Articles tagged with Anxiety Disorders
A new study suggests that scopolamine can help boost the effectiveness of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders by disrupting contextual processing. Researchers found that administering scopolamine to rats during anxiety-extinction led to fear-recovery being thwarted, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventing relapse.
A new study from Concordia University found that for individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), anger is a major exacerbating factor, contributing to symptoms and potentially hindering treatment. The research suggests that internalized anger expression may be a stronger predictor of GAD than other forms of anger.
Researchers found that the order of symptoms matters more for clinicians' descriptions of disorders that are different than those that overlap. This contradicts the assumption that order doesn't matter in psychiatric diagnoses. The study's findings have implications for bringing classification and clinical practice closer together.
Rhode Island Hospital researcher Kristy L. Dalrymple explores the variances between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and normal shyness, discussing differing opinions on diagnosis and treatment. SAD affects up to 30% of those seeking mental health treatment, with significant economic costs and impact on daily life.
Researchers found that stress-related problem drinking is linked to a specific combination of neural circuit functioning, including highly reactive reward circuits and hypo-reactive threat circuits. This imbalance can lead to excessive drinking in response to stress, as the brain struggles with opposing drives for pleasure and fear.
New research found that lithium-responsive patients exhibit increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes like Bcl2 and IRS2, while those who don't respond show decreased Bcl2 levels. This study provides insight into personalized treatment for bipolar disorder.
A Rutgers University study suggests that poor mothers are more likely to be classified with generalized anxiety disorder due to poverty rather than mental illness. The research found no evidence of a link between anxiety and parenting stress in these mothers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found a causal link between unconscious conflicts and conscious anxiety disorder symptoms. The study used subliminal and supraliminal presentations of words related to unconscious conflicts and conscious symptom-related stimuli, revealing an inhibitory effect on brain activity.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida's Anxiety Disorders Clinic have developed a new computer simulation program to help children with social anxiety disorders. The program, designed for ages 8-12, allows clinicians to play the roles of avatars while children practice greetings, compliments, and assertiveness in a realistic...
Researchers at Michigan State University found that anxious girls' brains respond more intensely to mistakes, suggesting a potential link between worrying and brain function. The study may help identify girls prone to anxiety problems.
A study by University of Copenhagen researchers found that only 5.7% of Danish children with anxiety disorders were diagnosed between 2004 and 2007, compared to 27-45% in Western countries. The low diagnosis rate indicates a lack of reporting and inadequate treatment options for children suffering from the most common anxiety disorders.
A UBC researcher has developed a two-question screening test to identify anxious kindergarten children, showing 85% effectiveness in predicting future anxiety disorders. The test asks parents about shyness and worrying in their children, and can help intervene early to prevent mental health issues.
A new study from Lawson Health Research Institute shows that 75% of mental illnesses emerge by age 25. The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) provides direct access to specialized services for youth ages 16-26, leading to improved outcomes.
The University of Houston has opened a new sleep and anxiety center for kids, offering empirically-based evaluation and treatment services. The center provides top-of-the-line treatment at no cost to participating families, including polysomnography and actigraphy assessments.
Researchers found that African Americans experiencing racial discrimination had higher odds of developing generalized anxiety disorder, while Afro-Caribbeans did not. Non-Hispanic whites also showed an association between non-racial discrimination and GAD.
A Canadian psychological scientist team found improvements in brain activity after group cognitive behavior therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder. The study used EEGs and found that changes in brain electrical interactions paralleled clinicians' and patients' reports of easing symptoms.
A study published in Neuron reveals that individual differences in amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex function are independently associated with anxiety vulnerability. High trait anxiety individuals show enhanced amygdala response and faster fear acquisition, while vmPFC recruitment is linked to reduced fear responses in fear-...
A brain scan can predict which children with anxiety disorder will respond to talk therapy, potentially avoiding psychiatric medication. The study found that children who show fear when looking at happy faces on a screen have the least success with cognitive behavioral therapy.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention found that patients with anxiety disorders are more likely to have undetected heart problems during electrocardiogram tests. The study suggests that administering a brief questionnaire before conducting ECGs can help identify patients at risk.
A systematic review of research on herbal supplements for anxiety found strong evidence for extracts of passionflower, kava, and combinations of L-lysine and L-arginine. The study pooled results from 24 studies involving over 2,000 participants.
A study by UC Davis researchers has demonstrated the effectiveness of asynchronous telepsychiatry in assessing patients' mental health, using store-and-forward technology. The approach allows psychiatrists to provide opinions to primary-care doctors quickly and efficiently, with high accuracy and feasibility.
Research finds that anxiety disorders in heart patients are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death. A study of 1,015 outpatients with stable coronary heart disease found that those with generalized anxiety disorder had a 74% increased risk of cardiovascular events.
A large clinical study found Omega-3 supplementation to be effective in improving depression symptoms among patients with unipolar depression unaccompanied by anxiety. The study used high-quality EPA supplements and demonstrated efficacy comparable to conventional antidepressant treatments.
Researchers at the University of Granada identified different effects of nervous disposition and anxious moments on attention processes. The study found that high trait anxiety values resulted in deficient attentional performance, while high state anxiety led to overfunctioning of alerting and orienting networks.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that chamomile extract therapy significantly reduced the severity of GAD in patients with mild-moderate symptoms. The study's findings suggest that chamomile may be a potential treatment option for those who are averse to traditional pharmacotherapy.
A large study of over 4,500 participants found no association between streptococcal infection and Tourette syndrome or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Researchers also ruled out exposure to strep infections as a trigger for these conditions.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that adolescent depression and anxiety disorders are not the same thing. The research, led by Dr. William W. Hale III, found that these two conditions have different symptoms and characteristics, contrary to current classification in the DSM-V.
A family history of depression, anxiety, or substance dependence is associated with the presence and progression of psychiatric disorders. The study found that family history was linked to worse impairment, greater service use, and a recurrent course for all four disorders.
Researchers found that a short Q뺪bout family history can predict a patient's approximate risks for developing depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders and their future illness severity. Family history is the quickest and cheapest way to sort out whether mental illnesses will run in families.
Researchers found that a family-based program reduced symptoms and risk of developing an anxiety disorder among children of anxious parents. Eight weekly sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy significantly minimized psychological damage in these children.
A study of urban single mothers nearing the end of their welfare eligibility found a high prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders, affecting up to 60% of participants. Despite these challenges, many remain untreated, with only 21.7% receiving treatment for psychiatric disorders in the previous 12 months.
Tel Aviv University researchers found that a simple course of physical treatment for balance problems can resolve anxiety issues in children. The study, published in Research in Developmental Disabilities, suggests that treating the mind through the body may be effective in addressing both disorders.
A study found that escitalopram improved anxiety symptoms and quality of life in older adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The drug helped reduce anxiety and improve functioning, including daily activities related to work or family life. Benefits were modest, but the medication was well-tolerated overall.
A study found that escitalopram improved symptoms in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder, but nonadherence reduced benefits. The medication was also associated with adverse effects such as fatigue and sleep disturbance.
Up to 20% of children and adolescents experience anxiety disorders, which can lead to educational underachievement and increased rates of depression and substance abuse later in life. Effective treatments include antidepressant medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a combination of both, with partial treatment not being adequate.
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health has identified three effective treatments for childhood anxiety disorders: a combination therapy with psychotherapy and antidepressant medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and an antidepressant medication alone. The study found that 81% of children in the combination treatmen...
Researchers found altered dopamine activity in individuals with social anxiety disorder, suggesting a biological cause for the dysfunction. The study provides evidence of a physical component to social anxiety and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
A new study has found that men are more likely to crave alcohol when they feel negative emotions, such as sadness and anxiety. Women tend to ruminate on these feelings, while men may distract themselves by using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Researchers found that higher levels of brain activation in the anterior insula region can help individuals learn to avoid losses and financial risks, but excessive activity may be problematic. A healthy amount of anxiety grants survival value, but too much can lead to excessive worry and clinical conditions.
Social anxiety disorder is a chronic and pernicious condition that can lead to depression and substance abuse in adulthood. Research highlights the importance of understanding its neurobiological underpinnings, including increased amygdala activity and heritable temperamental traits.
Researchers have discovered a strong link between gene variants and anxiety-related traits, including shy behavior in children and introverted personality in adults. These variations were associated with increased activity of brain regions involved in emotional processing.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that relatives of patients with Parkinson's disease are at increased risk for developing depression and anxiety disorders. The risk is particularly elevated in families where the patient develops Parkinson's before age 75.
A University of Iowa professor has identified a new eating disorder called purging disorder, which is characterized by women eating normal or small amounts of food and then purging. The disorder differs from bulimia nervosa in terms of the amount of food consumed and the compensation methods used.
Researchers found that women with social physique anxiety who took an exercise class focusing on health benefits enjoyed the workout and reported improved attitudes towards future participation. In contrast, those taught by instructors emphasizing appearance reported lower enjoyment and engagement.
A new study published in Sleep finds that chronic insomnia can increase the chances of developing anxiety disorders and depression. Longitudinal data from over 25,000 adults revealed significant relations between chronic insomnia and the development of anxiety disorders and depression.
A recent study found that approximately 30% of Americans experience some form of alcohol use disorder, leading to significant impairment and distress. The study also revealed that disability levels increase steadily as dependence becomes more severe, with males and younger adults being disproportionately affected.
A review of studies indicates antidepressants may be effective for treating depression and anxiety in children and teens, despite increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. The benefits appear to outweigh the risks, supporting cautious use of these medications as a first-line treatment option.
Anxiety disorders are common in primary care settings, affecting nearly 20% of patients, with many untreated. Internists perform fewer procedures than in 1986, with a significant decrease in varied procedures. Annals of Internal Medicine launches a reproducible research initiative to improve data sharing.
A study of 345 patients found that chronic dizziness was often caused by underlying psychiatric or neurologic conditions, with anxiety disorders accounting for 60% of cases. The research suggests that careful inquiry about key symptoms during evaluations can lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatment recommendations.
The partnership makes Depression and Anxiety, a leading journal on anxiety disorders, accessible to a broader audience. The journal will provide essential information for researchers and clinicians in the behavioral sciences, ultimately enhancing its impact in advancing research and treatment of anxiety disorders.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a persistent and common condition characterized by unfocused worry and anxiety. Psychological therapies are preferable to drug treatments but often not readily available due to time constraints and limited resources.
A study found that adults with depressive disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or anxiety disorder are at risk of having undiagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with 32.0% comorbid in those with depression and 21.2% in those with bipolar disorder. Researchers analyzed medical claims data to identify this comorbidity.
Researchers have found a significant association between OCD patients and genetic variations on the SLC1A1 gene, which regulates glutamate flow in brain cells. The study suggests that this gene may be a primary candidate for OCD, potentially leading to improved understanding and treatment of the disorder.
A new study found that neurosurgical treatment of severe anxiety disorders can be effective in relieving symptoms, but also carries a significant risk of side-effects such as apathy and epilepsy. The study monitored 51 patients for up to 23 years after undergoing capsulotomy, a procedure that involves severing nerve fibers in the brain.
A new study reveals that intermittent explosive disorder (IED), a condition characterized by uncontrollable rage, is more prevalent than previously thought. The study found that IED attacks are often out of proportion to social stressors and can be linked to cases of road rage and spousal abuse.
People with IED often experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. The disorder leads to substantial functional impairment and causes 43 attacks over a lifetime.
A new study shows that D-cycloserine, an antibiotic, significantly reduces social anxiety symptoms in patients undergoing exposure therapy. The research suggests that adding DCS to therapy can lead to strong gains with relatively limited treatment.
Research suggests that depression and anxiety disorders in girls and women are associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and greater weight gain over time. Women with a history of depression were found to weigh more and experience faster yearly weight increases than those without the condition.
A recent study found that anxiety disorders more than doubled the risk of suicidal thoughts and tripled the risk of suicide attempts in individuals with mood disorders. The presence of any anxiety disorder in combination with a mood disorder was also associated with a higher likelihood of suicide attempts.
Researchers discovered 17 genes linked to human anxiety disorders, with many enzymes playing a crucial role in their function. This breakthrough study provides new hope for understanding and treating anxiety-related behaviors.