A new study from the University of Georgia found that both mothers and fathers influence their children's social confidence, but in different ways. More warmth and affection from both parents were linked to fewer social anxiety symptoms, while rejection and coldness increased anxiety levels. Parents should balance setting age-appropria...
A new preclinical study from Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that inflammation during pregnancy may prime offspring for anxiety. The researchers discovered that adversity in the womb configured a small percentage of brain cells to be overly active when faced with a threatening situation, creating a vulnerability to anxiety.
Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD²) has announced a fourth round of Discovery Research funding for bipolar disorder. The program aims to support groundbreaking research into the genetic, molecular, cellular, circuit, and behavioral mechanisms of the disorder.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that children experience less anxiety when reading aloud to a robot than to a human adult. The robot's calming influence helped children feel more comfortable making mistakes, creating a more encouraging environment for building their reading skills. While there were no substantial diffe...
Research published in BMJ Mental Health found a strong association between the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders and an increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from 3688 patients with one or more psychiatric disorders, finding that those with four or more disorders were 11 times as likely to develop dementia.
First-year university students with overly cautious parents experience increased anxiety when faced with stressful situations. The study found that overprotective parenting can lead to insecure attachment and poorer emotion regulation, making individuals more vulnerable to anxiety.
A single dose of MM120 (lysergide) produced a dose-dependent reduction in anxiety in participants with moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. The study supports the efficacy of MM120 and informs dose selection for phase 3 pivotal trials.
A new analysis suggests that young people with weaker connections between brain areas involved in anxiety are more likely to benefit from a self-guided anxiety care app. The study found that the app reduced anxiety symptoms for many patients, particularly those with weaker neural connections.
Researchers investigate how anxiety emerges and changes over the course of Parkinson's Disease, exploring its relationship to autonomic symptoms and brain regions like the amygdala. They aim to understand how functional changes in these areas may relate to behaviors.
A recent study found that adolescents using e-cigarettes or conventional tobacco products report higher symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from the U.S. National Youth Tobacco Survey on over 60,000 middle and high school students.
A new study found that climate anxiety in the US is associated with being younger, female, and feeling personally affected by climate change. Climate anxiety was also linked to increased media exposure, discussion frequency, and engagement in environmental behaviors.
The BD² Integrated Network, a collaborative research model, aims to improve care and outcomes for people with bipolar disorder. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute will receive $2.3 million to join the network, accelerating recruitment and advancing discovery.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that anxiety diagnoses became the most common in Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program after being added, dropping chronic pain and PTSD diagnoses. The team analyzed data from 1,730,600 certifications issued from November 2017 to December 2023.
Digital apps based on cognitive behavioural therapy may provide positive short-term effects for people with GAD, including reduced symptoms and improved quality of life. However, the long-term benefits and potential risks of app use are still unknown.
A new study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that adolescents with both loneliness and low resilience are more likely to develop anxiety and depression as adults. Health professionals can identify and intervene early, using screening and targeted programs to promote social skills and build resilience.
Climate anxiety is growing, especially amongst young people, due to the polarized debate around climate change. Professor Beattie's book offers psychological tips on how to handle climate anxiety, including writing personal narratives about difficult emotional experiences. Strategies focus on improving mental well-being and empowering ...
A new meta-analysis of global research on climate anxiety reveals a complex relationship between climate concerns and behavior. The study found that climate anxiety is linked to environmentally friendly behavior and support for climate policy measures, but also negatively impacts well-being.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that women with ADHD are significantly more likely to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with high levels of ADHD symptoms and impairment were over four times more likely to have PMDD, emphasizing the need for screening in females with ADHD. The findings high...
A new study by UCL researchers found that stroke survivors who attend talking therapy sessions are more likely to recover from their psychological symptoms. The study analyzed data from 1.9 million patients, including 7,597 stroke survivors, and showed that 71% experienced reliable improvement in depression and anxiety.
New analysis led by UCL researchers found that whole-class mental health sessions can significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-informed sessions were more effective at reducing anxiety symptoms than mindfulness-based classes.
Researchers found that obese mice displayed more anxiety-like behaviors and showed different signaling patterns in the hypothalamus, a region involved in regulating metabolism. The study also observed distinct differences in the makeup of gut bacteria in obese mice compared to lean mice.
A growing number of adolescents are experiencing anxiety disorders, which may be linked to early life stress and environmental factors. The authors suggest that these factors can shape a child's developing brain and lead to anxiety disorders if the anticipated threats never materialize.
A study found that oral microbiota transmission between spouses partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety. Couples with one partner experiencing depression and anxiety showed significant changes in their oral microbiota, which correlated with alterations in salivary cortisol levels.
A new strategy for screening anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients has shown a significant increase in screening rates from 12.6% to 29.2% using an electronic health record-based approach. The study found that younger patients and white patients were more likely to complete the screeners.
A new approach to understanding mindfulness and anxiety suggests different types of mindfulness practices can be helpful for various forms of anxiety. Mindfulness combats anxiety by improving cognitive control, a mental process that regulates thoughts and actions.
A new study by Western University found that passive scrolling is associated with heightened anxiety, depression, aggression, and impulsiveness in adolescents. Exceeding two hours of weekday screen time doubled the odds of clinically elevated anxiety, quadrupling emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Researchers used a virtual reality game to investigate how brief anxiety impacts spatial learning and threat recognition. Participants who learned to distinguish between safe and dangerous areas showed better spatial memory and lower anxiety.
Researchers at NCSA and UICOMP have created an improved, automated screening method for anxiety and depression disorders using machine learning and acoustic analysis of verbal fluency data. The new tool offers promise for overcoming barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
A new study by Reichman University explores the emotional consequences of using artificial intelligence, finding a U-shaped relationship between anxiety and AI usage. The research highlights the psychological motivations and barriers associated with adopting smart technologies.
The study found significant improvements in symptoms for participants with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and eating disorders. Participants reported trusting and communicating with Therabot comparable to working with a therapist.
Scientists at deCODE genetics identified associations between rare loss-of-function variants in HECTD2 and AKAP11 genes and the risk of bipolar disorder. The study suggests that these gene products may be promising targets for new treatments, as they interact with key cellular pathways involved in the disorder.
A new study from the University of Turku screened school-age children for anxiety and found that a Master Your Worries programme reduced symptoms of generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. The study also showed that lighter digital study materials can reduce anxiety symptoms in children.
The BD² Integrated Network, a collaborative model connecting bipolar disorder research and care, has expanded to 10 sites with four new institutions joining the network. The model combines traditional longitudinal cohort study and learning health network to improve outcomes for people with bipolar disorder.
A global analysis of 375 published studies reveals that 40% of adults with chronic pain experience clinically significant depression and anxiety. The study emphasizes the need for routine screening, better access to specialty care, and innovative therapies to address this significant public health concern.
A new study highlights the importance of diagnosing depression and anxiety in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to address gaps in care. The study found that fewer than half of those meeting the criteria for a depression or anxiety diagnosis were receiving mental health counseling or using antidepressants.
Research suggests that middle childhood and adolescence adversity can foster resilience to anxiety later in life. Individuals who experienced low-to-moderate levels of adversity during this period exhibited distinct patterns of brain activation when differentiating between danger and safety.
A new Concordia study shows that consuming alcohol to cope with fears of anxiety was linked to unhealthy outcomes in young adults during the pandemic. Anxiety sensitivity, a fear of experiencing anxiety symptoms and negative health consequences, was also found to predict higher levels of drinking among young adults.
Research finds that cerebellar serotonin alleviates anxiety-like behavior in mice, suggesting a new treatment approach. The study's findings counter previous ideas and provide insights into the neural circuits driving anxiety.
Research reveals that microbial metabolites, specifically indoles, play a direct role in regulating brain activity linked to anxiety. Probiotics producing indoles may offer an alternative treatment therapy to reduce anxiety attacks and promote mental balance.
A new Cochrane review confirms that antidepressants reduce anxiety symptoms in GAD patients under trial conditions. However, there is limited data on long-term usage and its potential benefits and harms.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a specific brain circuit that appears to reduce anxiety without side effects. The study suggests a new target for treating anxiety disorders and demonstrates a general strategy for mapping drug effects on the brain.
Researchers found that a blunted response to reward feedback in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidal ideation. This study contributes to understanding neural risk factors for mental health disorders and developing new methods to assess mental health risks.
A new study explores whether CBD can reduce scan-related anxiety in advanced breast cancer patients, finding it was safe but did not significantly change anxiety levels. However, participants who consumed CBD experienced lower anxiety levels after treatment.
Listening to natural soundscapes reduces self-reported stress and anxiety levels, while traffic sounds negate these benefits. The study suggests reducing traffic speed in urban areas can positively impact human health.
Researchers found that pregnant women experiencing life stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD had distinct oral microbiomes. These microbe communities showed high alpha diversity in those with anxiety and depression, while post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were linked to high beta diversity.
A study found that oral microbiomes vary with life stress and mental health symptoms in pregnant women, differing from gut microbiome associations. Women experiencing anxiety or depression showed high alpha diversity, while those with PTSD symptoms had high beta diversity.
Researchers used a mouse model to study the effects of psychedelics on anxiety and hallucinations, finding that distinct neural circuits are responsible. By targeting specific neurons, they were able to reduce anxiety-like behaviors without inducing hallucinations.
High exam anxiety affects around 16% of UK students, impacting their full potential, according to Professor David Putwain. He advocates for 'temperature checks' and evidence-based psychological interventions to control negative thinking and recommends broad policy reforms.
Researchers developed a computerized assessment tool to quickly identify anxious and depressed children before surgery. The study found over half had anxiety and one-third had depression, highlighting the need for comprehensive screening in pediatric patients.
Research suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain levels, anxiety, and heart rate, with patients experiencing a lower need for opioid medication. Music's calming effect may also contribute to faster recovery by easing the transition from waking up after surgery.
A study by TIFR Mumbai and collaborators has identified the ventral hippocampus as a critical brain region in mediating the anxiolytic effects of psychedelics like DOI. The researchers found that targeting parvalbumin-positive interneurons in this region is key to reducing anxiety behavior.
A trial published in The BMJ found that remote video consultations between patients and mental health specialists showed a small but significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Compared to usual care, the PROVIDE model led to improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms at six months and sustained effects at 12 months.
A recent study found that only 43.8% of US jails provide medication for opioid use disorder, with most citing lack of licensed staff as a major barrier. The majority of jails (70.1%) offer substance use disorder treatment or recovery support, but access remains limited due to cost and staffing challenges.
Researchers report significant strides in enhancing early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adolescents by combining multimodal MRI with behavioral assessments. This approach reveals specific changes in brain networks signaling early-stage bipolar disorder, potentially leading to better and more personalized treatments. The study's find...
Patients with low-risk cancers undergoing active surveillance experience anxiety caused by uncertainty, a problem that persists even after diagnosis, leading to negative responses such as fear and avoidance of decision-making. Medical interventions are needed to address this anxiety and improve patient-centered care.
A new study found a 15% increase in benzodiazepine prescriptions among postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers suggest that the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of postpartum depression and anxiety were exacerbated by the pandemic-induced healthcare crisis.
A new review found that one-third of children with chronic pain also meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder, while one in eight meets the criteria for a depressive disorder. The study suggests that clinicians should consider screening for mental health issues when treating young patients with chronic pain.
A study by HSE University scientists found that changes in heart rate can serve as an early biomarker for anxiety and depressive disorders. The research used PPG technology to analyze heart function during cognitive tasks, revealing more pronounced changes in individuals with higher levels of anxiety or depression.
Researchers found that intensive outpatient group- and family-based CBT that integrates telehealth can lead to significant improvements in pediatric anxiety and OCD symptoms. The hybrid model showed lasting gains for children even after treatment ended, with most families continuing to meet with clinicians after discharge.
A self-guided CBT app, Maya, significantly reduced anxiety in young adults, with improvement levels similar to anxiety medication studies. The study found that the app's interactive platform and real-time feedback helped users learn new skills and coping mechanisms.