Articles tagged with Depression
A peer-led, family-centered preventive intervention is being tested to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Bhutanese immigrants. The program, developed by Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, uses problem management plus (PMP) and addresses multiple stressors, resulting in improved coping skills and social networking.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that dispositional mindfulness can significantly reduce and protect elite athletes from stress. Athletes who demonstrated greater mindfulness had lower levels of stress, both immediately after a COVID-19-related shutdown and at the end of their competitive season.
A study by Kyushu University has identified biomarkers in blood samples that distinguish healthy individuals from Hikikomori patients and predict the severity of the condition. Key findings include elevated ornithine levels, lower bilirubin levels, and higher long-chain acylcarnitine levels in patients.
A seven-year study found that mothers with increasing levels of depression are at a greater risk of their children developing emotional, social, and academic problems. Children whose mothers experienced consistently high symptoms performed similarly to those with low symptoms on a task requiring focused attention.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that language related to depression on social media did not increase in response to COVID-19 waves, but rather decreased as people adapted. Instead, they found spikes in language related to the Black Lives Matter movement and other global events.
A small study suggests that maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with changes in the brain of developing fetuses. The study found decreased brain structure and volumetric measures in fetuses from the pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohort.
A randomized trial found that enhanced post-discharge telehealth programs reduced 30-day readmission rates among patients with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. However, implementation barriers, such as perceived counseling needs, limited the intervention's impact.
McGill University researchers found that participants who implemented a nudge-based intervention reduced their screen time by about an hour per day, leading to better sleep quality. The intervention also helped individuals report feeling less addicted to their phones.
A new study finds that Kaiser Permanente's Presence of Mind initiative can effectively deliver mental health information to young adults, reducing stigma and improving attitudes toward treatment. The program, launched in 2020, includes live streams, online training sessions, and creator-led content.
A new study published in BMC Psychiatry found that negative metacognitions and brooding are key factors in persistent depressive symptoms among young people. Metacognitive therapy can help individuals control these patterns and overcome self-reinforcing thought processes.
Researchers have mapped the brain's changes during depression treatment using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The study found that certain brain regions activated by rTMS were associated with better treatment outcomes. This new understanding could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of depression.
A new study found that statin users were less likely to recognize fearful faces and more likely to report them as positive, indicating reduced negative emotional bias. Statins may provide protection against depression through their effect on emotion processing, possibly due to anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
A new study calls for greater support for family members of individuals detained under the UK's Mental Health Act, citing heavy burdens and distress. The research suggests that reforms, including a new nominated person role, must be accompanied by extra support to help those caught up in mental health detentions.
Researchers found that elevated plasma levels of proline and a diet rich in this amino acid are associated with severe depression. The study also discovered a link between microbiota alterations and proline metabolism impacting depressive mood.
A survey study found that cost was the most common reason for young adults aged 18-25 to avoid seeking depression treatment from 2011 to 2019. Increasing inadequate insurance coverage for mental health treatment also contributed to this issue.
A multicentre study has proven personal construct therapy as effective as cognitive-behavioural therapy in improving quality of life and symptoms of depression in patients with fibromyalgia. The therapy focused on people's identity and how they see themselves, offering a personalized approach to treatment.
Rates of postpartum depression symptoms increased nationwide during the pandemic, reaching a high of 7.7% in December 2020 to March 2021. States with fewer COVID-19 deaths and lower unemployment rates showed greater increases in symptoms, likely due to reduced access to support systems.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a healthy Mediterranean diet can significantly improve symptoms of depression in young men. The 12-week randomized control trial showed that nearly all participants stayed with the program and reported positive results.
A new study analyzing 174 peer-reviewed studies on the effects of nature on human well-being found that participants were overwhelmingly white and from high-income countries. The research highlights a diversity problem in the field, which threatens its ability to make universal scientific claims.
A six-month coaching program for female resident physicians significantly reduced emotional exhaustion and imposter syndrome, while increasing self-compassion. The program addressed toxic physician culture and provided tools to manage thoughts, feelings, and actions.
A new quality improvement study from Cedars-Sinai found that comprehensive nurse training is key to successfully screening women for postpartum depression. The initiative identified framing the screening as part of family wellness and normalizing the transition to parenthood as helpful strategies.
A recent Dartmouth study using mobile technology compares emotional well-being of college students before and during the pandemic, finding significant differences in mental health and behavior. The research identifies two groups with differing experiences, with one group showing poorer mental health, anxiety, and stress.
Researchers at the University of South Florida conducted a comprehensive review of data on 25,000 Canadians and found that long-term well-being is a realistic goal for some patients with mental illnesses. The study revealed that symptoms only correlate modestly with well-being, and that earlier treatment may improve outcomes.
Research reveals mental illness disrupts autonomic functions, leading to greater blood pressure variations during the day. People with mental health issues often experience reduced heart rate variation, indicating poor stress response and exacerbating chronic stress effects.
A Rutgers study found that nontraditional 9/11 emergency workers are more than five times as likely to have considered suicide, with 12.5% expressing suicidal ideation compared to 2.2% of traditional first responders. Factors contributing to this disparity include inadequate training and financial hardship.
A large international study found that PHQ-9 accurately indicates the presence and severity of depression, regardless of sex, age, or language. The tool enables clinicians and patients to track and address depression by measuring both physical and emotional symptoms.
Two new studies found that surgical interns and LGBTQ physicians-in-training experience higher rates of depression than their peers. Surgical interns who identified as female or had a history of adverse childhood experiences were also at increased risk. The studies add to the growing body of knowledge about mental health concerns in me...
A study of 7,000 medical interns found that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher depressive symptoms than their heterosexual peers during physician training. The gap widens over the course of training, highlighting a need for targeted support and resources.
Researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of a six-week interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) intervention for addressing depression often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. IER strategies, such as turning to others for emotional support, significantly reduced depression levels in the treatment group.
A Boston University study found that living in areas with more greenery may boost cognitive function, particularly in middle-aged women. The research suggests that exposure to greenspace could improve processing speed and attention, as well as reduce depression, a risk factor for dementia.
A recent study found a consistent decline in the mental health of college students across the US over eight years, with significant increases in depression and anxiety among racial and ethnic minority students. The study also revealed a gap between symptom onset and treatment access, particularly for students of color.
A study found significant reductions in cigarette use among U.S. adults with major depression, substance use disorder, or both from 2006 to 2019. Smoking cessation efforts remain critical for people with these conditions.
A significant decline in cigarette smoking prevalence was observed among US adults with major depressive episode or substance use disorder between 2006 and 2019. The study included nearly 560,000 participants and found a notable reduction in self-reported cigarette smoking during this period.
A new study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduced the risk of suicide among patients with depression in the year following hospitalization. The study, which analyzed data from over 67,000 patients, showed a 50% lower risk of suicide among those who received ECT compared to those who did not.
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that depressive symptoms among English secondary school children increased by 6% during the pandemic. Girls experienced greater symptoms and lower wellbeing compared to boys.
A new study estimates the national economic burden of PTSD at $232.2 billion for 2018, with civilians accounting for 82% of the total costs. The study calls for increased awareness, effective therapies, and expanded evidence-based strategies to reduce the clinical and economic burden of PTSD.
A new Cochrane Review paper reveals that talk therapy can alleviate depression and improve quality of life for people with dementia. The study found that psychological interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), are effective in reducing symptoms of depression and improving wellbeing.
A Swedish study found that children with migration backgrounds are less likely to receive recommended psychiatric diagnoses and treatments for conditions like ADHD and depression. They were 40% less likely to receive certain diagnoses and 30% less likely to receive psychotherapy or ADHD drugs.
A study of US adults found that short sleep duration and inconsistent sleep timing were associated with increased anxiety/depression symptoms and substance use. Participants who slept less than 6 hours a night had higher odds of these symptoms.
A new study found that antidepressant use over two years does not significantly impact physical or mental health-related quality of life in individuals with depression. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions.
A study of 619 participants found that reducing smartphone use by one hour daily or complete abstinence for a week led to positive effects on physical activity, life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. These benefits lasted longer in the reduced-use group, suggesting an optimal daily usage time may exist.
A University of Cincinnati study found that socioeconomic factors have a significant impact on depression treatment outcomes. Patients with lower incomes, less education, and minority backgrounds tend to have worse treatment outcomes even when receiving equal access to treatment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies found significant mental health benefits from physical activity, including a reduced risk of depression. The study suggests that even moderate levels of exercise can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
The study examines how COVID-19 disproportionately affects Black individuals' postpartum anxiety and depression, building on historical inequities. Researchers found a significant association between COVID-19 and increased rates of postpartum mental health issues in Black women.
A recent study found that structural racism and COVID-19 pandemic stressors are significantly associated with postpartum depression and anxiety among Black individuals. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, analyzed data from a large birthing cohort and found that participants who experienced worse pandemic-related worries, interper...
Researchers developed personalised brain models to simulate patient response to deep brain stimulation for depression, improving efficacy by 50%. The models use individual EEG and MRI data to replicate brain response and pave the way for tailored treatment approaches.
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that high and very high cardiovascular risk are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in women. The researchers used data from a Mediterranean Diet trial and found that participants with higher cardiovascular risk had lower depressive status scores after following the diet.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University researchers suggests that maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a distinct mental disorder that can co-occur with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that MD was associated with higher rates of depression, loneliness, and lowered self-esteem in individuals with ADHD.
A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified two distinct brain structure patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with recent onset psychosis and depression. The study used MRI scans to analyze grey matter volume and found that lower volumes were linked to poorer outcomes, while higher volumes we...
A new nationally representative study found that two in five adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were in excellent mental health. Being married, physically active, free from chronic pain, and having no history of depression or anxiety were associated with complete mental well-being.
Research by Sightsavers and others estimates that blind people are nearly four times as likely to experience anxiety and depression as those with no vision impairment. The study highlights the need for governments and organizations to be aware of this issue and design health services to address it.
A new analysis of brain scans from close to 60 people receiving treatment for depression reveals that psilocybin-assisted therapy shows increased brain connectivity even after use, leading to self-reported improvements in depression. The findings differ from conventional antidepressants and suggest a fundamental mechanism via which psy...
Researchers have discovered that rhesus monkeys can sense their heartbeats, which may help understand interoception and its link to mental health conditions. This finding provides an important model for future psychiatric research.
Researchers discovered that individuals with depressive disorders have increased blood cell deformability, particularly in lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. This suggests a potential link between immune system changes and sustained immune responses.
A decade-long study of over 17,000 South Africans found a significant link between community disasters and depression onset. Vulnerable groups showed the greatest risk increase, underscoring the need for targeted support.
Researchers found that about 10% of Canadians with a history of mental illness met thriving criteria, compared to 24% of those without. People with a history of substance-use disorders were more likely to thrive than those with bipolar disorder or other conditions.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...
People with positive past attitudes and long-term planning skills are less depressed, sleep better, and handle isolation more easily. Those who focus on short-term plans and have negative past attitudes show signs of depression, poor sleep quality, and mental disorders.
Research found that exercising for half an hour can improve depressed mood state and anhedonia for up to 75 minutes after exercise, with potential benefits lasting beyond this time frame. The study also suggests that exercise may synergize with therapy to deliver the most effective overall intervention.
A recent Sri Lankan twin study reveals that genetic factors contribute to approximately one-third of the variation in depressive symptoms, while environmental influences account for around two-thirds. The study also found a strong association between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life.