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.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023
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.
A cross-sectional analysis of 2,200 individuals with sickle cell disease found associations between employment status, sex, age, and depression with pain frequency. Comprehensive treatment for SCD must consider the full experiences of patients, including mental health impacts on pain reduction.
A new study found that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores compared to heterosexual women. In contrast, gay and bisexual men were more likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies among sexual minority adults in France.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a potential link between hormonal birth control and an increased risk of postpartum depression. The study suggests that women who experienced depression related to hormonal changes before pregnancy may be more susceptible to postpartum depression.
A new pilot study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that an AI voice-based virtual coach improved depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as problem-solving skills, in patients. The Lumen app delivered a form of psychotherapy, resulting in changes in brain activity and reduced psychological distress.
Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.
Research finds past obesity associated with greater depressive symptoms and impaired psychological wellbeing, even after weight loss. Past obesity may be 'psychologically scarring', increasing the risk of early death by around 30%.
A nationwide register-based study found significant increases in psychiatric diagnoses among Finnish children and adolescents during the pandemic, with notable rises in eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights concerns about gaps in services and accessibility during times of crisis.
A novel approach called theta-burst stimulation (TBS) offers a more convenient and efficient treatment option, reducing time burdens on patients and clinicians. The study concludes that accelerated delivery of TMS is safe and effective in treating MDD.
A study of over 45,000 individuals found COVID-19-like symptoms without SARS-CoV-2 infection led to higher rates of depression and anxiety eight months post-symptom onset. Researchers also discovered that negative SARS-CoV-2 serologic test results did not mitigate this risk.
A new study published in JCI Insight identified a second target for treating depression using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), showing that each target alleviates a different set of symptoms. Patients who had high baseline depression and anxiety measures responded better to standard TMS treatment, while those with low baseline ...
A recent study investigated social media posts of emergency medicine physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing key thematic shifts in language related to anxiety, anger, depression, and loneliness. Social media was found to provide a real-time landscape for evaluating emotional well-being among healthcare workers.
A study found that restoring gamma oscillations in brain regions processing smells can counter depression, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. The research involved mice and rats, who showed increased depressive behaviors when gamma signals were suppressed, but returned to normal after receiving amplified signals.
A new study found that social support, sense of community, and depressive symptoms played a role in changes to an online gaming site's social structure over time. Members who reported more social support and a greater sense of community were more likely to form communication ties and connect with others.
KNT-127 exhibits anti-stressing and anti-depressant effects in mice, improving social interaction and reducing stress-induced hormone levels. The agent suppresses neuronal inflammation and newborn death without affecting neurogenesis.
A Columbia University study found that casual cannabis use by adolescents raises the risk of depression, suicidality, and problem behaviors. Nondisordered cannabis users were 2-2.5 times more likely to have adverse mental health outcomes and behavioral problems compared to teens who didn’t use cannabis.
Researchers found that people who perceived cognitive difficulties during COVID were more likely to experience physical symptoms of long COVID. The study suggests a psychological component for lingering SARS-CoV-2 symptoms in some patients.
New research shows that people with bipolar disorder or depression are more likely to be hospitalized if their verbal memory is poor. The study found an approximately 84% increased risk of admission to a psychiatric ward due to impaired verbal memory.
Hoarding disorder affects 2% of the population with clutter in homes and excessive acquisition of possessions. The new guidance provides best practice for diagnosing and supporting those affected.
Researchers found people with anxiety and depression disorder experience greater alcohol use disorder symptoms, even at similar levels of drinking. The study analyzed data on 26,000 adults and found that those with internalizing disorders predicted more alcohol-related symptoms.
The study found that endocrine, musculoskeletal, and vascular diseases were the most common causes of hospitalization in individuals with depression. Depression is considered a potential target for preventing both physical and mental health issues.
Researchers found that psilocybin facilitates fear extinction in mice by promoting hippocampal neuroplasticity. The study's results improve our understanding of the restorative effects of psilocybin on the brain and may lead to alternative treatments for PTSD.
A study with 116 participants found associations between microRNAs in extracellular vesicles and mental health disorders such as depression and ADHD. While no biomarkers were identified, the results suggest genetic material can be non-invasively accessed through blood samples.
A systematic review of 53 studies found significant increases in depression symptoms among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with female individuals and those from higher-income backgrounds most affected. Anxiety symptoms also rose slightly during this time.
A study found that young women are more likely to experience adverse outcomes and rehospitalization after a heart attack, with non-cardiac hospitalizations showing the most significant disparity. Researchers highlight the need for public awareness and sex-specific post-heart attack care.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that refocusing on mental imagery is a more effective distraction than verbal thoughts for adolescents stuck in negative thought spirals. The study, led by Hannah Lawrence, suggests that mental imagery can help break up the thought spiral and seek help from a therapist or support system.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School and the Institute of Mental Health found that anxiety and depression in Singapore cost 2.9% of the GDP, or nearly S$16 billion, due to healthcare resource usage, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.
A new study found six suicide clusters, four overdose clusters and nine alcohol-related liver disease clusters in the US west, southeast and Appalachia/rust belt. These co-occurring clusters suggest specific regions at increased risk for deaths of despair warranting public health intervention.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2023
A large-scale study has linked accelerated biological aging to an increased risk of depression and anxiety in older adults. Adults with more advanced biological age were found to be more likely to develop depression and anxiety over time compared to peers who were biologically younger.
Research suggests that problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. Adolescents experiencing mental health problems showed similar patterns of brain activity, which were largely apparent in the frontal lobes.
A Brazilian study found that pediatric ICU workers experienced high levels of burnout, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite high job satisfaction, organizational support can help mitigate psychological distress.