Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
A new study found that Black young adults experiencing high levels of online racism are more likely to use digital mental health tools. The research also showed that these individuals were more likely to engage in online mental health communication, regardless of their anxiety or depression symptoms.
A cohort study found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, particularly psychotic and bipolar conditions. The study's results inform the development of interventions and policies to prevent or delay adolescent cannabis use.
This cross-sectional study highlights critical gaps in accessible mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms to address systemic inequities and provide disability-informed care.
A study analyzing data from 44,000 adults found that those with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience substantially higher rates of anxiety and depression. The study also highlights significant healthcare treatment and access barriers facing this population.
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
Exercise has a medium-sized effect on depression symptoms and a small to medium-sized effect on anxiety symptoms, with aerobic formats being the most effective for relieving depression. All forms of exercise are as good as or better than medication or talking therapies for easing symptoms, regardless of age or sex.
A new study found that nearly one in five adults with tinnitus have had to reduce their working hours or leave employment due to the condition. The research also revealed that targeted interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can improve work productivity and overall wellbeing.
A study by NYU School of Global Public Health found that anxiety about aging contributes to accelerated epigenetic aging, with greater concern about declining health having the strongest association. This can lead to physical decline and increased risk of age-related diseases.
Individuals who combine climate worry with actions such as volunteering, following a plant-based diet, or avoiding air travel experience fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms. Climate hope in society's ability to mitigate climate change also correlates with reduced mental health issues.
A new study reveals that young adults in Sweden report lower life satisfaction, a weaker sense of meaning, and higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression compared to older age groups. In contrast, older Swedes are among the happiest in the world, with strong close relationships and less loneliness.
A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance task engagement and activation of brain regions associated with executive function in individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression. However, it unexpectedly heightened sensitivity to threats, including increased eyeblink startle response under conditi...
Dissociation is a complex survival mechanism in response to overwhelming trauma, affecting memory, identity, and perception. Research confirms its prevalence among individuals who have experienced trauma, and effective dissociation-specific treatment options are needed.
Research from the University of Warwick finds that teenage girls who manage their bodies through constant dieting and exercise face heightened risks of psychological health issues. By age 20, these young women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for a broader approach to mental health support.
A study found that ordering takeaway meals is a popular self-gifting option for both rewarding good days and consoling bad days. The research suggests that this may be due to the convenience of taking away daily cooking duties, while also providing a indulgent treat.
A COVID-19 survey found that young carers experience higher stress levels with greater care responsibilities. However, they also exhibit positive emotions like a sense of accomplishment and pride. The surveys revealed more pronounced emotional responses in 2024, suggesting growing societal understanding and support for young carers.
Research found that prolonged heavy drinking induces neuroinflammation, promoting negative emotional states lasting for weeks into abstinence. Inhibiting proinflammatory microglia activation during alcohol exposure blocks the development of anxiety and fear memory.
Adolescents bullied or engaging in bullying face lasting mental, physical and social challenges. The study identified socioeconomic disadvantages, race, physical differences, and pre-existing health conditions as risk factors for bullying.
A study of 168 second-time mothers found that those who breastfed were less likely to experience depression and anxiety 10 years after pregnancy. Each week of lifetime exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2% lower likelihood of reporting depression and anxiety, after accounting for influential factors.
This randomized clinical trial found yoga to significantly accelerate opioid withdrawal recovery and improve autonomic regulation, anxiety, sleep, and pain. The study supports the integration of yoga into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention addressing core regulatory processes.
Researchers found that smiling faces are associated with higher trustworthiness, confidence, and attractiveness. Facial expressions play a crucial role in social judgments, with emotional mimicry influencing character trait evaluations.
A newly discovered neural pathway connects the amygdala with arousal centers in mice, revealing a key mechanism for emotional regulation of sleep-wake cycles. This finding highlights potential therapeutic targets for stress-related insomnia and mood disorders.
A novel analysis found that financial strain and food insecurity accelerate biological aging and increase mortality risk, surpassing traditional risk factors. The study emphasizes the need for targeted preventive interventions and patient-centered care to address social determinants of health.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients with depression are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to stress-related brain activity, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic inflammation. The study also suggests that addressing chronic stress, anxiety, or depression is crucial for heart health.
Researchers found that lab mice rewilded for two years showed reduced and even reversed fear response to the elevated plus maze. The study suggests that a range of experiences can increase a sense of agency, reducing anxiety in animals and humans alike. After living in fields, mice returned to their original levels of anxiety behavior.
A randomized clinical trial found digital cognitive behavioral therapy to be significantly beneficial for adults with generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment provided sustained benefits and has the potential for public health impact due to its accessibility.
A new study found that highly educated, Western European millennials have the most digital concerns, with individuals having higher levels of digital literacy being the most affected. The research also found that people's perceptions of digital harm are heightened by their level of digital exposure and knowledge.
Research found that anxiety symptoms reduce circulatory NK cells and sub-populations, while insomnia symptoms decrease total NK cells. This could lead to impaired immune function and increased disease susceptibility.
Research found that most people are poor at recognizing pain in horses, but those with more experience are better equipped to identify subtle cues. Higher levels of social anxiety also influenced pain recognition, particularly in humans, highlighting the need for education and training on equine welfare.
Researchers identified 12 genes linked to canine behaviour also associated with human traits like anxiety, depression, and intelligence. The study provides insights into understanding dog emotional worlds and tailoring training or care to suit their needs.
Researchers found that a protein involved in ATP release, connexin 43, plays a key role in depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. Restoring connexin 43 in the hippocampus improved behavioral outcomes and boosted ATP levels in stressed mice.
A 1-week social media detox in young adults was associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The study's findings suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of reducing social media use for mental health concerns.
Researchers identified a potential biomarker that could inform personalized treatment with deep brain stimulation. Half of the participants showed significant improvements, including nine achieving remission, with brain activity at specific frequency ranges predicting response to treatment.
A University of Sydney-led study found that 42% of Australian adults experienced traumatic events as children, leading to a 50% higher risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders. Childhood trauma is linked to chronic physical health conditions and can have lifelong consequences.
Researchers found that small group counseling improved students' anger management, academic and life skills, feelings of connectedness and safety. Students learned practical strategies and developed social-emotional skills, leading to a positive perception of the school environment.
Researchers have identified two groups of brain cells in mice that regulate anxiety - a 'gas pedal' that accelerates anxiety and a 'brake pedal' that prevents it. The discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for anxiety disorders by targeting these microglia.
A new study found that people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder have lower levels of choline in their brains. Choline is vital for cell membranes and brain functions like memory, mood regulation, and muscle control.
Researchers have developed a new large-scale brain data resource that integrates data from five studies of brain development in children and young adults across three continents. The Reproducible Brain Charts (RBC) project provides a harmonized dataset for tracking changes in brain structure and function, allowing researchers to better...
A study conducted at the University of São Paulo found that mindfulness can help reduce pain sensitivity and improve emotional regulation in women with TMD. The research involved 53 women who participated in an eight-week mindfulness program, showing significant improvement in pressure pain threshold and reduction in painful points.
A new study reveals that 11.2% of Norwegians experience reduced capacity for work due to work-related anxiety. Experts stress the importance of a supportive culture at work, including psychological support from managers and colleagues, job security, and a safe working environment.
A new UCLA Health study found that a child's early gut microbiome may influence their risk of developing depression, anxiety or other internalizing symptoms in middle childhood. The effect appears to be related to the way bacteria are linked to communication across emotion-related brain networks.
A recent study investigated antenatal anxiety among first-trimester pregnant women in China, revealing a prevalence of 2.54%. Risk factors identified include young age, economic hardship, and lack of social support. The authors recommend targeting these vulnerable groups with early anxiety screening and targeted support.
Researchers found that voluntary running exercise mitigates cafeteria diet-induced behavioral changes via hormonal and microbial pathways. The study revealed specific metabolites, such as anserine and indole-3-carboxylate, were decreased by the cafeteria diet but partially restored by exercise.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that a brief sound-based neurotechnology intervention can improve well-being by reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and insomnia in healthcare workers. The intervention uses acoustic neuromodulation guided by each participant's unique brainwave patterns.
Longitudinal research found that severe stress caused by family structure changes like divorce or separation during infancy triples the risk of developing psoriasis. The study, published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, emphasizes the need to protect young children from stressful life factors.
Researchers found that group-based interventions, mindfulness-based techniques, and expressive therapies can reduce emotional distress and build resilience in people with cancer. CHMs like peer support and psychoeducation help patients reclaim their sense of self.
Researchers found that facial self-touching, particularly around the nose, chin, and cheeks, strongly correlates with stress levels during cognitive work. The study also suggests that this behavior may be an evolutionary, self-soothing mechanism to regulate stress.
Researchers have created a new brain-scanning method that can visualize anxiety patterns in the brain, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments. The study used EEG to measure brain activity during 'no-win' decision scenarios linked to anxiety.
Researchers from the University of South Australia explore the connection between the gut and brain to decipher their role in mental health and wellbeing. The study found that changes in the gut microbiome can directly affect brain chemistry, suggesting a potential link between gut health and mental illness.
A study of 90 teenage girls found that those who avoided looking at potentially negative feedback during speeches reported the most anxiety three years later. The research challenges prevailing wisdom in the field and suggests that adolescent girls may be more sensitive to social feedback, contributing to the onset of anxiety disorders.
A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that working with service dogs can slow cellular aging in female veterans. The study, which involved female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, revealed promising biological benefits associated with service dog training.
Researchers identify abnormal sugar modifications linked to depressive behaviors, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Chronic stress disrupts sugar chains in the prefrontal cortex, triggering depression.
A recent Finnish study found that students' self-efficacy in mathematics is a key factor contributing to their motivation and performance. High self-efficacy predicted better performance, regardless of prior achievement level. In contrast, co-teaching showed no significant benefits on mathematics performance.
Researchers found that recalling positive autobiographical memories before a performance enhances valence and arousal, leading to improved performance. This is attributed to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which regulates involuntary bodily functions.
A study found that women receiving mental health services had faster reductions in depression over time, emphasizing the potential impact of scalable interventions during this critical period. The research underscores the importance of routine and consistent screening, monitoring, and treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety.
A recent study found that cold temperatures combined with mental fatigue impair endurance exercise performance. Individuals experiencing increased subjective fatigue showed decreased performance. The Sympathetic Adrenal-Medullary system is involved in the increase of fatigue rather than the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis.
A new form of electric brain stimulation, HD-tDCS, has been shown to be effective and faster than traditional treatments for depression. Participants who received the therapy reported significant improvements in mood scores, which were sustained during follow-up assessments.
A new preclinical study from Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that inflammation during pregnancy may prime offspring for anxiety. The researchers discovered that adversity in the womb configured a small percentage of brain cells to be overly active when faced with a threatening situation, creating a vulnerability to anxiety.
A single dose of MM120 (lysergide) produced a dose-dependent reduction in anxiety in participants with moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder. The study supports the efficacy of MM120 and informs dose selection for phase 3 pivotal trials.
A new study found that nearly three out of four adults suffer from dental fear, with 45.8% experiencing moderate fear and 26.8% severe fear. Most individuals interested in overcoming their fear are open to free, brief treatment options, such as virtual dental fear treatments using apps and telehealth.
Insomnia patients taking cannabis-based medical products reported significant improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, and pain over 18 months. The study found sustained benefits with minimal side effects, suggesting potential for medical cannabis as an option for conventional treatments.