Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A study of 820 female college students found depression and alexithymia more strongly associated with disordered eating than childhood abuse and neglect. Researchers suggest interventions addressing adaptive coping mechanisms for depression may help individuals with disordered eating behaviors.
A study found significant cultural differences in depression attitudes between Protestants and Jews, particularly among Jewish men who were less likely to use alcohol as an escape from depression. The research also revealed gender differences in attitudes towards alcohol and suicide.
A new UCLA imaging study has found that placebo alters brain function in individuals with major depression, showing increased activity in the prefrontal cortex for those who responded to treatment. This discovery challenges traditional views on treatment effectiveness and may lead to the development of new medications.
The study compared paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertaline, the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the US, finding they have similar effects on health-related quality of life measures. The medications, known as SSRIs, work similarly on neurotransmitter pathways to decrease depression symptoms.
A study by Ohio State University found that former caregivers continue to show levels of depression and loneliness similar to current caregivers even three years after their spouse's death. The negative effects of long-term caregiving for a spouse with dementia may persist beyond the caregiving years.
A multi-site clinical trial found that citalopram, a popular adult anti-depressant, may help relieve suffering in children and adolescents with depression. The study showed significant improvement in mood among patients receiving the drug compared to those taking a placebo.
A new UNC research project aims to investigate the connection between osteoarthritis, emotional responses, and coping strategies. The two-year study will analyze data from over 20,000 participants to identify predictors and consequences of emotional distress in people with arthritis.
A new study aims to determine the effectiveness of drug therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination in treating major depression in teenagers. The study, administered by Northwestern University Medical School, will enroll participants between 12-17 years old with clinician-diagnosed depression.
A panel of experts recommends focusing on remission as the goal for treating depression and anxiety, rather than just partial improvement. This aims for virtual elimination of symptoms and restoration of psychosocial and occupational functioning.
A US study of 2,481 heart disease patients found that treatment did not lower mortality rates despite reducing depression and boosting social support. Researchers hope to analyze data further to understand why the treatment failed to benefit patients.
A study found that depressed patients are more than twice as likely to die or be readmitted for cardiac causes after CABG surgery. Depression is also associated with a significant independent risk of adverse cardiac events.
Research by Susan M. McHale found that children who spend more time on structured activities like hobbies and sports tend to have better academic, emotional, and behavioral development. In contrast, excessive outdoor play or unstructured free time may lead to poorer grades and behavior issues.
Researchers found depressed heart attack survivors are less likely to adopt healthier behaviors, with those perceiving poor physical health showing the most resistance. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing post-heart attack depression and exploring biological markers associated with it.
A study of 2,481 patients with heart disease found that treating depression and low social support did not reduce deaths or heart attacks. Despite improvements in psychological and social functioning, patients who received treatment showed no significant change in heart disease survival over a 3-year period.
Research found that men in higher grade positions with stay-at-home partners have lower rates of depression, attributed to improved quality of life and stress management. Conversely, women in lower employment grades with limited control over their environment are at high risk for depression.
A large study found that antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may reduce the risk of heart attacks in smokers by 65%. The study also suggests that SSRIs may work by thinning blood and preventing clotting, similar to aspirin.
Five Yale researchers will continue their brain disorder research with a combined $100,000 in funding, totaling $3.9 million among 40 honored recipients. This support aims to discover causes and treatments for mental illness.
Researchers found four mental health factors beyond depression that predict suicidal behavior in individuals with panic disorder, including overall anxiety level and fear of losing one's mind. The study suggests that these additional factors contribute to the development of suicidal thoughts, even when depression is present.
A study found that depression is associated with self-reported hypertension, but this relationship does not exist when blood pressure is measured clinically. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and stress are more strongly linked to high blood pressure.
Researchers found that a new depression treatment approach, funded by NIMH, significantly reduces patient suffering and is cost-effective. The study's two-year data showed improved outcomes for patients receiving the intervention, which included training and resources for clinicians and medication or psychotherapy.
A study found that negative emotionality is highly correlated with self-reported health problems in adolescents with alcohol use disorders. The study suggests that these health problems are predominantly of psychological origin, despite relatively normal laboratory and physical exam results.
A population-based study found that women who experienced childhood abuse are two and a half times more likely to be depressed in adulthood. Women who reported both physical and sexual abuse were over three times more likely to be depressed.
A new study by Charles G. Go, Ph.D., and Paula Cupertino, Ph.D. found that adolescents who engage in delinquent behaviors are more likely to contemplate suicide. The study surveyed over 1,200 middle school students in Oakland, California, and found that those who contemplated suicide also reported the most delinquency.
A new study at Duke University Medical Center reveals that depressed heart failure patients are twice as likely to die or be re-admitted to hospital within three months and one year. The researchers recommend testing for depression in all CHF patients to improve outcomes.
A recent study by Dr. Laura C. Klein found that adolescent nicotine exposure directly affects stress hormone levels in adults, leading to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The research suggests a possible biochemical explanation for the effects observed in human studies.
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.