Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a potential target for anxiety-reducing drugs that may be less addictive and have fewer side effects. The research found that mice lacking a certain enzyme exhibit reduced anxiety levels, providing insight into the mechanisms of stress creation.
Researchers discovered a blocking enzyme that reduces anxiety without sedation, improving cognitive abilities and alertness. The study suggests a new route for treating anxiety without the side effects of existing anti-anxiety drugs.
Scientists have identified a potential new target in the brain for anxiety-reducing medications, which may provide less disruptive alternatives to existing sedatives. By inhibiting a specific enzyme protein kinase C (PKC-epsilon), researchers hope to develop new treatments that can modulate GABA function without addictive side effects.
A study of over 100 patients hospitalized for a heart attack found that repressive coping style can promote adjustment to traumatic stress in the short and long term. The repressive participants had lower rates of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to highly anxious participants.
A study of 150 high school students found that anxiety was a prevalent issue among teens, with those experiencing more anxiety spending less time with friends and engaging in unhealthy behaviors. The researchers used hand-held computers to collect data, providing valuable insights into the adolescent mind.
Researchers conducted two studies on venlafaxine XR, a SNRI medication, for social anxiety disorder (SAD) treatment. The results showed significant reductions in SAD symptoms as early as four or six weeks after treatment began, with continued improvements through week 12.
Three exceptional researchers have been awarded the Young Minds in CNS Award for their innovative work on residual symptoms in bipolar disorder, serotonin receptors in anxiety disorders, and thalamic neurochemistry in schizophrenia. The $20,000 award will support career development and attendance at international congresses.
A study published in Nature found that mice without a serotonin receptor gene exhibit anxiety-like behaviors, indicating the gene plays a crucial role in regulating emotional circuitry. The research suggests that anxiety may be laid down during early development, and that adult brains without the serotonin receptor create normal behavior.
Researchers report that a critical period between 5-21 days after birth is crucial for normal anxiety-like behavior, triggered by serotonin stimulation of the forebrain receptor. This timing enables long-lasting changes in brain chemistry or structure essential for normal emotional behavior throughout life.
A large Norwegian study found that nearly half of people experiencing gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea, also suffer from anxiety disorders. The study suggests that primary care physicians should not overlook depression and anxiety as potential diagnoses for patients with nausea.
A study found that relaxation techniques learned prior to cancer treatment reduced anxiety more effectively than those taught during treatment. These techniques also eased symptoms of nausea, pain, and emotional adjustment issues, helping patients feel more in control of their treatment.
Researchers found that cancer patients tend to lower their expectations to match their reality, leading to decreased anxiety and depression. However, spouses of cancer patients experienced increased anxiety and depression due to unchanging life values and care-taking responsibilities.
A recent study found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps patients with panic disorder manage their symptoms without medication. Six months after stopping antidepressants, about 80% of patients who received CBT were symptom-free and experienced improved anxiety levels.
UCLA researchers found that anxiety about breast self-examination leads to low compliance among high-risk women. Only 34% of participants performed regular breast self-exams, despite high rates of mammogram and Pap smear adherence.
A study of 430 women with a family history of breast cancer found that anxiety about breast self-examination was the primary barrier to compliance. Only 34% performed regular breast self-exams, despite 79% getting regular mammograms and 89% getting Pap smears.
Researchers found four mental health factors beyond depression that predict suicidal behavior in individuals with panic disorder, including overall anxiety level and fear of losing one's mind. The study suggests that these additional factors contribute to the development of suicidal thoughts, even when depression is present.
A new study suggests that Asian Americans' higher anxiety scores on social phobia and anxiety tests may be a result of their culturally adaptive sensitivity in social situations. The researchers found that perceptions about norms were not related to the anxiety inventory scores among white Americans, but were related to those among Asi...
A study published in Psycho-Oncology found that support groups significantly reduced anxiety among children aged 7-18 whose sibling was treated for leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancers. The five-session program enhanced feelings of control, allowing children to share experiences and emotions, and teaching them coping strategies.
A study by Jean Twenge found that young adults are experiencing high levels of anxiety due to social problems and isolation. The research suggests that trait anxiety can lead to increased mortality rates from conditions such as asthma and coronary heart disease.
Two new meta-analytic studies involving thousands of children and college students show that anxiety has increased substantially since the 1950s. Anxiety is associated with low social connectedness and high environmental threat, including media coverage and increasing individualism.
Researchers found that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity exhibit increased fear of anxiety and experience reduced anxiety symptoms when drinking. This study suggests that high AS individuals may drink excessively to cope with anxiety, leading to a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
Teenagers who smoke at least one pack of cigarettes a day are at greater risk of developing agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in young adulthood. However, the study found no significant association between teenagers with anxiety disorders and chronic smoking as young adults.
Researchers developed a new virtual reality exposure therapy called Virtual Reality Exposure (VRE) to help individuals with a fear of flying. After eight sessions, participants showed significant reductions in anxiety and fear, with 93% having flown six months after treatment.
Yale University has received a $3 million grant from the Personality Disorder Research Foundation to study borderline personality disorder. The three-year grant aims to better understand the disorder, its causes, and effective treatments for patients.
A two-decade study found that depression and anxiety are associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. The risk was highest among black women, who faced a substantially higher risk compared to white women and men. Controlling for other risk factors did not change the result.
A new study found that hospital distress, particularly depression and anxiety, can predict poor heart attack outcomes and quality of life. Distressed patients reported more chest pain, poorer overall well-being, and increased healthcare usage.
Research suggests that emergency rooms can reduce children's pain and anxiety during procedures by using techniques such as topical anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and psychological interventions. Effective communication with parents is also crucial in minimizing their own anxiety while ensuring their child's comfort.
The center aims to understand how changes in the brain cause pathological anxiety states and seek clues from basic research that could lead to new treatments. It will conduct research with model species and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of human subjects to shed light on why particular treatments are effective.
A study of over 5,000 individuals found that anxiety and depression may cause up to one-quarter of all chest pain cases in young adults. The research suggests that individuals with psychiatric disorders or significant symptoms are more likely to experience chest pain.
Scientists created a new mouse strain with a genetic deletion that affects stress hormones and behavior. The mice exhibit anxiety-like behavior consistently, not just in response to external stimuli, offering insights into the role of CRH-binding protein in depression and anxiety disorders.
A study of 121 healthy young women found that those with low cholesterol levels were more likely to score high on measures of depression and anxiety. Researchers suggest that brain cells with low cholesterol have fewer serotonin receptors, which can lead to mood disturbances.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that 39% of women with naturally low cholesterol levels scored high on a depression scale, while 35% scored similarly high on an anxiety scale. The study also linked low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations to depression and anxiety.
A cross-cultural study of over 200 children with specific language impairment found that their native language affects the number and types of problems they face. The study suggests that creative use errors and grammatical principles are key to understanding the disorder, which prevents millions of children from keeping up in the class...
Research suggests that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity are more likely to develop psychological problems or physical illness. Women cadets with high anxiety sensitivity were particularly likely to end up in counseling during basic training.
Researchers created genetically altered mice that exhibit anxiety to study the serotonin system's contribution to anxiety and depression. The model could help develop more refined targets for psychiatric drugs and provide insights into inherited personality disorders.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that mice deficient in a stress hormone receptor exhibit reduced anxiety and improved stress response. The research suggests that new drugs suppressing the receptor's function may be effective in treating depression and anxiety.
A new study led by Duke psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Davidson found that the anti-depressant drug venlafaxine XR is effective in reducing symptoms of GAD, including feelings of worry and tension. The drug was more effective than a placebo and a commonly used anti-anxiety medication, offering a new treatment option for this chronic disorder.
Research findings show decreased benzodiazepine receptor binding in the left temporal pole among patients with GAD, indicating a potential link between brain structure and anxiety. The study's results suggest that high regional heterogeneity may be necessary for adaptation to living organisms.
Researchers found a significant link between maternal cigarette smoking and conduct disorder in boys, with 80% of sons of smokers developing the condition. The study suggests that nicotine may disrupt fetal brain development, highlighting the importance of preventing such disorders.
Researchers found exercise had a significant impact on anxiety levels compared to sitting still, contradicting the notion that distractions can reduce stress. The study involved 34 college students who exercised in various settings and reported lower anxiety after exercise, with a peak at 15 minutes post-exercise.