Dietary Interventions as a Depression Treatment: Quality Foods Boost Mood

Recent research suggests that adjusting overall diet, rather than taking supplements, may help improve symptoms of depression. Whole food and whole diet interventions show promise as adjunctive treatments for depression, though more research is still needed. Key Facts: 7 studies with over 49,000 participants found that whole food or whole diet interventions reduced depression symptoms …

Read more

Antidepressant Foods to Treat Depression: Top 12 Nutrients to Enhance Mood

Depression is a major global health issue, but diet may be an effective yet overlooked treatment approach. New research identifies the top food sources of 12 key nutrients that help prevent and treat depression. Oysters, organ meats, leafy greens, lettuces, peppers and cruciferous veggies pack the biggest nutritional antidepressant punch. Key facts: Depression is the …

Read more

Link Between Diet & Depression: What Does the Research Say?

Eating well may help prevent and treat depression, according to growing evidence from studies on diet and mental health. Key facts: Following an overall healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil is associated with a lower risk of depression. A “Western” diet high in processed foods, fried foods, sugary foods, …

Read more

Diet & Mental Health: Effect of Foods & Nutrition on Mood

Nutrition plays a major role in mental health, with diet quality closely linked to risk of common mental disorders like depression. This review comprehensively analyzes recent research on the impacts of nutrition on mental health and the use of nutritional interventions in treating psychiatric conditions. Key Facts: Poor diet is a major risk factor for …

Read more

Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of the Prefrontal Cortex Treats Depression in Mice

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry provides promising evidence that focused ultrasound stimulation of the prefrontal cortex can alleviate depressive behaviors in mice by suppressing inflammatory responses. Key facts: Researchers stimulated the prefrontal cortex of mice with focused ultrasound for 30 minutes. Mice treated with ultrasound showed less depressive behaviors compared to sham …

Read more

Chamomile for Anxiety, Insomnia, Sleep: An Effective Natural Treatment?

Chamomile, a popular herbal tea, has frequently been associated with benefits for relaxation and sleep. A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Phytotherapy Research comprehensively analyzes the clinical research on chamomile for anxiety, insomnia, and sleep quality. Key facts from this study: 12 randomized controlled trials with 965 total patients were included. Trials tested …

Read more

Long-Term Amphetamine Exposure: D2 Dopamine Receptors & Transporters

Amphetamine is well known for its ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain. But new research suggests the psychostimulant drug may also directly alter dopamine 2 receptors, with implications for behavioral effects and physiological changes seen after chronic amphetamine use. Key facts: In cells expressing the dopamine transporter, prolonged amphetamine exposure decreased dopamine 2 …

Read more

Perceived Intelligence in Psychopathy: Specific Traits Matter (Primary vs. Secondary)

A new study published in the Journal of Personality suggests that individuals exhibiting secondary psychopathic traits are perceived as less intelligent than those with primary psychopathic traits. The research examined how laypeople view the intelligence of others based on psychopathic traits. Here are some key findings: Individuals described as exhibiting high secondary psychopathy traits (impulsivity, …

Read more

Focused Ultrasound (FUS): An Effective Treatment for Depression in Rat Study

New research demonstrates that repeated focused ultrasound treatments can have antidepressant-like effects in rats. The non-invasive technique was able to improve performance on a common test of depressive behaviors. While not a silver bullet solution, focused ultrasound represents an exciting potential alternative for depression treatment. Key Facts: Focused ultrasound (FUS) uses targeted sound waves to …

Read more

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) & Brain Imaging: White Matter Abnormalities

A new brain imaging study has uncovered structural differences in the white matter of young men diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These differences provide clues into the neural correlates underlying the grandiose sense of self and lack of empathy that characterize NPD. Key Facts: Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to compare white matter microstructure …

Read more