Depression News and Research

Latest Depression News and Research

Depression and anxiety diagnoses in youth spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers analyzed clinical data from over 1.7 million young people, revealing significant increases in diagnosed depression and anxiety from 2017 to 2021, with higher rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 Oct 2024

Scientists identify gut microbial signatures that distinguish diseases and predict health states

Study reveals significant gut microbial differences across diseases in the Chinese population, identifying universal microbial signatures that could predict disease states with high accuracy.

2 Oct 2024

Dronabinol shows promise in reducing agitation in Alzheimer's patients

In a study led by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine, researchers show that a pill form of the drug dronabinol, an FDA-approved synthetic version of marijuana's main ingredient, THC, reduces agitation in patients with Alzheimer's by an average of 30%.

2 Oct 2024

COVID-19 vaccine uptake higher in people with mental illness but drops for those not on medication

Researchers examined the link between mental illness and COVID-19 vaccine uptake, finding high vaccination rates but lower uptake among unmedicated individuals with mental health conditions.

1 Oct 2024

Study reveals harmful effects of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ people

People identifying as LGBTQ+ who have undergone conversion practice – commonly known as conversion therapy – are more likely to experience poor mental health, according to a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal.

1 Oct 2024

Collaborative initiative seeks to uncover ways to reduce Alzheimer’s and dementia risk

The Triangulation of Innovative Methods to End Alzheimer's Disease project will use large, diverse datasets to examine whether interventions targeting alcohol use, depression, vision or hearing impairments, or social isolation can protect people from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

30 Sep 2024

High magnesium levels drive higher mortality in sepsis patients

Study identifies high serum magnesium levels as a significant factor associated with increased mortality in sepsis patients, demonstrating a dose-response relationship across diverse patient cohorts. It highlights magnesium as a potential marker for risk stratification in sepsis.

30 Sep 2024

Smartphone-based AI systems track subtle facial, pupil signals to identify depression

It has been estimated that nearly 300 million people, or about 4% of the global population, are afflicted by some form of depression. But detecting it can be difficult, particularly when those affected don't (or won't) report negative feelings to friends, family or clinicians.

30 Sep 2024

Study reveals impact of adverse childhood experiences on teen mental health

Teens who faced high levels of emotional and multidimensional adversity in their early years are at the most significant risk for mental health challenges, a comprehensive 15-year study revealed.

30 Sep 2024

Over 80% of women are iron deficient by their third trimester

Iron deficiency is prevalent among pregnant women, impacting health outcomes. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring and nutrition during pregnancy.

30 Sep 2024

Digital games show promise for improving ADHD and depression in youth, but anxiety remains a challenge

A meta-analysis reveals gamified digital mental health interventions effectively reduce depression and ADHD in youth, highlighting engagement in treatment.

27 Sep 2024

Iron deficiency common among pregnant women despite supplements

When a woman becomes pregnant, her iron requirements increase almost tenfold to support fetal development as well as her own increased iron needs.

26 Sep 2024

Targeting brain lesions with TMS shows promise in treating PTSD in veterans

Researchers have identified specific brain lesions associated with reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans, providing a potential noninvasive neuromodulation target. TMS applied to this PTSD circuit could offer new hope for effective treatment.

26 Sep 2024

Study highlights gender differences in genetic risk for psychotic disorders

A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Centre for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM) has published a pioneering study that reveals significant findings in the field of genetic psychiatry from the perspective of separate gender analysis.

26 Sep 2024

Brief behavioral intervention reduces intrusive memories of trauma in healthcare workers post-COVID-19

Researchers examine whether a cognitive task can reduce intrusive memories in healthcare workers exposed to traumatic experiences during the pandemic.

26 Sep 2024

Nursing aides plagued by PTSD after ‘nightmare’ covid conditions, with little help

One evening in May, nursing assistant Debra Ragoonanan's vision blurred during her shift at a state-run Massachusetts veterans home.

26 Sep 2024

COVID-19 causes lasting cognitive impairment tied to brain injury markers

Researchers found that COVID-19 patients experienced widespread cognitive deficits one year post-hospitalization, associated with elevated brain injury markers and reduced brain volume. Cognitive recovery plateaued over time, suggesting lasting impacts.

26 Sep 2024

Research highlights negative brain health outcomes among LGBTQ+ individuals

LGBTQ+ people may be more likely to have negative brain health outcomes, including a higher risk of dementia and late-life depression, than people who are cisgender and straight, according to a study published in the September 25, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

25 Sep 2024

Remote video consultations show positive impact on depression and anxiety

Remote video consultations between patients and mental health specialists show a small but significant improvement on symptoms of depression and anxiety, finds a trial published by The BMJ today.

25 Sep 2024

Wrist-based sensors provide insights into sunlight’s impact on depression

Wrist-based activity sensors worn by individuals with depression and those without over the course of two weeks provided evidence for the relationship between daily sunlight exposure and physical activity, according to a study published September 25, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS Mental Health by Oleg Kovtun and Sandra Rosenthal from Vanderbilt University, U.S.

25 Sep 2024