Articles tagged with Depression
Flies develop depression-like symptoms in response to uncontrollable stress, slowing down and taking more frequent rests. The study offers insights into the biological basis of depression and presents a potential method for testing antidepressant drugs.
A new study reveals that a particular style of thinking can be contagious and increase symptoms of depression. College freshmen who were assigned to roommates with high levels of cognitive vulnerability showed an increase in their own vulnerability and depressive symptoms six months later.
A public-private partnership (PPP) successfully addressed the mental health needs of people in post-conflict northern Uganda, establishing five psycho-trauma centers and increasing clinic attendance from 300 to over 3,000. The most common diagnoses were depression, PTSD, epilepsy, and substance use disorders.
A study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can improve the quality of life for severely depressed patients who go into remission. However, patients may experience challenges with social function and emotional role after treatment.
Researchers at Bonn University Hospital have achieved remarkable results using deep brain stimulation to treat treatment-resistant major depression. In six out of seven patients, symptoms improved considerably and rapidly, with significant improvements observed in anxiety, despondence, listlessness, and joylessness.
A recent CWRU study found that mothers with postpartum depression prefer online interventions for anonymous access to professional advice. The study also highlights the need for accessible resources to help new mothers cope with depression, which affects up to 15% of new mothers.
Researchers found that untreated depression hinders anti-inflammatory effects of exercise and light-to-moderate alcohol consumption. Participants with depression showed no benefit in lowering C-reactive protein levels, despite normal physical activity levels.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded nearly $4 million in new NARSAD grants to 40 mid-career researchers pursuing innovative studies on depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. The grants will focus on diagnostic tools, early intervention, new technologies, next-generation therapies, and basic research.
Researchers found that a patient-preference, centralized depression care approach significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved health outcomes for heart attack survivors. The study showed that this type of treatment was feasible, effective, and potentially cost-neutral within six months.
Researchers found that moderate-to-severe depression in heart failure patients increases their risk of death by almost 60% and emergency room visits by 35%. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for tailored treatment programs to manage depression in these patients.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that depression and cognitive status are independently associated with a more rapid decline in everyday living abilities. The findings suggest providing mental health treatment may slow the loss of independence.
New research reveals that heart disease patients with anxiety are twice as likely to die from any cause compared to those without anxiety. Those with both anxiety and depression face a tripled risk of death. The study suggests that anxiety may underlie the risk previously attributed solely to depression.
A new study challenges the long-held explanation that depression is caused by insufficient serotonin levels. Instead, researchers found that abnormal communication between brain cells is the root cause of depression. This discovery opens possibilities for new therapies targeting excitatory connections rather than serotonin.
Research suggests depression in childhood increases risk of obesity, smoking and physical inactivity in adolescence, leading to higher rates of heart disease. Depression appears to be a key factor in the development of cardiac risk behaviors, even after remission.
A large-scale study by Northwestern University researcher Katherine L. Wisner found that 14% of new mothers screened positive for depression, with many experiencing recurrent episodes of major depression. The study emphasizes the importance of prenatal and postpartum screening to prevent mental health issues in women and their infants.
A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that adjunctive antipsychotic medications improve depressive symptoms but have limited effects on quality of life. The treatments are also linked to side effects such as weight gain, sedation, and akathisia.
Scientists at UCLA discovered a peptide called hypocretin that increases happiness and alertness in humans, while another peptide MCH plays a key role in sleep regulation. The study provides a potential new approach to treating psychiatric disorders like depression.
A pilot study found DBS to be effective in improving mood and BMI in severely anorexic patients. After surgery, patients began stabilizing or gaining weight, with three maintaining higher weights than before. Improvements in mood and obsessive-compulsive behavior were also observed.
A new study by UCLA life scientists suggests that pregnant women who receive strong social support from their families during pregnancy have lower levels of a stress hormone and reduced risk of postpartum depression. The research found that emotional support was the most powerful form of support, and early interventions may provide a b...
A new study found that pregnant women who received strong social support from their families had lower levels of a stress hormone and reduced depressive symptoms after giving birth. The researchers also discovered that emotional support was the most powerful form of support, while father support was not as strong of a protective factor.
New research investigates how social information processing patterns, urgency, and rumination contribute to adolescent mental health disorders. The studies found that Fast Track intervention improved antisocial behavior in youth, while urgency levels predicted depression, and individual differences in distraction shared genetic sources...
Researchers recommend 'low-intensity' interventions like self-help books and websites as a first step in treating depression. These interventions can provide significant clinical benefits, especially for patients with more severe depression at baseline.
Researchers found that using the method-of-loci technique improved recalling positive memories for individuals with depression, potentially elevating their mood. The study suggests this memory strategy may be an effective tool in managing depression.
A new study at Michigan State University finds that single workers face challenges maintaining friendships, taking care of their health, and finding leisure time beyond work demands. This negative impact on work-life balance is similar for both single and family-based workers.
A UCLA study found a link between untreated depression and decreased effectiveness of the shingles vaccine in older adults. Patients with depression showed a weaker immune response to the varicella-zoster virus, making them less responsive to the vaccine.
A psychiatrist proposes a new subspecialty to address the link between depression and heart disease. Interleukin-6 levels were found to be higher in depressed patients than healthy controls.
Adults undergoing bariatric surgery who are more physically active are less likely to have depressive symptoms and treatment for depression or anxiety. Moderate-intensity physical activity, such as one hour a week or 4,750 steps a day, was associated with lower odds of these conditions.
A study suggests a link between untreated depression and decreased response to the shingles vaccine in older adults. Depression treatment, however, boosts cell-mediated immunity and increases vaccine effectiveness.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that people who yearn for a more intimate partnership and those who crave more distance are equally at risk for having a problematic relationship. The study's lead author, David M. Frost, PhD, suggests that finding a way to attain an idealized level of closeness...
A 30-year study of nearly 400 men found that nearly one-third of major depressive episodes were seen only while they were drinking heavily. Heavy drinking is often mistaken for depression, but the symptoms typically resolve within weeks to a month of abstinence.
A recent study found that nearly 8% of stroke survivors in the US contemplate suicide, with risk factors including depression, age, and socioeconomic status. Regular screening for suicidal ideation is recommended to address this often-overlooked concern.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 68% of Ugandan humanitarian aid workers experienced symptoms of depression, while 53% had anxiety disorders and 26% posttraumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that organizational environment significantly influences mental health and wellbeing.
Research finds that LGBTQ+ individuals who are out to others have lower stress hormone levels, fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improved overall wellbeing. This study suggests that self-acceptance and disclosure can lead to better physical and mental health outcomes.
A study by Jason Schnittker and colleagues reveals a long-lasting relationship between incarceration and psychiatric conditions affecting one's mood. The research suggests that mental health treatment could help former inmates reintegrate into society, addressing difficulties such as diminished social relationships and daily activities.
Survivors of heart attacks are three times more likely to develop depression due to their thought pattern about the event. Addressing threat perception through psychological interventions can help reduce this risk and promote a smoother recovery.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry suggests that reductions in ECT treatment have an economic basis, with a 43% drop in psychiatric inpatients receiving the procedure. ECT is being discontinued by US general hospitals, primarily due to cost and regulatory issues.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that two-thirds of mothers with sick babies in Ghana are at risk of postpartum depression. This condition can lead to poor infant growth and nutrition, as well as increased mortality rates for both mothers and babies.
Researchers found an association between elevated levels of C-reactive protein and increased risk of psychological distress and depression in a large Danish population. Elevated CRP levels were also linked to higher rates of antidepressant use and hospitalization with depression.
Teens who fight with siblings over equality and fairness issues are more depressed a year later, while those who fight about personal space issues have lower self-esteem. Younger brothers with older brothers and girls with brothers experience more anxiety, leading to lower self-esteem.
Scientists have discovered that a specific region of the brain, the ventral tegmental area, plays a key role in both inducing and relieving depression-like symptoms. By controlling this region with light stimulation, researchers were able to reverse depressed states in mice, providing new hope for future treatments.
A clinical trial by NIH found that AZD6765 briefly improved depression symptoms in minutes, with fewer side effects than ketamine, and better residual effects.
Researchers found that older adults who reported better well-being had higher education, cognitive function and lower depression levels. The study suggests an optimistic approach to caring for seniors can help reduce ageism and improve outcomes.
A large-scale trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided in addition to usual care reduced symptoms of depression and improved patients' quality of life. At six months, 46% of those who received CBT had improved, reporting at least a 50% reduction in symptoms.
Researchers at King's College London identified the 'Hedgehog pathway' regulating stress hormones and brain cell development. The study revealed that inhibiting this pathway can reverse damaging effects of stress hormones on brain cells, offering new potential mechanisms to target depression.
GLYX-13 produced statistically significant reductions in depression scores within 24 hours and persisted for an average of seven days. The effect size observed was nearly double the effect size seen with most other antidepressant drugs after 4-6 weeks of repeated dosing.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults who had not responded to antidepressant medication. After six months, 46% of participants in the CBT group showed improvement compared to 22% in the control group.
A new study by Emory researchers has proven successful in preventing depression in people with epilepsy, reducing seizures and improving quality of life. The web-based method, called Project UPLIFT, provides patients with depression prevention and stress management skills, increasing knowledge and skills to replace negative feelings.
Researchers analyzed data on individuals with depression across four developmental periods, finding that early episodes last longer and increase risk of future episodes. Female participants were more likely to experience first incidence but not recurrence.
A study found that parents with children living in urban areas are less likely to experience depression than those with children nearby. The key protective factor was the financial support sent by children, which mitigated the empty-nest syndrome.
Researchers discovered a cognitive biomarker in young adolescents at high risk of developing depression and anxiety. The test can help initiate early intervention, which has proven to be an effective way to combat mental illness.
A new study suggests that lack of nutrients like folate and vitamin B12 may be associated with specific subtypes of depression. Melancholic depressive symptoms were linked to lower folate intake, while non-melancholic symptoms were tied to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a novel molecular basis for depression, finding the FTO gene is associated with an eight per cent reduction in the risk of depression. The study found no link between obesity and depression, contradicting common perception that obese individuals are more likely to be depressed.
Researchers at Butler Hospital and Bradley Hospital found a sharp decline in the availability and use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for severe depression in general hospitals across the US. The annual number of hospital stays where ECT was administered fell by 43% over 17 years, from over 1.2 million to 720,000.
Low levels of omega-3 during pregnancy may trigger depressive episodes. Increasing fish consumption could help bring maternal omega-3 levels up to recommended levels, potentially reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
A new study suggests that chronic exposure to bright light at night can lead to depression-like behaviors, including decreased interest in sugar and pleasure seeking, and impaired cognitive function. Treatment with Prozac restored the mice's healthy moods and learning abilities.
Research published by Viren Swami from the University of Westminster found that men and women equally identified Kate's symptoms as indicative of a mental health disorder, but men were less likely to recognize Jack's symptoms. Men also rated Kate's case as more distressing and deserving of sympathy than Jack's.
Research reveals that genes involved in glutamatergic transmission are associated with an increased risk of depression. Drugs targeting the glutamate system may help improve current antidepressant treatment outcomes.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that physicians who commit suicide often have known mental health problems but fail to seek treatment due to stigma and lack of confidentiality. The study highlights the need for greater effort to address job stress, under-diagnosis, and treatment of depression among physicians.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researcher Mark Zimmerman found that patients and clinicians have distinct definitions of remission from major depressive disorder. Patients prioritize life satisfaction and well-being over symptoms, emphasizing the importance of a patient-centered approach to treatment.
A new study found that reducing symptoms of depression in heart failure patients can improve their physical health, social functioning and quality of life. Participants whose depression remitted had significant improvements on measures of physical health, including endurance.