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Depression Archive

Mind & Mood

Can we prevent depression in older adults by treating insomnia?

Published February 16, 2022

Depression is common among older adults, and insomnia doubles the risk of major depressive disorder. There is increasing evidence that treating insomnia in older people who have both insomnia and major depression has the potential to improve both their sleep and their mood.

Mind & Mood

Is a mobile app as good as a therapist?

Published February 7, 2022

Due to the lengthy wait for an appointment with a therapist, many people have turned to the numerous mental health apps available on smartphones. Research did not find convincing evidence that use of any such app resulted in significant improvement in symptoms, but some may be useful as a complement to therapy.

Pain

A single-session class offers chronic low back pain relief

Published December 1, 2021

A single two-hour pain management class may offer months-long relief from chronic low back pain compared with other approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and back health education.

Staying Healthy

Breathing your way to better health

Published November 1, 2021

Taking time out of a stressful day to perform simple breathing exercises can reduce chronic stress and prevent the harm it can inflict on the body. Even a few short breathing sessions can make a big difference for many people. Chronic stress, when it goes unchecked, can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, and reduced immune response.

Heart Health

When someone you love has heart disease

Published October 1, 2021

People can support family members and friends with heart disease by encouraging them to do cardiac rehabilitation, a 12-week program that teaches the fundamentals of a heart-healthy lifestyle and features supervised exercise training. They can also ask about the person’s health goals and ways to help, rather than becoming frustrated if the person appears to be making poor choices. Finally, acknowledging and sharing emotions, such as fear and worry, may improve communication.

Mind & Mood

Waking up one hour earlier than usual may reduce depression risk

Published September 1, 2021

New research suggests that people who wake up an hour earlier than usual, without sleeping less, may reduce their risk of major depression.

Mind & Mood

The benefits of volunteering, without leaving home

Published August 1, 2021

Volunteering has many benefits, enabling people to gain a sense of purpose, connect with others, and get a break from their own problems. Those benefits are associated with better health, including greater levels of physical activity, better sleep quality, a healthier diet, reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, and even longevity. A person may be able to reap many of those benefits by volunteering from home, such as doing work for a nonprofit group via computer or phone.

Mind & Mood

COVID-related loss of smell may be associated with mental health risks

Published July 1, 2021

Longer-term loss of smell after COVID-19 may be associated with mental health risks.

Mind & Mood

Back to the future: Psychedelic drugs in psychiatry

Published June 22, 2021

There is a renewed interest in the potential for psychedelic drugs to be used for medical purposes in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric conditions. Broadly, these drugs are able to induce altered thoughts and sensory perceptions, and research has found them to be beneficial in treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and they can also be helpful for some people in end-of-life situations.

Heart Health

Treating sleep apnea: Good for your heart and mind?

Updated June 1, 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissue at the back of the throat temporarily blocks the airway during sleep. People with sleep apnea face a heightened risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. The condition can also affect mood, and some people diagnosed with depression may actually have sleep apnea. Treating apnea with positive airway pressure improves both high blood pressure and depression.

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