Once the major tool in treating depression and other psychiatric illnesses, the use of psychotherapy fell from 44% to 29% over the 10-year period from 1996 to 2005. Meanwhile the use of antidepressants and other drugs became more widely used during the same period. »more»

According to a study of 8,556 middle aged university graduates by scientists of the University of Navarra and the Harvard School of Public Health (USA), the odds of suffering depression increases 41% in smokers in comparison with non-smokers, which according to the researchers "demonstrates in a pioneering way the direct relationship between tobacco use and this disease". »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»

A new five-year analysis of the nation’s death rates recently released by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the suicide rate of middle-aged people (45-to-54-year-olds) has surged nearly 20 percent from 1999 to 2004. This increase is larger than nearly every other age group when adjusted for population size. »more»

People who are depressed don't always come out and say they are depressed. In fact they might not even know what they are feeling is depression. That's why scientists are always looking for new ways to spot it. »more»

We've all heard about the spike in suicides during the holidays. Fortunately it's a myth. According to a statistical analysis of published studies on the topic, suicides actually go down as much as 40% over the holiday season. »more»

Did you know that regular exercise may work as well as medication in improving symptoms of major depression? This is exactly what was found in a new study on exercise and depression published in the September issue of Psychosomatic Medicine and reported in Reuters Health. »more»

If you think you might be suffering from depression or if someone (say a spouse) thinks you might, then going to your primary health care professional is an excellent starting place for your recovery. You should note however that according to a recent RAND study, once the diagnosis was made primary care physicians were found deficient in adhering to recommended practices for treating depression. »more»

Feeling lonely is never fun. However when it happens in middle age it can take a very bad toll on one's health. In the August issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science, two University of Chicago psychologists report their findings that loneliness leads to very negative physiological affects on middle age bodies. »more»

So what makes a healthy personality? Psychologists have been studying this important question, and at least two of these five traits appear to be directly related to physical well-being and longevity: Emotional stability and conscientiousness. More to the point, wellness is linked to changes in these traits over time. »more»