Research

There is now a much greater focus on research into depression and related conditions than there has been in the past.  Below you will find research results and articles that may be of interest.  Media reports are not usually written by medical practitioners or researchers. They may omit material factors and are not a substitute for carepful research. Your attention is also drawn to the Disclaimer linked at the foot of this page.

There are also research projects currently being conducted around Australia that need our help.  The more people who participate, the more accurate the results and the better for all Australians living with depression!
 

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Internet interventions beat depression Online programs play a role in treatment

A new study from The Australian National University shows that online therapy programs can play a major and long-lasting role in treating depression.  news.anu.edu.au December 1 2011
 

Vitamin D for Depression  Supplementation may benefit depressed patients

A Black Dog Institute paper that looked at current research into vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency contributing to depression has recommended that Vitamin D levels should be checked in all depressed patients. Health InSite, October 6 2011
 

Lack of workplace support costing jobs: Sane Australia  Many employees disadvantaged

A new study by SANE Australia finds that most Australians with a mental illness receive little support at work and more than half those surveyed did not believe their manager had an understanding of mental illness and its impact in the workplace. Pro Bono News, August 25 2011
 

'Supermum' approach may increase risk of depression  University of Washington study

While working mums have lower rates of depression than their stay-at-home counterparts, those who believe that their work and home lives can be blended seamlessly are at a greater risk of becoming depressed. nimemsn.com.au, August 22 2011
 

Patients using anti-depressants more likely to relapse  McMaster researcher finds

Patients who use anti-depressants are much more likely to suffer relapses of major depression than those who use no medication at all, concludes a McMaster researcher. dailynews.mcmaster.ca, July 19 2011
 

Geelong researcher's depression breakthrough  Sufferers may avoid experimenting

Depression sufferers will be able to avoid months or years of experimenting with different doses of medication, thanks to a four-year study led by a Geelong researcher. Geelong Advertiser, May 29 2011
 

Gene could make prone to depression  Research pinpoints DNA believed responsible

Depression could be caused by a single rogue gene, scientists believe. They have discovered flaws in people’s DNA which may make them more likely to get the condition. Mail Online (Daily Mail). May 16 2011
 

A bitter pill: from depression to obesity  Treatment for one may be triggering another

After two decades of research exploring the mysteries cloaking these debilitating conditions two Canberra-based researchers from Brazil believe they have found the evidence of an insidious connection. The Sydney Morning Herald, May 14th 2011
 

Professionals Split on Managing Depression  1-in-4 uncomfortable with colleagues

Australians have a high level of awareness about depression but need more training on how to help a colleague at work experiencing the illness, according to a new survey.  news.com.au, May 02 2011
 

Gene linked to depression  Gene linked to major depression uncovered

German scientists made the discovery after comparing DNA from more than 15,000 depressed and healthy patients.  The Sydney Morning Herald, April 29 2011
 

Legal eaglets learn to fend off depression  Top law firms have begun educating recruits

Law students experience depression at triple the rate of the general population, with common personality traits like perfectionism and pessimism increasing susceptibility to the disease.  The Sydney Morning Herald, March 18 2011
 

Food with bad Fats linked to Depression  Study evaluates the links

Eating food containing trans fats and saturated fats could contribute to depression.  The Sydney Morning Herald, January 28 2011
 

Prolonged play of video games increases children's risk  Risk of depression, anxiety

About 9 per cent of children play such long hours of video games that they are pathological gamers, increasing risks of anxiety, depression, bad grades and social phobia.  The Sydney Morning Herald, January 18 2011
 

More Bipolar Tests Could Save Lives  Correct diagnosis is important!

Doctors not screening for bipolar disorder, and diagnosing depression instead, is causing many people to receive the incorrect treatment according to an audit conducted at the Black Dog Institute in NSW.  The Age, December 11 2010
 

Depression Gene Marker Discovered  Gene’s possible role in onset of depression

A GENE called MKP-1 was identified by Yale University investigators after comparing the genetic codes of 21 deceased people who had been diagnosed with depression with those of 18 otherwise healthy individuals.  18 October 2010
 

VITATOPS- Depression Trial:  B-Vitamins reduce the risk of depression after stroke

A trial conducted through the University of WA shows that daily supplements of certain B-group vitamins significantly reduces the long term risk of depression after stroke.  October 2010
 

Cyber Bully Victims Hit With Depression 

School children bullied online face a high risk of being hit with real-world depression, according to a study released on Tuesday by the US National Institutes of Health.  The Age, September 22, 2010
 

Breaking The Silence:  A report on suicide & suicide prevention in Australia

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men and women under the age 34 years and for males aged under the age of 44 years and yet it is largely hidden.  This report provides a blueprint for Government and community action on suicide and suicidal behaviour in Australia.  It was launched in September 2010

Depression High Among Uni Students

University students are four times more likely to be anxious and depressed than other people their age, a study of almost 1000 students has found.  The Age July 7  2010

Depression Treatable By Electromagnetic Therapy

Patients suffering from depression may find relief from treatments using electromagnetic stimulation, offering a possible alternative to mood-altering medications, a new study found.  The Age, May 5, 2010
 

Sleep Deprivation Tied to Depression

US-based Professor Dan Buysse talks about the challenges with sleep deprivation and reinforces what has been proven in the past: that while up to 85 per cent of people with depression have insomnia, it does not necessarily occur in that order.   July 2009
 

Television Linked To Teen Depression

Television has become a great scapegoat for these stressful times. But is a teenager who watches hours of daily television more likely to become depressed?  SMH, March 23, 2009
 

Heavy Drinking Tied to Depression

Excessive alcohol drinking may increase the risk of depression, a long-term study conducted over 25 years in New Zealand has found.  SMH March 3, 2009
 

Courting The Blues: Attitudes to depression in law students and lawyers

This report highlights. among other things, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in law students and the legal profession.   January 2009
 

Good Mental Health Prevents Falls for the Elderly

Good mental health plays an essential role in keeping elderly people on their feet and preventing major injury through falls, according to research from The Australian National University Centre for Mental Health Research (CMHR).  Published: 07/11/2008

Lithium cuts suicide risk in depression

In people suffering from recurrent major depressive disorder, treatment with lithium reduces the risk that they'll commit or attempt suicide, according to a new study.  (Links to The Age, April 2007)
 

BCOS (Bipolar Comprehensive Outcomes Study) Interim Report

Interim results from the ongoing BCOS show that people with bipolar disorder experience a significantly lower overall quality of life.  This report provides interim results from August 2005.   More recent results are also available.
 

SADHART:  Depression and Heart Disease Study

Studies were conducted to gain an understanding of the connection between depression heart health.  Visitors to dNet helped in this research.  Australian researchers are close to unravelling the relationship between heart attacks and depression, the two leading causes of disability.  The results of the study were published in the August 14, 2002 edition of the Journal of American Medical Association (Glassman et al, 2002).
 

Insomnia and Depression – Which comes first?

For many people who suffer from both depression and insomnia, treating the insomnia successfully without medication can eliminate or significantly reduce the depression.  Study published in 2003.
 

CBT Reviews – By Dr Timothy Sharp

Dr Sharp summarises the reviews from 2002 that confirmed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety.
 

Duke Study:   Exercise as a treatment for depression

A brisk 30-minute walk or jog around the track three times a week may be just as effective in relieving the symptoms of major depression as the standard treatment of anti-depressant medications, according to the results of a Duke University Medical Center study.