Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A clinical study led by Flavio Frohlich at UNC School of Medicine successfully reduced depression symptoms in about 70 percent of participants using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The treatment target specific alpha oscillations in the brain, bringing them back into balance and decreasing symptoms.
A major Swedish observational study of nearly 1.8 million children found that maternal infection during pregnancy is associated with an elevated risk of autism and depression in children. The risk was highest for infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpes virus, but even mild infections were linked to increased mental ill-health.
A UNLV study explores new fathers' experiences with postpartum depression, finding that between 5-10% of new fathers suffer from the condition. The research highlights the need to reduce stigma around paternal PPD and provide more information and resources for men struggling with the phenomenon.
Researchers at CAMH have discovered a new target for developing treatments for depression by finding higher levels of the brain protein MAO-B in people with clinical depression. The study found that individuals with depression had 26% higher MAO-B levels in their prefrontal cortex compared to those without depression.
The MooDFOOD project found that daily intake of nutritional supplements cannot prevent depression. A healthy dietary pattern, typified by a Mediterranean style diet high in fruit and vegetables, may reduce the risk of developing depression.
A new study published in JAMA found that nutritional supplements do not prevent depression, but lifestyle coaching to improve diet and eating behavior may reduce the risk. Participants who received a healthy dietary behavioral therapy experienced a reduction in depressive episodes when attending recommended sessions.
An integrated therapy combining behavioral weight loss treatment and problem-solving therapy with antidepressant medication improved weight loss and depressive symptoms in patients with co-occurring obesity and depression. The study showed that participants receiving integrated therapy experienced a decline in body mass index and depre...
A recent study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience suggests that low doses of psychedelic drugs may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers treated rats with microdoses of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) without negative effects, showing cautious optimism for this treatment method.
A new study found that babies sleeping less at three months old are more likely to have mothers without a university degree or experience prenatal depression. The researchers analyzed data from over 600 infants and their mothers, revealing that maternal education and prenatal depression significantly impact infant sleep duration.
The Annual FIT home stool test is effective for colon cancer screening in asymptomatic adults, with moderate to high sensitivity and specificity. Adopting this non-invasive test could improve lagging CRC screening rates, especially among vulnerable populations.
A randomized study by Michigan State University reveals that interpersonal psychotherapy can reduce depressive symptoms and hopelessness in prisoners. The treatment is effective, low-cost, and can be implemented in prison settings with trained counselors.
A University at Buffalo psychologist conducted a study using smartphones to measure symptoms in real-time, revealing that some emotions linger and predict later symptoms. The research could provide treatment benefits for patients struggling with anxiety and depression by identifying specific risk factors and suggesting strategies.
A recent study found that Transcendental Meditation (TM) significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in South African college students. After 3.5 months of practice, most students went below clinical thresholds and experienced relief from depression. In contrast, a comparison group showed no change in symptoms.
Scientists found that activating SIRT1 gene helps to excite neurons and improves symptoms of social isolation and loss of interest in male mice. The study suggests that drugs that activate SIRT1 might be effective therapy for some with major depression.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped brain networks that control the habenula, a structure linked to feelings of discomfort and aversion. The study suggests a specific pathway that can be modulated using optogenetics, offering hope for developing new treatments for depression and anxiety disorders.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found cannabis use among adolescents is associated with a significant increased risk of depression in adulthood. The study's findings suggest that widespread cannabis use among young people makes the scale of the risk more serious, with a population attributable risk of around 7%.
The USPSTF recommends providing counseling interventions to pregnant and postpartum women at increased risk of depression, or referring patients to those services. Depression is a common complication during pregnancy and after childbirth, affecting both women and children.
Researchers found that walnut consumers had lower depression scores and experienced greater energy levels, concentration, and optimism compared to non-consumers. Walnut's unique fatty acid profile was also associated with the benefits.
Researchers found that self-compassion exercises calmed the heart rate and reduced stress responses in healthy individuals. This approach has been linked to improved mental health outcomes and may be beneficial for people with depression. Future studies aim to investigate this method further.
A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found that all types of dietary improvement significantly reduce depressive symptoms, with weight loss, fat reduction, and nutrient-improving diets having similar benefits. Simple changes like eating more fiber-rich meals can be effective in improving mental health.
A large-scale genetic study has linked hundreds of genes to depression, providing new insights into the condition's origins. The study also suggests that neuroticism may contribute to depression risk and could inform personalized treatments.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that depression symptoms are linked to an increased risk of death in older adults. The research suggests that heart disease and stroke may play a role in this connection, but preventing heart disease is not enough to prevent or delay death.
A population-level study identified specific gut bacteria linked to depression and found that a wide range of gut bacteria can produce neuroactive compounds. The study used faecal microbiome data from 1,054 individuals and validated its results in independent cohorts.
Researchers found people with highest genetic propensity are over two and a half times more likely to be treated for depression. The study followed 34,500 Danes for up to 20 years, measuring their genetic risk for developing depression.
Experts debate the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating severe depression, with some arguing it has no long-term benefits compared to placebo and can cause brain damage. Others claim ECT is effective and safe for treatment-resistant depression, with most side effects resolving within weeks.
A new study finds that stress increases rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, associated with genes involved in cell death and survival. The research suggests that changes in REM sleep may contribute to mood disorders like depression by activating signaling pathways in the brain.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that higher levels of physical activity may causally reduce the risk of depression. The study used Mendelian randomization and genetic data to support this claim, revealing no causal relationship between depression and physical activity.
A new Northwestern University study identifies four factors that can accurately predict the severity and longevity of postpartum depression in new mothers. The study found that early intervention can improve treatment outcomes, and clinicians can tailor care to individual women's needs.
A new survey of first-year internal medicine residents found that those in programs with longer hours, less faculty mentoring, and more research focus had higher depression scores. The study suggests that institutions and residency programs play a critical role in resident mental health.
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that recalling positive experiences can reduce vulnerability to depression in young people. The study found that remembering specific positive memories was associated with fewer negative self-related thoughts and lower levels of cortisol, indicating improved resilience against stress.
A study found that therapists can improve treatment outcomes for adolescents with depression by regularly assessing symptoms and augmenting treatment. Implementing this approach led to better symptom reduction compared to waiting until Week 8, according to a 16-week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial.
Older age, obesity, and depression were associated with chronic hip pain in a study of 2,515 adults. Chronic hip pain was found to be widespread in 50% of cases.
Researchers discovered that anxiety-depressive disorder in mice is associated with impaired energy metabolism in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. This finding provides a fresh look at the depression development mechanism and other psycho-emotional diseases formation.
A new study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that elderly individuals with age-related hearing loss had more symptoms of depression. The study analyzed data from 5,239 Hispanic participants and found a significant association between hearing loss and depressive symptoms.
A new study reveals that adults with cerebral palsy are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety compared to their peers. Intellectual difficulties associated with the condition can exacerbate this risk, with a significant increase in anxiety.
Researchers found that post-natal depression in fathers is linked to increased risk of depression in their teenage daughters. Girls whose fathers experienced depression after birth were more likely to develop depression at age 18.
Anxiety and depression are linked to increased odds for heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, stroke, but not cancer. Treating mental health conditions can cut healthcare costs, according to a new UCSF study.
A strong committed relationship provides a critical sense of belonging and motivation for living, buffering the risk of suicide among National Guard members. The study found that higher couple satisfaction reduces the association between mental health symptoms and suicide risk.
A new study found that regular visits to museums, theatres, or cinemas can lower the chances of developing depression in people over 50. The research also showed that cultural activities have similar benefits to exercise and eating a balanced diet for mental health.
A study led by Indiana University psychologists found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy apps effectively alleviate depression symptoms in all stages. The analysis of 21 studies with over 4,700 participants showed that these apps can help a large number of people without severe mental health issues.
Researchers found that relationship impairment interferes with treatment seeking among post-9/11 military veterans, particularly men, while facilitating treatment seeking among women. The study suggests a sex difference in the role of relationships on treatment use.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantial increase in depression risk among older Irish adults. The study followed participants over four years and found a 75% higher risk of developing depression, even after controlling for other factors.
A recent study using marmosets identified the brain region responsible for anhedonia, a key symptom of depression. The researchers found that over-activity in this region blunts excitement and motivation, but a commonly used antidepressant ketamine blocks these effects, suggesting new treatment possibilities.
Researchers found that stimulating the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) improved mood in patients with moderate to severe depression. The study suggests that OFC stimulation may help individuals experience a naturally positive mood state, removing an impediment to positive mood common in people with depression.
Researchers have identified a key brain region, the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), as an effective target for electrical stimulation to improve mood in people with depression. Stimulation of this area has been shown to produce acute improvement in mood and normalize activity in mood-related neural circuitry.
A new Veterans Affairs study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with a history of repeated traumatic brain injuries are at much greater risk for recent suicidal ideation compared to those with one TBI or none. The researchers identified poor sleep quality and depression as key risk factors for suicidal thinking.
A study of 4,943 former UK ICU patients found that 46% experienced anxiety, 40% depression, and 22% PTSD. Patients reporting symptoms of depression were 47% more likely to die from any cause during the first two years after discharge.
A study by Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health and Science University researchers found that in-person social contact significantly reduced symptoms of depression and PTSD in veterans. In contrast, Facebook interaction frequency did not affect risk for these conditions.
A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that video chat technology, such as Skype, significantly reduces the risk of depression among older adults. Researchers compared four online communication technologies and discovered that video chat had almost half the estimated probability of depressive symptoms.
A longitudinal study of 1,091 Scottish adults aged 70-79 found that decreased abstract reasoning ability was linked to worsening depressive symptoms over time. Lower cognitive function at each assessment was associated with subsequent increases in depressive symptoms, suggesting a potential causal relationship.
A large-scale genomic analysis has found that being overweight causes depression, even in the absence of other health problems. The study, published in International Journal of Epidemiology, suggests that the psychological impact of being overweight is a key driver of depression, rather than associated illnesses.
Researchers found that being overweight causes depression, rather than associated illnesses such as diabetes. The study used genomic data from over 48,000 people with depression and compared them to a control group of over 290,000 people.
A University of Pennsylvania study found that limiting time on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram leads to significant decreases in depression and loneliness. The researchers connected social media usage with decreased well-being through objective data tracking iPhone battery screens.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found inflammation in the brain region responsible for mood regulation after stress during pregnancy. The study used an animal model of postpartum depression to examine the possible connection between the immune system and the disorder.
A recent study found that African-American caregivers experience better mental health outcomes than their white peers, likely due to stronger social support networks. The study's authors suggest that adequate preparation for the caregiving role and access to religious communities are key factors in reducing caregiver burden.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago conducted a multicenter, randomized clinical trial evaluating an online intervention called CATCH-IT. The study found that high-risk adolescents who participated in the CATCH-IT program demonstrated significant risk reduction for depressive episodes, with up to 80% reduction in risk.
Scientists have identified three sub-types of depression using brain imaging, including one that is unresponsive to commonly prescribed serotonin boosting drugs. The study found that childhood trauma and functional connectivity patterns in the brain play a crucial role in determining treatment effectiveness.
A new study by San Diego State University psychologists found that more hours of screen time are linked to lower well-being in children aged 2-17, with associations larger for adolescents. The study suggests reducing screen time limits to promote mental health and prevent anxiety and depression.
A new study published in Diabetes Care shows that community health workers and peer support can help individuals with diabetes manage their condition, reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The intervention also improved self-management behaviors, diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and stress management.
A combination of buprenorphine and samidorphan has shown significant symptom reduction in patients with major depression, with no evidence of dependence or withdrawal. The trials suggest a new class of antidepressants with a novel mechanism of action could have a significant impact for patients with persistent symptoms.