Depression Research Update: April 2016
The studies discussed in this slideshow assess the benefits of non-traditional therapies for depressive disorders.
References:
1. Falconer CJ, Rovira A, King JA, et al. Embodying self-compassion within virtual reality and its effects on patients with depression.Br J Psychiatry Open. 2016;2:74-80.
2. Macy RJ, Jones E, Graham LM, Roach L. Yoga for trauma and related mental health problems: a meta-review with clinical and service recommendations. Trauma Violence Abuse. Published December 9, 2015. doi: 10.1177/1524838015620834.
3. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Innovative neuropeptide depression treatment to be developed [press release]. Toronto, Canada: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; February 26, 2016.
The studies discussed in this slideshow assess the benefits of non-traditional therapies for depressive disorders.[1-3] Scroll through the slides for findings and take-home messages.
Because many people with major depression do not respond to current treatments, there is a growing need for more options. Here are 3 new non-traditional therapies for depression.
•Virtual reality can help patients with depression learn to become less self-critical and reduce their depressive symptoms
•Yoga may be an option for people who experience depression, anxiety, and other effects of trauma
•A novel neuropeptide-based approach holds promise as an effective treatment of depression
An immersive virtual reality therapy could help people with depression reduce their depressive symptoms by being less critical and more compassionate toward themselves.[1]
Findings: Fifteen patients delivered compassion in one virtual body and then received it from themselves in another virtual body in an 8-minute scenario. Nine patients reported reduced symptoms of depression 1 month after the therapy, and 4 patients had a clinically significant decrease in depression severity.
Take-home message: Immersive virtual reality may have considerable clinical potential in the treatment of depression.
Yoga may help alleviate depression, anxiety, PTSD, and the psychological consequences of trauma-at least in the short term.[2]
Findings: A systematic meta-review found encouraging, but preliminary, evidence regarding yoga as an intervention for the effects of trauma, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Take-home message: Consider recommending yoga as an intervention in addition to other evidence-based and well-established treatments, including psychotherapy and medication.
A neuropeptide that disrupts 2 dopamine receptors that bind at higher rates in the brains of people with major depression may represent a first-in-class therapeutic for depression.[3]
Findings: The peptide, which is delivered nasally, targets the D1 and D2 receptor complex. It relieved symptoms of depression during preclinical testing and was as effective as a conventional antidepressant medication.
Take-home message: A new licensing agreement between the creators of the peptide and the developers of the nasal delivery device brings the treatment one step closer to clinical trials.