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Targeting inflammation as a way to treat depression (Level A1) — a pack of pills sitting on top of a white table

Targeting inflammation as a way to treat depressionCEFR A1

14 Dec 2025

LevelA1
A2
B1
B2

Adapted from U. Michigan, Futurity • CC BY 4.0

Photo by Melany @ tuinfosalud.com, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
73 words
  • Researchers recently studied people with depression and inflammation levels.
  • They chose people who had high levels of inflammation.
  • People took anti-inflammatory medicine or a placebo pill daily.
  • The medicines helped reduce general depressive symptoms in many.
  • The medicines also helped with anhedonia and low pleasure.
  • Researchers did not find more serious medicine side effects.
  • The study links the immune system and mental health.
  • This work suggests a new approach to treat depression.

Difficult words

  • inflammation — body reaction with pain, heat, or swelling
  • placebo — a pill that has no active medicine
    placebo pill
  • anhedonia — not feeling pleasure or interest in activities
  • immune system — body organs and cells that fight infections
  • symptom — a sign or feeling that shows an illness
    symptoms
  • anti-inflammatory — a medicine that reduces swelling and inflammation
    anti-inflammatory medicine

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you ever felt low pleasure in activities?
  • Would you try a new medicine if a doctor suggested it?
  • Do you think the immune system can affect mood?

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