Teenagers who smoke could be setting themselves up for depression later in life, according to a groundbreaking new Florida State University study.
Psychology Professor Carlos A. Bolaños and a team of researchers found that nicotine given to adolescent rats induced a depression-like state characterized by a lack of pleasure and heightened sensitivity to stress in their adult lives. The findings, published online in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, suggest that the same may be true for humans.
“This study is unique because it is the first one to show that nicotine exposure early in life can have long-term neurobiological consequences evidenced in mood disorders,” Bolaños said. “In addition, the study indicates that even brief exposure to nicotine increases risk for mood disorders later in life.” [continue reading…]

Researchers rank 12 common antidepressants on efficacy, acceptability. By looking at 117 studies of the 12 most popular antidepressants, researchers ranked the top 12 drugs in the journal The Lancet. [continue reading…]

Daniel Martin reports in today’s Mail  about how more middle-aged women than ever before have depression or anxiety. 
A survey found that a quarter of those aged 45 to 54 experienced a ‘common mental disorder’ in 2007 – up a fifth from 1993.
Experts believe the stresses of balancing home and work, caring for sick relatives, or feelings of loneliness after children leave home, can all contribute to the ‘crisis’. 
On top of this, those who grew up in the Sixties are more likely than previous generations to feel they haven’t made enough of their life and to be unhappy with their looks. Link to  continue reading 

Source: MailOnline