Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
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.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk for child maltreatment. Mothers with comorbid PTSD and depression showed the highest levels of physically and psychologically abusive behaviors, highlighting the importance of measuring PTSD symptoms when a...
A Penn study finds that shutting off GABA neurons helps bullied mice overcome symptoms of depression and anxiety. The research suggests targeting GABA neurons as a new potential drug target to treat patients with depression and other mood disorders.
A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that divorce elevates the risk of future depressive episodes, but only for individuals who already have a history of depression. The study suggests that separation and divorce may exacerbate underlying risk rather than directly increasing rates of depression.
A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that depressive symptoms are not as influenced by time of year or weather conditions as previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from over 800 participants and concluded that people may be exaggerating the impact of seasonal changes on their mood.
A Florida State University researcher is studying how estrogen and progesterone impact the antidepressant effects of ketamine, which has shown promise in treating depression. The goal is to find a safer treatment for men, who require higher doses, while minimizing side effects.
Researchers found that Xingnao Jieyu capsules upregulate synaptotagmin expression in rats with post-stroke depression, improving depression symptoms. The therapeutic effects of Xingnao Jieyu capsules are similar to those of fluoxetine.
A study by Boston College researchers found that grandparents and adult grandchildren have a measurable impact on each other's psychological well-being. An emotionally close relationship is associated with fewer symptoms of depression for both, while tangible support affects grandparents' psychological health.
A Canadian study found that women living in large urban areas have a higher risk of postpartum depression. The study analyzed data from 6421 women and found that urban residents had almost 10% reporting postpartum depression compared to 6% in rural areas.
A new Canadian study found that women living in large urban areas are at a significantly higher risk of postpartum depression after five to 14 months of giving birth. The researchers suggest differences in stress, social support and history of depression may contribute to this risk.
A University of Zurich study found online psychotherapy to be equally effective, and in some cases better than, face-to-face therapy in reducing depression. After treatment, 53-57% of patients showed significant improvement, with higher satisfaction rates for both groups.
A University of Utah study suggests that isoflurane, a surgical anesthetic, may provide an alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treating drug-resistant depression. The pilot study found significant reductions in symptoms of depression with both ECT and isoflurane treatments.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used pharmacometabolomics to analyze biochemical changes in people taking antidepressants, finding that those whose depression improved had distinct metabolic profiles. The study suggests that serotonin metabolism in the pineal gland may play a role in depression treatment outcomes.
Research suggests that vitamins and minerals, such as B and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Supplementing with these nutrients may provide an alternative to psychiatric medicines for symptom relief.
Researchers at Michigan State University found a link between the prefrontal cortex and learning and behavioral deficits in mice with mental illness genes. This study suggests targeting specific brain-behavior mechanisms may alleviate cognitive and motivational symptoms.
Rates of severe depression fell significantly among older adults between 1998 and 2008, particularly among those aged 80-84, with late middle agers experiencing increased depression symptoms. Despite this trend, a significant percentage of the population continues to experience severe symptoms.
Researchers found decreased structural integrity of white matter tract connecting brain regions, but increased functional connection between them. This may contribute to abnormally high functional interactions among brain circuits associated with depression.
Research at the University of Liverpool found that individuals with depression tend to set broad, abstract personal goals, making it harder to visualize and achieve them. This can create a downward cycle of negative thoughts, further exacerbating depression.
A key brain structure that regulates emotions works differently in depressed preschoolers compared to their healthy peers, according to new research. The findings suggest the children's brains may be experiencing an exaggeration of a normal developmental response to emotions.
A new study has found that pre-existing insomnia symptoms in military service members prior to deployments may be at greater risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety upon return. The study also identified short sleep duration as a significant risk factor for new-onset PTSD symptoms.
Researchers found SAD participants have misconceptions about sleep habits similar to those of insomniacs, leading to incorrect reports of sleep duration. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia may be effective in treating seasonal affective disorder by addressing unhelpful beliefs about sleep.
A new study finds that involving community groups in depression care improves mental health outcomes among low-income patients. The community engagement approach, which included collaborative planning with diverse services programs, resulted in increased physical activity, lower hospitalizations, and improved stability in daily life.
Dr. Chrystyna Kouros' research project aims to understand barriers to treating depression in Hispanic youth, with a focus on ethnic differences in parental and child attributions about symptoms. The study seeks to fill an important gap in the literature by examining ethnicity as a moderating factor.
A pilot study found that vitamin D supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure and improved moods in women with type 2 diabetes and symptoms of depression. Vitamin D also helped the women lose weight. The study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may be a valuable treatment option for these women.
A synthetic compound has been discovered to enhance the effects of SSRIs, a commonly prescribed antidepressant. By blocking secondary 'vacuum cleaners' in the brain, the compound increases serotonin levels, offering new potential targets for treating depression. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to more effective treatments.
A study found high rates of burnout and depression among US anesthesiology residents, with nearly half considered at risk of burnout. The researchers also discovered that these conditions can affect the quality of patient care and increase medical errors.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago will study whether vitamin D supplementation can improve mood and blood pressure in women with Type 2 diabetes and symptoms of depression. The six-month study aims to explore the potential benefits of vitamin D as an antidepressant therapy.
A randomized controlled study found that short-term therapy delivered by para-professionals significantly reduced mental health symptoms among rape survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) was effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that mildly depressed individuals' ability to distinguish between high-fat and low-fat foods is affected by their mood. After watching a sad movie clip, participants with mild depression were unable to tell the difference between the two types of foods.
Case Western Reserve University researchers found that 52% of individuals with PTSD also report symptoms of depression. The study, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, analyzed data from 57 peer-reviewed studies and concluded that both genders diagnosed with PTSD equally suffer from depression.
International researchers found that all seven psychotherapeutic interventions have comparable effects on depressive symptoms, regardless of patient group or therapy type. The therapies worked equally well for individual and group therapy, as well as internet-based interactions.
A new study reveals that childhood bullying can significantly increase the likelihood of self-harm in late adolescence. The research found that those subjected to chronic bullying over several years at primary school were nearly five times more likely to engage in self-harm six to seven years later.
Researchers at Lund University have prevented early symptoms of Huntington's disease, depression, and anxiety in mice by deactivating the mutated huntingtin protein. This discovery is a major breakthrough and may lead to more accurate treatments for this debilitating disease.