Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
Researchers found that 1% of US adults taking opioids are also prescribed benzodiazepines and other sedatives. This polypharmacy approach is linked to increased side effects and may pose dangers to vulnerable populations.
A new study of over 1.1 million new mothers worldwide found that first-time mothers, women under 25, and mothers of twins are at higher risk for postpartum depression. Women aged 40 and older having twins are particularly vulnerable to the condition.
A recent OSU study found that engaging in leisure activities can help lower the risk of depression and improve mental well-being during the pandemic. The results showed that people who reported higher stress also engaged more in their preferred leisure activity, which served as a protective buffer.
A new study identifies common genetic factors in depression and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential causal role of depression on dementia. The research found that depression played a significant role in AD development, with those experiencing worse depression experiencing faster memory decline.
Research reveals that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, within a year after recovery from the virus. The study found that COVID-19 survivors were 60% more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those who were not infe...
A study tracking 425 patients post-COVID-19 found high prevalence of cognitive deficits, psychiatric impairments, and significant memory decline. Researchers observed no correlation between the severity of the disease or socio-economic factors with psychiatric alterations, suggesting a possible link to delayed inflammatory processes.
The Lancet Commission highlights the need for concerted efforts to improve mental health care and prevention globally. Experts stress that depression is a common yet undertreated condition with significant social and economic impacts.
A research team developed an algorithm that instantly assesses and adjusts brain stimulation placement using electroencephalography (EEG) feedback. The method can find the optimal stimulation parameters in just 1-2 minutes, potentially improving the efficacy of TMS treatment for brain disorders like chronic pain and depression.
A combined analysis of 149 studies reveals that treatment rates for major depressive disorder remain low worldwide, particularly in low and lower-middle income countries. Treatment rates are estimated to be 33% in high-income countries and just 8% in low and lower-middle income countries.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant and durable improvements in depression, with effects lasting at least a year for most patients. The treatment was shown to produce large decreases in depression severity and stable rates of response throughout the follow-up period.
A study by Washington State University found that social support can mitigate the risk of heart disease and death in older American Indians. Higher rates of depression symptoms, poor quality of life, and social isolation were linked to increased mortality, but instrumental social support reversed this effect.
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has validated two predictive screeners to identify urban Black men at high risk of developing depression and PTSD after a traumatic injury. The researchers found that these risk markers may share core similarities across populations and countries.
Experiencing nature scenes in Virtual Reality significantly lowers subjective stress levels among frontline healthcare workers. This innovative approach offers a potential coping mechanism for reducing psychological strain.
Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.
A new study finds that adolescents with frequent suicidal thoughts are at risk for a range of psychological and social issues, including depression, anxiety, attention disorders, and more. Pediatricians can use screening tools to identify teens who need help, regardless of whether they will attempt suicide.
A study of over 27,400 Women's Health Initiative participants found that loneliness increased among women aged 70+ during the pandemic, leading to worsening mental health. The 'silent epidemic' also showed a decline in social connections and increased isolation among women of color.
A new study found that implementing collaborative care model during pregnancy improves depression screening and treatment, eliminating racial disparities. The model's team-based approach seamlessly integrates mental health care into physical health care.
A new study from Oregon State University found that people with disabilities have been experiencing high levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation was a major predictor for both conditions, exacerbated by limited access to healthcare, including delayed or canceled medical appointments.
Research shows that couples who took Family Foundations classes 10 years ago had more positive family relationships during the pandemic. They reported lower levels of negative mood, behavior problems, and sibling conflict in their children.
The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded pre-existing inequalities among refugee adolescents in Jordan, leading to increased stress and high rates of depression. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support these vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals that social isolation and loneliness can increase cardiovascular disease risk by 8% and 5% respectively. Women who experience high levels of both social isolation and loneliness have a 13-27% increased risk of heart disease, compared to those with low levels.
A study found a link between ASMR and higher levels of neuroticism and anxiety. Those who experience ASMR reported reduced anxiety after watching an ASMR video, suggesting it could be a suitable intervention for anxious individuals.
A study by the University of Essex found a significant spike in depression rates (30%) and anxiety rates (37%) among expecting mothers. Social support played a crucial role in protecting mental health.
Researchers have designed six new psychedelic analogues that don't trigger hallucinations, displaying effective antidepressant activity in mice. The findings provide a solid foundation for the development of safe and effective non-hallucinogenic antidepressants.
A recent study found that more than half of nurses experienced difficulty sleeping during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced sleep increasing odds of anxiety and depression. The researchers urge employers to address work stress and provide support for mental healthcare.
Researchers have identified 15 biological markers that can predict severe depression in pregnant women with 83% accuracy. This finding has the potential to improve prenatal care and reduce depressive symptoms in mothers.
A randomized controlled trial of combinatorial pharmacogenetics testing found no significant improvement in depressive symptoms among adolescents with depression. However, the study suggests that testing results may influence physician decision-making and could be useful in specific cases where individual gene-drug pairs impact clinica...
A team of NTU Singapore scientists has developed a predictive computer programme using wearable technology data to detect depression risk. The programme, Ycogni model, achieves an accuracy of 80% in detecting individuals at high or low risk of depression.
A large survey study found an association between moderate depression symptoms and believing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. The study included over 15,000 respondents and examined the psychological impact of vaccine misinformation on mental health.
A study by Rutgers University found that people with moderate or greater depressive symptoms are more likely to believe false statements about COVID-19 vaccines, with 29.3% of those affected supporting misinformation compared to 15.1% of unaffected individuals.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that individuals with depressive symptoms are more likely to believe false statements about COVID-19 vaccines. Those who endorsed misinformation were also less likely to be vaccinated and reported higher levels of vaccine resistance.
Researchers found that people who were in a sad mood improved more quickly when they used a mood-improving method that they were told was their strongest skill. This approach helped participants regain confidence and persistence, leading to better results.
A new study found that people experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic were more likely to contract Covid-19 and experience severe symptoms. The research, led by Professor Kavita Vedhara, suggests that psychological distress may be a significant factor in increasing susceptibility to viral respiratory ...
Research suggests early-life infection, inflammation, and metabolic changes contribute to psychiatric disorders through critical brain development periods. This may lead to new treatment approaches for depression and psychosis.
Researchers found gender-specific brain alterations in people with depression, including altered blood-brain barriers in women. They also identified a potential depression biomarker in women's blood samples.
Researchers found that psilocybin doses of 10mg or 25mg administered simultaneously to up to six participants had no adverse effects. The study also showed promise for treating treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.
A new study has identified a biomarker for depression and antidepressant response in human platelets. The biomarker can be detected through a blood test and may indicate therapeutic response within one week of treatment.
Researchers found that Botox-treated patients reported anxiety significantly less often than those undergoing different treatments for similar conditions. The data used was from the FDA's Adverse Effect Reporting System and showed a 22-72% lower risk of anxiety for four out of eight conditions and injection sites.
A clinical trial of 18,353 adults found no benefit of omega-3 supplements in preventing depression. The study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, tested the effect of daily vitamin D and/or omega-3 supplements on depression risk over a median of 5.3 years.
A US study found that stigma surrounding depression decreased significantly over two decades, while stigmas towards other mental health disorders remained stagnant or even increased. The research suggests that anti-stigma efforts can lead to more progressive attitudes and improved support for those with mental illness.
A review suggests that doctors should prescribe fewer antidepressants and for shorter periods due to the potential severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. The use of antidepressants is also associated with a range of side effects, but clinical trial data often don't assess outcomes that matter most to patients.
A US survey found that dog owners experienced fewer negative psychological impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic compared to potential dog owners. The study suggests that dog ownership may have played a role in mitigating the mental health effects of isolation and confinement.
A new report proposes a clearer definition of treatment-resistant depression, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The study found that only about a third of studies in TRD enroll participants who met the most common definition, highlighting the need for a standardized approach.
A meta-analysis of trials on digital interventions for depression found that computer- and smartphone-based treatments are effective but require human support to achieve outcomes similar to face-to-face therapy. The study also highlights the potential role of AI and wearable devices in preventing mental illness.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that digital interventions improved depression symptoms over control conditions, but the effect was not as strong as face-to-face psychotherapy. Digital treatments with human components were most effective in reducing symptoms, particularly when accompanied by human guidance.
A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.
Metabolic disorders, such as inflammation and insulin resistance, are key elements in the development of anxiodepressive disorders in obese individuals. Diet high in sugar and saturated fats leads to these changes in the brain, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety.
A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.
A new review study explores the potential of neuromodulation therapies, including rTMS and ECT, in treating depression. The study suggests that these treatments offer promise and can be used in combination with other modalities to improve efficacy.
A recent study found that Black adults experience more pronounced mental health challenges than white adults in response to COVID-19 pandemic stresses. Younger Black adults are particularly vulnerable, with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to their older counterparts.
A new study found that bowel cancer patients are at high risk of clinical levels of depression, with over a third experiencing symptoms up to five years after surgery. The study identified risk factors such as pre-existing depression and anxiety, low social support, and poor health.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine developed a shortened 7-item version of the SD-WISE-28 to assess wisdom. The Jeste-Thomas Wisdom Index has high validity and positive correlations with resilience, happiness, and mental well-being.
A study found significant declines in daily steps and increases in clinical depression risk among college students one year into COVID-19. Physical activity levels failed to return to pre-pandemic levels, while screen time remained higher than before.
A secondary analysis found a bi-directional relationship between mother's mental health symptoms and child's mental health symptoms, with parental stress as the mediating factor. The study suggests that lowering parental stress is vital for families where mothers and children exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A large-scale genome-wide association study has identified a region on chromosome 7 containing DNA variations that increase the risk of attempting suicide. The study found overlap between the genetic basis of suicide attempts and related psychiatric disorders, as well as non-psychiatric risk factors such as smoking and sleep disturbances.
Researchers found that pupils with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders or who self-harm are more likely to miss school, indicating potential indicators of current or future poor mental health. The study highlights the importance of integrated school-based and healthcare strategies to support young people's engagement with education.
Forced family separation on the US-Mexico border led to a high incidence of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety disorders in asylum-seeking children and parents. Reunification did not alleviate these symptoms, highlighting the need for continued support and intervention.
A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) prevented major depression in older adults with insomnia, decreasing the likelihood of depression by over 50%. CBT-I was more effective than sleep education therapy in preventing depression and promoting sustained remission of insomnia.
A large-scale study of over 3,100 ECT sessions found no cases of permanent impairment, only three life-threatening events that were resolved with medical interventions. The researchers argue that ECT should be used in controlled settings by experienced teams to benefit more patients.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found an association between social media use and self-reported symptoms of depression in adults aged 18 and older. The research suggests that individuals who use social media more frequently may experience greater levels of depressive symptoms.