Researchers have discovered that changes in a region deep in the brain called the brainstem may contribute to recurring major depressive disorder (MDD). Key findings include: Patients with first-episode and recurrent depression showed volume decreases in brainstem regions like the pons and midbrain compared to healthy individuals. A region called the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) …
Depression affects over 270 million people worldwide. New research is investigating whether manipulating gut bacteria with probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics can help treat depression symptoms. Key Facts: Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. Prebiotics are food for probiotics. Synbiotics contain both probiotics and prebiotics. A meta-analysis combined results from 13 studies …
A recent case report describes a 34-year old man who developed a rare form of early onset dementia after two years of heavy marijuana use. While concerning, experts say more research is needed to understand the potential risks of cannabis on the developing brain. Key Facts: The man developed frontotemporal dementia, a disorder causing personality …
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. …
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine plays an important role in PD development. Here are some key facts: Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain involved in movement, motivation, and mood. Loss of dopamine-producing neurons causes the motor symptoms of PD like tremors, rigidity, and …
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 …
