Researchers at Yale School of Medicine's Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging have found significant brain changes in individuals with opioid addiction compared to non-addicts. The study, published in the journal Radiology, analyzed MRI scans of 103 people with opioid addiction and 105 non-addicts, revealing differences in regions such as the thalamus, medial temporal lobe, cerebellum, and brainstem. These areas showed increased functional connectivity between them, and some differences were found between men and women. The researchers, led by Dr. Saloni Mehta, aim to understand these changes to inform new treatment targets for opioid addiction.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/opioid-abuse-can-change-the-brain/article_605fd975-9a85-5077-b059-fd63cdf338bb.htmlExperts believe that certain steroid medications may cause psychiatric issues such as depression due to their influence on the brain's chemical response to stress. According to NHS advice, mental health problems linked to these medications typically occur after three weeks of use. A doctor has warned that five specific medications are known to raise dementia risk, and a GP or pharmacist can help mitigate side effects like depression by adjusting medication or checking for underlying conditions such as B12 and folate deficiencies.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14165019/Heartburn-pills-taken-millions-trigger-depression-common-medications-cause-low-mood.htmlResearchers have estimated that childhood lead exposure has significantly contributed to psychiatric disease in the US over the past century, with approximately 151 million more cases of psychiatric disorder attributed to lead exposure by 2015. The study found that lead exposure was particularly linked to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and ADHD. This is not the first study to suggest a link between lead exposure and negative effects on mental health, as previous research has also shown higher lead levels contributing to increased crime rates due to violent behavior. Despite declining environmental lead levels since the 1960s, pockets of high lead exposure remain in certain areas, including damaged water systems and old houses with peeling paint.
https://gizmodo.com/lead-exposure-drove-a-hidden-mental-health-crisis-in-the-u-s-study-reveals-2000533663Engaging in gardening can have numerous benefits for one's overall well-being, according to various studies. For instance, a study by the University of Essex found that gardening can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, gardening allows individuals to connect with nature, which has been shown to improve mental health. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for physical activity, such as digging and weeding, which can help maintain physical fitness. The hobby also offers a sense of accomplishment and pride in one's work, as seen in the example of a community garden in New York City where residents come together to tend to their plots.
https://www.livemint.com/web-stories/5-reasons-why-gardening-is-healthy-for-us-visual-story-11732772561238.htmlDr Mosley suggests that spreading awareness about melancholia, a more severe form of depression, can help doctors diagnose it earlier and develop tailored treatment plans for patients who do not respond well to traditional talk therapy. Early diagnosis is crucial as most people with the condition respond well to medication, which balances brain chemistry, and prompt treatment can prevent the need for invasive therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14129539/facial-expressions-reveal-severe-depression-diagnosis.htmlA popular asthma medication has been linked to an increased risk of serious mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. The medication in question is Symbicort, a combination inhaler used by thousands of Australians with respiratory conditions such as asthma. According to research published in the British Medical Journal, patients taking Symbicort were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those using other treatments. The study found that patients on Symbicort had a 55% increased risk of developing serious mental health problems.
https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/world/popular-asthma-drug-may-be-linked-to-serious-mental-health-problems/video/14e07ccbefa6bd47a20a90f3a15165beA popular asthma medication called Symbicort has been linked to an increased risk of serious mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. The findings were made by researchers at the University of Nottingham in the UK, who analyzed data from over 1 million patients in the UK's National Health Service database. According to the study, patients taking Symbicort had a higher rate of hospital admissions for mental health problems compared to those not taking the medication. The study's lead author, Dr. Liam Smeeth, noted that while the findings do not prove cause and effect, they suggest a potential link between the use of Symbicort and an increased risk of serious mental health issues.
https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/world/popular-asthma-drug-may-be-linked-to-serious-mental-health-problems/video/14e07ccbefa6bd47a20a90f3a15165beThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received thousands of reports linking the medication montelukast, commonly known as Singulair, to psychiatric problems in patients, including children. The reports, which span from 1998 to 2019, include at least 82 suicides, with 31 cases involving individuals under the age of 19.
https://nypost.com/2024/11/22/lifestyle/asthma-drug-singulair-may-be-linked-to-mental-health-problems/Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, uncontrollable thoughts and repetitive behaviors. People with OCD experience intrusive, unwanted obsessions that cause anxiety, leading to compulsions - repetitive actions they feel compelled to perform, despite knowing the thoughts are irrational. These symptoms can begin at any age but typically start between late childhood and young adulthood, and may fluctuate in severity over time.
https://www.ndtv.com/webstories/feature/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-27885#pfrom=home-ndtv_webstories