Children born extremely preterm are more likely to be diagnosed with depression

A study using extensive nationwide registry data showed that girls born extremely preterm, earlier than 28 weeks gestational age, were three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than peers born close to the expected date of delivery. Increased risk of depression also applied to girls and boys with poor fetal growth born full-term and post-term. The effects of poor fetal growth were more evident with increasing gestational age.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201112103511.htm

New insight into how brain neurons influence choices

By studying animals choosing between two drink options, researchers have discovered that the activity of certain neurons in the brain leads directly to the choice of one option over another. The findings could lead to better understanding of how decision-making goes wrong in conditions such as addiction and depression.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201102120058.htm

Genomic study reveals role for hypothalamus in inflammatory bowel disease

Using sophisticated 3D genomic mapping and integrating with public data resulting from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), researchers have found significant genetic correlations between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and stress and depression.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201029115834.htm

Single brain region links depression and anxiety, heart disease, and treatment sensitivity

Over-activity in a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms. A new study suggests that sgACC is a crucial region in depression and anxiety, and targeted treatment based on a patient’s symptoms could lead to better outcomes.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201026081457.htm

Severe morning sickness linked to depression new study finds

Severe morning sickness increases the risk of depression both during and after pregnancy, new research has found.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201014201016.htm

STAT3 identified as important factor in emotional reactivity

Researchers showed that STAT3 plays an important role in the serotonergic system as a molecular mediator for controlling emotional reactivity, thereby establishing a mechanistic link between the immune system, serotonergic transmission and affective disorders such as depression.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201014114218.htm

Older adults using cannabis to treat common health conditions

Researchers report that older adults are increasingly using cannabis to treat a variety of common health conditions, including pain, sleep disturbances and psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201007152815.htm

New clues about the link between stress and depression

Researchers have identified a protein in the brain that is important both for the function of the mood-regulating substance serotonin and for the release of stress hormones, at least in mice. The findings may have implications for the development of new drugs for depression and anxiety.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201002105749.htm

Yoga and meditation reduce chronic pain

A mindfulness-based stress reduction course was found to benefit patients with chronic pain and depression, leading to significant improvement in participant perceptions of pain, mood and functional capacity, according to a new study. Most of the study respondents (89%) reported the program helped them find ways to better cope with their pain while 11% remained neutral.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201001133227.htm

Social media use linked with depression, secondary trauma during COVID-19

Can’t stop checking social media for the latest COVID-19 health information? You might want to take a break, according to researchers who discovered that excessive use of social media for COVID-19 health information is related to both depression and secondary trauma.

See full article at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200929152149.htm