Articles tagged with Anxiety
A small study suggests that maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with changes in the brain of developing fetuses. The study found decreased brain structure and volumetric measures in fetuses from the pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohort.
A new study finds that Kaiser Permanente's Presence of Mind initiative can effectively deliver mental health information to young adults, reducing stigma and improving attitudes toward treatment. The program, launched in 2020, includes live streams, online training sessions, and creator-led content.
A recent study found that previous therapy interventions, including ACT, did not spare cancer survivors from increased anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that anxiety symptoms worsened over time, with participants who received ACT intervention performing worse than those who received usual care.
Two studies found that approximately one in eight doctors experienced high levels of moral distress, which increased the risk of anxiety, depression, and burnout. Healthcare organizations can reduce moral distress by providing opportunities for discussing ethical concerns and supporting staff well-being.
A new study reveals massive variations in hospice medication prescriptions, with treatment agency being the primary factor. Patients in agencies with high prescription rates were up to 50 times more likely to receive benzodiazepines or antipsychotics.
A recent study published in Journal of the American Pharmacists Association found that pharmacists are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, with a rate of 20 per 100,000 pharmacists versus 12 per 100,000 in the general population.
A follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom two years after infection. Long COVID symptoms persist, affecting quality of life, mental health, and healthcare use.
A new study analyzing 174 peer-reviewed studies on the effects of nature on human well-being found that participants were overwhelmingly white and from high-income countries. The research highlights a diversity problem in the field, which threatens its ability to make universal scientific claims.
A new study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology shows that COVID-19 has increased anxiety and asthma symptoms among adults with asthma, while reducing food allergy-specific anxiety for parents of children with food allergies.
A new study published in Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking found that taking a one-week break from social media can lead to significant improvements in wellbeing, depression and anxiety. Participants who took a break reported improved mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety compared to those who continued using social media.
A large-scale Canadian study found that shielding children from food insecurity only reduces the risk of mood disorders in youth, but has no significant impact on anxiety disorders or overall mental health. The study also suggests that adults' mental health is improved when they can shield their children from food insecurity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that gene editing can reverse epigenetic changes in the brain caused by adolescent binge drinking, leading to a decrease in anxiety and excessive drinking behavior. The study used CRISPR-dCas9 technology to manipulate histone acetylation and methylation processes at the Arc gene.
A recent Dartmouth study using mobile technology compares emotional well-being of college students before and during the pandemic, finding significant differences in mental health and behavior. The research identifies two groups with differing experiences, with one group showing poorer mental health, anxiety, and stress.
Researchers at the University of South Florida conducted a comprehensive review of data on 25,000 Canadians and found that long-term well-being is a realistic goal for some patients with mental illnesses. The study revealed that symptoms only correlate modestly with well-being, and that earlier treatment may improve outcomes.
A new UCI study identifies a single brain pathway centered around dopamine cells responsible for cocaine withdrawal-induced anxiety and relapse-related behavior. The findings offer a potential target for therapeutic interventions to prevent relapse among drug users.
Research reveals mental illness disrupts autonomic functions, leading to greater blood pressure variations during the day. People with mental health issues often experience reduced heart rate variation, indicating poor stress response and exacerbating chronic stress effects.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that elevated anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnant women can alter key features of the fetal brain, decreasing their offspring's cognitive development at 18 months. This alteration also increased internalizing and dysregulation behaviors.
Chronic pain causes maladaptive emotional states and is often comorbid with psychiatric disorders. Researchers identified the neuronal circuit involved in chronic pain-induced anxiety in mice, finding that restoring its activity attenuates anxiety.
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that people who reported feeling lonely often were significantly more likely to encounter unemployment later. The research also confirmed previous findings that the reverse is true – people who were unemployed were more likely to experience loneliness later.
A recent study found a consistent decline in the mental health of college students across the US over eight years, with significant increases in depression and anxiety among racial and ethnic minority students. The study also revealed a gap between symptom onset and treatment access, particularly for students of color.
A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.
A new study estimates the national economic burden of PTSD at $232.2 billion for 2018, with civilians accounting for 82% of the total costs. The study calls for increased awareness, effective therapies, and expanded evidence-based strategies to reduce the clinical and economic burden of PTSD.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in mental health visits in pediatric primary care, with significant rises in eating disorders and mood disorders. The study highlights the importance of screening and managing youth mental health conditions in primary care during periods of social isolation.
Researchers found a weak correlation between provider and patient satisfaction with anesthesia during ocular surgery, suggesting that providers are poor predictors of patient comfort. The study recommends further research to understand patient satisfaction with anesthesia.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that 90% of redeployed nurses felt stressed or anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, many reported strong motivation to help, driven by a sense of duty and care for patients. The research highlights the need for comprehensive resilience strategies in healthcare services.
A Swedish study found that children with migration backgrounds are less likely to receive recommended psychiatric diagnoses and treatments for conditions like ADHD and depression. They were 40% less likely to receive certain diagnoses and 30% less likely to receive psychotherapy or ADHD drugs.
Adults exposed to chronic parental domestic violence have higher rates of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, but many thrive despite their early adversity. Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health.
A study of 619 participants found that reducing smartphone use by one hour daily or complete abstinence for a week led to positive effects on physical activity, life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. These benefits lasted longer in the reduced-use group, suggesting an optimal daily usage time may exist.
A study of US adults found that short sleep duration and inconsistent sleep timing were associated with increased anxiety/depression symptoms and substance use. Participants who slept less than 6 hours a night had higher odds of these symptoms.
A new online program has been shown to improve health-related quality of life among adult stroke survivors. The study found that participants who received access to the program had higher scores on health-related quality of life and reported fewer problems with personal care and daily activities.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.
A recent study found that structural racism and COVID-19 pandemic stressors are significantly associated with postpartum depression and anxiety among Black individuals. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, analyzed data from a large birthing cohort and found that participants who experienced worse pandemic-related worries, interper...
The study examines how COVID-19 disproportionately affects Black individuals' postpartum anxiety and depression, building on historical inequities. Researchers found a significant association between COVID-19 and increased rates of postpartum mental health issues in Black women.
A new nationally representative study found that two in five adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were in excellent mental health. Being married, physically active, free from chronic pain, and having no history of depression or anxiety were associated with complete mental well-being.
A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.
Research by Sightsavers and others estimates that blind people are nearly four times as likely to experience anxiety and depression as those with no vision impairment. The study highlights the need for governments and organizations to be aware of this issue and design health services to address it.
A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that police stops in teens can lead to increased psychological distress, including anxiety, anger, and depression, which in turn can cause disengagement from school. Racial and ethnic minority youth reported more invasive police encounters than white youth.
Research finds that increased parental expectations and criticism are associated with higher levels of perfectionism among college students, which can lead to negative mental health consequences. Parents' anxious expectations can perpetuate a lifelong trait, with perfectionist parents raising perfectionist children.
Researchers discovered a group of neurons in the striatum that encodes information about potential decision-making outcomes, including rewards and penalties. These 'error signals' help the brain adapt to changing circumstances and make impulsive decisions or become paralyzed with indecision.
A new study by the American College of Cardiology reveals that exercise nearly doubles the cardiovascular benefit for individuals with depression or anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by up to 22% in those with anxiety and depression, compared to 10% for those without these con...
A NCCR-Synapsy study found that anxiety levels significantly impact motivation in response to stress. Highly anxious rats performed poorly on a task after exposure to stress, while less anxious ones showed better performance. The researchers identified the cerebral mechanism involved, CRHR1 receptor, and its influence on motivation.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 46,158 participants shows a sharp rise in depression and anxiety levels following the UK's first COVID-19 lockdown. The prevalence of diagnosed depression increased from 4% to 32%, while anxiety diagnoses rose from 5% to 31%. Experts are calling for greater evidence-base...
A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experienced increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that pandemic-related stress may exacerbate mental health issues in MS patients.
A recent study revealed the importance of Cav3.1-driven burst firing in the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei in controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure following chronic stress. Enhanced burst firing was correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced food intake, and decreased energy expenditure.
Twelve new research projects aim to level up health and wellbeing across the UK through cultural and natural interventions. The programme, funded by AHRC and partners, will generate evidence for place-based approaches to creative health, generating insights into local cultural activities and natural spaces.
Researchers from Osaka University discovered a group of brain cells in the claustrum that control stress-induced anxiety behaviors. Activating these cells led to anxious behavior, while deactivating them increased resilience against chronic stress.
A randomized clinical trial found that acquiring a medical marijuana card led to a higher incidence of cannabis use disorder but no significant improvement in symptoms of pain, anxiety, or depression. Immediate access to medical marijuana resulted in improved sleep.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that medical marijuana users were more likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) than expected, particularly those seeking relief from anxiety and depression. The study suggests that the current system of dispensing and using medical marijuana may be contributing to this issue.
A new study found that e-cigarette use significantly increases adolescents' risk of cannabis use, especially among those with externalizing mental health problems. However, for those with internalizing mental health issues, the relationship is reversed, and they are less likely to begin using cannabis.
A study by Salk researchers has identified an area of the brain responsible for encoding social rank in mammals, including mice. The discovery sheds light on how the brain represents social hierarchy and its impact on behavior, particularly in competitive situations.
A systematic review of 87 studies found that excessive screen time is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children aged 12 or younger. The study suggests that reducing screen time may help alleviate these behavioral issues.
A new study found that severe COVID-19 illness is associated with increased risk of long-term adverse mental health effects. Non-hospitalized patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to experience depressive symptoms up to 16 months after diagnosis, with those bedridden for seven days or more having higher rates of depress...
A new study finds that the brain estimates controllability through competition between two parallel learning processes: the actor and the spectator. High levels of stress and anxiety impair people's sense of control, making them believe their actions don't matter.
A new study from the University of Toronto reveals that immigrants are twice as likely to fear being targeted of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada compared to Canadian-born residents. Additionally, migrants expressed greater health concerns related to vaccines and accessing healthcare during the early days of the pandemic.
A new, touch-based device has been developed to ease anxiety in students by mechanically simulating breathing. The 'breathing' cushion was found to be equally effective at reducing anxiety as guided meditation in a study of 129 volunteers.
A new study found that music and auditory beat stimulation can significantly reduce state anxiety in people with moderate trait anxiety. The treatment was more effective than music alone or pink noise for reducing somatic anxiety, while music alone was more effective for reducing cognitive state anxiety.
A controlled trial found therapy dog visits significantly reduced pain, anxiety, and depression in ED patients. After just 10 minutes with a therapy dog, patients experienced notable reductions in these symptoms.
A study found that spending time in green spaces was associated with better mental health among Denver residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers also examined perceptions of green space usage, abundance, and quality, which were linked to improved mental well-being.