Depression

New research presents the most comprehensive study to date into the long-term neurological problems associated with COVID-19. Tracking 150,000 COVID patients for a year the research found COVID led to a 42% increase in risk of several brain disorders.

New research has approached the relationship between exercise and brain health with a long-term view, tapping into a year’s worth of Fitbit data to gauge the impacts of different types of physical activity, and turned up some interesting results.

People subjected to irregular sleeping and eating habits through shift work are known to have higher risk of a wide range of health problems, and a new study has drilled into the impacts of this lifestyle on mental health.

Associating positive or negative emotions to specific memories is core to survival. Researchers have identified a specific molecule that seems to drive the assignment of emotions to memories, which could lead to new treatments for anxiety and 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.