Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
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.
A randomized trial found that a 12-week online yoga program improved knee function in participants, but did not significantly reduce knee pain during walking. The study suggests that unsupervised online yoga programs can be feasible and improve physical function, but more research is needed to sustain the effectiveness.
The study found that nearly 9% of Americans aged 12 or older experienced a past-year major depressive episode. Depression was particularly common among adolescents (16.9%) and young adults (17%), with increased prevalence among various demographic groups, yet low help-seeking rates remained consistently low.
Two UC Riverside-led studies found 30% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 1 in 5 reported a close family member's death due to the virus. The research also highlighted high levels of substance use, depression, anxiety, and unmet treatment need among NH/PIs during COVID-19.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz are studying the effects of natural substances used in traditional Asian medicine on depressive states in Drosophila flies. They found that certain substances can prevent the development of a depression-like state and even boost resilience to chronic stress.
Researchers surveyed FAU residents on perceptions, coping strategies, and mental health during the pandemic. Residents reported effective coping mechanisms like acceptance, self-distraction, and emotional support, but found depression and anxiety levels in normal ranges.
Non-traditional lifestyle interventions, such as physical activity, sleep habits and nutrition, can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents. These interventions are cost-effective, versatile, and can be implemented by both licensed and non-licensed providers.
Researchers at the Regenstrief Institute have co-developed a new brief screening tool to measure patient-reported symptoms of TMD. The TMD-7 scale will help clinicians manage debilitating symptoms associated with the condition, which is often misunderstood and undertreated.
Researchers found that standard scoring tools missed cases of depression in teenagers with Type 1 diabetes, leading to lower sensitivity. They recommend adjusting cut-off scores to detect depressive symptoms more accurately.
Researchers developed a unified machine learning model that analyzes data from patients with and without treatment, predicting depression outcomes better than separate models. The approach enables personalized medicine by designing treatment plans specific to each patient's needs.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that older adults with consistent daily routines are happier, less depressed, and have better cognitive function. Participants who rose early, stayed active throughout the day, and followed a regular routine performed better on cognitive tests than those with disrupted patterns.
A study from UC San Diego finds increased depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in Latina mothers, particularly those in border cities, due to reduced coping resources. The researchers attribute these findings to the increasing hostility of the political climate towards Latinx Americans.
A study by OIST researchers found that a well-known gene called Tob plays an important role in reducing depression, fear, and anxiety. The presence of the Tob gene helps with stress-resilience, while its removal leads to increased symptoms.
A review of evidence found that 2-3% of monkeypox patients experienced severe complications such as seizure or encephalitis. Mood disorders like depression and anxiety were also common among infected individuals.
Researchers found that individuals with symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness before contracting COVID-19 were more likely to develop post-infection complications. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights the importance of mental health support for those affected by COVID-19.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that psychological distress before COVID-19 infection was associated with a 32%-46% increased risk of developing long COVID and 15%–51% greater daily life impairment due to long COVID.
Scientists at UC San Diego have illuminated the role of key neurons that alter function in response to seasonal changes in light exposure. The study found that neurons change expression of neurotransmitters in response to day length stimuli, triggering behavioral changes.
A recent study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that physically active adults experienced worsened mental health during the pandemic, with increased anxiety symptoms in men and depression symptoms across both sexes. Those who reduced physical activity had fewer depression symptoms.
A meta-analysis of 64 longitudinal studies found that mental health problems remained elevated globally during the pandemic, with North Americans suffering from increased anxiety and depression. In contrast, Latin America and Europe experienced higher rates of insomnia.
A large study found associations between steroid use and structural changes in brain white and grey matter, which may explain neuropsychiatric side effects. Steroid use was associated with reduced white matter structure and altered brain structures involved in cognitive and emotional processing.
A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Tel Aviv University are investigating the connection between neuroimmune serotonergic interactions and Alzheimer's-related mood disorders. By studying mice with AD-linked mutations, they aim to determine if immune-serotonin crosstalk plays a role in depressive traits.
Researchers found that mothers' higher depressive symptoms did not predict increases in children's behavior problems, including those with autism. The study suggests that maternal depression may have a complex impact on caregiving families.
A new study found that people experiencing anxiety or depression during the pandemic were more likely to get vaccinated, but less likely to follow distancing guidelines. The researchers suggest that a gentler approach may be warranted, focusing on the benefits of vaccination for others, to encourage behavior change.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers finds that a lack of sleep reduces the desire to help others, with real-world consequences. The study assessed brain activity in healthy volunteers and tracked online behavior over three nights, revealing a significant decrease in charitable giving after a night of no sleep.
Researchers found that certain hepatitis C medications, such as glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, improved PTSD symptoms in a national cohort of VA patients. The study suggests these medications could fill the gap in FDA-approved treatments for PTSD, offering new hope for US adults affected by this condition.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle can alter metabolic brain changes over 12 months, making it a strong potential therapy for treatment-resistant depression. The results showed that 8 out of 10 patients experienced significant sy...
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and heart failure, can profoundly affect quality of life. The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of tracking symptoms to detect changes and progression.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies involving over 100,000 women found that mothers with a family history of psychiatric disorders are at almost twice the risk of developing postpartum depression. The findings suggest that family history may be a significant risk factor for postpartum depression.
A new study identifies an optimal rTMS treatment regimen for older adults with treatment-resistant depression. After six weeks of treatment, the degree of improvement in older and younger adults is the same.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.
A large meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D supplementation may alleviate depressive symptoms in adults with depression. The analysis included 41 studies and found that vitamin D was more effective than a placebo in alleviating symptoms. However, the results were limited by study heterogeneity and risk of bias.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that American military veterans are less willing to seek treatment for sleep and alcohol use problems compared to physical health issues. Discrimination experiences also play a significant role in reducing treatment-seeking among veterans of color.
Researchers at HKUMed & CityU discover that transcorneal electrical stimulation can alleviate depression-like symptoms and improve cognitive function in animal models. The technique also induced the expression of genes involved in brain cell growth, offering a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that LGBTQ+ youth in both highly supportive and less supportive communities experience high rates of depressive symptoms and stigma. The research suggests that systemic changes are needed to address the negative impact of broader social stigma on mental health.
New research reveals that only 1 in 5 Syrian children living in refugee camps exhibit resilience to mental health problems. The study found that factors such as the child's environment, caregiver interactions, and access to resources significantly impact their ability to recover from war trauma.
A study published in NeuroReport reveals that ultrasound exposure improves depressive behavior in a rat model of depression. OB rats exposed to USV had significantly lower hyperemotionality scores and plasma corticosterone levels than unexposed rats, suggesting potential anti-depressant effects.
A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.
Researchers found that genetic variations in the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor impact its interaction with psychedelic drugs. Seven variants uniquely altered the receptor's response to psilocin, LSD, 5-MeO-DMT, and mescaline.
Research found that everyday discrimination during COVID-19 led to increased odds of moderate to severe depression and suicidal ideation, particularly among Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander participants. The study highlights the need for clinicians and society to address the toll of discrimination on mental health.
McGill University researchers identify ventral striatum as key area in brain decisions between future pain and profit, potentially advancing treatments for disorders characterized by excessive avoidance. The study uses brain scans to monitor activity and machine-learning algorithms to predict participants' choices.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified seven genetic variants that uniquely affect the response to four psychedelic drugs. These findings suggest that patients with different genetic variations may react differently to psychedelic-assisted treatments.
A large-scale survey of 62,000 participants found a significant association between everyday discrimination and moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Participants from Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic Asian backgrounds who experienced racism were at higher risk for these conditions.
Researchers say stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental illness can lead to poor workplace behavior. Employees with mental illnesses may face fear of discrimination, which drives inauthenticity and counterproductive work behaviors.
Research teams at Mass General Brigham will conduct large-scale studies to treat acute suicidal depressed state and bipolar depression. The studies aim to compare the effectiveness of various treatments and provide valuable data on treatment outcomes.
A new study found that experiencing the death of a spouse due to COVID-19 may be worse for mental health than deaths from other causes. People who lost a spouse to COVID-19 were more likely to report symptoms of depression and loneliness. The study underscores the ongoing health risks posed by the pandemic, even to those who have not b...
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a position paper on the ethical use of genetic testing and precision medicine in internal medicine. The guidelines address key issues such as incidental findings, education for physicians and patients, and counseling needs. ACP emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and anticoag...
Salk researchers identify neurotensin as a key molecule in the brain's valence assignment process, which associates good or bad feelings with memories. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of why some people retain more negative emotions than positive ones, and may pave the way for new therapeutic targets.
Research at the University of Reading found that high-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduced feelings of anxiety and depression in young adults. The study links Vitamin B6 to its calming effect on the brain, which may help alleviate mood disorders.
A comprehensive review of research on serotonin and depression found no link between the two, contradicting long-held theories. The study suggests that antidepressants' effectiveness may be due to managing stressful life events rather than correcting chemical imbalances.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that older patients respond equally well to rTMS but with slower onset of effects compared to younger patients. The researchers suggest revising treatment protocols to consider longer courses for older adults, making this treatment more accessible.
Researchers found associations between perceived discrimination and epigenetic aging in US middle-aged and older adults. Depressive symptoms were identified as a potential mediator in these relationships, particularly among women and White adults.
The 9th World Congress on Targeting Microbiota will discuss recent advances in microbiome research, including the potential of naked mole rat's gut microbiome to extend human lifespan. The congress also explores gene editing and microbiome therapy for depression and cancer immunotherapy.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that caregivers for people with multiple myeloma experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the patients they support. The study also highlights a critical gap in communication between providers and caregivers regarding the terminal nature of the disease.
A survey study found an association between childcare stress and burnout, anxiety, depression, and intent to reduce hours or leave the job. Healthcare workers experienced increased stress and burnout during the pandemic, leading to a higher likelihood of leaving their jobs.
A study of 428 adults found that frequent fruit consumption is linked to lower depression scores and higher mental wellbeing, independent of overall quantity. In contrast, nutrient-poor savoury snacks like crisps were associated with increased 'everyday mental lapses' and symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Researchers found that six years before a stroke, people who later developed a stroke had similar scores to those who didn't have a stroke. However, at two years before the stroke, scores of those who had a stroke started increasing, reaching a total of about 2.1 points and staying high for 10 years after the stroke.
Researchers found that a gene called Rgs2 plays a crucial role in depression-related behavior, particularly in women. Increasing this gene's expression in the nucleus accumbens reversed stress effects and improved motivation in female mice, suggesting a potential molecular mechanism contributing to the lack of response to depression tr...
A study found that pharmacogenomic testing can help providers avoid prescribing antidepressants with undesirable outcomes. The test, which analyzes genes related to drug metabolism, resulted in a significant improvement in depression symptoms compared to usual care.