mental health month

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mental health month

·May 2, 2020·3 min read

Neural circuit that drives physical responses to emotional stress discovered

Researchers have identified a brain circuit that drives physical response to emotional stress. The circuit begins in the dorsal peduncular cortex and dorsal tenia tecta, before sending signals to the hypothalamus. The findings could help with the development of treatments for panic disorders and PTSD.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 1, 2020·3 min read

Antidepressants could be used as preventative for those with depression risk factors

While it is well-known antidepressants are effective at treating those with depression, a new study reports the medications may be beneficial as a preventative measure for those with a risk factor for depressive disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 23, 2019·4 min read

Exercise is the new primary prescription for those with mental health problems

Adding exercise as a treatment for patients in psychiatric care facilities has positive benefits and is proving to be more effective than medications or psychotherapy alone. Exercise helps reduce mental health disorder symptoms such as anxiety, depression, anger and psychomotor agitation. Researchers say exercise also helps to develop a more balanced and integrated sense of self for those with mental health disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 16, 2019·5 min read

Ketamine: The illicit party psychedelic that promises to heal depression

Ketamine, an anesthetics which has been commonly used as an illicit party drug, is helping people overcome depression. The drug works rapidly and provides lasting relief from depressive symptoms for weeks after exposure. Researchers are examining how ketamine works in the brain to help positively influence behavior in those with mood disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 13, 2019·3 min read

Study shows people fail to recognize male postnatal depression

People are more likely to diagnose symptoms of postnatal depression in women over men, new findings report. When presented with information relating to the mental health of new parents, people associated postnatal depression symptoms in men with stress and tiredness. Researchers state the need for greater awareness of paternal postnatal depression.

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·May 10, 2019·4 min read

Dietary fats entering the brain may explain link between obesity and depression: Mouse study

A mechanism that links exposure to high-fat diets in mice to changes in hypothalamic function which leads to depression has been identified. Saturated fatty acids enter the brain via the bloodstream, where they accumulate and affect key signaling pathways associated with the development of depression.

This shows a depressed looking man and a plate of food

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·May 8, 2019·3 min read

Research highlights role of psychological distress and emotional eating in obesity

Lower socioeconomic status is associated with a higher risk of psychological distress. The increase in psychological distress is, in turn, associated with higher levels of emotional eating and obesity risks.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 7, 2019·5 min read

Everyday stress may boost blood vessel dysfunction in people with depression

Exposure to everyday stressors may result in impairments in endothelial function for patients with major depressive disorder. The findings reveal a possible reason for the association between stress, depression and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2019·7 min read

Study explains why a moody gut often accompanies depression

Mice with a genetic mutation linked to severe depression had impaired ability for neurons in the gut and brain to create serotonin. The reduction of serotonin in the gut led to a deterioration in the gut's lining, slowing the movement of contents through the GI tract and resulting in constipation. However, treatment with 5-HTP increased neurogenesis in the gut, restoring normal function.

This shows a depressed looking little girl.

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·May 6, 2019·5 min read

AI can detect depression in a child’s speech

An auditory-based machine learning algorithm was able to identify children diagnosed with depression and anxiety with 80% accuracy after analyzing recordings of their speech. The algorithm identified eight audio features that signify a higher risk of depression. Of these, a lower pitch of voice, repeatable speech inflections and a higher pitch response to surprise stimuli, were more indicative of depression. Researchers hope to develop a smartphone app that records and analyzes speech immediately, helping to better detect children at risk of internalizing disorders.

This shows an older couple taking a stroll in the park

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 4, 2019·3 min read

Mental well-being predicts leisure time physical activity in midlife

The quality of mental well-being one experiences at age 42 may be a strong predictor of time spent pursuing physical activities at age 50.

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·May 4, 2019·3 min read

Gender impacts brain activity in alcohol use disorder

Men with alcohol use disorder have diminished brain activity in areas associated with emotional processing, memory and social processing, compared to women with AUD. The findings may lead to gender-specific treatments to help relieve addition to alcohol.

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