A new study found that children with high behavioral inhibition in toddlerhood were more likely to experience worry dysregulation and elevated anxiety in young adulthood. This research could help predict who is at greatest risk of developing anxiety during stressful life events and inform prevention efforts.
A study published in Psychology and Aging suggests that older adults exhibit lower mind-wandering frequency and perform better on cognitive tasks due to increased motivation. This is attributed to their ability to reduce anxiety and improve focus, which enables them to mitigate potential costs associated with mind-wandering.
A study by the University of Cambridge gathered insights from digital services and experts worldwide to understand the impact of the pandemic on mental health. The findings paint a bleak picture, with millions of people experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
A mouse study suggests that the genetic contribution to anxiety is partially mediated by the gut microbiome. Researchers used 3D X-ray imaging to gain new insights into the reproductive biology of tsetse flies, which carry a deadly parasite that causes African sleeping sickness.
A recent study found that COVID-19 is associated with increased psychological distress among adults, particularly women, younger adults, and those of lower socioeconomic status. The study suggests that outreach programs targeting these groups are crucial for mental health support during the pandemic.
A pooled data analysis of available evidence suggests that listening to music can reduce anxiety and pain after major heart surgery. The study found that the first postoperative music session was associated with significant reductions in anxiety (4 points) and pain (1.26 points).
A new study from Alder Hey Children's Hospital found that children are not anxious or scared when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the anaesthetic room. In fact, most children reported feeling happy and safe with PPE, while none experienced anxiety or fear.
A study of 200,000 Europeans found that young people and those with preexisting mental health issues were disproportionately affected by lockdowns. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored public-health interventions to prevent long-term negative effects.
A new study by NYU School of Global Public Health finds that people with anxiety and depression are more likely to report an increase in drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drinking behaviors vary by age group, with younger adults under 40 being the most likely to report increased alcohol use.
A team of Penn State engineers has developed a lithium iron phosphate battery that can charge in 10 minutes and reduce range anxiety in electric vehicles. The battery's ability to quickly heat up and cool down allows for rapid recharging without sacrificing performance.
A multidisciplinary team of health researchers found that exposure to discrimination increases the risk of developing anxiety and related disorders, even after accounting for genetic risks. The study suggests that alleviating discrimination can improve mental health.
A new study finds that more than half of doctors, nurses, and emergency responders involved in COVID-19 care are at risk for one or more mental health problems. The researchers found a comparable risk to rates observed during natural disasters, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions.
A systematic review of 136 randomised controlled trials found that mindfulness reduces anxiety, depression and stress in most community settings, but with no significant benefit in over one in 20 trials. The findings suggest that individual results may vary depending on factors such as implementation, setting and target group.
A study aims to reduce return visits to ED by low-risk patients with anxiety-caused chest pain. Researchers will explore online and telehealth care delivery options for anxious patients.
A new study found that religious individuals employ cognitive reappraisal and coping self-efficacy, two psychological strategies linked to reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. The research suggests a convergence between science and religion in promoting well-being and resilience.
A study suggests that a single positive psychedelic experience can lower stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in individuals who have experienced racism. The more intense the spiritual and insightful aspect of the experience, the greater the reduction in trauma-related symptoms.
A new UC Berkeley study suggests that individuals with clinical anxiety and/or depression have difficulty making sound judgments when faced with changing circumstances. Emotionally resilient people, on the other hand, are better equipped to adapt to these changes by focusing on their past successes.
A new study from Ohio State University found that validating someone's negative emotions can help foster a positive outlook. Participants who were validated showed protected and sustained positive emotions, while those who were invalidated experienced declines in positivity.
A study of 6,769 people from 77 countries found that those under strict lockdowns were more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Access to outdoor spaces and views of nature reduced symptoms during lockdowns, particularly in areas where people were not allowed to visit parks.
A study by Children's National Hospital researchers found that maternal anxiety during pregnancy can alter neural connectivity in the womb. Fetuses of anxious mothers showed stronger connections between the brainstem and sensorimotor areas, while those with lower anxiety had weaker connections between executive cognitive functions.
A study found that rap songs referencing mental health more than doubled between 1998 and 2018, a trend that could shape the conversation around mental health for young listeners. Most artists referenced love and environmental issues as stressors, using metaphors like 'pushed to the edge' or 'fighting my demons',
A glutamatergic neuronal circuit from the prelimbic prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens is responsible for co-occurring anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors. Histamine presynaptic H3 receptor activation in this circuit ameliorates stress-induced anxiety and obsessive-compulsive-like behaviors.
A new study found that young people's anxiety levels increased significantly during the first COVID-19 lockdown, doubling from 13% to 24%, and remained high even after restrictions were eased. The study highlights the need for mental health support and interventions to address emerging inequalities.
A new study finds that anxiety is independently associated with cognitive decline and a faster progression to Alzheimer's disease, even in patients without genetic risk factors or brain volume loss. The researchers recommend screening for anxiety disorders in elderly individuals to potentially slow cognitive decline.
A Tel Aviv University study found that 50% of Israeli women experience excessive teeth grinding and/or facial muscle pain due to coronavirus stress and anxiety. The study also revealed a higher prevalence of these symptoms among middle-aged women, with 35-55-year-olds suffering most.
A national survey of over 1,000 young US adults finds alarming levels of loneliness associated with significant mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of providing access to psychological help and promoting social connectedness to address these problems.
A new study found that noradrenaline helps us adapt to uncertain situations by allowing rapid learning and adjusting our behavior. In contrast, Propranolol blocks the action of noradrenaline, making people more reliant on past experiences in the face of uncertainty.
A recent study found that nearly 60% of young adults experienced direct or household employment loss during the pandemic, with many reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression. The researchers argue that addressing economic hardships can help mitigate mental health issues among this demographic.
The study found almost a third of participants experienced mental distress during the lockdown, but many also reported positive outcomes. Notably, younger adults were more likely to experience significant psychological distress, while older people may have felt safer in New Zealand.
A recent study suggests that formal 'green prescriptions' to spend time in nature for people with mental health conditions may actually undermine some of the benefits. Research found that visits were associated with emotional and wellbeing benefits when done by choice, but not when pressured by others.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that teens who spend more time on extracurricular activities and less time on screens have better mental health. The study also found that girls are particularly affected by excessive screen time, which can lead to anxiety and depressive symptoms.
A new study by MIT neuroscientists shows that the activity of norepinephrine-producing neurons in a single brain region, the locus coeruleus, controls both focus to ignore distractions and discipline to curb impulses. Stimulating LC activity improved attentional control tasks, while inhibiting it had the opposite effect.
A new study suggests that targeting a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) could lead to better outcomes for people with depression and anxiety. Over-activity in sgACC underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms.
A new study by the University of South Australia aims to break the cycle of maths anxiety by building student confidence in maths. The research shows that boosting student confidence can counteract negative emotions and lead to better maths achievement.
A new study found that COVID-19-related anxiety and stress are associated with negative body image, particularly thinner ideals for women and muscularity for men. This association may contribute to eating disorders, as body dissatisfaction can trigger serious mental health issues.
A study by UCL and Dokuz Eylul University found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is associated with beliefs on the origin of the novel coronavirus. In Turkey, 54% more people believed the virus was human-made, leading to higher vaccine hesitancy rates.
A UMD-led study finds that fear and anxiety reflect overlapping brain circuits, challenging long-held scientific accounts. The research suggests that both 'fear' and 'anxiety' are constructed in the brain using a massively overlapping set of neural building blocks.
A resiliency program for brain injury survivors and their caregivers has shown clinically significant improvement in emotional distress. The program, Recovering Together, achieved measurable reductions in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress among individuals with acute neurologic illness and their caregivers.
A study of twins found that one in four adults changed their alcohol use almost immediately after stay-at-home orders were issued, with 14% reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety. The study suggests a link between decreased drinking and increased mental health issues, highlighting the need for better support.
A new study suggests that pandemic-related stress leads to lower employee engagement, but a supportive boss can make a positive difference. Servant leaders who prioritize employees' emotional needs and well-being help reduce stress and increase pro-social behavior.
A University of California - Davis study found that oxytocin produced in a specific area of the brain can increase stress-induced social anxiety behaviors in mice. The researchers also discovered that this effect is stronger in females, which could help explain why social anxiety disorders are more common and severe in women.
A study by the University of Birmingham found that police officers experience stress and anxiety when they perceive a violation of their psychological contract, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. The researchers also discovered that fairness and self-efficacy play a crucial role in mediating this relationship.
Researchers discovered a novel brain mechanism that links anxiety and depression, showing unique cellular mechanisms activate as one pathology progresses into another. The 'switch' involves astrocytes and cytoskeletal mechanisms, which may be targeted for new classes of psychotropic drugs.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found no connection between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and psychiatric problems in children. In contrast, children with IGD symptoms showed lower anxiety levels two years later, potentially due to social interactions or gaming as a distraction.
Research at University of Connecticut reveals that job insecurity and financial concerns significantly contribute to depression and anxiety symptoms in employed individuals. The study also highlights the importance of employers supporting employee mental health by recognizing and addressing these concerns.
A Rutgers study suggests that 5G wireless networks may impact the accuracy of weather forecasts. The study found that even low levels of 5G radiation can affect precipitation and temperature predictions by up to 0.9 millimeters and 2.34 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.
New research reveals that fear and anxiety are constructed from a shared set of core neural building blocks. The study's findings suggest that the brain regions long thought to be responsible for each emotion are actually equally sensitive to certain and uncertain threats.
A study analyzing European Working Conditions Survey data found that men and women experience similar rates of anxiety due to job insecurity. Researchers attribute this similarity to trends towards gender egalitarianism in Europe.
A new study found that depression is associated with increased inflammation and metabolic changes, but not anxiety. The research used blood samples from over 300 people with depression and anxiety to identify biochemical markers, revealing distinct patterns of lipid metabolism and immune system involvement.
A central neural circuit in the forebrain to the hypothalamus mediates chronic stress-induced bone loss via the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. Isolation significantly increases anxiety levels, inducing bone loss in human subjects.
Research from Washington State University found that COVID-19 stress and anxiety can persist despite increased physical activity. The study of twins revealed no significant impact of exercise on handling stress and anxiety in the short term, suggesting other factors may be at play.
A recent study has found a significant link between thyroid inflammation and anxiety disorders. Patients with anxiety were found to have thyroid gland inflammation that could be reduced by taking ibuprofen, suggesting that thyroid function may play an important role in the development of anxiety.
A new study reveals that US adults experiencing common symptoms of anxiety and depression are at a higher risk of delaying medical care. The research found that nearly a third of Americans surveyed did not receive necessary non-coronavirus medical care during the pandemic.
A new randomized control trial found that gamifying mobile mental health intervention content improved resilience and reduced attrition. The study showed significant benefits in both resilience and anxiety measurements after five weeks, with the game group retaining 21% more participants than other groups.
A recent study found that FoMO is linked to loneliness, low self-esteem, and low self-compassion, not social media use. Researchers suggest addressing negative self-perceptions by practicing self-compassion and focusing on real connections.
A WVU-led study is testing online treatments for mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression among West Virginians. The one-year project aims to provide immediate relief and assess patient progress over three months.
New research suggests that Black patients experience less pain and anxiety when treated by a physician of their own race. Racial/ethnic concordance between doctor and patient influences physical responses to pain, with Black patients showing reduced bodily responses when paired with same-race doctors.
Researchers analyzed internet searches indicating acute anxiety during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found a significant association between COVID-19 and increased anxiety on a population basis.
A new study found a significant increase in Google searches for 'panic attack' and 'anxiety attack' during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team analyzed data from January 2004 to May 2020, revealing severe acute anxiety-related searches reached record highs, particularly between March 16-14, 2020.
Researchers report that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as chronic pain. Studies highlight the importance of addressing dysfunctional coping mechanisms and supporting patients' social connections to improve outcomes.