Theobromine, an ingredient found in chocolate, may impact mood and depression risk. But the details are complicated. Here’s what the science says so far. Key Facts: A recent study found higher theobromine intake was associated with increased depression risk. However, some experts argue the study had limitations in how it measured depression and theobromine intake. …
Research shows that getting the right amount of the vitamin niacin may help lower the risk of depression. Niacin is one of the B vitamins and is also known as vitamin B3. Consuming too little or too much niacin appears tied to higher odds of depression, suggesting an optimal niacin intake level for depression prevention. …
A new study suggests that eating more acid-producing foods may increase the risk of depression and anxiety, especially in women. Here are the key facts: Women with high dietary acid load had 21% higher odds of severe depression compared to those with low acid load. People with high dietary acid load had 13% higher odds …
Major depressive disorder (depression) is very common. It causes a lot of suffering and disability around the world. The good news is many people get better with medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or both. But for some people, depression just won’t go away even after trying multiple treatments. This is called treatment-resistant depression or TRD. Key …
A new study tracked changes in brain volume in depressed patients after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT or “electroshock therapy”). The study found that ECT led to increases in gray matter (brain tissue), which then decreased substantially over the next 2 years. The initial increases did not relate to improvement in depression symptoms. However, greater decreases 2 …
Researchers explored how our brain’s reward system connects to depression and other common mental health problems like social anxiety and eating disorders. They found that a dampened reward response seems to follow, rather than precede, symptoms of depression and other disorders. This highlights the important role that blunted enjoyment plays in the persistence of mental …
Researchers explored the relationship between body weight and depression symptoms in teens and adults. They found a link between higher body weight and increased depression, especially among teens. Genetic factors appear to play only a small role. Key Facts: Teens who had higher body mass index (BMI) at age 12 were more likely to have …
Researchers are gaining exciting new insights into how the drug ketamine can rapidly treat symptoms of depression, including in people who don’t respond to other antidepressants. Key facts about ketamine for depression: Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that has been found to quickly improve mood in depressed patients, including those with treatment-resistant depression. It works …
A new study published in the journal Mædica – a Journal of Clinical Medicine compared the antidepressant effects of modafinil versus citalopram for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). The medications were equally effective at reducing depressive symptoms over a 6-week treatment period. Key facts: 30 patients with MDD were treated with either modafinil or citalopram …
Major depressive disorder affects over 280 million people worldwide. While the causes are complex, new research is uncovering the role epigenetics plays in depression. Epigenetic changes can regulate how genes are expressed without altering the DNA sequence itself. These changes may explain why some people are more susceptible to depression and highlight new avenues for …
