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Healthy lifestyle can help prevent depression – and new research may explain why

Research found that a healthy lifestyle involving moderate alcohol consumption, healthy diet, regular physical activity, and frequent social connection can reduce the risk of depression. The study identified seven healthy lifestyle factors linked to a lower risk of depression, with good sleep being the most protective.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2023

Culture-friendly therapies for treating anxiety and depression in Japanese youth

Researchers found that culturally adapted Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT) are effective in treating anxiety and depression in Japanese youth. The studies highlight the importance of cultural adaptation, user-centered design, and careful implementation of CBT programs to improve learning and treatment outcomes.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalClinical Child and Family Psychology Review·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2023

Post Office Scandal victims suffering from significant PTSD and depression, study shows

Researchers found that wrongly accused Post Office Scandal victims experience high levels of clinically significant post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, regardless of conviction outcome. The study highlights the need for mental health support and reliable investigation practices within the criminal justice system.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2023

Talk therapy with other moms an effective treatment for postpartum depression, McMaster research shows

Researchers at McMaster University found that peer-led group cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered online significantly improved symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers. The model has the potential to substantially improve access to effective treatment for mothers with postpartum depression.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2023

Underutilized antidepressant treatment for postnatal depression associated with improved child outcomes at age five

Research found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment for postnatal depression was associated with reduced child behavioral difficulties, ADHD symptoms, and maternal depression. The study also suggested long-term benefits of SSRI treatment on child outcomes up to five years after childbirth.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2023

Potential employers view job candidates differently if they post online about mental health

A new study by North Carolina State University reveals that posting about mental health challenges on LinkedIn can affect how potential employers perceive job applicants. Researchers found that disclosures about anxiety and depression led to viewers viewing candidates as less emotionally stable and less conscientious.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

Immune cells linked to anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease

A study suggests that immune cells, particularly regulatory T cells, play a role in anxiety and depression, with reduced expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 associated with major depressive disorders. Depletion of these cells leads to increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice, highlighting their potential link to these conditions.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Positive “resilience factors” can help older adults mitigate negative effects of loneliness, study finds

Researchers found that engaging in activities, expanding social networks, and using technology can lower the risk of loneliness among elderly. However, several risk factors including older age, vision impairment, and depression increased loneliness likelihood.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

New genetic relations between irritable bowel syndrome and psychiatric diseases discovered

A new study has identified thousands of shared genetic variants between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. This discovery provides a new understanding of the brain-gut axis and holds promise for developing effective treatments for IBS.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

GABA receptors in brain could be targets to treat depression and its cognitive symptoms

Researchers propose GABA-modulating treatments as potential therapeutic targets for depression's cognitive and affective symptoms. The study highlights the importance of GABA-A receptors in regulating balance and signals between neurons, and suggests compounds that promote or inhibit these receptors may alleviate depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2023

IU-led intervention leveraging technology reduces depression in Indianapolis-area patients

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that an e-health and telehealth-based collaborative care intervention had a significant impact on patients with depression. The intervention resulted in a 43% reduction in depressive symptoms among participants, compared to only 17% in the usual primary care group.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 3, 2023

Study finds ‘startling’ levels of hidden mental health symptoms among people living with long term autoimmune diseases

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023

Men who previously used antidepressants significantly more likely to need them after having a child

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 ...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2023

Ketamine effective for treatment-resistant depression: clinical trial

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.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2023

U of M Medical School receives DARPA award to develop detection tools for early symptoms of depression, psychosis and suicidality

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.

Reichman University researchers develop a model to enable the efficient and accurate diagnosis of postpartum depression and appropriate treatment

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.

SourceReichman University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 5, 2023

Brain imaging-based biomarker of depression identified

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

Brain pathway identified that impairs postpartum social behavior after adolescent stress

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

Chronic stress-related neurons identified

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Can humor help treat depression and anxiety?

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.

SourceWiley·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateJun 21, 2023