Stanford Study Reveals New Subtype Of Depression, Unaffected By Traditional Treatments

,

 / 

Researchers Discover New Subtype Of Depression

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have uncovered a new subtype of depression called the “cognitive biotype,” impacting around 27% of those with depression. Unlike conventional antidepressants, this subtype doesn’t respond well to serotonin-targeting medications.

Using different medications could be the solution to address these cognitive issues, potentially helping to identify and diagnose depression while bringing back regular daily functioning.

Study To Understand New Subtype Of Depression

The study, recently published in JAMA Network Open and led by Dr. Leanne Williams, introduces an innovative approach in the quest for depression treatment that aligns with individual characteristics.

Traditionally, the treatment of depression has been a trial-and-error process, often prescribing the same medications regardless of individual variations. Dr. Williams emphasized that the objective cognitive measures utilized in this study, such as brain imaging, are poised to diversify and enhance treatment strategies.

The study encompassed 1,008 adults grappling with untreated major depressive disorder.

Read more here: 15 Common Cognitive Distortions That Twist Your Thinking

These participants were administered one of three widely prescribed antidepressants: escitalopram, sertraline, or venlafaxine-XR. Cognitive assessments, depression research , depressive symptom surveys, and evaluations of social and occupational functioning were conducted before and after the eight-week treatment regimen.

Cognitive tests encompassing areas like verbal memory, working memory, decision speed, and sustained attention were carried out before and after treatment.

Stanford Study Reveals New subtype of depression
Stanford Study Reveals New Subtype Of Depression, Unaffected By Traditional Treatments

Moreover, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were performed on 96 participants before treatment. The scans captured neuronal activity as participants engaged in the ‘GoNoGo’ task, highlighting brain region activity corresponding to responses.

Following the treatment, the study revealed that across all three administered antidepressants, the remission rates, indicating the absence of general depression symptoms, stood at 38.8% for individuals exhibiting the newly identified biotype. In contrast, those without the biotype showed a higher remission rate of 47.7%.

This discrepancy was particularly pronounced in the case of sertraline, where the remission rates for individuals with the biotype and those without it were 35.9% and 50%, respectively.

This discovery signifies a pivotal breakthrough in tailoring treatment to specific depression subtypes, offering renewed hope for swifter and more effective recovery.

New subtype of depression revealed by the Researchers
Stanford Study Reveals New Subtype Of Depression, Unaffected By Traditional Treatments

The depression research study’s findings revealed distinct cognitive depression symptoms, here are some of the cognitive depression symptoms mentioned below

  • Cognitive slowing
  • Insomnia
  • Impaired cognitive function
  • Difficulties in planning
  • Reduced activity in specific frontal brain regions

This discovery of the new subtype of depression signifies a pivotal breakthrough in tailoring treatment to specific depression subtypes, offering renewed hope for swifter and more effective recovery.

Stanford Researchers Pursue Targeted Depression Treatment For Cognitive Biotype

The Stanford Center for Precision Mental Health and Wellness, led by Dr. Leanne Williams, and the Stanford Translational Precision Mental Health Clinic, directed by Dr. Hack, are collaborating to investigate the potential of guanfacine, a medication aimed at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Read more here: Understanding Depression With Beck’s Cognitive Triad

This innovative approach is supported by the Stanford University Innovative Medicines Accelerator, offering new avenues to diagnose depression and for more effective treatment among patients with the cognitive subtype.

Williams and Hack have plans to initiate studies involving individuals with the cognitive biotype. These studies will involve a comparison of various medications alongside interventions like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and cognitive behavioral therapy.

TMS employs magnetic fields to activate nerve cells, while cognitive behavioral therapy equips patients with problem-solving techniques to combat negative thoughts, address emotional challenges, and enhance social and occupational functioning.

New subtype of depression
Stanford Study Reveals New Subtype Of Depression, Unaffected By Traditional Treatments

— Share —

, , ,

— About the Author —

Kerin Stark

I am a person who loves to craft engaging narratives. As an extrovert, I thrive on connecting with audiences through my words. When I’m not immersed in writing, I find joy in dance, where movement becomes my language. Poetry and storytelling hold a special place in my heart. Let’s embark on a journey of words together.

Leave a Reply

Up Next

New Study Reveals Link Between Depression, Anorexia, and Gut Microbiota

New subtype of depression

A recent study published in BMC Psychiatry sheds light on a potential connection between major depressive disorder (MDD), anorexia, and gut microbiota. Led by researchers at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, the study suggests that individuals with both depression and anorexia exhibit distinct patterns in their gut bacteria, particularly involving the presence of a specific bacterium called Blautia.

Depression, characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities, affects millions worldwide and is often accompanied by a high risk of suicide. Anorexia, marked by reduced appetite and distorted body image, commonly co-occurs with depression, complicating treatment efforts.

Gut Bacteria’s Role in Depression and Anorexia

Up Next

Beyond Chemical Imbalances: Researchers Shed Light on Social Root Causes Of Depression

New subtype of depression

In a recent letter to the editor published in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers led by Joanna Moncrieff present a compelling argument challenging the conventional understanding of depression. They assert that rather than being solely attributed to chemical imbalances in the brain, and discuss the social root causes of depression.

According to Moncrieff et al., the evidence for brain differences in depression is lacking, while there is substantial support for the influence of social and environmental factors on mental health.

They argue that the circumstances of life, such as stress and adversity, play a more significant role in shaping depressive symptoms than neuro

Up Next

Study Reveals Presence of Microplastics in Human Brain: Concerns Rise Over Health Implications

New subtype of depression

In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers from the University of New Mexico have discovered microplastics infiltrating human brain tissue, as reported in a study published in the journal Environment Health Perspectives. The study sheds light on the pervasive presence of microplastics in various organs of the body, including the kidneys, liver, and brain.

Eliseo Castillo, an associate professor leading the research, underscores the widespread distribution of microplastics in the environment, emphasizing their presence in water sources, food items, and even the air we breathe.

Previous studies have estimated that individuals ingest approximately five grams of microplastics weekly, equivalent to the weight of a credit card.

Up Next

Study Reveals Significant Genetic Link Between Treatment-Resistant Depression and Family History

New subtype of depression

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, researchers have uncovered a substantial genetic link between treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and family history.

Led by Dr. Cheng-Ta Li, a professor of medicine at the National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University in Taipei, Taiwan, the study utilized extensive national health insurance data to investigate the transmission of TRD across generations and its association with other psychiatric disorders.

The findings of the study are particularly significant, as they shed light on the hereditary nature of TRD and its implications for early intervention and treatment.

Up Next

FDA Clears Prescription Digital Therapeutic for Adults with Major Depressive Disorder

New subtype of depression

The FDA has recently cleared a groundbreaking prescription digital therapeutic, known as Rejoyn, for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms in adults. This innovative therapy, developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. in collaboration with Click Therapeutics Inc., aims to provide adjunctive care for individuals who have been prescribed antidepressants as part of clinician-managed outpatient treatment.

Rejoyn is a 6-week treatment program designed to assist individuals aged 22 years and older in regulating their emotions through a combination of clinically validated cognitive training exercises and therapeutic lessons.

The therapy utilizes digital platforms to deliver pe

Up Next

Sweet Science: How Chocolate’s Theobromine May Aid Weight Loss and Alzheimer’s Prevention

New subtype of depression

A recent study conducted by researchers at Zhengzhou University in China suggests that indulging in chocolate could offer various health benefits, including weight loss assistance and Alzheimer’s prevention.

Published in the Journal of Functional Foods, the study highlights the potential of a chemical compound found in chocolate called theobromine to positively impact both the body and the brain.

Theobromine, present in cocoa beans, boasts anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants, making it beneficial for brain health. According to scientists, this compound can protect against Alzhei

Up Next

New Study Finds High Genetic Risk for Obesity May Require Over 14,500 Daily Steps

New subtype of depression

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a significant association between genetic risk for obesity and the amount of physical activity required to mitigate the risk.

Led by Dr. Evan Brittain, associate professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the study analyzed data from 3,124 participants in the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program to explore the link between genetic predisposition to obesity and recommended step counts for reducing the genetic risk of developing the condition.

Findings from the study indicate that individuals with a higher genetic risk of obesity may need to undertake more physical activity

— Follow Us —