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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 a…
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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…
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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…
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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: T…
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A new study found that a program to provide more social contact and activities for prisoners in solitary confinement led to improved mental health and behavior. The program was based on a “Resource Team” model developed in Norway. Key Facts: Solitary confineme…
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Cigarette smoking and mental health problems often go hand-in-hand. But which one typically comes first? And how much does our genetic makeup contribute to this risky combo? New research examined these questions by analyzing long-term health data on over 300,0…
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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…
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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 it…
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A new brain imaging study provides insight into how antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may bring about symptom improvement in adolescents with major depressive disorder. The findings suggest that changes in a brain region invo…
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Loneliness is a painful feeling that arises when there is a mismatch between one’s desired social connections and actual relationships. Chronic loneliness is increasingly prevalent in modern societies and strongly tied to poor mental and physical health outcom…
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