MentalHealthDaily

Chronic Stress Alters the Gut Microbiome & Intestinal Barrier in Mice with Sex-Specific Effects (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

The gut-brain axis, a complex communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, plays a pivotal role in maintaining both mental and physical health. Recent studies illuminate how chronic stress disrupts this intricate system, particularly affecting the intestinal barrier in the jejunum, and contributes to the pathogenesis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This emerging …

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Reduced in Anxiety Disorders (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

In the quest to understand anxiety disorders more profoundly, scientists have turned to the rhythms of the heart, specifically heart rate variability (HRV), for answers. By employing wearable technology in a novel study design, researchers have uncovered intriguing insights into how the variability in our heartbeats might be linked to anxiety disorders. This approach not …

Cannabidiol (CBD): Neuropsychiatric Uses, Mechanisms, Effects on Brain (2023 Review)

by GLOOM

Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in Cannabis sativa, has emerged as a substance of interest in the medical community due to its potential therapeutic benefits for various neurological and mental disorders. This comprehensive review examines the current scientific understanding of CBD’s effects on brain function, its potential as a therapeutic agent, and the ethical and …

Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) vs. Mental Disorders (Anxiety & Depression) (2024 Study)

by GLOOM

The intricate relationship between dietary habits and mental health has gained significant attention. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), a novel tool measuring diet’s inflammatory potential, has been used to help us better understand the connection between diet-realated inflammation and psychiatric disorders. Highlights: Diet & Mental Health: The DII helps in understanding how dietary choices can …

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 …

NLRP3 Inflammasome & Depression: A Target for Antidepressant Development?

by GLOOM

The NLRP3 inflammasome stands at the crossroads of immune response and mental health, playing a pivotal role in the inflammatory processes implicated in depression. Researchers are exploring the intricate relationship between NLRP3 activation and depressive disorders, highlighting the potential for innovative treatments targeting this complex molecular pathway. Highlights: NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation: NLRP3, a component of …

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 …