Environment and Hippocampal Size Impact Depression in Youth

Summary: Challenging social environments and the size of the left hippocampus in children aged 9-11 contribute to an increased risk of depression. Researchers found that children with larger hippocampal volumes…

Knowingly Taking Placebos Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Summary: Researchers have discovered that nondeceptive placebos—placebos given with the full knowledge that they are placebos—can effectively manage stress, even when administered remotely. In a two-week randomized controlled trial, participants…

High-Dose Psilocybin Shows Potential as an Antidepressant Treatment

Summary: A meta-analysis suggests that high doses of psilocybin may alleviate depressive symptoms similarly to the SSRI drug escitalopram. While the effect size was small, psilocybin outperformed placebo in clinical…

Classical Music Synchronizes Brain Waves, Improving Depression

Summary: Western classical music can significantly affect brain activity, particularly in people with treatment-resistant depression. By measuring brainwaves and neural imaging, scientists discovered that music synchronizes neural oscillations between brain…

Depression Linked to Amygdala Activity

Summary: A new study reveals how depression affects brain activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of rats. Using a microelectrode array, researchers found increased theta frequency activity in the BLA…

Less Obesity and Depression in NPD Individuals

Summary: A comprehensive study across 38 states in the U.S. has revealed a surprising link between narcissism and positive health outcomes, including lower obesity and depression rates. States with higher…

Personality Traits and Social Media’s Influence on Teen Depression

Summary: Researchers explored how different social media platforms relate to depressive symptoms in teens. The study, involving 237 participants aged 14 to 16, found that personality traits, particularly extraversion, significantly…

TMS Proves Long-Term Relief for Depression

Summary: A major clinical trial, BRIGhTMIND, reveals that MRI-guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) significantly eases symptoms of severe depression for at least six months. The study, involving five centers across…

Depression and Schizophrenia Impact Learning

Summary: A new study reveals that patients with schizophrenia or depression struggle with optimal information utilization in learning processes. Using EEG and advanced computer modeling, researchers found that these patients…

Perinatal Depression: Decades of Elevated Mortality Risk

Summary: A new study highlights the long-term mortality risks associated with perinatal depression. Analyzing data from over 86,500 women, the research found that those experiencing depression during or shortly after…