Dog ownership reduces loneliness
Evidence suggests new dog owners experience a reduction in negative mood and feelings of loneliness.... Read More...
mood
Seasonal Affective Disorder Impacts 10 Million Americans. Are You One of Them?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects over 10 million people in the US. Find out the symptoms and treatment options available.... Read More...
Brain circuit connects feeding and mood in response to stress
A new study identifies a novel neural network regulating feeding and mood in response to chronic stress. Inhibiting the POMC to ventral tegmental area circuit increases body weight and food intake while reducing depressive symptoms in mouse models.... Read More...
The unbeatable lightness of being
Finding humor in life can help to improve happiness and reduce stress. ... Read More...
‘Microdosers’ of psychedelics report improved mood, focus and creativity
Those who microdose psychedelics report improved mood, greater focus, and increased creativity. A new study looks at the positive outcomes of microdosing and suggests others look at potential long-term negative consequences of using psychedelics.... Read More...
Vitamin D deficiency in childhood linked to aggression and mood disorders in adolescence
Middle-school aged children with vitamin D deficiency were twice as likely to develop externalizing behavior problems and mood disorders during adolescence than their peers with higher levels of the vitamin.... Read More...
People who eat dark chocolate less likely to be depressed
Eating dark chocolate can help reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of clinical depression. People who ate dark chocolate in two 24-hour periods had 70% reduced odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who did not eat chocolate. However, milk chocolate did not produce the same effect. Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a neuromodulator implicated in mood regulation.... Read More...
Why babies born during winter are at higher risk of developing mental health disorders
Cortisol levels are higher in women who give birth during winter months. The findings shed light on why mental health disorders are more common in those born during colder seasons.... Read More...
Dissociative disorders are nearly as common as depression. So why haven’t we heard about them?
Dissociative disorders affect 10-11% of people at some point in their life. Dissociation is often the result of a traumatic event and can lead to emotional numbness. The condition is often comorbid with other mental health disorders. However, dissociative disorders are often overlooked. A new paper explores the phenomena of dissociation and calls for more understanding of the condition.... Read More...
Improved mood and focus reported by microdosers
Microdosing, a growing trend where people take small doses for psychedelic drugs, is associated with improved mood, focus, and creativity. For some, microdosing may provide a possible alternative to SSRI antidepressants. However, researchers warn of some potential problems with microdosing, including negative side effects, psychological stigma, and exposure to elicit, black market products.... Read More...
CPAP provides relief from depression
CPAP helps to reduce symptoms of depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease independently of sleep improvements. ... Read More...
Mood neurons mature during adolescence
Late developing neurons in the amygdala may be responsible for emotional development and mood disorders, researchers report. ... Read More...