MentalHealthDaily

Cerebellum Activity Predicts Euthymia (Stable Mood) vs. Depression in Bipolar Disorder (2024 Study)

Bipolar disorder (BD), a complex and multifaceted mental illness, manifests through various mood states including depression, mania/hypomania, and euthymia. Recent advances in neuroimaging, particularly resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have shed light on the intricate dynamics of brain activity underlying these mood states. A new study employing dynamic fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (dfALFF) …

Kappa Opioid Receptors (KORs) vs. Depression & Stress-Related Brain Region Activation (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Depression, a complex and multifaceted disorder, challenges both individuals and society with its pervasive effects and the limitations of current treatments. Recent research has spotlighted the opioid system, specifically the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), as a potential target for innovative treatments. This focus is grounded in findings that KOR activation influences stress hormone levels and …

Brain Biomarkers in Suicide Attempts: Elevated 5-HT1A Heteroreceptors & Hyperactivity in Superior Temporal Gyrus (2023 Review)

by GLOOM

Suicide, a tragic end to around 800,000 lives each year, remains one of the most perplexing and devastating phenomena in mental health. Despite the vast number of studies and data, accurately predicting who is at risk of suicide has remained largely elusive, with current tools heavily reliant on subjective assessments and the clinician’s experience. A …

Repetitive TMS for Alzheimer’s Disease Alters Brain Waves & Enhances Cognition (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is making waves in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research, offering a glimmer of hope for enhancing cognitive functions in patients. By targeting specific brain regions, rTMS has shown promising results in modulating neural activity and improving cognitive scores. This innovative therapy, coupled with real-time monitoring through electroencephalography (EEG), …

Effect of A Short Nap on Cognitive Function & Brain Connectivity with Sleep Deprivation (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Sleep deprivation (SD) is a common issue in today’s fast-paced world, leading to temporary cognitive impairments that can significantly affect daily functioning. However, new research reveals that even a short nap following a period of SD can help reverse these impairments to some extent, shedding light on the brain’s remarkable ability to recover. Highlights: Cognitive …

PGAM5 Genetics & Depression via ATP Levels in the Prefrontal Cortex (2023 Mouse Study)

by GLOOM

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex and prevalent psychiatric condition that affects millions worldwide, yet its underlying mechanisms remain only partially understood. Recent research sheds light on the critical roles of phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 (PGAM5) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the brain, offering new insights into how disruptions in energy metabolism can …

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) Changes Brain Connectivity & Activation to Treat Binge Eating Disorder (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Binge-eating disorder (BED), characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating without compensatory behaviors, is a significant global health concern. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX), the only drug approved for moderate to severe BED, is showing promise not just in reducing episodes but also in altering brain function in ways previously not fully understood. Through a groundbreaking study, researchers …