Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that 73% of children with skin diseases face stigma and bullying, leading to impaired relationships and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The study suggests that clinicians should aggressively treat skin disorders in children and consider referral to evaluation and counseling.
Research found that low to moderate intensity exercise reduces depression risk by 23% and anxiety by 26%, while high-intensity exercise showed weaker effects. Moderate activities like gardening and walking were particularly effective in reducing depression risk.
A study found that subtle differences in social media messages can influence young people's beliefs about depression and anxiety. Participants who read growth mindset tweets were more optimistic about treatment, while those reading fixed mindset tweets felt the conditions were more stable.
A study suggests that a strong therapeutic alliance is key to successful psychedelic-assisted therapy in reducing depression. Participants who had stronger relationships with their therapists experienced lower depression scores one year later.
A study found that social stress during adolescence in female mice leads to prolonged cortisol elevation after giving birth, similar to women exposed to adverse early life experiences. The researchers suggest alternative treatments may be more effective for postpartum depression.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that physical activity lowers cardiovascular disease risk by reducing stress-related signaling in the brain. Participants who met physical activity recommendations had a 23% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who did not.
The Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT) device, the size of a pea, activates the motor cortex, allowing patients to move their hands. The technology offers greater patient autonomy and accessibility than current neurostimulation-based therapies.
A noninvasive brain stimulation treatment, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), improved depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults. The treatment benefits persisted at a one-year follow-up, particularly among those with moderate to severe state anxiety.
A study published in Psychiatry Research confirms that weight training improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in old people. The analysis of over 200 articles identified the types of training most indicated for these cases, recommending exercises done three times a week with short sets and proper structure.
A recent NIH study found that children living near natural spaces from birth experience fewer emotional issues between ages 2 and 5. Higher levels of green spaces were linked to lower anxiety and depression symptoms during this period.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital found a link between depression and heart disease through inflammation. The study suggests that medications for both conditions, when used together, may prevent the development of cardiomyopathy by reducing inflammation.
A new study reveals a significant rise in mental health problems among Ukrainian children and adolescents displaced by the war. Key findings include a one-third of child population experiencing clinically relevant anxiety, traumatic stress, depression, conduct behavior, and ADHD.
Researchers at UTEP used prairie voles to study depression, finding they exhibit changes in behavior similar to humans, including weight loss and anhedonia. The study suggests that social defeat stress can activate the voles' stress response and lead to symptoms of depression.
A study found that the number of U.S. collegiate athletes who died by suicide doubled between 2002 and 2022, accounting for a greater portion of total deaths. Athletes' mental health issues were attributed to pressures such as school expectations, performance demands, and social media scrutiny.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
A large multi-state study found COVID-19 vaccines are as effective for adults with anxiety or depression as for those without these conditions. Unvaccinated individuals with mental illness had a higher rate of hospitalization for COVID-19 than those without a psychiatric diagnosis.
A new study identifies multiple emotion regulation systems in the human brain, providing targets for therapy. The research reveals that regions in the anterior prefrontal cortex and higher-level cortical hierarchies are involved in emotion regulation.
A massive study of over 200,000 participants found associations between metabolic dysregulation and long-term risk of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. These findings suggest that individuals with metabolic issues may require closer follow-up for psychiatric diagnosis prevention.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that nearly half of Las Vegas concertgoers who survived the 2017 mass shooting experienced major depressive episodes within the past year. The study also found that over 63% of survivors reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the same time period.
Postpartum depressive symptoms are significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially among Asian, Black, and Latine birthing people. The study found that only 37% of Hispanic and Black respondents received postpartum mental health treatment compared to 67% of white respondents.
A trio of studies show increased diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in pregnant and new mothers with private insurance, but disparities persist. The findings suggest that policy changes and increased awareness have contributed to the rise in diagnoses and treatments.
A recent study found that mimicking participants' actions or words increased feelings of guilt, contradicting the assumption that it fosters social bonding and reduces negative emotions. The researchers suggest that therapists carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using mimicry in therapy.
Researchers found a strong bidirectional relationship between premenstrual disorders and perinatal depression among over 900,000 women. Women with perinatal depression were more likely to develop premenstrual disorders after pregnancy and childbirth.
A nationwide Swedish study reveals a bidirectional link between premenstrual disorders (PMS/PMDD) and perinatal depression. Women with PMS/PMDD are five times more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression are twice as likely to develop PMS/PMDD.
A new study suggests that anxiety and depression in younger women may accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors, putting them at nearly par with men of the same age. The researchers found that these mental health conditions were associated with a much higher relative risk among young women than seen in other groups.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.
Researchers found that AI models using language patterns from past studies are less predictive for depression among Black people on Facebook. The study suggests that considering intersection of race and social media can improve depression detection, and calls for more data to learn depression patterns in Black individuals. Better under...
A study using AI models to analyze Facebook posts found that words associated with depression were more predictive of severity in white participants than in Black participants. Researchers highlight the importance of including diverse pools of data to ensure accuracy and tailor effective healthcare interventions.
A large-scale animal study reveals that brain pH and lactate levels are a common feature across various neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Changes in brain energy metabolism are linked to cognitive impairment, particularly working memory.
A new study published in BMC Psychiatry explores the fear of depression recurrence (FoDR) among people with major depressive disorder. Researchers found that FoDR can lead to increased anxiety and negative mood changes, while also triggering avoidance behaviors.
Research highlights treating anxiety and depression in people with heart disease can significantly reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even death. The study found that talk therapy and antidepressant medications improved heart outcomes among those with blocked arteries or heart failure.
A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that treating anxiety and depression significantly improves heart disease outcomes, with a 75% reduction in hospitalizations or emergency room visits. The study suggests a collaborative care model is essential for managing cardiovascular and mental health.
People with dementia experience declines in social well-being as their disease progresses, while caregivers become isolated due to caregiving responsibilities. Experts recommend screening for loneliness and finding ways to keep individuals socially connected to improve quality of life and reduce health outcomes.
A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota reveals that non-invasive brain stimulation can change a specific brain mechanism related to human behavior. The technique, called transcranial alternating current stimulation, modulates brain activity by shifting when brain cells are active.
A study published in Journal of Psychosomatic Research suggests that short-term biofeedback therapy can alleviate certain symptoms of long COVID, including physical and mental health issues. Participants reported significant improvements after six sessions of biofeedback therapy.
A four-year study by Dartmouth researchers tracks changes in student mental health during college, identifying key populations and stressors. The study found that first-year and female students are at risk for high anxiety and low self-esteem, while sophomores experience increased social activity but higher stress levels.
A Japanese study published in JACC: Asia found that women with depression are at a greater relative risk of developing heart-related negative health outcomes compared to men. The study identified sex-specific factors contributing to the increased CVD risk and emphasized the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
A Phase III clinical trial showed that cancer patients who received specialized mental health support experienced lasting improvements in quality of life, reduced pain, depression, and fatigue. The intervention also led to lower risk of cardiovascular disease in family caregivers and substantial cost savings for the healthcare system.
A new study suggests that mushroom extract containing psilocybin demonstrates superior efficacy in stimulating neuroplasticity and promoting new connections between nerve cells. The research found that the extract had a more potent and prolonged impact on synaptic plasticity compared to chemically synthesized psilocybin.
A Rutgers University study links housing hardship among low-income new mothers with increased rates of depression and anxiety. The research highlights the importance of government housing assistance in reducing mental health risks for renter households.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties in children with epilepsy compared to standard care. The Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) treatment uses a modular approach to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders by 40%.
Research has shown that dulaglutide, a diabetes drug, can reduce depressive-like behaviors in mice. The study identified four major pathways involved and linked markers of depression to lipid metabolism and tryptophan metabolism. This new perspective may facilitate the use of dulaglutide as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression.
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies is open to media registration for its 2024 event. Journalists can access the latest research discoveries in neuroscience fields such as dementia, addiction and depression.
A new study reveals that coaches who display 'authentic leadership' qualities, such as empathy and understanding, can strengthen athletes' mental health. This is particularly important for high-level athletes competing at national, international, or university leagues.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new treatments across the lifespan for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. The March issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry highlights several studies with these findings.
A new review paper from Brigham and Women's Hospital concludes that menopause does not uniformly elevate the risk of depression and other mental health conditions. Certain groups, such as those with a history of depression or severe sleep disturbances, are more likely to experience depressive symptoms during menopause.
Researchers discovered that ketamine's sustained effects involve increasing immature cells' activity, while rapid effects rely on newborn neurons firing more rapidly. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new antidepressant treatments.
Researchers found that specific auricular acupuncture improved the recovery rate for depression to 58%, compared to 43% for non-specific treatment. The study also showed no severe adverse effects, with most participants reporting mild pain at the needle application site.
A new study from the University of Toronto found an association between poor sleep and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young adults. Participants who reported greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms had shorter sleep duration and difficulty falling or staying asleep more than half the time.
A new smartphone application using AI and facial-image processing software detects the onset of depression before symptoms appear. MoodCapture captures facial expressions and surroundings, then evaluates them for clinical cues associated with depression.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers report that worsened anxiety and depression can predict the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patients with more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms were more likely to progress from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown Alzheimer's disease.
A large clinical trial found that an intervention for pregnant women in Pakistan significantly reduced the likelihood of developing moderate-to-severe anxiety and depression after birth. The intervention, led by Dr. Pamela J. Surkan, was administered by non-specialized providers and showed promising results.
A new study suggests that hormone therapy can improve not only hot flashes but also depressive symptoms commonly associated with menopause. Researchers found a high prevalence of depression among women undergoing the menopause transition, and that hormone therapy was effective in managing both hot flashes and mood-related symptoms.
Researchers from Osaka University found that (R)-ketamine can improve social impairments in mice with depression by restoring neuronal activity in the anterior insular cortex. The study suggests that (R)-ketamine may be a more effective treatment for social cognition than its counterpart (S)-ketamine.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that vision impairment is linked to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as social isolation among older adults. The research emphasizes the need for enhanced support and care for individuals with vision impairment.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that older Canadians with a history of stroke experienced depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those with no lifetime history of depression, immigrant status and family stressors were associated with an increased risk of incident depression.
Recent research suggests that problems with sleep and internal body clock can trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health, which could lead to new preventative measures and therapies.
A survey study of U.S. adults found that post–COVID-19 condition is associated with greater self-reported functional impairment and depressive symptom severity. Cognitive symptoms are common among individuals with post–COVID-19 condition, impacting daily life.
A systematic review found large reductions in depression for dance and moderate reductions for walking, jogging, and strength training. Exercise combined with SSRIs or psychotherapy showed added benefits. Vigorous exercise had greater effects than low-intensity activities.
Dr. Jean Chen receives grant to investigate cognitive behaviour therapy's effect on caregiver brain health, reducing dementia risk and improving overall wellbeing. The research aims to optimize CBT use for Canadians living with depression.