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.
A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry found that pharmacogenetic testing significantly improved symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study involved 276 patients and showed a nearly two-fold increase in remission rates compared to treatment as usual.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
A significant proportion of youth with substance use and depression show early improvements in depression during treatment for substance use. Lower frequency of cannabis use at baseline is a predictor of early depression response. Both additional CBT or community treatment improved depression symptoms in those without an early response.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022
A recent brain imaging study has found evidence of weakening connections between key brain areas in adolescents at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder. This study suggests that early intervention strategies may be effective in preventing the progression towards major changes in the brain.
A new Penn Medicine study suggests that clinically depressed older individuals without other inflammatory conditions do not have elevated levels of inflammation. The study found no significant difference in bloodstream levels of inflammatory markers between depressed and healthy individuals.
A new study by the American College of Cardiology reveals that exercise nearly doubles the cardiovascular benefit for individuals with depression or anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by up to 22% in those with anxiety and depression, compared to 10% for those without these con...
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 46,158 participants shows a sharp rise in depression and anxiety levels following the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. The prevalence of diagnosed depression increased from 4% to 32%, while anxiety diagnoses rose from 5% to 31%. Experts are calling for greater evidence-base...
A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experienced increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that pandemic-related stress may exacerbate mental health issues in MS patients.
A new study finds that maternal feedback, not biological predisposition, influences reward-related brain activity in children of mothers with clinical depression. The research suggests that interventions coaching parents to encourage positive emotions may have a powerful impact on child development.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022
A study found that 25.3% of children with mild head injuries continue to suffer from persistent post-concussion syndrome for years, often misdiagnosed as ADHD or sleep disorders. The syndrome causes chronic symptoms like forgetfulness, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and noise.
A pilot study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found that eight weeks of mindfulness training significantly reduced symptoms of trauma and depression in individuals grieving from gun violence. Participants showed notable improvements in life satisfaction, with benefits lasting after the program concluded.
People with severe mental illness experience increased likelihood of health problems and poorer physical health due to inadequate pain management. Current treatments are often excluded from clinical trials, and low physical activity is a common issue in both conditions.
Twelve new research projects aim to level up health and wellbeing across the UK through cultural and natural interventions. The programme, funded by AHRC and partners, will generate evidence for place-based approaches to creative health, generating insights into local cultural activities and natural spaces.
A survey study found that firearm ownership is prevalent among individuals with major depressive symptoms, suggesting a need for focused interventions to mitigate suicidal behavior. The study highlights the importance of addressing firearm access and use in individuals with mental health conditions.
A randomized clinical trial found that acquiring a medical marijuana card led to a higher incidence of cannabis use disorder but no significant improvement in symptoms of pain, anxiety, or depression. Immediate access to medical marijuana resulted in improved sleep.
A collaboration study led by HKUMed found that patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have a 52% greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to treatment-responsive patients. TRD also consumes greater healthcare resources in both psychiatric and non-psychiatric services.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that medical marijuana users were more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) than expected, particularly those seeking relief from anxiety and depression. The study suggests that the current system of dispensing and using medical marijuana may be contributing to this issue.
Researchers from UCLA Health and Harvard Medical School propose a new approach to studying and applying psychedelic compounds to foster intentional changes in habits and behaviors, potentially leading to improved health and resilience.
Mayo Clinic researchers used AI to predict antidepressant outcomes in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder. They identified six depressive symptoms and assessed them using the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised to predict treatment outcomes.
A systematic review of 87 studies found that excessive screen time is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children aged 12 or younger. The study suggests that reducing screen time may help alleviate these behavioral issues.
A study by Salk researchers has identified an area of the brain responsible for encoding social rank in mammals, including mice. The discovery sheds light on how the brain represents social hierarchy and its impact on behavior, particularly in competitive situations.
A new study finds that mentalizing imagery therapy (MIT) significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and improves well-being in family caregivers. The therapy teaches mindfulness and guided imagery skills to help caregivers better understand their loved ones and manage chronic stress.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found a link between ozone levels and an increase in depressive symptoms in adolescents. Higher ozone levels were associated with significant increases in depressive symptoms over time, even in neighborhoods that met air quality standards.
A new study found that severe COVID-19 illness is associated with increased risk of long-term adverse mental health effects. Non-hospitalized patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to experience depressive symptoms up to 16 months after diagnosis, with those bedridden for seven days or more having higher rates of depress...
Research suggests exercise can break the vicious cycle of inflammation that leads to diabetes and depression in people with Long COVID. A 30-minute session of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, can be beneficial.
A new study finds that the brain estimates controllability through competition between two parallel learning processes: the actor and the spectator. High levels of stress and anxiety impair people's sense of control, making them believe their actions don't matter.
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that depression is associated with more severe dry eye disease symptoms and overall signs. The analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial revealed this significant connection among 535 participants.
A study examining the intergenerational transmission of vicarious racism found that Black mothers' experiences of racial discrimination were associated with higher parenting stress and depressive symptoms, which mediated the effects on their children. The study suggests that individual coping mechanisms may be insufficient to buffer th...
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that individuals without jobs or stable housing experience worse depression symptoms when treated with therapy or antidepressants. The researchers analyzed data from nine studies involving over 4,800 participants and discovered that unemployed patients had 28% poorer outcomes compar...
Researchers found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps individuals with depression develop self-compassion, leading to a state of safety and relaxation. Participants who received MBCT showed increased self-kindness and reduced threat responses compared to those in an untreated control group.
A new study finds that conversion therapy has significant economic costs and psychological harms for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youths in the US. The therapy is also associated with increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts among this population.
Research from the University of Colorado Boulder found that people exposed to more green space reported less depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also found that spending time in green spaces had a protective effect on mental health, even in times of extraordinary stressors.
A new BU study found that individuals with physical, social, and financial assets, particularly higher incomes and fewer savings, were less likely to experience sustained depression during the first year of the pandemic. Persistent depression was highest among people in low-income households and those with fewer savings.
A study found that spending time in green spaces was associated with better mental health among Denver residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers also examined perceptions of green space usage, abundance, and quality, which were linked to improved mental well-being.
A study of 104 transgender and nonbinary youths found that gender-affirming care reduces depression and suicidal thoughts over 12 months. The treatment significantly improved mental health outcomes in the participants.