MentalHealthDaily

Mycobacterium vaccae Vaccine: A Novel Soil Bacteria-Based Treatment for Anxiety & Stress Disorders

by GLOOM

Stress can induce anxiety and depression, which appears to be mediated in part by stress-induced neuroinflammatory processes. The immunoregulatory bacterium Mycobacterium vaccae (M. vaccae) has anti-inflammatory and stress-resilient effects, but its impact on the brain is unclear. A study discovered that M. vaccae immunization: induces anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory processes in the hippocampus, blocks stress-induced neuroinflammation …

Allopregnanolone Agonists for Depression: Brexanolone & Zuranolone in Focus (2023)

by GLOOM

Allopregnanolone agonists represent a promising new class of medications for treating depressive disorders. Evidence suggests that allopregnanolone agonists exhibit rapid-onset of antidepressant action – particularly in women with postpartum depression (PPD). Key facts: Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors and is decreased in depressive disorders. The allopregnanolone …

Top 12 Antidepressant Nutrients & Foods for Depression Treatment

by GLOOM

Depression is a growing public health concern, but nutrition may offer a pathway for prevention and treatment. A new research study identified the most nutrient-dense foods for brain health to inform dietary recommendations. Key Facts: 12 nutrients have evidence supporting a role in preventing and treating depression, including omega-3s, B vitamins, minerals like magnesium, and …

Eye Tracking Technology for Rapid Depression Diagnosis in Young Adults

by GLOOM

Researchers have proposed a novel eye tracking method to rapidly screen for depression risk in young adults. This intelligent approach analyzes emotional perception deficits through objective eye movement biomarkers. Initial findings suggest promise for large-scale, low-cost depression screening without specialized doctors. Key Facts: The “eye movement emotional perception evaluation paradigm” extracts digital biomarkers related to …

Vegan & Vegetarian Diets: Mixed Evidence for Depression Risk (Systematic Review Findings 2022)

by GLOOM

A new systematic review examining studies on vegetarian and vegan diets and depression risk has found conflicting evidence, with the quality of studies and reverse causality effects complicating interpretation of the data. Key Facts: 11 of 25 study outcomes linked vegetarian/vegan diets to higher depression risk. 7 of 25 outcomes found lower depression risk with …

Oral Contraceptive Pill Pause & Withdrawal Linked to Depression & Anxiety in Young Women (Study)

by GLOOM

A recent study has shed new light on the mental health implications of hormonal contraceptives, particularly focusing on the period known as the ‘pill pause.’ Research indicates that temporarily stopping synthetic hormone intake during this break can lead to increased negative emotions and anxiety among long-term contraceptive pill users. This finding challenges the conventional approach …

Dextromethorphan-Bupropion (Auvelity) for Depression: Clinical Trial Data for the New Rapid-Acting Antidepressant

by GLOOM

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant global health concern, affecting over 280 million people worldwide. While numerous pharmacological options exist, challenges remain in achieving timely, robust, and sustained antidepressant response. Dextromethorphan-bupropion is a novel oral antidepressant recently approved by the FDA for MDD in adults that may address some of these unmet needs. Key …