Scientists have identified how depression alters the brain’s response to positive and negative stimuli, particularly in the amygdala, a key emotional processing center. The study found that depression reduces neural activity linked to positive perceptions while increasing it for negative perceptions.

A new study demonstrates that home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective method for treating depression. Participants in the study who used tDCS at home showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared to those in a control group.

Researchers have identified a protein complex, TrkC-PTPσ, that plays a key role in the structural organization of synapses in the brain, impacting cognitive behaviors. By studying this complex, scientists uncovered how it regulates synaptic protein phosphorylation, essential for healthy brain function. Disruptions in this protein complex led to anxiety-like behaviors in mice, providing insights into mental health conditions like anxiety and autism.

A new study reveals that how children mentally process traumatic events is the most significant factor in predicting their mental health outcomes, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Cognitive factors—like how children remember the event and view themselves afterward—play a more critical role than the event’s objective severity. Researchers found that children with more negative self-perceptions or distorted memories were at higher risk for long-term psychological impacts.

A new study has found that people with a preference for sweet foods face higher risks of depression, diabetes, and vascular issues like stroke. Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers grouped participants into three categories: health-conscious, omnivores, and sweet tooth. They found that the sweet tooth group had poorer blood markers for inflammation and glucose levels, indicating higher risks for metabolic and mental health conditions.

Researchers have discovered that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, increases optimism and motivation in rats, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for treating depression. Using computational modeling, scientists observed that rats given psilocybin were more likely to engage in reward-based tasks, indicating enhanced optimism.

Scientists have identified how genetic variants influence the risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. Using live neural cells and DNA sequencing, researchers discovered thousands of "non-coding" genetic variants with context-dependent functions, activated during brain development.

A new study reveals that inflammation and immune system activation are closely linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in those resistant to standard antidepressants. Researchers analyzed gene expression in people with depression, finding increased immune-related gene activity, especially in those with higher inflammation.

A recent review highlights the potential of liver X receptor beta (LXRβ) as a target for treating depression and anxiety. Known for regulating cholesterol, LXRβ is emerging as a key player in mental health, with research showing its role in balancing neurotransmission and enhancing cognitive function.