Drinking during COVID-19 up among people with anxiety and depression

 People with anxiety and depression are more likely to report an increase in drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic than those without mental health issues, according to a new study.

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Loneliness a leading cause of depression in older adults

 Loneliness is responsible for 18% of depression among people over 50 in England, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.

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Inequalities in health care for people with depression and/or anxiety

 This read describes the health care use of people with depression and/or anxiety across primary and secondary care prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Postpartum depression may persist three years after giving birth

  A study of 5,000 women has found that approximately 1 in 4 experienced high levels of depressive symptoms at some point in the three years after giving birth. The rest of the women experienced low levels of depression throughout the three-year span.

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Single brain region links depression and anxiety, heart disease, and treatment sensitivity

Over-activity in a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms.

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Amyloid deposits not associated with depression in the elderly

Researchers have suspected that amyloid beta deposits might also underlie the cognitive decline seen in older people with depression, however a new study has found that abnormal amyloid beta deposits were actually found in fewer older adults with major depression compared to non-depressed control subjects.  Click here to read further. 

Coronavirus and depression in adults, Great Britain: June 2020

 The proportion of the population with depressive symptoms in Great Britain between 4 and 14 June 2020, based on the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey. Includes how symptoms of depression have changed since before the pandemic (July 2019 to March 2020).

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Depression worsens over time for older caregivers of newly diagnosed dementia patients

 Caring for a partner or spouse with a new diagnosis of Alzheimer's or related dementia is associated with a 30 percent increase in depressive symptoms, compared to older adults who don't have a spouse with dementia -- and these symptoms are sustained over time, a new study found.

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None of the most common blood pressure medications increased the risk of depression, some lowered the risk

Among the 41 most common blood pressure medications, none of them raised the risk of depression, according to an analysis from Denmark. The study also found that some high blood pressure medications lowered the risk of depression.

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Targeted treatment for depression could benefit patients with psychosis

 Patients with early onset psychosis may benefit from treatment for depression, including with anti-depressants alongside other medication, new research shows.

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Social connection is the strongest protective factor for depression

 Social connection is the strongest protective factor for depression.

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Stress and anger may exacerbate heart failure

Mental stress and anger may have clinical implications for patients with heart failure, according to a new report.

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Lithium in drinking water linked with lower suicide rates

Naturally occurring lithium in public drinking water may have an anti-suicidal effect - according to a new study. The study collated research from around the world and found that geographical areas with relatively high levels or concentration of lithium in public drinking water had correspondingly lower suicide rates.
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Poor sleep significantly linked with teenage depression

Teenagers who experience very poor sleep may be more likely to experience poor mental health in later life, as depressed teens in study slept 30 minutes less per night than other groups.
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Yoga eases depressive symptoms in people with other mental health issues

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Depression viewed differently when thought to be biological

People who believe more strongly that depression is biologically caused also tend to think it is more severe and long lasting, compared to those who see less of a role for biological causes, a new study finds.
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Feeling burned out? The contributors could be more related to depression than you think

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Natural mood regulation low or even absent in people with depression

Mood varies from hour-to-hour, day-to-day and healthy mood regulation involves choosing activities that help settle one's mood. However, in situations where personal choices of activities are constrained, such as during periods of social isolation and lockdown, this natural mood regulation is impaired which might result in depression. New research suggests a new target for treating and reducing depression is supporting natural mood regulation. Read ScienceDaily article here

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: Why Less-Well Off, Middle-Aged Men Don’t Get The Support They Need

An ongoing Samaritans research project seeks to build on what is already known about the reasons for the high rates of suicide among less well-off, middle-aged men, by exploring what can be done to drive change. Read report on King's Fund Blog here

Phone Therapy Reduces Depression in Parkinson’s Patients

While depression is common in people with Parkinson’s disease, contributing to faster physical and mental decline, it is often overlooked and undertreated.
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