Placebo approach may pave way for new therapeutic depression treatments

Placebo approach may pave way for new therapeutic depression treatments

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Despite being a common mental illness, depression often gets brushed aside in thin air due to inadequate treatment facilities and prevalent social stigma. Depression is a debilitating mental issue that affects millions in the United States every year. According to the findings of the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the leading cause of disability in the world affecting more than 300 million people of all age groups.

The persistence of depression for a long period may lead to several health hazards, such as fatigue, insomnia, low appetite and weight loss, overeating and heavy weight gains, thoughts of death and even suicide. However, repercussions of depression can be overcome through placebo treatment. In fact, there is an interesting association between antidepressants and the placebo effect. The level of response of a person to real antidepressants depends on how accurately a person responds to fake medications. Read more

‘Detached mindfulness’ can lower depression, says study

‘Detached mindfulness’ can lower depression, says study

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One of the principal characteristics of people struggling with anxiety or depression is frequently pondering over negative thoughts such as past failures, mistakes and feelings of inadequacy. A new study by a team of Norwegian and British researchers shows that training the mind to stop focusing on such thoughts may improve mental health. Findings of the study, which appeared in the journal Frontiers in Psychology in January 2017, highlight that a technique known as metacognitive therapy (MCT) is very helpful in the treatment of depression. Read more

Researchers divide depression into four different subtypes

Researchers divide depression into four different subtypes

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Depression is a very common mental health condition characterized by persistent low moods, feelings of helplessness, sleep problems, low self-esteem, among others. Interestingly, every individual goes through a period of sadness and depression at some point in his or her life, which usually goes away on its own. But, when these symptoms make people feel completely unmotivated to do any task, it is a sign of a serious issue that cannot be passed on simply as the “blues.” Isolating from surroundings, detaching from friends and loved ones, alienating from the responsibility, and engrossing in self-thoughts are some of the other symptoms of depression. Read more

Beware men, sexism and masculinity can lead to poor mental health

Beware men, sexism and masculinity can lead to poor mental health

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Depression affects both men and women alike, but the symptoms of depression might differ in the two cases. As per experts, women with mental health issues tend to feel sad or worthless, while men tend to become hostile, aggressive or withdrawn. In extreme cases, it might even lead to suicide. Read more

Depression does not discriminate, it can affect even singers

Depression does not discriminate, it can affect even singers

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Like any other mental illness, depression does not discriminate. It does not care whether you live in a mansion or on the streets. It does not care to check your bank balance or occupation. No matter who you are or what your background is, you have a chance of suffering from depression. Read more

Appalachian region more depressed than rest of the US: Study

Appalachian region more depressed than rest of the US: Study

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Depression is common in the United States and it is the leading cause of disability in the country for people aged between 15 and 44.3 years. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 16.1 million adults aged 18 or older in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in 2014.  While the entire nation is grappling with the issue of depression caused by various factors, researchers have identified the Appalachian region to be more depressed than the rest of the U.S. Read more

Emotional challenges after stroke

Emotional challenges after stroke

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A very frequent and dangerous consequence of stroke is a feeling of anxiety, hopelessness, frustration, sadness and fear among patients who have survived the attack. These emotions are common with approximately one-third of stroke survivors who experience major depression post attack. Clinically identified as symptoms of post-stroke depression (PSD), the National Institutes of Health states that it is under diagnosed. Read more