Around 13 percent of the population has depressive personality traits — but they do not have to be permanent.
Around 13 percent of the population has depressive personality traits — but they do not have to be permanent.
Talking therapies can help to change depressive personality traits.
Although personality is sometimes thought of as fixed, psychotherapy can actually change it.
Around 13 percent of the population have depressive personality traits — but they do not have to be permanent.
People with depressive personality traits often feel down and worried and are frequently dissatisfied with life.
They are also likely to be negative and brooding, as well as having low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
Dr Rachel Maddux, who completed the research for her doctoral thesis, said:
“The interesting thing was that therapy not only improved the depression itself, it also ameliorated the pervasive depressive traits.”
The conclusions come from a study of 159 people with chronic depression, 44 percent of whom had depressive personality traits.
The results showed that people with and without depressive personality traits responded to psychotherapy in a similar way.
After treatment, only 11 percent could still be classified as having a depressive personality disorder.
Both cognitive-behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapy were effective.
Indeed, people with depressive personality traits actually responded better to the treatment than others.
They had less severe symptoms and greater improvements in depression.
Dr Maddux writes:
“…individuals with DPD [Depressive Personality Disorder] experience significant psychological distress, but they appear to respond as well or better than individuals without DPD to various types of treatment.
Thus, DPD should not be viewed as an impediment to successful outcomes.
Further, DPD itself appears to resolve for many individuals over the course of treatment…”
Dr Maddux said:
“…now I know that there is hope for those with depressive personality.
The next step will be to study other factors that could affect the outcome of treatment; biology, childhood and development, trauma, etc.”
The thesis was published on the Lund University website (Maddux, 2012).
Along with fewer depression symptoms, it was also linked to better sleep.
Along with fewer depression symptoms, it was also linked to better sleep.
Higher intelligence reduces the risk of mental health problems, including depression.
A higher IQ is linked to less self-reported depression symptoms, fewer sleep problems and better overall mental health.
The conclusions come from a study of 5,793 people who were followed for decades.
The results showed that those with higher IQ scores in their youth had better overall mental health when they were 50-years-old, compared to those with lower IQs.
Along with fewer depression symptoms, those with higher IQs also slept better in middle age.
The authors conclude that IQ may have a protective effect against depression in middle age:
“Higher pre-morbid intelligence was significantly associated with less depression, less sleep difficulty, and a better overall mental health status at age 50.
These results were similar to those found at age 40 and they suggest that higher intelligence in youth, in both men and women, may have a protective effect on mental health into middle age.”
However, people with higher IQs were more likely to have received a depression diagnosis by age 50.
This seems to contradict the finding that they self-reported lower symptoms of depression.
The researchers think it may be because intelligent people are more likely to recognise depression and get help for it.
They write that one possible reason is that:
“…people with higher intelligence may also have higher mental health literacy.
Those with higher intelligence might be more able to identify their symptoms of depression, which could motivate them to consult a doctor for diagnosis and advice; they might also be likely to have accurate reporting of such diagnoses in the health module.”
The study was published in the journal Intelligence (Wraw et al., 2018).
The study’s finding could help explain depressive symptoms such as loss of appetite and sleep problems.
The study’s finding could help explain depressive symptoms such as loss of appetite and sleep problems.
Major depression is linked to inflammation of the brain.People experiencing clinical depression have 30 percent higher brain inflammation, the recent research found.The more depressed people were, the greater the levels of inflammation.Professor Jeffrey Meyer, who led the research, said:
“This finding provides the most compelling evidence to date of brain inflammation during a major depressive episode.Previous studies have looked at markers of inflammation in blood, but this is the first definitive evidence found in the brain.”
The brain typically protects itself through inflammation, but too much can be harmful.The inflammation may generate some of the symptoms of depression, including:
loss of appetite,
low mood,
and sleep problems.
For the study, the researchers scanned the brains of 20 people with depression and compared them to 20 healthy controls.Inflammation was greatest among those who were depressed.Professor Meyer said:
“This discovery has important implications for developing new treatments for a significant group of people who suffer from depression.It provides a potential new target to either reverse the brain inflammation or shift to a more positive repair role, with the idea that it would alleviate symptoms.”
One potential way of helping to treat depression is by using anti-inflammatories.Professor Meyer warned, however, that brain inflammation isn’t the whole story:
“Depression is a complex illness and we know that it takes more than one biological change to tip someone into an episode.But we now believe that inflammation in the brain is one of these changes and that’s an important step forward.”
The marriage myth: why tying the knot doesn’t reduce depression symptoms in everyone.
The marriage myth: why tying the knot doesn’t reduce depression symptoms in everyone.
Getting married is linked to lower depression symptoms in some people.
The link is strongest in households where the total income is below $60,000.
For couples earning more than this, marriage does not provide the same benefits to mental health.
In fact, at higher levels of income, people who have never married have fewer symptoms of depression.
The reason is probably that at lower incomes, both partners can pool their resources, enjoy more financial security and so worry less.
Dr Ben Lennox Kail, the study’s first author, said:
“We looked at the interrelationships between marriage, income and depression, and what we found is that the benefit of marriage on depression is really for people with average or lower levels of income.
Specifically, people who are married and earning less than $60,000 a year in total household income experience fewer symptoms of depression.
But above that, marriage is not associated with the same kind of reduction in symptoms of depression.”
Financial security matters
The findings support a theory called the marital resource model.
This is the idea that the physical and psychological benefits of marriage are partly down to the pooling of resources.
Dr Kail said:
“For people who are earning above $60,000, they don’t get this bump because they already have enough resources.
About 50 percent of the benefit these households earning less than $60,000 per year get from marriage is an increased sense of financial security and self-efficacy, which is probably from the pooling of resources.
Also, it’s interesting to note, at the highest levels of income, the never married fare better in terms of depression than the married.
They have fewer symptoms of depression than married people.
All of these are subclinical levels of depression, meaning the disease is not severe enough to be clinically referred to as depression, but can nevertheless impact your health and happiness.”
The study was published in the journal Social Science Research (Carlson & Kail, 2018).
The study of 32,000 nurses is the largest ever to look at the link between depression and chronotype.
The study of 32,000 nurses is the largest ever to look at the link between depression and chronotype.
Women who go to bed early and rise early are less likely to develop depression.
Studies have also found that both men and women who are ‘early birds’ have a lower depression risk.
This study of 32,000 nurses is the largest ever to look at the link between depression and chronotype.
Chronotype is the technical term for whether you are naturally early to bed and early to rise, or late to bed and late to rise — or, somewhere in between.
Among the nurses, 53 percent described themselves as intermediate, 10% as evening types and 37 percent as early risers.
The women were followed for four years to see who developed depression.
Dr Céline Vetter, the study’s first author, explained the results:
“Our results show a modest link between chronotype and depression risk.
This could be related to the overlap in genetic pathways associated with chronotype and mood.”
The increased risk for evening types was between 12 percent to 27 percent.
This was after other risk factors had been taken into account, such as being a smoker and having an erratic sleep pattern.
Dr Vetter said:
“This tells us that there might be an effect of chronotype on depression risk that is not driven by environmental and lifestyle factors.”
Genetics plays a fairly large role in whether you are an early bird or a night owl.
However, there are other factors, Dr Vetter said:
“Alternatively, when and how much light you get also influences chronotype, and light exposure also influences depression risk.
Disentangling the contribution of light patterns and genetics on the link between chronotype and depression risk is an important next step.”
The study does not tell us that all night owls are doomed to be depressed and there are also ways of lowering the risk.
Dr Vetter advises:
“Being an early type seems to beneficial, and you can influence how early you are.
Try to get enough sleep, exercise, spend time outdoors, dim the lights at night, and try to get as much light by day as possible.”
The study was published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research (Vetter et al., 2018).
Explore the fundamentals of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), its applications, benefits, and potential side effects.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique primarily used to treat depression and other neurological conditions.
What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
It is commonly employed to treat major depressive disorder, especially in patients who do not respond to conventional treatments like medication or psychotherapy.
The technique has also shown promise in treating other neurological and psychiatric disorders.
TMS uses magnetic pulses delivered through a coil placed on the scalp.
These pulses create small electrical currents that influence brain activity without causing pain or lasting discomfort.
How does TMS work?
TMS works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain that regulate mood.
A device placed on the patient’s head generates these pulses, which pass through the skull without causing pain or discomfort.
The magnetic pulses induce small electrical currents that stimulate neurons, enhancing brain activity in targeted regions.
Research suggests that this stimulation can help normalise the function of underactive brain regions linked to depression.
Different types of TMS
There are two primary forms of TMS:
Repetitive TMS (rTMS): This involves repeated magnetic pulses and is the most common type used in clinical practice.
Deep TMS (dTMS): This uses specialised coils to penetrate deeper brain structures.
Each type has its specific applications and benefits, depending on the condition being treated.
Conditions treated with TMS
TMS is most widely recognised for its effectiveness in treating depression.
It has also been approved for managing other conditions, including:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Migraines
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (in some regions)
Chronic pain (in experimental and off-label contexts)
Emerging research is investigating the potential of TMS to treat additional conditions such as anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease.
Benefits and effectiveness
The primary benefit of TMS is its non-invasive nature, which eliminates the need for surgery or anaesthesia.
Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness, with many patients experiencing significant improvements in mood and symptom reduction.
TMS offers advantages over electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), such as fewer side effects and no requirement for hospitalisation.
The success rate for TMS in treating depression varies but typically ranges between 50 percent and 60 percent for symptom improvement, with about one-third of patients achieving full remission.
Repeated sessions and maintenance treatments may enhance long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse.
What to expect during a TMS session
Before starting treatment, patients undergo an evaluation to determine suitability for TMS.
The typical TMS session lasts about 30 to 40 minutes.
The patient sits in a chair while a magnetic coil is placed against their scalp.
During the session, tapping or clicking sensations may be felt, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
Sessions are usually administered five times per week over several weeks.
The number of sessions can vary based on individual needs, but most treatment courses range from four to six weeks.
Risks and side effects
TMS is considered safe, but some side effects may occur.
Common side effects include:
Headache
Scalp discomfort
Light-headedness
Rare but serious side effects may include seizures, though the risk is minimal.
Most side effects are mild and diminish after a few sessions.
Patients with implanted medical devices or a history of seizures may not be eligible for TMS.
Insurance coverage and cost
The cost of TMS can be a concern for many patients.
In the UK and other regions, insurance coverage varies, and private treatment may be expensive.
It is advisable to consult with healthcare providers and insurers to understand the financial implications and available options.
Some clinics offer financing plans or sliding scale fees to help make the treatment more accessible.
Public healthcare systems in some countries may cover TMS for specific conditions, though availability can be limited.
Patient experiences and testimonials
Many patients report positive experiences with TMS.
Common feedback includes improvements in mood, better sleep, and enhanced overall well-being.
Case studies often highlight individuals who regained the ability to enjoy daily life and work effectively after treatment.
However, not all patients respond to TMS, and outcomes can vary.
Factors such as the severity of symptoms and the specific area of the brain targeted can influence results.
Comparing TMS with other treatments
TMS is often compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and medication.
Unlike ECT, TMS does not require sedation or induce seizures, making it a less invasive option.
Compared to antidepressant medications, TMS typically has fewer systemic side effects, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction.
For patients resistant to medication, TMS offers a promising alternative.
Studies continue to explore the combination of TMS with other therapies to improve outcomes.
Future directions in TMS research
Emerging research is exploring new applications for TMS.
Potential future uses include treatment for anxiety disorders, addiction, and cognitive enhancement.
Technological advancements aim to improve the precision and efficiency of TMS devices.
Personalised TMS protocols tailored to individual brain activity patterns may further enhance effectiveness.
Combining TMS with imaging technologies such as MRI may lead to more targeted and effective treatments.
Conclusion
Transcranial magnetic stimulation represents a significant advancement in non-invasive brain stimulation therapies.
It offers hope for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other conditions.
As research continues, the future of TMS promises even broader applications and improved outcomes for a wider range of mental health challenges.
For individuals considering TMS, a thorough consultation with a qualified specialist can help determine the best course of action based on personal health needs and goals.
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