Articles tagged with Depression
A new scientific model developed by Michigan State University researchers provides a better understanding of depression and its complex drivers. The model, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, incorporates various biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to the illness.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that antidepressant escitalopram reduces levels of two neurotoxic compounds associated with memory loss and dementia in severely depressed patients. The study suggests a potential link between depression and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study published in Psycho-Oncology found that women with breast cancer who develop depression are at a 45% higher risk of death from all causes. The study suggests that targeted support for these individuals could improve survival rates and quality of life.
Researchers found anxiety before and after a child arrives is just as prevalent as depression, affecting around one in ten men and half the rate for women. Mental health expert Dr. Liana Leach highlighted the importance of early intervention to reduce symptoms and duration.
High levels of inflammation markers in blood are connected to stubborn symptoms of depression, such as anhedonia. Researchers believe blocking inflammation or its effects on the brain may reverse anhedonia in depressed individuals who fail to respond to antidepressants.
A UBC study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that light therapy can effectively treat non-seasonal depression and improve the overall wellbeing of people suffering from the disease. The research, which followed 122 patients, showed that light therapy was most beneficial when used with antidepressants.
A 12-week randomized study found that pioglitazone, an insulin-sensitizing drug, alleviated depression symptoms in insulin-resistant patients. The study suggests a link between insulin resistance and depression, with improved antidepressant effects seen in more insulin-resistant participants.
Researchers found that African Americans with depressive symptoms have twice the increased risk of stroke compared to those without depressive symptoms. The study also discovered a significant association between depression and coronary heart disease in this population.
Researchers found that having over 300 Facebook friends increases cortisol levels in teens, while supportive behavior towards friends reduces stress. The study suggests that excessive social media use can lead to increased stress and potentially depression.
A study published in International Journal of Eating Disorders found a surprising link between bullying and eating disorders, with victims and bullies alike at increased risk. Children who were victims of bullying had nearly twice the risk of displaying symptoms of anorexia and bulimia compared to those not involved in bullying.
A large study found that computer-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provides little or no benefits for depression, with low patient adherence and engagement being the main reason. The study suggests that routine promotion of computer-based CBT should be reconsidered due to its ineffectiveness as a treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that negative body image significantly increases adolescent obesity risk, regardless of depression status. Participants who perceived themselves as overweight were twice as likely to be obese a year after the survey.
A 12-month study found that the COPE Healthy Lifestyles TEEN Program significantly reduced body mass index and alleviated severe depression in teens. The program, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches adolescents skills to manage negative beliefs and engage in healthy behaviors.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth have identified a potential brain-based biomarker for depressive symptoms in individuals with traumatic brain injury. They found that those with TBI and depression exhibit increased brain connectivity between multiple regions, including the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional processin...
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective than light therapy in preventing relapse of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). CBT was found to be significantly better at preventing depression recurrence, with only 27% of subjects experiencing symptoms compa...
A mindfulness-based group intervention significantly reduces anxiety, depression, and improves quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Six months later, the benefits persist, making mindfulness practices a feasible and effective treatment option.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that positive stimuli, such as cute puppies, increase brain activity in areas involved in emotion control and working memory. Positive distractions do not interfere with task completion, unlike negative distractions like barking dogs, which decrease activity in these regions.
A $20 million gift from the Dolby Family Fund will support UCSF's Department of Psychiatry in its research on depression, bipolar disorder, and related illnesses. The goal is to rapidly advance treatments and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness.
A new study suggests that perimenopausal hormonal fluctuations may enhance emotional sensitivity to psychosocial stress, leading to the development of a depressed mood. Women are at greater risk of depression than men, with rates doubling or tripling during the menopausal transition.
Researchers found that individuals with depressed mood forgot more number strings when responding to negative information, highlighting the impact of depressive thoughts on memory. The study suggests that this phenomenon may contribute to depression's effects on daily life and cognitive function.
A new study finds that the APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with an increased risk of late-life depression, even after controlling for Alzheimer's disease. The presence of this allele predicts future depression in older adults, highlighting its potential as a marker for prevention and early detection.
Internet-delivered CBT has been shown to benefit people with depression and anxiety, offering a cost-effective and empowering way of accessing treatment. It allows clinicians to treat more patients effectively in less time, providing patient empowerment and increased clinical efficiency.
A new study found that early life stress can impair the development of reward circuits in adolescents, increasing the risk of depression. The study revealed a decrease in ventral striatum activity in response to rewards, which predicted the emergence of depressive symptoms.
A study by King's Centre for Military Health Research found that UK military personnel's symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression increased in the months following their return from Afghanistan. The researchers highlighted the need for greater psychological support during this transitional period to help troops adjust to civilian life.
Researchers found that patients with complete symptom resolution have a significantly lower risk of depression recurrence compared to those with residual symptoms. Complete symptom resolution is associated with a nearly three times higher risk of returning to a full-blown depressive episode within one year.
A large-scale study reveals that certain depression symptoms play a bigger role in driving the condition than others. The researchers suggest focusing treatment efforts on these key symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem suggest that microglia cells may be a key to causing depression, leading to potential new treatments. The study proposes a personalized medical approach using drugs that restore normal microglia function to diagnose and treat depression.
Researchers found a link between depression and the paraventricular thalamus, a previously untied region of the brain. The study used a mouse strain with mitochondrial dysfunction, which exhibited periodic depressive episodes resembling human cases.
A recent study by City College of New York researchers found that burnout and depression are closely linked among public school teachers. The survey of 1,386 teachers revealed that 86% of those experiencing burnout also met criteria for depression.
A study of 713 male patients with sleep apnea found a clear link between low quality of life due to sleep problems and erectile dysfunction. Psychological interventions may help improve the sexual health of these men.
A new study by King's College London researchers provides the first clinical evidence on the mental health impact of human trafficking, finding high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among patients. The study reveals complex needs of trafficked individuals, including childhood abuse and adulthood trauma.
Only four out of 27 mental health apps accredited by the NHS provide scientific proof that they work, with many failing to demonstrate clinical effectiveness. The authors urge removal of these apps from the NHS library to prevent potential harm and waste of money.
A large study found that exercise and stopping smoking had the strongest association with improved depression after a heart attack. Patients who quit smoking had a 2.3 greater chance of improving their depression, while those who were already physically active at the beginning of the study were more likely to improve their symptoms.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Men's Health found that 13.3% of expectant fathers experience elevated levels of depressive symptoms during their partner's pregnancy. The research highlights the importance of depression screening and early prevention efforts for men who are about to become parents.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that regular face-to-face social interactions with family and friends significantly lower the risk of depression, while phone calls and digital communications have less impact. Study participants who met up frequently had the lowest level of depressive symptoms.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that psoriasis is associated with a higher risk of major depression, regardless of severity. Patients with psoriasis reported daily functional impairment more frequently than those without the condition.
New research suggests that individuals who demonstrate a strong brain response to sham treatment are more likely to experience symptom relief when receiving actual depression medication. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments and biomarkers for treatment response in depression.
A cognitive-behavioral prevention program for depression among at-risk youth showed benefit over 6 years after implementation, reducing depression incidence and promoting competence. The program's effects were seen in youths whose index parent was not depressed at enrollment.
A decision aid helped primary care clinicians and patients with moderate to severe depression select antidepressants together, improving decisional comfort and knowledge. However, its effect on depression control and medication use was not discernible.
A multicentre clinical trial found that adding an antipsychotic medication to treatment for depression in older adults significantly improves symptoms and reduces the risk of suicidal thoughts. The study showed a 44% remission rate for treatment-resistant patients, compared to 29% with a placebo.
A cognitive behavior therapy intervention was effective in reducing depression in heart failure patients, but failed to improve self-care and physical functioning. The study suggests that CBT may be a superior treatment option for depression in this population.
A two-drug combination of venlafaxine and aripiprazole relieved depression in 44% of treatment-resistant patients over 60, while reducing suicidal thoughts. The study's findings suggest that older adults may respond to this treatment strategy, offering new hope for those with hard-to-treat depression.
A new study has revealed that a certain gene can amplify the psychological impact of life events, with some people experiencing severe depressive symptoms if they have a history of child abuse. However, the same genotype may also lead to happiness in others without such a history.
A large study found that adhering to healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of depression. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 was also linked to a significant reduction in depression risk, although this effect may be explained by similarities with the Mediterranean diet.
A University of Adelaide-led reanalysis of Study 329 found that paroxetine was no more effective at relieving depression symptoms than a placebo, linked to 11 suicidal or self-harming behaviours
A multidisciplinary team is developing guidelines for the most effective antidepressant doses throughout pregnancy and postpartum, building on recent initiatives like CDC's Treating for Two and FDA's new labeling requirements.
Hispanics struggle with depression, but cultural concerns and stigma hinder seeking care. A new project uses a culturally sensitive comic-book style education tool to overcome barriers and encourage treatment.
A new study found that people with depression have higher levels of a brain protein called FGF9, which can be a target for developing new antidepressants. The research also showed that artificially increasing FGF9 levels in rats led to depression-like behavior changes.
Researchers found that the antidepressant sertraline increased the volume of one brain region in depressed subjects, while decreasing two brain areas in non-depressed subjects. The study used middle-aged female monkeys to replicate human depression and tested the effects of sertraline on brain volumes.
A study by Tohoku University found that depressive symptoms are higher in coastal areas than inland areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Four percent of participants experienced considerable posttraumatic stress reaction (PTSR). Psychologists have provided support to over 600 residents with psychological problems.
Researchers found older women who forgave others were less likely to report depressive symptoms, while older men reported the highest levels of depression when they both forgave and felt unforgiven by others. Forgiving oneself did not significantly reduce depression in this study.
A randomized controlled trial found that a self-management support service improved patients' symptoms and recovery scores. The program combined behavioral therapy with recovery-oriented approach, focusing on achieving life goals despite symptoms. Participants showed significant improvements compared to usual care.
A major multi-national study of suicides identified behavior patterns preceding many suicide attempts. The study found that patients with depressive mixed states were at higher risk of suicide, as well as those displaying risky behavior, psychomotor agitation, and impulsivity. These findings suggest the importance of assessing these sy...
A Georgia State University study found that 10% of mothers in southern Louisiana experienced chronic, persistent depressive symptoms two years after Hurricane Katrina. Despite the significant impact on mothers, maternal depression trajectories were not associated with differences in children's distress symptoms.
Teenagers who identify with the goth subculture are more likely to experience depression and self-harm, according to new research. The study found that young people who strongly identified as goths at age 15 were three times more likely to be clinically depressed by age 18.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that middle-management employees suffer from higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to those at the top or bottom of the social hierarchy. Symptoms of depression were reported by 18% of supervisors and managers, while workers experienced 12%.
A recent study proposes that sequestered prion protein may be involved in depression by modulating monoaminergic systems and causing desensitization of dopamine receptors. The research found increased levels of serotonin receptors and dopamine in mice lacking normal prions, leading to depressive-like behavior.
Researchers found that therapists using Socratic questioning techniques led to substantial improvements in depressive symptoms for patients. The therapy involves guided questions to help patients re-examine their negative thoughts and gain a broader perspective.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that exercise can help alleviate excessive daytime sleepiness in depressed individuals by reducing two biological markers associated with hypersomnia. The study identified the biomarkers and showed that exercise reduced their levels, resulting in improved symptoms.
Teens with major depression or bipolar disorder are more likely to have several cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure and obesity. Early monitoring is urged to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among young people.