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 yoga significantly improved symptoms for those with generalized anxiety disorder, but not as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. Yoga was more effective than stress management, with 54% of participants experiencing improved symptoms compared to 33% in the control group.
A new study has pinpointed the five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers, highlighting the importance of genetic and emotional differences. The research identified specific causal factors, including a tendency to startle easily, anxiety, depression, and genetic mutations, which can contribute to the developmen...
A machine-learning approach analyzing 2,413 measures from 11,196 couples identified key predictors of relationship quality. Life satisfaction and emotional health were strong individual characteristics associated with relationship quality.
A Dartmouth study found that college students were more anxious and depressed during the initial COVID-19 outbreak than in previous academic years. Sedentary behavior increased dramatically as students settled into shelter-in-place locations.
A study by Purdue University reveals that the primary role of PTSD service dogs is to disrupt episodes of anxiety, with trained tasks being used an average of 3.16 times per day. The dogs' trained behaviors, such as nudging or licking veterans to focus, were also reported to be highly important.
A new analysis of 426 emergency physicians found moderate to severe levels of anxiety at both work and home, with women reporting higher stress. The study identified key factors contributing to stress, including lack of PPE and inadequate rapid diagnostic testing.
Researchers at the University of Trento mapped anxiety types differently in human brain, finding stable traits associated with negative thoughts and transient brain activity linked to state anxiety. The study aims to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments targeting chronic anxiety.
Researchers found that depression, anxiety, and loss of smell were strongly associated with COVID-19. The study suggests that psychological distress could be a sign of the virus's impact on the brain, potentially due to its entry through the olfactory tract.
Technical interviews in the software engineering sector test performance anxiety rather than coding skills, eliminating well-qualified candidates. Researchers found that half as many participants excelled in private interviews without on-the-spot explanations.
A University of New Mexico research team has identified brain-wide neural correlates of the transition from fear to anxiety, shedding new light on the brain's response to fearful events and why some people don't easily recover. The study found that vulnerability to anxiety correlates with elevated activity in specific regions of the br...
A University of Houston study found that insufficient sleep alters children's emotional health, particularly in response to positive emotions. The research highlights the importance of assessing and prioritizing healthy sleep habits for emotionally vulnerable children.
A study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that women and people with insecure attachment styles tend to play hard-to-get more, while men pursue them. The researchers also discovered that avoidant individuals tend to use hard-to-get strategies as a self-protective mechanism.
Researchers study rituals as a mechanism of resilience against anxiety, finding that performing familiar rituals reduces psychological and physiological stress. This approach suggests that ritual provides the brain with a sense of control and structure, alleviating stress and potentially coping with chronic anxiety.
A multidisciplinary team is investigating the effects of COVID-19 on caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in northern Arizona. The study aims to identify how healthcare resources have changed during the pandemic and support needs of caregivers.
Researchers discovered a range of co-existing conditions in patients with fragile X syndrome and premutation disorder. Lower FMRP levels are associated with emotional processing issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, and psychotic features. The study calls for more research on psychosis and FMRP levels, as well as greater awareness...
A Baylor University study found that combining mindfulness with hypnotherapy significantly reduced stress levels and increased mindfulness in participants. The intervention, called mindful hypnotherapy, was well-received by participants, who practiced almost daily and reported high satisfaction.
A recent study found a strong relationship between social media use and prejudice against Chinese Americans, with women experiencing higher levels of realistic and symbolic threats. The study also revealed surprising political affiliations, with Democrats scoring higher than Republicans in perceiving Chinese Americans as a threat.
A Rutgers University study found that Mexican immigrants are at increased risk for obesity after arriving in the US, mainly due to stress and limited access to healthy foods. Researchers discovered that fear of deportation discourages adults from leaving their homes or seeking help, leading to reliance on cheap, high-sugar foods.
The study, published in Journal of Mental Health, demonstrates the positive clinical outcomes of NewAccess in addressing known barriers to access of evidence-based early intervention for depression and anxiety in Australia. The program offers free therapy with no co-payment, accessible by phone, face-to-face, or self-referral.
The Women's Preventive Services Initiative recommends screening for anxiety in women and adolescent girls to detect specific types of anxiety and co-occurring conditions. Researchers found strong evidence that screening instruments are moderately to highly accurate.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University and The Ohio State University identify the specific brain circuit responsible for neuroinflammation and psychological disorders caused by chronic stress. By limiting inflammatory signaling to this circuit, they suggest a potential treatment approach for anxiety and depression.
A genomic region on chromosome 11 has been identified as associated with fearfulness in dogs, including large breeds like the Great Dane. The study's findings suggest that this region may play a role in both neural development and function, as well as anxiety.
A study found that nearly three-quarters of people with depression also suffered from anxiety, leading to a higher risk of long-term depression. The researchers highlight the need for integrated anxiety screening and culturally adapted therapies to address this complex combination of mental health issues.
IntelliCare, a free mobile app, significantly reduces anxiety and depression in individuals struggling with the pandemic. The app offers targeted content, exercises, and strategies to help users manage stress and improve mental health.
A new study by George Mason University found that primary care physicians report the highest rates of burnout at 31.6%, nearly twice that of other staff in primary care practices. Anxiety levels also significantly contribute to burnout across healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for prioritizing clinician well-being.
A new study reveals that medical personnel working with COVID-19 patients in China have higher rates of anxiety, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to the general population. The study collected data from over 30,000 healthcare providers during the pandemic's peak.
A randomized noninferiority clinical trial found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for health anxiety had similar effects to traditional face-to-face treatment. The study involved 204 adults with health anxiety and showed that online therapy was effective despite limited therapist-patient interaction.
Research in marmosets suggests that increased levels of serotonin transporters in the amygdala may contribute to trait anxiety. Targeting this region with anti-anxiety medication, such as SSRIs, could provide faster symptom relief.
A comprehensive analysis of studies on cognitive therapy and psychosocial interventions found moderate to high effectiveness in reducing anxiety in school-aged children with autism. The interventions showed statistically significant benefits compared to treatment-as-usual.
A global study of over 350,000 teens reveals that lack of sleep can lead to anhedonia, or loss of pleasure, as well as anxiety, anger, and significantly increased risk of depression. Easy interventions such as regulating screen time, delayed school starting times, and monitoring academic pressures can improve mental health.
Youth with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, affecting approximately 20-50% of young people. Anxiety disorders can also worsen disease-related outcomes in children and adolescents with these conditions.
Research from Uppsala University finds individuals with social anxiety disorder exhibit distinct personality traits, including high neuroticism and introversion. The study identifies three clusters of personality subtypes, suggesting varying causes and treatment needs for the disorder.
Researchers at Penn State developed a public-speaking tutor on Amazon Alexa, which helps users recognize and modify negative thinking behaviors. The study found that the tutor eased pre-speech anxiety in participants.
A recent study investigated the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on children's mental health in Hubei province, China. The results show that a significant number of children experienced depression and anxiety during this period.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a link between a specific immune system protein and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Treating mice with an antibody that neutralised the protein reduced anxiety levels, suggesting a potential new treatment for human patients.
A mindfulness-based stress reduction class improved gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life for adults with irritable bowel syndrome. Acting with awareness was found to be particularly beneficial, possibly by reducing fears and worries.
A study published in The BMJ found that children with parents who have mental illness are at a higher risk of injuries, especially during the first year of life. The risk is highest for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A new program in Boston improves child health by 32 percentage points and reduces anxiety and depression among parents within six months. Coordinated housing services address families' specific needs, leading to better overall health outcomes.
A new treatment, SPACE, has been found to be as efficacious as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating childhood and adolescent anxiety disorders. The study enrolled 124 children with existing clinical anxiety disorders and randomly assigned them to receive either SPACE or CBT.
Princeton researchers are investigating how anxiety influences the sharing of accurate COVID-19 information. They will create online networks to examine how conversational interactions impact knowledge transmission and anxiety levels.
A mindfulness app training program reduced physician anxiety by 57% and emotional exhaustion by 20%, suggesting its potential to treat burnout as well. The study's findings support the use of digital therapeutics like apps-based treatments for low-cost, widely disseminated interventions.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that more than 50% of college students reported experiencing coughing fits, anxiety, and/or paranoia while using cannabis. The study also identified the most distressing adverse reactions, which included panic attacks, fainting, and vomiting.
A new study reveals that people with avoidant attachment styles are less likely to share food or form intimate relationships due to trust concerns. In contrast, those with secure attachment styles exhibit greater willingness to share food and engage in prosocial behavior.
Women with postpartum psychiatric disorders are less likely to have more children, with 69% still choosing to have a second child. The study found that nearly half of women with psychiatric problems had a reduced live birth rate due to hospitalization or fear of relapse.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that an online program for women with infertility doubled their pregnancy rate, comparable to in-person programs. The Mind/Body Program offers ten hour-long modules of instruction covering stress management, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Two new studies link childhood obesity to a higher risk of mortality in early adulthood, as well as increased rates of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the need for specific prevention tools and long-term treatment to address these risks.
A study found that patients who listened to music for 30 minutes a day had lower levels of anxiety and pain, as well as reduced rates of certain heart conditions. Music therapy was more effective than standard treatment alone in reducing these symptoms.
Separation anxiety in dogs is caused by four key forms of distress: getting away from something, wanting to get outside, reacting to external noises, and boredom. Understanding these root causes is crucial for effective treatment.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that severe acne can lead to depression and anxiety, especially in females. The research highlights the importance of optimal acne management, including isotretinoin treatment, to mitigate these risks.
A Rutgers study of people with serious mental illness found that physical health problems are a greater barrier to job seeking than psychological health issues. Chronic unemployment can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, and reduce access to care for managing both physical and mental conditions.
A new study reveals that children and teenagers worry about political issues, with concerns spanning environmental issues, gun violence, and racial/ethnic minorities. While the worry may not be harmful in moderation, caregivers of youth with anxiety disorders should be aware of its potential impact.
Persistent sleep difficulties in infancy are associated with heightened risks of childhood anxieties and emotional disorders. Infants with persistent severe sleep problems are nearly three times as likely to have emotional problem symptoms when they are 4 years old.
Researchers at Ohio State University analyzed 27 studies on gratitude interventions and found that they had limited value in relieving anxiety and depression. Instead, they recommend treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy for these issues.
A study of 13,700 Finnish pet dogs found that 72.5% displayed anxiety-like traits or behavioral issues, including aggression and fearfulness. The most common anxiety traits were noise sensitivity and fear.
A new study found that partners with relationship anxiety before having a child are more likely to feel jealous of the baby. The research suggests that expectant parents should be aware of their relationship style before having their first baby, as this may help them deal with feelings more constructively.
A study by the University of Arizona found that individuals with high romantic attachment anxiety and avoidance report low life satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and financial satisfaction. They also engage in more irresponsible financial behaviors and perceive their partners' financial behaviors as irresponsible.
Researchers at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca found that transcendental meditation reduces anxiety and stress levels. The study used fMRI to measure brain activity and connectivity in healthy young volunteers who practiced TM for three months.
A study published in Endocrine Connections found that mindfulness-based therapy can lead to greater weight loss and reduced stress in obese children compared to a calorie-restricted diet alone. The therapy was found to counteract the negative effects of anxiety on weight loss.
Research found that highly stressed pregnant women experience similar brain development alterations as those with prenatal detected heart defects, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The study suggests high maternal stress and depression levels can affect fetal brain structure and function.
A long-term follow-up study found that psilocybin therapy significantly improves emotional and existential distress in cancer patients, with sustained benefits lasting nearly five years. The study's results suggest that psilocybin may provide a useful tool for enhancing the effectiveness of psychotherapy.