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depression

This shows a person using a swap to analyze a saliva test.

·May 9, 2025·5 min read

At Home Saliva Test Detects Hidden Stress, Depression Risks

Researchers have developed a portable “lab-on-a-chip” device that measures cortisol levels from saliva, offering an objective and rapid way to assess stress and mental health risk. The device includes a disposable saliva collector and a handheld reader that delivers results to a smartphone within minutes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2025·8 min read

SSRI Exposure in the Womb May Rewire Brain Circuits

New research suggests that prenatal exposure to SSRIs may alter brain development in ways that increase the risk of depression and anxiety later in life. Using mice and human data, scientists found that early-life SSRI exposure heightened activity in brain fear circuits, a pattern not observed in offspring of depressed mothers who did not take SSRIs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2025·8 min read

Teens With Mental Health Conditions Use Social Media Differently

Adolescents with mental health conditions report distinct and often more negative experiences on social media compared to their peers. Those with internalising conditions like anxiety and depression were more likely to compare themselves to others, struggle with self-control, and experience mood changes tied to likes and comments.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2025·4 min read

Physical Activity Protects Teens From Depression

A long-term study shows that teenagers who maintain or increase physical activity levels are less likely to develop symptoms of depression. Researchers tracked 873 participants from ages 6 to 18, measuring activity levels with accelerometers and assessing mental health through clinical interviews.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 5, 2025·5 min read

Stressful Neighborhoods May Numb Kids’ Brains to Joy and Loss

Children raised in disadvantaged neighborhoods may show blunted brain responses to rewards and losses, especially if they have a family history of depression. New research reveals that community-level stress, not just personal trauma, can dampen neural reactions tied to motivation and emotional engagement.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 4, 2025·4 min read

Music Mindfulness Eases Anxiety and Depression

Mindfulness exercises paired with music were found to engage both neural and cardiac systems, potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. A recent study showed that live and virtual music mindfulness sessions lowered stress and altered states of consciousness, though only live sessions fostered social connection.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 3, 2025·4 min read

Shared Brain Circuit Links Insomnia, Anxiety, and Depression

A large brain imaging study suggests that insomnia, depression, and anxiety—often co-occurring—share overlapping brain abnormalities. Researchers found reduced cortical surface area, smaller thalamic volume, and weaker brain connectivity across all three disorders, while each also displayed unique neural patterns.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 2, 2025·5 min read

Motivation Struggles Persist After Depression Recovery

People who have recovered from depression show reduced motivation to pursue rewards unless the incentives are large and highly certain. Although mood improves post-recovery, hidden deficits in reward processing and decision-making linger, potentially contributing to relapse vulnerability.

This shows the outline of a person and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 2, 2025·4 min read

Immune System Tied to Mental Health Disorders

New research reveals that immune system activity may play a causal role in conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Using Mendelian randomisation, scientists linked 29 immune-related proteins to seven neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting the brain is not the only organ involved in mental health.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 30, 2025·4 min read

Early Teen Depression May Be Easier to Treat Than in Adults

New research reveals that depression in young teens may be more treatable than in adults, thanks to more flexible and less entrenched symptom patterns. Using data from over 35,000 adolescents, researchers applied network analysis and a novel "network temperature" model to show that depressive symptoms stabilize with age, becoming more resistant to change.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 29, 2025·4 min read

Anxiety and Depression Linked to Persistent Low Self-Belief

New research reveals that individuals with anxiety and depression tend to focus more on their moments of low confidence rather than successes, fueling persistent low self-belief. Despite performing just as well as others and responding positively to feedback, these individuals build an overly negative self-image by discounting their confident performances.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 29, 2025·6 min read

Ketamine’s Hidden Physical and Psychological Damage

A new study highlights the severe physical and psychological consequences linked to ketamine addiction, with many users unaware of the risks until dependent. Researchers found high rates of bladder damage, painful organ cramps, low mood, and anxiety among those with ketamine use disorder.