Category: useful resources

Eva Redei, a professor of Psychiatry at North Western University, Chicago, USA, believes it may be possible to diagnose depression with a simple, quick blood test at the doctor.  Just like checking our iron levels.

Using a blood test, Redei identified nine biomarkers that differed between depressed and non-depressed individuals and was able to identify 100% of those suffering from depression.  These biomarkers signify a difference in gene expression associated with depression. read more »

Adolescent Low Mood and Family Processes

According to Nick Allen (Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne), family interactions predict depression more strongly, than do peer interactions.  The more that family members have positive interactions with each other, the more likely it is that the adolescent will be protected from depression.

This is great news because it suggests that no matter what storm is happening to your teen outside the home (e.g., bullying, relationship break up, exam stress), when families pull together and create a great family bubble (where their teen enjoys being at home), the teen is less likely to experience depression or more quick to recover. read more »

One out of 4 fathers experience symptoms of Post-Natal Depression (PND) during the 12 months following the birth of their child.  While most of them may not meet the full criteria for PND, many men report symptoms of depressed mood, low interest in their regular activities, feelings of worthlessness, loss of energy, and fears that their problems will be dismissed or they will be stigmatised in some way (e.g. seen as weak). While PND is more common in mothers (affecting about 15% of women with slightly higher rates for Maori women), often both partners are suffering some symptoms of depression and men often get missed. read more »

Ever had anorexia nervosa? – Then the world needs you!

A ground-breaking study is looking at the role of genetics in Anorexia Nervosa.

Final days to participate in the genetics of anorexia nervosa research project

If you have ever been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in your lifetime, researchers would welcome your participation in this international study which aims to identify the genes for anorexia nervosa. What does it involve? A team from the University of Otago, Christchurch is recruiting participants for this ground breaking study. If you are interested , please complete this 10 minute survey which asks about some basic descriptive information about you (age, gender etc) and about eating disorder symptoms you have had at any stage. read more »

In the first year of my relationship with my boyfriend (now husband) I remember thinking, with more than a good dose of smugness, that we had not fought once.  In my naivety I thought this was a sign of a great relationship.  After twenty years of working with couples I have come to realise we were in the ‘honeymoon’ phase.  It was a charade, a time during which couples dance around each other, masking their real selves in an attempt to avoid rejection. read more »