Articles tagged with Depression
A study found that persistent insomnia increased the risk of remaining depressed and achieving less than 50% clinical improvement. Elderly patients with major depressive disorder were more likely to remain depressed if they had persistent insomnia, regardless of treatment type.
A new study using fMRI found that people with depression show increased activation in the anterior cingulate region when anticipating reward, indicating a conflict between processing rewards and punishments. This finding suggests that depression may not be solely the absence of pleasure, but rather an experience of emotional pain or fr...
A study published in Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice found that people with depression taking antidepressants have a 30% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk was highest for those using two types of therapies simultaneously, such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Researchers investigated how inheriting different combinations of gene variants impact depression risk in normal subjects. They found that the SLC6A4 serotonin transporter gene interacts with the BDNF gene to regulate emotion regulation system development, revealing individual genes are not isolated risks.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago discovered a new biomarker for depression by analyzing the location of a protein in the brain. The study found that depressed individuals have a greater proportion of Gs alpha protein confined to lipid rafts, which can be used to predict the efficacy of antidepressant therapy.
A new study found that depressed heart attack patients have a higher risk for sudden death in the months following a heart attack, and this risk continues for many years. The study of over 750 patients showed that even minor depression increases mortality risk.
A study of 20,627 people found that psychological distress, but not depression, was associated with an increased risk of stroke. Participants who reported lower mental well-being scores had a 11% higher risk of stroke, regardless of other factors.
A study of 3,987 older men found that those with low free testosterone levels had a higher prevalence of depression, with men in the lowest quintile having three times the odds of depression compared to those in the highest quintile. Researchers suggest that hormone imbalances may contribute to this link.
A study found that nearly 55% of teenagers with treatment-resistant depression showed improvement when switched to a different medication combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. The results suggest that clinicians should not hesitate to switch treatments, especially if an adolescent hasn't responded to initial treatment.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that the medial orbitofrontal cortex is highly specifically active within a seventh of a second in response to infant faces but not to adult faces. This finding has potentially important clinical application in relation to postnatal depression.
A recent study published in JAMA found that teenagers with difficult-to-treat depression who switched to another antidepressant medication and added psychotherapy showed significant improvement. The results suggest that a combination approach may be more effective than traditional treatment strategies for adolescents with treatment-res...
A study found that adolescents with ineffective depression medication saw improved symptoms when switching to a different antidepressant and adding cognitive behavioral therapy. The combination of treatments resulted in a higher rate of clinical response compared to changing medications alone.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing depression due to chronic pain and functional disability. Only one in five RA patients discuss their symptoms with their rheumatologists, highlighting the need for improved communication about mental health.
A University of Iowa study shows that poor women in Iowa are more likely to experience clinically significant postpartum depression than their wealthier counterparts. 40% of Iowa mothers with a household income less than $20,000 suffered from depression, compared to 13% of those with higher incomes.
Researchers found that patients with depression may not experience improvements in hopefulness until several weeks or months after their depressive symptoms lift. This delay can lead to reduced adherence to treatment, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Nursing found that giving birth to a boy can lead to higher levels of severe post-natal depression (PND) and reduced quality of life than having a girl. Women who gave birth to boys reported lower quality of life scores, even without PND.
Researchers found that hostility and depression together elevate inflammatory proteins in the human body, increasing the risk for heart disease. The study examined associations with blood levels of two inflammatory proteins and found a stronger relationship between these negative emotions when considered simultaneously.
A team approach to treating depression in older adults reduces total healthcare costs, with patients receiving IMPACT care having lower average costs over a four-year period. The cost-effectiveness of the IMPACT model makes it an attractive option for health organizations, which have already implemented it to improve patient outcomes.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that older women are more prone to depression and less likely to die from it compared to older men. The study, which evaluated 754 individuals aged 70+, found that women were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and remain depressed over time.
Research identifies genetic variations that shield adults from depression caused by childhood trauma. The study discovered that certain gene variations help regulate the response to stress, protecting against moderate to severe depression in adulthood.
A recent study found that adults who were abused in childhood and carried a specific gene variant showed lower measures of depression. The gene variant, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor one (CRHR1), appears to protect against depression in adults who experienced moderate to severe child abuse.
A study found that older women are more likely to develop depression and remain depressed over time, whereas older men are less prone to this condition. This disparity contributes to the higher burden of depression among older women.
A study published in PLoS Computational Biology suggests that serotonin may contribute to depression and anxiety by disrupting reflexive avoidance behaviors. When serotonin levels drop, individuals lose their instinctual ability to avoid aversive events, leading to increased exploration of potentially harmful states.
A study of rheumatoid arthritis patients found that almost 11% experienced moderate to severe depression symptoms. Patients who were restricted in their activities were more likely to have these symptoms, and few discussed their condition with their rheumatologists.
Researchers found a consistent international pattern of depression and happiness levels, with middle age being the most miserable period, affecting both men and women across 80 nations. The U-shape in happiness levels and life satisfaction was observed in all countries studied.
Researchers at McGill University and Université de Montréal found that depression and anxiety can double a patient's chances of repeated heart ailments. Patients with coronary artery disease who had major depression or anxiety were more likely to experience cardiac events over two years.
Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute found that concussed athletes with depression showed reduced brain activity in regions known to be implicated in depression. The study provides important clinical implications for treating individuals who have suffered a cerebral concussion and highlights the importance of early interv...
A recent study by Gerald Haeffel and colleagues found that genetic and environmental factors interact to increase the risk of depression in adolescents. The researchers discovered that boys with rejecting mothers and a specific form of the dopamine transporter gene were at higher risk for major depression and suicidal ideation.
The American College of Physicians has issued new guidelines to improve palliative care at the end of life, focusing on pain, shortness of breath, and depression. The guidelines recommend regular assessment and use of proven therapies to manage these symptoms, with a focus on improving quality of care for patients with serious illnesses.
A study found that bright light therapy can ease symptoms of bipolar depression in some patients, with optimal response observed at midday. Six out of nine women treated achieved full recovery from depressive symptoms, highlighting the potential of light therapy as an augmentation strategy for improving treatment response.
A large study found that depression significantly worsens HIV treatment adherence and clinical measures, but antidepressant medication can improve outcomes. Depressed patients had lower adherence rates and worse viral therapy responses compared to non-depressed patients.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are conducting a five-year study to test the safety and effectiveness of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) as treatments for major depressive disorder. The study aims to determine whether these two omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate symptoms of depression in adults.
A Canadian study found that one-third of veterans who were deployed more than once experienced probable clinical depression, while 30% of those deployed only once were affected. The research also revealed that younger, single soldiers and those with multiple deployments were more likely to have PTSD and severe symptoms.
The PREVENT study found that nearly 80% of patients with recurrent major depressive disorder achieved an adequate therapeutic response to venlafaxine extended-release or fluoxetine, with almost none relapsing after 6 months. The results suggest a subgroup of depressed patients may benefit from early and sustained treatment.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that erythropoietin, a natural human hormone, may have antidepressant properties. The study found that erythropoietin regulated emotional responses and had neuroprotective effects on neural function, supporting its potential as a treatment strategy for depression.
A study found that depression screening in cancer patients is inadequate, with only half of veterans with lung cancer receiving screening. Lung cancer has a high association with depression, and early detection can improve quality of life during treatment. Clinicians need to prioritize depression screening even for end-stage cancer cases.
Researchers identified six courses of mental health, with poorer outcomes associated with smaller birth weight and delayed developmental milestones. The study suggests a 'fetal programming' model for depression and anxiety, where prenatal stress may result in permanent maladaptive changes to the developing fetal brain.
Research shows depression significantly increases risk of death following a heart attack, with depressed patients more than twice as likely to die if they don't recover from depression within six months. The study also highlights the role of molecular mechanisms and inflammatory molecules in this association.
A new study shows transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to be an effective, non-drug treatment for major depression, with response and remission rates approximately twice those of sham TMS. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients with mild side effects.
A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that premenopausal women with mild depression have lower bone mass than their nondepressed peers. Bone thinning was especially prevalent in hip bones, increasing the risk of fractures and other costly injuries as they age.
A study by Penn researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with major depression who have tried other options without success. The non-invasive technique has minimal side effects and can be administered via the scalp, avoiding bodily side effects.
LA BioMed researchers found that African-Americans and Latinos responded less well to medication for depression than whites, with socioeconomic factors playing a key role. The study suggests these groups may need more treatment beyond medication, including talk therapy.
Researchers found that a multifaceted approach including psychoeducational groups and treatment adherence support led to significant clinical improvements in low-income mothers with postnatal depression. The study suggests that this intervention could be effectively implemented in developing countries, reducing the adverse effects of p...
A new genetic study from the University of Iowa found that women are more likely than men to have altered serotonin processes related to depression. The study, which analyzed data from 192 individuals, suggests that genetic variations may play a role in tailoring antidepressant treatment for individual responders.
A randomized controlled trial found that combining fluoxetine with cognitive behavioral therapy improved depression scores in teens with co-occurring depression and substance abuse disorders. The treatment was as effective as the antidepressant alone in treating depression among teens without substance abuse problems.
The American College of Physicians has released comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing and treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A new study also found that a nutrient supplement can reduce the need for steroids in patients with stubborn ulcerative colitis. Additionally, an atypical antipsychotic drug has been shown t...
A recent study of depressed veterans found that younger, white, non-Hispanic men are at the highest risk for suicide, while those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a lower rate. The study also highlights the importance of substance abuse treatment in reducing suicidal behavior among depressed veterans.
A study by NYU researchers reveals that brain regions associated with depression also play a role in generating human optimism. Optimism is linked to enhanced activation in the rostral anterior cingulate and amygdala, areas that show irregularities in depression.
A new study found that a synthetic form of THC increases serotonin levels in the brain at low doses, acting as an effective anti-depressant. However, at higher doses, the effect reverses and can worsen depression and psychosis.
The study found that mice with a better ability to cope with stress had increased activity of potassium channels in the brain, which counters increased nerve firing and BDNF release. In humans, depressed individuals showed a 40% increase in BDNF levels in the nucleus accumbens, suggesting a link between stress handling and depression.
Depression is associated with an increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes. Antidepressant treatments have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing mortality and improving health behaviors in patients with coronary artery disease.
Researchers found that depression in older people increases the risk of subsequent mental impairment and can act as a predictor of future intellectual decline. The study, which analyzed over 700 patients, showed that depression raises the risk of executive function loss, a key indicator of cognitive decline.
A recent clinical trial funded by the NIH found that combining psychotherapy and antidepressant medication is the most effective treatment for adolescents with major depressive disorder. The TADS study showed improved recovery rates compared to using medication or therapy alone.
Researchers found a link between depression, latent viral infections, and increased inflammation, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that chronic depression can trigger a cascade of events that lead to the buildup of plaques in coronary arteries.
A randomized controlled trial shows that combination therapy with fluoxetine and cognitive behavior therapy is more effective than either strategy alone in treating adolescents with depression. This study suggests that cognitive behavior therapy may protect against treatment-emergent suicidal events in patients taking fluoxetine.
Researchers identified two genes linked to suicidal thinking during antidepressant treatment, with certain versions increasing the risk by 2-15 fold. The findings may lead to genetic testing and individualized treatments for depression.
A comprehensive survey of maternal depression found that 8.7% of women were depressed before pregnancy, 6.9% during pregnancy, and 10.4% after childbirth. Nearly three-fourths of women with postpartum depression also experienced depression before or during pregnancy.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that workplace depression screening and enhanced treatment can significantly improve employee health and productivity. Employees who received intervention were 40% more likely to have recovered from their depression and worked an average of two more hours per week.
A depression outreach-treatment program improved symptoms, job retention, and hours worked among employees compared to usual care. The program's financial benefits for employers include recovered hiring, training, and salary costs.
Decreased inhibitory ability in late adulthood can lead to prejudice, social inappropriateness, depression, and gambling problems. Poor inhibition also predicts increased rumination, leading to depression. Scheduling social activities earlier in the day may help mitigate these issues.