Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A study by University of Alberta researcher Ian Colman found that individuals who receive treatment for depression and anxiety are three times less likely to experience a relapse in the next decade. The research also highlights the significant economic benefits, as the estimated annual cost of depression in Canada is $14 billion.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University will conduct a single-site study of 200 AMD patients to determine the effectiveness of a treatment program designed to prevent depression and disability. The Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial aims to improve vision skills in people with AMD, thereby preventing depression and promoting ind...
A new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reveals that women who smoke are at greater risk of developing major depressive disorder. Smoking was found to more than double the likelihood of developing depression for heavy smokers compared to non-smokers.
A two-year study of over 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes found that depression was associated with a 36% increased risk of dying from any cause. Participants with both diabetes and depression were more likely to be female, have severe medical illness, and less likely to be African-American.
Depression is linked with increased morbidity and mortality in heart patients, and routine screening can help identify those at risk. Heart patients benefit from mental health treatment options, including behavioral therapy, physical activity, and medication.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that restless nights significantly increase the risk of depression recurrence in older adults. The research suggests that sleep disturbances can act as a precursor to another attack of depression, even in individuals who have not experienced symptoms before.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found that physicians' personalities, particularly dutifulness and vulnerability, influence their approach to assessing depression. High dutifulness is associated with fewer questions about depression, while high vulnerability is linked to more accurate diagnoses.
Scientists at National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) are developing an interactive, multi-media program to assist astronauts in recognizing and managing depression. The system, part of the Virtual Space Station, provides a straightforward process for problem-solving and goal-setting, with features including graphics, vide...
A study by University of Michigan psychologist Ethan Kross found that processing emotions from a distanced perspective can facilitate coping and reduce negative moods. By taking a step back and reviewing the situation from afar, individuals can rationalize their feelings and work through negative experiences over time.
A new meta-analysis found that phone psychotherapy retained 97.4% of patients compared to face-to-face therapy's 50%. This breakthrough suggests a more accessible and effective treatment option for those struggling with depression.
Family members of ICU patients experience high rates of post-traumatic stress and complicated grief that persist over time. Symptoms of anxiety and depression in these individuals tend to diminish with time, but screening is crucial to identify those at risk.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology meeting found that 30% of ENT patients suffer from a depressive illness and take antidepressants. Sleep apnea patients exhibit the highest levels of depression, with 21% diagnosed and 46% taking medication.
A new study found that pregnant women with bulimia have more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those without eating disorders. They also report lower self-esteem and are more dissatisfied with life and their relationships.
Dialysis patients with depression are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized or die within a year compared to those without depression. The study found that more than 80% of depressed patients died or were hospitalized, while only 43% of non-depressed patients experienced these outcomes.
A national study found that post-traumatic stress disorder and depression were prevalent among injured patients one year after suffering a serious injury. Injured patients diagnosed with PTSD or depression were six times more likely to not have returned to work in the year following the injury.
A pilot program identified and treated college students with severe depression, saving lives through a suicide prevention outreach initiative. The study found that online dialogue features and secure websites reduced stigma and increased treatment rates among high-risk students.
A study found that high levels of religious participation may contribute to adolescent depression among Latino and Asian-American youth, particularly those who face cultural conflicts between their faith and mainstream American society. In contrast, white and African-American teens showed no significant increase in depressive symptoms.
A new study found that mothers who delivered vaginally are more responsive to their baby's cry due to increased brain activity in regions regulating emotions and motivation. This could lead to better understanding and early detection of postpartum depression and attachment problems.
Research from University of Michigan sleep experts reveals that babies born to moms with depression are more prone to having chaotic sleep patterns in the first half-year of life. The study found that infants born to depressed mothers nap more during the day, take longer to settle down at night, and wake up more often during the night.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that family-focused therapy, combined with medication, significantly reduces depressive symptoms in adolescents with bipolar disorder. The treatment was shown to lead to faster recovery from depressive episodes and improved quality of life.
Researchers found that depression subtypes differ in cardiotoxicity and response to antidepressive treatment, with somatic and incident depressions associated with poor prognosis. This knowledge could lead to new treatment strategies to prevent future cardiac events.
The adult brain's capacity for neurogenesis is closely tied to stress and depression, with research showing that chronic stress can inhibit new cell growth in the hippocampus. However, antidepressant treatment has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for treating major depressive disorders.
The ECNP consensus statement on bipolar depression highlights the disease's significant impact on functioning, social relationships, and employment. Early onset of bipolar disorder is associated with a severe burden of disease, particularly during acute depressive episodes.
A new study has found that women are 33 percent more likely to achieve full remission of their depression symptoms with the commonly used antidepressant citalopram compared to men. The study, which involved over 2,800 participants, controlled for various factors and suggests a biological basis for the difference in response.
Recent reports suggest antidepressants might exacerbate suicidal tendencies, leading to increased scrutiny of their efficacy. Studies show that depression is a significant risk factor for suicide, with over 60% of completed suicides linked to mood disorders.
A team of University of Cincinnati researchers is studying the relationship between depression and Parkinson's disease to gain insight into possible treatments. In pilot models, they found that stress-induced depression exacerbates problems with movement and causes brain cells to die faster.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Georgia State University found that adolescents in Sderot, Israel, who experienced high levels of social support were better protected against depression caused by ongoing terror attacks. The research highlights the potential importance of community mental health efforts as prote...
A recent brain study has identified the brain regions that interact to link knowledge of socially appropriate behavior with moral sentiments like pride and guilt. The findings suggest that social behavior not conforming to an individual's values evokes feelings of anger or guilt, which may be relevant to understanding depression.
A recent study by University of California, Davis researchers found that Asian Americans with high levels of family conflict are three times more likely to attempt suicide than those without such conflicts. The risk is independent of depression and income levels.
Researchers found that hope is consistently associated with fewer symptoms of depression in patients and caregivers. Hope therapy treatment showed reduced depressive symptoms in participants who learned new hope-related skills.
A study of 439 Latinas found elevated levels of depression among those more 'Americanized', with being single and pregnant also associated with depression. Screening during pregnancy is crucial for this population, particularly acculturated U.S.-born Latinas.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers of spouses with dementia report sadness, loneliness, and a lack of positive emotions. The research analyzed data from 391 caregivers and 226 non-caregivers, revealing that 25% of caregivers suffered from depression compared to 5% of non-caregivers.
A study published in JAMA found that former child soldiers in Nepal experience higher rates of mental health issues, including PTSD and depression. The study compared the mental health of 141 former child soldiers with 141 never-conscripted children, and found significant differences in symptoms of depression and PTSD.
A study published in JAMA found that Liberian fighters who experienced sexual violence had worse mental health outcomes than non-combatants and other former combatants. The research revealed higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and thoughts of suicide among those who were exposed to sexual violence.
A recent study suggests that a specific biochemical process in the placenta may contribute to postpartum blues and depression. The researchers propose that an imbalance in serotonin levels, triggered by the withdrawal of interleukin-1 beta after birth, may lead to symptoms of depression.
A study of 5,952 twins and 1,357 siblings found that voluntary exercise is not associated with reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Instead, a shared genetic factor may link exercise behavior to mood disorders.
A new study provides a mouse model that may lead to the development of new treatments for mood disorders associated with pregnancy. The research found that alterations in GABA neurotransmitter system and GABAA receptor sensitivity during pregnancy and postpartum are linked to depression-like behaviors.
A new study finds that proteins modifying DNA play a key role in major depression and suicide, with brain tissue showing higher rates of epigenetic regulation. The research, led by Dr. Michael O. Poulter, identifies a gene involved in regulating brain activity as being heavily chemically modified in deceased individuals.
Researchers discovered a mechanism in mouse brains that may explain why human mothers develop depression after childbirth. The study found that a GABA receptor subunit fluctuates during pregnancy and postpartum, impairing the brain's ability to adapt to hormone fluctuations.
Researchers at VCU are part of an international team studying the genetic variants that impact recurrent major depression. The five-year project aims to establish a large data set of phenotypes and genotypes.
A study by USC researchers found that daughters-in-law provide essential instrumental support to older women in rural China, reducing depressive symptoms. In contrast, household support from own children is damaging and increases depressive symptoms.
The Combining Medication to Enhance Outcomes of Depression (CO-MED) trial aims to test multiple-medication treatment for depression. Researchers hope to find a better approach than using single medication, with the goal of improving remission rates and long-term prognosis.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the subcallosal cingulate region significantly improves symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. The procedure showed continued and sustained benefits over time, with no long-term side effects reported.
A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that Western cultures tend to emphasize psychological symptoms of depression, while East-Asian cultures emphasize somatic or physical symptoms. The study also revealed a link between cultural differences in thinking styles and symptom reporting.
A North Carolina program, Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC), improves quality of care and reduces Medicaid costs by 23% in emergency departments, 25% in outpatient care, and 11% in pharmacy costs. The program also increases asthma control and decreases hospitalization rates for children with asthma.
Researchers found that white patients with two distinct gene variations were more likely to experience remission of symptoms associated with major depression. Pharmacogenetic testing could improve patient outcomes by matching patients with the right drug from the start.
A new UNC study reveals that stopping moderate drinking may lead to health problems, including depression and reduced brain capacity. Treatment with antidepressant drugs can prevent the development of depression and restore brain function.
Chronic stress can affect the adult brain's ability to generate new cells. Stress is associated with reduced neurogenesis, a process critical for developing novel antidepressant drugs.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology consensus statement highlights differences between unipolar and bipolar depression in diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment. The statement aims to optimize pharmacotherapy and clinical outcomes for patients with bipolar depression.
Despite controversy over potential side effects on suicidal behaviour, antidepressant use in western countries correlates with declining suicide mortality. Experts like Professor Erkki Isometsä argue for a balanced view of clinical and epidemiological facts to inform treatment decisions.
A new nurse-delivered complex care package has been shown to reduce levels of depression in cancer patients and improve their quality of life. The intervention, known as Depression Care for People with Cancer, was found to be cost-effective, with a median cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained of £10,000.
Researchers highlight the significant health impacts of psychosocial factors on HIV-infected individuals and the spread of AIDS. Interventions addressing depression, stress, and coping can help ameliorate negative effects on patient outcomes.
A study published in JAMA found that treated type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of developing depression, while untreated diabetes has no significant link. The study suggests that psychological stress from managing diabetes may contribute to elevated depressive symptoms.
A study found that depression and antidepressants significantly increase the risk of falls among older people. SSRIs were associated with a 66% higher risk of falls. Effective prevention programs include home assessments and modifications to reduce hazards. Family members must be involved in fall prevention strategies.
Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that ghrelin levels rise with chronic stress, decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety, but also increasing food intake and body weight. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between hunger hormones and mood regulation.
Researchers develop a computerized treatment system to assist doctors in treating patients with depression. The system provides step-by-step guidance and helps track patient progress, addressing inadequate treatment practices.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry reveals that 54% of Ugandans meet symptom criteria for PTSD, while 67% show signs of depression. The study attributed these findings to the country's history of trauma exposure, including rape, hunger, and lack of medical care.
Research by NARSAD scientists provides clues on how genes impair attention, memory, and perception in psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The study focuses on specific genes and family traits that contribute to the susceptibility and pathology of these diseases.
A £1.2 million clinical trial is being conducted to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with depression who do not respond to treatment with antidepressants.
A recent study published in JAMA found that patients who received medication escitalopram or participated in a problem-solving therapy group had a lower risk of depression compared to those who received placebo. The annual incidence of stroke exceeds 700,000 in the US, with depression occurring in over half of these patients.