Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
A new study published by Binghamton University found that even small amounts of alcohol exposure during pregnancy can cause anxiety in offspring, lasting through adolescence and adulthood. The research used low levels of alcohol exposure to reach this conclusion, differing from previous studies that used high levels.
Researchers developed the Mentalized Affectivity Scale (MAS) to assess emotion regulation, breaking it into three elements: identifying, processing, and expressing. The study found that processing emotions was linked to personality and wellbeing, while identifying and expressing were not.
A pilot case control study found improvements in TBI, PPCS, and PTSD symptoms, brain blood flow, depression, anxiety, and quality of life after HBOT. Significant reductions in suicidal ideation and anxiety were also observed.
A clinical trial found that virtual reality tours of operating rooms reduced preoperative anxiety in children. The study used a 4-minute video showing Pororo the penguin visiting the OR, explaining its contents in a friendly manner.
A new study suggests that decreased bullying exposure and family problems during childhood and adolescence could help reduce adult mental illness in extremely low birth weight preemies. Early mental health support for these individuals and their parents may also be beneficial.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers found that patients' expectations significantly influence the efficacy of SSRI antidepressants. In a double-blind study, patients who received correct information about their medication showed three times more responders than those given incorrect information.
Research analyzed medical records of 110 male and 102 female athletes with first-time concussion diagnoses, revealing a median duration of symptoms was 28 days for girls compared to 11 days for boys. Symptoms resolved within three weeks for 75% of boys but only 42% of girls.
A new model of treatment for youth with anxiety can be effectively delivered using at least 14% less therapist time than traditional treatment services. The study tested a stepped care model, where young people first begin using self-help to manage their symptoms before stepping up to treatment with a therapist.
A study published in Frontiers in Neurology has found strong associations between healthy lifestyle factors and reduced pain levels in people with multiple sclerosis. Regular exercise was shown to increase pain threshold and tolerance, while a balanced diet and no smoking were also linked to lower pain levels.
Elementary school children with craniofacial anomalies show highest levels of anxiety, depression and peer interaction difficulties compared to middle and high school peers. Researchers call for education and acceptance to help youngsters thrive.
Researchers found that anxious mothers' babies spend more time looking at angry faces before turning away, suggesting a genetic component to anxiety development. This study could help predict which children are at risk for anxiety and potentially prevent its development.
A three-day training programme called the Lightning Process has been shown to improve physical function and reduce symptoms in children with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, suggests that the LP is more effective when combined with specialist medical care.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, suggests that blocking oxytocin in the brain may be a better option for relieving stress and enhancing social life. Researchers found that oxytocin amplifies both positive and negative social interactions, but its effects vary depending on the brain region it acts upon.
A study by Kent State University researcher Mary Beth Spitznagel found that pet owners experiencing chronic or terminal illness in their pets suffer from caregiver burden, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life. The study aimed to fill a gap in research on this topic and provide insights for pet caregivers.
Research found owners of chronically ill pets experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as poorer quality of life. The study's findings may also inform veterinarian wellbeing and highlight the need for improved training on long-term care.
Researchers at University of Würzburg found that transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve anxiety treatment outcomes, particularly for fear of heights. The study used virtual reality to induce fear and showed that stimulated brain regions lead to accelerated therapy responses.
New research shows that long-term mental health problems do not affect drinking patterns, but a history of depression differs significantly among men; those with depression drink less often than those without. The study suggests that there is no single answer to why alcoholics drink and may require personalized treatment approaches.
Research shows that strong coping skills and sense of coherence can help women overcome anxiety in deprived communities. Women with good coping skills were less likely to experience anxiety, regardless of their living conditions.
Researchers found that removing the Lef1 gene disrupts nerve cell development in the hypothalamus, leading to increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice and zebrafish. The study suggests a new pathway to understanding human brain disorders and potential treatments.
Researchers found that serotonin can make neurons hyperactive and hypersensitive to stimuli in the brain, worsening tinnitus. The study has implications for treating anxiety or depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may compound feelings of anxiety in patients with tinnitus.
Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University are investigating the role of oxytocin in stress-induced psychiatric disorders, aiming to identify new targets for pharmacotherapy. The study has the potential to shed light on commonalities and differences in fear and anxiety circuitry between males and females.
Experts call for more transparent conversations with women to avoid unnecessary disease labelling. A broader definition of polycystic ovary syndrome may lead to 'fear and anxiety', highlighting the need for a slower approach to diagnosis.
Researchers found that self-distancing language, such as using third-person pronouns, can lead to greater challenge and confidence in stressful situations. This approach was shown to promote a more confident and challenging mindset, rather than reducing anxiety or effort.
A new mindfulness program can help coaches and athletes at all levels develop a mental edge and improve their performance. The six-session program, developed by psychologists, combines education, discussion, and experiential components to increase mental readiness.
Researchers found that yoga, particularly Bikram and hatha yoga, significantly reduced symptoms of depression in studies involving veterans and university students. A multi-week regimen may be an effective approach when combined with standard therapies.
A large-scale study of nearly 400 individuals from birth to adulthood found no increased risk of anxiety and mood disorders among those born very preterm or at low birth weight. Social support from romantic partners plays a crucial role in preventing mental health issues.
Researchers found that people with insecure attachment styles have weaker social networks, struggle to form new relationships, and are more likely to dissolve ties. Primes can improve attachment security and relationship maintenance on social networks.
Researchers found that low-dose diazepam increased social competitiveness in high- and medium-anxious rats by boosting dopamine release and mitochondrial function. The study suggests that this mechanism could be targeted through non-pharmacological interventions.
A new study found that women working in 'breastaurants' are more likely to experience anxiety and disordered eating due to the revealing uniforms. The study also revealed that female servers felt they had less power and control at work.
Research reveals that the left habenula is crucial for rapid recovery from fear-induced immobilization in zebrafish larvae. The study also sheds light on the development and function of the habenular region in regulating fear responses, anxiety, and mood.
Researchers found that individuals with trypophobia experience intense disgust and nausea when viewing cluster images, even for disease-irrelevant stimuli. The study suggests a connection between trypophobia and an evolutionary history of infectious disease and parasitism.
Women who receive false-positive mammogram results are more likely to begin medication for anxiety or depression than those with immediate negative results. A 10-20% higher rate of prescription medications was found in patients requiring multiple tests to rule out a breast cancer diagnosis.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health studied the link between food allergy and childhood anxiety and depression. Children with a food allergy had a significantly higher prevalence of childhood anxiety, while symptoms of depression were not linked to food allergies.
A recent study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships explores how high levels of relationship anxiety impact partner experiences. Researchers found that individuals experiencing anxiety about their partner's commitment tend to experience increased volatility in their feelings about the relationship.
A new study of 1007 adult Israelis found that being female, having lower socio-economic status, and elevated PTSD symptoms are related to ISIS anxiety. Exposure to ISIS in the media and low resilience also linked to increased anxiety levels.
A large research study reveals that older people are not being referred for mental health support nearly as frequently as their younger counterparts. Despite this, studies have shown that older people may benefit the most from 'talk therapies', with over three-quarters of people around the age of 64 experiencing significant clinical im...
Researchers at Georgia Tech found that students at higher-ranked colleges have better mental health, with lower stress and anxiety levels. Large public schools with more female students tend to have poorer mental health indexes due to a lack of financial and academic anxiety posts.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals who experience digital-behaviour problems exhibit significant physiological changes, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, when terminating internet use. These changes are accompanied by heightened anxiety levels.
A new study by Boston College researchers found that an after-school hydroponic gardening program increased positive attitudes towards science, reduced anxiety, and boosted self-confidence among elementary-age students. The program showed promise in engaging youths from underrepresented groups in the sciences.
Women living in deprived areas are over 60% more likely to have anxiety than those in richer areas. Men's anxiety levels remain relatively stable regardless of their socioeconomic status. This study highlights the importance of considering gender when addressing mental health disparities.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that just 10 minutes of daily meditation can help prevent mind wandering and repetitive, anxious thoughts. This mindfulness training may have protective effects on mind wandering for anxious individuals.
A new study suggests that reading supportive comments from online friends prior to taking a test can help college students with high levels of test-anxiety reduce their nervousness. Undergraduate students who received social support from their online friends reduced their anxiety levels by 21%, performing as well on a set of computer p...
Researchers found that poor sleep in people with depression and anxiety can make it harder for the brain to modify negative emotional responses. The study used functional MRI to measure brain activity in a specific region, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which was found to work harder in individuals with lower sleep efficiency.
A study by Hiroshima University and Nagoya University found that financial literacy decreases anxiety about life in old age. Financially literate individuals earn more, accumulate assets, and are less anxious about retirement, thanks to better risk perception and planning.
A new study found that mindfulness group therapy has an equally positive effect as individual CBT for a range of psychiatric symptoms in patients with depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms such as depression, general anxiety, stress, and somatization.
Researchers found that healthy college students with smaller inferior frontal cortex tend to experience more anxiety and display a stronger negative bias. The study suggests that larger IFC volume confers resilience against negative bias through lower levels of trait anxiety.
A new study finds high levels of undiagnosed anxiety and depression persisting in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration despite improved visual outcomes. Human interaction between clinicians and patients is shown to offer reassurance on anti-VEGF injection efficacy and safety.
A new study from UT Austin found that impostor feelings worsen the effects of perceived discrimination on depression and anxiety among ethnic minority college students, especially African Americans. Researchers recommend including impostorism in mental health assessments to help overcome discriminatory experiences.
The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) proposes a new classification system for mental disorders based on scientific evidence and illness symptoms. This approach addresses limitations of the DSM-5, such as unstable diagnoses and co-occurring disorders, by categorizing mental illnesses on a spectrum.
A pilot study conducted by Thomas Jefferson University found that a virtual environment education program significantly reduced anxiety and increased comprehension in patients receiving radiation therapy. The program used simulated environments to teach patients about their treatment, resulting in improved confidence and satisfaction.
Research suggests that medications that boost natural brain opioids might be more effective in reducing anxiety than traditional 'receptor-binding' opioid drugs. The study found that these natural opioids play a crucial role in regulating neural circuits involved in fear and anxiety responses.
A new study reveals that mice handled by a 'mouse-friendly' tunnel exhibit more active exploration during cognitive tests compared to those picked up by the tail. This non-aversive handling method can improve test performance, save time, and enhance research reliability.
Research suggests that metacognitive therapy (MCT) can help individuals with depressive symptoms reduce rumination and gain control over their thoughts. A recent study found that 80% of participants achieved full recovery after a ten-week treatment period.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have found evidence for a genetic link to social phobia, with a specific focus on the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4. This gene plays a crucial role in suppressing feelings of anxiety and depressive moods, which are common symptoms of social phobia.
Elite athletes experiencing anxiety about symptoms are five times more likely to suffer injury, according to a study. Symptoms progressing gradually before competition increase the risk by three times, compared to other athletes.
A McMaster University study found that intestinal bacteria impact both intestinal and behavioral symptoms in IBS patients, potentially leading to new microbiota-directed therapies. The study also suggests a possible link between gut bacteria and other brain disorders such as autism, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
A telephone-delivered collaborative care program improved health-related quality of life and anxiety symptoms in primary care patients compared to usual care. The intervention also produced significant improvements in mood symptoms, with African-Americans and men reporting the greatest levels of improvement.
Research found that children with ischemic strokes exhibit notably greater mood, anxiety, somatic, oppositional defiance, and conduct problems compared to those without a stroke. Younger children who suffered strokes at ages under six had higher anxiety levels, possibly due to changes in family dynamics.
A new study by researchers at King's College London found that genetic factors play a significant role in anxiety related to spatial and mathematical tasks. The study identified several forms of anxiety, including general, mathematics, and spatial anxiety, with non-shared environments contributing to differences between individuals.
A trial testing a UK post-deployment screening programme found it ineffective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and alcohol abuse. Despite encouraging personnel to seek help, the program failed to improve mental health outcomes compared to standard general advice.