Health

Paper proposing that major depressive disorder is inappropriate 'sickness behavior' generated by abnormalities in cytokines, and that antidepressants exert their specifically beneficial effects through analgesic action on the core dysphoric emotion of malaise. by Bruce G Charlton MD

Yoshiharu Yamamoto of the University of Tokyo and colleagues measured how often subjects changed rate of movement and found that depressed people experience longer resting periods more frequently and shorter ones less frequently than healthy people do. Sept. 27, 2007.

Paper that discusses diagnosis, treatment and the reproductive life cycle. Subhash C. Bhatia, M.D. and Shashi K. Bhatia, M.D. (July 1,1999)

Abstract on a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial in which Crocus sativus produced a significantly better outcome on the Hamilton depression rating scale than the placebo. (2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd)

A comparison of sequential cohorts treated with either cognitive-behavioral therapy or newer generation antidepressants found that depressed men treated with pharmacotherapy had significantly greater improvements.

Abstract of a study found that folic acid greatly improves the antidepressant action of fluoxetine and probably other antidepressants. (Nov. 2000)

Abstract of a comparison of St. John's wort extracts and fluoxetine suggests thta St. John's wort might be a treatment option to reduce symptoms in patients not suffering from full-blown depressive disorder. (March, April 2000)

Treatment successes in an open trial of light therapy for pregnant women, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

CHRM2 gene, on chromosome 7; strongly associated both with alcoholism and depression. From Washington University School of Medicine. (September 16, 2004)

Scientists have discovered a gene that makes mice happy, a finding that suggests another avenue of drugs for improving depression in humans. (December 28, 2006)

Mental health encyclopedia covers various aspects of depression disorders.

Barbara Ehrenreich traces depression from its 17th century beginnings of a concern with self--"the new individualism", and Calvinism. An edited extract from "Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy."

A research study used to identify genes that place individuals at risk for developing Major Depression and related disorders.

Canadian author, reiki master, psychic medium, and certified channeller.

Michele Trudeau reports on brain imaging technologies and genetic detective work that reveal what can cause depression and how best to treat it. [8:46 streaming audio broadcast]