#Depression

A landmark international study has revealed that living with combinations of chronic physical illnesses—such as heart disease, diabetes, lung conditions, or liver problems—more than doubles the risk of developing depression, underscoring the urgent need for Thailand’s healthcare system to integrate physical and mental health care. The research, published in Nature Communications Medicine and based on health data from over 142,000 adults, highlights a concerning link between certain multimorbidity profiles and future depression diagnoses, particularly when illnesses like heart disease and diabetes occur together (Neuroscience News).

Recent research and expert commentary have shed new light on early dementia symptoms, revealing that persistent low mood and anxiety are among the most common initial indicators—appearing well before notable memory loss in some individuals. As highlighted by a leading neurologist in a recent interview, these subtle psychological changes are often dismissed as typical signs of ageing or everyday stress, but they may in fact signal the onset of cognitive decline (GetSurrey; Nottinghamshire Live).

A groundbreaking study published in Nature reveals that psychedelics such as psilocybin may do far more than alter perception or mood—they fundamentally rewire the communication between the brain and the immune system, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of psychiatric and inflammatory conditions worldwide. This research, led by a Harvard Medical School assistant professor and conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, suggests a paradigm shift for mental health therapies, moving beyond neurotransmitter-focused interventions to include neuroimmune pathways as central targets for future drugs and treatments (Neuroscience News; Nature).

In a significant leap forward for neuroscience, researchers have unveiled a revolutionary imaging technique that allows high-resolution, minimally invasive observation of the brainstem’s critical hub for processing bodily signals—a discovery with the potential to transform treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. The new approach, called D-PSCAN, opens an unprecedented window onto the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), a deep-brain structure that integrates signals from the body and helps regulate emotions and overall mental health (Neuroscience News).

A groundbreaking study from South Korea has provided robust new evidence that maintaining or boosting exercise levels over time can significantly reduce the risk and severity of depression—a finding with powerful implications for mental health policies across Thailand. Published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the research followed nearly four million adults over several years, revealing that people who stayed active or increased their activity reported fewer depressive symptoms and lower rates of clinical depression. This comprehensive investigation sheds new light on how consistent physical movement is not just a physical health booster but also a crucial pillar for mental well-being (PsyPost).

A new systematic review puts physical exercise in the spotlight as a powerful tool to enhance attention in individuals battling depression, shedding light on an often-overlooked pathway to improving mental health and everyday functioning. The latest research, published recently in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology, systematically examined the impact of various exercise interventions on attentional performance in patients diagnosed with depression, drawing from global data sources to present an up-to-date picture of the topic (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025).

A groundbreaking new study from the University of Michigan has found that a single dose of a novel psychedelic compound can produce weeks-long improvements in brain flexibility—a finding that could pave the way for innovative therapies targeting depression, PTSD, and neurodegenerative diseases. Using advanced research techniques on laboratory mice, scientists observed that the psychedelic 25CN-NBOH not only changed behavior in the short term but led to sustained cognitive enhancements, suggesting a fundamental shift in our understanding of how these substances might promote long-term brain health (Neuroscience News).

A groundbreaking new study suggests that low-intensity focused ultrasound, a noninvasive sound wave therapy, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—offering a promising treatment avenue for Thais grappling with mental health challenges. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School have demonstrated that this innovative brain therapy, which precisely targets the amygdala deep within the brain, leads to marked symptom improvements within just three weeks, all without the need for drugs or surgery. The findings, published in the prominent journal Molecular Psychiatry, may quickly gain attention in Thailand, where mental health needs often outpace the capacity of the country’s counseling and psychiatric services (Neuroscience News).

A recent systematic review published in the journal “Frontiers in Psychology” highlights the promising effects of exercise interventions in improving attention among individuals living with depression, offering renewed hope for millions battling not only mood symptoms but also cognitive challenges associated with the disorder. The review, titled “The intervention effect of exercise on the attention of patients with depression: a systematic review,” synthesizes current research findings indicating that physical activity can deliver significant cognitive benefits, particularly in the realm of attention — a critical area often affected in depressive illnesses. This emerging evidence expands the understanding of exercise as more than a mood booster, pointing to its potential role in restoring vital daily functioning for those affected by depression. Source: Frontiers in Psychology

A major international research project led by the University of Ottawa is upending decades-old assumptions about how serotonin neurons function in the brain, with profound potential implications for treating mood disorders such as depression and understanding how our brains make binary decisions. Published in Nature Neuroscience on April 25, 2025, the study reveals that serotonin neurons—long thought to act as isolated units—actually form interconnected networks that collaborate and compete, orchestrating the brain’s serotonin output in ways far more complex than previously believed. The findings mark a major shift in neuroscience’s understanding of one of the brain’s most important neurotransmitter systems and open new avenues for targeted mental health therapies (Neuroscience News).

A widely-prescribed antidepressant may significantly shorten lifespan—by up to six years—according to recent findings circulated by the international medical community. The claim, based on a new research review highlighted by several medical news outlets and summarized in a viral Yahoo Lifestyle article, is igniting debate among doctors, mental health professionals, and patients in Thailand and around the world over the safety and prescription practices of this common medication.

The backdrop of this news is the widespread and growing use of antidepressant drugs, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include widely-recognized names such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine. With depression and anxiety rates rising globally—including in Thailand, where mental health awareness has increased sharply in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic—these medications are standard tools for primary care doctors and psychiatrists alike [World Health Organization].

A recent study is making international headlines by finding a significant association between hormonal contraceptive use and a heightened risk of developing depression, raising important questions for millions of Thai women who rely on these family planning methods. The research, covered by reputable sources such as Drug Topics, suggests that women using hormonal contraceptives—such as birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants—may be more likely to experience depression, especially soon after starting these medications.

The latest in-depth investigations by international psychiatrists and psychologists are prompting a global rethink over the widespread use and perceived efficacy of antidepressants, especially in the United States, where such medications have become almost ubiquitous for treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia. New findings sharply question the central assumptions about how these drugs work, their long-term benefits, and the risks they carry—a discussion that resonates far beyond America’s borders, including in Thailand, as local mental health practices continue to evolve.

A groundbreaking international study has pinpointed 17 modifiable lifestyle and health factors that can help protect the brain against aging, dementia, stroke, and late-life depression—offering hope to millions of Thais as the country faces a rapidly aging population and an expected surge in dementia cases. This new research, led by the Mass General Brigham healthcare system in the United States and recently published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, draws on large-scale analysis to clarify which habits and medical conditions pose the greatest threats—or offer the strongest shields—for brain health as people grow older (source: Mass General Brigham).

A sweeping new study is transforming how doctors and everyday people understand brain health, identifying 17 intertwined risk and protective factors that can lower your risk of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression simultaneously. This research, led by Dr. Sanjula Singh of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Brain Care Labs and recently covered by The New York Times, signals hope for many—especially Thais facing rapidly aging demographics—who may view these conditions as separate and inevitable. In reality, as experts now confirm, the conditions are deeply linked by underlying changes in the brain’s small blood vessels, offering opportunities to take preventive action on multiple fronts at once (The New York Times, 2025).

A deeply personal story recently published in the Daily Mail, titled “I almost ended my life on antidepressants, ditching them saved me,” has struck a chord with readers who are questioning the impact of long-term antidepressant use and the consequences of withdrawal. This article arrives at a time of intensifying scientific scrutiny and public debate, as researchers worldwide uncover mounting evidence that discontinuing antidepressant medications can result in a complex and sometimes debilitating set of symptoms—findings that are directly relevant to an increasing number of Thai people prescribed these medicines for depression and anxiety.

Amid flashing lights and roaring stadiums, Chris Martin—frontman of world-renowned band Coldplay—has chosen vulnerability over bravado. In a heartfelt Instagram video recorded after Coldplay’s recent concert in Hong Kong, Martin openly discussed his personal battle with depression, offering advice and resources to his millions of fans. “I’ve noticed that some people lately, including myself, are struggling a little bit with depression,” he shared, before detailing routines and strategies that have helped him navigate these difficult emotions. The British singer’s honesty has sparked an international conversation on the lived realities of mental illness, further destigmatizing a topic that affects millions yet is still often shrouded in shame and silence.

Depression has reached record highs in the United States, with new research from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealing a stark increase in prevalence and persistent disparities in access to treatment. Drawing data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the recent survey—conducted between August 2021 and August 2023—sheds light on both the growing scale of the problem and the obstacles many face in seeking help. As similar trends emerge in Thailand and across Asia, the findings carry important lessons for the Kingdom and the broader region amidst evolving mental health challenges.

A new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that depression is now more common among Americans than ever before, with treatment rates falling short despite growing awareness—a development that brings important lessons for health policymakers and families across Thailand. The report, based on data from 2021 to 2023, found that over one in eight Americans aged 12 and older have experienced depression recently, almost double the rate reported just a decade ago. Yet, only about 40% of those affected pursued counseling or therapy for their symptoms, highlighting a persistent gap between need and access to care (CNN).

Depression is on the rise across the United States, especially among adolescents and women, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), yet fewer than half of those affected are receiving therapy or counseling. The findings, published on April 16, 2025, offer the most up-to-date look at how the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing societal challenges have intensified mental health struggles, while also exposing persistent gaps in access to mental health care and continued disparities by gender, age, and socioeconomic status (CNN).

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin recently opened up about his own struggles with depression and took to Instagram to share a series of personal tips aimed at helping others facing similar challenges. The singer, who was on tour in Hong Kong at the time, spoke candidly about the importance of mental health and shared some practical techniques that have been beneficial to his own wellbeing, hoping his experience might offer comfort and inspiration to fans worldwide, including in Thailand, where the prevalence of depression is a growing health concern (NME).

In a world where mental health awareness is gaining momentum, understanding depression—its symptoms and treatments—remains crucial. Depression, clinically known as major depressive disorder, profoundly affects how individuals feel, think, and manage day-to-day activities, according to recent insights from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The article by Hannah Yasharoff for USA Today highlights the pervasive impact of depression and the advances in treating this complex condition.

Depression is characterized by a myriad of symptoms, including fatigue, concentration difficulties, irritability, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, and physical complaints such as unexplained headaches or digestive issues. Psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph, in her conversation with USA Today, underscores the importance of recognizing these symptoms which can vary across individuals.

In an era where screens dominate everyday life, recent research has raised alarms about the mental health implications of prolonged screen exposure among teenagers, particularly girls. This concern is highly relevant for Thai families navigating the complexities of a digitally connected world. The study highlighted by Tanya Srivastava emphasizes a concerning link between increased screen time and the rise of depressive symptoms in young girls. As digital activities expand from schoolwork to social media and entertainment platforms, understanding these impacts is vital for the well-being of our youth.

In a world grappling with escalating dementia, stroke, and depression cases, new research offers hope by identifying 17 modifiable factors that can significantly reduce risks for these conditions. Published in the prestigious Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, this groundbreaking review unravels crucial insights for safeguarding brain health. With over 55 million people living with dementia worldwide, and numbers expected to triple by 2050, coupled with the predicted doubling of stroke deaths by then, the study’s implications are profound and potentially life-changing.