Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A Japanese research group found that people with psychiatric disorders tend to hold negative self-schemas, which can renew themselves through feedback and cognitive reactivity. This self-perpetuation process can lead to the development of mental illnesses even in good environments.
A 10-year study found diagnoses of suicidal ideation surged by over 700% among Black pregnant women, while depression diagnoses increased by 66% during the same period. This disparity suggests that many women may be going undiagnosed and untreated until their mental health becomes a crisis.
Researchers found that excess fat triggers immune cells to overeat serotonin in the brain of developing male mice, leading to depression-like behavior. Female mice are not affected in the same way, with higher levels of oxytocin linked to social withdrawal.
The study analyzed over 180,000 patients, finding that depression, addiction, and stress reaction disorder are the most uncertain diagnoses. Doctors can use this data to predict treatment outcomes and improve care for patients, ultimately leading to better evidence-based follow-up.
A large-scale study of 20,000 older adults found that nearly half who had experienced depression before reported being depressed again, highlighting the pandemic's devastating impact on mental health. Factors associated with depression included low income, chronic pain, and family conflict.
A study published in Blood Advances reveals that caregivers of patients undergoing a stem cell transplant who use approach-oriented coping strategies such as positive reframing and acceptance have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. These strategies can help caregivers fulfill their role while protecting their mental health.
A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.
Research in rats suggests that hormonal contraceptives may alter the developing prefrontal cortex, increasing stress hormone production and disrupting signal transmission. The study's findings have implications for understanding the impact of birth control on teenage behavior and mood.
Researchers have identified potential new lead compounds for treating depression and anxiety disorders, which display reduced risk of drug abuse and adverse effects. These substances, derived from synthetic cathinone compounds, are known to release serotonin without significantly increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
A systematic review found significant effects on anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, and social impairment in cancer patients who combined behavioural graded activity with psychological therapies. The effects remained significant after a period of one to three months.
Researchers found that higher levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women were associated with increased anxiety scores in their children at age 12. The study suggests that exposure to flame retardants during early brain development may be a risk factor for developing anxiety symptoms in early adolescence.
A recent study by University of Cambridge researchers found that lack of computer access led to poorer mental health among young people during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The team's analysis of data from 1,387 10–15-year-olds revealed that those without access to a computer experienced a more significant increase in Total Difficulties scores.
Adolescents in war-torn regions experienced high war trauma and daily stress, with 60% witnessing armed attacks. The study found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression compared to those living outside the conflict zone.
New research reveals profound effects of pregnancy on maternal brain physiology, mood, and behavior. Maternal mental health conditions like depression and anxiety affect 20% of new mothers in the US, with untreated cases having long-term negative impacts.
Researchers are investigating the antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of psilocybin and cannabis to improve treatment options for mental illnesses. The findings suggest that these compounds may offer new avenues for symptom relief in a range of mental health conditions.
Researchers found age-related changes in the balance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex during adolescence. This study provides first-ever evidence of plasticity in the frontal cortex during this critical developmental period.
Researchers conducted the largest clinical trial to date of psilocybin, finding a statistically significant rapid reduction in symptoms of depression. The study suggests that COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support could be an effective treatment strategy for people with treatment-resistant depression.
A multicentre clinical trial found that a single dose of COMP360 psilocybin significantly reduced depression symptoms in participants with treatment-resistant depression. The study, involving 233 participants, showed improved outcomes for those receiving the 25mg dose compared to the control group.
A recent study found that adolescents who answered more COVID-19 test questions correctly also reported lower levels of loneliness and fear of missing out. Teens with better COVID-19 knowledge were less likely to use social media excessively, which contributed to their lower anxiety levels.
Researchers developed NETfacts to address severe trauma in communities, combining individual treatment with collective process. The results show that both NET and NETfacts significantly reduced posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, as well as stigma and violence.
The study provides detailed pictures of NMDA receptors, which mediate essential signals between neurons. The findings have significant implications for treating schizophrenia, depression, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
A UMass Amherst epidemiologist is investigating how physical and mental health during pregnancy can predict cardiovascular and mental health disorders in middle age. Pregnancy complications may be associated with poorer cardiometabolic health and mental health status in middle adulthood among Puerto Rican women.
Researchers tracked participants for almost 30 years and found a link between past exposure to intimate partner violence and future cardiovascular health. The study suggests that intimate partner violence is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure hospitalizations.
Researchers found that autistic women are more vulnerable to psychiatric conditions and hospitalization than men, with a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and self-harm. The study suggests that healthcare needs to be expanded for young adults, especially autistic women, to detect mental illness in time.
A new study found that psychological factors such as coping abilities play a significant role in individuals' risk or resilience to mental health disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain connectivity within specific brain networks also predicted individual vulnerability to anxiety and depression symptoms.
A longitudinal imaging study found that early risk factors, such as inhibited behavior and blunted ventral striatum activity, are associated with later depression. Inhibited children who showed reduced brain activity in response to rewards were more likely to develop depression in young adulthood.
A study finds that functional seizures, a type of non-epileptic seizure, are associated with structural changes in the brain, including thinning in the superior temporal cortex and thickness in the left occipital cortex. These differences can be detected using MRI scans.
Researchers discovered two distinct types of regret linked to separate parts of the brain, influencing stress response and mood disorders. Stress-susceptible mice were hypersensitive to one type, while healthy mice were sensitive to another.
A meta-analysis of six studies concludes that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is more effective than ketamine in quickly relieving major depression symptoms. The analysis, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found no significant differences in ECT's success rate across various age groups and geographic locations.
A study of over 17,000 first-year medical residents found a strong correlation between hours worked and depression symptoms. Working long hours was associated with a larger rise in depression symptoms, pushing some residents into moderate or severe depression.
Researchers found a moderate increase in anxiety and depression among the general population during the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on mental health varied significantly by population after that period.
Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.
A study found that 16.5% of American adults with diabetes ration their insulin, with younger adults and the uninsured being most affected. Insulin rationing is often linked to cost concerns, with many patients delaying purchases or taking less insulin than needed.
Researchers at UCalgary have shown that the antibiotic D-Cycloserine (DCS) increases the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with major depressive disorder. The combination treatment showed significant benefits, including improved depressive symptoms and anxiety levels.
A new study found that timely treatment of depression can reduce the risk of dementia by about 30% in certain patient groups. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 350,000 participants and found that depression elevated the risk of dementia by 51%, but treatment reduced this risk. Those with increasing ...
Research found that harsh parenting can lead to increased DNA methylation, predisposing children to depression. The study compared 21 adolescents with good parenting to 23 with harsh parenting and found significant differences in DNA methylation levels.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant decrease in hospital admissions for first-time clinical depression and recurrent depression, while outpatient treatment remained stable. This shift implies that many patients did not receive appropriate care for their condition, potentially leading to long-term quality of life loss.
Researchers found a healthy diet and avoiding stressful news helped prevent anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Engaging in physical exercise, staying outdoors, and drinking water also showed protective effects on mental health.
A new study by UCL researchers found that talking therapies on the NHS can improve the mental health of people with dementia, with 63% experiencing a reduction in symptoms. The therapy proved clinically beneficial, even though response rates were lower than those without dementia.
A new study has identified two distinct brain networks associated with risk and resilience in depression. The salience network is linked to increased depression symptoms, while the default mode network is linked to decreased depression symptoms. These findings may lead to new treatments for depression using neuromodulation therapies.
A study finds that menthol cigarettes are used by nearly two out of five adult smokers, with Black smokers using them at an alarming rate. The CDC is considering banning menthol-flavored cigarettes due to concerns over their impact on public health, particularly among young people and marginalized groups.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening children under 7. Anxiety disorders are common in childhood and adolescence, associated with increased risk of future anxiety or depression. A 2018-2019 survey found 7.8% of children ages 3-17 had a current anxiety disorder
The USPSTF concludes that screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) is insufficient for children under 12, while recommending it for adolescents. Screening for suicidal ideation and attempts is also recommended for all ages in question.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that nearly half of junior doctors reported symptoms of extremely severe depression, anxiety, or stress. The research highlights the need to address and improve working conditions in the NHS to retain healthcare professionals.
Researchers at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business found no evidence to support the theory of depressive realism, which suggests that depressed individuals are more realistic in their judgments. The study replicated a 1979 experiment and found that depressed participants overestimated their control, contradicting the original results.
A new study suggests that impaired autophagy may contribute to the development of post-partum depression in pregnant women. The researchers found lower levels of messenger RNA associated with autophagy in blood samples from women who went on to develop PPD.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown biological contributor to postpartum depression: impaired autophagy, which limits the body's ability to clean up old genetic material. This finding may lead to new treatments and early identification of women at risk before they become ill.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that changes in extracellular RNA communication are associated with postpartum depression, potentially leading to the development of a blood test for risk prediction. The analysis also suggests that autophagy malfunction may contribute to PPD.
A UCL-led study found that grandparents who stopped looking after their grandchildren during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. The study also found that reduced grandparental childcare provision was linked to lower life satisfaction and quality of life among grandparents.
Researchers found strong and linear associations between social media use and depression across all personality traits. Young adults who used more social media were 49% less likely to become depressed if they had high agreeableness compared to those with low agreeableness.
A study of 226 Alzheimer's family caregivers found that 61.5% experienced depressive symptoms at diagnosis, with 1 in 3 showing worsening symptoms over five years. The risk was not linked to disease severity or individual backgrounds.
A recent study found that patients who filled prescriptions for folic acid experienced a 44% reduction in suicidal events over a two-year period. Filling a prescription for folic acid was associated with a decreased risk of attempting suicide, even after adjusting for various confounding factors.
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that shelving long-term goals during the pandemic reduces anxiety and depression. Participants reported greater psychological distress with more COVID-frozen goals, highlighting the importance of disengaging from unattainable objectives.
Scientists have designed compounds that activate the 5HT2a receptor, producing antidepressant and antianxiety effects in mice. The compounds' mechanism of action differs from psychedelics like LSD, offering a potential new approach to developing effective antidepressants with fewer side effects.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that adults with a history of childhood trauma can experience symptom improvement after pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, or combination treatment. Despite previous theories, these common treatments are effective for patients with childhood trauma.
A clinical trial found that using positive words and images during the window of heightened brain plasticity after a single ketamine treatment can help maintain depression relief for at least one month. Researchers developed an automated intervention to pair ketamine with computer-based training, showing promising initial findings.
Research suggests that stress can affect a woman's probability of becoming pregnant within a menstrual cycle. Women with higher levels of chronic stress had lower fecundability rates compared to those with lower levels. The study found that women with an allostatic load score of 5-6 had a 59% reduction in fecundability.
A UK study found that adults struggling with debt management had higher rates of anxiety, depression, and mental health treatment. The research highlights the importance of addressing debt as a threat to mental health, regardless of income level.
A study of 1,970 Flint residents found over one-fifth met criteria for depression and nearly one-quarter for posttraumatic stress disorder five years after the water crisis. Only 34.8% received mental health services, but most who did utilize them.
A study by Duke University found that one in four Flint residents have PTSD, with rates of depression and PTSD three to five times higher than national estimates. The crisis exacerbated existing mental health problems in the predominantly low-income Black community.