EXPLORE THE SCIENCE
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania. While antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat the depressive symptoms, they can also trigger manic episodes in some patients. New research suggests…
Read article
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 brain…
Read article
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. H…
Read article
The neurotransmitter serotonin plays many important roles in our brains and bodies by binding to various serotonin receptor proteins. One of these receptors, called 5-HTR1E, has remained mysterious even after its discovery over 30 years ago. Facts about 5-HTR1…
Read article
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…
Read article
Researchers developed a new gene editing technique that reduces anxiety in mice. The technique uses CRISPR technology to edit a specific gene in the brain called HTR2A. Editing this gene leads to lower levels of anxiety behaviors in tests with mice. This resea…
Read article