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Discusses mental health and symptoms of clinical depression. Pathology and treatment of depression; Topics of brain biochemistry, a possible link between a steady heartbeat and depression, the role of serotonin, and diabetes; History of drugs used to restore the electrochemical imbalance; Interplay between depression and other diseases. INSETS: HOW STRESS TAKES ITS TOLL;FACTS.

Mentions treatment of mental depression. Antidepressant drugs such as the SSRI and tricyclics; Role of gaba and glutamate molecules in chemical signaling in the brain; Electrical and magnetic therapies; Research into the effect of an electrical current through the vagus nerve; Topic of cognitive therapy, meditation, mindfulness training and biofeedback as stress relievers; Alternative therapy with over-the-counter medication; Role of omega-3 fatty acids.

Discusses whether low-carbohydrate diets are effective, and whether they pose health risks. Concerns among doctors that low-carb diets may lead to osteoporosis or heart disease; Reasons why most diet plans that rely on gimmicks fail in the long term; Explanation of the difference between good and bad carbs; Comments by David Katz of the Yale School of Public Health on what constitutes a balanced, healthy diet; Concerns that low consumption of carbs could depress mood; Elements of the diets that may be beneficial.

Reports on the potential use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to combat mental illnesses including depression. Study of bipolar subjects; results that the moods of bipolar subjects improved after having an MRI scan; Forecast of tabletop versions of MRI machines for use in a doctor's office.

Reports on a study which shows that genes play an important role in depression. Overview of findings; Evidence that the disease is best explained not by genes or circumstances alone, but by the interaction of the two.

Paxil, one of the world's most widely prescribed antidepressants, should not be given to any patient under age 18 suffering major depression, according to a British government report. The decision was based on research by the drug's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, which found that youngsters taking Paxil, which is sold in Britain and elsewhere as Seroxat, experienced a higher incidence of suicidal thoughts than did patients taking a placebo. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing the data under political pressure to issue its own recommendations.

Presents news briefs related to health as of June 17, 2002. Potential that breast cancer patients may be able to find out earlier if their chemotherapy is working based on research in Italy; Research at UCLA that suggest that brain scans can predict whether an anti-depressant will work long before patients sense any change; Details of an implantable lense devised for cataract patients that can be calibrated weeks after surgery.