New research from Washington University in St. Louis indicates knowing the truth about having dementia as soon as possible improves the emotional well-being of both patients and their caregivers. The study is published in the current Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. »more»

In his new book "Spark," author John J. Ratey, M.D., explains emerging research indicating the positive effect that exercise has on brain health from depression to ADD to addiction to aggression to menopause to Alzheimer's. »more»

The effectiveness of a dozen popular antidepressants has been exaggerated by selective publication of favorable results, according to a review of unpublished data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration and reported in the New York Ti »more»

While the exact numbers are in debate, it is generally accepted that over the past 50 years depression rates in the United States have risen dramatically. Several large epidemiological and family studies have suggested increases in the rates of depression for all ages. »more»

A provocative study on aging and emotional stability was published last summer in the Journal of Neuroscience and reported in the Los Angeles Times. In short it found that healthy, older people "are less bothered by things and are more in control of their reactions to fear." »more»

If you've felt sad or down for a while, the problem might not be the stresses of middle age or even a midlife crisis. You might be suffering from an under-diagnosed mental health disorder known as dysthymia.

Dysthymia is a form of depression. While the lows aren't as bad as major depression, they are ongoing -- one symptom is that the dark or sad mood persist for at least two years. »more»

An increasing body of evidence links midlife depression to poor brain performance, and even increased risk of Alzheimer's, later in life.

Shirley Wang of the Wall Street Journal reports: »more»

The toll that chronic stress can take on the body is well-known (see our post " Something Else to Fret About; Worrying can kill you")"and researchers at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have found another one--making you more vulnerable to age-related mental decline. »more»

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that mental illness, including depression and anxiety, makes up to fifteen per »more»

Sick or just sad?

An estimated one in six Americans suffer depression at some point in their lives however that number should be 25 percent lower according to a new study. This change is more than a statistical debate; if you are part of that 25%, the treatment you get could be substantially different. »more»