A Washington, D.C., resident has an operation growing psilocybin mushrooms. Brain researchers are increasingly studying psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD as potential treatments for anxiety, depression and other disorders. Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images hide caption
For many Americans who struggle with depression, anxiety or other mood disorders, cost remains a major hurdle to getting treatment, according to a survey published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. ljubaphoto/Getty Images hide caption
Teri Hines says she had a bout of depression during the lead up to menopause in her mid-40s. For many women, the lead-up to menopause can trigger mood issues. Hannah Yoon for NPR hide caption
Before light reaches these rods and cones in the retina, it passes through some specialized cells that send signals to brain areas that affect whether you feel happy or sad. Omikron/Getty Images/Science Source hide caption
In experiments involving people with epilepsy, targeted zaps of the lateral orbitofrontal cortex region of the brain helped ease depressive symptoms. Getty Images hide caption
Patients awaiting epilepsy surgery agreed to keep a running log of their mood while researchers used tiny wires to monitor electrical activity in their brains. The combination revealed a circuit for sadness. Stuart Kinlough/Ikon Images/Getty Images hide caption