Tag

Depression

All articles tagged with #depression

Creatine Shows Early Hints for Depression Treatment, but Evidence Is Not Conclusive
health2 days ago

Creatine Shows Early Hints for Depression Treatment, but Evidence Is Not Conclusive

A Brain Medicine review of five randomized trials (n=238) finds mixed evidence that creatine helps depression: two trials in women with major depressive disorder showed meaningful improvement when creatine was added to antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy, while other studies in non-responders, adolescent girls, and bipolar depression showed no benefit. Safety concerns emerged in bipolar patients who developed hypomania/mania. The researchers caution that small sample sizes, mostly female participants, and varying study quality limit conclusions and call for larger, longer trials to determine efficacy, optimal dosing, and potential synergy with exercise; the findings suggest creatine is an intriguing possibility, not a proven treatment yet.

Creatine as Depression Add-On Shows Early Promise, But Not Definitive
health3 days ago

Creatine as Depression Add-On Shows Early Promise, But Not Definitive

A review of five randomized trials suggests creatine monohydrate may help depressive symptoms when added to standard treatments like antidepressants or cognitive-behavioral therapy, but the evidence is inconsistent and not yet enough to change clinical practice. Some studies saw improvement (e.g., 5 g/day with escitalopram; another with CBT), while others showed no benefit (teen girls, bipolar depression). Researchers caution that creatine appears safe but should complement—not replace—standard care, and larger trials are needed to identify who may benefit most.

Creatine May Enhance Depression Treatments, Early Evidence Shows
health4 days ago

Creatine May Enhance Depression Treatments, Early Evidence Shows

A systematic review of five randomized trials suggests creatine monohydrate may help depressive symptoms when added to existing depression treatments, with some studies showing improvement when paired with the antidepressant escitalopram or with cognitive behavioral therapy, but others showing no benefit in teen girls or in bipolar depression; findings are preliminary and creatine should supplement—not replace—standard care, with larger trials needed to identify who may benefit and the optimal use.

Heat-Driven Blues: Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder Is Real but Rare
health4 days ago

Heat-Driven Blues: Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder Is Real but Rare

A meta-analysis found summer seasonal affective disorder affects about 0.57% of people—much less common than winter SAD (about 5%). The condition is thought to be triggered by heat, humidity, and pollen, and experts advise recognizing feelings and seeking help; treatments for summer depression include therapy and antidepressants, with cooling strategies offering temporary relief.

Implantable Vagus Nerve Stimulator Delivers Lasting Relief for Severe Depression in US Trial
health7 days ago

Implantable Vagus Nerve Stimulator Delivers Lasting Relief for Severe Depression in US Trial

The US RECOVER trial of 493 patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression found that an implanted vagus nerve stimulator produced lasting benefits: 69% had meaningful improvement at 12 months, and over 80% of those continued to improve or stay improved at 24 months; among strong early responders (50%+ symptom reduction), 92% remained improved at two years, and about one-third of initial non-responders improved by 24 months. While not a rapid fix and not universal in effect, the durable benefits (funded by device maker LivaNova) could influence coverage decisions for VNS as a treatment option.

Creatine Shows Mood-Boosting Hints in Depression, but Big Caveats Remain
health9 days ago

Creatine Shows Mood-Boosting Hints in Depression, but Big Caveats Remain

A Brain Medicine review of six randomized trials (238 participants) finds mixed evidence that creatine, a brain-energy booster, can help depression: some small studies show benefit in women with major depressive disorder when added to escitalopram or CBT, others show no effect, and a bipolar-depression trial raised safety concerns about mood switching. The studies are small and heterogeneous, so researchers urge larger, longer trials across diverse groups and testing creatine with established treatments; creatine is not yet a proven depression treatment.

Kean's Depression Disclosure Aims to Normalize Help-Seeking Across the Nation
health9 days ago

Kean's Depression Disclosure Aims to Normalize Help-Seeking Across the Nation

U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. disclosed a diagnosis of depression and a long hospital stay, saying his openness is meant to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek treatment. Experts note depression is common (about 18% of adults) and can manifest differently in men, stressing that seeking help does not diminish a public official’s ability to serve. The piece also underscores signs to seek professional help and offers resources like the 988 Lifeline as part of normalizing mental-health care.

Boebert Blasts Kean’s MIA Absence as Embarrassing
politics10 days ago

Boebert Blasts Kean’s MIA Absence as Embarrassing

Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert publicly blasted New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. for his three-month absence from Congress, calling it "embarrassing" and arguing lawmakers should show up to vote regardless of health. Kean later returned to explain he was receiving treatment for depression, saying doctors diagnosed a depressive illness and that hospitalization was part of his recovery. The exchange highlighted tensions over attendance and health in a closely divided House as Kean resumes his duties.

Kean opens up about depression that sidelined him from Congress for months
politics10 days ago

Kean opens up about depression that sidelined him from Congress for months

New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. revealed he spent several months hospitalized for depression, explaining his absence from voting since March and missing about 140 roll-call votes. He said doctors advised hospitalization for faster recovery and stressed that depression is a serious illness. Kean urged others to seek help if needed, said he’s healthier and eager to return with doctors’ support, and reiterated plans to seek re-election in NJ-7 amid a competitive race against Democrat Rebecca Bennett.

Kean Jr. Returns to the House After Depression-Related Hospital Stay
politics10 days ago

Kean Jr. Returns to the House After Depression-Related Hospital Stay

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returned to the House after a four-month absence for hospital treatment following a depression diagnosis; he said recovery took longer than expected and thanked those helping him, signaling he is ready to resume work. His absence had complicated GOP leadership and sparked questions, while Speaker Mike Johnson said there was no conspiracy and emphasized the health issue.

Creatine's Emerging Link to Depression: Encouraging Signals, Uncertain Proof
health10 days ago

Creatine's Emerging Link to Depression: Encouraging Signals, Uncertain Proof

A Brain Medicine review of five randomized trials (238 participants) found mixed results: two studies in women with major depressive disorder showed added benefits when creatine was used with antidepressants or with cognitive behavioral therapy, while three other trials found no significant improvement. Bipolar patients showed possible safety concerns with hypomania/mania. Due to small sizes and methodological differences, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend creatine for depression, highlighting the need for larger, longer trials and exploration of dosing and combination with exercise.

politics10 days ago

Kean Returns to House Floor, Citing Depression Diagnosis Behind Four-Month Gap

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returned to the House floor after almost four months and disclosed that a depression diagnosis led to his hospitalization, saying there was no fixed timeline for healing. The public explanation, long withheld, raises questions about his campaign in New Jersey’s 7th District, where he faces Democrat Rebecca Bennett in November as Republicans navigate a fragile House majority.