Updates about psychiatry and our practice.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open by scientists at Stanford Medicine has revealed a previously unrecognized form of depression. This subtype is distinguished by cognitive impairments and does not respond as well to commonly prescribed antidepressant medications. The findings contribute to ongoing research aiming to identify treatments tailored to specific biotypes of depression, each with unique biological characteristics. …
Depression is a widespread and devastating mental health disorder that impacts millions of individuals across the globe. It is characterized by enduring feelings of sadness and despair, along with alterations in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels. Despite the existence of effective treatments for depression, numerous individuals do not experience improvement with these interventions. Additionally, accurately predicting treatment response remains …
Individuals who have successfully overcome a significant episode of depression exhibit a tendency to allocate more attention and cognitive resources towards negative information processing, while dedicating less time to processing positive information. This disparity in information processing increases their vulnerability to a potential relapse when compared to those who have not experienced a major depressive episode. According to research published …
A recent study published in the journal Nature Mental Health by researchers at the University of Cambridge revealed that attending in-person mindfulness courses has a lasting positive impact on mental health, even up to six months after completing the program. The study analyzed data from 13 randomized controlled trials, encompassing 2,371 participants. The researchers discovered that individuals who participated in …
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of developing depression, according to a recent study published in Nature Mental Health. Conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Fudan University, the study examined data from nearly 290,000 individuals. The findings revealed that those who adhered to a healthy lifestyle had a 57% reduced likelihood of experiencing depression …
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of York discovered that getting high-quality sleep can enhance one’s resilience to depression and anxiety. Published in the journal Cortex, the study revealed that individuals who reported having good sleep were less prone to developing symptoms of depression or anxiety during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a study …
A clinical trial conducted by researchers from UNSW Sydney has discovered that ketamine given as a subcutaneous shot effectively treats treatment-resistant depression. The findings, published in the journal the British Journal of Psychiatry, demonstrate that ketamine surpassed placebo in significantly reducing depressive symptoms. The trial involved 200 patients who had not responded to at least two other types of antidepressant …
Depression is a common and serious mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are effective treatments available, prevention is always better than cure. A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry suggests that a new approach called “psychological vaccination” could help to prevent depression. The study, by researchers from China and the United Kingdom, reviewed …
A recent study published in the esteemed scientific journal Nature Communications has uncovered a potential connection between the complex ecosystem of gut bacteria, known as the gut microbiome, and depression. The study was carried out by accomplished researchers at the renowned Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Their findings revealed distinct differences in gut microbiomes between individuals suffering from …
A recent study published in the journal Psychopharmacology discovered that psilocybin-assisted treatment (PCT) effectively reduces symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) even after 12 months. Johns Hopkins University researchers conducted this study, closely monitoring and evaluating 24 participants who underwent PCT for MDD. These participants were evaluated at multiple intervals including baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and finally at the …
