Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
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.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates may lead to an increased risk for new-onset depression in postmenopausal women, according to a recent study. The study found that greater consumption of dietary fiber, whole grains, vegetables, and non-juice fruits was associated with decreased risk.
Researchers developed an objective method to differentiate between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) based on urine metabolites. A panel of six biomarkers showed an 89-91% accuracy rate in predicting each condition.
A recent study by Dr. J. Paul Hamilton and colleagues reveals that depressive ruminations are linked to the subgenual prefrontal cortex and default mode network, suggesting a functional integration of these brain regions that supports rumination in depression. This understanding may provide new insights into the treatment of depression.
A new study from Lund University in Sweden found that nearly all adolescents who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced improved mental health two years post-op. However, 13% showed severe depression and 20% did not feel better mentally after weight loss.
A new study found that depressed female patients have abnormally high expression levels of genes regulating the glutamate system, which may contribute to their increased suicidal risk. The research suggests that drugs targeting this system, such as ketamine, could provide rapid relief from depression and potentially save lives.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis researchers led by Jesse Stewart are conducting a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of depression treatment on heart attack risk. The study aims to confirm that treating depression is cardioprotective, lowering cardiovascular disease risk.
A large-scale trial of deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression found no significant reduction in symptoms. The study's results challenge the use of this therapy for depression, but experts suggest alternative approaches may be beneficial.
A recent study has discovered a blood marker that can help identify women at risk for postpartum depression, a debilitating disorder affecting nearly 20% of new mothers. The oxytocin receptor marker is associated with increased risk and may enable early identification and intervention.
A new study suggests that ultra-brief pulse stimulation is almost as effective as standard ECT in treating severe depression, but with significantly fewer cognitive side effects. The treatment has the potential to benefit up to 10,000 Australians who have not responded to first-line treatments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in brain cells can improve stress response and potentially treat depression. The study's findings suggest a new therapeutic target for depression treatment, offering hope for patients who have not responded to existing therapies.
A study from Duke University found that children with even mild psychiatric issues are more likely to face challenges in adulthood, including criminal charges, addictions, and education failures. The research suggests that early interventions can prevent these problems, but many children do not receive the necessary treatment.
A study by Northwestern University found that smartphone sensor data can detect depression with 87% accuracy, analyzing time spent on phones and daily locations. The research uses GPS tracking and algorithms to identify patterns associated with depression, paving the way for passive detection and potential interventions.
A new study aims to increase the accessibility of mental health research in community clinics by developing practical measures for implementing evidence-based practices. The project will explore two methods for integrating measurement-based care into routine clinical work.
A study found that over 82% of people with depression in the general population are not eligible for clinical trials of antidepressant drugs. The trials use strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, which can exclude patients based on age, medical conditions, or severity of depression.
Scientists have identified promising compounds that could treat depression in less than 24 hours while minimizing side effects. The compounds, called GABA-NAMs, target the brain's excitatory and inhibitory communication, restoring balance and relieving symptoms.
Children of depressed mothers who show increased pupil dilation to sad faces are at higher risk of developing depressive symptoms and diagnoses over two years. The study suggests pupillometry could be used as a low-cost tool for pediatricians to identify children at highest risk.
A study published in Gut found that anxiety and depression prior to a water contamination incident increased the severity of gastrointestinal infections and the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. Psychological factors can play a key role in preventing long-term complications.
A study of 200 adult men found that those with borderline testosterone levels had a 56% rate of depression and depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of screening for mental health in this population. The researchers also identified high rates of obesity and low physical activity as contributing factors.
A global study has found that people with recurrent depression have a significantly smaller hippocampus than healthy individuals. The study, involving nearly 9,000 participants, highlights the need for effective treatment at first occurrence, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Researchers argue that current diagnosis methods for depression are flawed and that understanding 'normal' emotional responses can help inform clinical practice. Increased interaction between fundamental emotion research and practitioner training is necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders.
New research suggests that depressed people often choose to increase rather than decrease their sadness in daily life. Studies found that depressed participants preferred sad music and re-watched sad images more frequently than non-depressed individuals. The findings highlight the importance of motivation in regulating emotions.
A randomized trial of daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in men and transgender women who have sex with men found no link between Truvada use and depression. Half of participants reported clinically significant depression, highlighting the need for further research on PrEP's impact during vulnerable times.
Researchers have found that artificially reactivating positive memories can suppress the effects of stress-induced depression in mice. The study reveals how brain circuits interact with negative experiences and provides a potential target for therapeutic approaches.
A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that women with a past history of depression who pay more attention to angry faces are at greatest risk for developing depression again over the next two years. Researchers used eye-tracking to analyze the attention of 160 women, including those with and without depression, ...
Researchers found shorter telomeres in preschoolers with oppositional defiant behavior, a hallmark of cellular aging. Maternal clinical depression also correlates with telomere length, with children of depressed mothers having shorter telomeres at ages 4 and 5.
Researchers discovered unique white matter injury patterns in patients with concussion-related depression and anxiety, suggesting similar mechanisms to non-trauma dependent depression. Anxiety patients showed diminished fractional anisotropy in the brain's fear modulation region, indicating different treatment targets may be required.
A study of over 69,000 individuals in Sweden found no association between varenicline and increased risks of suicidal behaviours, criminal offending, transport accidents, or psychoses. However, a small increased risk was found in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders during periods of medication.
A new study by Naguib Mechawar's team found that networks of astrocytes are altered specifically in areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. The research also discovered unique properties of astrocytes in subcortical brain regions, which may contribute to depression and suicide.
A pilot study reveals significant early results for the program, with a 28% decrease in depression scores and 12% decrease in anxiety scores among students. The program has also led to a decrease in suicidal thinking and improved mental health outcomes.
A long-term study in Pakistan found that prenatal treatment for depression had no effect on children's emotional and behavioral development. In contrast, maternal depression was linked to worse child outcomes, emphasizing the need for integrated maternal and child health programs.
A new study found that people with a certain genetic variant, short alleles of the gene 5-HTTLPR, displayed greater genuine smiling and laughing while watching cartoons or subtly amusing film clips. The research suggests that this genetic variant may be associated with positive emotional expressions.
Researchers found a modest reduction in depressive symptoms among some surviving spouses of hospice users compared with non-hospice users. Hospice care was associated with improved depression scores for a subgroup of surviving spouses, particularly those who were primary caregivers.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 reveals moderate to severe depression is associated with a 5-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Patients with moderate to severe depression had an 80% lower mortality risk compared to those without or mild depression.
Researchers found individuals with elevated depressive symptoms performed poorly hearing all categories of speech, not just sad speech, in cocktail party-like environments. The study's findings suggest a broader issue with emotion-general deficit in speech perception for those with depression.
A systematic review of six randomised controlled trials found that antidepressants were of benefit for postnatal depression, with 54% of participants reporting 'much improved' symptoms after treatment. Remission rates were also improved, with 49% of participants showing remission compared to 26% in the placebo group.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that individuals with high psychological distress were more likely to die from liver disease. The research tracked over 165,000 participants for ten years and controlled for various factors such as alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status.
The UTSW Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care aims to replace the current trial-and-error approach with personalized medicine. Dr. Madhukar Trivedi will lead the center, which will use clinical data and biosignatures to drive precision medicine.