Articles tagged with Depression
A population-based cohort study found that older adults with highly active thyroid glands are at a substantially increased risk of developing depression. The study analyzed data from 1,503 participants and found that those with higher TSH levels were more likely to experience depression symptoms over an eight-year period.
Researchers have identified a biological marker for major depression in teenage boys, combining elevated cortisol levels with depressive symptoms. The study found that these individuals are up to fourteen times more likely to develop major depression than those without these traits.
Researchers are leveraging big data from social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to better understand human behavior and social dynamics. Studies have found differences in communication patterns between parents and children, as well as predictors of postpartum depression.
Researchers found that quitting smoking is associated with lower rates of mood/anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorder. The study analyzed data from over 4,800 daily smokers and found significant improvements in mental health outcomes after quitting or reducing cigarette smoking.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that HIV-positive men are more likely to engage in safer sex practices when their moods improve, compared to weeks with worsening moods. Depression was linked to an increased risk of unprotected sex.
A new IUPUI study found that treating depression before cardiovascular disease onset can decrease the risk of future heart attacks and strokes. The study followed 235 older patients with depression, finding a 48% lower risk among those receiving collaborative care.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a causal link between depression symptoms and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, no such association was found with stroke risk. The Whitehall II study, which followed over 10,000 civil servants in the UK for 20 years, suggests that r...
Studies of adult twins and adolescents reveal a strong connection between short or long sleep durations and increased risk of depressive symptoms. Optimal sleep duration is essential for mental health, suggesting that prioritizing sleep may enhance treatment effectiveness for depression.
A large international study found an independent association between diabetes and depression as well as impulse control disorders, including binge-eating and bulimia. Depression increased the risk of diabetes by 30%, while binge-eating disorder increased the risk by 2.6 times.
A multicenter research team led by Cedars-Sinai neurologist Nancy Sicotte used a new automated technique to identify shrinkage of the right hippocampus in women with multiple sclerosis and depressive symptoms. The study found reduced size of the right hippocampus, while the left remained unchanged.
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that children with depression are more likely to develop obesity, smoking habits, and lower physical activity levels. These factors can increase the risk of heart disease later in life, even as early as teenage years.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an app that measures cellphone use, revealing shocking statistics. The app, dubbed Menthal, analyzes user behavior over six weeks, showing average users activate their smartphones every 12 minutes, and problematic use can lead to addiction-like symptoms.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that rapid improvements in depression symptoms during PTSD treatments are associated with better outcomes. Negative social support from family or friends was also linked to worsening depression symptoms, while transient spikes did not negatively impact treatment progress.
A recent study published in Medical Care found that psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia and emotional distress have a significant impact on work-related outcomes. The study suggests targeting symptoms, rather than disorders, may help lessen the work impact of mental health issues.
Research reveals that levels of depression and anxiety among people with severe rheumatoid arthritis are significantly higher than previously reported. The study suggests that routine screening for depression is crucial, as untreated depression can impact treatment outcomes. The researchers propose modifying the current disease activit...
Research shows that postpartum depression symptoms decrease over time, but 30-50% of affected women experience chronic depression. Factors like age, income, and relationship quality may contribute to a higher risk of chronic depression.
A study found that most pediatric primary care practitioners are reluctant to prescribe antidepressant medications to adolescent patients, even in severe cases. PCPs who had access to on-site mental health care providers and were more knowledgeable about depression were more likely to prescribe antidepressants.
Grand Challenges Canada announces $7.7M project to improve mental health care in developing countries, with mobile phone technologies and innovative approaches to reach underserved populations. The projects aim to increase epilepsy treatment and eliminate barriers for critical mental health services.
A recent study by the University of Toronto found that adults who experienced childhood physical abuse had a delayed recovery from depression. The research highlights the long-term impact of childhood trauma on mental health outcomes.
A study found moderate evidence that mindfulness meditation programs show small improvements in anxiety, depression, and pain. However, there was low evidence of benefits for stress/distress and mental health component of health-related quality of life.
A daily meditation practice of 30 to 40 minutes can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with various medical conditions. The study found moderate evidence of improvement in symptoms after an eight-week training program in mindfulness meditation.
Women with prenatally diagnosed fear of childbirth are at a higher risk of postpartum depression, even those without a history of depression. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 mothers in Finland and found that nearly one-third of women experiencing postpartum depression had no previous history of depression.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found a link between anxiety and an increased risk of stroke over a 22-year period. People with high anxiety levels had a 33% higher stroke risk than those with low levels, possibly due to smoking, physical inactivity, and stress hormone levels.
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery have a substantially higher risk of depression if they are physically inactive, with 58% of those at-risk progressing to clinical depression. Inactive patients also experience double the risk of depressive symptoms before surgery and postoperatively.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that hippocampal volume loss in depression is caused by a reduction in glial cells, not neurons. The research uses female nonhuman primates to clarify the cellular basis of volumetric changes in the brain.
Researchers found that maternal depression was associated with reduced structural connectivity in the right amygdala of newborns. This abnormal microstructure may contribute to a child's vulnerability to mental illness. The study suggests early intervention targeting maternal depression during pregnancy could reduce this risk.
Researchers found vitamin D supplementation significantly improved depression symptoms and reduced neuropathic and sensory pain in women with type 2 diabetes. The study also showed a notable decrease in pain at three and six months following supplementation.
Researchers found that combining modafinil with antidepressants improved depression symptoms and reduced fatigue, which are common relapse triggers. The study suggests modafinil may be a useful supplement for those struggling with depression.
Researchers investigated epigenetic changes in response to maternal cortisol exposure, finding support for prenatal transmission of risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study highlights the importance of treating maternal prenatal depression and anxiety to mitigate newborn behavioral problems.
Researchers identify lateral habenula as crucial in cost-benefit decisions, clarifying its role in daily choices and shedding light on depression treatment.
A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice reveals that pregnant women with depression often experience conflict when deciding on treatment. They strongly prefer non-drug treatments like psychotherapy and alternative therapies, citing concerns about antidepressant medications' potential effects on the developing baby.
Researchers have pinpointed specific brain regions and molecules associated with depression and anxiety, offering potential new avenues for understanding and treating these debilitating mental health conditions. The study suggests that targeting certain brain areas and chemical signals may lead to more effective treatments.
A new study finds that short-term depression therapy through weekly home visits can relieve symptoms in low-income minority mothers, even in the face of poverty and trauma. The intervention improved depressive symptoms for 8 months after treatment ended, with participants regaining a sense of hope and control over their lives.
Research found that individuals experiencing depression process self-related information differently in the brain, showing increased activity when thinking about themselves. The study used fMRI brain imaging to compare brain activity between depressed and non-depressed participants.
A new study found that an interactive computer program increased help for those who needed it most without overtreating. Patients using the program were nearly twice as likely to ask about depression and receive treatment recommendations from their physician.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates depression as the second leading cause of global disability burden, ranking first in Central America and Southeast Asia. Disability from depression affects mostly people in their working years, with women more than men.
A study found that targeted communication strategies did not improve mental health outcomes in patients with depression. The interventions increased patient engagement and requests for information about depression, but failed to improve symptoms at a 12-week follow-up.
A new study published in SAGE Open found that people with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are more likely to be left-handed. The research team studied 107 individuals from a public outpatient psychiatric clinic and found that 40% of those with schizophrenia were left-handed, compared to 11% of those with mood disorders.
A study found that left-handed individuals are more likely to suffer from psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, compared to mood disorders. The research revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of left-handedness among patients with different types of mental disorders.
A new headpiece design could improve a depression treatment by allowing researchers to hit finer targets in the brain, up to twice as deep as today's systems. The system uses computer simulations and metamaterials to reduce pain and increase effectiveness.
Researchers have found a potential new class of fast-acting antidepressants that could alleviate symptoms in as little as five days, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.
A pilot study has shown that internet-based Behavioural Action treatment can effectively treat postnatal depression, with participants reporting better results for depression, work, and social impairment. The online program provided support at times convenient to the women, allowing them to complete a course of therapy.
A study of over 32,000 participants found that traumatic life events are the biggest cause of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the importance of a person's thinking style in determining their level of stress and anxiety.
Researchers identify symptoms of depression causing parenting difficulties, including emotional unavailability and problems with memory. The findings suggest that depressed parents may struggle to respond to their child's needs due to brain changes affecting goal-setting and interaction.
A study found that behavioral therapy provided chair-side to kidney failure patients during dialysis significantly reduces depression scores and improves quality of life. The treatment group experienced greater improvements in fluid intake between sessions, making subsequent treatments more efficient.
A study found that people living in areas with mountaintop coal mining face an increased risk of major depression. The research explored the relationship between environmental degradation and psychological health, highlighting the importance of nature for human wellbeing.
Researchers have identified N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) as a potential therapeutic alternative for psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. NAC has been shown to reduce core symptoms of these conditions by boosting glutathione, reducing inflammation, and enhancing nerve cell growth proteins.
Researchers suggest targeting the glutamatergic system as a viable target for antidepressant drug development, with potential to rapidly alleviate symptoms of depression. A phase II trial demonstrated a surprisingly rapid antidepressant effect in humans, and further studies indicate extended efficacy.
A University of Iowa study found that mothers with prematurely born infants who participated in personal sessions with NICU nurses reported lower anxiety and depression symptoms. The sessions, led by a nurse, allowed the mothers to focus on themselves and their needs, leading to improved self-esteem and quality of life.
A new study found that over half of Ontarians with major depression did not use physician-based mental health services, highlighting a gap in accessing clinician-based care. Research suggests that women are more likely to seek help and that cultural and stigma barriers may contribute to underutilization.
A study published in Clinical Psychology Review found that people in debt are three times more likely to experience mental health problems than those not in debt. The research, led by the University of Southampton, analyzed data from nearly 34,000 participants and showed a strong correlation between debt and poor mental health outcomes.
A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research reveals that a simple measurement of the sweat gland activity can determine if a person is suicidal, confirming previous research. The test found a strong correlation between hyporeactivity and suicide in depressed people, with 97% accuracy.
A simple two-question survey was found to be as accurate as a nine-question screening test in detecting major depression among cancer patients. The survey, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire, assesses a patient's interest in activities and feelings of hopelessness over the past two weeks.
A two-item questionnaire, including PHQ-9 and PHQ-2, effectively screened for depression in radiation therapy patients. The study found that these questions were as useful as the entire PHQ-9 in identifying depression, with an area under the curve of approximately 0.83.
A new study by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that mental state and thinking abilities can predict early hospital readmissions in heart patients. Depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments are related to increased risk of hospital admissions and readmissions.
A healthy diet characterized by vegetables, fruits, berries, whole-grains, poultry, fish and low-fat cheese was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. Increased intake of folate from sources like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains was also linked to a decreased risk of depression.
In a Pfizer-sponsored clinical trial, varenicline was found to help smokers with depression quit smoking, with 36% of participants quitting during treatment and 20% remaining abstinent after 40 weeks. The study suggests that varenicline may improve efforts by depressed smokers to quit tobacco use.
A survey of young breast cancer patients found that nearly all chose prophylactic mastectomy to reduce risk of contralateral breast cancer, despite knowing it doesn't improve survival rates. The study highlights the need for better risk communication strategies to help patients make informed decisions.
Researchers found that promoting positive emotions can positively influence a depressive-to-happy state, as well as increasing life satisfaction. Individuals with self-fulfilling profiles, characterized by high positive affect and low negative affect, tended to be happier and more satisfied with their lives.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that occurs after an acute bout of diverticulitis. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that patients who developed IBS-like symptoms after diverticulitis may also experience mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.