Researchers identified a promising treatment for PTSD, chronic pain, and alcohol misuse in rats. The study found that PPL-138 selectively reduced anxiety-like behavior, pain responses, and alcohol consumption in those with trauma-related anxiety.
A new review from the University of Victoria suggests that psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT may help treat concussions and traumatic brain injuries by increasing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation. The compounds have shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions in clinical research.
A national study reveals gaps in healthcare screenings, lack of family networks, and insufficient paid leave for caregivers with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The study calls for a coordinated effort to strengthen community resources and advance workplace and healthcare policy to support perinatal mental health care.
A University of East Anglia study found that trauma-focused CBT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation in children with multiple traumas. The therapy was effective and safe, even for those with complex and severe symptoms.
A comprehensive review of anxiety and depression reveals abnormal neural circuits as a crucial biological mechanism. The study highlights key brain regions and networks involved in these disorders, providing new targets for neuromodulation and circuit-based therapies.
Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.
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.
Research findings suggest intrusive distracting thoughts associated with anxiety and lower well-being. The study also revealed that these thoughts occur more often when individuals are alone compared to being in company.
A UCLA study reveals how a region of the medial prefrontal cortex integrates information across the brain to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses. The findings could help develop targeted therapies for stress-related and social dysfunction disorders.
A new UCLA study found that the optimal level of emotional response while listening to music influences memory, with too little or too much arousal having opposite effects. Music can become a powerful therapeutic tool for improving learning and memory in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and PTSD.
A recent study has found that women who experienced stalking or obtained restraining orders are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke than those who did not. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 women and found a strong association between stalking and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that older adults who challenge themselves to learn new things are less likely to experience loneliness or depression, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued skill learning is associated with improved mental health outcomes, including greater resilience to external stressors and reduced depressive symptoms.
A new review highlights the critical need for standardized long-term medical care for gun violence survivors, who suffer physical, neurological, psychological, and social consequences. The review provides guidance for primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and rehabilitation specialists to manage survivors' long-term care.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers used AI tools to analyze posts from 54 Reddit communities, finding similarities in speech patterns between hate speech groups and communities for certain psychiatric disorders. The study suggests that exposing oneself to hate speech online may lead to decreased empathy and traits similar to Cluster B personality disorders.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2025
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have discovered that excessive GABA produced by astrocytes impairs fear extinction in PTSD. A new brain-permeable drug called KDS2010 has reversed PTSD-like symptoms in mice, providing a promising therapeutic approach.
A recent study found that Ukrainian educators who participated in a virtual mental health intervention significantly reduced their own symptoms of anxiety and depression. The PSE treatment group reported greater improvements in mental health, knowledge, and readiness to provide psychological support.
The Center for BrainHealth has received a new $1 million match gift from retired Admiral William McRaven to enhance its Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters program. This program provides critical training for proactive brain health and introduces essential tools to measure and track change over time.
A randomized clinical trial found that SMART training improved cognitive gains in active-duty service members with mTBI, with significant benefits seen after just one-third of the training time compared to traditional SCORE protocols. The study suggests that SMART brain training can contribute to faster return to mission readiness and ...
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.
A specific group of neurons in the amygdala has been identified as a key player in anxiety, depression, and altered social behavior. Restoring balance to this area can reverse these behaviors in mice.
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 recent Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that children born late in the year are more frequently diagnosed with mental health disorders, including ADHD. The researchers identified an increase in incidence of 20-80% for the youngest class members, regardless of birth weight or premature birth status.
A new study by researchers from Germany, Sweden, and Denmark has found a way to predict which drugs will have an effect on anxiety or depression using polygenic risk scores. The study, led by professor Fredrik Åhs, used genetic data to identify individuals who were more likely to benefit from certain medications.
A recent study by Luiza Cesar Riani Costa and Diene Monique Carlos has provided insights into non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents. The booklet, featuring photographs and experiences of young people, offers a low-cost therapeutic and educational tool to address mental health concerns.
Adolescents in India whose mothers experience domestic violence are at a significantly increased risk of developing anxiety and depression. The study highlights the importance of addressing this issue, particularly in Indian communities where domestic violence is prevalent.
A study by the University of São Paulo found a direct relationship between personality traits and insomnia, revealing that high levels of neuroticism are common among insomniacs. High openness was associated with low levels of insomnia, while anxiety played a key role in perpetuating the disorder.
Heritage art practices, such as fiber arts and traditional painting styles, have been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety. The study collected data from participants in the US, Japan, and India, who engaged in activities like creating temporary body art or mizuhiki, tying decorative knots with thin paper strings.
A new study confirms that the Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT) is effective in treating panic disorder, with patients reporting significant improvement weeks after treatment. Long-term follow-up studies show that the treatment's benefits persist and even increase over time, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A new study by the University of Ottawa reveals a clear link between racism in schools and symptoms of depression among Black students. The research identifies how academic racism hinders Black youths and their social and economic contribution to Canadian society.
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.
Researchers analyzed medical claims data to identify increased risks of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and fractures among breast cancer survivors. The study highlights the importance of preventive care for these individuals.
A new study reveals that individuals with anxiety and depression tend to focus on jobs where they feel less confident, rather than those where they perform well, leading to persistent low self-belief. Positive feedback boosts overall self-belief, while negative feedback reduces it in all participants.
Researchers found that immune system influences stress and fear behaviors by changing how brain cells communicate, but treatment with psychedelics can target these interactions and reduce stress-induced fear. The study suggests that psychedelics could reshape treatment for inflammatory disorders like anxiety and depression.
Researchers found that dopamine signals in two key brain areas respond differently to negative experiences, helping the brain adapt based on predictability and controllability. This study sheds light on how excessive avoidance can lead to decreased quality of life and why the 'dopamine detox' trend is too simplistic.
A nationwide Finnish register-based cohort study found that young people with mental disorders are less likely to become parents compared to those without such diagnoses. The strongest associations were for schizophrenia and depression, with men being 38% less likely to become fathers due to depression diagnosis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers used AI to analyze 126 individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and identified key variables predicting recovery and nonrecovery. Higher education level, older age, and positive affect were most important for recovery, while depressed affect and medical visits proved most important for nonrecovery.
Researchers mapped the precise brain mechanisms that enable animals to overcome instinctive fears, revealing two key components in this learning process. The study found that a brain structure called the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) stores learning-induced memories and is triggered by the release of endocannabinoids.
Researchers found that a person's lack of recognition is the biggest barrier to effective treatment, while patients who contact healthcare often do not receive it. The study highlights gaps in service needs and outcomes for nine common disorders, identifying areas for targeted investments.
Researchers developed a machine learning tool that screens for comorbid depression and anxiety disorders using acoustic voice signals. The study confirmed that a one-minute verbal fluency test can reliably identify subjects with comorbid AD/MDD, who tend to use simpler words and exhibit reduced variability in phonemic word length.
A cluster randomized trial involving 31 Canadian high schools and 3,800 students found that delivering personality-targeted brief cognitive behavioral interventions to students in the 7th grade reduced risk for substance use disorders by the end of high school. The intervention was associated with a 23%-80% reduced odds of SUD compared...
A new study found that only 11% of children and young people received a clinical diagnosis of an emotional disorder from CAMHS. Only 44% had their referral accepted, highlighting delays in receiving help.
Two studies suggest that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can improve mental health outcomes for patients with cancer and alcohol use disorder, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts, while also promoting lasting personality changes.
Neuroscientist Inga Neumann discusses groundbreaking research on oxytocin, a neuropeptide that shapes social behavior and emotional responses. Her work has significant implications for treating social anxiety disorders and understanding stress resilience.
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.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 17, 2024
A study analyzed police data in Atlantic City, NJ before and after the start of the pandemic, finding a temporary reduction in dispatched calls for mental health services. Police-initiated contact also decreased slightly after restrictions began, but no long-term trend was found.
A new review reveals how sleep disturbances exacerbate dementia symptoms, impacting overall health and caregiver well-being. The study emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to address coexisting conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a specific brain circuit responsible for slowing anxious breathing, connecting the frontal cortex to the brainstem. This discovery may offer a scientific explanation for the beneficial effects of practices like yoga and mindfulness on alleviating negative emotions and could lead to the devel...
Researchers at SickKids have discovered that stress changes how our brain encodes and retrieves aversive memories, leading to generalized fearful responses. A promising intervention has been identified to limit this effect and potentially reduce the harm caused by PTSD.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that teenagers become more sensitive to threats after a few hours alone, regardless of digital connection. This increased threat response can lead to anxiety and unease, even in the presence of online interactions.
Scientists at UC Davis have identified new clusters of cells with differing gene expression patterns in the human and non-human primate amygdala. These findings suggest that alterations in specific cell types may contribute to disorders such as anxiety, and could lead to more targeted treatments.
A recent Canadian study reveals that transgender populations in Canada experience a significantly higher prevalence of serious mental disorders and suicidality compared to cisgender peers. The study, published in JAMA, is based on data from nearly 10,000 Canadians aged 15 or older.
A novel sensory CBT treatment strategy has demonstrated its potential in a pre-clinical study, improving participants' ability to discard items and reducing anxiety and distress. The study found that imagery rescripting was more effective than other techniques in promoting discarding behavior and reducing negative emotions.
A recent study demonstrates how real-time haptic feedback can enhance interoceptive awareness, improving mental and physical health. Participants showed improved accuracy in heart rate discrimination tasks after receiving haptic feedback, suggesting a deeper connection between the mind and body.
A cohort study found no association between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and increased risk of suicide death or related disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study included mostly patients with type 2 diabetes.
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.