Move over Prozac: New drug offers hope for depression

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The brain chemistry that underlies depression is incompletely understood, but research suggests that aberrant signaling by a chemical called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor through its receptor TrkB, may contribute to anxiety and depression. Here, researchers describe a screen for stable small molecules that could specifically inhibit TrkB action. They identified one they dubbed ANA-12, which had potent behavioral effects when administered to mice that suggest it will have antidepressant and anti-anxiety activity in humans.

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An estimated 19 million Americans suffer from depression, and though the symptoms might be recognizable, the brain chemistry that underlies them is incompletely understood. Research suggests that aberrant signaling by a chemical called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) through its receptor TrkB, may contribute to anxiety and depression, and inhibiting this pathway in mice can reduce anxiety and depression-related behaviors. However, translating these findings to clinical studies will require the development of small molecule inhibitors of the BDNF/TrkB pathway that could be used pharmacologically.
In this paper, researchers led by Maxime Cazorla, of Columbia University in New York, and Didier Rognan, of the Université de Strasbourg in France, describe a screen for stable small molecules that could specifically inhibit TrkB action. They identified one they dubbed ANA-12, which had potent behavioral effects when administered to mice that suggest it will have antidepressant and anti-anxiety activity in humans. The researchers are hopeful that this new compound could be used to develop a new class of psychiatric drugs.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418122314.htm

Social media 'glorifies and normalises suicidal behaviours'

A review into social media and its role in children's suicides 'glorifies and normalises suicidal behaviours' a recent study has shown.

The Commission for Children and Young People in Queensland, concerned at suicide rates amongst Australian youngsters, released some of the 140 submissions they have made on Sunday night, exploring the way social media plays a part.

One child a week commits suicide, with another 50-60 admitted to hospital for self-harming - and boys are twice as likely to end their own lives than girls, writes The Australian.

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More and more Australian youngsters are exposed to suicide via the internet and socia media, sparking some copycat cases says a new submission by the Commission for Children and Young People in Queensland

The submission report, spear-headed by Megan Mitchell, the National Children's Commissioner says that several have killed themselves after looking up instructions on the internet. 

But even more worrying, some of the 140 submissions that were released on Sunday show that youngsters can be drawn into the social leverage and immortalisation it gives them.

There is proof that one teenager chose to end her life after seeing the outpouring of grief another youngster had received online after killing herself, with one user's condolence message attracting 190 likes.

The submission says: 'It can be interpreted that there is clearly a social status in not only knowing a suicide occurred but even more so in contributing and participating in the shared grief. There is a social reward for this behaviour.'

Because the internet and SMS has replaced the traditional way in which children and teenagers communicate, access to suicide is instantaneous and un-policed.

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'The fear of missing out and the status of participation outweigh any negative stigma in being associated with a suicide death,' says the submission 

More than 2000 young people have signed up to websites set up in memory of recent youngsters who committed suicide in Queensland, even though the majority didn't even know the troubled teenagers.

That figure is five times the number of people who would usually be exposed to suicide in the community.

'The instant outpouring of grief and love means that 'young people are actively engaging in activities that expose them to youth suicide, such as seeking out suicide tribute pages online,' says the submission.

'The fear of missing out and the status of participation outweigh any negative stigma in being associated with a suicide death.' 

A quick Google search flags up pro-suicide websites and the report clearly states, 'There are pro-suicide forums with content that glorifies and normalises suicidal behaviours'.

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'The fear of missing out and the status of participation outweigh any negative stigma in being associated with a suicide death,' says the submission

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare there were 18,277 hospitalisations for young people intentional self-harming between the ages of 3 and 17 in 2007 and 2013.

And 333 youngsters between the ages of four and 17 died from their injuries which were cause by self-harming between 2007 - 2012.  

Alarmingly the report also found that of the 187 Queensland children and youngsters who have committed suicide, one third knew someone who had done it before them.

The National Children's Commissioner is demanding the government to do more on a national level to raise awareness and train those who are in a position to spot the risks and warning signs before it's too late.

If you are suicidal, self-harming, depressed or need someone to talk to contact Beyond Blue or Kids Helpline or dial them on 1 800 55 1800. 

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2864313/Social-media-glorifies-normalises-suicidal-behaviours-young-people-teenagers-recent-study-shows.html#ixzz3LJ0JTQpk

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. Depression is an illness that can affect the body as well as your emotional state. It is not just feeling down or unhappiness when something does not go your way, but usually a more sever problem. Real depression takes over the mind and the body. Clinical Depression: Sever cases of Depression are referred to as clinical depression. It has an effect on your routine activities and the way feel physically the way you think and the way you behave. You may be unable to do everyday activities, and in sever cases you may have suicidal feelings. Depression is not just a mood you can “get over”. It is an illness that often requires medication and treatment. What are the Symptoms of Depression? Depression can occur in anyone and is not only rooted in genetic predisposition. There are many reasons why we get depressed. Sometimes its temporary, which would not be considered clinical depression which we are discussing here. But other times, in the cases of clinical depression, it can lest for years and sometimes a lifetime. It is important you realize the symptoms of depression so you can eventually treat it. Symptoms of Depression include:

• Feeling unhappy and sad most of the time
• Getting frustrated over small things
• Lack of desire for sexual intimacy
• Difficulty sleeping or too much sleep
• Difficulty eating or overeating
• Trouble keeping your thoughts clear
• Feeling like you are in slow motion
• Decreased concentration
• Self blame, feeling useless and worthless
• Memory failure
• Crying for no reason

What Causes Depression? Because depression is a real illness, it is just that you had a bad day. That may cause temporary feelings of sadness, but it takes more to cause true depression. Often times, people suffer from depression because of major life changing events, life the death of a loved one, a divorce, or bankruptcy. Some people have gone through traumatic life changing physical events. For example those who have been abused, raped or assaulted find that their life seems to be spinning out of control. Is Depression Hereditary? There have been many studies that show that people suffering from depression actually have different wave patterns in their brains. They also may have a hormone imbalance or chemical imbalance due to life changes, physical or medical problems. Sometimes depression can be genetic and passed onto other family members through someones genetic makeup. Scientists are still researching the connection between a persons genes and clinical depression. Prevention and Treatment: While we do not usually have the ability to prevent traumatic events from happening, but we can try to build up our support systems. Having people to turn to when life changing events happen can be the best medication. However, there are times when we need to seek professional help. Seeking Professional Help: Counseling can help prevent depression from getting worse and can also give you the support you need to get through the difficult times. And other times you may need the help of a prescription medication. It is important to see your doctor if you are feeling depressed. They can evaluate your symptoms and guide you to the best treatment.
Source: http://www.consumerhealthreview.org/brain-health/depression/