Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
New research suggests that breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments can protect maternal mental health from depression. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower stress levels, thereby reducing the risk of depression in new mothers.
Researchers found that monthly maintenance IPT was effective in preventing recurrence of depression in women who achieved remission through IPT alone. The study also showed no significant difference in recurrence rates between those who received maintenance IPT weekly, bi-monthly or monthly.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that teens with migraine headaches are at a higher risk of suicide and more likely to experience other psychiatric disorders such as depression and panic disorder. The research highlights the importance of screening for psychiatric disorders in teens with chronic daily headaches.
Researchers found people taking antidepressant medications were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those not taking the medication. Depression was identified as an early symptom of Parkinson's, appearing in the year before diagnosis.
A study of retired NFL players found nearly 15% experienced moderate to severe depression, with chronic pain levels nearly half of the population. The study also highlighted connections between depression, pain, and other issues like sleep, fitness, and social support.
A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that frequent self-weighing is not associated with depression in women. The research suggests that daily weight monitoring can lead to lower BMI levels and less weight gain, making it a potentially beneficial practice for adults.
A study of 4,681 older adults found that chronic depression can cause Type 2 diabetes, even after adjusting for lifestyle factors. The study suggests that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, may be the culprit behind this link.
A study of 4,681 older adults found that those with high levels of depressive symptoms were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes over a 10-year period. The researchers followed participants for 10 years, tracking changes in depressive symptom scores and the development of diabetes.
A study at the University of Bonn found that two men and a woman with severe depression experienced significant improvements in their symptoms after receiving deep brain stimulation. The therapy, which targets the nucleus accumbens area of the brain, showed promising results despite the small patient group.
A University of Tennessee researcher has been awarded a $296,000 Komen grant to conduct a groundbreaking study on treating depression in breast cancer patients using behavior therapy. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of two treatments: problem-solving therapy and brief behavior activation therapy.
A Chinese online tool for assessing depression has been found to be both accurate and reproducible, offering a potential solution for identifying the growing number of people suffering from depression. The Internet-based Self-assessment Program for Depression (ISP-D) was tested on 579 subjects, revealing that 31% had major depressive d...
A University of Colorado study found that intensive psychotherapy added to medication significantly improved bipolar disorder symptoms, with patients experiencing better mental health faster. The research also highlighted the importance of family-focused therapy in stabilizing daily routines and coping strategies.
A new study suggests that balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake can reduce the risk of clinical depression and certain inflammatory diseases. Participants with higher levels of omega-6 and symptoms of depression had elevated markers of inflammation.
A new study by Group Health researchers found that phone-based therapy can lead to long-term positive effects on depression symptoms. Patients who received telephone psychotherapy soon after starting antidepressant medication showed strong positive effects at 18 months, with 77 percent reporting improved depression symptoms.
A study published in Neurology found that family caregivers of people with ALS experienced significant increases in depression and feeling burdened over nine months, while those with the disease showed little change. This highlights the need for interventions to enhance communication between patients and caregivers.
Recent advances in bipolar II disorder and related disorders highlight the need for further research due to changes in diagnostic criteria and mixed profiles. Treatment options, such as mood stabilisers, are recommended for mixed depression, but controlled pharmacological studies are lacking.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that having both type 2 diabetes and depression significantly increases the risk of death for heart patients. This is because individuals with diabetes who also experience depression may be less motivated to follow their self-care regimen, thereby putting them at a higher risk.
Research reveals that depression is more likely to be severe, untreated, and disabling among black populations compared to white populations. The study found that nearly two-thirds of African Americans and Caribbean blacks experience depression in the previous 12 months, with many receiving inadequate treatment.
Research suggests that low birth weight may be linked to an increased risk of depression in teenage girls, with 38.1% experiencing at least one episode of depression between ages 13 and 16. In contrast, no significant association was found for boys.
Mothers with breast cancer who experience depression may see their children's anxiety levels rise, particularly regarding family-related concerns. The study suggests that healthcare providers should look for signs of depression in patients to improve the mental well-being of families affected by breast cancer.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that patients with rheumatic diseases experience increased psychological distress and depression, particularly due to appearance concerns. The results suggest that targeting appearance concerns can improve mood and reduce the impact of the disease on mental health.
A study found that anti-ribosomal P antibodies, associated with SLE, induce depressive behavior in mice by interacting with the limbic system. Fluoxetine treatment reversed this effect, but haloperidol had no significant impact.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that depression is independently associated with worse outcomes in heart failure patients. Symptoms of depression were common in this population and depressed patients were over 50% more likely to die or be hospitalized for their heart condition than non-depressed patients.
A CIHR-funded study found that while antidepressants reduce alcohol consumption in men with depression, this effect is lost for women. Men taking antidepressants consumed significantly less alcohol than depressed men who did not use antidepressants.
A new care management program, AIM, has been shown to be significantly more effective than standard treatment in improving depression in stroke survivors. The study found that 39% of patients who received AIM had complete remission from depression after 12 weeks of treatment.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found significant regional variation in depression rates among households in Lahore, Quetta, and Karachi. Middle-aged females with secondary school education were most affected, highlighting the need to revise existing mental health policies.
Research links depressive symptoms to early signs of artery disease, including thickening of carotid arteries. The study suggests that physical symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and appetite disturbance, may play a role in the development of coronary artery disease.
A Stanford-led study has identified a specific region on chromosome 15 that may be linked to severe depression. The research, which analyzed 650 families with a history of repeated bouts of severe depression, found highly significant evidence for genetic linkage to the condition.
The partnership makes Depression and Anxiety, a leading journal on anxiety disorders, accessible to a broader audience. The journal will provide essential information for researchers and clinicians in the behavioral sciences, ultimately enhancing its impact in advancing research and treatment of anxiety disorders.
A study published in JAMA found that citalopram was superior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease. The treatment also improved perceived social support and daily function.
A six-month study found that teens who completed a comprehensive intervention program significantly reduced their substance abuse and depression, and increased their social stability. The program offered 12 individual therapy sessions and four HIV education/skills practice sessions, adapted for teens living on the streets.
A study of 1032 women with chronic headaches found that those with migraines were four times more likely to report major depression symptoms. Chronic headache sufferers also experienced high levels of pain-related symptoms, including low energy and trouble sleeping.
Researchers found that measuring alcohol consumption and depression differently, as well as examining gender, are key issues when interpreting findings on the relationship between alcohol and depression. The study showed stronger associations between depression and heavy episodic drinking for women than men.
A prospective study found that childhood abuse and neglect are associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and psychiatric illness in young adulthood. Physical abuse was linked to a 59% increased risk of lifetime MDD, while neglected children had a 51% higher risk of current MDD.
A new study found that patients who initiate general discussions about antidepressant medication are more likely to be thoroughly evaluated for depression than those with brand-specific requests or no request. This increase in history-taking also leads to better provision of initial care and diagnostic accuracy.
Researchers have identified genetic markers that can predict which patients with major depression are more likely to respond to treatment. Polymorphisms in genes related to serotonin and neurogenesis were found to be associated with improved treatment outcomes.
A recent Danish study highlights the risks of postpartum psychiatric episodes, emphasizing the need for effective screening, education, and treatment. The US has not prioritized postpartum illness as a major public health concern until recently, but efforts are underway to implement universal screening programs.
First-time mothers are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems like depression and bipolar disorder after childbirth. The study found that the risk is highest in the first few weeks and months following delivery, with the greatest increase occurring within 10-19 days.
A simulation of dozens of studies suggests providing minimal enhanced care for employees' depression would result in cumulative savings to employers. This approach reduces absenteeism and employee turnover costs, yielding a net savings of $4,633 per 1,000 workers.
A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that enhanced depression screening and care can reduce costs for employers. The program, which includes telephone counseling and depression management strategies, is estimated to save $2,895 per 1,000 workers over five years due to reduced absenteeism and employee turnover costs.
Research reveals that heart attack-related depression significantly increases the risk of further cardiovascular emergencies. The DepreMI Study found that incident post-heart attack depression is linked to a poor prognosis, warranting more targeted screenings and treatments.
A study by Group Health found that panic episodes in diabetic patients are linked to poorer health outcomes, including higher blood sugar levels and greater disability. The researchers also discovered that half of the patients with panic also had major depression.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that depression itself increases mortality risk in heart failure patients, not the use of antidepressant medications. The study analyzed over 1,000 depressed patients with heart failure and found a 15% higher death rate among those who were depressed.
A recent study found that nearly half of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients exhibit clinically significant emotional distress, including symptoms of major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The most common sources of distress were related to the cancer diagnosis, treatment uncertainty, and physical problems.
The National Institute of Mental Health is funding five new projects to investigate the relationship between antidepressant medications and suicidal thoughts or actions. Studies will analyze data from various sources, including the FDA, VA, and Medicare records, to determine the effectiveness of different depression treatments in reduc...
A new study reveals that brain monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme is significantly higher in individuals with untreated depression, leading to lower levels of key chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. This finding provides a comprehensive disease model for depression, which can aid in targeted treatment.
Researchers found that maintenance treatment with escitalopram reduced recurrent depression in patients with major depressive disorder by 38%. Long-term use of the medication also showed safety and tolerance.
Researchers found significant variation between individuals with depression and healthy women, particularly in the mu-opioid system involved in stress and emotions. The study suggests that these differences may predict treatment response, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to depression treatment.
A six-year study, STAR*D, found that 67% of patients achieved full remission after one to four treatment steps. Careful monitoring and collaboration between patients and clinicians are crucial for improving outcomes.
Researchers at Hebrew University found a link between depression and osteoporosis, showing that anti-depressant drugs can halt bone density loss. The study used laboratory mice to demonstrate the connection, revealing a neural system linking the brain to bones, which is disrupted in depressed individuals.
A large study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that women with mental disorders are less likely to receive mammograms, especially those with psychotic disorders. However, the severity of depression and anxiety also plays a role in lower mammography rates.
A Florida State University study found that kids with realistic perceptions of social acceptance are better equipped to handle negative feelings, reducing depressive symptoms. The researchers discovered a self-perpetuating cycle where inaccurate perceptions lead to depression, and depression worsens accuracy.
Researchers found that children from supportive families had a reduced risk for depression, while those from emotionally cold homes were at greater risk. The study suggests that environmental factors can regulate biology and steer the effects of genetic predispositions.
Scientists have identified a crucial role of TPH2 protein in regulating serotonin levels, which may be linked to the development of depression and manic depression. The study suggests that variations in the TPH2 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing these psychiatric disorders.
A study found associations between genetic polymorphisms and response to antidepressant treatment, suggesting personalized treatment options. Patients carrying specific gene variations had better response rates to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers suggests a strong genetic link between neuroticism and major depression. Using twin modeling, they found that neuroticism is a substantial predictor of depression, with a significant proportion of the genetic vulnerability shared between the two traits.
A recent study reveals that medical misdiagnoses often result from multiple breakdowns in the diagnostic process, including failure to order tests or follow up on patients. In contrast, patients receiving high-quality hemodialysis care are less likely to experience hospitalizations and deaths.
Researchers found that a specific serotonin receptor regulates brain emotional responses, potentially contributing to depression risk. The study suggests antidepressants may work by shifting this receptor's availability, modulating amygdala reactivity and improving depressed mood.
A recent study found that nearly one in five stroke survivors suffer from depression, with only 22% of those taking antidepressants being effective. Researchers hope to increase identification and treatment by educating physicians, patients, and families about the risk of depression after stroke.
A new study from UC Davis found that older men face barriers to seeking and receiving depression care due to societal stereotypes and stigma. Traditional views of masculinity lead some men to reject diagnoses and conceal symptoms, resulting in lower rates of treatment and referral.