Verbal abuse changes how children’s brains develop, increasing risk of anxiety and depression
New research highlights how childhood verbal abuse can alter brain development, increasing risks for anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. Experts warn that harsh language is not harmless—and prevention is key to improving long-term mental health outcomes for future generations.
Higher body roundness linked to sleep disorders, with depression playing a mediating role
Visceral fat may affect your sleep more than you think. A study using national survey data shows that individuals with higher Body Roundness Index scores have more sleep disorders, and depression explains part of that connection.
Childhood curiosity might be somewhat protective against depression in adulthood, study finds
Childhood curiosity may offer modest protection against adult depression, according to a large study from China. Researchers found that this link was explained, in part, by confidence in the future—especially for women.
Antidepressant use in pregnancy not linked to child mental health problems after accounting for maternal depression
A study using U.S. medical records finds that antidepressant use during pregnancy does not increase the risk of psychiatric disorders in children when maternal mental health is accounted for, echoing results from a major Danish study.
DNA methylation may explain how childhood adversity shapes depression risk
A large study suggests that the link between early-life adversity and adolescent depression may be shaped by DNA methylation, a biological process that controls gene activity. These epigenetic changes could signal both risk and resilience for mental health outcomes.
Screen time and physical activity habits linked to adolescent stress and depression
New research tracks over 500 Finnish children to explore how lifestyle habits affect teen mental health. The study suggests that more exercise and less screen time from a young age may reduce stress and depressive symptoms by age 15.
Antidepressant withdrawal may be more persistent than doctors realize
A systematic review finds that some people experience withdrawal symptoms for months or even years after stopping antidepressants. The study highlights the lack of reliable evidence on how common or severe these symptoms are—and how best to treat them.
High caffeine intake linked to greater psychological distress in people with depression
A new study finds that individuals with a history of depression who consume high amounts of caffeine tend to report greater psychological distress. Genetic differences also appear to influence how much caffeine people drink and how sensitive they are.
Psilocybin and escitalopram produce antidepressant effects via distinct brain mechanisms, study suggests
A new study using brain scans found that psilocybin and escitalopram reduce depression symptoms through different neural mechanisms. While escitalopram dampened emotional brain activity, psilocybin preserved or slightly increased it, suggesting distinct pathways to recovery.
New study links depression to accelerated brain aging
A new study using brain scans from a Japanese cohort shows that individuals with major depressive disorder have brains that appear significantly older than their actual age, linking depression to structural changes, altered neurotransmitters, and gene expression related to aging.
Bright light therapy linked to mood improvements and brain connectivity changes
An eight-week intervention using bright light therapy led to measurable reductions in depressive symptoms and changes in neural connectivity in participants with subthreshold depression, according to a randomized controlled neuroimaging study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Withdrawal symptoms are common after stopping antidepressants
Researchers analyzed data from 35 studies and found that over 40% of antidepressant users experienced withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, irritability, and mood disturbances. The findings suggest the need for better tapering strategies and patient education.
Anxious attachment linked to depression spillover in romantic relationships, study finds
Women with anxious attachment styles are more likely to experience increases in depressive symptoms if their partners show signs of depression, according to a four-year study of German couples.
Cognitive training may reduce negative self-perceptions in people with depression and PTSD
Underestimating one’s own cognitive abilities is common in depression and PTSD. A new study finds that cognitive training—especially through engaging games—may help people recalibrate their self-perceptions and feel better.
Optimistic individuals are more likely to respond to SSRI antidepressants
People with depression who were more optimistic at the start of treatment—and whose optimism increased during treatment—were more likely to benefit from SSRIs, according to a recent study, raising the possibility of tailoring treatments based on psychological traits.
