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The Lancet: COVID-19 pandemic led to stark rise in depressive and anxiety disorders globally in 2020, with women and younger people most affected.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a stark increase in major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders worldwide, affecting 246 million cases globally in 2020. Women were disproportionately impacted, accounting for over 35 million additional cases, while younger people were also more severely affected.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2021

How micro-circuits in the brain regulate fear

A recent study found that neuronal microcircuits in the amygdala play a crucial role in regulating fear responses and suppressing fear memories. The researchers' findings suggest that dysfunction of this system can contribute to anxiety disorders, paving the way for more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2021

Some good news for those with migraines

A new study from the University of Toronto found that 63% of Canadians with migraines experience almost daily happiness and high levels of social and psychological well-being. Those who had a confidant or used spiritual coping mechanisms were more likely to be in excellent mental health.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals Of Headache Medicine Journal·DateJun 24, 2021

Common neural circuit and potential target for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder

A glutamatergic neuronal circuit from the prelimbic prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens is responsible for co-occurring anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors. Histamine presynaptic H3 receptor activation in this circuit ameliorates stress-induced anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2020

Treatment for teen anxiety

A University of Cincinnati-led study suggests that a specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be beneficial in treating childhood anxiety disorders. The treatment showed promise in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2020

Comparing yoga, other treatments for anxiety

A randomized clinical trial found Kundalini yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy to be more effective than stress education in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Yoga was shown to be noninferior to CBT for the treatment of the disorder, suggesting a potential alternative or complement to traditional therapies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 12, 2020

Mapping health risks for people with mental disorders

A University of Queensland study reveals that people with mental disorders are significantly more likely to develop other health conditions. Women with anxiety disorders have a 50% increased risk of heart conditions or stroke over 15 years, and men with substance use disorders have a 400% increased risk of gut or liver disorders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

What makes fear decrease

A study by Professor Grit Hein found that the presence of an unknown person can reduce anxiety and physiological tension in individuals. The effect was strongest when the test subject perceived the other person as less similar to themselves.

Some surprisingly good news about anxiety

A new University of Toronto study reveals that seven in ten Canadians with a history of generalized anxiety disorder are free from the condition, with 40% achieving excellent mental health. Social support and spiritual coping also play significant roles in recovery.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJan 7, 2020

Adults with cerebral palsy at increased risk for mental health conditions

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the need for increased awareness of mental health disorders among adults with cerebral palsy. The research team found that adults with cerebral palsy have a higher age-standardized prevalence of mental health disorders compared to those without the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019

When drug treatment for social anxiety is insufficient

A Japanese study found that cognitive therapy maintained its effects more than a year after therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) who did not respond to antidepressant drugs. Cognitive therapy helped patients overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, allowing them to enjoy social interactions more.

SourceUniversity of Miyazaki·JournalPsychotherapy and Psychosomatics·DateMay 28, 2019

Smartphones help UB researcher better understand the nature of depression and anxiety

A University at Buffalo psychologist conducted a study using smartphones to measure symptoms in real-time, revealing that some emotions linger and predict later symptoms. The research could provide treatment benefits for patients struggling with anxiety and depression by identifying specific risk factors and suggesting strategies.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateFeb 21, 2019

New UC study may help guide treatment of pediatric anxiety

A comprehensive analysis of medications prescribed for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders found SSRIs to be the most effective and best-tolerated treatment. The study examined over a dozen medications from 22 randomized controlled trials, providing guidance for clinicians in selecting evidence-based medication treatments.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 2019

'Hangxiety' higher in shy people

New research shows that shy individuals are more prone to 'hangxiety' - anxiety during a hangover - compared to extroverts. This study found a significant increase in anxiety levels among shy drinkers, suggesting a potential rebound effect after a night of drinking.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateDec 6, 2018