Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A hormone with anti-diabetic properties called adiponectin has been shown to reduce depressive-like symptoms in stressed mice. Administering adiponectin produced antidepressant-like effects, especially in mice with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A Wisconsin University study surveyed 190 students and found no significant association between social media use and depression. Researchers advise parents to consider their child's overall life context, not just their online behavior.
Chronic pain patients with depression are more likely to misuse opioids, and primary care physicians should take a leading role in setting opioid prescribing standards. Safer alternatives like physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers found that childhood adversity increases the risk of depression and chronic inflammation, which can persist even after depression resolves. Individuals who experienced early childhood trauma have a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers found that viewing media coverage of terrorist attacks increased pain levels and sensory component of pain in people already suffering from chronic pain. Stress and media exposure were also strongly related.
A new study found that treating vitamin D deficiency improved symptoms of depression in women, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The study involved three women who received oral vitamin D replacement therapy and showed significant improvement in their depression scores after treatment.
A joint research project between Aarhus University and the Danish Cancer Society shows that mindfulness-based psychological therapy helps reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Mindfulness teaches patients to be more conscious of life as it happens, reducing negative thoughts and worries.
The US Army has implemented a behavioral health screening program in primary care, resulting in improved PTSD outcomes. The program, RESPECT-Mil, has doubled the number of patients experiencing clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptom severity scores over eight weeks.
A Northwestern University study found that phone therapy retains more patients and improves depression outcomes compared to face-to-face sessions. The randomized control trial included 325 primary care patients with major depressive disorder and showed that phone therapy reduced dropout rates by 12 percentage points.
Researchers found a strong link between post-stroke depression and brain network impairment, specifically in the default-mode network (DMN), which is involved in emotional regulation. The study suggests that functional brain impairment may be more critical than structural lesions in predicting depression severity.
A study compared the effectiveness of face-to-face and telephone-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating depression in primary care patients. The results found that telephone CBT had lower rates of discontinuing treatment, but was less effective at reducing depressive symptoms in the long term.
Researchers found that people with depression have impaired brain connectivity between regions associated with guilt and knowledge of socially acceptable behavior. This 'decoupling' occurs when individuals feel guilty or blame themselves, but not when they're angry or blaming others.
A five-year study of nearly 200 youths found that treating adolescents for major depression can also reduce their chances of abusing drugs later on. The study, led by John Curry at Duke University, found that only 10% of those who responded to treatment within 12 weeks later abused drugs, compared to 25% of those who did not respond.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry confirms ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in patients with bipolar disorder. Ketamine was found to significantly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts within hours of administration.
Research at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre reveals that high-fat diets can cause chemical reactions in the brain similar to illicit drugs, leading to depression. Mice studies show signs of anxiety and depression after a higher-fat diet, with altered brain chemistry and hormone levels.
Researchers have discovered a way to identify genetic variants linked to postnatal depression, paving the way for a simple blood test. Women with specific genetic markers are more likely to develop postnatal depression, which can have significant effects on their mental health and children's development.
A study by Marc Berman found that nature walks improved memory performance after a walk in nature, compared to an urban environment. Participants showed a 16 percent increase in attention and working memory, but no significant improvement in depressive mood.
A new article by UCSF researchers outlines a 10-year plan to fight depression, emphasizing the need for routine access to prevention interventions. The authors suggest identifying high-risk individuals and reducing new cases of depression by half.
Research finds that sleepwalking is more prevalent among US adults than previously thought, affecting up to 8.4 million people. The study also shows an association between nocturnal wanderings and certain psychiatric disorders.
Patients with unipolar Major Depressive Disorder achieved significant improvements in depression symptoms and quality of life after five weeks of NeuroStar TMS therapy. The treatment resulted in a 30.5% increase in patients reporting no problems with performing usual activities.
The TEAMcare program, a collaborative approach to managing chronic diseases like depression and diabetes, appears to pay for itself. After accounting for the program's $1,224 per patient cost, it may save as much as $594 per patient in outpatient costs.
A collaborative care intervention improved depression-free days and quality-adjusted life-years among adults with depression and poorly controlled diabetes. The intervention, which included team-centered care and nurse management, resulted in significant improvements in depression scores and quality of life.
A study of 13,535 individuals found that depressive symptoms in midlife and late life are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. Those with chronic depression during their lifetime had a two-fold increase in Alzheimer's disease risk, while those with depression in both midlife and late life had a three-fold increase in v...
A new study reveals that people's judgements about their depression and anxiety symptoms are influenced by how they rank their own suffering compared to others. This can lead to inaccurate diagnoses, with vulnerable individuals being at higher risk of missed diagnoses due to relative severity perception.
A University of Michigan study found African-Americans with HIV have lower adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy compared to other patients. Untreated depression also hinders adherence in low-income HIV-infected patients regardless of race, but antidepressant treatment nearly doubles optimal ART adherence.
The Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is conducting clinical trials on mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, and testing the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for teenagers who have attempted suicide or engaged in self-harm behaviors.
A recent study by CDC researchers found that one-third of US adults with arthritis experience anxiety or depression. Anxiety is nearly twice as common as depression among people with arthritis, despite more focus on the latter mental health condition.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that youths with special health care needs are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression if they feel left out or bullied by their peers. The study found that ostracism was the strongest predictor of increased symptoms, highlighting the need for clear polici...
A quality-of-care incentive program at community health clinics reduced depression treatment time by more than half, from over 60 weeks to less than 25 weeks. The initiative improved patient care and clinical outcomes for low-income adults with temporary disabilities.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital conducted a retrospective review of 437 patients who underwent surgery for septal deviation. The study found that despite a higher prevalence of co-morbid mood disorders in surgical failures, there was no significant correlation between depression and nasal obstruction symptoms or treatment outcomes.
A new study found that mothers with higher symptoms of depression may disturb their infants' sleep by picking them up or moving them to alleviate their own anxieties. Researchers studied 45 mostly White moms and their infants, aged 1-24 months, over seven days.
A new blood test can diagnose major depression in teens with high accuracy, distinguishing between subtypes such as major depression with anxiety disorder. The test's development holds promise for tailored treatments and reduced stigma around the disease.
A study published in Neurology found that certain antidepressants decrease depression in people with Parkinson's disease without worsening motor problems. The study used paroxetine and venlafaxine, two types of antidepressants with fewer side effects, and showed significant improvements in depression scores.
A new study published in Neurology found that antidepressant medications can effectively treat depression in Parkinson's patients without worsening their motor symptoms. The study, led by Irene Hegeman Richard, M.D., showed significant improvements in depression scores with paroxetine and venlafaxine, two commonly used antidepressants.
A study found that people with more socially-accepted mental illnesses, such as depression and mild mood disorders, receive less support from family members and friends. In contrast, those with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder face greater rejection and discrimination.
A new study found that 84% of female dialysis patients experienced sexual problems, which are often overlooked by clinicians. The study also highlighted the impact of various factors such as age, education level, and presence of depression on sexual dysfunction in these patients.
Researchers developed a brief survey to identify depressive thinking patterns that may lead to serious depression if not addressed early. A score of 7 on the Depression Cognition Scale (DCS) represents the point at which individuals should initiate strategies to change negative thoughts into positive ones.
Depressed individuals with rumination tendencies show altered brain network activation compared to healthy individuals. The study found a dissociation pattern between anterior and posterior medial cortex regions, positively associating rumination with increased connectivity.
Research reveals that systemic inflammation causes an increase in depressive symptoms and metabolic changes in the brain's mood-regulating regions. This finding opens doors for testing potential treatments for depression in patients experiencing inflammatory-related symptoms.
Eating commercial baked goods and fast food is linked to a 51% increased risk of developing depression. Those consuming the most fast food have a greater chance of being single, less active, and having poor dieting habits.
A recent study found that depression is common among stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients, with nearly two-thirds of them not receiving treatment. The study suggests that brain injury and vascular risk factors may contribute to the development of depression in these patients.
Researchers found depression rates were similar among stroke and TIA survivors, with 17.9% of stroke patients and 14.4% of TIA patients experiencing depression at 3 months post-hospitalization. Persistent depression was common, affecting nearly 70% of stroke and TIA patients.
A recent study by Purdue University researchers found that fatigue and unmet expectations of parenthood can contribute to post-adoption depression in women. The study, based on survey results from 300 mothers who adopted within the past two years, identified unrealistic expectations as a common theme related to depression.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that 38% of lung cancer patients suffer from depression, with greater stigma levels related to higher depressive symptoms. Psychotherapeutic approaches may help alleviate or prevent depression by altering perceptions of stigma.
New research published in BMC Public Health found that people living alone have an increased risk of developing depression, with women's risk attributed to sociodemographic factors such as lack of education and low income. The study identified poor housing conditions and lack of social support as key contributory factors.
African-American men who believe they should respond to stress with emotional control experience more depression symptoms when confronted with racial discrimination. The study found that traditional role norms can amplify the negative effects of discrimination on mental health.
A new study found that a brief, daily yoga meditation program reduced depressive symptoms and improved mental health in caregivers. The program also showed increased telomerase activity, slowing cellular aging.
Researchers found that brains use a simplistic strategy to filter out options, leading to poor choices and potentially contributing to depression. The study suggests a link between this 'pruning' bias and brain chemical serotonin, which is involved in both avoidance and depression.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that our brains use a simplistic strategy to filter out options when faced with complex decisions, leading to poor choices. The researchers also linked this 'pruning' decision-making bias to depressive symptoms, suggesting a possible connection between the two.
US Army suicides surged by 80% between 2004 and 2008, with 39% of cases linked to post-Iraq events. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance misuse increased significantly during this period.
More than 2 million US teenagers suffer from depression, with few receiving adequate treatment. New research highlights the need for more effective treatments and better therapeutic strategies.
A major Australian study of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has found up to half of depressed participants experienced substantial improvements after receiving the treatment. The largest randomized controlled trial to date confirms previous reports of significant antidepressant effects, with results showing improved atte...
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that persistent depression symptoms may be associated with significant declines in cognitive performance in older patients with coronary artery disease who underwent cardiac catheterization. Patients with persistent depressive symptoms exhibited greater decline in attention/exec...
Around 70% of young adults with Asperger Syndrome reported at least one episode of depression, while up to 50% experienced repeated episodes. One third of individuals also have ADHD, and characteristics between Asperger and schizophrenia share similarities in autistic traits and social cognitive ability
Researchers propose that depression and related behaviors arose from genetic variations that helped ancestors fight infections, reducing mortality. This theory links depression to inflammation and physiological responses that were selected for reducing mortality from infection.
Researchers at UCLA find hyperconnectivity in depressed brains, suggesting a malfunction in regulating brain networks. This dysregulation may explain multiple symptoms of depression, including anxiety and memory issues.
Patients with heart disease who took cholesterol-lowering statins were significantly less likely to develop depression than those who did not. Statin users experienced a 38% lower risk of developing depression compared to non-statin users.
A Tel Aviv University researcher found that employees who engaged in physical activity were less likely to experience burnout and depression. The optimal amount of physical activity was 150 minutes per week, with those exercising for four hours or more showing significant benefits.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that maternal depression can affect infants' ability to attune to their native languages, while bilingual households may prolong the period of tuning. The preliminary findings provide important insights into early childhood development and mother's mental health.
Researchers found that soldiers experiencing depression and/or PTSD during or after deployment were most likely to develop new onset alcohol abuse. The study suggests that self-medication with alcohol may be a coping mechanism for these individuals.