- 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 medicineplacebo 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 illnesssymptoms
- anti-inflammatory — a medicine that reduces swelling and inflammationanti-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?
Related articles
Clean water reduces child stunting in Mozambique
A University of Notre Dame study using national survey data finds that improved access to safe drinking water lowers the odds of stunting in Mozambican children by about 20%. Improved sanitation showed no independent effect on stunting.
Experimental vaccine gives lasting protection in mice against CCHF
A new mouse study reports an experimental vaccine that produced rapid protection and antibodies that lasted up to 18 months. Researchers say a booster strengthened and extended immune responses and plan manufacturing steps before human trials.
Engineered antibodies could block cytomegalovirus
A research team created changed antibodies that stop human cytomegalovirus from disabling immune responses. Lab tests show the antibodies reduce virus spread, but researchers say more testing is needed before they can be used in people.