Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A Kaiser Permanente analysis of over 100,000 pregnancies in Northern California found a significant increase in cannabis use early in pregnancy after the pandemic began. The rate of cannabis use rose from 6.75% to 8.14% during the pandemic.
A study of former journalists found that those who left their jobs voluntarily reported positive well-being and relief, while those who were laid off experienced depression, shock, and financial difficulties. The study also found that the skills honed as a journalist are highly transferable to new careers.
The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry publishes a special issue to strengthen the rights and voices of older people worldwide. The issue aims to reduce the burden of ageism, mentalism and ableism, which currently permeates virtually every aspect of older persons' lives.
Research by the University of Bristol found that children born to depressed mothers are more likely to develop depressive symptoms by age 24, with scores almost three points higher than offspring of non-depressed mothers. The study highlights the importance of antenatal and postnatal depression support.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discover that vicarious social defeat can cause psychological stress in mice, leading to depression and decreased neurogenesis. The study sheds light on the pathophysiology of depression and may lead to the development of novel antidepressants.
A new VA study finds a strong connection between PTSD symptom severity and anxiety sensitivity among female Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma. Treating anxiety may ease core PTSD symptoms, suggesting anxiety sensitivity as a potential target for treatment.
A new study found that psychological interventions can have a significant effect on the treatment of subthreshold depression in adolescents. The meta-analysis showed that approximately eight adolescents need to be treated to see one more positive outcome than no treatment, with moderate effects size.
A new study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduces deaths by suicide among older adults with depression in the months following hospitalization. The therapy may also improve overall health and cognitive functioning.
A new report reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in psychological distress, depression, and anxiety among US men and women. The study found that individuals with pre-existing health conditions, financial stressors, and caregiving responsibilities were more likely to experience psychological distress.
A study of nearly 12,000 kids found that screen time is only slightly linked to attention disorders, disturbed sleep, and lower grades. However, excessive screen time may have social benefits, with kids who spent more time with screens having more close friends.
A one-day online therapy session has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers. The study found that women who participated in the workshop were four times more likely to experience a clinically meaningful improvement in PPD compared to those in the control group.
A significant overall rise in depression symptoms was found among UK over-50s during the COVID-19 pandemic. 26% of participants met the criteria for clinical depression, compared to 14% prior to the pandemic. The study identified key risk factors, including living alone, long-term health conditions, and urban environment.
A new study published in Neurology shows that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and depression are more likely to die over the next decade than those with MS alone or neither condition. The study also found a higher risk of developing vascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke, among individuals with both MS and depression.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway in the brain that plays a key role in rewards and reinforcement. GABA neurons from the ventral tegmental area project to the nucleus accumbens shell, promoting reward processing. This finding offers new avenues for understanding psychiatric diseases such as depression and addiction.
A recent study found that manualized Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT-PTSD) is safe, feasible, and clinically viable for treating veterans with PTSD. The therapy resulted in marked reductions in both clinician-rated and self-reported symptoms of PTSD and depression.
A recent study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in mental health, with disruptions in beneficial microorganisms linked to depressive disorders. The researchers propose a multifaceted approach to manage depression through rebalancing and maintaining the gut microbiome using diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes.
Research reveals that young adults with ADHD are 69% more likely to develop a substance use disorder than their peers without ADHD. More than one-quarter of those with ADHD also experience major depression.
A recent Michigan Medicine study found that people newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis experience a myriad of significant symptoms that often cluster together. Nearly two-thirds of MS patients reported fatigue, half experienced pain in the first year after diagnosis. The research team collected questionnaires from MS patients at si...
Researchers found that brexanolone, a neuroactive steroid, alters brain oscillations in the basolateral amygdala, leading to long-lasting antidepressant effects. The study suggests that changing oscillations may be a new strategy for drug therapies.
A unique study co-designed by young women aims to develop trauma-informed, gender-responsive mental health resources. The initiative seeks to provide dedicated safe spaces for young women to connect, lean on each other, and share experiences.
A recent study has shown that COVID-19 stressors are negatively impacting resettled refugees' mental health, with links to PTSD, depression, and poorer daily functioning. Refugees' past experiences may heighten the impact of the pandemic due to traumatic events and challenges in the post-migration environment.
A systematic review of medical research found that ketamine and esketamine do not have significant deleterious neurocognitive effects in treatment-resistant depression. Some cognitive functions even improved after repeated infusions.
A study of 1,349 Malawian women aged 16-26 found that nearly 13% reported difficulty conceiving, with 85.5% seeking help. Traditional healers were the most common source of support, used by 44.4% of women.
A new study found that being overweight causes depression, with a link between higher BMI and poorer mental health outcomes. The research suggests that both physical and social factors play a role in this relationship, indicating that obesity can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing.
A new study found that depression and anxiety symptoms have doubled in children and adolescents globally during the pandemic. The study recommends prioritizing recovery planning now to mitigate sustained mental health effects.
The study found a significant increase in child and adolescent mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global estimates indicate that it is increasingly more common for children and adolescents to experience depressive and anxiety symptoms.
A global study found that people use music as a coping mechanism for emotional and social stress, with music listening helping to regulate depression and fear. Music making also provides a sense of community and self-reflection, while 'coronamusic' reveals the power of collective creative responses during times of crisis.
A new study confirms physical activity's dual benefits in depression: reducing symptoms and increasing the brain's ability to change. The exercise programme promoted motivation, social togetherness, and improved neuroplasticity, leading to decreased depressive symptoms.
A UC Davis Health study found that patients on stable opioid therapy who had their doses tapered had significantly higher rates of overdose and mental health crisis. The study suggests that patients undergoing tapering need significant support to safely reduce or discontinue their opioids.
An international study found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is as effective as traditional CBT in treating mild to moderate depression, especially for the elderly. The study also identified harmful components of online treatments and emphasized the importance of regulating iCBT programs.
Researchers have found that improved learning processes are associated with reduced symptoms of depression. By using brain imaging and mathematical modeling, the team identified distinct paths to depression symptoms and proposed a new approach for treating clinical depression.
New research at Penn State found that close, supportive relationships with parents, especially dads, can help stave off certain adjustment problems during adolescence. The study showed that father-adolescent intimacy was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and weight concerns across most of adolescence.
A new study found that 28.4% of adults with a history of suicide attempts are psychologically flourishing, achieving excellent mental health with factors like social support, higher income, and absence of chronic pain contributing to their well-being
A University of Otago study found that women with postpartum depression experience different intensity and hedonic perception of smells compared to healthy women. The research adds evidence to the argument that postpartum depression should be studied separately from major depression.
A new score, PROPr, assesses health-related quality of life in patients with kidney failure by considering cognitive function, depression, fatigue, and social roles. The study's findings support the validity of PROPr among patients undergoing hemodialysis or kidney transplants.
A randomized clinical trial found that physical exercise was significantly more effective in improving depressive symptoms among older adults with mild to moderate depression, compared to antidepressant treatment. Adverse side effects were more common in the medication group.
Research suggests that antidepressant treatment can improve outcomes for individuals with comorbid diabetes and depression, reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease. Regular adherence to antidepressants is associated with better diabetes management and quality of life.
A recent study assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among individuals aged 50-80 in São Paulo, Brazil, found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety remained relatively stable. The study, which involved over 2,000 participants, revealed a decrease in symptoms of both conditions during the pandemic period.
A study by the University of Kansas reveals that parental substance use disorder is linked to neglectful behavior, but only when combined with mental health issues or lack of social support. The researchers suggest that treatment should consider these multiple factors to prevent child neglect and help families.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medically safe mental health intervention for individuals with severe depression. The research, which analyzed over 10,000 patients, found no clinically significant increased risk of serious medical events with ECT exposure.
Low-intensity cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new consumer guide aims to help people navigate the system and find targeted services.
Researchers developed a new approach that integrates brain lesion datasets with data on deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation to identify promising therapeutic targets. This method may help clarify the cause of neuropsychiatric conditions and relieve symptoms.
Research reveals that women with urinary incontinence are more likely to experience depression, lower self-worth, and poorer mental health outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health with patients undergoing treatment.
A recent study by Yale researchers found that psilocybin increases the density of dendritic spines, aiding information transmission between neurons and potentially treating depression. Mice subjected to stress showed behavioral improvements after receiving psilocybin, suggesting a possible therapeutic effect.
A study published at ECCMID 2021 found that individuals with depression and schizophrenia have a higher incidence of TB. The research suggests that mental health may play a causal role in increasing TB risk, particularly through its effect on the immune system.
Researchers from University of Tsukuba used AI to detect signs of depression and predict psychological distress among workers. The study found that an AI system was more accurate than psychiatrists in detecting severe psychological distress.
LGBTQ youth experience daily stressors related to their multiple stigmatized identities, leading to greater negative emotions and associated mental health issues. The study found that minority stressors are associated with higher levels of negative affect on days when participants experienced more stressors.
A year-long Australian population study found full-time workers in poorly managed organisations have a threefold increased risk of being diagnosed with depression. Poor workplace mental health can be traced back to poor management practices and low resources.
A large-scale analysis of over 150,000 middle-aged people found that those with two or more physical health conditions were at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety. The study confirmed the importance of integrating mental health support into care plans for individuals with multiple physical health conditions.
A study of over 280,000 young adults found that cannabis use was associated with increased suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt, regardless of depression levels. Women were more likely to experience these outcomes than men.
A study by researchers from King's College London and IMIM found that 6.4% of Europeans suffer from depression, with higher rates in economically developed nations and varying rates across countries. The study suggests that demographic and socio-political factors contribute to the differences in prevalence.
A new study found that LGB Millennials experience worse health disparities than older peers, contradicting expectations. Health disadvantages persist throughout older generations and are even worsened by generational trends.
A 20-year longitudinal study confirms childhood depression is associated with higher levels of adult anxiety, substance use disorders, and worse health and social functioning. Children who received specialty mental health services showed improved outcomes, but still faced problems in other areas.
Research found increased screen time during COVID-19 pandemic correlated with higher anxiety scores and a rise in pandemic-related distress. Young adult students scored higher than non-students in mental health concerns, while no association was found between screen time use and depression.
A small feasibility study suggests that tai chi can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in people who have had a stroke. The intervention improved sleep efficiency, reduced wakefulness after sleep onset, and decreased time awake.
A large study found that depression symptoms in fathers of premature infants persist after discharge from the NICU, affecting their ability to engage in positive parenting activities. The researchers emphasize the need for increased attention to mental health support for new fathers during this critical period.
A 10-week lifestyle modification programme improved cardiovascular and mental health in people living with obesity, with significant reductions in anxiety, depression, body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The programme's personalized approach, non-judgemental environment, and focus on emotional eating triggers led to su...
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce depressive symptoms by preventing cell death and promoting neurogenesis. The study used a combination of laboratory and patient research to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in this relationship.
Researchers at UIC's Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics have discovered a key regulator of gene expression and anhedonia during alcohol withdrawal. Blocking STAT3 activity alleviates withdrawal-induced depression in rats, and similar results are seen in human postmortem hippocampus samples of individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Research at the Max Planck Institute found that people over 50 with multiple health risks are more likely to experience depression. However, the severity of depressive moods decreases with age, suggesting a potential psychological component and better coping mechanisms in older adults.