Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A new study by Prof. Ruth Feldman reveals that a positive father-child relationship can buffer the negative effects of maternal depression on family-level functioning. Children in families with sensitive fathers showed improved social engagement and reduced conflict, despite their mothers' depression.
A new study by University of Arizona researchers found that virtual reality support groups can be an effective tool for older adults dealing with grief and depression. Participants showed improvements in stress, loneliness, and sleep quality, but only those in the virtual reality group reported a reduction in symptoms of depression.
A new school-based program called SPARK has been shown to promote resilience and prevent depression in 11-12 year old girls. The program, which provides tools to identify stressful situations and learn to control negative reactions, increased self-reported resilience and decreased depression symptoms after its implementation.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of hatha yoga in treating persistent major depression, finding benefits may accumulate over time. Yoga was superior to health education in alleviating depression symptoms at 3 and 6 months after treatment ended.
Researchers found that Canadian primary care practices scored an average of 5.36 out of 10 on the Patient Medical Home (PMH) model, with Ontario being the only province to score higher than the national average. Despite efforts to implement the PMH model, provinces showed little variation in achieving key objectives.
Researchers analyzed 369 teen interviews to identify common symptoms of pre-depressive symptoms, including increased anger, irritability and loss of interest in activities. The study suggests that primary care providers should probe with sensitive questioning to identify feelings of depression.
A new study found that 53% of NHS patients who recovered from depression and anxiety experienced relapses within a year after treatment. Patients with residual depression symptoms were twice as likely to relapse, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and support.
Researchers analyzed FDA Adverse Effect Reporting System data to find that ketamine alleviates depression symptoms in patients taking pain medication. The study also identified three other drugs with previously under-appreciated antidepressant effects: Botox, diclofenac, and minocycline.
Researchers at Georgia State University are testing a new mobile phone application that combines two existing programs to decrease maternal depression and build parenting skills. The project aims to promote infant social-emotional health and development, with the potential to reach larger numbers of mothers than traditional programs.
A new study by BYU social work professor Kevin Shafer finds that a father's depression can have a direct effect on both internalized and externalized behavioral problems in adolescents. In contrast to maternal depression, which affects children more subtly, a dad's depression impacts kids with heightened anger and aggression.
A systematic review by Aarhus University researchers documents that ECT-related deaths are extremely rare, with only one reported death out of 414,747 treatments. The study highlights the procedure's highly beneficial effects on mental disorders, outweighing potential side effects like memory impairment.
A new study found that body mass index (BMI), sex of the patient, and symptom profile can help doctors select the most effective antidepressant. Patients with higher BMI had a better response to treatment, particularly for women, while those with lower BMI were more likely to remit on venlafaxine-XR.
Researchers developed ERPonline to help people with bipolar disorder recognize and respond to early warning signs of relapse. Accessing the online tool was associated with improved beliefs about mood and increased monitoring of early warning signs compared to non-users.
A new analysis found that gender differences in depression symptoms and diagnoses emerge at age 12, with women disproportionately affected. Puberty and social changes may contribute to the onset of depression in girls during this age range.
A chemotherapy drug used to treat brain cancer may increase vulnerability to depression by stopping new brain cells from growing, a study suggests. The findings highlight the importance of protecting brain stem cells or building up a reserve before cancer treatment.
Researchers found that poor sleep in people with depression and anxiety can make it harder for the brain to modify negative emotional responses. The study used functional MRI to measure brain activity in a specific region, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which was found to work harder in individuals with lower sleep efficiency.
A new study found that mindfulness group therapy has an equally positive effect as individual CBT for a range of psychiatric symptoms in patients with depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms such as depression, general anxiety, stress, and somatization.
A new study finds high levels of undiagnosed anxiety and depression persisting in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration despite improved visual outcomes. Human interaction between clinicians and patients is shown to offer reassurance on anti-VEGF injection efficacy and safety.
The article highlights the link between diabetes and depression, as well as the importance of assessing psychosocial stresses in diabetes management. It also discusses the management goals for patients who engage in self-harming or suicidal behavior, emphasizing the need for frequent glycemic monitoring and a multi-disciplinary approach.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers identified that younger age, female gender, higher severity of illness, fewer days of corticosteroid treatments, and treatment with GM-CSF were associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms. The study found that more days of corticosteroid treatments seemed to be protective from anxiety, ...
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has identified a link between rare variants of the NKPD1 gene and depressive symptoms. Researchers found that nearly 2,000 people with depressive symptoms were analyzed, revealing a possible genetic connection to depression.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no significant connection between a serotonin gene variant and depression risk when exposed to stress. The research, which analyzed data from over 40,000 people, suggests that previous conclusions on the link were overstated and may have been replicated without true effect.
A new depression diagnosis model suggests a staged approach from wellness to disorder could improve communication and treatment. The model proposes different stages of depression, with patients receiving guided self-care or clinical interventions depending on their stage, to address the dimensional nature of the condition.
A study of people with type 2 diabetes found that those with a later sleep-wake time preference reported more depression symptoms, regardless of sleep quality. The findings support an association between circadian regulation and psychological functioning in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A new Penn study reveals that women who experience multiple traumatic events during childhood or adolescence are more likely to develop depression during perimenopause. Women who experienced their first traumatic event in their teens are particularly susceptible, even if they had previously never had depression.
A new blood test measures C-reactive protein levels to guide depression treatment, potentially improving success rates. Researchers found a strong correlation between CRP levels and medication regimens, providing a biological explanation for treatment selection.
Researchers have used machine learning to analyze brain imaging data and identify patterns predictive of depression. The study found that DTI-derived fractional anisotropy maps can accurately classify depressed or vulnerable individuals versus healthy controls.
Researchers found that specific brain scan patterns can identify which treatment is most effective for individual patients with depression. Patients with positive connectivity in certain brain regions were more likely to achieve remission with cognitive behavioral therapy, while those with negative connectivity were more likely to resp...
A new diagnostic model, Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP), has been proposed to address fundamental flaws in the current DSM-5 model. HiTOP allows for a continuous, dimensional assessment of psychopathology, enabling more personalized treatment and recognition of significant problems.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine identified a new approach to treat depression by inhibiting the brain enzyme Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1). The study showed that inhibiting GLO1 alleviated depression symptoms in mice, with faster results compared to conventional antidepressant Prozac.
A long-term study found that deep brain stimulation provided lasting improvements in symptoms for seven out of eight patients with previously non-treatable depression. The therapy remained effective over four years without significant side effects.
University of Pennsylvania researchers created a predictive indexing tool that identifies patients most in need of intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. The study found that those with worse prognoses saw the strongest results from CBT, while others saw no differences between CBT and less-intensive treatments.
A population-based study of over 93,000 older men found that using 5α-reductase inhibitors was not associated with an increased risk of suicide. However, risks of self-harm and depression were significantly higher during the first 18 months after medication initiation.
New UCLA research reveals that clinical interviews about daily activities can help doctors identify pregnant women at risk of postpartum depression. The study found that only 11% of women with a history of major depressive disorder developed postpartum depression, significantly lower than previous studies
A longitudinal study of over 60,000 Australians found that eating 3-4 daily servings of vegetables lowers stress risk by 12% and eating 5-7 daily servings of fruit and vegetables reduces stress risk by 14%. Women who eat more veggies have a lower stress risk compared to men.
A Johns Hopkins study found lower allopregnanolone levels in the second trimester predict increased risk of postpartum depression. The research may lead to diagnostic markers and preventive strategies for the condition affecting up to 20% of American women who give birth.
Patients taking SSRIs for anxiety and depression may experience a reduced risk of revision surgery after total hip or knee replacement. This is due to better management of depression and pain in these patients, or potential positive biologic effects of SSRIs.
A prospective study found that symptoms of depression, drinking alcohol, or using marijuana increased the risk of synthetic marijuana (SC) use one year later. SCs are potent chemicals similar to THC, often sold as potpourri or incense and appealing to adolescents due to ease of access and affordability.
A nutritional supplement kit, developed to counter mood-altering brain changes linked to depression, virtually eliminated the 'baby blues' among women. The kit, consisting of three supplements, was found to reduce depressive symptoms and increase resilience against sad events.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that depression is the strongest predictor of death in patients with coronary heart disease, doubling the risk compared to those without depression. The study analyzed health records from nearly 25,000 patients and found half with depression died during the study period.
Research suggests that metacognitive therapy (MCT) can help individuals with depressive symptoms reduce rumination and gain control over their thoughts. A recent study found that 80% of participants achieved full recovery after a ten-week treatment period.
A new study aims to improve treatment access for low-income women with postpartum depression by evaluating two interventions in primary care settings. The research will determine when during pregnancy and postpartum periods screening for depression is most accurate, as well as the effectiveness of peer-based engagement and problem-solv...
Researchers at UVA find that Lactobacillus bacteria can reverse depression symptoms and anxiety in mice by altering kynurenine levels. The discovery could lead to new strategies for treating depression and other conditions.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that in-home occupational therapy significantly reduces the severity of depression in patients with central vision loss. The therapy, which includes training on daily activities like cooking and reading, is more effective than supportive therapy in improving mental health outcomes.
A study found people with coronary heart disease who are diagnosed with depression are twice as likely to die compared to those without depression. Depression was the strongest predictor of death in this patient group, regardless of age, gender, or timing of onset.
A study by Ravi Bansal and Bradley S. Peterson found structural differences in the cerebral cortex of patients with depression, which normalize with medication. The cerebral cortex thickeness is a compensatory response that helps reduce depressive symptoms.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participating in twice weekly yoga classes, combined with home practice, significantly reduces depressive symptoms. The intervention targets the parasympathetic and gamma aminobutyric acid system, providing a new avenue for treatment.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that depression significantly increased in the US from 2005 to 2013 among current, former, and never smokers. The prevalence of depression is consistently higher among smokers, but the rate of increase was more prominent among former and never smokers.
Researchers found that self-guided emotional imagery training can improve emotional wellbeing in healthy individuals by reducing depressive symptoms and increasing satisfaction with life. The technique was also associated with changes in brain activity, including increased connectivity between image processing networks.
A large study of Norwegian families found that prenatal and postpartum maternal depression have varying effects on children's psychological development. Concurrent maternal depressive symptoms during preschool years are particularly detrimental to emotional and behavioral problems in young children.
Research followed 695 bleeding stroke survivors for five years, finding 40% developed depression during follow-up, with high risk of dementia among those who also developed depression. Risk factors associated with hemorrhagic stroke also predicted depression risk.
Researchers at the University of York developed a Collaborative Care intervention to help older people with lower-severity depression. The study found that this simple and low-cost approach reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and improved quality of life in those who received it.
A new study found that psoriasis patients who developed depression were 37% more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis compared to those without depression. This highlights the need for early detection and prevention of depression in psoriasis patients.
Experts warn that routine screening may lead to overdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The US Preventive Services Task Force's liberal recommendations have sparked criticism, with some experts questioning the validity of the research methodologies used.
A study found that collaborative care improved depressive symptoms in older adults with subthreshold depression compared to usual care. After four months, participants in collaborative care had lower scores on measures of self-reported depression severity and fewer cases of depression.
A new study found that patients with moderate anxiety or depression are at a higher risk of experiencing wound-related complications after surgery. The likelihood of such complications is 1.17- to 1.20-times greater for these patients, emphasizing the need for preoperative assessment of psychological state.
A study of 3,523 expectant and new fathers found that men experienced elevated depression symptoms when their partners were pregnant (2.3%) and after childbirth (4.3%). Depression symptoms in men during pregnancy were associated with perceived stress and fair to poor health.
Researchers found that older adults living in poor neighborhoods with high homicide rates experience more depressive symptoms. Neighborhood factors like violence, poverty, and safety perception contribute to depression, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions.
A University of Alberta study found that supporting a partner with depression can lead to improved future mental health. Researcher Matthew Johnson recommends offering 'invisible support' and helping with daily tasks to alleviate stress.
A recent study found that depressed patients with an early age at onset and higher symptom severity have a significantly increased genetic risk for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The research used genome-wide data to identify specific subgroups of depressed patients based on their clinical characteristics.