Latest depression research for psychiatrists

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, according to the NIMH.

National Survey on Drug Use and Health data indicated approximately 15.7 million adults aged 18 years and older had at least one major depressive disorder in 2014, representing 6.7% of all adults in the U.S.

There is a multitude of research on risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and management of this widespread disorder. The following articles highlight the latest research in depression.

Additional treatment rare 2 years after initial MDD diagnosis

Recent findings indicated significant heterogeneity in course trajectories of moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder, with many individuals not receiving additional treatment 2 years after diagnosis. Read more

USPSTF depression screening recommendation highlights primary care, mental health integration

The recently updated U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation for depression screening in children and adolescents provides the opportunity to address the significance and feasibility of integrating primary care and mental health care. Read more

Latuda effective, well-tolerated among adults with major depressive disorder

TORONTO — According to phase 3 study results presented at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, Latuda, an atypical antipsychotic agent, significantly reduced depressive symptoms among adults with major depressive disorder with limited manic symptoms. Read more

Mobile device dependence may lead to poorer mental health

Recent findings indicated an association between using mobile phones and the Internet to avoid negative and anxiety-inducing experiences and poorer mental health, though using technology to escape boredom was not harmful to mental health. Read more

Nearly two-thirds of adults with MDD report depressive symptoms despite treatment

Recent survey results indicated nearly two-thirds of adults with major depressive disorder reported experiencing depressive symptoms at least once a week, despite taking medication as prescribed. Read more

Meditation, exercise improve depressive symptoms, rumination

Recent findings indicated meditation and exercise increased cognitive control processes and decreased depressive symptoms and ruminative thought patterns in typically healthy individuals and those with major depressive disorder. Read more

Reference:

NIMH. Major depressive disorder in adults. Accessed March 23, 2016.