Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Depression, Schizophrenia
Published A subtype of depression identified



Using surveys, cognitive tests and brain imaging, researchers have identified a type of depression that affects about a quarter of patients. The goal is to diagnose and treat the condition more precisely.
Published Chronic stress-related neurons identified



Researchers have identified a group of nerve cells in the mouse brain that are involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which have been mapped with a combination of advanced techniques, also have receptors for estrogen, which could explain why women as a group are more sensitive to stress than men.
Published Serotonin booster leads to increased functional brain connectivity



Cognitive deficits accompany mood disorders and other psychiatric conditions, often with debilitating effects. Limited treatments currently exist, but studies in animals and humans have pointed to drugs such as the laxative prucalopride that activate serotonin receptors as a potential therapeutic for the symptoms. It has remained unclear, however, how the medication affects resting brain activity. Now, a new study examines the drug's effects in healthy human adults.
Published New study links contraceptive pills and depression



Women who used combined contraceptive pills were at greater risk of developing depression than women who did not, according to a new study. Contraceptive pills increased women's risk by 73 per cent during the first two years of use.
Published How does dopamine regulate both learning and motivation?



A new study brings together two schools of thought on the function of the neurotransmitter dopamine: one saying that dopamine provides a learning signal, the other saying that dopamine drives motivation.
Published Further link identified between autoimmunity and schizophrenia



Links have been reported between schizophrenia and proteins produced by the immune system that can act against one's own body, known as autoantibodies. Researchers have now identified autoantibodies that target a 'synaptic adhesion protein' in a subset of patients with schizophrenia. When injected into mice, the autoantibodies caused many schizophrenia-related changes.
Published Obesity increases risk of mental disorders throughout life



Being obese significantly increases the chances of also developing mental disorders. This applies to all age groups, with women at higher risk than men for most diseases.
Published Vitamin D alters developing neurons in the brain's dopamine circuit



Neuroscientists have shown how vitamin D deficiency affects developing neurons in the brain's dopamine circuit, which may lead to the dopamine dysfunction seen in adults with schizophrenia.
Published Researchers treat depression by reversing brain signals traveling the wrong way



A new study has revealed how magnetic stimulation treats severe depression: by correcting the abnormal flow of brain signals.
Published AI voice coach shows promise in depression, anxiety treatment



A study found changes in patients' brain activity along with improved depression and anxiety symptoms after using Lumen.
Published Potential found to counter depression by restoring key brain rhythm



A new study in mice and rats found that restoring certain signals in a brain region that processes smells countered depression.
Published Anti-depressant agent KNT-127 reduces stress as well as depression



Depression is a condition affecting millions across the globe. However, efficient drugs with minimal adverse effects are scarce. Now, researchers have reported how KNT-127, a delta opioid receptor agonist, quickly and efficiently reduces classic parameters of depression in a mouse model. This anti-depressant agent exhibits the dual nature of being a stress reliever and an anti-depressant and could broaden the potential of existing treatments.
Published A special omega-3 fatty acid lipid will change how we look at the developing and aging brain



Scientists have found a lipid transporter crucial to regulating the cells that make myelin, the nerve-protecting sheath.
Published Mental imagery a helpful way to distract teens from negative thought patterns



For adolescents who may get stuck in negative thought spirals, refocusing on mental imagery is a more effective distraction than verbal thoughts.
Published Problems with 'pruning' brain connections linked to adolescent mental health disorders



Problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence, according to research published today. The findings may help explain why people are often affected by more than one mental health disorder, and may in future help identify those at greatest risk.
Published Study examines how social rank affects response to stress



Scientists say their study could shed light on stress-related mental illnesses but that more research is needed.
Published Newly discovered trigger for major depression opens new possibilities for treatments



The simple amino acid glycine looks to be a previously unknown contributor to depression.
Published Researchers find strong adolescent-parent relationships lead to better long-term health outcomes in young adults



Researchers have found that adolescents who report strong relationships with their parents have better long-term health outcomes. Study findings suggest that investments in improving parent--adolescent relationships could help improve general health, mental health and sexual, health while also reducing substance use in young adulthood.
Published New evidence: Immune system cells in the gut linked to stress-induced depression



In experiments with mice and humans, a team led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers says it has identified a particular intestinal immune cell that impacts the gut microbiome, which in turn may affect brain functions linked to stress-induced disorders such as depression. Targeting changes mediated by these immune cells in the gut, with drugs or other therapies, could potentially bring about new ways to treat depression.
Published Researchers develop blood test for anxiety



Researchers have successfully developed a blood test for anxiety. The test examines biomarkers that can help them objectively determine someone’s risk for developing anxiety, the severity of their current anxiety and which therapies would likely treat their anxiety the best.