DEPRESSION, ANXIETY

This study tested whether a non-invasive light therapy, delivered through a headset to the forehead, could help reduce symptoms of major depression. Fifty adults with depression were randomly assigned to receive either real light treatment at different settings or a fake (sham) t…

This study evaluated a parenting support program called KEEP, which was specially adapted for foster and kinship families from underserved communities. Researchers tested whether these tailored versions of the program could help reduce mental health problems like depression, anxi…

This study tested a community program in Kenya designed to help people living with HIV. It combined a savings and loan group with education on parenting, business skills, and mental health therapy. The goal was to see if this support system could help people stick to their HIV me…

This study tested whether a mobile chat counseling program could help reduce HIV risk and improve mental health for gay and bisexual men in Romania. 300 HIV-negative men at risk were randomly assigned to receive either eight weekly live chat sessions with a trained counselor or e…

This study tested whether giving the drug ketamine during a specific brain surgery could reduce depression symptoms afterward. It involved 110 adults with moderate to severe depression who were having a lumbo-peritoneal shunt inserted to treat a condition causing high brain press…

This study tested whether laughter therapy could help people receiving hemodialysis treatment. Researchers wanted to see if group laughter sessions could reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving quality of life. They measured participants' mood, stress hormone level…

This study tested a simple, secure website called Adhere.ly, designed to help therapists give and track practice exercises (homework) to their clients between therapy sessions. Researchers compared standard therapy to therapy that used this digital tool. The goal was to see if us…

This study tested an online self-help therapy program for people with gut-brain interaction disorders (like IBS) who also have anxiety or depression. Researchers wanted to see if the program was easy to use and acceptable to patients and doctors. Participants tried the online ses…

This study tested whether a short therapy program could help family caregivers of cancer patients feel less anxious and depressed. Over 500 unpaid caregivers were randomly assigned to receive either three sessions of problem-solving therapy or three general support sessions. The …

This study tested a new online coaching program based on cognitive behavioral therapy, delivered either through immersive virtual reality or on a regular computer screen. Researchers compared these two methods against a group receiving no coaching to see which was most effective …

This study tested whether a publicly available mobile app (IntelliCare) could help reduce depression and anxiety in breast cancer survivors. It involved 313 women diagnosed within the past five years who reported elevated symptoms. The research also explored if adding human coach…

This study tested whether a single dose of esketamine, a drug related to the anesthetic ketamine, could help reduce anxiety and depression in patients before and after heart valve surgery. Researchers enrolled 142 adults undergoing this major surgery to see if the treatment impro…

This study tested whether virtual reality therapy could prevent anxiety, depression, and PTSD in lung transplant patients recovering in the intensive care unit. Patients on the transplant waiting list used VR headsets to gradually experience simulated ICU sounds and environments,…

This study tested two different 8-week online programs to help adults who are distressed by tinnitus, the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears. Researchers compared an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program, a mindfulness-based program, and a waiting li…

This study followed over 2,300 adults in Chile for one year to understand how common chronic pain is and how it connects to mental health, work stress, and daily life. Researchers conducted phone interviews to track pain levels, depression, anxiety, and other factors over time. T…

This small Swedish study tested whether an online therapy program is practical and acceptable for people with gut-brain disorders like IBS who also have anxiety or depression. 27 participants tried the self-guided digital sessions and gave feedback through interviews and question…

This study tested a culturally grounded training program called First Face, designed to teach community members how to recognize and respond to mental health crises. Researchers surveyed 92 staff members at the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations before, after, and three months af…

This study tested different ways to encourage college students in Chennai, India, to use free mental health services. Researchers wanted to see if telling students their screening results for depression/anxiety or offering cash for attending a first therapy session would make the…

This study looked back at the health records of nearly 1 million Canadian adults to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their regular care for long-term conditions like diabetes, heart failure, and depression. Researchers compared the number of doctor visits, tests, and…