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 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 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/2012/02/120213084204.htm Healthy older adults reported less negative thinking compared to other age groups, leading to greater life satisfaction in seniors. The study examined the complex relationship between aging and factors leading to depression. Research suggests differences in the way age groups think can influence the onset of depression. Sufferers of negative thinking, or brooding, tend to fixate on their problems and feelings without taking action, which can intensify depressive moods and lead to the onset of depression. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213084204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132709.htm People who are more physically active report greater levels of excitement and enthusiasm than people who are less physically active, according to researchers. People also are more likely to report feelings of excitement and enthusiasm on days when they are more physically active than usual. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201120930.htm The initial assessment of a blood test to help diagnose major depressive disorder indicates it may become a useful clinical tool. Researchers report that analyzing levels of nine biomarkers accurately distinguished patients diagnosed with depression from control participants without significant false-positive results. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201120930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130170147.htm School-age children whose mothers nurtured them early in life have brains with a larger hippocampus, a key structure important to learning, memory and response to stress. The new research, by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists, is the first to show that changes in this critical region of children’s brain anatomy are linked to a mother’s nurturing. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130170147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140011.htm Good news for the 13 per cent of the population with depressive personality traits: their negative outlook does not have to be permanent, according to new research from Sweden. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126133959.htm Could depression in adulthood be tied to a parent's level of education? A new study by a medical sociologist suggests this is the case. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126133959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172317.htm The odds of a major depressive episode are more than double for those working 11 or more hours a day compared to those working seven to eight hours a day. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132605.htm Scientists now have a better understanding of the way that stress impacts the brain. New research reveals pioneering evidence for a new mechanism of stress adaptation and may eventually lead to a better understanding of why prolonged and repeated exposure to stress can lead to anxiety disorders and depression. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183040.htm The solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) widely used in industry and to dry clean clothes is a neurotoxin known to cause mood changes, anxiety, and depression in people who work with it. To date the long-term effect of this chemical on children exposed to PCE has been less clear, although there is some evidence that children of people who work in the dry cleaning industry have an increased risk of schizophrenia. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104058.htm A new study found that employees with depression who receive treatment while still working are significantly more likely to be highly productive than those who do not. This is the first study of its kind to look into a possible correlation between treatment and productivity. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110093559.htm Patients simultaneously treated for both Type 2 diabetes and depression improve medication compliance and significantly improve blood sugar and depression levels compared to patients receiving usual care, according to a new study. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110093559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, according to psychiatrists. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112235.htm An important ongoing debate in the field of psychiatry is whether inflammation in the body is a consequence of or contributor to major depression. A new study has attempted to resolve the issue. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111904.htm Psychiatric disorders can be described on many levels, the most traditional of which are subjective descriptions of the experience of being depressed and the use of rating scales that quantify depressive symptoms. Over the past two decades, research has developed other strategies for describing the biological underpinnings of depression, including volumetric brain measurements using magnetic resonance imaging and the patterns of gene expression in white blood cells. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135323.htm Use of torture around the world has not diminished but the techniques used have grown more complex and sophisticated, according to new research. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227093059.htm Women with celiac disease -- an autoimmune disorder associated with a negative reaction to eating gluten -- are more likely than the general population to report symptoms of depression and disordered eating, even when they adhere to a gluten-free diet, according to researchers. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227093059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140347.htm Scientists report that abnormal sequences of DNA known as rare copy number variants, or CNVs, appear to play a significant role in the risk for early onset bipolar disorder. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091918.htm Despite improvements to diagnostic tools and therapies in the two last decades, significant disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of depression remain, according to new research. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135853.htm Researchers are reporting what could become the first reliable method to predict whether an antidepressant will work on a depressed patient. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175732.htm Researchers studied how parents' financial problems and resulting mental distress affect their relationships with their children. They found that parents who experience financial problems and depression are less likely to feel connected to their children, and their children are less likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering or helping others. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165855.htm Over a 10-year period, spending for Medicaid-enrolled patients with depression increased substantially but only minimal improvements in quality of care were observed, according to a new study. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165110.htm Adolescents who were abused and neglected have less gray matter in some areas of the brain than young people who have not been maltreated, a new study shows. The brain areas impacted by maltreatment may differ between boys and girls, may depend on whether the youths had been exposed to abuse or neglect, and may be linked to whether the neglect was physical or emotional. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140400.htm When children have been exposed to family violence, their brains become increasingly "tuned" for processing possible sources of threat, a new study reports. The findings reveal the same pattern of brain activity in these children as seen previously in soldiers exposed to combat. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128132658.htm Depression may have more far-reaching consequences than previously believed. Recent data suggests that individuals who suffer from a mood disorder could be twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to individuals who are not depressed. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128132658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120146.htm Thoughts about killing oneself and engaging in suicidal behavior may begin much younger than previously thought. While about one of nine youths attempt suicide by the time they graduate from high school, new findings reveal that a significant proportion make their first suicide attempt in elementary or middle school. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117202935.htm Research provides the first evidence that depression can be treated by only targeting an individual's style of thinking through repeated mental exercises in an approach called cognitive bias modification. The study suggests an innovative psychological treatment called 'concreteness training' can reduce depression in just two months and could work as a self-help therapy for depression in primary care. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117202935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175811.htm New research identifies the brain chemicals and circuits involved in mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, giving potential new directions to their treatment. In addition, research with children shows that early-life depression and anxiety changes the structure of the developing brain. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114111809.htm Adults with congenital heart disease and implanted cardioverter defibrillators often have a high level of fear and anxiety about the device delivering a shock during sex -- resulting in sexual performance problems, according to new research. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114111809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114093409.htm Just as in humans, there are also the tough types or those with a more delicate personality among mice, researchers confirm. Some adopt an active strategy when faced with stressful situations and somehow try to tackle the problem, whereas others display a passive attitude. Those in the second group are more vulnerable: some of the physiological characteristics resemble those attributed to human depression. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114093409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111152242.htm The negative effects of depression in young people on the health of their hearts may be stronger than previously recognized. Depression or a history of suicide attempts in people younger than 40, especially young women, markedly increases their risk for dying from heart disease. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111152242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142352.htm As a fetus grows, it's constantly getting messages from its mother. It's not just hearing her heartbeat and whatever music she might play to her belly; it also gets chemical signals through the placenta. A new study finds that this includes signals about the mother's mental state. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109093729.htm People with recurrent depressions or those exposed to chronic stress exhibits shorter telomeres in white blood cells. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109093729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103143518.htm Problems like anxiety and depression are caused by psychological and environmental factors, and are known to be influenced by genetic proclivities. However, it is still not clear how each factor affects the brain's functions to induce anxious and depressive symptoms. To shed light on these interactions, scientists have investigated the amygdala, a part of the brain that is hyperactive in individuals suffering from anxiety and depression. The researchers have shown that its activity can be modulated depending on the subject's genetic makeup, personal history and cognition. These results suggest that the effects of psychotherapies on the cerebral activity of patients could vary according to their genetic traits. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103143518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190026.htm The poor safety profile of the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix) makes it unsuitable for first-line use, according to a new study. Varenicline, which already carries a "black box warning" from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, showed a substantially increased risk of reported depression or suicidal behavior compared to other smoking-cessation treatments, according to researchers. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125359.htm A newly published article reports that Web-based assessments for outcome measurements of patients in treatment for depression are valid and reliable. The findings indicate that the Internet version of the depression scale was equivalent to the paper version, and that patients preferred the Internet version. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171042.htm Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of suffering depression in old age. This is shown by one of the largest studies on elderly Europeans to have been carried out. Research also shows that self-determined motivation and perceived competence are important factors in persuading elderly people to exercise more. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220558.htm Obesity and depression both dramatically increase health care costs, but they mainly act separately, according to a new study. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028115348.htm Scientists have identified a new target area in the human genome that appears to harbor genes with a major role in the onset of depression. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028115348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091231.htm Binge eating is a disorder which affects both men and women, yet men remain underrepresented in research. A new study has found that the medical impact of the disorder is just as damaging to men as it is to women, yet research has shown that the number of men seeking treatment is far lower than the estimated number of sufferers Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024133030.htm Scientists have taken a promising step toward creating an animal model for decoding the specific brain circuits involved in depression. By electrically stimulating a brain region central to an animal's primary emotions, the researchers saw rats exhibit a variety of behaviors associated with a depressed, negative mood, or affect. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024133030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024122959.htm Previous depression, daily smoking and a lack of control over life circumstances -- or "low mastery" -- are risk factors for repeat episodes of depression, a new article finds. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024122959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125806.htm Researchers have identified three major patterns that emerge among couples dealing with male depression. These can be described as "trading places," "business as usual" and "edgy tensions." Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125519.htm In a summer with unprecedented weather events, from tornadoes, floods, fires and hurricanes, researchers found that physiological changes associated with aging and the presence of chronic illness make older adults more susceptible to illness or injury, even death, during a disaster. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025423.htm Patients with major depression do better by learning to create a more positive outlook about the future, rather than by focusing on negative thoughts about their past experiences, researchers say after developing a new treatment that helps patients do this. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024447.htm A major study of the quality of mental health care provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs finds that the care provided by the VA is as good as or better than that reported by privately insured, Medicare or Medicaid populations. The study also finds that treating US veterans with mental illness and substance use disorders is more expensive than caring for veterans with other medical conditions, costing more than $12 billion in 2007. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024447.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111019212248.htm Scientists have solved part of a puzzle concerning the relationship between changes in the strength of synapses -- the tiny gaps across which nerve cells in the brain communicate -- and dysfunctions in neural circuits that have been linked with drug addiction, mental retardation and other cognitive disorders. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111019212248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132058.htm It's no surprise to researchers that financial market dips and crashes typically happen in the fall. Researchers now show that people who experience seasonal depression shun financial risk-taking during seasons with diminished daylight but are more willing to accept risk in spring and summer. Seasonal depression may be sufficiently powerful to move financial markets. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010074853.htm Young people who are genetically vulnerable to depression should be extra careful about using cannabis: smoking cannabis leads to an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms, according to a new study carried out by researchers in the Netherlands. Two-thirds of the population have the gene variant that makes one sensitive to depression. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010074853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007113941.htm A new study has found evidence that a specific gene is linked to suicidal behavior, adding to our knowledge of the many complex causes of suicide. This research may help doctors one day target the gene in prevention efforts. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007113941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170725.htm Our life experiences -- the ups and downs, and everything in between -- shape us, stay with us and influence our emotional set point as adults, according to a new study. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005122235.htm Parents under long-term stress often find it challenging to tap into the patience, responsiveness, and energy required for effective child rearing. Now research helps to explain why chronic stress and parenting are such a toxic mix. The study finds that ongoing strains, like poverty or depression, disrupt the body's natural stress response, making mothers more likely to engage in a host of problematic parenting behaviors. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005122235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195251.htm Referring patients with mental health problems to talking therapies seems to cut their use of health-care services and the amount of sick leave they take, suggests research from the UK. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161702.htm For the first time, researchers have shown that a psychosocial treatment can significantly improve daily functioning and quality of life in the lowest-functioning cases of schizophrenia. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003080409.htm There is no such thing as a mild stroke. On the surface they appear unaffected, but people who have mild strokes may live with hidden disabilities, including depression, vision problems and difficulty thinking. A new study calls for guidelines for the treatment and management of mild strokes, which account for two-thirds of all strokes and usually involve a hospital stay of one to five days. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003080409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930102809.htm Many psychiatric conditions are caused by aberrant metabolism of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Researchers have now developed a new screening method, which will facilitate the search for new drugs that modulate the biological activity of serotonin. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930102809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161649.htm A review of previous studies suggests that even though atypical antipsychotic medications are commonly used for off-label conditions such as behavioral symptoms of dementia, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, these medications are effective for only a few off-label conditions, and that the benefits and harms of these medications for these uses vary, according to a new article. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161643.htm Atypical antipsychotic medications, developed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are frequently prescribed for many off-label uses. A new study finds that medical evidence suggests the drugs are effective in reducing symptoms for some off-label conditions, but not others. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927161643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927112043.htm Treatment via the Internet enables many more patients to get help with their depression, new research suggests. A psychologist has studied the effects of Internet-based CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) both on ongoing depression and for preventing relapses. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927112043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165904.htm The risk of depression appears to decrease for women with increasing consumption of caffeinated coffee, according to a new study. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926111358.htm Viewing two-dimensional images of the environment, as they occur in computer games, leads to sustained changes in the strength of nerve cell connections in the brain. When the researchers presented rats with new spatial environments on a computer screen, they observed long-lasting changes in the communication between nerve cells in a brain structure which is important for long-term memory (hippocampus). Thus, the researchers showed for the first time that active exploration of the environment is not necessary to obtain this effect. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926111358.htm