MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'clinical depression'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:30:12 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077768&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F29%2Fdbs-for-depression-still-mixed-results%2F Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment long used for Parkinson’s disease. But in the past decade, some researchers have also examined its use for the treatment of severe clinical depression. Severe major depression is a serious problem in society, because some studies estimate that up to 30 percent of those who attempt to be treated for it find they have “treatment resistant” depression — that is, traditional treatments simply don’t work very well. Deep brain stimulation has mixed results. As we reported on back in February, a long-term followup of 20 patients found an average response rate to DBS of 64 percent. Not shabby, but also not the hopeful, guaranteed cure it was once held out to be. Maiken Scott, the behavioral health reporter for Philadelphia... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077768 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:39:07 +0100 5077768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984500&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F29%2Fan-epidemic-of-bad-infographics-depression%2F In an effort to keep trying to get people’s attention in an increasingly attention-deficit world, we get a lot of inquiries for links to websites promoting education programs and other affiliate websites. The latest effort is focused around “infographics,” those graphics made popular by the USA Today newspaper that combines an interesting graphical element with hard data. A well done infographic ostensibly makes data more engaging. A fantastic infographic puts data into proper perspective and gives it valuable context. What these marketing firms send me, however, are not fantastic or even well-done. So in the interests of demonstrating that any infographic can be worse than no infographic, I’m going to critique one of the latest ones to have come across my desk. It&... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984500 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:34:42 +0100 4984500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841584&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F18%2Fincreasing-mental-health-awareness-too-much-of-a-good-thing%2F Today is the American Psychological Association’s “Blog Party” in recognition of May being mental health month. The marketing effort behind designating a specific month a time to recognize and help increase awareness of a certain disease, disorder or condition is intended to help people learn more about various medical and mental health concerns. But a few weeks ago, physician H. Gilbert Welch wrote an op-ed in the LA Times that questioned whether the pendulum has swung too far the other way. Have we become a nation of people who will get diagnosed for all sorts of sub-clinical problems at the drop of a hat? Indeed, I think there is a very real danger of that becoming the case. And nowhere is that more likely than in mental health. Dr. Ron Pies talked about some of these... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841584 Wed, 18 May 2011 10:14:06 +0100 4841584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570586&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F10%2Fare-rich-people-more-depressed-than-poor-and-other-depression-factoids%2F I taped a radio show the other day with Court Lewis of American Variety Radio in which he wanted me to cover the demographics of depression. So here we go. Many of these stats I assembled from the book Understanding Depression by J. Raymond DePaulo Jr., MD, Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Others I picked in articles here and there. Depression and Gender More women are depressed than men because women have more to be depressed about than men. Kidding, of course. But I still don’t understand how our gender got stuck with labor pains and all that. Almost one in five women in the US will have one or more episodes of clinical depression, which is TWO or THREE times the rate of depressive illness that men have. Some say the discrepancy can be attr... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570586 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:15:30 +0100 4570586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512430&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F23%2Fthe-two-worlds-of-grief-and-depression%2F Think back to the last time you suffered a major loss — particularly the death of a friend, loved one, or family member. You were knocked for a loop, of course. You cried. You felt a piercing, painful sense of loss and longing. Maybe you felt like the best part of you had been ripped away forever. You probably lost sleep, and didn’t feel much like eating. You may have felt this way for a few weeks, a few months, or even longer. All this belongs to the world of ordinary bereavement — not of clinical depression. Yet the two constructs of “normal grief” and major depression are a source of continued controversy and confusion — and not just among the general public. Many clinicians still find it hard to disentangle grief and depression, inspiring countless debates over ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512430 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:46:26 +0100 4512430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3588913&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F22%2Fpreschool-depression-real-or-imagined%2F Joan Luby, a Professor of Psychiatry in the Early Emotional Development Program at the Washington University School of Medicine, argues in a new journal article (Luby, 2010) that preschool depression is a real disorder that is important to identify early on. Preschool depression refers to preschool-aged children (between 3 and 6 years old) suffering from significant depressive symptoms that cause impairment in the child’s daily functioning and development. She argues, however, that we can’t use the adult criteria for depression, since some of those criteria wouldn’t make sense in a preschool child. A preschool child, for instance, can’t experience the loss of sexual pleasure, but they can experience a loss of enjoyment in ordinary child play activities. It makes a ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3588913 Sat, 22 May 2010 11:06:33 +0100 3588913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463640&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F13%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-april-13-2010%2F It’s a brand new week. Glad you made it! April’s a pretty hectic month, but we’re nearly halfway through. You’ve already gotten through April Fool’s Day, hopefully your taxes are finally done, spring break’s about over and well Earth Day is still to come. May the rest of this month be all about relaxing and enjoying the sun! For me, getting a little R&R means sitting down in a cafe and reading various chapters in my ever-growing stack of books. My shelf contains every subject including memoirs and psychology books. There’s a handful of fresh reads as well as a number of good old favorites. Have you ever gone back to reread an oldie to discover a new gem, some new found insight that makes you rethink your life? I recently flipped through The Dr... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463640 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:08:46 +0100 3463640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456719&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F09%2Flook-whos-depressed-now-interns%2F As though medical school wasn’t difficult enough, now new research suggests that internship is even more difficult. In a study of 740 medical students who were on internship, researchers (Sen et al., 2010) found that nearly 4 percent of the students met the criteria for depression before their internship started. That number jumped to over 25 percent of students when the researchers measured their depression level at four points over the course of the internship year. That’s right — 1 in 4 medical students on internship suffer from serious, clinical depression. Most of the students who met criteria for depression were classified as moderately depressed. That’s in-between mild and severe depression, and in most people, means their daily functioning is significantly ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456719 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:38:54 +0100 3456719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115146&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_may_sap_endurance_of_brain_reward_circuits.htm Mel Charbonneau - University of Wisconsin-Madison A new study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that depressed patients are unable to sustain activity in brain areas related to positive emotion. The study challenges previous notions that individuals with depression show less brain activity in areas associated with positive emotion. Instead, the new data suggest similar initial levels of activity, but an inability to sustain them over time. The new work was reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure in things normally rewarding, is a cardinal symptom of depression," explains UW-Madison graduate student Aaron Heller, who led the project. "Scientists have generally thought that anhedonia is associated with a ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115146 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:32:00 +0100 3115146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115148&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_metaanalysis_of_the_association_between_the_monoa.htm Conclusion: Our meta-analysis suggests a significant association of the MAOA gene with major depressive disorder and BPD within specific groups, indicating that these three polymorphisms of the MAOA gene may be associated with mood disorders by sex and ethnicity. Moreover, our systematic meta-analysis has revealed that although MAOA may be a common candidate gene for mood disorders, different polymorphisms and alleles appear to play different roles in major depressive disorder and BPD. (Information links added; ed.) Source... © 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115148 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:18:00 +0100 3115148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115149&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_maternal_inheritance_in_recurrent_earlyonset_depr.htm Psychiatr Genet. 2010 Feb;20(1):31-34 Maternal inheritance in recurrent early-onset depression Bergemann ER, Boles RG. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is believed to have a genetic factor in its pathogenesis. On the basis of studies in MDD showing brain energy depletion and maternal inheritance in some families, we hypothesize that some of the genetic factor is likely maternally inherited on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Six hundred and seventy-two pedigrees from the Genetics of Recurrent Early-Onset Depression project were analyzed for matrilineal/nonmatrilineal pairs. Pairs were constructed to control for sex, age and autosomal gene contribution (e.g. maternal vs. paternal aunts). Individuals with and without any mood disorder were tallied and compared across five different pairs. Matri... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115149 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:13:00 +0100 3115149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108412&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_combination_of_antidepressant_medications_from_tre.htm Conclusions: The combination treatments were as well tolerated as fluoxetine monotherapy and more clinically effective. The study results, which add to a growing body of evidence, suggest that use of antidepressant combinations from treatment initiation may double the likelihood of remission compared with use of a single medication. Source... © 2009 American Psychiatric Association (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3108412 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:30:00 +0100 3108412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3100867&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fstudy_identifies_those_elderly_most_at_risk_for_major_depres.htm Michael WentzelUniversity of Rochester Medical Center University of Rochester Medical Center researchers have pinpointed the prime factors identifying which elderly persons are at the highest risk for developing major depression. The researchers, led by Jeffrey M. Lyness, MD, professor of Psychiatry at the Medical Center, reported their findings in an article in the December issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry. Preventive treatments for people in the high-risk group hold promise for providing the greatest health benefit at the lowest cost, the researchers concluded. "People with low-level depressive symptoms, who perceive that they have poor quality social support from other people, and with a past history of depression, were at particularly high risk to develop new major depressio... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3100867 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:45:00 +0100 3100867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096919&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_amygdala_volumes_in_a_sample_of_current_depressed_.htm Conclusions: Given that amygdala alterations were present only in remitted patients, we suggest that such alterations appear to be a state marker of MDD. Further, we found evidence of a lateralization effect, with changes in the left hemisphere only. Left amygdala enlargement in the rMDD group may represent a neurobiological marker of vulnerability to relapse, or may reflect recovery from MDD, whereby volumetric changes have resulted from stress associated with the last depressive episode. (Information link added; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096919 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:03:00 +0100 3096919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096920&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract__psychoeducation_for_depression_anxiety_and_psyc.htm Conclusions: Although it is commonly believed that psychoeducation interventions are ineffective, this meta-analysis revealed that brief passive psychoeducational interventions for depression and psychological distress can reduce symptoms. Brief passive psychoeducation interventions are easy to implement, can be applied immediately and are not expensive. They may offer a first-step intervention for those experiencing psychological distress or depression and might serve as an initial intervention in primary care or community models. The findings suggest that the quality of psychoeducation may be important. Source... | Full text () Open access (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096920 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:59:00 +0100 3096920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092753&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmastering_physical_goals_lessens_disease_related_depression.htm Diana YatesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Physical activity is known to reduce depression and fatigue in people struggling with chronic illness. A new study indicates that this effect stems from an individual's sense of mastery over - or belief in his or her ability to achieve - certain physical goals. The study appears in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine. "We base our arguments on fatigue being a symptom of depression," said Edward McAuley, a professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois and lead author of the study. "Interventions to reduce depression have consistently resulted in reductions in fatigue. The opposite is not always the case." Depression and fatigue also are highly susceptible to changes in a person's sense of his or her ability t... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092753 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:05:00 +0100 3092753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092756&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_depression_traumatic_stress_and_interleukin6.htm Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that increased level of IL-6 in depression could be directly related to symptoms of traumatic stress and somatoform dissociation. (Information links added; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092756 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:45:00 +0100 3092756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089362&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fartistic_pursuits_fight_depression_promote_health.htm NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) If you paint, dance or play a musical instrument — or just enjoy going to the theatre or to concerts — it's likely that you feel healthier and are less depressed than people who don't, a survey of nearly 50,000 individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds from a Norwegian county shows. The findings are drawn from the latest round of studies conducted for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, or HUNT, which used questionnaires, interviews, clinical examinations and the collection of blood and urine samples to assemble detailed health profiles of 48,289 participants. "There is a positive relationship between cultural participation and self-perceived health for both wom... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089362 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:19:00 +0100 3089362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089365&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_nucleus_accumbens_deep_brain_stimulation_decreases.htm Conclusions: We demonstrate antidepressant and antianhedonic effects of DBS to NAcc in patients suffering from TRD. In contrast to other DBS depression studies, there was also an antianxiety effect. These effects are correlated with localized metabolic changes. (Glossary link added; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2010 Society of Biological Psychiatry Published by Elsevier Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089365 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:11:00 +0100 3089365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071224&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fwomen_more_likely_to_develop_depression_after_stroke.htm Katherine Kahn Contributing Writer, HBNSDepression occurs in as many as one-third of patients after a stroke, and women are at somewhat higher risk, according to a large new review of studies. Post-stroke depression is associated with greater disability, reduced quality of life and an increased risk of death. The systematic review appears in the November-December issue of the journal Psychosomatics. Brittany Poynter, MD, and colleagues from the University of Toronto looked at 56 studies on stroke and depression comprising more than 75,000 people, about 12,000 of them women. The time between the stroke and onset of depression ranged from less than two weeks to 15 years. In women, rates of post-stroke depression ranged from about 6 percent to 78 percent, while in men depression rates ranged ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071224 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:15:00 +0100 3071224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071226&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_psychological_benefits_2_and_4_weeks_after_a_sing.htm Conclusions: This small feasibility study suggests that NIR-PBM may have utility for the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders and that double blind randomized placebo-controlled trials are indicated. Source | Full text () Open Access (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071226 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:06:00 +0100 3071226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067130&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fhigh_blood_lead_levels_linked_to_depression_panic_disorder.htm Todd Datz - Harvard University Young adults with higher blood lead levels appear more likely to have major depression and panic disorders, even if they have exposure to lead levels generally considered safe, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, a JAMA/Archives journal. "Lead is a well-known neurotoxicant that is ubiquitous in the environment, found in air, soil, dust and water," the authors write as background information in the article. Eliminating lead from gasoline has led to a dramatic decline in average blood levels, but remaining sources of exposure include paint, industrial processes, pottery and contaminated water. "Research on the neurotoxic effects of low-level lead exposure has focused on the in utero and early childhood periods. In adul... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067130 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:51:00 +0100 3067130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048189&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Ffear_of_being_anxious_linked_to_depression.htm Andrea Elyse Messer - Pennsylvania State University Anxiety sensitivity, or the fear of feeling anxious, may put people who are already above-average worriers at risk for depression, according to Pennsylvania State University researchers. Understanding how sensitivity to anxiety is a risk factor for depression may make anxiety sensitivity a potential target for treating depression in the future. "Anxiety sensitivity has been called a fear of fear," said Andres Viana, graduate student in psychology. "Those with anxiety sensitivity are afraid of their anxiety because their interpretation is that something catastrophic is going to happen when their anxious sensations arise." Statistical analyses of questionnaire responses showed that anxiety sensitivity, after controlling for worry and genera... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048189 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:56:00 +0100 3048189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048190&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_does_not_impede_women_loosing_weight.htm Joan DeClaire Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies Women with major depression were no less likely than were women without it to have successful results with a weight loss program, according to an article in the Winter 2009 Behavioral Medicine. Group Health Research Institute Senior Research Associate Evette J. Ludman, PhD, the study leader, concluded that weight loss programs should not exclude depressed people. Dr Ludman's study included 190 female Group Health patients age 40 to 65 with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more: 65 with major depressive disorder and 125 without it. The women had not been seeking treatment, but they enrolled in a one-year behavioral weight loss intervention involving 26 group sessions. The intervention, developed at the University of Minnesota ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048190 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:45:00 +0100 3048190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044822&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fthe_world_looks_different_if_youre_depressed.htm by Jessica Hamzelou DEPRESSION really does change the way you see the world. People with the condition find it easy to interpret large images or scenes, but struggle to "spot the difference" in fine detail. The finding hints at visual training as a possible treatment. More... © Copyright Reed Business Information Ltd (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044822 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:17:00 +0100 3044822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3033634&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_agomelatine_a_novel_pharmacological_approach_to_t.htm Drugs Today (Barc). 2009 Aug;45(8):599-608 Agomelatine: A novel pharmacological approach to treating depression Owen RT. Medical Information Department, Prous Science, Barcelona, Spain. Agomelatine is a melatonin analogue which represents a novel class of antidepressants. It acts as an agonist at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors and as a specific antagonist at 5-HT2C receptors. It is rapidly absorbed orally and mainly metabolized via CYP1A2 hepatic isoenzymes, has no active metabolites and an elimination half-life of 1-2 hours. Short-term trials (6-8 weeks) have confirmed the compound's antidepressant effect in major depressive disorder at doses of 25-50 mg/day. It has comparable antidepressant activity to venlafaxine [Effexor®] (75-150 mg/day) and in one trial, showed statistical super... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3033634 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:05:00 +0100 3033634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3029881&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fearly_insecure_relationships_linked_to_teen_depression_pain.htm This study was supported by the Regroupement provincial de recherche en adaptation-readaptation and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Tremblay I, Sullivan MJ. Attachment and Pain Outcomes in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Pain Catastrophizing and Anxiety. J Pain. 2009; doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2009.06.015   [Abstract] (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3029881 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:57:00 +0100 3029881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3029883&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_migraine_a_missing_link_between_somatic_symptoms__1.htm Conclusions: Comorbidity with migraine was found to be associated with more somatic symptoms in patients with MDD, and migraine was a strong and independent predictor for the somatic symptoms of MDD. Future studies on the somatic symptoms of MDD should therefore take migraine into consideration. (Information link added; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3029883 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:51:00 +0100 3029883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023197&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_diagnosis_of_multiple_anxiety_disorders_predicts_t.htm Conclusion: The results showed that the presence of multiple ADs strongly predicts comorbidity with MDD in an exponential manner, suggesting that we should pay attention to the fact that patients with multiple ADs are more likely to be comorbid with MDD. Source... Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023197 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:09:00 +0100 3023197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012448&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmaternal_depression_may_increae_childrens_asthma_symptoms.htm Results may be tied to fatigue and forgetfulness in managing children's disease Ekaterina Pesheva Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Maternal depression can worsen asthma symptoms in their children, according to research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center published online in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology. Analyzing data from interviews with 262 mothers of African-American children with asthma - a population disproportionately affected by this inflammatory airway disorder - the Hopkins investigators found that children whose mothers had more depressive symptoms had more frequent asthma symptoms during the six-months of the study. Conversely, children whose mothers reported fewer depressive symptoms had less frequent asthma symptoms. Researchers tracked ups and downs in maternal depr... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012448 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:44:00 +0100 3012448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3008165&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Flongterm_depression_treatment_provides_sustained_recovery_f.htm Colleen Labbe - NIMH Long-term treatment of adolescents with major depression is associated with continuous and persistent improvement of depression symptoms in most cases, according to the most recent analysis of follow-up data from The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded Treatment of Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS). The report, along with a commentary compiling the take-home messages of the study, was published in the October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. The TADS team randomly assigned 439 adolescents aged 12 to 17 to one of four treatment strategies for 36 weeks-the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac®) only, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) only, the combination of the two, or placebo (inactive or "sugar" pill). After the first 12 weeks, th... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3008165 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:08:00 +0100 3008165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003837&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_as_deadly_as_smoking_but_anxiety_may_be_good_for.htm Melanie Haberstroh - King's College London A study by researchers at the University of Bergen, Norway, and the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) at King's College London has found that depression is as much of a risk factor for mortality as smoking. Utilizing a unique link between a survey of over 60,000 people and a comprehensive mortality database, the researchers found that over the four years following the survey, the mortality risk was increased to a similar extent in people who were depressed as in people who were smokers. Dr Robert Stewart, who led the research team at the IoP, explains the possible reasons that may underlie these surprising findings: 'Unlike smoking, we don't know how causal the association with depression is but it does suggest that more attention should be paid to th... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003837 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:50:00 +0100 3003837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003838&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fheart_patients_lacking_vitamin_d_more_likely_to_be_depressed.htm By Denise Mann Health.com — People with heart disease and similar conditions who don't have enough vitamin D are more likely to be depressed than their counterparts with adequate levels of the "sunshine vitamin," according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando. This link seems to be even stronger in the winter. More... CNN © 2009 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003838 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:47:00 +0100 3003838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003840&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_fluoxetineclonazepam_cotherapy_for_anxious_depres.htm Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009 Nov 5;doi:10.1097/YIC.0b013e32833205a4 Fluoxetine-clonazepam cotherapy for anxious depression: an exploratory, post-hoc analysis of a randomized, double blind study Papakostas GI, Clain A, Ameral VE, Baer L, Brintz C, Smith WT, Londborg PD, Glaudin V, Painter JR, Fava M. Depression Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts bSummit Research Network, Portland, Oregon, USA. Anxious depression, defined as major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by high levels of anxiety, seems to be both common and difficult to treat, with antidepressant monotherapy often yielding modest results. We sought to examine the relative benefits of antidepressant-anxiolytic cotherapy versus antidepressant monothera... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003840 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:41:00 +0100 3003840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999609&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Ftelephonebased_intervention_eases_bypass_patients_depressi.htm JAMA Patients who received telephone-delivered collaborative care for treatment of depression after coronary artery bypass graft surgery reported greater improvement in measures of quality of life, physical functioning and mood than patients who received usual care, according to a study in the November 18 issue of JAMA. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is one of the most common and costly medical procedures performed in the United States. As many as half of CABG patients report depressive symptoms after surgery, and are also more likely to experience a decreased health-related quality of life (HRQL) and functional status, according to background information in the article. Several trials for treatment of depression have been conducted in cardiac populations, but most achieved le... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999609 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:06:00 +0100 2999609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999610&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepressed_more_likely_to_be_prescribed_opiods_for_chronic_pa.htm Maia Szalavitz, HBNS Contributing Writer Chronic pain patients with a history of depression are three times more likely to receive long-term prescriptions for opioid medications like Vicodin® compared to pain patients who do not suffer from depression, according to new research. The study, published in the November-December issue of the journal General Hospital Psychiatry, analyzed the medical records of tens of thousands of patients enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente and Group Health plans between 1997 and 2005. Together, the insurers cover about 1 percent of the U.S. population. Long-term opioid use was defined as a patient receiving a prescription for 90 days or longer. "It's very widespread," said Mark Sullivan, MD, a study co-author and professor of psychiatry at the University of ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999610 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100 2999610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995785&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdeep_brain_stimulations_offers_hope_for_severely_depressed.htm May work even when other treatments have been unsuccessful University of Bonn Thanks to a new method there is a reason for hope for patients with very severe depression. Physicians at the University Clinics of Bonn and Cologne used deep brain stimulation to treat ten patients with very severe depression whose symptoms had not improved after previous psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy treatment. The results of their study are published in the journal Biological Psychiatry. The researchers implanted electrodes in the patients' Nucleus accumbens which plays a key role in as the brain reward system. The reward system helps us remember good experiences and puts us in a state of pleasant anticipation. Without a reward system we would not forge any plans for the future as we would not be able to en... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995785 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:10:00 +0100 2995785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981154&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fsurvey_finds_big_gap_in_knowledge_of_depression.htm NAMI Americans do not believe they know much about depression, but are highly aware of the risks of not receiving care, according to a survey released today by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The survey provides a "three dimensional" measurement of responses from members of the general public who do not know anyone with depression, caregivers of adults diagnosed with depression and adults actually living with the illness. Seventy-one percent of the public sample said they are not familiar with depression, but 68 percent or more know specific consequences that can come from not receiving treatment-including suicide (84%). Sixty-two percent believe they know some symptoms of depression, but 39 percent said they do not know many or any at all. One major finding: almost 50 perc... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981154 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:53:00 +0100 2981154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981155&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_a_investigation_of_cognitive_branching_processe.htm Conclusions: We found no clear evidence of a fundamental impairment in anterior prefrontal `branching processes' in patients with depression. Rather our data argue for a contextual learning impairment underlying cognitive dysfunction in this disorder. Our data suggest that MDD patients are able to perform high-level cognitive control tasks comparably to controls provided they are well trained. Future work should replicate these preliminary findings in a larger sample of MDD patients. Source | Full text () Open access (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981155 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:39:00 +0100 2981155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981157&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Flinkblog%2Fjump%2F%3Fi%3D513525 (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981157 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:48:00 +0100 2981157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977355&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fstudy_finds_clear_connection_between_depression_and_osteopor.htm Jerry BarachThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem Research carried out among thousands of people has shown a clear connection between depression and a loss of bone mass, leading to osteoporosis and fractures. according to Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers, Prof Raz Yirmiya, head of the Brain and Behavior Laboratory, and Prof Itai Bab, head of the Bone Laboratory. They further revealed that the relationship between depression and bone loss is particularly strong among young women. Osteoporosis is the most widespread degenerative disease in the developed world, afflicting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50. Sufferers experience decrease in bone density, which often leads to bone fractures. In many cases, these fractures cause severe disability and even death. Despite the accumulating ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977355 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:25:00 +0100 2977355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977356&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fpsychiatrys_dirty_little_secret.htm Scott Mendelson, MD When I was in medical school, I learned one of psychiatry's dirty little secrets. That is, that of people prescribed an antidepressant to treat their Major Depression, only about 25% enjoy complete resolution of symptoms, another 50% feel some but not complete relief, and the last unfortunate 25% get no relief at all. This was true 15 years ago and remains true today. As a psychiatrist, I prescribe antidepressants, and I have seen these medications improve and even save lives. More... Copyright © 2009 HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977356 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:20:00 +0100 2977356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977357&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fhighcarb_diets_may_put_dieters_in_better_moods.htm The high-protein versus high-carb diet debate continues with the release of a new study that looked at something usually left out of the weight loss equation: mood. Most studies on these two popular weight loss methods — and on diets in general — typically focus on pounds lost, pounds kept off and cardio-vascular function. But in a study published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Australian researchers took a more holistic approach. More... © 2009 Los Angeles Times (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977357 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:16:00 +0100 2977357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974038&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fhead_injuries_may_amplify_psychiatric_impact_of_psychologica.htm Sue McGreevey - Massachusetts General Hospital Depression and other emotional symptoms in survivors of torture and other traumatic experiences may be exacerbated by the effects of head injuries, according to a study from the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT), based in the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Department of Psychiatry. In the November 2009 Archives of General Psychiatry, the researchers report finding structural changes in the brains of former South Vietnamese political detainees who had suffered head injuries and clearly link those changes to psychiatric symptoms often seen in survivors of torture. "This is the first study since the 1950s to demonstrate brain changes in survivors of extreme violence. That work looked at Holocaust survivors, and now we are the first t... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974038 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:23:00 +0100 2974038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974039&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fchest_drug_brings_wakeup_call_in_depression_and_osa.htm By Todd Neale, Staff Writer, MedPage Today SAN DIEGO — Armodafinil (Nuvigil) may bring relief of residual excessive sleepiness to patients with depression and obstructive sleep apnea, a multicenter, randomized trial showed. The study met only one of the two primary efficacy endpoints compared with placebo, with armodafinil increasing response in the overall clinical condition with regard to sleepiness (69% versus 53%, P=0.012), according to John Harsh, PhD, of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. More... © 2004-2009 MedPage Today, LLC. All Rights Reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974039 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:16:00 +0100 2974039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963170&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fkeeping_depressed_elderly_in_family_loop_eases_symptoms.htm Jared Wadley - University of Michigan The elderly are less likely to feel depressed if their relatives keep them updated about important family matters, according to a new study in the journal Research on Aging. Researchers at the University of Michigan and Kyungpook National University looked at how stress and depression affected elders over age 85. Changes in positive life events-such as a new baby in the family, a personal achievement by a relative, or improvement in a family member's health-were significantly associated with changes in depression. "It is important to examine the issues of stress and depression among elders over the age of 85 as they are the fastest growing age group," said Ruth Dunkle, a U-M professor of social work. "Understanding mental health issues among the very o... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963170 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:43:00 +0100 2963170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963171&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Ftreating_depression_in_teens_has_lasting_benefits.htm By Reuters NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Longer-term treatment of depression for adolescents is associated with persistent benefits, even after treatment ends, according to results of the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS). More... © 2009 Reuters (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963171 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:36:00 +0100 2963171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958928&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_cognitive_behavioral_analysis_system_of_psychother.htm Conclusions: Although 37.5% of the participants experienced partial response or remitted in phase 2, neither form of adjunctive psychotherapy significantly improved outcomes over that of a flexible, individualized pharmacotherapy regimen alone. A longitudinal assessment of later-emerging benefits is ongoing. Source... © 2009 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958928 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:56:00 +0100 2958928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954571&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fhighly_processed_fatty_food_linked_to_depression.htm This study has several limitations: Depressed individuals were excluded from the beginning of the study using different methods that those used to assess depression in participants during the study and at its conclusion. It is possible that some participants classified as depressed at the study endpoint may have been excluded at the beginning if the same methods had been used. The foods eaten were determined by questionnaire which asked participants what they ate in the preceding 12 month. Recall over that length of time may be unreliable. It is also possible that the ability to recall the foods eaten was more affected in depressed participants than in those who had not developed depression. Study participants were almost exclusively middle-aged white Europeans with mostly sedatorary jobs.... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954571 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:48:00 +0100 2954571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943881&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_medication_use_linked_to_increased_premature_birt.htm Joel Schwarz - University of Washington The odds triple for premature child delivery pregnant women with a history of depression who used psychiatric medication, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Washington, University of Michigan and Michigan State University found that a combination of medication use and depression - either before or during pregnancy - was strongly linked to delivery before 35 weeks' gestation. Amelia Gavin, lead author and UW assistant professor of social work, said the findings highlight the need for carefully planned studies that can clarify associations between depression, psychiatric medications and preterm delivery. "Women with depression face difficult decisions regarding the benefits and risks of using psychotropic medications in pregnanc... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943881 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:05:00 +0100 2943881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943883&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fwhy_women_are_twice_as_likely_as_men_to_be_depressed.htm Between puberty and menopause, depression is predominantly a woman's illness, with rates two times higher - or more - than men. In childhood, the rates of depression in girls and boys are identical. For seniors, the rates of depression among women and men become similar as they age. More... © Copyright 2009 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943883 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:40:00 +0100 2943883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939371&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fcollectivistic_cultures_buffer_members_against_depression.htm Collectivistic cultures, which promote social harmony over individuality, protect people who are genetically predisposed to depression from experiencing the condition, according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, which looks at how genes and environment can evolve together. People living in individualistic cultures such as Western societies are more likely to suffer from a genetic tendency for depression than people in Eastern cultures, despite fewer people carrying the specific 'depression gene' being studied, say psychologists Joan Chiao and Katherine Blizinsky from Northwestern University. The research supports the idea that depression can result from both genes and the environment, and an interaction of the two. The support offered by a collectivist... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939371 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:27:00 +0100 2939371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939372&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepressed_pregnant_women_more_likely_to_react_strongly_to_fl.htm In this study, researchers assessed the women using a variety of measures: the depressive symptom scale, a perceived stress scale measuring experiences of stress and coping with stress in the past month; a questionnaire gauging how much social support the women had; tests for frequency of stressful social interactions; and a short survey of how happy the women and their partners were about the pregnancy. Blood samples were taken to measure levels of two proteins, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a). Both are proinflammatory cytokines, chemical messengers that are mobilized when the body is injured or has an infection, and they cause inflammation in their effort to make repairs in the body. When these proteins circulate without an infection to fight, the body experi... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939372 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:21:00 +0100 2939372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939373&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_may_inflate_perception_of_physical_symptoms.htm Nicole Riehl - University of Iowa Has neuroticism been getting a bad rap? New research shows people who feel depressed tend to recall having more physical symptoms than they actually experienced. The study indicates that depression — not neuroticism — is the cause of such over-reporting. Psychologist Jerry Suls, professor and collegiate fellow in the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, attributes the findings to depressed individuals recalling experiences differently, tending to ruminate over and exaggerate the bad. Published online in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, the study was conducted by investigators in the UI Department of Psychology, the Center for Research in the Implementation of Innovative Strategies in Practice (CRIISP) at the Iowa City VA Me... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939373 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:14:00 +0100 2939373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939374&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fnice_guidance_depression_in_adults_update.htm Depression: the treatment and management of depression in adults The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), has updated its clinical guideline for the treatment of depression in adults. The guidelines were developed by the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, which is based at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Psychological Society.       CG90 Depression in adults - NICE guidance: PDF format ( - 351kb)       CG90 Depression in adults - quick reference: PDF format ( - 978kb)       CG90 Depression in adults - full guidance: PDF format ( - 3.63 Mb) (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939374 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:11:00 +0100 2939374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939375&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_depression_and_immunity_a_role_for_t_cells.htm Brain Behav Immun. 2009 Oct;doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2009.09.009 Depression and immunity: A role for T cells? Miller AH. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia Much attention has been paid to the potential role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of major depression in humans. While activation of innate immune responses currently dominates the research landscape, early studies in depressed patients demonstrating impairment in acquired immune responses, in particular T cell responses, may warrant further consideration. Intriguing data suggest that activated T cells may play an important neuroprotective role in the context of both stress and inflammation. For example, generation of autoreactive T cells through immunization with central nervous system (CNS) specific antigens h... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939375 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:06:00 +0100 2939375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934789&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_often_goes_untreated_in_working_moms.htm Health insurance, employee assistance could help mothers get treatment, researchers say TUESDAY, Oct. 27 (HealthDay News) — More than 65 percent of U.S. mothers with depression don't receive adequate treatment, a new study has found. More... Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934789 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:38:00 +0100 2934789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916182&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2F24_hour_light_linked_to_depression_symptoms.htm Jeff Grabmeier - Ohio State University Too much light at night can lead to symptoms of depression, according to a new study in mice. Researchers found that mice housed in a lighted room 24 hours a day exhibited more depressive symptoms than did similar mice that had a normal light-dark cycle. However, mice that lived in constant light, but could escape into a dark, opaque tube when they wanted showed less evidence of depressive symptoms than did mice that had 24-hour light, but only a clear tube in their housing. "The ability to escape light seemed to quell the depressive effects," said Laura Fonken, lead author of the study and a graduate student in psychology at Ohio State University. "But constant light with no chance of escape increased depressive symptoms." The results suggest that mo... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916182 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:15:00 +0100 2916182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912265&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fcollaborative_approach_reduces_older_cancer_patients_depres.htm Leila Gray - University of WashingtonDean Forbes - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Depression in older cancer patients can be effectively treated with collaborative approach in primary-care settings. Depression in older cancer patients is very common, and has debilitating effects on their quality of life both during and after treatment. University of Washington (UW) researchers are showing that there are ways to better this situation. "Little is known about the optimal approach to treating depression in this population, and older cancer patients are less likely to be treated for their depression than are younger cancer patients," said Dr Jesse Fann, University of Washington associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Fann is the director of psychiatric services at the... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912265 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:23:00 +0100 2912265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912266&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmedical_comorbidity_reduces_antidepressant_effectiveness_in_.htm Karger An investigation published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics by German investigators explored an important clinical question: do patients with severe depression and medical disorder respond to antidepressant drugs? In particular, this study assessed the impact of a cardiovascular or endocrinological medical comorbidity on response to antidepressant treatment over 6 weeks in diagnostic subtypes of patients with melancholic major depressive episode (MDE). In a clinical sample of 241 admitted patients with major depressive episode, medical comorbidity status was assessed by medical specialists and weekly response to antidepressant treatment was assessed with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D 21). Over the course of treatment, patients with a a medical comorbid... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912266 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:19:00 +0100 2912266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904942&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fgoing_online_may_prevent_depression_in_senior_citizens.htm Spending time online reduces depression by 20 percent for senior citizens, the Phoenix Center reports in a new Policy Paper released today. In addition to the quality of life benefits, the Policy Paper said reducing the incidence of depression by widespread Internet use among older Americans could trim the nation's health care bill. "Maintaining relationships with friends and family at a time in life when mobility becomes increasingly limited is challenging for the elderly," says Phoenix Center Visiting Scholar and study co-author Dr Sherry G. Ford, an Associate Professor of Communications Studies at University of Montevallo in Alabama. "Increased Internet access and use by senior citizens enables them to connect with sources of social support when face-to-face interaction becomes more dif... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904942 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:40:00 +0100 2904942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899011&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fbalance_system_brainwaves_could_diagnose_depression.htm Jane Castles - Monash University An innovative diagnostic technique invented by a Monash University researcher could dramatically fast-track the detection of mental and neurological illnesses. Monash biomedical engineer Brian Lithgow has developed electrovestibulography which is something akin to an 'ECG for the mind'. Patterns of electrical activity in the brain's vestibular (or balance) system are measured against distinct response patterns found in depression, schizophrenia and other Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. The vestibular system is closely connected to the primitive regions of the brain that relate to emotions and behavior, so Lithgow saw the diagnostic potential of measuring and comparing different patterns of electrovestibular activity. Working with psychiatry research... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899011 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:08:00 +0100 2899011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899012&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fliving_near_green_lowers_anxiety_depression_rates_study_fi.htm By Kristen Hallam Oct. 15 (Bloomberg) — People living near gardens, parks and other green spaces have lower rates of anxiety, depression and poor physical health than those living in urban areas, Dutch researchers found. More... ©2009 Bloomberg L.P. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899012 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:42:00 +0100 2899012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894570&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Feven_longterm_depression_patients_lack_basic_information_of.htm Expert panel develops three-step plan to guide people toward depression recovery Charlie McAtee, Eli Lilly and Company A new survey of 2,001 adults living with depression revealed that despite being diagnosed for an average of 12 years, many unknowingly took actions that could have sabotaged their chances of getting well. Furthermore, on average, it took about six years for respondents to seek diagnosis from a health care professional, suggesting these adults may have been coping with depression for as long as 18 years. Depression, which includes a variety of symptoms, is a highly treatable illness, but it can become more difficult to treat the longer it goes undiagnosed or undertreated. The survey found that among those who waited six months or more to be diagnosed, 69 percent reported th... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894570 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:13:00 +0100 2894570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886512&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fheart_assessment_reveals_depression_risk.htm Methods used to assess heart health can also shed light on depression, new research suggests. A study by the Australian National University tracked the health of more than 7,000 people in the ACT and surrounding areas over four years. More... © 2009 AAP (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886512 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:44:00 +0100 2886512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871779&cid=t_122985_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F15LXjzPcAiw%2F October 8 has been set aside to mark National Depression Screening Day in the United States. We need more than a day, but it’s a start. Why do we need a day like that? Because there are people who are depressed but don’t know they can get help. There are people who are fighting a losing battle against depression because they’re not getting the help they know they need. There are people who deny the existence of a true medical problem called depression, making it difficult – if not impossible – for their loved ones to get help. Clinical depression is a serious medical illness. It will not go away on its own and you can’t tough it out. Clinical depression isn’t feeling sad because you lost someone close to you or you are just feeling down. Clinical d... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871779 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:34:17 +0100 2871779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871759&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_antidepressant_dosing_for_the_acute_treatment_of_.htm Primary Psychiatry. 2009;16(10):30-36 Antidepressant Dosing for the Acute Treatment of Unipolar Depression Solvason HB, DeBattista C. Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications. The treatment of major depressive disorder can be challenging even in those without comorbid medical or psychiatric illness. The majority of people treated for a major depressive episode do not achieve complete remission after treatment with a single antidepressant. Achieving an adequate dose and duration of treatment is important to achieve maximal response and remission rates. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), bupropion, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are separate classes of... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871759 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:13:00 +0100 2871759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871761&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fprimary_care_physicians_urged_to_screen_all_adults_for_depre.htm Michele Surricchio - American College of Preventive Medicine The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) supports the recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that primary care providers should screen all adults for depression, and further recommends that all primary care providers should have systems in place to ensure the accurate diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The earliest and best opportunities to identify depression are in the clinics of primary care providers and all primary care practices should have such systems of care in place. According to Dr Michael T. Compton, one of the lead authors of ACPM's recommendation, "Depressive disorders are common in primary care settings and are associated with substantial morbidity and disability for ind... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871761 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:23:00 +0100 2871761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871763&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmoms_depression_tied_to_child_abuse_in_some_families.htm NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In families with a history of child abuse, a mother's depression may increase the risk that she will act aggressively toward her child, a new study suggests. The study, which followed 5,500 U.S. families investigated by child- welfare agencies, found that when a mother developed depression, the odds of her child suffering "psychologically aggressive acts" — including threats or name-calling — increased. More... ©2009 Reuters (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871763 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:12:00 +0100 2871763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865736&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdoes_depression_cause_inflammation_or_is_it_caused_by_it.htm Cindy Fox Aisen - Indiana University School of Medicine Which comes first, depression or inflammation? To help solve this long standing chicken and egg conundrum, researchers led by Jesse Stewart, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis asked two critical questions. Does depression lead to elevated inflammatory proteins in the human body? Or does an increase in these proteins lead to depression? They found that the answer to the first question appears to be "yes," and the answer to the second question may be "no" among healthy adults. The researchers report that depressive symptoms are associated with increases over time in interleukin-6, an inflammatory protein that predicts cardiovascular events. In contrast, levels of interleukin-6 wer... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865736 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:23:00 +0100 2865736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865737&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmediterranean_diet_may_reduce_risk_of_depression.htm JAMA Individuals who follow the Mediterranean dietary pattern-rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and fish-appear less likely to develop depression, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders has been found to be lower in Mediterranean than Northern European countries, according to background information in the article. One plausible explanation is that the diet commonly followed in the region may be protective against depression. Previous research has suggested that the monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil-used abundantly in the Mediterranean diet-may be associated with a lower risk of severe depressive symptoms. Almudena Sánchez-Villegas, B.Pharm., PhD, of University of Las Palmas de Gran... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865737 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:16:00 +0100 2865737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865738&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fintensive_telephonebased_therapy_costeffective_for_depress.htm JAMA Patients who participate in a structured telephone program to manage their depression appear to experience significant benefits and only a moderate increase in health care costs when compared with those who receive usual care, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. Organized treatment programs for depression in primary care have been proven effective across a wide range of patient populations and health care systems, according to background information in the article. "Broad implementation of improved depression care programs will depend on the balance of benefits and added costs," the authors write. "Depression has large economic effects outside the health care system, including disability, lost work productivity, reduced educational attainment ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865738 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:14:00 +0100 2865738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865740&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_the_bdnf_val66met_polymorphism_impacts_parahippoca.htm Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the impact of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is not confined to the hippocampus but also extends to the parahippocampal gyrus and the amygdala. (Links added; ed.) Source... Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009 (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865740 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:07:00 +0100 2865740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862568&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Flincoln_and_his_depressisons.htm His unremitting despair and constant failure steeled his character. by John McManamy The year is 1860. In a makeshift meeting hall, the Illinois delegation to the approaching Republican Convention is meeting to consider which of their own to back as a favorite son for the Presidential nomination. There is no clear-cut favorite. Moreover, it's widely acknowledged the choice will be an empty gesture. The nomination is virtually a done deal. William Seward of New York, the party's leading light, has nearly all the delegates he needs for a first ballot victory. But then something completely unexpected happens. Abraham Lincoln is introduced. A distant relation enters carrying two split log rails. From them hangs a banner:Abraham Lincoln The Rail Candidate The crowd goes wild. The hall shakes so... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862568 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:02:00 +0100 2862568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862569&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_cytokine_polymorphisms_in_the_pathophysiology_of_.htm Conclusion: These data support the existence of a genetic profile related to pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients affected by mood disorders. The differences observed across the three clinical phenotypes suggest the presence of different pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the susceptibility of phenotypically different mood disorders. (Text has been reformatted for online visual clarity, links added; ed.) Source + Full text... © 2009 CNS Spectrums a Publication of MBL Communications (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862569 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:58:00 +0100 2862569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855648&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fchildhood_major_mood_disorders_improved_by_multifamily_psych.htm By Liam Davenport MedWire News: Children aged 8-12 years with major mood disorders experience improved outcomes with brief, adjunctive multifamily psychoeducational group psychotherapy, conclude US researchers. Mood disorders in youth are a major health concern, yet there are few established treatments. Psychosocial treatments are recommended for childhood depression and bipolar disorder; however, evidence to support these recommendations is lacking. More... © 2009 Current Medicine Group Ltd, a part of Springer Science+Business Media (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855648 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:11:00 +0100 2855648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855650&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_symptoms_of_epilepsy_and_organic_brain_dysfunction.htm Conclusions: Compared to patients admitted with mood symptoms fulfilling DSM 4 criteria of a major depressive disorder, short-lasting atypical depressive symptoms seem to be associated with a high frequency of epileptic and pathologic EEG activity in patients admitted to psychiatric acute departments. Source |Full text () Open access (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855650 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:06:00 +0100 2855650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855651&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_effect_of_acute_antidepressant_administration_on_n.htm CONCLUSIONS: Antidepressant drug administration modulates emotional processing in depressed patients very early in treatment, before changes occur in mood and symptoms. This effect may ameliorate the negative biases in information processing that characterize mood and anxiety disorders. It also suggests a mechanism of action compatible with cognitive theories of depression. (Text has been reformatted for online visual clarity; ed.) Source... © 2009 American Psychiatric Association (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855651 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:02:00 +0100 2855651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851841&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fless_than_half_affected_seek_treatment_for_depression.htm Research finds even for those hospitalized for severe depression, many receive little follow-up Julie Saccone - St. Michael's Hospital Less than half of men and women in Ontario, Canada who may be suffering from depression see a doctor to treat their potentially debilitating condition, according to a new women's health study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES). What's more, many hospitalized for severe depression fail to see a doctor for follow-up care within 30 days of being discharged, and many head to hospital emergency departments for care. The findings suggest the need for a comprehensive care model involving a multidisciplinary team of health-care professionals, including family doctors and mental health specialists, to h... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851841 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:39:00 +0100 2851841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851846&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Flinkblog%2Fjump%2F%3Fi%3D512760 Explores the question: Can constant stress literally cause a mood disorder? (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851846 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:36:00 +0100 2851846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828267&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fadolescent_anxiety_depression_two_distinct_disorders.htm Wiley-Blackwell Adolescent depression and anxiety disorders are two distinct psychiatric disorders, according to Dr William W. Hale III (a researcher of the Langeveld Institute for the Study of Education and Development in Childhood and Adolescence at Utrecht University) in a recent publication in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. Hale and his colleagues conducted a five-year, longitudinal study of secondary school adolescents. Every year their depressive and anxiety disorder symptoms were measured. Hale and his colleagues concluded that while adolescent anxiety and depression were strongly related to one another, adolescent depression and anxiety disorder symptoms are in fact best classified as two distinct disorders with parallel, but unique growth processes. These conclusi... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828267 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:39:00 +0100 2828267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824169&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F09%2F22%2Fhouse-in-a-psychiatric-hospital%2F If you’re a fan of the show, House MD, you probably enjoyed last night’s 2-part season opener with Dr. Gregory House finding himself in a psychiatric hospital. If you haven’t yet seen the episode and intend on watching it, you may want to skip reading any further, as I’m going to discuss plot components that might give away some of it for you. Contrary to the ridiculous depiction of staff and how a psychiatric hospital is run on the Fox show, Mental, this two-part episode of House actually did a fairly even-handed job of showing what life in a psychiatric hospital can be like. While the use of the solitary room was a little over-the-top (and likely a part of the plot and power-play between House and the administrator), everything else was far more realistic than a r... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824169 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:16:48 +0100 2824169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820374&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmanaging_depression_in_pregnancy.htm Gretchyn Bailey A new report from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, published in the September-October 2009 issue of General Hospital Psychiatry, explores the management of pregnancy and depression. Depression is not uncommon in pregnant women. Between 14 and 23 percent of pregnant women will experience a depressive disorder while pregnant. In 2003, approximately 13 percent of pregnant women took an antidepressant at some point during their pregnancy. This rate has doubled since 1999. Many women go untreated due to concerns regarding the safety of treating pregnant women. The report describes results from an unusual collaboration of authors from the American Psychiatric Association and American College of Obstetricians a... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820374 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:13:00 +0100 2820374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814489&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Ftreatment_guidelines_issued_on_depression_during_pregnancy.htm For women with serious conditions, medication may be the best route, but 'talk therapy' may alleviate suffering for others, according to a document prepared by two national physicians groups. By Melissa Healy For the nearly one in four women who experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy, physicians on the front lines have long had little more than a prescription for antidepressants and a massive dose of uncertainty to offer. More... Copyright 2009 Los Angeles Times (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814489 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:03:00 +0100 2814489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807659&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F09%2F18%2Fsuicide-rates-unchanged-but-lots-more-think-about-it%2F Thanks to Philip over at Furious Seasons, we find that suicide rates for 2006 (the last year the government has data for) remain virtually unchanged from 2005 and 2004. Despite the dire warnings we heard about the decline of antidepressant medications (due to an FDA-mandated “black box” warning) leading to a huge spike in suicide rates, it appears not to be the case. The real story here is that the pundits and experts warning of such spikes were all wrong, and that the suicide rates have basically remained stable for the past few years. Antidepressant medications are a valuable treatment option for the millions of Americans who take them. But they are not the only treatment option, and most people realize that (if not at first, then eventually when they get frustrated by the l... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807659 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:06:40 +0100 2807659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807670&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_one_factor_or_two_parallel_processes_comorbidity_.htm Conclusions: The results of this study established that the development of anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms of adolescents from the general community occurs as two distinct disorders with parallel growth processes, each with their own unique growth characteristics. Source... Journal Compilation © 2009 ACAMH (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807670 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:59:00 +0100 2807670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807672&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_depression_and_anxiety_symptoms_onset_developmen.htm Conclusions: DAS tend to increase in frequency over the first 5 years of life. Atypically high level can be predicted from mother and child characteristics present before 6 months of age. Preventive interventions should be experimented with at risk infants and parents. Source... Journal Compilation © 2009 ACAMH (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807672 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:53:00 +0100 2807672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800479&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_long_term_outcome_of_primary_care_depression.htm J Affect Disord. 2009 Nov;118(1-3):79-86 Long term outcome of primary care depression Yiend J, Paykel E, Merritt R, Lester K, Doll H, Burns T. Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Oxford, UK We conducted a follow up over 23 years of depressed patients originally presenting to general practice in 1981 and studied in detail at that time. Aims were to assess the long term course and outcome of depression in primary care. Patterns of recovery and recurrence of major depressive episodes, together with other aspects of course, treatment and current state, were assessed at interview. 78% (129) of the original sample were traced to current general practice and outcome d... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800479 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:59:00 +0100 2800479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796498&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_reduces_cancer_survival.htm David Sampson - American Cancer Society Depression can affect a cancer patient's likelihood of survival. That is the finding of an analysis to be published in the November 15, 2009 issue of Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. The results highlight the need for systematic screening of psychological distress and subsequent treatments. A number of studies have shown that individuals' mental attitudes can impact their physical health. To determine the effects of depression on cancer patients' disease progression and survival, graduate student Jillian Satin, MA, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and her colleagues analyzed all of the studies to date they could identify related to the topic. The researchers found 26 studies with a total of 94... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796498 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:58:00 +0100 2796498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796500&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_genetic_and_environmental_influences_on_the_comor.htm Conclusion: MD, PD, AG, and SP strongly co-aggregate within families and common genetic factors explain a moderate proportion of variance in these four disorders. The high genetic correlation between PD and AG and the increased odds ratio for PD and AG in siblings of those with AG without PD suggests a common genetic etiology for PD and AG. (Text has been reformatted for online visual clarity; ed.) Source... This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.  |  Copyright © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796500 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:52:00 +0100 2796500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785983&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fanesthetic_reduces_suicidality_in_depressed_patients.htm Jayne Dawkins Drug treatment options for depression can take weeks for the beneficial effects to emerge, which is clearly inadequate for those at immediate risk of suicide. However, intravenous (IV) ketamine, a drug previously used as an anesthetic, has shown rapid antidepressant effects in early trials. Researchers explored ketamine's effects on suicidality in patients with treatment-resistant depression, and their results are published in the September issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry. They found that ketamine acutely reduced suicidal thoughts when patients were assessed 24 hours after a single infusion. This reduction in suicidality was maintained when patients received repeated doses over the next two weeks. Corresponding author Rebecca Price commented on these encouraging fi... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785983 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:46:00 +0100 2785983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785984&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fovereating_alcohol_abuse_and_depression_intertwined_in_youn.htm By Amy Sutton, HBNS contributing writer On TV, Sex and the City makes regular Cosmo-drinking sessions seem like a glamorous, harmless pastime. In reality, though, excessive alcohol use can relate to overeating and depression in young women, according to the results of a new study. "Anyone who has been touched by depression, obesity or alcoholism knows that these disorders on their own can be devastating. When they're combined, these disorders become more costly, more difficult to treat and more impairing," said Carolyn McCarty, PhD, lead study author and a research associate professor at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Research Institute. In the study in the September/October issue of the journal General Hospital Psychiatry, the researchers surveyed 393 men and 383 wome... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785984 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:38:00 +0100 2785984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785986&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_course_and_outcome_of_depressive_disorders_in_prim.htm Conclusions This prospective medium-term study verified the high rate of recurrences and chronicity of depression also in primary care. Severity of depressive symptoms and co-morbidity are important predictors of outcome. Development of chronic disease management for depression is warranted in primary care. Source... Copyright © 2009 Cambridge University Press (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785986 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:30:00 +0100 2785986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782081&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_clinical_guidelines_for_the_management_of_major_de__3.htm Conclusions: In the eight years since the last CANMAT Guidelines for Treatment of Depressive Disorders were published, progress has been made in understanding the epidemiology and treatment of these disorders. Evidence supporting specific therapeutic interventions is summarized and evaluated in subsequent sections. Source... Copyright © 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782081 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:44:00 +0100 2782081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782082&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_clinical_guidelines_for_the_management_of_major_de__2.htm Conclusions: CBT and IPT are the only first-line treatment recommendations for acute MDD and remain highly recommended for maintenance. Both computer-based and telephone-delivered psychotherapy-primarily studied with CBT and IPT-are useful second-line recommendations. Where feasible, combined antidepressant and CBT or IPT are recommended as first-line treatments for acute MDD. Source... Copyright © 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782082 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:41:00 +0100 2782082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782083&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_clinical_guidelines_for_the_management_of_major_de__1.htm Conclusions: Second-generation antidepressants are safe, effective and well tolerated treatments for MDD in adults. Evidence-based switching and add-on strategies can be used to optimize response in MDD that is inadequately responsive to monotherapy. Source...     Copyright © 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782083 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:38:00 +0100 2782083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782084&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_clinical_guidelines_for_the_management_of_major_de_.htm Conclusions: There is most evidence to support ECT as a first-line treatment under specific circumstances and rTMS as a second-line treatment. Evidence to support VNS is less robust and DBS remains an investigational treatment. Source... Copyright © 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782084 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:34:00 +0100 2782084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782085&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_clinical_guidelines_for_the_management_of_major_de.htm Conclusions: Some CAM treatments have evidence of benefit in MDD. However, problems with standardization and safety concerns may limit their applicability in clinical practice. Source...     Copyright © 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. Caution:  Some Over-The-Counter (OTC) supplements may interact with prescription medications or be affected by them. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal or OTC supplement while on medication. Most governments do not require dietary supplement makers to demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of their products. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782085 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:29:00 +0100 2782085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778496&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fhigh_depression_rates_found_in_kidney_disease_patients.htm LaKisha Ladson - UT Southwestern One in five patients with chronic kidney disease is depressed, even before beginning long-term dialysis therapy or developing end-stage renal disease, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found. The study, based on a pool of 272 participants, is the first to examine the rate of depression among these patients using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition (DSM IV), which is considered the gold-standard in evaluating depression. "Because patients in the early stages of chronic kidney disease are at increased risk for clinical depression, we as nephrologists should consider screening our patients for depression in clinic," said Dr Susan Hedayati, assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern and a staff ne... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778496 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:21:00 +0100 2778496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778499&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_imbalance_between_pro_and_antiinflammatory_cytok.htm Discussion: These results suggest that an imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-10), and between Th1 and Th2 cytokines (INF-γ or TNF-α and IL-4) occurred in untreated depressed patients. Both EA and fluoxetine had an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing IL-1ß. EA treatment also restored the balance between Th1 and Th2 systems by increasing TNF-α and decreasing IL-4. (Glossary links added; ed.) Source... © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart New York. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778499 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:09:00 +0100 2778499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774673&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fpost_coronary_depression_severity_duration_associated_with_.htm JAMA Among patients with both major depression and acute coronary syndrome, those with more severe depression within a few weeks of hospitalization for a cardiac event and those whose depression does not improve within six months appear to have more than double the risk of dying over a seven-year period, according to a report in the September issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. About one-fifth of individuals experience major depression in the first few weeks following a heart attack, according to background information in the article. Depression is associated with an increased risk of death after acute coronary syndrome, a term for cardiac events such as heart attack or unstable angina (chest pain). Alexander H. Glassman, MD, of Columbia University M... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774673 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:10:00 +0100 2774673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761932&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_looms_as_global_crisis.htm The World Health Organization predicts that within 20 years more people will be affected by depression than any other health problem More... BBC © MMIX (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761932 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:05:00 +0100 2761932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761933&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_genetic_variation_in_d7s1875_repeat_polymorphism_o.htm Conclusions: Our findings suggest that LEP gene variants could be related to depression and associated co-morbidities such as hypertension. (Text has been reformatted for online visual clarity, links added; ed.) Source... © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761933 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:03:00 +0100 2761933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757827&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fminor_teen_depression_linked_to_serious_mental_health_proble.htm Liz Fox, Deborah Hart - Royal College of PsychiatryTeenagers who experience minor depression are at greater risk of serious depression, anxiety and eating disorders as adults, according to new research. The study, carried out by psychiatrists at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, is published in the September issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. In 1983, researchers interviewed 755 adolescents who were aged around 16-years-old. The interview was designed to find out if the teenagers had any mood, anxiety, disruptive, eating, or substance use disorders. The participants were re-interviewed in their early-20s and again in their early-30s. Of the 755 teenagers interviewed, 62 (8.2%) had minor depression. Minor depression is a mood disorder lasting at leas... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757827 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:28:00 +0100 2757827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757828&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fkidney_disease_linked_to_depression_even_in_early_stages.htm Depression has long been associated with end stage kidney disease, but a new study published today in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that 20% of patients with early stage chronic kidney disease also suffered from depression. More... Copyright © 2009 Grand View Media Group. All Rights Reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757828 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:20:00 +0100 2757828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751965&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fpsychological_intervention_reduces_depression_inflammation_.htm This study shows that by helping breast cancer patients with depression, they will also experience less inflammation," says study leader Dr William E. Carson, III, professor in the division of surgical oncology and associate director for clinical research at the OSUCCC-James. First author Lisa Thornton, a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Psychology, noted that 25 to 30 percent of cancer patients experience significant symptoms of depression. "Our findings underscore the importance of including psychological interventions in the comprehensive care of cancer patients who experience significant distress," Thornton says. The study's patients were participating in a larger clinical trial testing the effects of the same intervention on disease endpoints. Previously published finding... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751965 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:33:00 +0100 2751965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751967&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepressed_teens_face_adult_risk.htm Teenagers who have minor depression are at a higher risk of mental health problems later in life, a study says. More... BBC © MMIX (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751967 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:23:00 +0100 2751967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2747979&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fup_to_15_of_preschoolers_affected_by_anxiety_depression.htm Jacques Desjardins Almost 15 percent of preschoolers have atypically high levels of depression and anxiety, according to a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The five-year investigation also found that children with atypically high depression and anxiety levels are more likely to have mothers with a history of depression. The study was conducted in Canada by an international team of researchers from the Université de Montréal, the Université Laval and McGill University, as well as Inserm (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale) in France, Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. and University College Dublin in Ireland. "As early as the first year of life, there are indications that some children have m... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2747979 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:37:00 +0100 2747979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737781&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_cognitive_impairment_in_major_depression_associat.htm Conclusions: Cognitive deficits, especially those closely related to hippocampus function, appear to be related to cortisol secretion in depressed patients. Elevated cortisol may downregulate mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in the hippocampus, which could, in part, be responsible for cognitive deficits in depressed patients. (Glossary links added; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2009 Society of Biological Psychiatry Published by Elsevier Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737781 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:47:00 +0100 2737781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734089&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_shame_and_guilt_in_preschool_depression_evidence_.htm Conclusions: Findings demonstrated that high levels of shame and maladaptive guilt were related to preschool onset depression when using observational measures of children's internal representations of their self-conscious emotions as well as parent report. These findings demonstrate continuity of these core emotions of depression as early as age 3. These findings suggest that guilt and shame should be explored in clinical assessments of young children and may be an important focus for future studies of the developmental psychopathology of depression. Source... Journal Compilation © 2009 ACAMH (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734089 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:12:00 +0100 2734089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730136&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_cripples_immune_systems_ability_to_fight_cancer.htm By Stephanie Pappas - Stanford School of Medicine Women with breast cancer and depression are at higher risk of cancer recurrence and early death than breast cancer patients without depression, recent research shows. Now, Stanford University School of Medicine and University of Louisville in Kentucky scientists have found evidence that the reason could be the psychiatric disorder's effects on immune cells. The new study published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that the more symptoms of depression exhibited by women with metastatic breast cancer, the less intense their immune responses were to seven common bacteria, fungi and yeasts. The researchers also found that patients with more cortisol, an immune-suppressing hormone released at high levels during chronic stress and... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730136 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:07:00 +0100 2730136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730138&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Finstant_messaging_can_help_depression.htm BMJ Group That pop-up message window may be an irritant to many of us, but new research shows it can be used as an aid to getting over depression. Researchers have found that online talking treatment using instant messaging can help people recover from depression. Accessing treatment online could make psychological therapies more widely available, and help people who find it challenging to visit a therapist. More... © BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2009 (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730138 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 06:53:00 +0100 2730138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727168&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fusa_foreclosure_crisis_becoming_a_mental_health_crisis.htm This study raises the stakes of the housing crisis," Pollack says. "The policy push to get people into mortgage counseling should be combined with health outreach in order to fully help people during this tremendously difficult period in their lives." Pollack CE, Julia Lynch J. Health Status of People Undergoing Foreclosure in the Philadelphia Region. AJPH 2009 Aug;doi:10.2105/AJPH.2009.161380 [Abstract] (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727168 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:05:00 +0100 2727168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727169&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_and_pregnancy_new_report_weighs_treatment_option.htm Deborah Brauser August 21, 2009 - A joint report from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) aims to provide a new resource for clinicians who care for pregnant women who either have or are at risk of developing major depressive disorder. The report by Kimberly A. Yonkers, MD, from the Department of Psychiatry, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Department Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, in New Haven, Connecticut, and colleagues, aims to help physicians and patients weigh the risks and benefits of various treatment options. The report includes an extensive review of existing research and a list of treatment recommendations. More...     (Medscape - Free registration required to view) ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727169 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:02:00 +0100 2727169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727170&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Flack_of_sun_may_dim_depressed_peoples_thinking.htm By Amy Norton NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A lack of sunshine may cloud memory and other thinking or "cognitive" functions in some people with depression, a new study hints. There is a well-known association between sunlight exposure and mood, the clearest example being seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression in which symptoms shift with the seasons, usually arising in the late fall and winter and improving in sunnier months. More... © 2009 Reuters (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727170 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:58:00 +0100 2727170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716007&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fneural_response_to_happy_faces_differs_in_major_and_bipolar_.htm By Liam Davenport MedWire News: Bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) patients have differences in amygdala and orbitomedial prefrontal cortex (OMPFC) effective connectivity (EC) in response to happy faces, say researchers. Bipolar depression is the most common presentation of bipolar disorder and often leads to a misdiagnosis of MDD. However, as emotional dysregulation is a central feature of bipolar disorder, neural dysfunction in systems supporting emotional regulation may help to discriminate the two groups. More... © 2009 Current Medicine Group Ltd (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716007 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:42:00 +0100 2716007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716008&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_supportive_psychotherapy_for_perinatal_depression.htm Conclusions: Study limitations included small sample size, and possible nonspecific and placebo effects. Adherence appears important in response to supportive psychotherapy in women with perinatal MDD, and future efforts to improve adherence in perinatal women with MDD are warranted. (Text has been reformatted for online visual clarity; ed.) Source... This article is a US Government work and as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.   |   © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716008 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:39:00 +0100 2716008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2712157&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_linked_to_malfunctions_in_brain_pleasure_center.htm Wolters Kluwer Health Clinically depressed individuals are less capable of finding pleasure in activities they previously enjoyed according to a new study. The research featured in the current issue of the journal NeuroReport found reduced function in the reward center of the brains of depressed individuals, when compared to healthy subjects. The study conducted by Dr Elizabeth Osuch, a researcher at the Lawson Health Research Institute, and collegues is the first data obtained from the First Episode Mood & Anxiety Program (FEMAP) research arm at the London Health Sciences Centre in Ontario, Canada. To investigate the effects of depression on brain activity, Dr Osuch and her team asked 15 healthy subjects and 16 recently depressed subjects to provide a list of their favorite music as w... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2712157 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:55:00 +0100 2712157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709191&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fcellular_abnormalities_and_eeg_predicting_treatment_respons.htm Psychiatry Weekly 200 9 Aug 17; 4(18) Dan V. Iosifescu, MD, MSc Director of Translational Neuroscience, Depression Clinical and Research Program, Site Director, Bipolar Trials Network, Massachusetts General Hospital, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Introduction Increasingly sophisticated technology, coupled with diligent research, is expanding insight into the neuropathophysiology of mood disorders (such as major depression and bipolar disorder). The techniques used to "see" into the human brain vary wildly in capability, cost, and user friendliness-from imaging (eg, MRI, fMRI, PET, spectroscopy) to EEG. Dr Dan Iosifescu believes that EEG in particular could have significant implications for depression treatment when put into practice. Core Biological Abnormaliti... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709191 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:54:00 +0100 2709191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2705172&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_an_evolutionary_hypothesis_of_depression_and_its_s.htm J Nerv Ment Dis. 2009 Aug;197(8):561-567 An Evolutionary Hypothesis of Depression and Its Symptoms, Adaptive Value, and Risk Factors Kinney DK,Tanaka M. Major depression is an evolutionary paradox: it carries great disadvantages for survival and reproduction of both patients and their relatives, yet it is common and has significant heritability. We propose a new hypothesis to help explain many of depression's symptoms and its risk factors, most of them not explained by previous evolutionary theories. We hypothesize that the evolutionary costs of depression are offset by its benefits in combating existing infections and avoiding new ones. As our hypothesis predicts, depression can be elicited by various infections as well as by environmental stressors that compromise immune function. Moreov... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2705172 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:06:00 +0100 2705172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699651&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fadolescent_rem_sleep_pattens_may_predict_later_depression.htm This study is an initial step in determining baseline measures that differentiate healthy adolescents from those who are likely to develop depression, bipolar disorder and other mental diseases as they get older." Researchers also studied another biological factor known to be associated with adult depression - cortisol, a hormone that is increased when humans are under stress. Evidence in adults shows that increased cortisol levels are related to depression and that cortisol is reduced even before outward signs of depression, such as feelings of sadness, wane. High cortisol levels in remitted patients can help determine who is at risk for relapse of depression. At the start of the study involving 96 adolescents with no evidence of depression or other psychiatric disorders, researchers moni... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699651 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:23:00 +0100 2699651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695422&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdiminished_cravings_for_pleasure_may_be_at_core_of_depressio.htm Melanie Moran - Vanderbilt University New research indicates that decreased cravings for pleasure may be at the root of a core symptom of major depressive disorder. The research is in contrast to the long-held notion that those suffering from depression lack the ability to enjoy rewards, rather than the desire to seek them. The research, led by Vanderbilt psychologists Michael Treadway and David Zald, is published in the online journal PLoS One. "This initial study shows that decreased reward processing, which is a core symptom of depression, is specifically related to a reduced willingness to work for a reward," Treadway, a graduate student in psychology, said. Decreased motivation to seek and experience pleasurable experiences, known as anhedonia, is a primary symptom of major depressive... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695422 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:52:00 +0100 2695422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695423&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fnational_academy_urges_changes_in_screening_and_treatment_of.htm Psychiatric Times. 2009 Aug 11;26(8) Stephen Barlas A National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report urging a more coordinated approach to prevention and treatment of depression in parents-because of its impact on children-hit the streets just as Congress began considering legislation to reform the US health insurance system. The NAS report made a number of recommendations for changing the approach of both public and private health insurers toward depression, although the front-line troops expected to deal with the problem are primary care physicians, who already treat 70 percent of patients with depression. More... © 1996 - 2009 CMPMedica LLC (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695423 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:37:00 +0100 2695423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691547&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_inflammation_causes_mood_changes_through_alteratio.htm Conclusions: Inflammation-associated mood deterioration is reflected in changes in sACC activity and functional connectivity during evoked responses to emotional stimuli. Peripheral cytokines modulate this mood-dependent sACC connectivity, suggesting a common pathophysiological basis for major depressive disorder and sickness-associated mood change and depression. Source... © 2009 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691547 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:51:00 +0100 2691547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2688719&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fteaching_resilience_in_schools_may_lower_childrens_depressi.htm Children with positive outlooks are better learners Pam Willenz - APA Teaching children how to be more resilient along with regular classroom instruction can curb depression, improve children's outlook on life and boost grades, according to research presented at the American Psychological Association's convention. "In the last 50 years, the U.S. population has seen an increase in their standard of living, such as having more money, owning more homes and cars and living longer. But our sense of meaning, purpose and satisfaction with life have not gone up, they have gone down," said psychologist Martin Seligman, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania. "This has been especially detrimental to children. Nearly 20 percent of young people experience depression." The effects can carry over to ad... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2688719 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:55:00 +0100 2688719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2685235&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fpsychosocial_therapy_plus_antidepressants_better_than_drugs_.htm Bridgette McNeill - American Heart Association Psychosocial therapy combined with medication can effectively improve depression and recovery in stroke patients, according to a new study reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. In the first long-term study of psychosocial/behavioral therapy in combination with antidepressants, researchers found that adding psychosocial therapy improved depression scores short term and those improvements were sustained long term. At one year: Depression scores dropped 47 percent in patients treated with eight weeks of psychosocial/behavioral therapy and antidepressants. Scores dropped 32 percent among those having usual care, which included taking antidepressants. The results are clinically and statistically significant, researchers sai... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2685235 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:02:00 +0100 2685235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2685238&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_effects_of_antidepressants_on_plasma_metabolites_o.htm This study included 40 in- or outpatients in our university hospital who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for major depressive disorder (M/F: 15/25, age: 47 ± 19 yr) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (M/F: 10/20, age: 45 ± 15 yr), and also examined the effects of the antidepressants on the plasma NOx levels in depressed patients. The baseline plasma NOx levels were significantly lower in the whole depressed group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Treatment with milnacipran [Ixel®, Savella®], but not paroxetine [Paxil®], significantly increased the plasma NOx levels by 4 and 8 weeks. These results suggest that decreased plasma NOx levels might be partially associated with the pathophysiology of depression, and that treatment with milnacipran, a serotoni... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2685238 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:44:00 +0100 2685238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674310&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Ffailing_to_heed_medical_advice_to_exercise_may_be_depression.htm Glenda Fauntleroy, NBNS contributing writer Feelings of depression could be one reason patients fail to follow their doctors' orders on exercising and eventually become less physically active, a new research review finds. Although past research shows that exercise improves chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, it also shows that patients with these conditions often suffer from depression. The new analysis evaluated 11 studies comprising some 20,000 patients. Eight studies reported that having symptoms of depression after a coronary event, such as heart attack, was a significant risk factor for developing a sedentary lifestyle or a poor adherence to an exercise regimen recommended by the patients' doctor. The review appears in the July/August issue of the journal Ge... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674310 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:27:00 +0100 2674310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674313&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_childhood_neglect_and_abuse_as_predictors_of_antid.htm Conclusions: The experience of having a neglectful father or an overprotective mother was more predictive of response to treatment for depression than abuse, suggesting that the quality of ongoing intra-familial relationships has a greater impact on treatment outcomes for depression than experiences of discrete abuse in childhood. (Text has been reformatted for online visual clarity; ed.) Source... Copyright © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674313 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:11:00 +0100 2674313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670878&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_and_inflammation_linked_to_rheumatoid_arthritis_p.htm According to this study, the inflammation and depression each independently increased the likelihood of severe pain. The combined effects of high CRP levels and depression predicted severe pain even more strongly. "Results of our research demonstrate the potential for clinicians to improve pain control by addressing their patients' psychological symptoms in addition to conducting anti-inflammation therapy," stated Dr Kojima. The study indicates for those patients reporting severe pain without CRP level elevation, psychotherapy and/or psychotropic medication might have priority. "A clinical approach that takes into account both the body and the mind could have benefits and could enable optimal pain control," recommend the authors. Anita DeLongis, Ph.D. and colleagues from the University of ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670878 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:10:00 +0100 2670878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667473&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_and_heart_disease_association_moderate_but_comple.htm Sathya Achia Abraham - JAMA Major depression and coronary artery disease are only modestly related throughout an individual's lifetime, but studying how the two interact over time and in twin pairs paints a more complex picture of the associations between the conditions, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. For example, the association between coronary artery disease onset and major depression risk is much stronger over time than vice versa. "While an association between major depression and coronary artery disease has long been noted and recently confirmed, the direction and cause of this association remain unclear," the researchers write as background information in the article. High cortisol levels, inflammation and changes in blood platelet funct... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667473 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:38:00 +0100 2667473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667474&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fprescoolers_depression_usually_not_a_transient_phase.htm Jim Dryden - JAMA Depression among preschoolers appears to be a continuous, chronic condition rather than a transient developmental stage, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. "The validity of major depressive disorder in childhood has been well established, with the disorder now widely recognized and treated in mental health settings," the authors write as background information in the article. However, previous studies have primarily focused on children age 6 and older. Although a growing body of data suggests that depression does exist among preschoolers, skepticism remains about whether it is clinically meaningful or increases the later risk of psychiatric conditions. Joan L. Luby, MD, and colleagues at Washington University School of Medicine in... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667474 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:30:00 +0100 2667474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667476&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fexercise_helps_fight_depression.htm By Jeannine Stein When Gaetano Vaccaro meets with depressed patients at Moonview Sanctuary, he sometimes moves part of the session outside, taking a walk while talking. The result: "People's state of mind can shift." Depression can spawn a spiral of lethargy and hopelessness, so that the last thing someone wants to do is exercise. But regular, moderate physical activity may lessen depression symptoms as much as some medications. More... Copyright 2009 Los Angeles Times (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667476 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:16:00 +0100 2667476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2663981&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_has_similar_mortality_risk_as_smoking.htm But co morbid moderate anxiety found to reduce risk of dying prematurely Deborah Hart Depression can increase mortality as much as smoking according to a new study published in the August issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. Researchers at King's College London teamed up with researchers in Norway to investigate whether depression and anxiety are associated with increased mortality. The large-scale study of 61,349 people was carried out in Norway. The study showed that depression is associated with increased mortality. Moreover, it is as great a risk factor for mortality as smoking (depression: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.52, 95% CI 1.35-1.72 -v- smoking: hazard ratio = 1.59, 95% CI 1.44-1.75). Writing in the British Journal of Psychiatry, lead researcher Dr Arnstein Mykletun and colleagu... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2663981 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:06:00 +0100 2663981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2663982&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Ftreating_depression_can_be_hit_or_miss.htm Doctors have more than 20 medications to choose from. But finding the right one is a process of trial and error. By Devon Schuyler George Porter, a 47-year-old engineering librarian from La Cañada Flintridge, first became depressed after his father's heart attack nearly seven years ago. The married father of two was overcome with sadness that wouldn't go away and lost pleasure in activities he'd once enjoyed. "I'd been a voracious reader all my life, and I found it almost impossible to get through a book," he said. He often began sobbing uncontrollably. Porter followed his doctor's advice to see a psychologist and take medication, cycling through at least half a dozen drugs. Many helped, but none worked completely. More... Copyright 2009 Los Angeles Times (Source: Latest entries fro... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2663982 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:55:00 +0100 2663982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657708&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_depression_cortisol_and_suppressed_cellmediated.htm This study explored relationships among depressive symptoms, cortisol secretion, and CMI responses in 72 women with metastatic breast cancer. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Saliva was sampled throughout the day over a three-day period to obtain a physiologic index of diurnal cortisol concentrations and rhythmicity, which is associated with breast cancer survival time. CMI for specific antigens was measured following intradermal administration of seven commonly encountered antigens (tuberculin, tetanus, diphtheria, Streptococcus, Candida, Trichophyton, and Proteus). Analyses adjusting for relevant medical and treatment variables indicated that women reporting more depressive symptoms showed suppressed immunity as measure... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657708 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:54:00 +0100 2657708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653809&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fheart_disease_enzyme_triggers_depression_stymies_antidepres.htm This study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests depression worsens heart disease; in fact, it is shown to be even more of a risk factor for mortality than traditional cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure. The prevalence of depression in patients with coronary artery disease is shown to be much higher than that of the general population, contributing to a poorer quality of life and increased mortality. "It is important to identify biological pathways that might be involved since the excessive mortality associated with depressive symptoms remains largely unexplained," says Swardfager. In the study, the enzyme's activity was specifically related to "the blues", depressed mood, feelings of failure, loneliness, crying, sadness, and an inability to "get going". Swardfager... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653809 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:15:00 +0100 2653809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653810&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_both_often_over_and_under_diagnosed_in_primary_ca.htm University of Leicester A  meta-analysis of more than 50,000 patients has shown that general practitioners (GPs)/primary care physicians have great difficulty separating those with and without depression, with substantial numbers of missed and misidentified. Doctors looking for depression make more misidentifications (false positives of depression) than the number of depressions they correctly spot following an initial consultation but accuracy could improved by re-assessment of people suspected of having depression. These are the conclusions of research to be published in an upcoming edition of The Lancet, conducted by Dr Alex Mitchell of University of Leicester together with Dr Amol Vaze, and Dr Sanajay Rao of Leicester Partnership Trust. Their study pooled 41 trials from nine count... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653810 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:55:00 +0100 2653810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653813&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fclue_to_the_cause_of_depression_in_older_men.htm Women are more likely than men to have depression — that is, until age 65, when the numbers become almost equal. Why? It may have to do with the drop in testosterone levels in older men, according to recent research reported in Archives of General Psychiatry (Volume 65, page 283). More... © 2009 MediZine LLC. All rights reserved. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653813 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:40:00 +0100 2653813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2649050&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Flack_of_sunlight_linked_to_cognitive_impairment_in_the_depre.htm Graeme Baldwin - BioMed Central A lack of sunlight is associated with reduced cognitive function among depressed people. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Environmental Health used weather data from NASA satellites to measure sunlight exposure across the United States and linked this information to the prevalence of cognitive impairment in depressed people. Shia Kent, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, led a team of US researchers who used cross-sectional data from 14,474 people in the REGARDS study, a longitudinal study investigating stroke incidence and risk factors, to study associations between depression, cognitive function and sunlight. He said, "We found that among participants with depression, low exposure to sunlight was associated with a signi... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2649050 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:53:00 +0100 2649050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2634447&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fproactive_school_interventions_can_reduce_adolscent_depressi.htm Penny Robinson School-based intervention programs could help curb the amount of antidepressants being prescribed to adolescent boys, University of Queensland, Australia research has found. School Counsellor Mark Taylor, who receives his PhD during a graduation ceremony today, found symptoms of depression could be reduced by teaching students the skills of conflict resolution and positive thinking, as well as encouraging physical exercise. "Working in a school setting as a counselor I became concerned about the numbers of students who were being prescribed antidepressants, without what I considered to be enough effort to find out what was going on in the lives of these students," Dr Taylor said. "I wanted to substantiate that there are viable alternatives to antidepressants which can signif... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2634447 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:34:00 +0100 2634447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2634448&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fsimpler_definition_of_major_depression_proposed.htm Nancy Jean - Lifespan Researchers from Rhode Island Hospital's department of psychiatry propose that the definition for major depressive disorder (MDD) should be shortened to include only the mood and cognitive symptoms that have been part of the definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for the past 35 years. Their recommendation would exclude those symptoms that are currently part of the definition that may be associated with medical illness rather than depression. The proposal is based on a study that appears in the journal Psychological Medicine. The current definition of major depressive disorder in the fourth edition of the DSM (DSM-IV) includes nine symptoms — a definition that has remained essentially unchanged since the 1970s. With preparat... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2634448 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:27:00 +0100 2634448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2626077&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fscreening_can_detect_depression_as_early_as_second_grade.htm Joel Schwarz New research indicates that screening children for symptoms of depression, the most common mental health disorder in the United States, could begin a lot earlier than previously thought, as early as the second grade. A University of Washington study which followed nearly 1,000 children from the second to the eighth grades also found five distinct patterns for the way symptoms of depression develop among adolescents. "Some children are reporting that they don't have as many friends, feel lonelier and are more anxious than their peers," said James Mazza, a UW professor of educational psychology and lead author of the study. "They are telling us that they feel different from the typical happy- go-lucky second grader. "We can start to build a profile of children's mental health in... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2626077 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:53:00 +0100 2626077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2626078&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fpoor_type2_diabetes_glucose_control_may_worsen_depression.htm U-M study suggests doctors more carefully monitor patients with diabetes for worsened depressive symptoms and perhaps start treatment for depression Haley Otman - University of Michigan Researchers at the University of Michigan have determined that poor glycemic control in diabetics may be a risk factor of worsened depressive symptoms. The study appearing in the current issue of the American Diabetes Association publication Diabetes Care followed 253 patients over six months who controlled their diabetes either through oral medication or insulin. The depressive symptoms were worse among patients who took insulin. "Our findings suggest an opportunity for physicians to more carefully monitor these patients for intensified depressive symptoms, or perhaps to initiate treatment for depression,"... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2626078 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:43:00 +0100 2626078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2621841&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_sigma1_receptors_in_major_depression_and_anxiety.htm Expert Rev Neurother. 2009 Jul;9(7):1021-34. σ-1 receptors in major depression and anxiety Kulkarni SK, Dhir A. Major depression and anxiety are two of the major psychiatric disorders that have some overlapping pathophysiologies, the most significant being the dysfunction in the monoaminergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. A large number of drugs that alter these neurotransmitter levels/systems are effective in the treatment of major depression and anxiety. However, full remission of the clinical symptoms has not been achieved, perhaps owing to the complex pathophysiology of the diseases. Thus, the search for newer targets and target-specific drugs continues. Recently, the role of σ-receptors, particularly the σ-1 receptor subtype, has been identified as a target f... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2621841 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:01:00 +0100 2621841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2621843&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_poses_pregnancy_risks.htm By Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay Reporter SUNDAY, July 19 (HealthDay News) — Thanks to high-profile celebrities like Brooke Shields, postpartum depression is out of the closet and discussed as something to recognize and treat. But less well known is depression during pregnancy — a common problem as well, and one that also can be risky for the unborn baby, experts now know. More... © 2009 HealthDay News (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2621843 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:46:00 +0100 2621843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2610990&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_psychological_stress_worsen_childrens_asthma.htm Lois Baker Young people with asthma have nearly twice the incidence of depression compared to their peers without asthma, and studies have shown that depression is associated with increased asthma symptoms and, in some cases, death. How stress and depression play upon one another to worsen asthma is a lingering question. A new study publshised in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology by University at Buffalo researchers has shown that depressed children with asthma exhibit a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system along with increased airway compromise. Bruce D. Miller, MD, and Beatrice L. Wood, PhD, professors of psychiatry and pediatrics in the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, designed and carried out the study in collaboration with other UB researchers. It i... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2610990 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:19:00 +0100 2610990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2606028&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmedically_unexplained_pain_associated_with_depression.htm High frequency of somatoform pain disorder reported with significant differences between patients with and without depression Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Pain symptoms that cannot be attributed, or at least not fully attributed, to an organic origin are more frequently and more severely experienced by patients with depression than by those without. "It is the case that women are much more frequently affected by depression and also by so-called somatoform pain disorder than men," explains Dirk Frieser, psychologist at the Institute of Psychology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. For his doctoral dissertation Frieser and fellow psychologist Stephanie Körber questioned 308 patients attending two practices of general practitioners in Mainz. Patients were asked about their state ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2606028 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:58:00 +0100 2606028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2594468&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fwcbp_2009_omega3_supplements_provide_mixed_results_as_anti.htm Jill Stein July 8, 2009 (Paris, France) - While omega-3 supplements are only nominally better than placebo as a treatment for major depression, they provide significant benefit in depressed patients without comorbid anxiety. In addition, the supplements are well tolerated, according to results of the Omega-3D trial reported here at the 9th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry (WCBP). "We believe our findings are important because depressed patients without comorbid anxiety disorder account for about half of all depressed patients," Francois Lesperance, MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of Montreal, in Quebec, told Medscape Psychiatry. More...      (Medscape - Free registration may be required to view) Medscape Medical News © 2009 Medscape, LLC (Source: L... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2594468 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:39:00 +0100 2594468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2594470&cid=t_122985_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_5httlpr_modulates_antidepressant_efficacy_in_depr.htm Conclusion: Despite a low power, this study suggests a significant effect of 5-HTTLPR genotype on antidepressant efficacy in depressed women but not in men, with both SSRI and non-SSRI drugs. Further research is needed to confirm this result and investigate its underlying mechanisms. (Links added; ed.) Source... © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2594470 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:03:00 +0100 2594470