Magic Mushroom Compound May Provide New Avenues for Antidepressant Research

Originally shared by Neuroscience News

Magic Mushroom Compound May Provide New Avenues for Antidepressant Research

Psilocybin - a hallucinogenic compound derived from magic mushrooms - may offer a possible new avenue for antidepressant research, according to a new study.

The research is in Lancet Psychiatry. (full open access)

#depression #psilocybin #psychopharmacology
http://neurosciencenews.com/psilocybin-antidepressant-psychology-4237

Vigorous Exercise Boosts Neurotransmitters and May Help Restore Mental Health

Originally shared by Neuroscience News

Vigorous Exercise Boosts Neurotransmitters and May Help Restore Mental Health

People who exercise have better mental fitness, and a new imaging study from UC Davis Health System shows why. Intense exercise increases levels of two common neurotransmitters — glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA — that are responsible for chemical messaging within the brain.

The research is in Journal of Neuroscience. (full access paywall)

#depression #exercise
http://neurosciencenews.com/exercise-depression-gaba-glutamate-3730

Influencing Mood: Happiness Spreads But Depression Doesn't

Originally shared by Neuroscience News

Influencing Mood: Happiness Spreads But Depression Doesn't

Having friends who suffer from depression doesn’t affect the mental health of others, according to research led by the University of Warwick.

The research is in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. (full open access)

#depression   #psychology  
http://neurosciencenews.com/happiness-depression-psychology-2462

Fewer Side Effects With New Treatment for Severe Depression

Originally shared by Neuroscience News

Fewer Side Effects With New Treatment for Severe Depression

Full article at http://neurosciencenews.com/rul-ect-depression-psychology-2286/.

lectroconvulsive therapy remains one of the most effective treatments for severe depression, but new UNSW research shows ultra-brief pulse stimulation is almost as effective as standard ECT, with far fewer cognitive side effects.

The research is in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. (full access paywall)

Research: "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Brief Versus Ultrabrief Right Unilateral Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression" by Phern-Chern Tor, MBBS, DFD(CAW), MMed(Psych); Alison Bautovich, MBBS; Min-Jung Wang, MSC; Donel Martin, MClinNeuro, PhD; Samuel B. Harvey, MBBS, MRCGP, MRCPsych, FRANZCP, PhD; and Colleen Loo, MBBS, FRANZCP, MD in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry doi:10.4088/JCP.14r09145

Image: The study  is the first systematic review to examine the effectiveness and cognitive effects of standard ECT treatment, brief pulse stimulation, versus the newer treatment, known as ultra-brief pulse right unilateral (RUL) ECT. Image is for illustrative purposes only. 

#psychology   #depression