Researchers of a cross-sectional study examined how work-related stress and burnout may be linked to biological changes in the stress system, focusing on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and epigenetic regulation. Researchers compared 59 individuals with burnout to 70 healthy controls from the general population, all of whom completed clinical interviews and psychological assessments. Saliva samples were collected at awakening and 30 and 60 minutes after to measure cortisol and cortisone. Blood-derived DNA was analyzed for methylation patterns in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4).

Researchers found no group differences in cortisol levels, but people with burnout had higher cortisone levels. Job stress—rather than burnout per se—was associated with increased cortisol and cortisone. Epigenetically, the burnout group showed both increases and decreases in DNA methylation at specific sites within NR3C1 and SLC6A4, some of which correlated with burnout symptom severity. Notably, higher methylation at a particular CpG site in the SLC6A4 promoter moderated the link between job stress and burnout and was associated with higher cortisol. Higher average NR3C1 methylation was linked to lower cortisone. As a cross-sectional study, it cannot establish causality, but it provides initial evidence that burnout is associated with specific epigenetic changes in stress-related genes that tie into HPA-axis signaling.

Reference: Bakusic J, Ghosh M, Polli A, et al. Role of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation in the HPA axis regulation in burnout. J Affect Disord. 2021;295:505-512. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.081.

The FDA has expanded the indication for BrainsWay’s deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (Deep TMS) system, allowing it to be used as an adjunctive treatment for adolescents aged 15 to 21 with major depressive disorder (MDD). Previously cleared only for adults aged 22 to 86, Deep TMS delivers noninvasive magnetic stimulation via a cushioned helmet to targeted regions of the prefrontal cortex. The decision was based on real-world data from 1,120 adolescents treated at 35 US TMS centers between 2012 and 2024, using both high-frequency and intermittent theta-burst protocols. After 36 sessions, adolescents showed an average 12.1-point improvement on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and a 66.1% response rate (≥50% improvement from baseline), along with meaningful reductions in anxiety symptoms on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. The safety profile was consistent with previous adult studies.

With this label expansion, Deep TMS is now available to treat depressive episodes and comorbid anxiety symptoms in adults with treatment-resistant MDD and as an adjunct option for adolescents aged 15 to 21, a group often underserved by traditional pharmacologic approaches. BrainsWay highlights that this clearance gives their system the broadest approved age range of any TMS device for depression, enabling clinicians to treat both adults and adolescents using the same hardware and established protocols. Given that an estimated 5 million US adolescents have experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, the company and investigators frame this as a significant step toward widening access to evidence-based, noninvasive treatment options for youth and their families.

Reference: Kuntz L. FDA Clears Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Adolescents With MDD. Psychiatric Times. Published November 14, 2025. Accessed November 18, 2025. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/fda-clears-deep-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-for-adolescents-with-mdd

Researchers of the 2024 to 2025 Healthy Minds Study, surveying over 84,000 students at 135 US colleges and universities, found sustained improvements in several key mental health indicators for the third consecutive year. Rates of moderate to severe depression dropped from 44% in 2022 to 37% in 2025, with severe depression falling from 23% to 18%; anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and loneliness also declined. However, “flourishing” (a measure of positive well-being such as purpose and optimism) dipped slightly from 38% in 2024 to 36%, suggesting that fewer students are experiencing severe symptoms, but they are not necessarily feeling better overall. Access to treatment remained stable, and time, cost, and preference to manage issues independently or with family remain top barriers, even as use of digital and mobile mental health tools grows.

The study also highlights persistent disparities across student subgroups, with some populations experiencing worse mental health and lower treatment access, underscoring the need for culturally competent care and alternative, evidence-based supports. A parallel survey of more than 9,000 faculty and staff at 22 institutions revealed that 16% met criteria for depression, 17% for anxiety, and 27% reported high burnout. Nearly half had one-on-one conversations with students about mental health in the past year, and over 80% felt student mental health is worse now than when their careers began. However, only about half feel confident recognizing student distress, pointing to an opportunity for institutions to expand training and embed mental health support into existing structures.

Reference: Cook D. Healthy Minds Study: College student depression, anxiety decline for third consecutive year. University of Michigan School of Public Health. Published September 9, 2025. Accessed November 18, 2025. https://sph.umich.edu/news/2025posts/college-student-mental-health-third-consecutive-year-improvement.html