NAMI Montana Research Update June 2024: Depression
June 28, 2024
Depression is a significant global mental health challenge, affecting people across all ages, cultures, and communities. Recent research provides important insights into prevention, treatment, and prevalence, helping guide both clinical practice and public policy.
Below is a summary of three major peer-reviewed studies published in 2022 that shed light on how depression can be reduced, treated more effectively, and better understood—especially among young people.
Physical Activity and Depression Risk
Pearce et al., 2022 — JAMA Psychiatry
Key Finding:
Even small amounts of physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of depression.
What the Researchers Studied
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 large studies
Included 191,130 adults and over 2 million person-years of data
Examined how different levels of physical activity relate to the risk of developing depression
What They Found
People who engaged in half of the recommended weekly physical activity had an 18% lower risk of depression
Those meeting the full recommended level had a 25% lower risk
The biggest mental health benefits occurred at low to moderate levels of activity
Increasing activity beyond recommended levels showed diminishing returns
An estimated 11.5% of depression cases could be prevented if inactive adults met basic activity guidelines
Why This Matters
You don’t need intense workouts to benefit mental health. Any increase in physical activity helps, and clinicians should encourage movement at every level.
Takeaway:
Small, achievable changes—like walking more—can meaningfully reduce depression risk.
Treatment-Resistant Depression: What Works Best?
Nuñez et al., 2022 — Journal of Affective Disorders
Key Finding:
Several medication augmentation strategies can help people with treatment-resistant depression, but tolerability varies.
What the Researchers Studied
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Focused on adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Compared 19 different augmentation strategies, including:
Atypical antipsychotics
Thyroid hormones
Stimulants
Mood stabilizers
What They Found
Most effective augmentation options included:
FDA-approved adjunctive atypical antipsychotics
Thyroid hormones
Certain dopamine-enhancing medications (e.g., modafinil)
Lithium
Some medications were associated with higher discontinuation rates, suggesting lower tolerability.
Why This Matters
Treatment-resistant depression is complex, and no single approach works for everyone. These findings help clinicians make more informed, individualized treatment decisions.
Takeaway:
Effective options exist for TRD, but patient preferences, side effects, and acceptability matter.
Depression Among Adolescents Worldwide
Shorey et al., 2022 — British Journal of Clinical Psychology
Key Finding:
Depressive symptoms among adolescents are high, increasing, and unevenly distributed across regions and genders.
What the Researchers Studied
A global systematic review and meta-analysis of 72 studies
Included data from 2001 to 2020
Examined prevalence by region, gender, and time period
What They Found
34% of adolescents worldwide experience elevated depressive symptoms
Prevalence increased from 24% (2001–2010) to 37% (2011–2020)
Highest rates found in:
Middle East
Africa
Asia
Female adolescents experience significantly higher rates than males
Lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder among adolescents reached 19%
Why This Matters
Adolescence is a critical developmental period. These findings highlight the urgent need for:
Early screening
Prevention-focused interventions
Gender-specific and culturally relevant programs
Takeaway:
Supporting adolescent mental health early can prevent long-term harm and reduce future illness burden.
Overall Takeaways
Together, these studies show that:
Prevention matters — even modest lifestyle changes help
Treatment must be personalized, especially for resistant depression
Youth mental health is a global priority requiring urgent action
Research continues to play a crucial role in improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by depression.
Find more mental health research updates at:
https://www.namimt.org/news