Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
Scientists at FAU have found a strong connection between autoimmune thyroiditis and depression/anxiety disorders. Patients with AIT are 3.5 times more likely to suffer from depression, or 2.3 times more likely to suffer from anxiety. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms.
A study of 133 veterans found that a gene variant may increase psychiatric symptoms, such as PTSD and depression, after traumatic brain injury. The researchers suggest possible explanations for this link, including the gene's effect on emotion regulation and vascular disease.
Researchers found that people who generalize from negative events, such as pain or loss, report a greater experience of anxious feelings and intrusive thoughts. The study suggests that analyzing complex behavioral processes can help tailor treatments more effectively for people with anxiety.
Researchers created PainTracker, a pain assessment adaptable to primary care clinics, addressing patient treatment history, goals and expectations, pain intensity and quality-of-life issues. The tool has dramatically transformed doctors' ability to assess and manage chronic pain, with 40-60% of patients having inadequate pain management.
A study found that individuals with chronic anxiety exhibited increased nerve activity in response to physiological and mental stressors, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. The research team measured sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in volunteers with and without anxiety.
Researchers have found evidence that acupuncture could be an effective treatment for dental anxiety, reducing anxiety scores by eight points in patients. While more research is needed to confirm the findings, early indications suggest that acupuncture may be a promising option for tackling this common condition.
Chronic dizziness can be a symptom of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, with up to 15% of patients affected. A whole-person approach addressing both mental and physical health is crucial in diagnosis and treatment.
Research suggests a link between moderate to severe mid-life anxiety and later life dementia, with potential benefits from non-pharmacological therapies such as mindfulness and meditation. The findings support previous evidence of mental illness being associated with dementia in older age.
A study of 92 trials found that music significantly decreased anxiety and pain in surgical patients, with a reduction of 21 mm in anxiety and 10 mm in pain. The findings suggest guidelines for implementing music interventions during surgery can be created.
According to a nationwide analysis, approximately 2.6 million American children and adolescents had diagnosed anxiety and/or depression in 2011-12. This represents about 5.3% of the population, with current anxiety or depression affecting around 65,000 parents about their children aged six to 17 years.
A study led by the University of Cambridge found that women who feel in control of their lives and find purpose and meaning are less likely to have anxiety disorders. The research highlights inner strengths that can protect against anxiety in tough times, offering new approaches for therapy development.
A single mindfulness meditation session has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress on the arteries, with participants reporting reduced anxiety scores even a week later. The study suggests that this brief intervention may help reduce cardiovascular risk in individuals with moderate anxiety.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that traditionally high-status Americans, particularly whites and Christians, voted for Donald Trump due to fears of losing their privileged status in America and the world. The researchers debunked the idea that voters were driven by economic grievances...
A recent study by Michigan Technological University researchers found that even a single session of meditation can reduce anxiety levels and lower heart rate variability in adults with mild to moderate anxiety. The study, led by John Durocher, used mindfulness meditation and found significant benefits in cardiovascular health.
A study published in Journal of Affective Disorders found that cannabis can significantly reduce short-term levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Optimal strains and quantities include one puff high in CBD and low in THC for depression, two puffs of any type for anxiety, and 10 or more puffs high in CBD and high in THC for stress.
A brief bedside visual art intervention (BVAI) improved mood and reduced pain and anxiety in patients with haematological cancers. The study found significant improvements in positive mood and pain scores, as well as decreases in negative mood and anxiety.
A new study published in Journal of Applied Psychology found that moderate levels of workplace anxiety can facilitate and drive performance. Employees who can harness anxiety by focusing on tasks and regulating their behavior are more likely to experience improved performance.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that a specific region of the hippocampus may play a key role in emotional regulation, including anxiety. The discovery challenges current thinking on how this part of the brain processes information.
A new study published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management found that school-based yoga can help children better manage stress and anxiety. Third-graders who participated in small group yoga/mindfulness activities for eight weeks showed improved psychosocial and emotional quality of life scores compared to their peers who rec...
A new study by Bar-Ilan University researchers found that adult offspring of Holocaust survivors experience heightened anxiety and filial obligation when caring for their elderly parents. The study suggests that this trauma is transmitted across generations, affecting mental health markers such as depression and anxiety.
Kurt Kroenke, MD, has received the Robert J. Glaser award for his significant impact on modern primary care through his research on symptom management, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. His work has led to the development of reliable measurement tools and innovative approaches to optimize pain care effectiveness.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that nematode worms exhibit a rudimentary fear-like response when exposed to chemicals from their predator, which has parallels to human anxiety. This discovery may lead to refined prescriptions for current anti-anxiety drugs and enable new treatments for PTSD and panic disorder.
A Dartmouth study finds that men are more likely to attribute female students' anxiety in STEM to internal factors, while women attribute it to external biases. This perception affects classroom dynamics and reinforces feelings of anxiety.
A comprehensive survey of 2,279 graduate students found that they are more than six times as likely to experience depression and anxiety as the general population. The study highlights the need for mental health resources and career development programs in academia.
A new study found that warm showers and perineal exercises with a ball during childbirth can significantly lessen pain, anxiety, and stress. The interventions were shown to increase well-being hormones and are considered safe, low-cost practices that can be used as an adjuvant to medications.
Researchers found that frequent use of first-person singular pronouns may indicate a tendency towards negative emotionality, rather than depression alone. High levels of 'I-talk' were linked to anxiety and other negative emotions, suggesting it could be a broader risk factor for mental health concerns.
A study found that female patients with anxiety disorder react more quickly to a heart attack and arrive at the hospital sooner, potentially improving their chances of survival. In contrast, men with anxiety disorder also showed a positive trend in seeking medical attention earlier, although the effect was not statistically significant.
A study by the University of Waterloo found that moderate anxiety enhances memory recall in individuals, while high anxiety levels distort neutral information and negatively impact performance.
Researchers argue that individual differences in behavior and cognition are a natural part of human development. A more nuanced understanding of psychological disorders recognizes the complexity of human traits and the need for multivariate approaches to diagnose and treat illness.
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that women with depression, anxiety, and fatigue are more likely to be injured at work. The study, which analyzed claims data from over 17,000 employees, suggests that behavioral health factors significantly affect women's risk of injury but not men's.
A new trial shows that family-integrated care in neonatal intensive care units leads to improved weight gain, breastfeeding rates, and reduced parental stress among preterm infants. The program also may have long-term benefits for neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A study published in Psychological Science found that exposure to air pollution, whether physical or mental, is linked with transgressive behavior through increased levels of anxiety. Participants who imagined experiencing air pollution engaged in more unethical behavior than those who thought about clean environments.
A new study from Hiroshima University finds that financially literate individuals are less anxious about life in old age, having accumulated more wealth. Having a child and regular exercise also reduce concern about aging.
Researchers discovered specific cells in the hippocampus that fire when animals are anxious, triggering anxiety-related behaviors. The findings suggest a direct pathway to respond to anxiety-provoking environments, opening up new areas for exploring treatment ideas.
The study found that only 27.6% of individuals with anxiety disorders received appropriate treatment, with the remaining cases receiving inadequate care. The low treatment rate is attributed to factors such as lack of awareness, health system weaknesses, and stigma surrounding mental illnesses.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers suggests that Americans are more passionate in their romantic relationships due to societal factors allowing for greater freedom and replacement options. In contrast, Japanese people experience less anxiety and risk of being cheated on, making passionate behavior less relevant.
A new study suggests an association between elevated amyloid beta levels and worsening anxiety symptoms in cognitively normal older adults. Higher brain amyloid beta burden is linked to increasing anxiety symptoms over time.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that frequent business travelers experience more symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study also showed a link between extensive business travel and unhealthy behaviors like smoking, sedentary behavior, and substance abuse.
Regular sleep disruptions associated with difficulty disengaging attention from negative information, leading to intrusive thoughts and increased risk of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that inadequate sleep contributes to the persistence of negative thoughts, making it harder for individuals to ignore them.
Research from the University of East Anglia found that singing in a community group improved mental health for participants. The combination of singing and socializing promoted feelings of belonging and well-being, leading to improved mood and daily functioning.
A new study by New York University researchers reveals that people tend to overstate their negative feelings and symptoms in surveys, leading to potentially inaccurate assessments of health and well-being. The findings suggest that initial reports of distress may be overstated, causing biases in subsequent measurements.
Researchers found that father rejection predicted increases in social anxiety, which in turn led to more loneliness in adolescents. Forming good relationships with parents is essential for an adolescent's well-being, with thriving friendships associated with better psychological health and academic performance.
A UBC study found that extroverts perform better in Pokémon Go due to their strong social skills, while introverted players struggle. The researchers now aim to design video games with increasingly involved social features to aid those who struggle socially.
A new study led by Intermountain Medical Center suggests that cortisol levels in family members of adult ICU patients can predict long-term anxiety. Researchers found that 32% of family members experienced anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms three months after hospital discharge.
Researchers found that a brief test can predict which patients will respond better to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or antidepressant medication. Participants with enhanced error-related negativity (ERN) signals in their brain responded better to CBT, suggesting it may be more effective for them.
A new study found that error-related negativity, a brain signal response, is related to social anxiety symptoms in youth with ASD. Those with more severe symptoms may have difficulty identifying their performance anxieties.
A new IU, Regenstrief study explores predictors and frequency of surrogate decision-maker distress, finding that emotional support is crucial for effective decisions and better psychological outcomes. Surrogate anxiety and depression were found to be prevalent among family members making medical decisions for hospitalized older adults.
A new study by University at Buffalo psychologists found that combinations of certain personality traits can protect against depression and anxiety. The research suggests that clinicians should consider the whole person, including their strengths, when treating mental health disorders.
A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that cognitive-behavioral sleep interventions are most effective for adolescents with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that sleep improvement treatments can be a useful tool in addressing mental health issues.
Doctors under investigation for patient complaints are at risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and defensive medical practice. Researchers found that those who felt supported by colleagues were less likely to experience these symptoms.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that people at-risk for anxiety were less likely to develop the disorder if they had higher activity in a region of the brain responsible for complex mental operations. Higher functioning dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may buffer against worsening anxiety.
Researchers identified a specific network in the brain tied to risk assessment, which can lead to anxiety or impulsivity. The study found that when there was no risk of punishment, coordination between dopamine neurons and prefrontal cortex activity was high.
A study found that lavender aromatherapy reduced preoperative anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients. The effect was modest but showed promise as a potential tool for managing anxiety in the operating room setting.
A clinical trial found that online computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) was more effective than usual care for primary care patients with depression or anxiety. Adding an internet support group provided no additional benefit over CCBT alone, but improved mood and anxiety symptoms compared to usual care.
A new study suggests that including exercise in treatment plans for depression may improve patient outcomes. Over 80% of patients surveyed believed exercise helped alleviate their mood and anxiety.
Researchers found that virtual reality significantly reduced patients' and parents' perception of acute pain, anxiety, and general distress during blood draw procedures. The study suggests that VR could act as a preventative intervention transforming the blood draw experience into a less distressing procedure.
Researchers analyzed audio clips from 143 adults to find individual language patterns related to gene expression and adversity; they discovered that these patterns better predicted adverse gene profiles than self-reported measures of anxiety and stress. This study provides a new link between spoken language and immune system regulation.
A study found that kisspeptin enhances male sexual attraction and decreases anxiety in male mice by activating specific neurons in the brain. Activation of these neurons increases social interaction and reduces anxiety, while having no effect on copulatory behavior.
A study by Chloe Berryman found that social media use among young adults is more closely linked to mental health problems than the amount of time spent using it. However, vaguebooking – writing cryptic posts to solicit attention – was a worrying trend that showed a correlation with loneliness and suicidal thoughts.
A study published in Veterinary Record shows that dexmedetomidine gel significantly reduces behaviors related to fear and anxiety in dogs during fireworks displays. The treatment has been found to be safe and effective, with 72% of dogs showing good or excellent treatment effect.