-specific neurobiological pathway underlying these effects.
A ketogenic diet was found to have a modest effect in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study's results suggest that this dietary approach may be worth exploring as an adjunct therapy option.
A cohort study found a disproportionate increase in postpartum depression among women and adolescents in low-socioeconomic status communities following state abortion bans. The legislation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for targeted mental health support and policy interventions.
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
Individuals who combine climate worry with actions such as volunteering, following a plant-based diet, or avoiding air travel experience fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms. Climate hope in society's ability to mitigate climate change also correlates with reduced mental health issues.
A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance task engagement and activation of brain regions associated with executive function in individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression. However, it unexpectedly heightened sensitivity to threats, including increased eyeblink startle response under conditi...
Adverse experiences throughout life increase dementia and stroke risks, with depression as a mediating factor. Implementing life-course interventions addressing psychological trauma and mental health can reduce neurovascular disease burden.
A Swedish study of prematurely born adults found increased morbidity in physical and mental health, yet they reported a high quality of life. The study, which followed participants from birth to age 26-29, suggests that premature birth does not necessarily limit daily life.
A study by SWPS University researchers found that sedentary lifestyle in adolescents can negatively impact their parents' mental health, leading to symptoms of depression. The study also showed that teenagers spend more time sitting than their parents, highlighting the need for family-based health-promoting interventions.
A new study finds that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a cost-effective treatment option for moderate and severe forms of depression. TMS reduces depressive symptoms, eases pressures on informal carers, and helps people get back to work, recovering its costs over time through savings to the NHS.
Research by Université Laval found that physical exercise and living in favorable conditions reduce depression risk by maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity. Fgf2 protein plays a key role in this mechanism and may serve as a biomarker for mood disorders.
A recent survey study found a significant association between generative AI use and increased depressive symptoms in US adults. The magnitude of the effect varied by age group, suggesting that further research is needed to understand the causal relationship and underlying factors.
Research from the University of Warwick finds that teenage girls who manage their bodies through constant dieting and exercise face heightened risks of psychological health issues. By age 20, these young women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for a broader approach to mental health support.
A new medical large language model (LLM) achieved over 91% accuracy in identifying female participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder after analyzing short WhatsApp audio recordings. The LLMs showed greater accuracy when classifying women compared to men, particularly when given the 'describe your week' data.
A recent study by King's College London found that diagnosis rates for depression, asthma, and osteoporosis remained lower than expected after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed data from over 29 million people in England and found that diagnosis rates recovered differently across ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
The updated edition provides a comprehensive overview of major mental health conditions that emerge during adolescence, discussing treatment strategies and prevention methods. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing stigma, promoting evidence-based treatments, and integrating positive youth development into policy agendas.
A study of over 500 survivors found severe psychological trauma with somatic symptoms persisting decades after the attack. The results highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health services, compensation, and ongoing care for chemical attack survivors.
Adults with asthma who experience depressive symptoms have elevated blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein typically reduced in major depressive disorder. Physical activity may also play a role in depression management, as lower activity levels are linked to worse moods.
Researchers from Korea University report a breakthrough in reviving an abandoned depression drug target by redesigning the molecular structure of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists. New compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects have been identified, reducing depressive-like behavior and brain inflammation in mice.
A nationwide study found that depression frequently precedes the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. The risk of depression rises steadily in the years leading up to diagnosis, peaking before diagnosis, and remains elevated for several years afterward.
A study found that a small, implanted vagus nerve stimulation device produced substantial and sustained improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and daily function in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The device showed lasting benefits even after two years, with nearly one-third of participants who didn't respo...
Research found that prolonged heavy drinking induces neuroinflammation, promoting negative emotional states lasting for weeks into abstinence. Inhibiting proinflammatory microglia activation during alcohol exposure blocks the development of anxiety and fear memory.
Adolescents bullied or engaging in bullying face lasting mental, physical and social challenges. The study identified socioeconomic disadvantages, race, physical differences, and pre-existing health conditions as risk factors for bullying.
A Dartmouth study identifies a novel target for using psilocybin to treat depression and anxiety without hallucinations. The serotonin 1B receptor is found to promote the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, providing a potential new approach for developing safer and more cost-efficient medications.
A team from Chongqing Medical University developed a model that integrates sMRI and fMRI data to predict treatment responders, achieving high accuracy rates. The dual-branch graph attention network (DBGAN) captures coordinated brain changes linked to emotion regulation and memory processing.
A study of 168 second-time mothers found that those who breastfed were less likely to experience depression and anxiety 10 years after pregnancy. Each week of lifetime exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2% lower likelihood of reporting depression and anxiety, after accounting for influential factors.