MentalHealthDaily

Lactofem Probiotic as Adjunct to SSRI Antidepressants May Enhance Mood & Sexual Satisfaction in Women (2024 Study)

The link between mental health and sexual function is complex and multifaceted, with depressive disorders particularly affecting individuals’ sexual satisfaction and functionality. Recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of probiotics in mitigating these impacts, especially among women undergoing treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). A new study conducted in Iran provides promising evidence …

Vegetarian Diets & Mental Health: Linked to Higher Psychological Distress Before Age 30 (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

The link between vegetarianism and mental health has been a topic of much debate and speculation. Recent research from the 1970 British Cohort Study provides one of the most comprehensive analyses to date, exploring how vegetarianism at age 30 impacts psychological distress over time. This study’s findings challenge common misconceptions, revealing that vegetarianism is not …

Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders: Decreases Negative Mood But Fails to Increase Positive Mood (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

Anxiety-related disorders, characterized by heightened negative affect (NA) and sometimes diminished positive affect (PA), pose significant challenges for mental health treatment. Despite the prevalence of these disorders, the efficacy of psychotherapies in improving PA versus NA remains underexplored. Highlights: Psychotherapeutic interventions demonstrate a significantly larger effect on reducing negative affect (NA) than on enhancing positive …

Genetics & Depression: How Polygenic Risk Scores Predict Mood Over Long-Term (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

A recent study examined how our genetic makeup influences our temperament traits, particularly in relation to depression. By analyzing the polygenic risk for depression (PRS) and its correlation with various temperament traits over time, this research provides significant insights into the complex interplay between genetics and mood. Highlights: High PRS Linked to Increased Persistence: Individuals …

Lateral Habenula & Depression: The Anti-Reward Center (Mechanisms & Antidepressant Treatments)

by GLOOM

Depression is a complex and multifaceted disorder affecting millions worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests the lateral habenula, a small brain region, plays a crucial role in depression’s development and persistence. By influencing neurotransmitter systems and interacting with stress pathways, the lateral habenula’s dysfunction may lead to the classic symptoms of depression. Highlights: The lateral habenula is …

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 …