It’s estimated that 16.2 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2016. While depression can affect a person psychologically, it also has the potential to affect physical structures in the brain. These physical changes range from inflammation and oxygen restriction, to actual shrinking. In short, depression can impact the central…
New research could help explain why stress early in life can create vulnerabilities to mood and anxiety disorders later on. The study, led by researchers at The Ohio State University, was presented Nov. 5 in San Diego at the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting, and highlights the important role of mast cells. “These are immune…
Sadness and grief are normal human emotions. We all have those feelings from time to time but they usually go away within a few days. Major depression, or major depressive disorder, however, is something more. It’s a diagnosable condition that’s classified as a mood disorder and can bring about long-lasting symptoms such as overwhelming sadness, low…
Sleep disruptions are associated with many brain disorders, including anxiety, dementias, and traumatic brain injury. While these disruptions are sometimes viewed as a side effect of brain disorders, new findings presented today suggest that aberrant sleep-wake cycles can also drive brain pathology. The studies were presented at Neuroscience 2018, the annual meeting of the Society…
Depression is a very real and treatable illness. Understanding the facts about depression can save lives. Here are 7 things everyone should know. 1) Depression Doesn’t Always Have a “Good” Reason Sometimes people become depressed for what seems like a good reason—maybe they lost their job or a close friend passed away—but with clinical depression,…
As more and more people discuss mental health issues in public forums, it seems to be lifting some of the stigma surrounding the topic. New research reveals that the number of students seeking help for mental health problems has risen considerably between 2009 and 2015. Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks are on the rise among…
What is insomnia? Insomnia can significantly impact your everyday life. Whether you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it can affect your overall health, relationships, and work productivity. If you have insomnia, your doctor can help you find out what kind you have. Primary insomnia is insomnia that isn’t a symptom of another condition….
Anxiety disorders occur when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of distress, worry, or fear over an emotional trigger. Identifying the reason behind a presentation of anxiety can be the key to successful treatment. To assist diagnosis, the conditions under the umbrella of anxiety disorders have certain characteristics that set them apart from normal feelings…
