http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/depression/ Read the latest research findings and in-depth information on clinical depression and stress in adults, teens, and children. Expand your understanding of the symptoms and available treatment for depression and related conditions. Learn techniques for managing stress. en-us Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:05:01 EDT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/depression/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223446.htm Asian Americans whose families experience a high degree of interpersonal conflict have a three-fold greater risk of attempting suicide when compared with Asian Americans overall, according to a new study by University of California, Davis, researchers. The risk is tripled even among those who have never had a diagnosis of depression. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223648.htm A growing body of research suggests that there is a potent way to fight symptoms of depression that doesn't involve getting a prescription. This potent weapon? Hope. "We're finding that hope is consistently associated with fewer symptoms of depression. And the good news is that hope is something that can be taught, and can be developed in many of the people who need it," said Jennifer Cheavens at Ohio State University. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223530.htm Biracial Asian Americans are twice as likely as monoracial Asian Americans to have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder, UC Davis researchers report. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819160249.htm An increasing number of students are packing more than their computers and iPods when leaving for college. They are bringing along prescribed psychiatric medications. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will survey students on managing psychiatric medications in the transition from home to college. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819160249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223434.htm People taking prescription antidepressants appear to drive worse than people who aren't taking such drugs, and depressed people on antidepressants have even more trouble concentrating and reacting behind the wheel. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223548.htm A large genetic study of bipolar disorder has implicated machinery that balances levels of sodium and calcium in neurons. The disorder was associated with variation in two genes that make components of such ion channels. Although it's not yet known if or how the suspect genetic variation might affect the balance machinery, the results point to the possibility that bipolar disorder might stem, at least in part, from malfunction of ion channels. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817223548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135646.htm A study of 439 US and Mexican-born Latinas seeking pregnancy and postpartum services at public health clinics in San Antonio uncovered elevated levels of depression among the more "Americanized" women, report researchers in the Maternal and Child Health Journal. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814104835.htm As NASA prepares to send humans back to the moon and then on to Mars, psychologists are exploring the challenges astronauts will face on missions that will be much longer and more demanding than previous space flights. Psychologists outlined these mental health challenges at the American Psychological Association's 116th Annual Convention, and introduced a new interactive computer program that will help address psychosocial challenges in space. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814104835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813120747.htm Scientists have unveiled a functional link between production of new neurons and the effectiveness of antidepressants in an animal model. The study, published by Cell Press in the journal Neuron, provides exciting insight into a mechanism that might underlie a poor response to antidepressive medications for anxiety or depression. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813120747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812102611.htm Spouses of husbands and wives with dementia pay an emotional toll as they care for their ailing spouse. This has prompted a call for new interventions and strategies to assist caregivers in coping with the demands of this difficult time, according to a new study. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812102611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160611.htm In Nepal, former child soldiers display greater severity of mental health problems, such as symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, compared with children who were not forced into military service, according to a study in the August 13 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on violence and human rights. Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160609.htm Men and women who experienced sexual violence while fighting in Liberian civil wars report higher rates of symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and thoughts of suicide than noncombatants or other former combatants who were not exposed to sexual violence, according to a study in the August 13 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on violence and human rights. Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160605.htm A school-based intervention for children in communities affected by political violence in Indonesia reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms and helped maintain hope, but did not reduce traumatic stress-related symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms or functional impairment, according to a new study. Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807072125.htm Researchers have just shown how one of the stress hormones regulates brain neurotransmission on the short and long term and enables neuronal connections to adapt. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807072125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804165316.htm A declining number of office-based psychiatrists appear to be providing psychotherapy to their patients, according to a new report. Psychotherapy has been part of the practice of psychiatry for generations. Various forms of psychotherapy, either alone or in combination with medications, are recommended for the treatment of major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric illnesses. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804165316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806113312.htm A researcher suggests that the struggles of adolescence can be particularly painful for children who also struggle with obesity. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806113312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807112609.htm Unique biochemical crosstalk that enables a fetus to get nutrition and oxygen from its mother's blood just may cause common postpartum blues, researchers say. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807112609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804165318.htm Voluntary physical activity does not appear to cause a reduction in anxiety and depression, but exercise and mood may be associated through a common genetic factor, according to a new article. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804165318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804123041.htm Depression causes patients with advanced cancer to die sooner than they should, say scientists at the University of Liverpool. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804123041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730140932.htm Autopsies usually point to a cause of death but now a study of brain tissue collected during these procedures, may explain an underlying cause of major depression and suicide. Scientists found proteins that modify DNA directly are more highly expressed in the brains of people who commit suicide. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730140932.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730140613.htm Researchers have pinpointed a mechanism in the brains of mice that could explain why some human mothers become depressed following childbirth. The discovery could lead to improved treatment for postpartum depression. After giving birth, female mice bred to be deficient in a suspect protein showed depression-like behaviors and neglected their newborn pups. Giving a drug that restored the protein's function improved maternal behavior and reduced pup mortality. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730140613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730140732.htm While industrial action is largely perceived as a legitimate means of encouraging organizational change in Australia, research has shown industrial action can adversely affect those involved. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080730140732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080724150440.htm In a new twist on the Confucian ideal of filial piety, a study finds that the assistance of daughters-in-law -- but not their own children -- helps mitigate depression among older people in China. Almost two-thirds of the older population in China lives in rural areas, making it the largest concentration of older adults in the world. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080724150440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721102400.htm New data from a study of patients with treatment-resistant depression who underwent deep brain stimulation in the subcallosal cingulate region of the brain shows that this intervention is generally safe and provides significant improvement in patients as early as one month after treatment. The patients also experienced continued and sustained improvement over time. Sat, 26 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721102400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722131653.htm Adolescent girls who had a serious school failure by the 12th grade -- being expelled, suspended or dropping out -- were significantly more likely to have suffered a serious bout of depression at the age of 21 than girls who did not have these problems. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722131653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722162119.htm Women with sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressants experienced a reduction in adverse sexual effects with use of sildenafil, commonly known as the erectile dysfunction medication Viagra. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722162119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722072021.htm Hoping to answer a question raised by the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression study, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have designed the Combining Medication to Enhance Outcomes of Depression trial to test multiple-medication treatment of depression. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722072021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715104009.htm Pharmacogenetics, the study of genetic variation that influences an individual's response to drugs, is an important and growing focus in all of medical research, including psychiatry. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715104009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714171153.htm A new study shows that variations in the serotonin transporter gene could explain why some people with depression respond better than others to treatment with citalopram, an antidepressant medication. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714171153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715071401.htm A new study from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health examines the widely held expectation that East-Asian people emphasize physical symptoms of depression, and offers clinicians valuable insight into cultural context when assessing a patient, leading to more accurate diagnosis. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715071401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709161922.htm In addition to helping protect us from heart disease and cancer, a balanced diet and regular exercise can also protect the brain, and ward off mental disorders. Changes in diet are a viable strategy for enhancing cognitive abilities, protecting the brain from damage, and counteracting the effects of aging, according to a professor of neurosurgery and physiological science, who has spent years studying the effects of food and exercise on the brain. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709161922.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708104521.htm Scientific evidence has long suggested that moderate drinking offers some protection against heart disease, certain types of stroke and some forms of cancer. But new research shows that stopping drinking -- including at moderate levels -- may lead to health problems including depression and a reduced capacity of the brain to produce new neurons, a process called neurogenesis. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708104521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707161418.htm Pregnancy alone does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of the most prevalent mental disorders, according to a new article. However, post-partum women may have a higher risk of major depressive disorder. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707161418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707100159.htm Mothers and fathers of twins conceived either spontaneously or with assisted reproductive technology suffer more mental health symptoms after delivery and one year later than do parents of singleton babies, according to new research. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707100159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701194736.htm People who suffer from severe depression following a heart attack might be more likely to experience cardiac complications while hospitalized, according to a new study. "There is good evidence that if a person has depression after a heart attack, they are more likely to die from cardiac causes in the following months and years," said the lead author and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. "No one had yet studied whether depression impacts cardiac outcomes immediately after a heart attack -- the time we see the most complications." Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701194736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701221437.htm We all know people who are tense and nervous and can't relax. They may have been wired differently since childhood. New research indicates that the brains of those suffering from anxiety and severe shyness in social situations consistently respond more strongly to stress, and show signs of being anxious even in situations that others find safe. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701221437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080626144441.htm St. Jude Medical, Inc. has announced the first patient implants in a clinical study that is investigating whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy will help people who suffer from major depressive disorder, a severe form of depression. The patients, a 59-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, were implanted with the St. Jude Medical Libra® Deep Brain Stimulation System, an investigational device. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080626144441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625094533.htm Many people use "alternative" or complementary products because they see them as a more gentle form of medicine. Not all dietary supplements and 'alternative' products are harmless though; a new report urges consumers to be more critical of health claims. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625094533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620115946.htm Small children who grow up in a family where the mother has psychological distress, the family is exposed to stress or is lacking social support, are at higher risk of developing anxious and depressive symptoms in early adolescence. Girls are more vulnerable than boys, and very timid or short-tempered children are more vulnerable than others to develop emotional problems. This is shown in a new doctorate study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620115946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617160813.htm Researchers have long known that type 2 diabetes and depression often go hand in hand. However, it's been unclear which condition develops first in patients who end up with both. Now, a new study suggests that this chicken-and-egg problem has a dual answer: Patients with depression have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing depression. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617160813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617204503.htm Older people are at high risk for falls and subsequent injuries. Those who have depression have an increased risk of falls and the medications they take for depression increase their risk even more. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617204503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080615142252.htm New research may explain why some people who are stressed or depressed overeat. While levels of the so-called "hunger hormone" ghrelin are known to increase when a person doesn't eat, new findings suggest that the hormone might also help defend against symptoms of stress-induced depression and anxiety. Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080615142252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612070402.htm Psychiatry researchers have taken what they learned from groundbreaking research on treating depression and are applying it to real-world clinical settings. The study, STAR*D, provided evidence for step-by-step guidelines to address treatment-resistant depression and found that half of depressed patients became symptom-free or had major improvement after the first two treatments with medication. Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612070402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080613101105.htm Lower Manhattan residents developed post-traumatic stress disorder at three times the usual rate in the years following 9/11. The rate among residents matched the rate previously reported among rescue and recovery workers. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080613101105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612070438.htm A history of chronic insomnia in parents is not only associated with elevated risk for insomnia but also with elevated risks for use of hypnotics, psychopathology and suicidal behavior in adolescent offspring. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612070438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612070450.htm A new study finds a link between poor sleep and suicidal behavior among children and adolescents with depressive episodes. Poor sleep was more frequent among those with pediatric bipolar disorder and pediatric unipolar disorder, and this was clearly detected by the presence of initial insomnia and sleep maintenance insomnia. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612070450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080605150908.htm New research suggests that the neurotransmitter serotonin, which acts as a chemical messenger between nerve cells, plays a critical role in regulating emotions such as aggression during social decision-making. Though many have hypothesized the link between serotonin and impulsivity, this is one of the first studies to show a causal link between the two. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080605150908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610103806.htm Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University researchers are calling on clinicians to adopt a standardized measurement of outcomes when treating depression. The commentary was published in the June edition of Primary Psychiatry. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610103806.htm