Depressed Jane

Psylin Neurosciences Inc., a joint venture biotechnology company spun out of Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and PsychoGenics, Inc. announced that it has initiated IND-enabling development of a novel compound, PSN0041, for the treatment of depression. PSN0041, a peptide from Amylin’s proprietary polypeptide hormone library, PHORMOL, was identified as having utility in depression after screening it in PsychoGenics’ proprietary, drug discovery technologies.

Popularity: unranked [?]

A supplement in this edition of the Medical Journal of Australia examines the multiplying effect of depression and physical illness. Supported by “beyondblue: the national depression initiative”, the supplement includes research and commentary from leading mental health experts from throughout Australia.

Popularity: unranked [?]

There are many factors which can increase the risk of suicide – including being male, previous self-harm, psychiatric and/or drug/alcohol disorders, upbringing, exposure to suicide in the media, and smoking. Among employed people, doctors (particularly women), vets, nurses, dentists and farmers are all at increased risk – because they have easy access to drugs or poisons which can be used for suicide.

Popularity: 1% [?]

A new national online survey of more than 2,000 people living with bipolar disorder and 500 physicians who treat patients with bipolar disorder identified that the greatest concern among people living with bipolar disorder (73%) is that their symptoms will impact daily life, such as family, relationships, or job.(1) In particular, about 9 in 10 patients (89%) said they have cancelled social engagements because of bipolar depression.

Popularity: unranked [?]

A study in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that sleep problems lead to increased pain and fatigue in cancer patients. The results indicate that interventions aimed at trouble sleeping would be expected to improve both pain and fatigue in this patient population. Results show that more than half the sample reported having trouble sleeping, with 26 percent reporting moderate or severe trouble sleeping.

Popularity: unranked [?]

The American Association of Suicidology will honor Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) with the Public Policy Award at its 42nd Annual Conference on April 18, 2009. The award honors the efforts of state and national leaders to address the problem of suicide in the United States.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Behaviour Therapy (BT) show some effect in helping the disability associated with chronic pain, according to a Cochrane Systematic Review. The researchers assessed the use of CBT and BT on chronic pain, mood, and disability.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Even though suicide outranks homicide as a cause of death in the United States, incomplete death certificates thwart healthcare policymakers who want to create prevention strategies especially for black and Hispanic populations, a WVU study shows. “The Institute of Medicine has documented that half of people who commit suicide have been diagnosed with a mental disorder, but death certificates register little of this history,” said lead researcher Ian Rockett, Ph.D.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Adolescents and young adults typically consider peer relationships to be all important. However, it appears that strong family support, not peer support, is protective in reducing future suicidal behavior among young adults when they have experienced depression or have attempted suicide.

Popularity: unranked [?]

New research by economics and psychology researchers at the University of Warwick has found that promotion on average produces 10% more mental strain and gives up to 20% less time to visit the Doctors. In a research paper entitled “Do People Become Healthier after Being Promoted” Chris Boyce and Professor Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick questioned why people with higher job status seem to have better health.

Popularity: unranked [?]