Articles tagged with Anxiety Disorders
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Salk researchers created tools to study neuropeptides, finding they control the brain's fear response in mice. Neuropeptides are released during a mild stimulus, triggering fear behaviors, which can be reduced by silencing their release.
Researchers found that anxiety disorders and depression significantly elevate the risk of incident DVT. Stress-related neural mechanisms may increase DVT risk through heightened activation of stress pathways.
A new study links dengue fever to a higher risk of depression, both short- and long-term. Researchers analyzed medical records of nearly 50,000 people who experienced dengue fever in Taiwan and found an elevated risk of depressive disorders across all timeframes.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that uncertainty drives anxiety by changing how we perceive hazard rates. The study found that when the timing of a potential threat is unknown, our brains respond with increased anxiety.
A new study finds that adolescents with higher levels of social anxiety symptoms are more likely to report increased suicidal thoughts and depressive symptoms two years later. Early intervention for social anxiety may be crucial in preventing these mental health issues.
A breath-holding test assesses cardiorespiratory health and predicts postoperative pain risk in laparoscopic gynecological surgery. The study analyzed 489 patients and found significant correlation between breath-holding time and pain scores.
A new study found that regular automated text message reminders connecting staff to a mental health platform called Cobalt improved depression and anxiety scores among employees. The study showed that users' self-reported depression symptom scores improved by roughly 11 percent six months after engaging with the platform.
Researchers found that exercise increased neuron growth in the hippocampus, rewiring neural circuits to help mice forget strong, traumatic memories. This approach may offer new treatments for PTSD and drug addiction.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that nearly half of Las Vegas concertgoers who survived the 2017 mass shooting experienced major depressive episodes within the past year. The study also found that over 63% of survivors reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during the same time period.
A massive study of over 200,000 participants found associations between metabolic dysregulation and long-term risk of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. These findings suggest that individuals with metabolic issues may require closer follow-up for psychiatric diagnosis prevention.
A trio of studies show increased diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in pregnant and new mothers with private insurance, but disparities persist. The findings suggest that policy changes and increased awareness have contributed to the rise in diagnoses and treatments.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals feature new treatments across the lifespan for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. The March issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry highlights several studies with these findings.
A UC Riverside-led study found that moderately anxious children from minoritized groups are hypervigilant to threats, exacerbating their general state of anxiety. The study used MRI scanners and involved preadolescent Latina girls from low-income families.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers report that worsened anxiety and depression can predict the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patients with more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms were more likely to progress from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown Alzheimer's disease.
Delta opioid receptors play a crucial role in anxiety development, and research reveals its therapeutic effects in animal models. KNT-127, a DOP agonist, reduces anxiety-like behavior by suppressing glutamatergic transmission, offering new potential for treating anxiety disorders.
A new study published in The Lancet's eClinical Medicine found that 27% of individuals who visited emergency departments for cannabis use developed a new anxiety disorder within three years. Heavy cannabis use may worsen existing symptoms and delay evidence-based treatments.
The latest APA journals issue highlights new developments in understanding and treating opioid and cannabis use disorders. The focus also includes trends in telepsychiatry and emerging topics in reproductive psychiatry.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that therapy targeting spider fear can also reduce fear of heights. Exposure therapy increased self-efficacy, potentially leading to a common denominator between the two fears.
Researchers have discovered a brain circuit that mediates panic disorder, consisting of specialized neurons that send and receive the neuropeptide PACAP. Inhibiting PACAP signaling reduces panic symptoms, offering promising findings for future treatments.
Scientists at Kyoto University have discovered two gene clusters associated with anxiety disorders that have distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns and functional profiles within the human brain. These findings provide new insights into the underlying causes of ADs and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
A new study finds that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) therapy for OCD improves cognitive control by strengthening connections between brain networks. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms underlying EX/RP's effectiveness in treating OCD, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Dr. Sabine Krabbe is investigating the function of the brain's emotion center in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which often co-occur with depression and anxiety. Her research aims to find common mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for patients.
A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that most Canadians with arthritis and debilitating chronic pain are free of all psychiatric disorders, including depression. More than half achieve excellent mental health, characterized by daily happiness, high social well-being, and freedom from anxiety and depressive dis...
A long-term study found that changes in core autism characteristics are related to the development of mental health challenges during elementary school years. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors may help reduce anxiety for autistic individuals.
A major study has found that taking benzodiazepines like Valium and Ativan intermittently instead of continuously can lead to significant reductions in side effects such as falls, hip fractures, hospitalizations, and even death. The research showed a 20% decrease in hip fractures, 33% fewer men's falls requiring hospitalization, and a ...
Previous studies suggest that psychedelics can induce an altered state of consciousness leading to new thought patterns, which is promising in treating OCD. Research analyzing the experience of past users found dissipation of obsessive thoughts, reduced anxiety, and increased acceptance of OCD symptoms.
Researchers found that former football players with medical and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are at higher risk of receiving an unverified CTE diagnosis. The study highlights the need for accurate diagnoses and access to proven treatments.
Utilization and spending on mental health services for children and youths with commercial insurance significantly increased from January 2019 to August 2022. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder accounted for most visits and spending across all phases of the study.
Rice University bioengineers Jerzy Szablowski and Julea Vlassakis have received the National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award for their creative research projects on gene expression and cancer interactions. Szablowski is developing noninvasive methods to map gene expression, while Vlassakis is studying complex single...
A new evaluation tool, HiDE, offers practical guidance for diagnosing hikikomori, a form of extreme social isolation. The tool provides structured interview questions for clinicians to diagnose the condition, which is characterized by stress caused by months-long isolation at home.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that people who use both tobacco and cannabis are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who use tobacco only or neither substance. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 US adults and found a significant association between co-use and poor mental health outcomes.
A review and analysis of 52 studies found childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and survivors are at an increased lifetime risk of developing depression and anxiety even after cancer remission. Higher education, income, and social support lower the risk of these mental health disorders.