Spotlight on: Treatment for depression
Depression is very probably several different illnesses with different root causes. This may explain why current medications do not always help. Researchers are now attempting to put this complicated jigsaw puzzle together with the few pieces they have. And they are starting to see a pattern emerge.
The reawakening of depression research
The antidepressant ketamine has lead to a reawakening within the field. This according to Johan Lundberg who sees new possibilities to find a cure for one of the world’s most widespread disorders.
Can psychedelics help with severe depression?
Research into psychedelic substances has taken off. Now researchers will look more closely at whether therapy together with the substance psilocybin can help with treatment-resistant depression.
Genetic analysis can improve depression therapy
In order to individualise drug therapy, researchers are attempting to establish genetic biomarkers that can predict an individual’s response to drugs.
Physical activity and depresssion
Mia Lindskog researches if and how physical acitivity could prevent depression.
Severe grief can lead to poor health
Deep grief has both mental and physical health consequences for the sufferer that can take decades to heal. People can even die of grief. It is therefore important to try to alleviate the effects of severe grief, something that we in Sweden aren’t particularly good at.
Stories
“Online CBT gave me new tools”
Katarina Schmidt Berg got help to recover from her burnout using Internet-based CBT.
“The taboo is the big villain of the piece”
Christian Dahlström who himself is afflicted want us to talk more openly about mental ill-health and depression.
“Depression is not seen, it's felt”
Pirjo Stråte's son committed suicide due to depression. She is now working to help others who suffer.
Look further
If you are feeling bad – find hotlines and support
Here you will find contact information for various hotlines, organisations and associations in Sweden for those who need help and support. The list is managed by the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental lll-Health.
Mental Health Run
Run a race in support of people with mental illness. The race is organised annually in several places in the country.
I had a black dog, his name was depression.
The World Health Organisation's information film about living with depression.
