3 RECENT ARTICLES RELATED TO NEW FINDINGS ON DEPRESSION

ARTICLE #1

TITLE

DEPRESSION LINKED TO 44 GENES IN MAJOR NEW STUDY

DESCRIPTION

“Scientists have identified dozens of genes that could increase the risk of developing depression in a major new study which could pave the way for more effective treatments.”  The large study was able to identify underlying genetic variations and mutations that appear to be linked to genetic risk factors that can lead to depression.  It is not to be misunderstood that genetics play the only role in depression, but rather interact with psychological and social factors in daily living.  The researchers hope that understanding the genetic risk factors will enable them to tailor better treatment options for some who do not respond well to the usual antidepressant treatments.

SOURCE

Newsweek, April 30, 2018, by Kashmira Gander

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://www.newsweek.com/depression-linked-44-genes-major-new-study-905582

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/yd8mg6q8

ARTICLE #2

TITLE

Pain and Depression

DESCRIPTION

“An article published a few months ago reminds us that depressive symptoms are a common comorbidity that occur in approximately 20% of persons experiencing osteoarthritis (OA), which is more than double the prevalence in the general population in the United States.”  Both depression and pain can each affect each other and then make the symptoms of each worsen in a negative declining cycle.   The study did found that it is important to recognize that those with OA often under report depressive feelings and as a result decline further.   These findings open up the possibility of better treatments for individuals with both conditions.

SOURCE

Psychology Today, April 30, 2018, by Mark Borigini MD

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/overcoming-pain/201804/pain-and-depression

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/y7bj9b73

ARTICLE #3

TITLE

These Antidepressants Are Most Effective, Study Says

DESCRIPTION

In a large study, researchers examined the effectiveness of 21 different antidepressants.  “The researchers found that every type of antidepressant they studied was more effective at lessening symptoms of depression over time than placebo. They considered a drug “effective” if it reduced depression symptoms by 50% or more.”  They also found that some antidepressants were more effective than others.  Additionally they explain that some factors such as length of time to become effective (kick in) and side effects make a difference to individuals and may cause them to stop taking the medications.   Also, recommendations include important diagnosis, followup, and the use of psychotherapy in conjunction with the medications.  The article provides the list of most and least effective antidepressants.

SOURCE

Time Health, February 21, 2018, by Alexandra Sifferlin

LINK TO RESOURCE

http://time.com/5169013/antidepressants-more-effective-placebo-treating-depression/

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/y8w4s8xj

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is depression?  What are the different types?  What are the symptoms?

•What are the treatments for depression?  How do medications play a role in the treatment of depression?  Which antidepressants are most and least effective according to the studies?

•Other than learning that there are genetic risk factors in depression, why do researchers hope that this knowledge will lead to better treatment?

•What do the studies find regarding pain and depression?  How do these effect each other?  What happens if depression in these painful conditions such as osteoarthritis is not treated?