The possibility of using a blood test to detect depression has been demonstrated by researchers. While blood tests for mental illnesses have until recently been regarded as impossible, a recent study ...

Why some people develop major depressive disorder and others do not is a complex and not well-understood process. Several factors have been discussed to contribute to depression, among them: Genetic ...

In the last couple blog posts, I introduced the serotonin transporter promoter gene, or 5-HTTLPR. It’s a gene that controls how many serotonin re-uptake transporters you have, and differences in this ...

For more health information, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and ...

Researchers have identified a genetic factor that may predispose young people to harmful drinking habits. A team of scientists interviewed college students about their alcohol consumption and then ...

Researchers have discovered new connections between the gut and brain that hold promise for more targeted future treatments for depression and anxiety, and which could point scientists to ways of ...

In the nervous system, electrical signals are sent down a nerve cell (neuron) to a synapse that transmit the electrical signal from one nerve cell to another. Their main purpose is to limit the ...

Besides inducing “trips,” psychedelics such as LSD—administered in parallel to psychological support—have been shown to have beneficial effects in cases of depression, anxiety, and addiction. Although ...

Serotonin sends signals between nerve cells. It may help regulate many body functions, including mood, bowel movements, and sleep. Some medications help boost serotonin levels and improve mood.