Topic description and stories

Illustration of a tired African American mother crying

Genetic study points to oxytocin as possible treatment for obesity and postnatal depression

02 Jul 2024

Scientists have identified a gene which, when missing or impaired, can cause obesity, behavioural problems and, in mothers, postnatal depression. The...

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Person standing on white digital bathroom scale

Feeling depressed linked to short-term increase in bodyweight among people with overweight or obesity

10 Jan 2024

Increases in symptoms of depression are associated with a subsequent increase in bodyweight when measured one month later, new research from the...

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Person providing a drop of blood for a medical test

Simple blood test can help diagnose bipolar disorder

25 Oct 2023

Researchers have developed a new way of improving diagnosis of bipolar disorder that uses a simple blood test to identify biomarkers associated with...

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A group of people standing around a table with plates of food

Healthy lifestyle can help prevent depression – and new research may explain why

11 Sep 2023

A healthy lifestyle that involves moderate alcohol consumption, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, healthy sleep and frequent social...

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Man looking out of window

Scientists explain emotional ‘blunting’ caused by common antidepressants

23 Jan 2023

Scientists have worked out why common anti-depressants cause around a half of users to feel emotionally ‘blunted’. In a study published today, they...

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Boy wearing face mask

Pandemic restrictions aggravating known triggers for self-harm and poor mental health among children and young people

10 Mar 2021

Experts have issued a stark warning about the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of children and young people.

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Robot dog

Robotic dogs and laughter therapy: 10 ways to combat loneliness and isolation while social distancing

17 Feb 2021

Robotic dogs, laughter therapy and mindfulness are some of the ways that might help people – particularly the elderly – cope with loneliness and...

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Digital support

10 Feb 2021

Research published today shows how digital providers are coming together to support the mental health needs of millions of users unable to access...

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Children sitting on park bench

High insulin levels during childhood a risk for mental health problems later in life, study suggests

13 Jan 2021

Researchers have shown that the link between physical and mental illness is closer than previously thought. Certain changes in physical health, which...

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Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness can improve mental health and wellbeing – but unlikely to work for everyone

11 Jan 2021

Mindfulness courses can reduce anxiety, depression and stress and increase mental wellbeing within most but not all non-clinical settings, say a team...

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11 hip-hop artists who had something to say about mental health

09 Dec 2020

How hip hop artists are opening up about their struggles with depression and anxiety, helping reduce stigma and encouraging others to seek support.

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Woman touching the arm of an elderly man holding a juggling ball

Apathy not depression helps to predict dementia

14 Jul 2020

Apathy offers an important early warning sign of dementia in individuals with cerebrovascular disease, but depression does not, research led by the...

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