Eating foods rich in certain flavonoids may help lower the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms, suggests new research based on U.S. national health data. Key facts: Higher intakes of anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms after adjusting for confounders. There was an inverse association between total flavonoid intake …
An innovative study aims to assess the feasibility of patients self-managing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) therapy for depression at home. This digitally-supported model could greatly expand access if proven safe, reliable and effective. Key Facts: tDCS uses scalp electrodes to deliver targeted electrical currents modulating brain activity Applied to prefrontal cortex, tDCS can have …
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has updated its guidance on clinical trials for new depression treatments, with the goals of harmonizing standards across the EU and facilitating development of improved therapies. Key Facts: Depression is a highly disabling condition affecting many worldwide, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic Up to 2/3 of patients …
Electroretinography, a non-invasive retinal scanning technique, shows some promise for detecting suicidal behaviors based on changes in retinal cell signals. However, large scale studies are needed to determine its reliability. Key Facts: Electroretinography (ERG) measures electrical signals from retinal cells in response to light flashes to assess retinal health. ERG wave changes have been linked …
A new study conducted in rural South India has found that people whose parents are blood relatives (consanguineous marriage) have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia compared to the general population. Key Facts: Researchers recruited 120 patients with schizophrenia and 222 healthy controls from the same rural region in South India. 10.7% of patients with …
Kava kava, an herbal supplement made from the root of Piper methysticum, has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for anxiety and insomnia. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis re-examined kava kava’s effectiveness and safety for anxiety disorders. The authors concluded that kava kava is effective for short-term anxiety relief but long-term safety remains uncertain. …
Psychopathic individuals are known to commit a disproportionate amount of violence and crime. Yet the connections between psychopathy, intelligence and aggression are complex. A new study unpacks the links between these dangerous traits in men and women. Key Facts: Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version which divides psychopathy into 4 facets – …
New research reveals that lower intelligence and poorer emotional control in adolescence are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors over the life course. However, while lower intelligence is linked to a consistently higher suicide risk into late middle age, the association between emotional control and suicide risk diminishes in strength over …
A new pilot study investigates using kava and valerian, two herbal remedies, to treat stress-induced insomnia. Key Facts: 24 patients with stress-induced insomnia took part in the 6-month crossover study. All patients took kava for 6 weeks, then valerian for 6 weeks, then a combination of both for 6 weeks. Both kava and valerian significantly …
Suicide is a leading cause of premature death worldwide. Social isolation is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for suicide. Thorough understanding of this relationship is crucial to guide prevention efforts and policy. Key Facts: Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year globally, with many more attempting suicide. Social isolation significantly increases suicide …
