A study published in the journal Nature Medicine found an increase in specific microorganisms in the gut which are linked to colorectal cancer. The researchers said that these microorganisms can potentially be used to detect the disease long before it progresses to late-stage cancer. “Our results show that changes in the gut microbiome are present at the very early … Continue reading Colorectal cancer is a microbial disease: Changes in the gut microbiome can be used for early detection
High blood pressure and depression are tied to your gut health, research says
A recent study found that gut health is linked to high blood pressure and depression after identifying key differences in gut bacterial patterns among individuals with the conditions and healthy individuals. The preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association‘s Hypertension Scientific Sessions also found that high blood pressure might take different forms – one that is accompanied by depression and one … Continue reading High blood pressure and depression are tied to your gut health, research says
Drink your worries away? Researchers look into resveratrol as a means to reduce depression and anxiety
A study published in the journal Neuropharmacology found that plant-based compound resveratrol can potentially lower depression and anxiety. This is because resveratrol inhibits enzyme expression of phosphodiesterase 4 or PDE4, which is linked to depression and anxiety. Current antidepressants focus on other components of the brain such as serotonin. But only one-third of patients with depression enter full remission using these medications. With these … Continue reading Drink your worries away? Researchers look into resveratrol as a means to reduce depression and anxiety
Scientists develop brain stimulation techniques using light therapy that offer mental health benefits
Current studies on brain science affirm that light can stimulate brain cells (neurons). This general field and technique is called optogenetics and scientists use it to better understand the neural connections, electrical impulses and chemical signals that occur in the brain. In 2019, Shuo Chen, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California in Berkeley received the Science … Continue reading Scientists develop brain stimulation techniques using light therapy that offer mental health benefits
Oral CBD found to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms
A recent study by American researchers found that oral cannabidiol (CBD) offers significant clinical benefits for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, a natural disaster, war or combat, or violent physical assault. For their study, the researchers examined the effect of oral CBD … Continue reading Oral CBD found to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms
Patients with insomnia can benefit more from cognitive behavior therapy than from medication, study shows
Chronic insomnia is a common condition that affects about 10 to 15 percent of adults in Great Britain. While medication is often prescribed to help those with insomnia sleep better at night, a study has found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more effective treatment for the condition.The study findings were published in the British Journal of … Continue reading Patients with insomnia can benefit more from cognitive behavior therapy than from medication, study shows
Do antidepressants really work? Danish study says otherwise
It remains unclear whether antidepressants are an effective treatment for depression in adults, according to a recent review. Published in BMJ Open, it revealed that previous clinical trials and existing studies do not provide conclusive evidence that antidepressants can treat symptoms of depression better than alternative treatments. Depression: Types, symptoms and causes Depression is one of the most common … Continue reading Do antidepressants really work? Danish study says otherwise
Long coronavirus lockdowns causing people’s mental health to rapidly DETERIORATE
Both adults and children are experiencing mental health problems for the first time as a result of being cooped up inside due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. Fears and worries over job insecurity, bereavement over COVID-19 deaths, the breakdown of relationships and the long periods of isolation are causing people to have psychotic episodes, mania, anxiety and depression. … Continue reading Long coronavirus lockdowns causing people’s mental health to rapidly DETERIORATE
Coronavirus pandemic creating “perfect storm” for huge global mental health crisis
Much of the conversation about the disadvantages of ongoing coronavirus lockdowns focuses on the economy, but there’s another factor that tends to get overlooked: its effect on people’s mental health. In fact, some say a mental health crisis could well be the next pandemic we have to deal with. Between the long bouts of social isolation, stress, … Continue reading Coronavirus pandemic creating “perfect storm” for huge global mental health crisis
The stigma around mental health is KILLING men: How to care for someone who is struggling with mental illness and addiction
According to Mental Health America, at least six million men in the U.S. are affected by depression annually. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that compared to women, men died by suicide at a rate of 3.54 percent higher in 2017. In the same vein, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that 62,000 men die due to alcohol-related … Continue reading The stigma around mental health is KILLING men: How to care for someone who is struggling with mental illness and addiction
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 