Research in the News
Phone-based Therapy Eases Depression Long Term
[Published March 23, 2007] - When people diagnosed with depression received psychotherapy over the phone, they reported less symptoms and more satisfaction with care than those not receiving phone-based therapy. These are results reported from a study of nearly 400 people done by the Center for Health Studies in Seattle. The positive effects of phone therapy were present for the length of research, 18 months. Many people diagnosed with depression do not receive talk therapy. This may be a new promising way of delivering that important part of treatment. For the more details of the study see: http://www.centerforhealthstudies.org/news/2007/070322.html
People with Heart Disease & Psychiatric Illness Have Fewer Life-saving Procedures, Higher Risk of Cardiac Death
[Published March 23, 2007] - Researchers in Canada studied people with heart disease with and without psychiatric illness. They found that those with psychiatric illness died at higher rates and had less procedures that might improve and prolong their lives. This is particularly surprising in a country that has free universal health care. More research needs to be done to determine what influences the course of heart disease in people with psychiatric illness. This article was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, and full text can be found at: http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/176/6/779
Extreme Irritability in Childhood: Bipolar Disorder (bd) v. Severe Mood Dysregulation (smd).
Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health conducted a study comparing the brain’s electrical system in children diagnosed with bd and a syndrome called smd. The results were published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, February issue. Both sets of children had abnormal electrical brain activity when they became frustrated. Researchers found differences in electrical activity patterns between the two groups. The results of this study may help in the development and use of psychotropic medications in children with bd and smd. For the complete story see: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/ped-bipolar-irritability.cfm
High Copper Levels May Play Role in Postpartum Depression
Research on serum copper during pregnancy and in the postpartum period found that levels stayed relatively elevated in many women who experienced postpartum depression. Certain elements, such as copper, are related to the processing and function of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. The news clip and journal citation can be found at this link
CDC Reports Teen Suicide Rate on the Rise
Statistics on teen suicides were released for 2003-2004 and revealed an 18% increase. Antidepressant prescriptions for children declined during the same time period. Some scientists suggest that this may be related to the black box warning that was mandated for antidepressant use in children. For a news story on this topic click this link. For a related news article that includes tips on recognition of depression in teens and children see MedicalNewsToday.com CDC statistical information can be viewed at the CDC's website.
Many Antidepressants Similar in Effectiveness but Side Effects Differ
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reviewed nearly 300 published studies dealing with the effectiveness of second generation antidepressants. These included both SSRIs, such as Prozac and Zoloft, and SNRIs, such as Effexor. They concluded that most the medications were equally effective in treating depression, but individuals may respond differently to specific drugs. Differences were noted in potential adverse, or side, effects of each drug. These potential adverse effects may play an important role in providers’ decision making when it comes to prescribing medication for depression. A news clip on this subject is found at MedicalNewsToday.com
The full report can be viewed at EffectiveHealthCare.gov.
page created: May 2, 2006 |
page updated: March 23, 2007 | |