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Tag: depression symptoms

  • Have Depression Or Anxiety? There May Be Health Risks Down The Line

    Have Depression Or Anxiety? There May Be Health Risks Down The Line

    A new study examined whether people with depression/anxiety could be at higher risks of future health problems.

    Could struggling with depression and anxiety put you at risk for more health issues down the road? According to Forbes, new research points to yes.  

    A recent study determined that those with depression/anxiety could be at the same or higher risk level for future health problems as smokers or those who are overweight.

    The study examined data from the Health and Retirement Study, which included the health data of 15,000 older US adults over four years. Of those, 16% reported high levels of depression and anxiety, 31% were considered obese and 14% were smokers. 

    In comparing individuals with anxiety and depression to those without, researchers found that those with depression and/or anxiety had a 65% higher risk of heart conditions, a 64% higher risk for stroke and a 50% higher risk of high blood pressure. Especially high was the increased risk of arthritis, at 87%. 

    Lead study author Aoife O’Donovan of the UCSF Department of Psychiatry says these odds are in line with individuals who smoke or are overweight.

    “These increased odds are similar to those of participants who are smokers or are obese,” he said, according to Forbes. “However, for arthritis, high anxiety and depression seem to confer higher risks than smoking and obesity.”


    Researchers also discovered connections between depression/anxiety and more mild health issues like back pain, stomach pain and shortness of breath. Headaches were 161% higher in those with depression and/or anxiety in comparison to those who were smokers or obese.

    However, the study did not find any links between depression and anxiety and cancer. 

    “Our findings are in line with a lot of other studies showing that psychological distress is not a strong predictor of many types of cancer,” O’Donovan tells Forbes. “On top of highlighting that mental health matters for a whole host of medical illnesses, it is important that we promote these null findings. We need to stop attributing cancer diagnoses to histories of stress, depression and anxiety.”

    A possible limitation of this study, according to Forbes, is that the data used came from self-assessments of individuals versus clinical assessments. 

    “The methodology in this case relied on in-depth interviews and other survey methods, but the results are still observational, not clinical,” Forbes states.

    As these findings are in line with other past studies, researchers are reiterating the importance of mental health care. 

    “Anxiety and depression symptoms are strongly linked to poor physical health,” the study’s first author, Andrea Niles said, according to Forbes. “Yet these conditions continue to receive limited attention in primary care settings, compared to smoking and obesity.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Can Pet Ownership Alleviate Depression Symptoms?

    Can Pet Ownership Alleviate Depression Symptoms?

    A new study examined the impact of pet ownership on people with treatment-resistant depression.

    It’s no secret that animals can bring people joy, but a new study indicates that adopting a pet could prove particularly beneficial for those with severe depression. 

    The study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, found that for those with severe depression that was not easily treatable, adopting a pet could help lessen symptoms. 

    Jorge Mota Pereira and Daniela Fonte, two Portuguese researchers, recruited 80 study participants who had “treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.” They encouraged each one to adopt a pet. Of the 80 participants, 33 agreed to adopt, with 20 individuals choosing a dog and seven choosing a cat.  

    According to The Independent, over the following 12 weeks, the participant’s depression symptoms were studied during checkups at four and eight weeks.  

    The results at the end of the study implied that adopting the pet had been beneficial for some. More than 33% of the group, according to the Independent, had higher scores on depression rating systems like the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, and the scores were considered mild rather than severe.

    According to the study’s authors, one reason for this may be that the level of care a pet requires could impact depression symptoms positively. 

    “By having the responsibility of taking care of an animal, people have to get up in the morning to take care of the animal, namely pet them and feeding them,” the researchers wrote, according to Bustle. “In the specific case of dogs, the need of taking a dog for a walk, hike and run promotes the increase of physical activity and could help its owner to meet new people that also have pets, sharing experiences and improving their social skills.”

    The researchers concluded that owning a pet could be an “effective adjuvant” to more traditional depression treatments.  

    However, writer Christian Jarrett pointed out in a blog for the British Psychological Society Research Digest that the improvement in patient’s scores and symptoms could have to do with more than adopting a pet.

    “So, although pet-adopters and the controls were matched for baseline depression symptoms, there may have been other ways that they differed,” he writes. “For instance, perhaps there was something different about the personalities or social circumstances of the pet adopters that contributed to their willingness to adopt a pet and to their higher remission rates (raising the possibility that the pet adoption itself was not the main ‘active ingredient’ in their recovery).”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Can Hot Baths Help Ease Depression Symptoms?

    Can Hot Baths Help Ease Depression Symptoms?

    A recent study examined the effects that a regular hot bath had on people with depression.

    Can a bath a day keep the blues away? Researchers seem to think so.

    A new study published in New Scientist indicates that by taking regular afternoon baths, people with depression may experience a “moderate but persistent lift in mood.”

    During the study, researchers from the University of Freiburg in Germany took 45 individuals with depression and had one group soak in hot water (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to 30 minutes, then wrap in a blanket and hot water bottles for an additional 20 minutes, while another group took 40 to 45 minutes of exercise twice per week.

    Then, after eight weeks, the individuals taking the afternoon baths scored six points lower on a widely used depression scale, while those exercising scored about three points lower. 

    The theory is that warm baths strengthen and synchronize a person’s circadian rhythm by increasing the core body temperature. A circadian rhythm is “the daily fluctuations in behavior and biochemistry that affect every one of our organs, including the brain,” the Guardian notes.

    For most people, core body temperature increases during the day and decreases at night, which helps the body to fall asleep. But in those with depression, the circadian rhythm is frequently “flatter, disrupted or delayed by several hours.” So, by affecting the core body temperature, baths may help those with depression to fall asleep more easily.

    In addition to affecting the circadian rhythm, hot baths could lead to the firing of more neurons that distribute serotonin.

    According to the Guardian, depression is likely related to low levels of serotonin in the brain, and research involving rats has found that neurons that release serotonin are connected to mood-regulating parts of the brain, which fire when body temperature increases.

    When it comes to taking a good bath, the Guardian recommends picking a time without disruptions, possibly using an essential oil, making bathwater slightly warmer than body temperature, and taking into account the temperature of the room.

    However, such hot baths could cause issues for some people. According to Bustle, some study participants struggled to get hot enough water at home, since 104 degrees is fairly high, and had to go to a spa instead.

    People with health issues should be sure to check with their doctors before taking such hot baths, as they may be dangerous in some circumstances.

    Of course, hot baths may not be the answer for everyone. But, as Bustle notes, they may be a good go-to while waiting the four-to-six weeks it can take for antidepressants to start working.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Can Social Media Reduce Depression In Older Adults With Chronic Pain?

    Can Social Media Reduce Depression In Older Adults With Chronic Pain?

    A recent study examined how social media use affected the mental health of elderly adults living with pain.

    There’s been lots of information put forward about the toll that social media can take on our mental health, with excessive use of social media linked to depression and addictive behaviors.

    However, a new study indicates that there may be a silver lining: social media use might be associated with lower depression levels in older adults with pain. 

    The study, published in Journals of Gerontology, Series B and reported by Reuters Health, followed 3,401 people ages 67 or older. The people in the study all lived in the community, rather than in an assisted living or nursing facility, and 54% of them said they’d been bothered by pain in the past month. 

    Researchers found that among people with pain, 15% of those who did not use social media showed signs of depression. That dropped to just 6% among people who did engage with social media.

    “Using online social media to maintain contact with family members and friends is a good way to compensate for seniors who restrict their social activities due to pain. It is not going to replace seeing people in person, but it will help supplement their reduced activities,” said Shannon Ang, a doctoral candidate in sociology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and co-author of the study. “For us, this study is about preserving mental health.”

    Despite the connection with better mental health, only 17% of participants were using social media, Ang found. He said that programs that teach the elderly how to use computers and engage online could be beneficial.

    In the future, Ang wants to research the connection between social media and mental health further, looking at what social media platforms and patterns of use are most closely connected with mental health benefits. 

    Healthcare providers say it isn’t necessarily surprising that social media could reduce depression symptoms, since it can alleviate feelings of isolation.

    “It’s very well known that social support is helpful for depression and physical symptoms. It’s a growing area of interest in research and clinical care,” said Dr. William Pirl of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who wasn’t involved in the study. 

    However, people should proceed with caution, Pirl said.

    “People respond differently to it. Some people can become more anxious hearing other peoples’ stories or about other treatments for what they’re experiencing. There’s a lot of variability of whether social media is right for you.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Everyday Changes That Can Improve Depression Symptoms

    Everyday Changes That Can Improve Depression Symptoms

    Experts offer a few tips on how to manage symptoms of depression.

    Depression is a serious disease that can require treatment with therapy and pharmaceuticals, but mental health professionals also say that making lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms. 

    Considering that depression rates have increased 33% in five years, it seems that more people than ever are paying attention to their mental health and prioritizing their wellbeing.

    Here are some changes that you can implement today in order to help control your symptoms of depression. 

    Focus on gut health. 

    Understanding how our microbiome works is the next frontier in medicine and it affects much more than just your gut health. 

    “There’s been an explosion of interest in the connections between the microbiome and the brain,” Emeran Mayer, a gastroenterologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, told The Atlantic. 

    Your gut contains large amounts of the same neurotransmitters that keep communication running smoothly in your brain, including GABA, dopamine and serotonin. That’s why Alison Stone, a New York-based therapist told Well and Good that the gut is basically the “second brain.” 

    Avoiding sugar, processed food and alcohol can help reduce inflammation and improve gut health, which in turn can reduce symptoms of depression.

    “In addition to affecting our dopamine and GABA production [‘happy chemicals’ needed for healthy brain functioning] it’s estimated that the gut is responsible for up to 90% of the body’s serotonin production,” Stone said. “Since inflammation has been linked to depression, following an anti-inflammatory diet is an important step in creating a happy, healthy gut.”

    Socialize in person, not online. 

    While social media has been linked to feeling down, getting together with friends in person will boost your mental wellbeing, especially during the cold winter months when people tend to hibernate inside. 

    “I cannot emphasize the importance of human connection enough, especially now that we’re living in a world where technology has replaced many face-to-face interactions and altered the way we belong to communities,” Stone said.

    Meet a friend for a walk, attend a meeting or catch up over coffee. Research shows these social relationships will improve your health. 

    Care for your physical health with exercise and sleep. 

    Sleep and exercise are some of the most basic ingredients for healthy living, but too often they’re overlooked. This can have consequences for both physical and mental health. If revamping your sleep and exercise schedules feels overwhelming, start small. 

    “Even 15-20 minutes of moderate walking per day is better than nothing,” Stone said. 

    That small amount of physical activity, coupled with a bit more sleep, will help improve your mood. 

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • New Jersey May Require Depression Screenings For Students

    New Jersey May Require Depression Screenings For Students

    A new bill aims to address undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues in school-aged children. 

    Some New Jersey lawmakers are taking a stand against undiagnosed depression in youth by drafting a bill that would require annual screenings. 

    According to New Jersey 101.5, if the bill were to pass, students in New Jersey would have to be screened for depression about six times in the time leading up to high school graduation. 

    The bill comes in the wake of a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics, stating that young people should be screened for depression each year. If passed, it would require that public school students in grades 7 through 12 be screened once per year. 

    “Tragically, far too few people that suffer from mental illness actually get diagnosed,” Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Burlington), primary bill sponsor and chair of the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee, said at a recent hearing, according to 101.5. “For those who screen positive, information will be sent to the parents and the parents can get their child the care that they need.”

    The screening would consist of a two-question survey and could be given by a “qualified professional” at public schools. By the bill’s definition, this means a school psychologist, school nurse, school counselor, student assistance coordinator, school social worker or physician.

    According to Conaway, parents would have the choice of opting out of the screening for their child, which current laws also allow for other types of physical health screenings. 

    While the intent of the bill is understood, there is still some opposition, according to 101.5. 

    Debbie Bradley, director of government relations for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, tells 101.5 that the potential passing of the bill would impact understaffing at schools even more. As such, combining the screening with annual physicals is an idea that has been broached.

    “Many of our members suggested that this system be integrated with the current annual physicals that many parents bring their students to,” Bradley said.

    Conaway reiterated the importance of the bill by citing a study that discovered the number of children and teenagers hospitalized for thoughts of suicide climbed more than 100% from 2008 to 2015. 

    If passed, the bill would allow for confidential data collection. The data would be forwarded to the Department of Education and Department of Health, then studied for statewide trends.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Experts Release New Guidelines For Treating Women With Depression

    Experts Release New Guidelines For Treating Women With Depression

    A panel of mental health professionals created new guidelines to get more women help with their mood disorders during middle age. 

    A team of medical professionals has released new guidelines for evaluating and treating depression in perimenopausal women, after finding that the condition is common in the years leading up to menopause. 

    “Perimenopause is a window of vulnerability for the development of both depressive symptoms and major depressive episodes,” Pauline Maki, lead study author and professor of psychology and psychiatry in the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, told Chicago Tonight. “The recent suicide of Kate Spade at 55 years of age shows the seriousness of mental health issues in midlife women, a group that has shown a 45% increase in suicide rates over the past 15 years.”

    Researchers found that in the three to four years before menopause, the time when periods become irregular and women experience symptoms including hot flashes, women are at an increased risk for depression. The risk is greatest for women with a history of depression, but it is also increased for those with no depressive background. 

    “If there is underlying low-level depression to begin with, perimenopause can increase the intensity of depressive symptoms,” Maki said.

    Despite the prevalence, Maki said that depression during middle age has been largely ignored by the medical community. That’s why a panel from the North American Menopause Society and the National Network of Depression Centers Women and Mood Disorders Task Group came together to form the guidelines in hopes of getting more women help with their mood disorders during middle age. 

    Maki says the message from the research and recommendations is two-fold. 

    “If your mood is low, if you’re feeling irritable, I want (women) to understand there is a consensus that this is normal during menopause,” she said. However, “this is something women don’t have to live with,” she added. 

    Maki speculates that hormonal changes in the brain, combined with life stressors including caring for adult children and aging parents, increase the risk for depression in the years before menopause. 

    “When you add in hormonal changes that can affect the brain’s ability to cope with these stressors, it’s no surprise that depression is a common occurrence in midlife women,” she said.

    Even low-level depression can have an impact on a person’s quality of life, so doctors and patients should be open to treating depression with antidepressants and therapy, Maki said. Hormone therapy to treat the physical symptoms of menopause—particularly hot flashes that interrupt sleep—can also improve depressive symptoms. 

    “It is important for women and their health care providers to recognize that these symptoms are common during perimenopause and can be treated,” she said. “By treating some menopausal symptoms, we can help overcome some of the depression symptoms.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Can Nerve Stimulation Help Depression?

    Can Nerve Stimulation Help Depression?

    Researchers discovered that using vagus nerve stimulators to treat depression changed patients’ quality of life.

    A new study has shown that nerve stimulation can improve quality of life for depression patients, even if their symptoms aren’t totally alleviated. 

    “When evaluating patients with treatment-resistant depression, we need to focus more on their overall well-being,” lead author Charles R. Conway, MD, a Washington University professor of psychiatry, told Science Daily. “A lot of patients are on as many as three, four or five antidepressant medications, and they are just barely getting by. But when you add a vagus nerve stimulator, it really can make a big difference in people’s everyday lives.”

    For the study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, researchers followed about 600 patients who were being treated for depression. Some continued “treatment as usual,” which could include medication, electro-convulsive therapy, talk therapy or a combination of these.

    The researchers compared these individuals with 328 people who continued with their usual treatment, but were also given vagus nerve stimulators, which are implanted in the neck or chest and deliver regular, mild pulses of electricity to the brain. 

    Comparing 14 measurements including relationships, physical health and ability to work, researchers found that people with the stimulators had a better quality of life. 

    “On about 10 of the 14 measures, those with vagus nerve stimulators did better,” Conway said. “For a person to be considered to have responded to a depression therapy, he or she needs to experience a 50% percent decline in his or her standard depression score. But we noticed, anecdotally, that some patients with stimulators reported they were feeling much better even though their scores were only dropping 34 to 40%.”

    This suggests that the nerve stimulation can improve life for people with depression, even if it doesn’t put the depression into remission. Study participant Charles Donovan was hospitalized for depression multiple times and found treatments ineffective until he got a vagus nerve stimulator. 

    “Before the stimulator, I never wanted to leave my home,” he said. “It was stressful to go to the grocery store. I couldn’t concentrate to sit and watch a movie with friends. But after I got the stimulator, my concentration gradually returned. I could do things like read a book, read the newspaper, watch a show on television. Those things improved my quality of life.”

    Conway said that stimulating the vagus nerve might enable people to concentrate better, which makes their day-to-day lives better.

    “It improves alertness, and that can reduce anxiety,” he said. “And when a person feels more alert and more energetic and has a better capacity to carry out a daily routine, anxiety and depression levels decline.”

    View the original article at thefix.com