Blue? Your Job May Be to Blame

Psilocybin dampens areas of brain linked to depression, studies suggest

(NEWSER) - Far out. Hallucinogenic mushrooms' effect on the human brain may provide valuable clues for scientists seeking treatments for depression. Two studies into the effects of psilocybin, the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms," reveal that it suppresses activity in the same areas of the brain dampened by anti-depressant treatments, reports Reuters . "Psychedelics are thought of as 'mind-expanding' drugs so it has commonly been assumed that they work by increasing brain activity," said a researcher at Imperial College London, who discussed the studies . But they actually decrease activity in certain areas, including the medial prefrontal cortex, which is known to be hyperactive in depression. More»

Controversial change to criteria is under review

(NEWSER) - Doctors are considering what would be a controversial change to the definition of depression, reports the New York Times . For the first time, the official criteria to determine who gets diagnosed would include grief. Doctors who oppose the move say grief after the death of a loved is a perfectly normal process that would get stigmatized by the move. “This would pathologize them for behavior previously thought to be normal," says one opponent. It also could result in lots of people getting unnecessary drug treatments, say foes. More»

Women, young adults especially at risk: government report

(NEWSER) - Some troubling numbers from a government report released today: Each year, around 20% of US adults suffer from a mental illness—and about 5% suffer from a serious mental disorder. But less than half of all mental illness sufferers get treatment, and just 60% of those who suffer serious disorders do so. To reach its findings, the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health randomly selected and interviewed around 68,500 people living in homes, dorms, or shelters, the Washington Post reports. More»

Doctors pinpoint the so-called 'nocebo' effect

(NEWSER) - Worried that it's unhealthy to be glued to the Internet, surfing through stories? That anxiety alone could cause health problems—and doctors are now uncovering the neurological roots of this so-called "nocebo" effect, according to an award-winning essay by Penny Sarchet in the Guardian . The opposite of the "placebo" effect, the "nocebo" effect occurs when people believe that an illness or side-effect is real. Turns out it's all in the mind, and scientists can pinpoint it. More»

Growing darkness depresses, so you need to keep upbeat

(NEWSER) - The increasingly short and dark days of winter can make many people feel depressed this time of year, and Daylight Saving Time only makes things worse. So to help people out, Time offers eight tips to keep your spirits up:

• Socializing and exercising. OK, not exactly what you crave when you're feeling depressed, but forcing yourself to be active and meet people can really turn your mood around.