mental health month

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mental health month

·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.

This shows a young man and woman drinking

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·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.

This is a watercolor of a person walking

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 1, 2019·3 min read

The impact of exercise and sleep on depression varies by gender

Study reports regular, vigorous exercise helps to protect males against depressive symptoms, while in women, no levels of physical activity had a significant impact on depression.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·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.

This shows an older couple taking a stroll in the park

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·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.

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 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.

This shows a depressed looking little girl.

Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning Featured Machine Learning Neuroscience Neurotech Psychology

·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.

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.

This shows a depressed looking man and a plate of food

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·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.

this is a woman holding her head while other hands are covering her face

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 3, 2019·5 min read

Hotspot in the genome may drive psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

A cluster of epigenetic marks in an enhancer at IGF2 could enhance dopamine synthesis associated with psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The findings may help in devising more effective treatments and screening strategies for both disorders.

This shows pizza, burgers and other junk foods

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·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.

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