Articles tagged with Depression
A meta-analysis of 20 studies found light therapy to be an effective treatment for SAD and depression, with effects comparable to conventional medications. The study suggests that bright artificial light can help alleviate symptoms of SAD and other non-seasonal mood disorders.
George Slavich's research finds that severe life events affect depressed individuals' heart rates, blood pressure, and finger temperature. The study sheds light on a potential pathway through which life stress can cause depression.
A new study finds that severe depressive symptoms in mothers are related to fussy infants, parenting stress, and family dysfunction. The study's authors hope it will prompt pediatricians to ask more questions about parental and family well-being during regular check-ups.
A recent study published in Journal of Nursing Scholarship found that low-income single mothers experience high levels of depressive symptoms. The study suggests that nursing intervention can help reduce these symptoms and mitigate the impact on their ability to parent and engage in education and employment.
A new study finds that treating depression in older adults improves their ability to perform tasks critical to independent living and slows physical decline. The study used collaborative care management and found improved outcomes for patients with late-life depression.
A study published in Heart found that antidepressants may explain the increased risk of heart attack associated with their use. Patients who recently started antidepressants were twice as likely to have a heart attack within seven days compared to those who hadn't taken the medication before.
A study led by Dr. Wei Jiang found that even mildly depressed heart failure patients are at higher risk of death, with a 44% greater risk when BDI scores exceed 10. The researchers believe this highlights the importance of monitoring patients' psycho-social status in their care.
A study of 900 participants aged 21-30 found that current daily smoking predicted subsequent suicidal thoughts or attempts. Rates of suicidal behavior were higher among those experiencing depression at each follow-up assessment.
Researchers found a significant association between depression and ventricular tachycardia, a precursor to sudden cardiac death, in hospitalized heart attack patients. The risk of ventricular tachycardia increased with increased levels of depression.
A recent study by McGill University Health Centre researchers found that over 55% of Quebec seniors with late-life depression were given recommended first-line antidepressants, while nearly half received other medications. Benzodiazepines were also commonly prescribed, which may worsen depression in the elderly.
A study of surgically implanted electrodes in patients with refractory depression found significant clinical response in four out of six participants, with sustained improvement through six months. The technique involves high-frequency electrical stimulation to modulate brain activity in the subgenual cingulate region.
A six-month study led by Helen Mayberg found that deep brain stimulation improved mood and reduced symptoms in severely depressed patients, with three achieving remission. The procedure was well-tolerated, with no psychological side effects reported.
A study found that bipolar disorder is prevalent among patients in an urban primary care clinic, with 9.8% screening positive for the condition. Patients who screened positive reported worse health-related quality of life and social impairment compared to those who did not screen positive.
Research suggests that people with a history of depression are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy, while those with epilepsy may be more likely to experience depression. Studies have found common biological mechanisms underlying both conditions, including abnormal neurotransmitter secretion patterns.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that depressed women exhibit anxiety and self-consciousness due to sociotropy, a personality trait characterized by a need for close relationships. In contrast, men with depression tend to be angry or hostile about perceived losses, according to the research.
Children of depressed mothers exhibit higher levels of conduct problems, suggesting maternal depression disrupts caregiving environments. Maternal depression combined with antisocial personality disorder poses the greatest risk for children's ASB.
A new study finds that DHEA therapy is effective in reducing depression symptoms and improving sexual functioning in individuals with midlife-onset depression. Six weeks of DHEA treatment resulted in a 50% reduction in depression scores, compared to placebo, suggesting its potential as a second-line treatment option.
Researchers found no significant association between antidepressant use and suicide rates in the US. Instead, they suggest that untreated depression is a major contributor to suicidal behavior, particularly among men and young people.
A new study in JAMA found that over 75% of patients with malignant brain tumors underwent common procedures like radiation therapy, MRI, or surgery. However, the study also discovered that some practice patterns contradict published guidelines, such as the infrequent use of chemotherapy and anti-depressant medications.
A new study by VCU researchers suggests that social support is a robust predictor of risk for depression in women, but not men. Women who reported higher levels of global social support were better protected against later episodes of major depression.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that exercising moderately intense aerobics for 30-35 minutes per day reduced depressive symptoms by an average of 47% after 12 weeks. The study included 80 adults with mild to moderate depression and showed similar results to antidepressant medications.
According to psychologist Roese, regrets serve a necessary psychological purpose and provide benchmarks for reality. He suggests that acknowledging counterfactuals and their impact on human cognition can lead to hope for the future and corrective action.
Researchers found depressed female monkeys exhibited socially withdrawn behavior, reduced body fat and disrupted hormone levels, similar to human depression in women. The study aims to develop new treatments specifically for females, who are 66% more likely to experience depression.
A collaborative care program for adolescent depression in primary care clinics significantly reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, and increases access to effective treatments. The study suggests that clinicians can effectively treat youth depression with a team-based approach.
A quality improvement intervention for adolescents improved depressive symptoms, mental health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with mental health care. The program also increased access to evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy and counseling.
A recent study by Emory University Health Sciences Center found that patients with depression are less likely to clear the hepatitis C virus from their blood after six months of treatment. Only 34% of those experiencing a significant increase in depression were able to clear the virus, compared to 59-69% of those with milder increases
A 20-year study at Columbia University Medical Center found that depression risk increases with each subsequent generation. Children from families with a two-generation history of depression are at high risk for developing anxiety disorders and experiencing more impairment as they age.
A structured group session improved quality of life, mood, and function in AMD patients after six months. The program also prevented depression cases and increased participants' confidence in their physical abilities.
Researchers found that depressed patients are twice as likely to die within two years after their first heart disease episode compared to non-depressed patients. The study also discovered a stronger link between depression and higher risk of death in studies published before 1992.
Researchers engineered mice to lose glucocorticoid receptors, showing an increase in depression-like behaviors and impaired regulation of stress response. This study suggests that genetic makeup may play a role in triggering depression by affecting the brain's ability to regulate adrenal hormones.
Researchers found a genetic variation in the CRH gene associated with a 70% greater reduction in anxiety and 30% greater reduction in depression in response to certain antidepressants. This discovery shows promise in helping physicians tailor prescriptions to specific people, offering a more targeted approach to treating depression.
A mutant gene that results in 80% less serotonin production has been identified in patients with unipolar major depression, with over 10% of cases carrying the mutation. The study suggests a potential molecular mechanism for aberrant serotonin function in neuropsychiatric disorders.
A genetic defect has been found to confer risk of major depression and resistance to SSRI drug therapy. The study identified a novel molecular mechanism underlying dysfunction in serotonin neurotransmission, which may explain the development of depression and other psychiatric disorders.
A study by Yale University found that shorter hospice enrollment is associated with elevated depression among family caregivers. The research highlights the importance of thinking about hospice earlier in an illness and seeking appropriate care before a patient's death.
Researchers find that bulimia often co-occurs with dysthymia, a lower-level depression. Chronic low self-esteem and prolonged mood disturbances contribute to the development of bulimia. The study suggests that therapists can assess for dysthymia in bulimic patients and choose targeted treatments to combat both disorders.
A recent study found that combining SAMe with antidepressant medication improved symptoms in 50% of participants and led to complete remission in 43% after six weeks. The study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital, investigated the efficacy of SAMe in patients with continuing symptoms despite initial treatment.
A two-year depression treatment program improved employee productivity by an average of 6% and reduced absenteeism by 22%. Consistently employed patients benefited the most from enhanced treatment, making significant gains in productivity while reducing symptoms of depression.
Social support significantly reduces the risk of depression in children who have experienced maltreatment, according to a new study published by Yale University. The research found that positive relationships with caregivers or peers can mitigate the negative effects of childhood trauma on mental health.
A University of Toronto study identifies immigration, lack of partner support, and readiness for hospital discharge as factors increasing new mothers' risk of developing depressive symptoms. Early detection can lead to early intervention and improved maternal and child outcomes.
Researchers at Northwestern Memorial Hospital are testing a new Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for major depression. The study aims to prove the effectiveness of TMS as a treatment alternative and compare its effects with placebo, with the goal of securing FDA clearance for clinical use.
A multi-university study found that levels of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors were significantly lower in people with severe clinical depression. The researchers also found that those who had been taking antidepressants before death had levels closer to normal.
A study of supportive-expressive group therapy for women with BRCA1 or 2 gene mutations found improvements in anxiety, depression, and decision-making. The therapy helped women weigh treatment choices by exploring feelings and perspectives.
Parkinson's disease is often associated with depression, a condition that can significantly impact patients' lives. Research suggests that depression is part of the illness and not just a reaction to the disease.
A new study found Seroquel to be effective in rapidly relieving core symptoms of depression, such as sadness and suicidal thoughts, in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with a low risk of mania compared to other treatments.
A recent clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of duloxetine in reducing pain and improving disease symptoms in female fibromyalgia patients. The study showed significant improvements in tender point measures and pressure pain threshold, with benefits also observed in emotional and physical functioning.
A study found that depressed patients experience less improvement in physical symptoms than emotional symptoms during antidepressant therapy. Physical symptoms often plateau after the initial month of treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering additional therapies.
A randomized trial found that telephone-based psychotherapy added significantly to usual care pharmacotherapy for patients with depression. The study showed improved patient-rated improvement and satisfaction rates compared to usual care.
A four-year study of 1,222 caregiver-patient pairs found that caregivers who institutionalized their loved ones experienced similar symptoms of depression and anxiety as those who cared for them at home. Cognitive and functional declines in patients are common, leading to feelings of guilt and self-blame among caregivers.
A study by Dr. Kurt Kroenke found that depression is a risk factor for pain symptoms, with muscle pain and headaches being two or three times more common in people with depression. Physical symptoms may not respond to antidepressant treatment as well as emotional symptoms, and can linger longer.
University of Alberta researchers provide independent verification that CFS patients are distinct from those with depression. The study used electrodermal activity to demonstrate differences in skin temperatures and electrodermal activity between CFS and depression patients.
The TADS clinical trial found combined antidepressant and talk therapy treatment yielded the best results, followed by antidepressants alone. Talk therapy on its own was no more effective than placebo.
The TADS study found that treatment combining fluoxetine with CBT was superior to each alone in improving rates of response for adolescents with MDD. Clinically significant suicidal thinking improved significantly in all four treatment groups, with the greatest reduction seen in those receiving fluoxetine and CBT.
A stage one trial found that fluoxetine plus CBT offered greater effectiveness in treatment than the drug alone for adolescents diagnosed with MDD. Combination therapy proved superior to fluoxetine and CBT alone, with a 71 percent response rate.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that teens with depression experience significant improvement when treated with a combination of medication and cognitive-behavior therapy. The treatment resulted in a 71% improvement rate, compared to 60% for those taking Prozac alone or 43% for those receiving only therapy.
Research suggests that depression significantly impacts life satisfaction, while anxiety has a minimal effect. A disposition to be cheerful is more important for happiness than external factors like success or popularity.
Researchers found that women experiencing depressive symptoms, binge drinking, or smoking during pregnancy may be at risk for depression and alcohol use during the first postpartum year. Early identification and treatment of these comorbid conditions can benefit both mothers and children.
A brain imaging study found that people prone to depression have an overactive emotion-regulating brain circuit, even when they're not depressed. When tryptophan was depleted, most subjects with a history of mood disorder experienced temporary symptoms.
Researchers identify molecular pathway in brain that explains why patients with inflammatory diseases develop depression. By understanding this mechanism, scientists hope to help patients avoid depression while benefiting from immune-boosting treatments.
A study of 200 adults found that physicians often misattribute physical symptoms to causes other than depression. Patients with physical symptoms were less likely to accept antidepressants and showed improved outcomes when presented with psychological symptoms.
Researchers Wade Berrettini and Irwin Lucki received Distinguished Investigator Awards to study gene identification and behavioral effects of neurotrophins. Monica Gonzalez won a Young Investigator Award to investigate the effect of long-term light deprivation on depression.