Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A study found that moderate to high levels of screen time are not associated with negative outcomes in teenagers. The researcher suggests that parents should focus on how media is used rather than just time consumption, as it can foster learning and socialization.
Patients with depression are more successful than healthy individuals in abandoning unattainable goals. By giving up on unrealistic objectives, depression can actually facilitate personal development. Researchers found that individuals with depression spent less time on unsolvable anagrams, indicating a greater ability to disengage.
Researchers found early predictors of anxiety and depression in newborn brains, with decreased connections between the amygdala and other regions increasing the risk of early symptoms. The study suggests that brain connections may be responsible for the development of problems later in life.
A study found that brain connectivity patterns in newborns can predict the development of anxiety and depression. Healthy full-term babies had similar brain connection patterns to adults, while premature infants showed decreased connections between the amygdala and other brain regions, increasing the risk of early symptoms.
A new study reveals that non-severe infections can significantly increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and depression. The research found a dose-response correlation between the number of infections and the risk of mental disorders, suggesting that even minor infections can have severe consequences.
A new study has found that children who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have fewer symptoms of depression. Researchers followed over 700 children for four years and found a significant correlation between physical activity and reduced depressive symptoms.
Patients with kidney failure receiving chronic hemodialysis often have depressive symptoms but refuse treatment. When willing, doctors commonly don't prescribe anti-depressant therapy, citing underlying reasons including physiological and psychological changes associated with kidney failure.
A study found that psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, may increase the risk of death from cancer types such as bowel, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Higher levels of distress were associated with consistently higher death rates in these groups.
Finnish researchers have identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents by controlling newly born nerve cells in the hippocampus. The discovery provides a fresh insight into how the brain regulates mood and indicates potential for new anti-depressant drug development.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that lung cancer patients experiencing anxiety and depression have a significantly shorter length of survival. The research, conducted by the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer Agency, controlled for various factors to confirm this link.
New research suggests postpartum depression and anxiety have distinct neural activity patterns compared to major depression. Women with PPD often experience less amygdala activation, while postpartum anxiety is estimated to be just as prevalent but receives less attention.
A survey of over 1,000 participants found strong evidence that individuals with depression and psychopathy are attracted to satanic practices for magical power. This correlation yields new perspectives on early-onset depression and highlights the need for verification in psychiatric hospitals.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that teenagers with mental health problems who receive treatment experience a greater decrease in depressive symptoms than those without. By age 17, service users were more than seven times less likely to report clinical depression compared to untreated individuals.
A new study from the University of Montreal found that antidepressants prescribed to pregnant women may increase the chance of having a baby with birth defects. The risk is significant enough to merit caution in their use, especially considering the marginal effectiveness of these medications.
A large study published in Depression and Anxiety found that gestational diabetes increases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) in first-time mothers. Women with a history of depression are more than 20 times more likely to experience PPD, highlighting the importance of considering these conditions together.
Researchers identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents by inhibiting JNK protein. This discovery provides fresh insight into the brain's regulation of mood and indicates potential for new anti-depressant drug development.
A study found that modafinil improves episodic and working memory functions in patients with remitted depression. The results suggest that modafinil may be a feasible option to tackle persistent cognitive problems in depression, improving cognition and motivation.
A study published in Atherosclerosis journal reveals that depression poses a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases, comparable to high cholesterol levels and obesity. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,400 male patients, finding that depression accounts for roughly 15% of cardiovascular deaths.
Research from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds depression in pregnancy associated with lower BDNF levels, which also predict low birth weight. The study suggests that increasing BDNF through exercise may be a beneficial way to address the issue.
A comprehensive review of post-disaster mental health issues found high rates of PTSD and depression in Japan earthquake survivors. The study highlights specific risk factors, such as resettlement and small social networks, and emphasizes the need for long-term support.
A new Northwestern University study found that 13 speedy mini-apps, IntelliCare, significantly reduced depression and anxiety in participants who used them up to four times a day. The apps offer various exercises and strategies to improve mental well-being, resulting in a 50% decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Researchers found that a mobile, tablet-based game called Project: EVO improved cognitive benefits and mood in people with late-life depression. A second study showed similar results, with improvements seen in all groups, including the placebo.
A study found that maternal depression in early childhood increases children's susceptibility to psychopathology and social-emotional problems. Mother-child interaction patterns also play a crucial role in this effect. Improving mother-child interactions may help reduce the effects of maternal depression on children's development.
The Friendship Bench program has shown significant results in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among participants. After six weekly therapy sessions, patients who received problem-solving therapy on the benches had fewer symptoms of depression (14%) compared to those in a control group (50%). The program has the potential to im...
A national survey found that young adults who use seven to 11 social media platforms have more than three times the risk of depression and anxiety compared to those who use zero to two platforms. Multitasking, navigating platform rules, and committing social media faux pas may contribute to these negative outcomes.
A study found that cancer patients with depression have lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), making them less responsive to chemotherapy. Low BDNF levels are associated with reduced treatment tolerance and poorer outcomes.
Clinically depressed children show blunted response to rewards in brain activity, a key finding that may help explain the biological underpinnings of depression. Researchers hope this discovery can lead to new treatments and improve long-term outcomes.
A new study suggests that a metabolite of ketamine can produce antidepressant-like effects in mice, potentially leading to further research on the efficacy and safety of ketamine in humans. Ketamine has been shown to have rapid and potent antidepressant effects in humans, even in those resistant to traditional treatments.
Researchers identified four unique depression subtypes based on brain connectivity patterns, providing potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. These subtypes differ in clinical symptoms and response to transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded $1.5 million NARSAD Distinguished Investigator grants to 15 scientists exploring innovative approaches to understanding and treating psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant connection between exposure to gang violence and severe depression, with 36% of women exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research highlights the often-overlooked impact of traumatic experiences on mental health in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
A new study examines data from a high-risk group of children with depressed parents to identify signs and symptoms preceding new-onset MDD during adolescence. Analyzed clinical antecedents found irritability and fear/anxiety associated with the first onset of adolescent MDD, highlighting multiple routes to the condition.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that nearly 27% of medical students experience depression or depressive symptoms, with only 16% seeking treatment. The study suggests stress and anxiety from medical school may contribute to these mental health issues.
Researchers found that two new psychological treatments, alongside CBT, could reduce recurrence of depression in adolescents. The therapies showed sustained effects up to a year after treatment ended, with 50% reduction in symptoms.
A new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that only one in five people with depression in high-income countries receive minimally adequate treatment. The global average for adequate treatment is even lower, with one in 27 people with depression in poorest countries receiving sufficient care.
Researchers found that individuals lacking the CYP2C19 enzyme have a lower risk of depression and larger hippocampi in adulthood. Increased expression of the enzyme is associated with higher suicidal incidences in depressed patients, suggesting that early life influences may contribute to depression's development.
Researchers found disrupted brain circuitry in service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who developed depression symptoms, linking physical foundation to emotional processing and rumination. This study may lead to personalized treatment strategies for future care.
A meta-analysis of 57 studies representing almost 21,000 patients reveals a pooled prevalence of depression in mild cognitive impairment patients at 32%, varying by source and setting. Further research on depression in MCI patients is warranted to inform clinical decisions and public health policy.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that home-based telemental health for depression can deliver a similar quality of life and patient satisfaction as in-person visits, overcoming barriers such as mobility issues and transportation costs. The trial enrolled 241 depressed elderly veterans who received eight ...
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that Sudarshan Kriya yoga significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in medicated patients with major depressive disorder. The technique, which includes sequential breathing exercises, reduced mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores by several points ...
Integrating palliative care into bone marrow transplantation can improve patient quality of life, relieve symptoms, and reduce depression and anxiety. Caregivers also experience benefits, including reduced depression and improved coping skills.
A new study at the University of Kansas investigates the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation for depression therapy. Researchers will apply a safe, low current of electricity to the brain and measure changes in brain chemistry and neural activity among participants.
A recent study suggests that the rate of adolescents reporting clinical depression has grown by 37% over the decade ending in 2014, with a notable increase among girls. The findings highlight the need for increased mental health support and targeted interventions to address this growing trend.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that women experiencing depressive symptoms during and after pregnancy are associated with reduced cortical thickness in preschool-age children. This suggests that a mother's mood may impact her child's brain development at critical stages.
A multicomponent behavioral intervention delivered by lay health workers significantly reduced anxiety and depression in adults with high levels of psychological distress. The study found improvements across all dimensions, including trauma-related symptoms and functioning.
A Loyola study found that giving severely depressed bipolar patients the arthritis drug celecoxib significantly boosted the effectiveness of their antidepressant escitalopram. In the eight-week study, 78% of patients in the celecoxib group experienced a 50% reduction in depression scores, compared to 45% in the placebo group.
Research from Binghamton University finds that pupil dilation in response to negative emotional faces predicts risk for depression relapse among women with a history of major depressive disorder. High or low reactivity to angry faces is associated with increased risk, while low reactivity to sad faces may be protective.
A new study using SWAN data shows that black women experience a lower decline in sexual function compared to white and Japanese women during the menopause transition. After the final menstrual period, sexual function scores decreased by 0.35 annually for five years, with smaller declines in black women and larger declines in Japanese w...
A University of British Columbia-led review of mind-wandering research provides a new framework for understanding thought dynamics, potentially improving mental illness diagnosis and treatment. The framework suggests that spontaneous thought processes, including mind-wandering, are essential for creative thinking and dreaming.
Researchers at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center have identified serotonin type 3A receptors as a key molecular target for antidepressants, including bupropion. This breakthrough finding has the potential to bring new hope to millions of people suffering from depression.
A study of 185,419 depression diagnoses in Denmark found that the transition from daylight saving time to standard time leads to an increase in depression diagnoses, affecting all severity levels. The researchers suggest that the loss of morning sunlight and shorter days may contribute to this effect.
A study suggests that epidural anesthesia can decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression in certain women. Researchers controlled for known risk factors and found a significant association between better pain relief and lower depressive symptoms.
Studies suggest inflammatory cytokines are associated with increased rates of depression and psychosis. Anti-cytokine treatment has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression in clinical trials, regardless of physical illness improvement.
Researchers found that taurine supplementation improved symptoms in patients with first episode psychosis, particularly in depression and overall functioning. However, cognitive function remained unchanged.
Researchers found that anti-cytokine drugs showed significant antidepressant effects compared to placebo in clinical trials. The study suggests inflammation plays a role in depression and that these drugs may offer hope for patients who don't respond to current treatments.
Depression affects the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, leading to feelings of loss and disappointment. Reduced connectivity between reward and memory systems may also contribute to negative thoughts. The study provides new insights into depression's root cause, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment.
A new brain-scanning study found that engaging a specific part of the brain during mental math exercises is connected with better emotional health. The study suggests that this ability may reflect the brain's capacity to regulate emotions like fear and anger, and could inform new brain training strategies.
A new study found that early marijuana use is associated with abnormal brain function, particularly in areas related to reward-processing and motor control. Additionally, those who used marijuana from a young age had lower IQ scores and more pronounced abnormalities in brain regions responsible for visuo-spatial processing and memory.
Scientists at Northwestern University discovered a new brain pathway that can be manipulated to alleviate depression. The BMP signaling pathway plays a key role in depression and can be targeted by a new molecule called Noggin, which stimulates neurogenesis and blocks the pathway.
A new study aims to evaluate treatment strategies for older adults with depression who have not responded to medications. The researchers will compare the effectiveness of switching people to a new medication or augmenting their current medication with a second drug.