Articles tagged with Anxiety
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
The Phase 1b/2a clinical trial found that AB-2004 lowered blood and urinary levels of gut-derived metabolites and improved irritability and anxiety in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study's results support the potential of AB-2004 as a novel therapeutic approach for treating co-occurring conditions associated with ASD.
Researchers investigated whether COVID-19 led to a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, but found no significant difference in severity. Despite this, the pandemic can exacerbate anxiety and stress, potentially affecting individuals with tinnitus.
A new study by EPFL researchers finds that stress during early adolescence leads to increased body fat and reduced sociability in males, but not females. The researchers identified a biological link between stress-induced fat gain and impaired brain function, specifically the NAD+/Sirtuin-1 pathway.
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.
Research from the University of Colorado Boulder found that people exposed to more green space reported less depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also found that spending time in green spaces had a protective effect on mental health, even in times of extraordinary stressors.
A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people with ADHD are significantly more likely to exhibit clinically significant hoarding symptoms. Approximately 19% of participants displayed hoarding symptoms, which can lead to distress and difficulties in everyday life.
A nationwide study found that days with higher-than-normal temperatures during the US summer season were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits for any mental health-related condition, particularly substance use and mood disorders. The impact of heat on mental health was similar across age groups and regions, hi...
Research suggests stress plays a bidirectional role in AFib, both increasing episodes and contributing to mental health issues. Stress reduction strategies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and anxiolytic therapy, may improve AFib symptoms and quality of life.
Researchers found that 1% of US adults taking opioids are also prescribed benzodiazepines and other sedatives. This polypharmacy approach is linked to increased side effects and may pose dangers to vulnerable populations.
A supervised exercise program can reduce anxiety and fear of cancer progression in men undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer. The study found significant improvements in mental and physical health benefits, including a reduction in prostate cancer-related anxiety and fear of progression.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals in happier countries who perceive societal pressure to be happy report poorer wellbeing. The relationship between societal pressure and poor wellbeing was almost twice as strong in countries with higher World Happiness Index scores.
A 'Science of Happiness' online course reduced students' anxiety and improved wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to expectations. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found that participating in the course had a positive impact on mental health.
Research reveals that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, within a year after recovery from the virus. The study found that COVID-19 survivors were 60% more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those who were not infe...
A VA research team found increased risks of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, in individuals who had COVID-19 infection. The study analyzed medical records of nearly 154,000 patients with COVID-19 and compared them to over 11 million people without COVID-19.
A new study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is associated with statistically significant declines in multiple psychological distress factors. Vaccination was linked to reductions in perceived risks of infection, hospitalization, and death, as well as improvements in mental health and quality of life.
Researchers identified that 10% of students were recognized as relationally aggressive by peers but not teachers. Students with higher levels of academic competence and female students were more likely to be recognized by both groups. The study suggests that better identification of these students is crucial for effective interventions.
A study tracking 425 patients post-COVID-19 found high prevalence of cognitive deficits, psychiatric impairments, and significant memory decline. Researchers observed no correlation between the severity of the disease or socio-economic factors with psychiatric alterations, suggesting a possible link to delayed inflammatory processes.
A Caltech-led team of researchers discovered that a bacterial metabolite can travel to the brain and alter its function, leading to increased anxiety in mice. The study provides a molecular explanation for recent observations linking gut microbiome changes to complex emotional behaviors.
Researchers found that loneliness is driven by different brain states than social anxiety, with distinct neural activity patterns. People with social anxiety showed increased amygdala activation and reduced nucleus accumbens activation, while those with high loneliness did not display these patterns.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that autistic children have distinct amygdala changes, with larger volumes associated with traditional anxiety and smaller volumes linked to autism-distinct anxieties. The study used brain scans of 71 autistic and 55 non-autistic children between ages 2-12.
A Canadian study found that the pandemic-related risk factors for anxiety differ between men and women, with 13.6% of Canadians experiencing clinically significant levels of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Men's high anxiety was linked to exposure to COVID-19 misinformation, while women's anxiety was tied to precarious employment.
Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.
A new study finds that adolescents with frequent suicidal thoughts are at risk for a range of psychological and social issues, including depression, anxiety, attention disorders, and more. Pediatricians can use screening tools to identify teens who need help, regardless of whether they will attempt suicide.
A new study from Oregon State University found that people with disabilities have been experiencing high levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation was a major predictor for both conditions, exacerbated by limited access to healthcare, including delayed or canceled medical appointments.
A new study reveals that social isolation and loneliness can increase cardiovascular disease risk by 8% and 5% respectively. Women who experience high levels of both social isolation and loneliness have a 13-27% increased risk of heart disease, compared to those with low levels.
Women with GAD exhibit abnormal interoception, perceiving intense heartbeats and lower neural activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. The study suggests a causal link between cardiovascular sensitivity and frontal cortex insensitivity, contributing to anxiety symptoms.
A study found a link between ASMR and higher levels of neuroticism and anxiety. Those who experience ASMR reported reduced anxiety after watching an ASMR video, suggesting it could be a suitable intervention for anxious individuals.
A study by the University of Essex found a significant spike in depression rates (30%) and anxiety rates (37%) among expecting mothers. Social support played a crucial role in protecting mental health.
A study by University of Arizona researcher Sabrina Helm identified two prevailing climate change coping profiles: adaptive approach coping and maladaptive avoidance coping. The adaptive approach group tends to engage in pro-environmental behaviors and express concern about climate change, while the maladaptive avoidance group is less ...
A recent study found that more than half of nurses experienced difficulty sleeping during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced sleep increasing odds of anxiety and depression. The researchers urge employers to address work stress and provide support for mental healthcare.
A new UBC study confirms that men are at increased risk of mental illness, including anxiety and depression, when they transition out of relationships. The study found that men often downplay issues in their relationships, leading to further conflict, and may turn to substances to cope with feelings such as anger and regret.
Researchers analyzed over 60 million GitHub posts to find that developers who don't use emojis are three times more likely to drop off the platform. Emoji usage patterns varied among developers, but were associated with factors like work type and time management.
A new Penn State study found that Black youth with high BMIs reported fewer weight concerns when they had a strong sense of racial identity. Fathers also played a role in shaping their daughters' body image, particularly when involved in teaching about Black culture. The findings suggest that services promoting youth racial identity an...
A study published in JAMA found that 75% of COVID-19 ICU survivors experience symptoms one year post-admission, including fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive issues. These health problems significantly impact their daily lives, with over half reporting work-related issues.
A longitudinal survey of over 3,000 adolescents aged 11-14 found that supportive relationships with family and friends, physical activity, and better sleep helped shield against the pandemic's negative impact on mental health. Girls were more likely than boys to experience psychological distress during the pandemic.
Middle-aged men with high levels of anxiety and worry are at greater biological risk for developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes as they age. The study found that cardiometabolic disease risk increased with age, regardless of anxiety levels, but anxious individuals were more likely to develop the condition over time.