Articles tagged with Depression
A clinical trial suggests that extending antidepressant treatment beyond eight weeks can help prevent depressive relapses in patients with bipolar disorder. The study found that continued treatment was associated with a 40% lower risk of relapse compared to tapering off and switching to a placebo.
A new study found that 81% of women report persistent GI symptoms years after diagnosis, with abdominal bloating and gas being the most common. The analysis also showed that severe GI symptoms are linked to poor quality of life, social activities, and body image satisfaction.
A recent study published in Nature Mental Health emphasizes the need for further research on sex differences in depression. The study, led by Georgia Hodes and Dawson Kropp, aims to uncover effective and sex-specific biomarkers for depression onset and target better treatment options.
A new phase II clinical trial will investigate the effectiveness of an accelerated course of transcranial magnetic stimulation in improving symptoms for patients with mild cognitive impairment and depression. The study aims to identify the optimal dose of stimulation needed to improve both depression and thinking difficulties in MCI, w...
A recent study from the University of Cambridge and King's College London found that over half of patients with autoimmune conditions experience mental health symptoms, but are rarely or never asked about in clinic. The study highlighted a significant gap in mental health support for these patients.
A large Danish study indicates a persistent link between depression in early and middle life and increased risk of dementia. Depression diagnosed during these periods more than doubles the likelihood of developing dementia.
A new research programme called Prevail teaches employees evidence-based psychological techniques to manage mental health conditions, reducing stigma and sick days. The study found a 22% drop in recorded sick days among staff at the DVLA after implementing the programme.
A new study by UCL researchers found that men who previously used antidepressants are over 30 times more likely to take antidepressants in the first year after having a child. Social deprivation was also a key factor in this risk. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 primary care electronic health records and suggests that mental ...
A low-cost version of ketamine has shown strong results in treating treatment-resistant depression, with over 20% participants achieving total remission and a third experiencing symptom improvement. The study's findings bring definitive evidence to the field, which can be more affordable than existing treatments.
Research from the University of York found that high-quality sleep supports positive mental health outcomes when faced with negative experiences, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Better sleep quality was associated with fewer symptoms of both conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new talking therapy called Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) has shown encouraging early signs of being more effective and cheaper to deliver than current Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). ADePT targets building wellbeing alongside reducing depressive symptoms, with promising results in a pilot trial.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School are developing tools to detect early symptoms of depression, psychosis, and suicidality using biomarkers and advanced technologies. The project aims to provide early prevention and detection, potentially saving lives by intervening earlier in a condition's trajectory.
A new analysis of 13 studies confirms that in-person mindfulness courses reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months. The research found that roughly half of participants experienced a small to moderate reduction in psychological distress after completing the programmes.
A Lehigh University professor has received $4 million in NIH grants to develop an AI-driven approach for precision mental health diagnosis and care. The project aims to identify biomarkers in the brain that can predict treatment response and personalize interventions for patients with depression and other mental disorders.
Researchers at Reichman University developed a comprehensive biological model that unifies the processes impacting postpartum depression (PPD) and its symptoms. The model highlights four main factors leading to PPD: immune system activity, continuous stress, hormonal imbalance, and reduced activities involving closeness.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that depression after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has distinct abnormalities in brain circuitry compared to traditional major depressive disorder. The study proposes a new name for TBI-associated depression: 'TBI affective syndrome.'
A South African study found that interacting with children can promote a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing anxiety and depression in retirement home residents. The program, which includes activities like playing games and reading, also boosts mood and emotions.
Researchers at Korea University Medicine identified a new neuroimaging-based biomarker for MDD, the local gyrification index (LGI), which shows decreased cortical folding in patients. LGI values reflect long-drawn developmental processes and are stable markers compared to previous biomarkers.
A team of scientists identified the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex as a key region in predicting rumination, which is linked to depression. The study's findings suggest that dynamic connectivity between brain regions can be used to decode rumination patterns.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that kindness meditation improves the retrieval of specific personal memories in people with a history of depression. After four weeks, participants in the meditation group showed increased memory specificity and reduced rumination compared to those in the control condition.
Researchers used brain imaging to identify multiple subtypes of depression, finding distinct deviation patterns in functional connectivity among brain regions. This study provides leads for developing better treatments and personalized therapeutic interventions.
A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researcher Minae Niwa found that adolescent psychosocial stress, combined with pregnancy and delivery, causes hypofunction of a key neural circuit. This altered circuitry leads to abnormal social behavior in postpartum women, including reduced interaction time with familiar mice.
Significant reductions in nicotine dependence were found among U.S. adults with cigarette use from 2006 to 2019, particularly among those 50 years and older. Tobacco cessation strategies tailored to age and comorbidities are needed for this population.
Incoming collegiate student-athletes who reported prior COVID diagnosis showed significantly higher depression scores, while most participants had mental health scores within established diagnostic thresholds. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mental health in this population after COVID recovery.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a group of nerve cells involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which are sensitive to oestrogen levels, were mapped using advanced techniques such as Patch-seq, Neuropixels, and optogenetics.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
A study published in Brain and Behavior found that humor therapy reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants from various countries. The analysis included 2,964 participants and nine different countries, suggesting that humor therapy may be a feasible complementary alternative for clinicians, nurses, and patients.
This study found that housing insecurity during childhood is associated with anxiety and depression symptoms later in life, including depression in adulthood. Social policies supporting secure housing may be a crucial prevention strategy for these mental health issues.
The USPSTF recommends regular screening for depression in the adult population to address its significant impact on daily functioning. Major depressive disorder can lead to increased mortality if left untreated.
Unaccompanied migrant children are vulnerable to persistent emotional distress due to their experiences. Ongoing psychosocial support is crucial after resettlement to mitigate these symptoms.
A new patient-guided intervention using telemedicine has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression in dialysis patients. The Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) trial found significant improvements in energy levels and pain severity that persisted for six months after treatment.
A McMaster University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for new mothers can lead to adaptive changes in infant brain functioning and reduce post-partum depression symptoms. The study tracked 73 pairs of mothers and babies undergoing PPD treatments between 2018 and 2020.
A new pilot study published in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrates the potential role of probiotic supplementation in supporting mood and mental health in adults with Major Depressive Disorder. The study found significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores over an eight-week period, with notable benefits seen from week four onwards.
A systematic review of evidence found that Covid-19 led to an initial rise in depression and anxiety disorders across Europe, but rates did not return to pre-pandemic levels for many services. The pandemic exacerbated existing treatment gaps, with potential long-term repercussions.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
A new study found that the serotonin booster prucalopride increased functional brain connectivity in healthy adults, particularly between cognitive networks. The results suggest that prucalopride may improve cognitive function and have therapeutic potential for depression patients.
A large-scale study found that women who used combined contraceptive pills were at a greater risk of developing depression than those who did not. The risk was particularly high for teenage users, who had a 130% higher incidence of symptoms of depression.
A new study found that LGB adults are more than twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors compared to straight peers. Depression, anxiety, and experiences of discrimination and bullying contribute to these increased risks.
A new study found that federal and state lockdowns and health mandates implemented during the pandemic exacerbated mental health issues in people living in four US geographic regions. The research showed a significant increase in feelings of anxiety and depression, particularly in Southern states with Republican governments.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis offers a fine-grained scale to understand how people use social media, revealing four categories: belief-based, consumption-based, image-based and comparison-based. Each category is associated with unique personality traits and behavioral characteristics.
Researchers confirm increased protein marker of inflammation in long COVID patients' brains, impacting depression and cognitive symptoms. CAMH study provides hope for new treatments using anti-inflammatory medications.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that adolescents with signs of alcohol dependence are more likely to develop depression by their mid-20s. This association remained after adjusting for potential confounding factors, suggesting a causal relationship between alcohol dependence and subsequent depression.
A study analyzed tweets from nearly 500 emergency medicine physicians, finding a significant increase in expressions of loneliness, anger, and anxiety during the pandemic. Positive themes took a dive, while negative emotions dominated, with loneliness increasing by up to 17% compared to pre-pandemic years.
A study of 4,260 adults found that smoking cessation was associated with improved anxiety and depression outcomes. Sustained cessation for at least 15 weeks showed promise as a strategy for improving mental health in this population.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to less accurate recollections of event timing, particularly for events in 2021. Participants who struggled with timeline accuracy also exhibited higher levels of depression, anxiety, and lower resilience.
A recent study analyzed the impact of vulnerable friendships on Chinese adolescents' social networks, finding that befriending a victimized peer can decrease depressive symptoms but increase victimization. Classroom supportive norms play a crucial role in mitigating these effects.
New research from King's College London suggests that many people with depression have an activated immune response, independent of CRP levels. This finding could pave the way for more personalized approaches to treatment and management of MDD.
The prevalence of depression among adolescents increases with age, affecting up to 1 in 4 youths during the pandemic. More than 60% of adolescents with MDD also have co-occurring mental health conditions, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
A study analyzing 26,000 people found that loneliness strongly affects suicidal ideation, more so than economic hardship or social isolation, especially after the pandemic period.
A significant increase in illicit ketamine seizures in the US has raised concerns about the risks of non-medical and recreational use, as well as the presence of fentanyl. The study found a 349% rise in seizures from 2017 to 2022, with the highest numbers reported in Tennessee, Florida, and California.
A UC Riverside-led study created a virtual village to connect older people living with HIV, reducing social isolation and depression. The virtual space provided health, community-based, and personal resources, facilitating positive connections and friendships.
A study of 6.6 million individuals found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. The findings may inform policies regarding cannabis use control.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that fewer boys aged 15-19 commit suicide in Swedish regions with higher bipolar diagnoses. The study, which analyzed registry data from 2008 to 2021, showed an inverse association between population-adjusted bipolar diagnoses and confirmed suicides among males.
A clinical trial of 403 patients found that ketamine treatment was non-inferior to ECT for treating non-psychotic treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine showed fewer side effects than ECT, with improved depressive symptoms and quality of life.
A systematic review of research on gender-affirming hormone therapy among transgender people found that the therapy reduces depressive symptoms and psychological distress. The study analyzed data from 46 relevant journal articles and identified inconsistent findings across other areas, warranting further investigation.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treats depression by reversing abnormal brain signals. The treatment, which involves powerful magnetic pulses applied to the scalp, changes the flow of neural activity in the brain. By analyzing fMRI data, the team identified a key connection ...
A digital gratitude intervention showed initial improvement in well-being among health care workers, with significant gains in positive affect. However, these benefits were largely lost by month three, suggesting a need for sustained interventions to support long-term mental health.
Research published in Children and Youth Services Review found that approximately two-thirds (63%) of adult survivors of childhood physical abuse are in complete mental health. Barriers to achieving this include a lack of social support, chronic pain, and a history of mental illness like depression or substance use disorders.
A team of researchers developed a deep-learning model called WearNet that uses Fitbit data to detect depression and anxiety. The study found that WearNet performed better than state-of-the-art machine learning models in detecting these conditions, producing individual-level predictions.
A new study suggests that depression is associated with an immune-suppressed type of microglial cells in the brain, rather than neuroinflammation. This finding, published in Biological Psychiatry, may provide a new target for medication and treatment.