Certain women may be at a higher risk of developing postpartum depression as a result of how their genes are regulated by hormones. A new study has identified a suite of genetic markers that occur more often in women that suffer from the disorder. Further research may one day allow researchers to more effectively screen… [Continue Reading]
Depression in Cancer Patients Predicts Poor Outcomes
May 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A new study suggests that mental health may have a big impact during a patient’s battle against cancer. Patients who suffer from symptoms of depression are more likely to die than those with normal mental health, according to researchers. Depressed cancer survivors are twice as likely to die prematurely than those who do not suffer… [Continue Reading]
Criminal Psychopaths Lack Neural Basis for Empathy
April 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The brains of psychopaths don’t show normal activity in areas that control empathy and emotional learning, new research has revealed. Scientists exposed prisoners with the disorder to scenes that normally elicit a response of empathy, and measured their brain activity with MRI imaging. Prisoners who are psychopaths lack the basic neurophysiological “hardwiring” that enables them… [Continue Reading]
Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder May Not Be Receiving Best Treatments
April 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A study on the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder suggests that many patients may not be receiving optimal care. Researchers have reported a mismatch between what treatments are the most effective, and how patients are actually treated. Post-traumatic stress disorder affects nearly 8 million adults in any given year, federal statistics show. Fortunately, clinical research… [Continue Reading]
Response to Daily Stressors Affects Long-Term Mental Health
April 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Negative emotional responses to everyday stressors in life is linked to our mental health in the long-term, a new study shows. The authors of the study suggest that people shouldn’t neglect the management of minor, daily problems, and that this is essential for overall well-being. Our emotional responses to the stresses of daily life may… [Continue Reading]
Poor and Disordered Eating Worsens Bad Moods
March 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Eating healthily or not has a significant impact on mood, a new study shows. Research on a group of college-age women has found that after unhealthy eating behaviors, such as severely restricting calories or binging, negative mood increased. Taking part in unhealthy eating behaviors may cause women who are concerned about their diet and self-image… [Continue Reading]
SSRI Anti-depressants Linked to Heart Rhythm Issues
January 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Anti-depressant drugs of the SSRI class have been linked to heart abnormalities, a new study has found. The researchers who performed the study suggest that although the benefits of treatment may still outweigh the risks for most patients, patients and their doctors need to be aware of these side effects. Some antidepressants, known as selective… [Continue Reading]
Yoga Can Improve Mental Illness and Sleeping Troubles
January 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A recent review of the scientific literature reports that yoga can have beneficial effects for several mental illnesses and sleeping problems. A number of studies on the effects of yoga have been completed over the last few decades, but many of these have been poorly-controlled. The new review distills high-quality studies from the literature, and… [Continue Reading]
Targeting Certain Type of Brain Cell Could Help Treat Depression
January 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Our brain is composed of neurons, that relay electrical signals, and other cells that were long thought to play a supporting role in neuron function and brain structure. The role of these other cells, however, has been recognized as more and more important in recent years. New research suggests that one of these types of… [Continue Reading]
Overprescription of Antidepressants Hotly Debated by Doctors
January 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Rates of prescriptions of antidepressants are increasing, and with some studies showing a small proportion of patients that actually benefit, some doctors are suggesting that the drugs are overprescribed. Antidepressant prescriptions in the UK have increased by 9.6% in 2011, to 46 million prescriptions. Does this reflect overmedicalisation or appropriate treatment? Two experts debate the… [Continue Reading]