A Vanderbilt University study suggests replenishing 2-AG levels in the brain could alleviate mood and anxiety disorders. By restoring normal levels of 2-AG, researchers may have found a potential therapeutic strategy for treating depression and anxiety.
A recent study by Lund University found that group mindfulness treatment is as effective as individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating depression and anxiety. The study included 215 patients and showed significant reductions in symptoms of both conditions, regardless of the treatment approach.
A study of over 2,700 teens found that those prescribed anti-anxiety or sleep medications were 10-12 times more likely to abuse them than those who never received a prescription. The risk was higher for white, female, and long-term prescribers.
Researchers found that teens prescribed anxiety or sleep medications during their lifetime were 12 times more likely to misuse those drugs than those who had never been prescribed. The study also highlighted the risk of overdose when these medications are mixed with narcotics or alcohol.
People with social anxiety disorder tend to think their friendships are worse than they really are, but a new study reveals this perception may be misplaced. The study found that friendships of people with social anxiety disorder were not significantly worse than those without the disorder, contrary to their self-reported experiences.
This special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry provides an overview of recent advances in understanding and treating bipolar disorder. Key findings include the role of white matter disease, stress and HPA axis function, effectiveness of lithium, stimulants for depression, functional remediation, and issues in network meta-analysis.
A new study found that anxiety symptoms in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increase the risk of a faster decline in cognitive functions and accelerate brain damage, independent of depression. MCI patients with moderate or severe anxiety had a 33%, 78%, and 135% increased risk of Alzheimer's, respectively.
Researchers discovered a counterintuitive effect where structural disorder counters thermal disorder in certain systems, leading to lower overall disorder. The study focused on charged fluids and found that disordered charges interact strongly with mobile ions to oppose the effects of thermal disorder.
Despite no detectable coronary artery disease, nearly three-quarters of patients experience severe or moderate symptoms before and after angiography. Symptoms persist in over seven out of ten cases. Validated questionnaires reveal higher anxiety levels, increased somatoform disorders, and hypochondria in these patients.
According to research presented at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2014, nearly one quarter of patients in the study were depressed and nearly a quarter had received treatment for depression. Women were more likely to develop anxiety and depression after a heart attack compared to men, with current smokers also showing higher levels of anxiety.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School and UMMSM have identified a rare genetic pathway that protects against bipolar disorder. Decades of research in Old Order Amish families with a high incidence of both diseases revealed a significant negative association between Ellis van-Creveld syndrome and bipolar affective disorder.
A large study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective and can have lasting effects than medication for social anxiety disorder. CBT helps people challenge irrational fears and overcome avoidance of social situations.
A new video game called MindLight is being tested to see if it can help youth cope with and conquer their anxiety. The game, designed for children aged 8-16, uses neurofeedback technology to measure the player's level of relaxation or anxiety, providing a safe space for kids to practice regulating their emotions.
Researchers found that caregivers experience high levels of anxiety when caring for a newly diagnosed family member with mental illness, which decreases over time. The study also revealed differences in anxiety symptoms among women and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for interventions to support caregivers.
New research shows parents' reactions to anxious children can reinforce anxiety, but giving positive attention and minimizing reassurance can help. Parents can monitor their own reaction and give their child credit for facing fears, leading to decreased anxiety.
A study of 19,136 people found that 15% had experienced an episode of sleep drunkenness in the last year, with more than half reporting multiple episodes per week. People with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions were more likely to experience the disorder.
A Baylor University researcher found that individuals with a secure attachment to God experience fewer symptoms of anxiety-related disorders. Those who pray but do not expect comfort or protection from God are more likely to show symptoms of anxiety.
A study of high school students found that teen insomnia is independently linked with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Eveningness chronotype – being more active in the evenings – is also an independent risk factor for insomnia and depression among teens.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) disputes systemic patient anxiety concerns related to inconclusive cancer screening test results from computed tomography (CT) lung cancer exams. A study by Gareen et al suggests that anxiety effects are minimal, and the lifesaving benefits outweigh any downsides.
Researchers found that anxious children had enlarged amygdala volume and increased connectivity with other brain regions, compared to non-anxious children. The study's findings provide new insights into the neurodevelopmental origins of anxiety in humans.
Researchers found a significant association between reduced daily physical activities and mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. The study suggests that increased daily physical activity could be an effective way to reduce these symptoms in dialysis patients.
Researchers found that a revised version of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire, shortened from 87 to 20 items, can also assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study's findings suggest that the questionnaire may be a useful tool for understanding mental health disorders beyond OCD.
A new study by Carl Weems found that anxiety intervention programs focusing on academic matters can help students handle test anxiety and other issues. The program was associated with decreases in test anxiety, anxiety disorder, and depression symptoms among participants.
A new study by Coventry University and Staffordshire University found that anxiety about a competitive situation makes athletes more likely to slip-up. The research tested 18 active young adults during identical physical tests, with participants experiencing worse coordination and higher mental anxiety in competitive trials.
A telephone-based collaborative care model was effective in managing depression and anxiety in patients with heart disease, improving health-related quality of life. The study found that patients receiving the intervention had greater average improvement in mental health scores at 24 weeks compared to those in the control group.
Researchers found that Wen Dan Tang significantly reduced insomnia-related anxiety in a sleep-deprived rat model. The traditional Chinese Medicine remedy also prevented decreased Ghrelin levels following sleep deprivation and increased Ghrelin receptor mRNA expression in the hypothalamus.
A nationwide survey found a strong association between tooth loss and depression, as well as anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 451,000 respondents, revealed that individuals with depression or anxiety were more likely to experience tooth loss, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.16 for depression and 1.23 for anxiety.
A new study found that genetic factors explain about 40 percent of individual differences in math anxiety, while environmental factors account for the rest. The research suggests that genetic predispositions can both exacerbate and reduce the risk of poor math performance.
A mobile gaming app based on attention-bias modification training (ABMT) has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in stressed individuals. Playing the game for 25 minutes can have potent effects on anxiety, suggesting a potential 'cognitive vaccine' against anxiety and stress.
Researchers identify cannabinoid receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala, a key emotional hub involved in regulating anxiety and stress responses. The discovery may help explain why marijuana users take the drug to reduce anxiety.
Research found that people with math anxiety struggle to comprehend messages about genetically modified foods, while those with high math skills and confidence can better understand. The study highlights the importance of improving math skills and building confidence in math abilities.
An animal study suggests that activating acid-sensing ion channels called ASIC1a in the brain's emotional control center can reduce anxiety-like behavior. The findings highlight a potential new mechanism for controlling fear and anxiety, paving the way for novel therapies.
A team of researchers at Caltech has identified a new neural circuit in the lateral septum that plays a causal role in promoting anxiety states. Activation of this circuit increases stress hormone levels, suggesting that it acts to increase anxiety rather than reduce it.
According to a new study, nearly half of children treated for anxiety achieve significant improvement and are disease-free after six years. However, the same number of children do not fare well and require ongoing mental health therapy. The research emphasizes the importance of vigilant follow-up and monitoring to mitigate anxiety's lo...
Dr. Kushner earned the award for his study on hybrid cognitive behavioral therapy versus relaxation training for co-occurring anxiety and alcohol disorder, which showed significant better alcohol outcomes four months after treatment.
A daily meditation practice of 30 to 40 minutes can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with various medical conditions. The study found moderate evidence of improvement in symptoms after an eight-week training program in mindfulness meditation.
A new NIH study reveals that individuals with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in substance use, especially cigarette smoking. Protective factors typically associated with lower substance use rates do not exist in those with severe mental illness.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found a link between anxiety and an increased risk of stroke over a 22-year period. People with high anxiety levels had a 33% higher stroke risk than those with low levels, possibly due to smoking, physical inactivity, and stress hormone levels.
A study of over 500 university students found that frequent cell phone use was negatively related to GPA and positively related to anxiety. Cell phone use also tended to be associated with lower levels of happiness.
Researchers at Stanford University found that a larger amygdala and stronger connections with other brain regions are linked to higher anxiety levels in young children. The study provides new insights into the developmental origins of anxiety and could aid in early identification and treatment.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the medial prefrontal cortex as a key player in how anxious youths interpret neutral information. Increased activity in this brain region is observed when teenagers with anxiety disorders view faces that might be perceived as threatening, highlighting the importance of context in shaping their percep...
Researchers have pinpointed specific brain regions and molecules associated with depression and anxiety, offering potential new avenues for understanding and treating these debilitating mental health conditions. The study suggests that targeting certain brain areas and chemical signals may lead to more effective treatments.
Researchers found chronic PTSD patients have gray matter structural damage in the prefrontal lobe, occipital lobe, and parietal lobe. Improved PTSD symptoms are associated with reduced but not recovered gray matter structural damage.
A large-scale trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced symptoms of health anxiety in medical patients, with improvements sustained at 2 years. The treatment was delivered by non-specialist staff with minimal training and cost-effectively reduced healthcare costs.
A study of over 32,000 participants found that traumatic life events are the biggest cause of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the importance of a person's thinking style in determining their level of stress and anxiety.
A University of Missouri researcher has found that individuals genetically predisposed to anxiousness are less likely to volunteer and help others. Helping such individuals cope with their anxiety may increase their prosocial behavior, improving their overall health and well-being.
A new UNL study reveals a genetic pathway that connects social anxiety to prosocial behavior, finding carriers of a dominant gene are less likely to help others. The study suggests this pathway can influence an individual's level of social anxiety and their willingness to engage in pro-social behavior.
A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found that Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice reduced trait anxiety in people with high anxiety levels. Studies showed significant reductions in anxiety, especially in those with elevated anxiety levels.
Research suggests brain activity and hormone fluctuations play crucial roles in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with PMDD exhibit hyper-responsive amygdala activation in response to emotional stimuli, particularly low progesterone levels. The study aims to develop new treatment strategies for affected women.
Researchers discovered that neuroactive stress steroids trigger changes in the brains of methamphetamine-dependent rats during withdrawal. Flumazenil reversed these changes and prevented anxiety by reducing expression of a4βδ GABARs, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for stress-triggered anxiety.
Researchers discover how anxiety affects olfactory processing, linking emotional centers of the brain. Neutral smells become distasteful under anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle that can heighten distress and lead to conditions like anxiety and depression.
Girls report higher levels of math anxiety in general surveys, but their actual math class performance reveals no significant difference from boys. Lower self-reported competence may be the underlying cause of this discrepancy.
Researchers found that immune cells called monocytes are recruited to the brain in response to stress and promote anxiety-like behavior. Monocytes travel to specific regions of the brain, generating inflammation that causes anxiety.
Researchers at MIT have identified a key brain circuit that controls anxiety levels, providing new insights into the development of effective treatments. The study found that manipulating this circuit can boost or reduce anxiety in mice, suggesting a promising avenue for future research.
A new study found that depressed adolescents are more likely to develop anxiety if they have a pessimistic outlook, poor family relationships, or a mother with an anxiety disorder. Mental health professionals may be able to target these high-risk youth and provide early intervention to prevent anxiety from developing.
Research suggests that early-life stress exposure increases adulthood anxiety, hormonal stress responses, and a preference for comfort foods. These changes may be used as self-medication to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Researchers found that bipolar patients who binge eat are more likely to experience mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts, psychosis, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. In contrast, obese bipolar patients without binge eating were more prone to serious physical problems like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Regular exercise reduces brain's stress response and anxiety by strengthening mechanisms that prevent excited neurons from firing. The study finds that physical activity enhances local inhibitory mechanisms in the ventral hippocampus, leading to a boost of activity in inhibitory neurons.
Researchers found that sleep deprivation triggers excessive anticipatory anxiety by activating the amygdala and insular cortex. Innate worriers are more vulnerable to this impact, suggesting that sleep therapy could be a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.
The University of Houston has received a $675,000 grant to investigate the effectiveness of transdiagnostic cognitive behavior therapy for smoking cessation among individuals with anxiety disorders. The study aims to reduce tobacco use and develop an effective smoking cessation treatment that targets people with anxiety disorders.