Research roundup: 4 new studies on depression

Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. More than 300 million people around the world are now living with depression (WHO). Thankfully, international researchers are working on better understanding this important issue. Here are summaries and talking points from four brand-new studies on depression. Can you imagine how these research finding could inform your work?

Do differences in gait predict the risk of developing depression in later life?

Summary: Older people who were newly diagnosed with depression had a slower walking speed and a shorter step length compared with those without depression in a recent study. Gait parameters and mental health both have significant impacts on functional status in later life. The study's findings suggest that gait problems may represent a potentially modifiable risk factor for depression.

Talking point: “These findings are important because it is crucial to identify older individuals at higher risk of developing depression in order to promote earlier intervention. This study also raises the possibility that exercise programs aimed at improving walking speed and balance may help in prevention of depression in later life, though this would need to be tested in dedicated clinical studies.” - Dr. Robert Briggs, study author.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/r.../02/190206091415.htm

Origins of depression brought into focus in large-scale genetic study

Summary: Hundreds of genes have been newly linked to depression, shedding light on the origins of the condition and highlighting personality types that could be at risk. The international study, involving more than two million people, is the largest of its kind. The findings suggest that depression could be a driving factor leading some people to smoke, but more research is needed to explain why, the team says. Results also show that neuroticism -- a tendency to be worried or fearful -- could lead people to become depressed, which could shed light on personality factors that put people at risk.

Talking point: "This study adds to the weight of evidence that genes are one of the key risk factors in depression, which is also impacted by life events such as social environment and trauma. The value of this could really be seen when looking into the development of personalized treatments. By increasing our understanding of these systems, and how the social environment affects biological risk factors, we can begin to identify new targets for treatments that could help the millions of people worldwide affected by depression." - Sophie Dix, Director of Research at mental health charity MQ

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/r.../02/190205102550.htm

Healthy diet can ease symptoms of depression

Summary: An analysis of data from almost 46,000 people has found that weight loss, nutrient boosting and fat reduction diets can all reduce the symptoms of depression. The study combined data from 16 randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of dietary interventions on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sixteen eligible trials with outcome data for 45,826 participants were included; the majority of which examined samples with non-clinical depression. Studies examined with female samples showed even greater benefits from dietary interventions for symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

Talking Points: "The similar effects from any type of dietary improvement suggests that highly-specific or specialized diets are unnecessary for the average individual. Instead, just making simple changes is equally beneficial for mental health. In particular, eating more nutrient-dense meals which are high in fiber and vegetables, while cutting back on fast-foods and refined sugars appears to be sufficient for avoiding the potentially negative psychological effects of a 'junk food' diet.” – Dr. Joseph Firth

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/r.../02/190205090511.htm

Maternal depression and natural disaster-related stress may affect infants' temperament

Summary: A new study demonstrates that prenatal maternal depression has important consequences for infant temperament. Furthermore, the negative impact of prenatal maternal depression appeared to be magnified when pregnant women lived through Superstorm Sandy. The study analyzed data on 310 mother-child dyads, with 64 percent of women being pregnant prior to Sandy and 36 percent being pregnant during Sandy. Compared with other infants, infants born to women with prenatal depression were more likely to experience greater distress, greater fear, lower smiling and laughter, lower high- and low-pleasure seeking, lower soothability, slower falling reactivity, lower cuddliness, and greater sadness at six months of age. These effects were amplified when women were pregnant during Superstorm Sandy.

Talking point: "The fetal period is one of the most critical periods for neurodevelopment. Prenatal stress, especially during this critical period of fetal development, may render the developing brain more vulnerable to additional stressors such as maternal depression. Natural disasters may increase in frequency and magnitude, but we can attempt to alleviate the negative impacts on offspring if we identify high risk pregnant mothers with depression and offer them interventions to make them more resilient." - Dr. Yoko Nomura

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/r.../02/190206091409.htm