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Psychotherapy normalizes the brain in social phobia

A new study reveals that successful treatment of social anxiety disorder alters key brain structures involved in processing and regulating emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a central therapy for social anxiety disorder, has been shown to restore balance between cortical and subcortical brain areas.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 6, 2017

Study shows changes in brain activity after mindfulness therapy in adolescents

Researchers found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy increases activity in brain regions controlling emotional processing, leading to reduced anxiety in youth at risk of bipolar disorder. The study's pilot trial showed significant improvements in clinician-rated and youth-rated anxiety following 12 weeks of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 20, 2016

How to calm an anxious mind

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered a more effective way to treat anxiety disorders by incorporating safety behaviors into therapy. The study found that patients who used new safety behaviors during exposure therapy had better outcomes than those who relied on traditional safety behaviors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·DateMay 18, 2016

Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders not as important as outcomes

Mark Zimmerman, a clinical researcher at Rhode Island Hospital, suggests that accurate diagnosis of psychiatric disorders is not as crucial as effective treatment outcomes. Prescription medications and therapy are often effective for various conditions, reducing the need for precise diagnosis.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJul 24, 2015

Hope for those with social anxiety disorder: You may already be someone's best friend

People with social anxiety disorder tend to think their friendships are worse than they really are, but a new study reveals this perception may be misplaced. The study found that friendships of people with social anxiety disorder were not significantly worse than those without the disorder, contrary to their self-reported experiences.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateNov 12, 2014

A new view of the world

Exercise and relaxation techniques have been found to alter how people perceive their environment, making it less threatening for those with mood and anxiety disorders. This breakthrough could explain why these treatments are successful in managing symptoms.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2014

Pathological gambling runs in families

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that pathological gambling runs in families, with first-degree relatives eight times more likely to develop the problem. The study also identified connections between pathological gambling and other psychiatric disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJun 16, 2014

E-cigarettes and mental health

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that people living with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions are twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes and three times as likely to be current users. They also face a higher risk of trying e-cigarettes in the future.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTobacco Control·DateMay 13, 2014

Effective treatment for youth anxiety disorders has lasting benefit

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that 80% of youth responders to CBT and sertraline maintained positive treatment response over a 6-month follow-up period. The study also showed that combined therapy had greater benefits, with fewer youth failing to achieve responder status.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 27, 2014

For anxious children and teens, context counts, UCLA researchers say

Researchers at UCLA have identified the medial prefrontal cortex as a key player in how anxious youths interpret neutral information. Increased activity in this brain region is observed when teenagers with anxiety disorders view faces that might be perceived as threatening, highlighting the importance of context in shaping their percep...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders·DateNov 18, 2013

Hunger pains

A recent 12-country study found that binge-eating disorder is associated with substantial lifelong impairments, including depression, anxiety disorders, and work disability. The study suggests that early detection and treatment of eating disorders during adolescence may help prevent subsequent mental and physical disorders.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·DateSep 23, 2013

Integrating mental health care: New series

The new series aims to help achieve a Grand Challenge in Global Mental Health by redesigning health systems to integrate mental, neurological, and substance use disorders with other chronic-disease care. Integration is essential for achieving desired outcomes for priority health programs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 30, 2013