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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2024
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.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2023
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.
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...
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.
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.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for anxiety disorders in older adults. Anxiety disorders are commonly occurring mental health conditions often unrecognized in primary care settings, leading to substantial delays in treatment initiation.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
A new study found that federal and state lockdowns and health mandates implemented during the pandemic exacerbated mental health issues in people living in four US geographic regions. The research showed a significant increase in feelings of anxiety and depression, particularly in Southern states with Republican governments.
Research published in Children and Youth Services Review found that approximately two-thirds (63%) of adult survivors of childhood physical abuse are in complete mental health. Barriers to achieving this include a lack of social support, chronic pain, and a history of mental illness like depression or substance use disorders.
A team of researchers developed a deep-learning model called WearNet that uses Fitbit data to detect depression and anxiety. The study found that WearNet performed better than state-of-the-art machine learning models in detecting these conditions, producing individual-level predictions.
A nationwide register-based study found significant increases in psychiatric diagnoses among Finnish children and adolescents during the pandemic, with notable rises in eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights concerns about gaps in services and accessibility during times of crisis.
Researchers found people with anxiety and depression disorder experience greater alcohol use disorder symptoms, even at similar levels of drinking. The study analyzed data on 26,000 adults and found that those with internalizing disorders predicted more alcohol-related symptoms.
The latest May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on new treatments for conditions like trichotillomania, social anxiety disorder, and opioid use disorder. Additionally, a special issue of Focus journal explores suicide preventive interventions and knowledge.
A study with 116 participants found associations between microRNAs in extracellular vesicles and mental health disorders such as depression and ADHD. While no biomarkers were identified, the results suggest genetic material can be non-invasively accessed through blood samples.
Research suggests that problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. Adolescents experiencing mental health problems showed similar patterns of brain activity, which were largely apparent in the frontal lobes.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo used artificial intelligence and Twitter to develop a database and models that can detect depression and anxiety before clinical diagnosis. The study found that BERT performed best in predicting depression and anxiety, with a statistically significant difference from LogReg.
A new study suggests that exposure therapy can be an effective treatment for adolescents with eating disorders, particularly in reducing anxiety towards food. The study found that exposing patients to feared foods, such as candy bars and pizza, helped decrease their anxiety levels and improved their relationships with food.
The April issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry features studies on mood disorders, psychotic disorders, autism, and stress-related disorders. A special issue of The American Journal of Psychotherapy honors the work of Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.
A new study finds that Latinx students experienced higher rates of depression and anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a risk of 1.5 to 2 times more likely than their peers. The study highlights the need for practical and efficacious programs to address the mental health needs of adolescents in school settings.
A new study found that specific biomarkers in blood can predict PTSD likelihood, diagnose disorder, or monitor treatment response. Researchers discovered four biomarkers with significant differences between those with PTSD or sub-threshold PTSD and those with high resilience.
Researchers found that exposure to human sweat odors, extracted from underarm sweat, reduced social anxiety in patients undergoing mindfulness therapy. The study showed a 39% reduction in anxiety scores compared to a 17% reduction in the control group.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that melatonin prescription was associated with a lower risk of self-harm in young people with psychiatric disorders, particularly adolescent girls. The risk of self-harm increased before treatment initiation and decreased afterwards.
A community-engaged approach to research prioritizes the concerns of participating communities, leading to a better reflection of community needs and issues. By incorporating CBPR, researchers can minimize biases and increase public trust in science.
Researchers found that dogs with anxiety have altered brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and hippocampus. The study used fMRI to characterize abnormal neural networks in anxious dogs, providing insight into anxiety disorders in both animals and humans.
A new study published by researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found a significant link between early childhood trauma experienced by mothers and various health problems in their children. The research analyzed data from over 4,300 American mothers and their children, revealing that children of mothers with adverse experi...
Researchers found altered proteins in women's blood during the third trimester, correlating with brain signaling activity and pro-inflammatory pathways. The study aims to develop early diagnosis and treatment protocols for perinatal mood disorders.
Research suggests that restricted access to abortions will cause severe stress for individuals carrying unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to psychiatric illnesses and developmental problems in children. This stress can exacerbate existing psychiatric vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of relapse or new episodes.
A recent study found that bisexual individuals use cannabis more frequently than their straight counterparts, with a greater likelihood of using it to cope with mental health issues. The researchers also discovered that bisexual people are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes, including depression and social anxiety.
A study from the University of Tsukuba has established a reliable way to assess the impact of COVID-19 on daily life and mental health. The analysis revealed that approximately one-third of participants experienced moderate or severe psychological distress, while seven out of ten individuals faced problems due to fear of COVID-19.
A new study led by UCL researchers found small causal effects of childhood maltreatment on internalising and externalising disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The study analysed 34 quasi-experimental studies involving over 54,000 people and suggests that preventing eight cases of child maltreatment could prevent on...