The “dissociative anesthetic” ketamine is looking increasingly promising as a safe and effective treatment for intractable depression. A new randomized study by researchers in the United States has shown that ketamine injections are at least as effective as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating nonpsychotic forms of major depression. After starting ECT or ketamine therapy, patients in the study reported an almost immediate improvement in their quality of life. Side effects such as nausea and poor memory were common for both treatments, albeit short-lived. “Statistically, it was a solid finding showing…
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Physical fitness could potentially mitigate working memory impairments in individuals with depression
A new study published in NeuroImage: Clinic explored the relationship between exercise, brain functioning, and major depressive disorder. The results indicate that individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) who exercise tend to have better brain functioning than those with MDD who do not exercise. Depression is a common mental health disorder affecting millions of people around the world. It is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in once pleasurable activities. Depression can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work,…
Read MoreCan physical activity relieve anxiety? The study investigates the potential and pitfalls of fitness as a therapy
In a recent study published in the journal Advances in cardiovascular diseaseresearchers explore whether exercise could be used to treat anxiety. Study: Is exercise a valid therapy for anxiety? Systematic review of recent literature and critical analysis. Image credit: GP PIXSTOCK/Shutterstock.com The mental health benefits of exercise Lifestyle psychiatry recognizes the impact of various health behaviors, such as eating, sleeping, smoking, and physical activity, on mental health. Exercise is a well-known health behavior that provides both physical and psychological benefits. In fact, exercise is now recommended as the primary treatment…
Read MoreUp to 10% of fathers suffer from postnatal depression. Here’s what they can do
Many people think of postnatal depression as a condition that affects only women. But in reality, postnatal depression affects nearly as many men as women with some research estimating it occurs in up to 10 percent of fathers. Yet despite how common postnatal depression may be in men, there’s still not a lot of information about it. This can make it difficult to know if you may have postnatal depression and how to get help if you do. Here’s what you need to know. Because it happens There are many…
Read MoreFriendships with Trouble Talking and Peer Victimization: Unraveling the Links to Teenage Depression
New research published in Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology explores what may influence the consequences of peer victimization for adolescents in the United States. The study findings reveal that when teenagers discuss their problems with a friend who also has social difficulties, their symptoms of depression tend to increase. When friends who talk about problems don’t have social problems, depressive symptoms tend to remain stable. For adolescents, peer victimization can take many forms, including physical assault, verbal harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying. The negative effects of peer victimization on…
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