Depression is a complex mental health condition that significantly affects an individual’s emotional and physical well-being. Recent advances in neuroimaging have provided deeper insights into how major depressive disorder (MDD) alters brain structures, particularly the hippocampus and amygdala, and how treatments like ketamine can potentially reverse these changes. A new study using 3T and 7T …
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition marked by significant social and economic impacts. Recent research has advanced our understanding of MDD, particularly its association with brain activity and connectivity. A new study examined the relationship between lifetime MDD (LMDD) and brain activation in response to fearful faces, focusing on the amygdala …
Recent scientific advancements have illuminated the crucial role of the prelimbic cortex to basolateral amygdala (PL-BLA) pathway in regulating anxiety-like behaviors. Utilizing cutting-edge optogenetic techniques and selective delta-opioid receptor (DOP) agonists, researchers have begun to decode the complex neural circuitry underlying anxiety disorders. Highlights: PL-BLA Pathway Significance: The connection between the prelimbic cortex (PL) and …
Those with social anxiety disorder are reported to suffer from debilitating, uncontrollable anxiety in social situations. This condition, also known as “social phobia” can lead to an intense fear of public speaking, forming friendships, maintaining social bonds, and even getting a job. Individuals living with social anxiety often isolate themselves, suffer from low self-esteem, and …
Although most people turn to pharmaceutical medications to cope with mental illness like depression and PTSD, medications are not a person’s only option. In many cases, making healthy lifestyle changes (i.e. natural cures for depression) such as getting more exercise, reducing stress, and staying out of toxic relationships can be beneficial for a person’s mental health. Though …