More Are Seeking Mental Health Care, But Not Always Those Who Need It Most

FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 -- On the surface, the news looks good for America's mental health -- a new report shows the rate of people with serious psychological distress is declining, and more folks are seeking mental health care on an outpatient basis.

But the haves are edging out the have-nots when it comes to mental health care, a closer peek at the numbers reveals.

Stimulating One Brain Area May Ease Tough-to-Treat Depression

FRIDAY, Nov. 30, 2018 -- Electrical stimulation of a certain part of the brain may offer a new option for "treatment-resistant" depression, a small new study suggests.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that 25 patients with moderate-to-severe depression gained significant improvement in their mood after electrical stimulation of a brain region called the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC).

Depression Is a Risk for Teens, Adults With Epilepsy

SATURDAY, Dec. 1, 2018 -- Teens and adults with epilepsy are at increased risk for depression and should undergo regular screening, two new studies say.

In one study, researchers evaluated nearly 400 teens, ages 15 to 18, with epilepsy. They found that 8 percent had moderate or severe depression and another 5 percent had attempted suicide or thought about it.

All That Social Media May Boost Loneliness, Not Banish It

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 14, 2018 -- For the billions of young people who seek community and connection on social media, new research warns their search may be in vain.

Instead, spending too much time on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram may actually increase the risk of depression and loneliness.

Anti-Seizure Drug May Be New Weapon Against Depression

THURSDAY, Nov. 1, 2018 -- A drug used to control seizures may be a potent weapon against depression in patients who don't find relief with antidepressants, a small pilot study suggests.

Some of the 18 patients taking ezogabine (Potiga) experienced a 45 percent reduction in depression and an increase in their ability to feel pleasure, as well as an increase in resilience and the capacity to recover from extremes of trauma and stress, the researchers reported.

Michael Phelps Champions the Fight Against Depression

TUESDAY, Oct. 30, 2018 -- Swimmer extraordinaire Michael Phelps has won 28 Olympic medals -- 23 of them gold. Yet, despite all those medals and the accolades that came with them, Phelps has struggled with depression and anxiety.

In 2014, it got so bad that he locked himself in his bedroom and stayed there for days.