Mental Health Daily

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) for Depression Treatment: 2 Case Reports (Pilot Study)

by GLOOM

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) aims to modify the gut microbiome and holds promise as a new treatment approach for major depressive disorder (MDD). Early case studies report improvements in depressive symptoms following fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), but larger controlled trials are needed to substantiate its efficacy. Key Facts: Two patients with long-standing major depression received …

Depressed vs. Anxious Brains: Differences in Brain Waves & Connectivity Revealed

by GLOOM

Advanced analysis of multidimensional EEG data reveals significant differences in brain activity patterns between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Depressive Disorder (DD). The distinguishing factors seem to be differences in beta brain waves and functional connectivity between various brain regions. Key Facts: Patients with DD exhibited higher power spectrum density (PSD) values and fuzzy entropy …

At-Home TDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) for Depression: A Convenient Treatment

by GLOOM

A new study provides promising evidence that delivering transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) remotely in people’s homes could be an effective treatment approach for major depressive disorder. The key facts are: tDCS is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that uses electrical currents to modulate activity in targeted brain regions. When applied to the left …

Niacin & Depression: Moderate Vitamin B3 Intake May Be Optimal for Mood

by GLOOM

New research suggests a U-shaped relationship between dietary niacin and depression risk, with the lowest risk around 36 mg/day. Key Facts: Moderate niacin intake was associated with a 24-32% lower odds of depression compared to the lowest intake. The relationship was U-shaped – higher and lower intakes were associated with higher depression risk. 36 mg/day …

Mindfulness Training Improves Brain Network Connectivity Efficiency in Older Adults with Sleep Difficulties (Study)

by GLOOM

A study suggests that mindfulness training can not only improve mindfulness, but also make functional brain reconfiguration more efficient in older adults with sleep issues. Mindfulness training enhanced measures of “mindfulness” (i.e. the quality or state of being conscious or aware) as well as functional brain connectivity patterns – relative to a control intervention. Key …

Effects of Spaceflight on Astronauts’ Mental Health: Neuroplasticity Changes & Cognitive Decline

by GLOOM

The extreme environment of spaceflight induces a myriad of stresses on astronauts – and these stresses may negatively impact mental health, neuroplasticity, and cognitive abilities. New research offers insight into the neurological mechanisms underlying these effects. Key Facts: Prolonged spaceflight can lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in astronauts. The composite stresses of the …

Synergistic Effect of Fish Oil & Choline Supplementation on Brain DHA & Memory (Mouse Study)

by GLOOM

Recent research reveals that combining fish oil and choline supplementation may have synergistic effects in boosting levels of brain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and memory enhancement in middle-aged mice. Key Facts: Combining fish oil and choline increased DHA levels in the brain more than either supplement alone in mice. The combination upregulated expression of key fatty …