‘Depression’ at Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life, Page 12

Two studies outline dangers of mixing stress, deprivation and tempting foods. The studies show that when animals are stressed, deprived and exposed to tempting food, they overeat, with different degrees of interaction. The powerful interplay between internal and external factors helps explain why dieters rebound and even one cookie can trigger a binge if someone’s predisposed to binge. The results may help even non-stressed people to avoid overeating, keep their weight down and improve their health.

New research suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy may offer longer-lasting relief from the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) than traditional light box therapy.

It’s not a joke: there really is now a book called ‘Bipolar Disorder for Dummies’. A joint effort by a psychiatrist and a professional writer, the book promises to provide a reassuring and gentle introduction to relevant brain chemistry, medications, and the latest therapies.

To mark World Mental Health Day on Monday 10 October, the Mental Health Foundation is asking people to talk freely about their mental health. The charity is providing tips on how to look after your mental health and encouraging members of the public to share their tips and experiences as openly as possible throughout the day. Read on for top tips about good mental health! (Press release from the Mental Health Foundation.)

Many second-generation antidepressants, despite differences in drug classification and cost, offer patients essentially the same benefits with little variation in risks, researchers have found. Comparative evidence on anti-depressant drugs indicates only minimal differences in efficacy, although some come with an increased risk of certain side effects.