By Robert Preidt, HealthDay Reporter

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TUESDAY, April 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Major and worsening depression may significantly increase seniors' risk of dementia, a new study suggests.

The research included close to 2,500 people in their 70s who did not have any signs of dementia at the start of the study. The participants were monitored for five years for symptoms of depression, and then for six years for signs of dementia.

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay Reporter

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FRIDAY, April 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Depression and suicidal thoughts or attempts are common among youth who join gangs, and these problems get worse after they join, a new study suggests.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 11,000 students in middle schools and high schools across the United States. The investigators found that gang membership was associated with greater levels of depression, a 67 percent increase in suicidal thoughts, and a 104 percent increase in suicide attempts.

Spanking leads to antisocial behavior and mental health problems, an extensive study shows. GETTY
How do you punish a child?

Spanking isn't the answer, according to a study conducted by experts at The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan.

Adults with bipolar disorder are just as likely to develop anxiety as depression following an episode of mania, according to data from a national survey of more than 34,000 adults. This finding, published today in Molecular Psychiatry, may expand our understanding of bipolar disorder to include anxiety.

An estimated 5.7 million Americans have bipolar disorder, a serious mental illness that has been characterized by recurrent periods of mania and depression. Because mania, which involves having an elevated or irritable mood, and depression are mood disturbances, bipolar disorder is considered a type of mood disorder.