Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A recent study published in Neurology reveals that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who also suffer from depression are more likely to experience debilitating symptoms earlier than those without depression. The research highlights the need for early recognition and treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with MS.
A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that 59.3% of individuals had depression in the last month before death. Depression symptoms escalated gradually from 4 to 1 months before death, with certain groups experiencing higher rates, such as women and younger adults.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that increased physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of depression, even among those with a high genetic risk. Individuals who engaged in at least several hours of exercise per week were less likely to be diagnosed with new episodes of depression.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine found that tobacco smoking may increase the risk of developing depression and schizophrenia. The researchers used UK Biobank data from 462,690 individuals and applied Mendelian randomization to analyze the association between smoking and mental illness.
A systematic review of 31 trials found that omega-3 supplements offered no benefit in preventing depression or anxiety symptoms. The research team analyzed data from over 41,470 participants and concluded that the supplements should not be encouraged as a treatment for these conditions.
Research by Queen's University Belfast found that grandiose narcissism can increase mental toughness, reducing symptoms of depression and perceived stress. This contradicts the traditional view of narcissism as a solely negative personality trait.
A comprehensive register-based study from Aarhus University in Denmark found that the use of antidepressants by pregnant women decreased significantly by 33% between 2011 and 2023. This decline was mainly driven by a decrease in prescribing serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and citalopram, which is commonly used in Denmark.
A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that individuals with new diagnoses of major depression should have access to both antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy, as the costs and benefits are equivalent after five years. This study provides insights into treatment decisions and could inform future care and insurance coverage.
Scientists have identified genes associated with a common depression symptom: lack of motivation. This finding could lead to new diagnostic methods and targeted treatments for depression. The study uses mouse models to understand brain changes related to specific symptoms.
A pooled analysis of data from 30 studies found that anti-inflammatory agents were 52% more effective in reducing symptom severity and 79% more effective in eliminating symptoms than placebo. NSAIDs, omega 3 fatty acids, statins, and minocyclines were among the most effective agents.
Researchers developed a polygenic risk score tool to predict depression in medical residents under intense stress. The study found that interns with higher scores were more likely to develop depression, while those with lower scores showed resilience.
A recent study reveals that metacognitive therapy significantly reduces the risk of depression relapse, with 67-73% of patients remaining healthy one year after treatment. The therapy teaches patients to recognize and manage negative thought patterns, leading to improved outcomes.
Researchers found that mindfulness meditation boosts the positive long-term effects of a single dose of psilocybin, reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness. The study showed that meditation can counteract negative reactions to psilocybin and increase empathy and altruism.
Family members and caregivers of young children with atopic dermatitis experience mild to moderate severity anxiety and depression, affecting up to 74%. The study found no association between disease severity and anxiety/depression scores, highlighting the need for holistic management of the condition.
A multi-institutional study found that neurofeedback training can alter guilt-related brain connections in patients with Major Depression Disorder, increasing self-esteem. After a single session, participants showed strengthened connectivity between specific brain areas and reported improved self-esteem.
A randomized controlled trial found that young adults with unhealthy diets showed significant improvements in mood and reduced symptoms of depression after eating a healthy diet for three weeks. The study provides preliminary evidence that small, simple diet adjustments can improve depression symptoms.
Researchers at UTHealth are testing psilocybin to alleviate treatment-resistant depression, a condition that can be challenging to treat. The study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in changing brain perceptions and cognition.
Despite a significant increase in antidepressant use, the number of older people diagnosed with depression remains largely unchanged. Research suggests that depression affects one in 15 people aged over 65, and its impact is felt by individuals, families, and friends.
A recent study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subcallosal cingulate area provides a robust and sustained antidepressant effect in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Most participants experienced an antidepressant response and maintained it over eight years, with significant improvements in quality of life.
A new study found no overall association between oral contraceptive use and depressive symptom severity in young women, but reported higher symptoms in 16-year-old girls. The researchers suggest that the bidirectional relationship between oral contraceptive use and depressive symptoms may be at play, with both contributing to each other.
Research published in BMJ Open found a significant association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Venlafaxine and amitriptyline were linked to the greatest risks, with long-term use associated with a 29% heightened risk.
A monthly phone call from a care team navigator can suppress depression and improve quality of life for dementia caregivers. The 12-month study found a significant decrease in caregiver depression and a notable increase in patient quality of life.
A new study from the University of Arizona has identified a link between smartphone dependency and symptoms of depression and loneliness. Smartphone dependency predicts higher reports of depressive symptoms and loneliness, rather than the other way around.
Chronic pain leads to depression by suppressing brain reward system, say Hokkaido University researchers. Their study found that blocking excessive CRF signals can increase dopamine neuron activity, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for chronic pain and depression.
A new study from King's College London found that depression and binge-drinking are more prevalent among female military partners than comparable women outside the military community. The research suggests that military partners may use binge-drinking as a coping mechanism for the stress and separation caused by deployment.
Research finds that even mild long-term depressive symptoms among mothers affect their small children's emotional well-being, including hyperactivity and anxiety. The study also highlights the importance of monitoring parents' mental health during pregnancy and after birth.
Researchers found that depression is not a significant predictor of suicide attempts among certain racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for tailored risk profiles. Protective factors like religiosity among black adults may also play a role in reducing suicidal thoughts.
Researchers discovered LH dipeptide as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from microglia, reducing brain inflammation and depression symptoms. Consuming foods rich in LH dipeptide may be a safe method for maintaining good mental health.
A study from Finland found that the proportion of adolescents diagnosed with depression in specialized services has been increasing, largely due to an earlier age of diagnosis. The increase in service use poses a burden on specialized mental health services as they provide evidence-based treatment for a growing patient population.
A world-first review of 10,951 people with mental health disorders found strong evidence for omega-3 supplements as an add-on treatment for major depression. Emerging evidence also supports N-acetylcysteine and certain folate supplements for mood disorders and schizophrenia.
A new study finds that growing up as a minority in the US can increase the risk of depression and anxiety, even under similar conditions to those in Puerto Rico. Factors such as perceived discrimination, cultural identity, and social support play a significant role in shaping mental health outcomes.
Research shows that puberty affects brain networks differently in males and females, with boys experiencing increased connectivity and girls experiencing decreased connectivity. This study found significant changes in mood-related brain areas during puberty, which may be linked to the higher incidence of depression in girls.
Research from the University of Georgia found that adolescents who were not in romantic relationships during middle and high school had good social skills and low depression. Non-dating teens fared equally well or even better than their peers who dated, according to a new study.
A study by FSU researchers found that pet owners experienced lower levels of depression and loneliness than non-pet owners after the loss of a spouse. The companionship of pets may provide an alternative to human social support networks in reducing negative psychological consequences.
A nationwide trial led by Drexel University is investigating the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) delivered via telemedicine to reduce anxiety and depression among cystic fibrosis patients. The study aims to improve lung function and optimize mental and physical health outcomes.
Research suggests that distinct types of gut bacteria are associated with different forms of high blood pressure, including 'Depressive Hypertension'. The study found unique patterns of bacteria in people with high blood pressure plus depression, and may lead to the development of new treatments for treatment-resistant hypertension.
A recent study from the University of South Australia has found a causal relationship between depression and 20 distinct diseases, including respiratory, heart, and digestive issues. This research can help detect and manage high rates of physical illnesses in people diagnosed with depression.
A recent study found a brain circuit that connects the feeding and mood centers of the brain, which may explain associations between depression, metabolism, and eating behavior. The researchers discovered that when depression was induced in mice by chronic stress, they ate less and lost weight.
A recent study found that caregivers of stroke survivors who exhibit symptoms of depression are at a higher risk of experiencing their own physical health challenges. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing depressive symptoms in caregivers and suggests implementing self-care programs to mitigate this risk.
Studies find that older Chinese Americans with depressive symptoms experience increased functional disabilities, mobility issues, and comorbid chronic health conditions. Comorbidity increases emergency room visits, hospitalizations, medical costs, and mortality rates among this population.
Women who used oral contraceptives during adolescence are more likely to develop depression as adults, according to a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The research found that teenage birth control pill users were up to three times more likely to be clinically depressed in adulthood.
A new study finds that excess body fat increases the risk of depression, with a 17% higher probability for every ten kilograms of extra weight. The study suggests that psychological consequences of being overweight or obese drive this increased risk, rather than biological effects.
A study by Saint Louis University found that clinically meaningful PTSD improvement is associated with a 49% lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes. The researchers also discovered that in patients with both PTSD and depression, improvement in both conditions may be necessary to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Scientists have developed a theory on how the brain stores and recalls the order of events, shedding light on memory dysfunctions. This new understanding has significant implications for treating mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that depression symptoms in cognitively healthy older individuals, combined with brain amyloid, can lead to changes in memory and thinking over time. The study suggests that depression symptoms could be a target for delaying the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that Latino seventh graders who experienced an immigration-related arrest of a family member reported more severe levels of depression. The level of depressive symptoms increased further when a student had one or both undocumented parents. Researchers stress the need for school counselors, teachers, and administrators to ...
A new study found that many Indigenous North American youth experience depressive symptoms during adolescence, with risk factors including discrimination and early puberty. The study identified four developmental patterns of depressive symptoms, with nearly 33% of participants meeting criteria for alcohol-use disorder.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry has found that psychotherapy should be the first line of treatment for depression in young people. The study involved 153 participants aged 15-25 and found no significant differences in symptom improvement between those receiving cognitive behavioural therapy with or without fluoxetine.
Researchers found that resveratrol blocks the expression of an enzyme related to stress control in the brain, displaying anti-stress effects and neuroprotective properties. This could lead to novel antidepressant treatments, potentially benefiting millions of people affected by depression and anxiety disorders.
Research by LSU biologist Ryoichi Teruyama and student researcher Ryan LeBlanc has identified a group of cells activated by oxytocin in one area of female mouse brains not found in males. This discovery may lead to new treatments for postpartum depression, which affects 10-20% of women after childbirth.
Researchers discovered a connection between cortisol levels in hair and depression risk in teens, with low cortisol levels also linked to mental health struggles. Family support was found to reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Researchers found clinically relevant disease in 14% of patients with major depressive disorder, insomnia and suicidal thoughts. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may improve symptoms of depression, suggesting comprehensive screening for the sleep problem should be included for treatment-resistant depression.
A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that online symptom self-management works to decrease pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The study also showed that combining online self-management with clinician telecare leads to greater symptom improvement for some individuals.
A new study found apathy affects nearly half of people with dementia, distinct from depression, and linked to more severe dementia. Researchers highlight the need for effective treatments and improved care through personalized social interaction and staff training.
A new study found that more than one-third of low-income pregnant women who reported suicidal thoughts did not have elevated levels of depression. The researchers suggest using instruments to screen for suicidal ideation as well, as it is a significant risk factor for suicide attempts.
Computing scientists at the University of Alberta developed a methodology combining machine-learning algorithms to recognize depression using acoustic cues. The technology could lead to apps tracking mood indicators and providing support for individuals.
A UCL study finds that a programme of therapy and coping strategies for people caring for family members with dementia successfully improves their mental health. The START programme has been shown to be cost-effective in improving the wellbeing of both carers and those they care for, with patient-related costs being significantly lower.
A structured management algorithm for major depressive disorder has been implemented in primary care clinics with a significant number of patients screened positive for depression. The study found that stronger patient education and additional approaches can help reduce attrition rates among those who fail to return for follow-up care.
A chaotic household environment is associated with worse asthma control in urban minority children, according to a new study published in Pediatrics. The researchers found that parent and childhood depressive symptoms are linked to poorer asthma outcomes, while family chaos explained part of this relationship.
Depressive symptoms in patients newly diagnosed with lymphoma or multiple myeloma were linked to shorter survival rates. Patients who remained depressed or recovered from depressive symptoms had reduced life expectancy compared to those without depressive symptoms.