Targeted treatment for depression could benefit patients with psychosis
Patients with early onset psychosis may benefit from treatment for depression, including with anti-depressants alongside other medication, new research shows.
Future mental health care may include diagnosis via brain scan and computer algorithm
Most of modern medicine has physical tests or objective techniques to define much of what ails us. Yet, there is currently no blood or genetic test, or impartial procedure that can definitively diagnose a mental illness, and certainly none to distinguish between different psychiatric disorders with similar symptoms. Experts are combining machine learning with brain imaging tools to redefine the standard for diagnosing mental illnesses.
Social connection is the strongest protective factor for depression
Researchers have identified a set of modifiable factors from a field of over 100 that could represent valuable targets for preventing depression in adults. The team named social connection as the strongest protective factor for depression, and suggested that reducing sedentary activities such as TV watching and daytime napping could also help lower the risk of depression.
Yoga shown to improve anxiety, study shows
A new study finds yoga improves symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, suggesting the popular practice may be helpful in treating anxiety in some people.
Trustful collaboration critical for outcome of therapy
A trusting therapeutic relationship and outcome-oriented collaboration between therapist and patient are critical for the successful treatment of mental illness. And it pays to start early in therapy, a series of meta-studies shows.
Stress and anger may exacerbate heart failure
Mental stress and anger may have clinical implications for patients with heart failure, according to a new report.
Teens’ social media use does not raise risk for depression, study finds
New findings refute popular wisdom and may provide relief to parents and educators concerned with adolescents' heavy use of social media -- particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.
Study pinpoints five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers
A combination of genetic and emotional differences may lead to post-traumatic stress (PTS) in police officers, a new study finds. Based on biological studies of officers in major cities, the study showed that the most significant PTS predictors are the tendency to startle at sudden sounds, early career displays of mental health symptoms (e.g., anxiety and depression), and certain genetic differences, including some known to influence a person's immune system.
Prenatal depression can alter child’s brain connectivity, affect behavior
Altered brain connectivity may be one way prenatal depression influences child behavior, according to new research.
Body weight has surprising, alarming impact on brain function
As a person's weight goes up, all regions of the brain go down in activity and blood flow, according to a new brain imaging study.