Depression

An incredible proof-of-concept study has demonstrated how a brain implant can treat severe depression using electrical stimulation. The implant tracks neural activity for patterns of depression and zaps a key region in real-time to disrupt the cycle.

A screen time study tracking device use in children has found those who spend more time with digital devices had larger friendship groups. The research indicates the influence of screen time may not be as undesirable as some have previously suggested.

A new review article is suggesting a number of psychiatric disorders share common gut microbiome perturbations. The meta-analysis found depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety all present with similar gut microbial abnormalities.

Through a series of ingenious mouse experiments researchers have discovered evidence showing inflammation-induced histamine activity can inhibit the release of serotonin in the brain. The findings suggest histamine may play a key role in depression.

An extraordinary new study is reporting the first direct demonstration of a psilocybin dose inducing neural plasticity in a mammalian brain. The researchers hypothesize this mechanism playing a role in the drug’s antidepressant qualities.

A Phase 2 clinical trial has found a single treatment session with nitrous oxide can deliver significant and rapid improvements in patients with treatment-resistant depression, and the research indicates these benefits can last for at least two weeks.

Researchers have catalogued 178 gene variants associated with major depression in one of the biggest genome-wide association studies ever conducted. The study encompassed several million people in the hope of developing a genetic test to detect those most at risk.

A technique is allowing researchers to measure endogenous lithium concentrations in the human brain for the very first time. Researchers found natural lithium levels in white matter were lower in suicidal subjects than healthy controls.

Research has found new evidence of a link between inflammation and depression. The large-scale study identified higher levels of an inflammatory biomarker in depressed subjects compared to non-depressed subjects, but not all experts are convinced.

A new meta-analysis has reviewed over 400 clinical trials investigating the efficacy of various psychological interventions on mental well-being in an attempt to empirically categorize the most effective tactics to improve one’s well-being.

A first-of-its-kind trial has pitted a common antidepressant against psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms. The results are mixed but suggest the drug is at least as effective as common antidepressants in treating depression.

Researchers are closer to an objective blood test for mood disorders, with a new study describing a panel of blood-based biomarkers that can distinguish between depression and bipolar disorder, and measure the future risk of developing these conditions.