Depression

New research has explored the relationship between eating habits and mental health in young men suffering from clinical depression, and shown that switching to a healthier Mediterranean diet can bring about significant reductions in symptoms.

Researchers have shown in mice how a heightened sense of alert among immune cells may drive some of the long-term consequences to cognitive function after concussion, and opened up new possibilities around therapies for human sufferers.

New research has delved into the relationship between exercise and depression and turned up some early but valuable insights, suggesting that a single workout before a weekly therapy session can amplify its positive effects.

A new study offers the first investigation into mental health issues in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients up to 16 months after initial infection. The findings reveal COVID-19 led to a higher risk of long-term depression depending on initial severity.

A large study has found high rates of mental health problems in COVID-19 patients up to a year after acute infection. The research found mild or severe COVID-19 increased a person's risk of developing anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

New research has offered valuable insights into the long-term effects of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression. The study reports more than half the original cohort were still in remission 12 months after the acute psychedelic treatment.

Within certain populations, it's important to know if individuals may be developing depression. New research suggests that even if people don't realize they're becoming depressed, a simple Fitbit could warn that they are.

From the first published data out of large clinical trials testing MDMA and psilocybin, to some incredible work investigating what psychedelics actually do to a mammalian brain, here are the highlights from a truly landmark year in psychedelic science.

The results have been published from a massive clinical trail spanning five years investigating whether omega-3 fish oil supplements improve mood or prevent depression. No differences in any measure were detected between placebo and omega-3 groups.

Furthering understanding into the links between inflammation and depression a study has found a fascinating association between increased white blood cell counts and higher genetic risk scores for depression, even in the absence of depressive symptoms.

Deep brain stimulation works by targeting specific areas of the brain with electrical impulses, and a study has demonstrated how it can be customized based on individual brain activity to treat depression resistant to traditional forms of therapy.

Data from the largest trial to date testing psilocybin for depression indicates the psychedelic is effective at reducing symptom severity. However, concerns over adverse effects indicate more work is needed before psilocybin is ready for clinical use.