Beta Brain Waves: A Novel Brain Signature for Depression

Summary: A new study identifies beta frequency neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as crucial for recognizing rewards and shaping behavior. This neural signature is altered in patients…

Misleading Information on Depression Hampers Understanding

Summary: A new study reveals that misleading information about depression is widespread, making it harder for people to grasp the causes of their distress. The study criticizes the circular reasoning…

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…

Do hormonal contraceptives increase depression risk? A neuroscientist explains how they affect your mood, for better or worse

More than 85% of women – and more than 300 million people worldwide at any given time – use hormonal contraceptives for at least five years of their life. Although…

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…

Ketamine’s Key to Unlocking Social Bonding in Depression

Summary: Researchers made a significant breakthrough in understanding how ketamine treats depression-related social impairments, focusing on the drug’s effects in the mouse model. Their study shows that (R)-ketamine, as opposed…

Immune Cell Enzyme Links Stress to Depression

Summary: Researchers identified a novel ‘body-mind mechanism’ that links chronic stress to depression. They discovered that stress increases the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in blood, which then impacts brain neurons,…

Parental Traits May Influence Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Summary: Researchers revealed that evaluating parental traits for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders offers a more precise prediction for these conditions in children than genetic testing alone. The study found that…

Can A Furry Fruit Help Boost Mood and Mental Health?

Summary: Researchers found that kiwifruit rapidly improves mood and vitality, with effects noticeable in just four days. The study involved an 8-week intervention with 155 adults with low vitamin C…

Positive Adult Bond Buffers Against Depression in Kids Facing Adversity

Summary: Positive relationships with parents and other adults during childhood significantly contribute to better mental health in adulthood. Analyzing data from the Boricua Youth Study, researchers found that children with…