Research on depression and its treatment. Covers stress-response biology, ketamine and dopamine-targeting therapies, treatment-resistant cases, and brain mechanisms.
A new strategy for screening anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients has shown a significant increase in screening rates from 12.6% to 29.2% using an electronic health record-based approach. The study found that younger patients and white patients were more likely to complete the screeners.
A systematic review of studies found that policies improving paid parental leave, employment access, housing stability, and income support are associated with lower rates of depression. Conversely, cuts to social welfare and financial insecurity increase depression risk, particularly among single parents and low-income households.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that as preteens used more social media, their depressive symptoms increased by 35%. The research team tracked changes over time in each child to accurately assess the link between social media and depression. Experts suggest using digital habits tools to create healthier online behavior...
A new study found that people taking antidepressants for over two years are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and fatigue. Long-term users also tend to have worse withdrawal symptoms and are less able to stop taking the medication.
A new study from Kennedy Krieger Institute reveals nearly 40% of pediatric patients with long COVID report significant symptoms of anxiety or depression. The study highlights the importance of integrating mental health screening into care for children with long COVID to improve quality of life.
Research found that women whose sister experienced postpartum psychosis are over 10 times more likely to experience it themselves. The study highlights genetic and shared environmental influences and suggests early recognition and prevention are crucial.
A study by University College London researchers found that depressive symptoms worsen long before pain begins in middle-aged and older adults. Early mental health interventions may help prevent or reduce later aches and pains.
Depressive symptoms among older stroke survivors in China were found to be prevalent, with central symptoms including feeling blue, nervousness, and loneliness. These symptoms had a significant negative impact on quality of life.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that calorie restrictive and low-fat diets may reduce depression symptoms in those with high cardiometabolic risk. However, the evidence is limited, and researchers recommend further exploration of dietary interventions alongside first-line treatment for depression and/or anxiety.
Researchers found that specific combinations of personality traits can predict bipolar disorder outcomes, with certain styles raising and others lowering the risk of depression. The study used data from over 2,500 people with bipolar disorder and suggests a personalized approach to treatment planning.
A new clinical trial found mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) significantly improved depression symptoms compared to continued treatment as usual. MBCT was also shown to be cost-effective, saving the NHS money by changing service use.
GLP1-RA treatment is associated with improvements in quality of life, restrained eating, and emotional eating behavior. The treatment also provides reassurance regarding its psychiatric safety profile.
Long sleep duration is associated with poorer global cognition and specific cognitive abilities like memory, visuospatial skills and executive functions. This association is strongest in people with depressive symptoms, regardless of antidepressant usage.
A large-scale UK biobank study found that loneliness increases the risk of hearing loss, with a 24% higher risk for lonely individuals compared to non-lonely counterparts. The study also identified distinct pathways through which loneliness contributes to hearing loss, including inflammation and chronic diseases.
A study published in Behavior Therapy shows that a peer support program provides 'rapid relief of symptoms' and 'significant clinical improvement' to new moms struggling with postpartum depression. The program, Alma, pairs new and expectant moms with trained peers who have experienced similar mental health challenges.
Researchers identify enlarged salience network as first reliable biomarker for depression risk, predicting symptoms before they appear. The network's expansion could enable early identification and intervention, leading to improved quality of life and treatment outcomes.
A cohort study of US veterans found that depression is associated with a higher hazard of incident heart failure after controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Depression remains consistent as a risk factor even in low-risk cohorts.
A new Vanderbilt University Medical Center-led study found US veterans with depression had a 14% higher risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. The study suggests that screening and treating depression may help prevent future heart failure in patients.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that learning one's Alzheimer's risk can decrease negative emotions like depression and anxiety, but also leads to decreased motivation for maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. Researchers emphasize the importance of personalized disclosure processes to sustain healthy behaviors.
The Psychedelics journal has expanded its focus to include all psychoactive drugs, challenging traditional classifications and embracing a broader understanding of consciousness-altering substances. This move aims to reveal novel therapeutic applications and deepen human knowledge of the mind.
A new study by the University of Ottawa reveals a clear link between racism in schools and symptoms of depression among Black students. The research identifies how academic racism hinders Black youths and their social and economic contribution to Canadian society.
Researchers have discovered terahertz light waves can reduce hyperactivity in brain regions associated with depression, leading to rapid improvements in mood and thinking ability. The treatment works without introducing foreign substances into the brain and is safe for use at therapeutic intensities.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescents who are more physically active have a lower risk of developing depression symptoms. The research followed 873 participants from age 6 to 18 and found that physical activity protected against depression symptoms in adolescence.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in depressive symptoms among US adults, with younger individuals being disproportionately affected. Worsening mental health trends were observed across the population.
Children from disadvantaged neighborhoods show blunted response to reward and loss, especially those with family history of depression. Growing up in chronically stressful environments may dampen reaction to good or bad events, increasing depression risk.
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.
Previous depression survivors exhibit reduced motivation for everyday tasks but become equally motivated with large and certain rewards. This research sheds light on subtle motivational deficits persisting in recovered depression, guiding targeted treatment for sustained recovery.
A new study reveals a concerning rise in type 2 diabetes among depression inpatients in Beijing from 2005 to 2018. Depression and type 2 diabetes co-occurrence is understudied, but the research found 9.13% of depression patients had T2DM, with significant age, sex, and socioeconomic factors linked to elevated risk.
Researchers analyzed medical claims data to identify increased risks of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and fractures among breast cancer survivors. The study highlights the importance of preventive care for these individuals.
Researchers analyzed data from over 35,000 young people to capture how depression symptoms interact throughout adolescence. The study found that symptom patterns become more stable across age, with individuals more likely to experience persistent depression in adulthood.
A study found that female cancer survivors were 69% more likely to experience cancer-related fatigue and 58% more likely to experience depression than male survivors. This can lead to a decrease in recreational physical activities and overall quality of life.
A new study reveals that individuals with anxiety and depression tend to focus on jobs where they feel less confident, rather than those where they perform well, leading to persistent low self-belief. Positive feedback boosts overall self-belief, while negative feedback reduces it in all participants.
A new non-invasive brain stimulation technique using sound waves shows significant relief from depression, anxiety and trauma-related disorders. Participants experienced clinically significant improvements in negative affect and symptoms after just three weeks of daily treatments.
Researchers found that babies from insecure backgrounds can still follow social cues, sparking hope for their development. The study used eye movement measurements and interviewed parents to assess a child's background and circumstances, concluding that some skills are intact despite trauma.
Research found that bad habits like smoking, heavy drinking, and lack of exercise can lead to declines in health as young as 36, with effects more pronounced over the long-term. The study tracked hundreds of people for 30 years and found that three unhealthy behaviors were linked to poorer mental and physical health.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a smartphone app that teaches core techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat subthreshold depression and anxiety. The app, RESiLIENT, was tested in the largest-ever individually randomized trial of its kind, showing promising results with no serious adverse effects.
A new study reveals promising progress toward predicting how patients with major depressive disorder will respond to antidepressant medications. Brain connectivity patterns were found to significantly improve predictions of treatment response across two large, independent clinical trials.
A new precision treatment approach for depression gives patients personalized recommendations based on multiple characteristics such as age and gender. The study, published in PLOS One, examined the outcomes of clinical trials involving over 10,000 patients to develop a clinical decision support tool.
A large US youth sample shows increased rates of anxiety and depression from 2016 to 2022. In contrast, asthma and severe headaches or migraines decreased in this cohort.
A study published in Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice found significant improvement in depressive symptoms and emotional well-being in adolescents after receiving inpatient psychiatric care. The study highlights the effectiveness of pediatric inpatient psychiatry units in improving mental health outcomes.
Research from Rutgers Health finds that children exposed to paternal depression at kindergarten entry are more likely to have behavioral difficulties and poor social skills at age 9. Fathers' mental health is crucial in supporting their children's development, and early intervention can help improve well-being for both parents and kids.
A recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology suggests a potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and depression, particularly in individuals with low dopamine function. The authors urge caution and recommend genetic testing to identify individuals at risk before prescribing these medications.
Dr. Rhonda Winegar investigates the effectiveness of music therapy in supporting neurological care, including its ability to reduce anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's patients. Her research also highlights its potential to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Women who enter menopause before age 40 experience worse cognitive decline compared to those entering menopause after 50. This association may help clinicians assess patient risk of developing dementia. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and design potential treatments.
A nationwide Finnish register-based cohort study found that young people with mental disorders are less likely to become parents compared to those without such diagnoses. The strongest associations were for schizophrenia and depression, with men being 38% less likely to become fathers due to depression diagnosis.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that teenagers who exercise regularly with their families are more likely to meet activity guidelines and report stronger mental health. The research showed that daily family exercise can lead to improved physical and mental well-being in teens, building strong bonds and confidence.
A study suggests that perceived stress and depression are key factors in the relationship between insomnia and hazardous drinking. Insomnia can lead to heavy drinking through stress, while drinking can lead to insomnia through depression.
The Moodivate app improved depression symptoms clinically meaningfully among primary care patients, achieving reductions twice those of standard-of-care therapy. App users were also 3 times more likely to achieve a clinically meaningful improvement and 2.3 times more likely to attain depression remission.
A recent study by University of Fukui researchers found that impaired empathy in parents who experienced childhood trauma increases the risk of abusive parenting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support and parenting programs, to break this cycle.
A University of Liverpool study shows that a novel tech-assisted intervention combining peer-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy with a digital app is as effective as standard therapy in treating perinatal depression. The programme, led by Professor Atif Rahman, reduces depressive symptoms significantly and offers a scalable soluti...
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered key neurological mechanisms in psilocybin's brain effects, targeting pyramidal tract neurons and serotonin receptors. This could enable pharmaceuticals to deliver mood-altering benefits while suppressing perceptual hallucinations.
Patients prescribed medicinal cannabis in Australia showed long-term improvements in overall health-related quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. The study, which recruited over 2,300 participants, also found improvements in anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain for those with corresponding conditions.
Hormonal contraceptives initiated immediately after childbirth may increase the risk of developing depression in new mothers. Researchers found that combined oral contraceptives were associated with a higher risk of depression when started earlier postpartum.
Researchers at NCSA and UICOMP have created an improved, automated screening method for anxiety and depression disorders using machine learning and acoustic analysis of verbal fluency data. The new tool offers promise for overcoming barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study suggests dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT) can help alleviate depressive symptoms by enhancing mentalising capacity. Patients receiving DIT combined with medication showed significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms and mentalising ability.
A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that over half of US adults experience some form of discrimination, which can lead to higher chances of depression and/or anxiety. Discrimination-related mental health issues were particularly pronounced among multiracial, White, and Asian populations.
The study found significant improvements in symptoms for participants with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and eating disorders. Participants reported trusting and communicating with Therabot comparable to working with a therapist.
A large cohort study found living alone to be a critical factor in suicide risk assessments for individuals with depression and anxiety. The study of 3.7 million individuals highlighted the importance of preventing mental illness while addressing living arrangements.
A study of over 14,600 Norwegian veterans found that taking a life in combat had no subsequent impact on their mental well-being. In contrast, veterans who served in Lebanon experienced increased mental health problems and reduced quality of life after killing someone in combat.
Researchers found that adolescents with higher risk for depression had lower levels of neuroprotective compounds, while inflammation-driven neurotoxic chemicals were more prevalent in females. This study suggests an imbalance in the kynurenine pathway may contribute to the higher incidence of depression among teenage girls.