Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.
A longitudinal imaging study found that early risk factors, such as inhibited behavior and blunted ventral striatum activity, are associated with later depression. Inhibited children who showed reduced brain activity in response to rewards were more likely to develop depression in young adulthood.
A new study found that psychological factors such as coping abilities play a significant role in individuals' risk or resilience to mental health disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain connectivity within specific brain networks also predicted individual vulnerability to anxiety and depression symptoms.
A study finds that functional seizures, a type of non-epileptic seizure, are associated with structural changes in the brain, including thinning in the superior temporal cortex and thickness in the left occipital cortex. These differences can be detected using MRI scans.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that individuals with anxiety disorders are not more hesitant to get vaccinated than those without. Instead, discomfort with uncertainty is a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy in both anxious and non-anxious individuals.
A randomized, phase III clinical trial found that patients who receive technical explanations from medical physicists before treatment have lower anxiety levels and higher satisfaction rates. Medical physicist consults can significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing stress and anxiety related to radiation therapy.
Researchers found that patients awaiting surgery experienced decreased pain and improved relaxation when given a music pillow to listen to during their wait. The study, which included over 30 participants, demonstrated a positive association between music and reduced anxiety in emergency department patients.
Researchers found a moderate increase in anxiety and depression among the general population during the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on mental health varied significantly by population after that period.
Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.
A study found that 16.5% of American adults with diabetes ration their insulin, with younger adults and the uninsured being most affected. Insulin rationing is often linked to cost concerns, with many patients delaying purchases or taking less insulin than needed.
A new study by UCL researchers found that talking therapies on the NHS can improve the mental health of people with dementia, with 63% experiencing a reduction in symptoms. The therapy proved clinically beneficial, even though response rates were lower than those without dementia.
Researchers found a healthy diet and avoiding stressful news helped prevent anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Engaging in physical exercise, staying outdoors, and drinking water also showed protective effects on mental health.
A study in 28 countries found that young people's climate anxiety can motivate pro-environmental actions, with Finland showing the strongest connection. In Finland, anxiety is linked to environmental activism and influencing others' attitudes.
Clinical psychologists need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, which is an understudied construct. Adam Radomsky's research suggests that a deeper understanding of what leads to a client's choices can help therapists make better ones in the future.
A global study of nearly 16,000 people in 84 countries found that negative framing in public health messaging increases anxiety but doesn't shift attitudes or behavior related to protective actions. The research suggests using positive wording may be more effective for encouraging action.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that nearly half of junior doctors reported symptoms of extremely severe depression, anxiety, or stress. The research highlights the need to address and improve working conditions in the NHS to retain healthcare professionals.
A major new study found that 24% of farmers reported mobility problems, while 31% experienced anxiety and depression. The research, published in BMC Public Health, highlights the need to tackle physical and mental health issues in the agricultural industry.
Adolescent athletes who had their sports cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced significant improvements in physical activity and quality of life after resuming sports. Despite this, anxiety and depression rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels.
A new study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that targeted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly lessens food allergy-related anxiety for both children and parents. The treatment included proximity exposure sessions with the patient, resulting in improved symptoms and quality of life.
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that shelving long-term goals during the pandemic reduces anxiety and depression. Participants reported greater psychological distress with more COVID-frozen goals, highlighting the importance of disengaging from unattainable objectives.
A new study found that dogs can differentiate between breath and sweat samples from people before and after a stress-inducing task with an accuracy of 93.75%. The researchers believe that dogs are able to detect changes in volatile organic compounds produced by humans in response to stress.
A new study shows the first-of-its-kind program led to significant declines in anxiety for those with food allergies and improvements in quality of life. The Food Allergy Bravery (FAB) program provides individualized, cognitive behavioral treatment that encourages children to take small steps towards facing allergen-related fears.
Scientists have designed compounds that activate the 5HT2a receptor, producing antidepressant and antianxiety effects in mice. The compounds' mechanism of action differs from psychedelics like LSD, offering a potential new approach to developing effective antidepressants with fewer side effects.
A new UCLA study has found that anxiety specific to pregnancy and childbirth is associated with shorter gestation times and earlier births. Screening for depression in pregnancy and postpartum is now common, but adding an evaluation for anxiety could identify women who need interventions for healthier pregnancies and babies.
A new study found that individuals experiencing stressful life events are more likely to notice their spouse's negative behavior, such as breaking promises or showing anger. This shift in focus can have a toll on the relationship, even during the 'honeymoon' phase.
Women with anxiety about their pregnancies give birth earlier on average than those without anxiety. Doctors should screen for general anxiety early in pregnancy to prevent preterm birth.
New research shows that COVID-19 infections can lead to a range of neurological complications in the first year after infection, including strokes, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and migraine headaches. The study analyzed over 14 million medical records and found that COVID-19 survivors were at increased risk of developing the...
A UK study found that adults struggling with debt management had higher rates of anxiety, depression, and mental health treatment. The research highlights the importance of addressing debt as a threat to mental health, regardless of income level.
Research suggests that stress can affect a woman's probability of becoming pregnant within a menstrual cycle. Women with higher levels of chronic stress had lower fecundability rates compared to those with lower levels. The study found that women with an allostatic load score of 5-6 had a 59% reduction in fecundability.
Researchers at Linköping University discovered a biological mechanism that increases the strength of fear memories stored in the brain. This finding provides new knowledge on the mechanisms behind anxiety-related disorders and identifies shared mechanisms with alcohol dependence.
Research shows that COVID-19 pandemic, murder of George Floyd, and contentious presidential election may have hindered young adults' social development. Studies found decreased intimacy and relationship satisfaction among those affected.
A recent academic study found that Facebook's introduction at American colleges was associated with a significant worsening in mental health symptoms, particularly depression and anxiety. The study used a novel research method to establish causality between social media use and poor mental health.
Two UC Riverside-led studies found 30% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 1 in 5 reported a close family member's death due to the virus. The research also highlighted high levels of substance use, depression, anxiety, and unmet treatment need among NH/PIs during COVID-19.
Researchers surveyed FAU residents on perceptions, coping strategies, and mental health during the pandemic. Residents reported effective coping mechanisms like acceptance, self-distraction, and emotional support, but found depression and anxiety levels in normal ranges.
A new study from Dartmouth College found that specific intensities of exercise over a long period are associated with different aspects of memory and mental health. Participants who exercised at moderate intensities performed better on episodic memory tasks, while those who exercised at high intensities did better on spatial memory tasks.
Researchers at the Regenstrief Institute have co-developed a new brief screening tool to measure patient-reported symptoms of TMD. The TMD-7 scale will help clinicians manage debilitating symptoms associated with the condition, which is often misunderstood and undertreated.
A six-country European survey found that people with diabetes living in Italy and the UK, women, and those younger than 45 have the highest prevalence of anxiety. The study also suggests a link between blood sugar management and anxiety severity.
A new Dutch study found that lockdowns caused significant mental health impacts on people with pancreas or islet transplants for type 1 diabetes. Glycaemic control worsened during the lockdown period due to reduced physical activity and increased insulin use, while anxiety and stress levels rose significantly among transplant patients.
A study from UC San Diego finds increased depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in Latina mothers, particularly those in border cities, due to reduced coping resources. The researchers attribute these findings to the increasing hostility of the political climate towards Latinx Americans.
A new rodent study found that low doses of alcohol can trigger epigenomic and transcriptomic changes in the brain, creating an epigenetic pathway for addiction. The research suggests that even small quantities of alcohol can prime the brain for addiction, regardless of sex or quantity.
A review of evidence found that 2-3% of monkeypox patients experienced severe complications such as seizure or encephalitis. Mood disorders like depression and anxiety were also common among infected individuals.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that psychological distress before COVID-19 infection was associated with a 32%-46% increased risk of developing long COVID and 15%–51% greater daily life impairment due to long COVID.
Researchers found that individuals with symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness before contracting COVID-19 were more likely to develop post-infection complications. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights the importance of mental health support for those affected by COVID-19.
A new study found that premenstrual mood symptoms are incredibly common worldwide, affecting over 64% of women. The most common symptoms reported were food cravings, mood swings or anxiety, and fatigue. The researchers hope to increase awareness and improve treatment options for women with premenstrual symptoms.
A new study suggests that climate anxiety is a significant driver of climate action, particularly among younger people and those with higher generalized anxiety. Media exposure, rather than direct experiences, predicts climate anxiety, which can motivate individuals to make environmentally friendly lifestyle changes.
A recent study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that physically active adults experienced worsened mental health during the pandemic, with increased anxiety symptoms in men and depression symptoms across both sexes. Those who reduced physical activity had fewer depression symptoms.
Researchers identified critical period plasticity in the amygdala that can be treated with therapeutic intervention at key developmental time points. Early pharmacological intervention was shown effective in reducing fear-learning in the mouse model.
A meta-analysis of 64 longitudinal studies found that mental health problems remained elevated globally during the pandemic, with North Americans suffering from increased anxiety and depression. In contrast, Latin America and Europe experienced higher rates of insomnia.
A large study found associations between steroid use and structural changes in brain white and grey matter, which may explain neuropsychiatric side effects. Steroid use was associated with reduced white matter structure and altered brain structures involved in cognitive and emotional processing.
A new study found that people experiencing anxiety or depression during the pandemic were more likely to get vaccinated, but less likely to follow distancing guidelines. The researchers suggest that a gentler approach may be warranted, focusing on the benefits of vaccination for others, to encourage behavior change.
Researchers found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and mentally unhealthy days. The study suggests that the high sugar, salt, and saturated fat content of ultra-processed foods may contribute to these negative effects.
A study found that 47% of parents meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, compared to 12% of children with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The trauma triggered by a child's heart problems can affect the entire family.
People with news addiction experience stress, anxiety, and physical ill health due to constant exposure. A new study reveals a significant link between problematic news consumption and poor mental and physical wellbeing.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and heart failure, can profoundly affect quality of life. The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of tracking symptoms to detect changes and progression.
A study found a strong link between post-COVID loss of smell or taste and memory problems in patients. Those with the most severe sensory disorders performed worse in cognitive tests, especially memorization.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that American military veterans are less willing to seek treatment for sleep and alcohol use problems compared to physical health issues. Discrimination experiences also play a significant role in reducing treatment-seeking among veterans of color.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that racial and ethnic minorities bore a disproportionate mental health burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for various factors, Black participants were 1.16 times more likely to screen positive for depression, while Hispanic participants were 1.23 times more likely to do so.
A recent study highlights uncomfortable social situations people with blindness face, as well as strategies they use to navigate them. Researchers found techniques for avoiding awkward encounters, recovering from them, and even constructive ways allies can support individuals with visual impairment.
Researchers found that a specific amino acid substitution in the VMAT1 gene alters amygdala-dependent behaviors associated with anxiety, providing insight into its role in cognitive and emotional functions. Humanized substitutions of Vmat1 in mice revealed decreased levels of anxiety-like behaviors, supporting previous human studies.