Modafinil may boost memory in individuals recovering from depression, finds study

Modafinil may boost memory in individuals recovering from depression, finds study

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Nearly all individuals with depression frequently suffer from impairments to memory, attentiveness and concentration. Cognitive deficiencies in majority of such individuals, which can be objectively measured, are likely to be sustained during recovery. The persistence of cognitive deficits in individuals leads to adverse consequences such as sub-optimal work performance and higher chances of relapse. People may take time off from work to recover from depression; even when they are present in the workplace, they may be far less productive than usual. This may give rise to feelings of distress and helplessness. Even during recovery, individuals find it difficult to return to optimal productivity levels in the workplace leaving them vulnerable. Read more →

Treatment for treatment-resistant major depression – 3: Using electroconvulsive therapy

Treatment for treatment-resistant major depression – 3: Using electroconvulsive therapy

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Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in America, leading to the feelings of hopelessness, despondency or guilt in millions of Americans. People from all walks of life in the country experience some form of depression, owing to factors such as lifestyle changes, prolonged work stress, uncaring relationship, etc. However, depression is not merely about being sad, isolated or distressed over an issue; instead, it is a serious mental disorder that needs immediate medical intervention. Sadly, not everyone battling with depression receives adequate treatment, which has huge implications on one’s physical health, mental health and longevity, in the long run. Read more →

Dealing with treatment-resistant major depression – 2: Using Dalhousie serotonin cocktail

Dealing with treatment-resistant major depression – 2: Using Dalhousie serotonin cocktail

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According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the main causes of disability in Americans aged between 15 and 44.3 years. The mental disorder, which is more prevalent in women than in men, affects nearly 6.7 percent of the U.S. population (more than 15 million adults aged 18 years or above) in a given year.

Although the basic symptoms of MDD are, somewhat, similar to that of depression, some of its symptoms could be highly intense or severe. A person with MDD may experience varying symptoms ranging from persistent irritability, loss of interest in activities to insomnia or restlessness. However, research is going on to develop new and innovative techniques to address the disorder and give relief to millions of people grappling with the devastating symptoms. Read more →

Dealing with treatment-resistant major depression – 1: Using tianeptine

Dealing with treatment-resistant major depression – 1: Using tianeptine

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Depression is a serious medical condition that affects how a person feels or reacts to routine situations in life. In the United States, depression is the most prevalent mental ailment, with millions of Americans being plagued by frequent episodes of intense sadness and lowered self-confidence. Apparently, depression is not just feeling sad, gloomy and isolated over a minor problem but is a much deeper issue, which, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening consequences, such as suicide. Read more →

Play video games to manage late-life depression

Play video games to manage late-life depression

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Playing video games on one’s mobiles, tablets or PCs, considered as a form of entertainment, is hardly taken seriously. However, a recent study has found out its potential to treat late-life depression (among individuals aged 60 and above). Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) Health Sciences and UW Medicine found promising results for treating depression with playing video games. As per the researchers, video game interface can help treat depression by targeting the underlying cognitive issues associated with it. Read more →

Can journaling help in reducing depression?

Can journaling help in reducing depression?

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Journaling is one of the best ways to deal with depression and other related maladies. Interestingly, writing a journal has a positive effect on both physical and mental health of an individual. One can record his or her daily activities, thoughts, feelings and interactions with others in a diary as an effective stress relief exercise.  A person can write anything and everything, ranging from one’s thoughts and fears to one’s reactions to the events of a particular day.  Precisely, journaling helps a person become more confident by providing a useful insight into how one’s sees oneself and the world around him or her. Read more →

Seriously depressed people may show signs of brain aging: Study

Seriously depressed people may show signs of brain aging: Study

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The myth that depression is nothing but brief spells of sadness which dissolve with time only add to the overwhelming feeling of pain and misery. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Those suffering from severe bouts of depression complain of their minds being stuck in a dark hole for prolonged periods. A recent study, titled “Accelerated aging of the putamen in patients with major depressive disorder,” has revealed that people with MDD may exhibit accelerated aging of brain structures like putamen. Read more →

Liver problems in young adults can cause depression

Liver problems in young adults can cause depression

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Depression is a major mental disorder among teens and young adults in the United States. According to a 2015 survey by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), roughly 3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the U.S. (12.5 percent) had at least one major depressive episode in 2014. Various factors, including biological and genetic, can be responsible for depression. Read more →

Discovery of a brain pathway may help with more effective treatment for depression

Discovery of a brain pathway may help with more effective treatment for depression

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Not all antidepressants are effective in alleviating depression, thus, necessitating the need to look for alternative ways to treat depression. Most antidepressants activate adult hippocampal neurogenesis, but the factors responsible for growth and development of tissue coupled with modulation in behavior still need clarity. Read more →

Practicing breathing exercises to manage depression

Practicing breathing exercises to manage depression

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Recovering from depression is important to fully live in the present moment and to enjoy life. While one can take prescription drugs and undergo therapy to manage this disorder, there are certain self-help strategies that can be practiced, on a daily basis, to decrease one’s susceptibility to depression. Read more →