Tech & Science Drugs Depression LSD Psychedelic drugs are able to prompt brain cells in rats and flies to grow and better connect with one another. This finding further upholds the drugs’ potential use in treating a number of mental health conditions such as depression and addiction, according to a new study. The study, published online Tuesday in Cell Reports, studied the effects of psychedelic drugs on animal brain cells both in test tubes and in live models. The specific drugs used in the study were from the amphetamine, tryptamine and ergoline drug classes, and included LSD. When the brain cells were exposed to these drugs, they induced changes in the cells. For example, the brain cells grew more dendritic spines and synapses. These structural changes are known as neural plasticity. This finding is important as past research suggests that depression may be associated with structural changes in the brain, Medical Xpress reported. "One of the hallmarks of … [Read more...] about Psychedelic Drugs: LSD Changes Brain, Could be Used for Depression, Addiction Treatment
Depression and treatment
JOHN ROSEMOND: Respect, of a lack of, is a big reason behind teen depression and suicideCOMMENTSLatest NewsNewsletter
Rates of child and teen depression and suicide continue to rise, as they have for fifty years. As regular readers of this column know, I do not agree in the least with current explanations, much less the “treatments” based on them, proposed by the mainstream in the mental health professions. For the past year, on my weekly radio program (American Family Radio) I have challenged anyone in the mental health field to provide irrefutable evidence that the concept of a so-called “biochemical imbalance” is provable. Crickets. Same with my ongoing challenge to the efficacy of current treatment approaches, including expensive drugs that don’t reliably outperform placebos (but, unlike placebos, involve the risk of dangerous side-effects). The question, then, becomes: If I don’t think that child and teen depression is becoming an epidemic because of genes, biochemical imbalances, and “brain differences,” what is my explanation? Do I have one or am … [Read more...] about JOHN ROSEMOND: Respect, of a lack of, is a big reason behind teen depression and suicideCOMMENTSLatest NewsNewsletter
Let’s Talk About Depression and Anxiety in Women
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting over 50 million people a year, and leading to moderate or severe impairment in daily living. Risk factors for both anxiety and depression include family history of any type of mental illness, exposure to severe trauma as a child or adult, poverty, high stress, low social supports and drug or alcohol abuse— all of which are unfortunately far too common across Baltimore City. Women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and/or depression— conditions, which often present together. There is also a growing incidence of teenage depression and women in their reproductive years are at further risk. Seven of every 10 single black mothers suffer from depression and one of every five pregnant women suffer with depression or anxiety. Yet, only 10 percent of these women receive treatment. Anxiety can interfere with daily activities by producing feelings of nervousness, restlessness, fear and … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk About Depression and Anxiety in Women
A push for mental health care at colleges: Depression and anxiety ‘really eat up our kids’
By CALmatters | April 28, 2018 at 9:01 am By Felicia Mello, CALmatters When student leaders from 23 California State University campuses came together last fall to set priorities for the academic year, improving campus mental health services received more nominations than any other issue. It beat out even that perennial concern, tuition costs. Cal State Student Association president Maggie White said she’s not surprised. “We’re seeing wait times at counseling centers that are exceeding two or three weeks, people turned away after a few appointments because they’ve exceeded the maximum allotment, and students not feeling comfortable going to counselors because no one looks like them or reflects their experience,” White said. Sign up for The Localist, our daily email newsletter with handpicked stories relevant to where you live. Subscribe here. As the stigma attached to mental health care fades, California students are increasingly clamoring for more … [Read more...] about A push for mental health care at colleges: Depression and anxiety ‘really eat up our kids’
Understanding depression and the gender gap
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression and depression can occur at any age.Some mood changes and depressed feelings occur with normal hormonal changes. But hormonal changes alone don't cause depression. Other biological factors, inherited traits, and personal life circumstances and experiences are associated with a higher risk of depression. Here's what contributes to depression in women.Puberty Hormone changes during puberty may increase some girls' risk of developing depression. However, temporary mood swings related to fluctuating hormones during puberty are normal and these changes alone don't cause depression.Puberty is often associated with other experiences that can play a role in depression, such as emerging sexuality and identity issues, conflicts with parents or increasing pressure to achieve in school, sports or other areas of life.After puberty, depression rates are higher in females than in males. Because girls typically reach puberty … [Read more...] about Understanding depression and the gender gap