Articles tagged with Depression
A study found that physical maladies such as diminished energy and sleep disturbances can reliably indicate depression in the elderly. However, symptoms like work inhibition and weight loss are poor discriminators of depression in older adults due to factors like aging process and ill health.
A longitudinal study of Bosnian refugees found that those who experienced mass violence and torture continue to suffer from depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. The study highlights the importance of long-term mental health initiatives for recovery efforts, especially for elderly and disabled individuals.
Researchers found that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was more effective than imipramine or placebo in reducing depression symptoms and improving patient moods. The study involved 275 patients aged 12-18 with major depression.
A new analysis of 27 studies reveals that depression is associated with increased numbers, severity and ratings of diabetes complications. The study suggests a complex relationship between depression and diabetes, where underlying mechanisms may be influenced by biological, social and psychological variables.
Women with chronic constipation exhibit reduced rectal blood flow, indicative of altered nerve function. This association is also seen with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and feelings of 'unfemininity',
A strong association has been found between depression and osteoporosis, with depressed individuals experiencing lower bone mineral density. Research suggests that depression may contribute to hormonal abnormalities leading to bone loss and changes in body composition.
A landmark survey shows that patients with major depression often feel their illness isn't under complete control and experience few quality-of-life improvements. The study highlights a significant communication gap between primary care physicians and patients, leading to inadequate treatment and side effect management.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise improved specific areas of cognitive function, including memory and executive functions, beyond what was expected after depression lifted. The study suggests that exercise may offset some mental declines associated with aging.
The review analyzes all previous studies of St. John's wort as a treatment for major depressive disorder, finding it to be a promising drug but also raising cautionary notes about interactions with certain medications. Long-term effectiveness is still being determined through ongoing research.
A study by Dr. William S. Breitbart found that clinical depression and hopelessness are key factors contributing to a patient's desire to die, even more important than physical pain. The study suggests that addressing psychological needs is crucial in minimizing the desire for death.
Perfectionists experience anxiety and depression when minor hassles pile up during the holidays. To mitigate this, Blankstein suggests planning ahead, involving others in tasks, and accepting help from loved ones. His study based on 443 university students provides valuable insights into perfectionism's impact on mental health.
A Mayo Clinic study challenges the long-held notion that people with depression are at a higher risk of suicide. The research found a stair-step hierarchy of suicide prevalence based on treatment history, with hospitalized patients being at the highest risk level. This new understanding aims to minimize hysteria surrounding depression ...
A new national study in Canada aims to test different types and combinations of anti-depressants and fluorescent light therapy for patients with seasonal depression. Researchers hope to better understand this debilitating condition that affects over 600,000 Canadians each year, causing significant dysfunction and impairment.
Researchers found distinct differences in brain activity between responders and non-responders to fluoxetine, with widespread chain of events kicking in across multiple brain regions over time. The study identified critical brain areas that appear to be 'switches' controlling the direction of treatment response.
Researchers found that gay men with dysthymia reported having unprotected sex at a higher rate than those without the condition. This is linked to low self-esteem associated with depression, which may lead to a lack of concern for one's safety.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a strong link between teenage smoking and depressive symptoms, with non-depressed teens who smoke facing a four times greater risk. Social factors such as peer tobacco use, poor school performance, and parental report of bad temper also predict progression to heavy smoking.
A new study found that nearly 80% of depressed teenagers do not receive necessary psychiatric medical treatment, which can lead to a repeat bout of major depression and involvement in substance abuse by early adulthood. Especially at risk are depressed teenage girls who clash with parents or have a family history of recurrent depression.
A new study suggests that regular exercise is as effective as antidepressants in reducing depression rates. Participants who exercised regularly showed lower relapse rates, even six months after treatment ended.
A new study found that continued exercise significantly reduces the chances of depression returning, with only 8% of patients in the exercise group relapsing compared to 38% and 31% of the drug-only and exercise-plus-drug groups. Researchers suggest that exercise may be beneficial due to its active role in improving mental health.
Researchers have discovered a biological marker associated with depression in children, who produce less growth hormone than normal peers when given a specific hormone. This finding could give doctors an early warning system to treat children at risk for major depression before they develop the illness.
A preliminary study suggests that estrogen can effectively boost mood in women experiencing depression during perimenopause. The hormone significantly improved symptoms such as early morning awakening and loss of enjoyment, with relief achieved within three weeks.
A recent study found that patients with greater self-control of their health experience improved depression symptoms, regardless of treatment type or duration. The research highlights the importance of assessing anxiety disorders and patient beliefs in controllability of depressive symptoms for effective treatment.
A two-decade study found that people with high levels of depression are at a 73% increased risk of developing stroke, while those with moderate levels have a 25% increased risk. The association varied by race and gender, with higher risks observed in African Americans.
A new study found that depression, loneliness, and coping styles are significant predictors of problem drinking behaviors in both men and women. The study revealed different patterns of problem drinking behavior between younger and older adults, highlighting the need for further research into the factors influencing drinking behavior.
The UK College of Nursing faculty will conduct a three-year clinical trial to test the effects of a cognitive-behavioral group intervention on increasing self-esteem and reducing negative thoughts in low-income single mothers experiencing depressive symptoms. The study aims to improve mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A national study found that 85% of chronically depressed patients improved after three months of treatment combining antidepressant Serzone with Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP). The combination therapy was more effective than either medication or psychotherapy alone for treating chronic depression.
Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to identify genes that predispose individuals to major mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The study aims to develop better treatments and tailored medications for these disorders, which often run in families.
Researchers found that higher doses of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were more effective in relieving depression, with 66.7% of patients experiencing relief compared to 38.9% on lower doses. However, the high-dose group also experienced temporary memory disturbances and longer recovery times.
A new study will investigate whether cognitive therapy can prevent relapses and recurrences of major depression as effectively as standard antidepressant medication. The study, funded by a $1.6 million NIMH grant, aims to help patients who suffer from recurring episodes of major depression.
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine has released new guidelines for treating depression with antidepressant drugs. The guidelines highlight the effectiveness of both older and newer medications, as well as the potential risks associated with St. John's wort. Patients should consult their doctor to d...
A survey of nearly 600 primary care physicians found that most rely mostly on referral and counseling for depressed kids, but some use new antidepressants like Prozac. The study highlights the need for more research and training on recognizing and treating childhood depression.
A two-decade study found that depression and anxiety are associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. The risk was highest among black women, who faced a substantially higher risk compared to white women and men. Controlling for other risk factors did not change the result.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that depressed heart failure patients are at a higher risk of dying and experience more cardiovascular complications. The research proposes a mechanism by which depression harms the heart, including diminished heart rate variability and stickier platelets that increase blood clotting
Researchers found that tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline is more effective in treating post-stroke depression than selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The study, conducted at the University of Iowa, compared nortriptyline with fluoxetine and a placebo in 104 patients within six months of their strokes.
Individuals treated for depression use fewer routine medical services, but more outpatient services than the general population, according to a 10-year analysis. Treatment is associated with reduced non-routine medical utilization over time.
A new study suggests that open family discussion about stressful thoughts and feelings can improve emotional well-being in kidney transplant patients. Patients who felt their families were supportive reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The ACP-ASIM End-of-Life Care Consensus Panel provides guidance on identifying and managing depression in dying patients, which can improve their quality of life. The panel's recommendations are based on state-of-the-art psychosocial interventions and/or drug treatments.
A nationwide clinical trial showed that Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) improved the condition of 40% of patients with severe treatment-resistant depression, enabling them to return to work and normal activities. The treatment has been compared to electroconvulsive therapy and may have potential as an alternative for some patients.
A new study finds that communication skills training can help doctors recognize patients with depression, a condition often missed at the primary care level. The training involves asking about psychosocial issues, using open-ended questions, and allowing more time for patients to talk.
A new study led by a University of Pittsburgh researcher found that twice as many patients experienced depression relapse on placebo compared to those treated with mirtazapine. Mirtazapine also relieved depressive symptoms more quickly than some commonly prescribed SSRIs, according to the study.
A study found that people with Alzheimer's disease were 50% more likely to have depression symptoms than those without the disease. Depression symptoms such as lack of interest and loss of energy were three times more common in those who later developed Alzheimer's.
A study of over 5,000 individuals found that anxiety and depression may cause up to one-quarter of all chest pain cases in young adults. The research suggests that individuals with psychiatric disorders or significant symptoms are more likely to experience chest pain.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that individuals with aggressive and low dependency personalities are at higher risk for recurrent major depression. The findings suggest that patients who enjoy activities and have moderate social support are less likely to relapse.
Scientists discovered that Prozac increases new neurons in rats' brains by 69% compared to controls. This finding may explain why people recover from depression with SSRIs. The study also suggests serotonin's role in treating other neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
A recent study by Reg A. Williams highlights the significant economic impact of depression in the workplace, citing an estimated total cost of up to $44 billion. The study also identifies key risk factors for depression, including stress, negative changes in personal life, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
Depression affects not only individuals but also their intimate relationships. This guide provides valuable coping strategies to maintain connections during depression. It answers questions from patients and partners, offering expertise from seven authorities on managing depression-related intimacy problems.
Recent studies have found that high cortisol levels might be a cause of depression, potentially leading to new antidepressant drug strategies. Cortisol-lowering drugs have shown promise in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in patients with high cortisol levels.
Researchers at Harborview Medical Center are exploring a new approach to treat depression by introducing extra copies of the gene for 5-HT1b receptors into serotonin neurons. Preliminary results suggest that this technique may allow for faster and more effective treatment of depression.
Children of depressed mothers performed poorly on measures of school readiness, verbal comprehension, and expressive language skills. However, maternal sensitivity played a crucial role in the well-being of children, even when mothers were depressed.
Research published in Molecular Psychiatry found St. John's Wort to have a better antidepressant effect than placebo and comparable effects to standard antidepressants. The herb's favorable side effect profile may contribute to its advantages over other medications.
A new study by Cornell University found that retired men who continue to work experience higher morale and lower levels of depression compared to those who remain permanently retired. In contrast, women's well-being is linked more strongly to the quality of their marriages, regardless of whether they are working or retired.
A longitudinal study of over 600 adult participants found a significant seasonal effect on depression, hostility, anger, irritability, and anxiety, with winter months showing the highest levels. The researchers suggest diet, activity, and light exposure may contribute to these seasonal mood differences.
A University of Michigan study found that a low sense of belonging is a stronger predictor of major depression than other factors. The research analyzed data from 31 clients with depression and 379 community college students, concluding that feeling connected to others is crucial in overcoming depression.
A study found that patients with chronic nonmalignant back pain who received higher levels of economic and social rewards experienced increased disability, depression, and anxiety. Those with fewer rewards reported lower levels of these conditions.
A twin study found that genetic factors contribute more to women's depression, even in mild cases. The research suggests that genes, not family environment, are the primary cause of depression in women.
A study by Ohio State University found that 57% of homeless children aged 8-12 experience symptoms of depression, with boys being particularly at risk. The researchers also found that these children face extreme poverty, which can have detrimental effects on their cognitive and emotional health.
A study found that breast cancer patients experiencing estrogen deficiency during treatment are at a higher risk of developing depression. Eight women (38 percent) developed major depression, most in the first six months of treatment.
A new study by researchers from the University of Washington reveals that depression significantly impairs heart disease patients' ability to work and perform daily activities. Patients with both major and minor depression were found to function less well than nondepressed patients, reporting more heart disease symptoms.
Researchers found that women with a history of depression had smaller hippocampal volumes than those who never had been depressed. This is significant because the hippocampus plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Treatment not only prevents suffering but may also limit long-term damage to the brain.
A study of 121 healthy young women found that those with low cholesterol levels were more likely to score high on measures of depression and anxiety. Researchers suggest that brain cells with low cholesterol have fewer serotonin receptors, which can lead to mood disturbances.