Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
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.
TSRI researchers found that overactive CRF signaling in the amygdala produces a range of effects that override anandamide's stress-reducing capabilities, turning chronic stress into unchecked anxiety. Inhibiting FAAH could blunt CRF's effects and reduce signs of anxiety.
A longitudinal study by LMU Munich researchers found that positive emotions and success in math learning mutually reinforce each other. Students who enjoyed and took pride in math had even better achievement than those with high intelligence.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found nearly one-quarter of hospice caregivers experience moderate to severe depression and nearly one-third experience moderate to severe anxiety. Younger caregivers are more likely to be depressed or anxious.
Researchers found early predictors of anxiety and depression in newborn brains, with decreased connections between the amygdala and other regions increasing the risk of early symptoms. The study suggests that brain connections may be responsible for the development of problems later in life.
A study found that brain connectivity patterns in newborns can predict the development of anxiety and depression. Healthy full-term babies had similar brain connection patterns to adults, while premature infants showed decreased connections between the amygdala and other brain regions, increasing the risk of early symptoms.
A new study reveals that anxiety in postmenopausal women is associated with increased severity of physical symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disruption. The study found a significant link between anxiety and urogenital symptoms, highlighting the importance of screening for anxiety to improve quality of life.
A study found that psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, may increase the risk of death from cancer types such as bowel, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Higher levels of distress were associated with consistently higher death rates in these groups.
New research suggests postpartum depression and anxiety have distinct neural activity patterns compared to major depression. Women with PPD often experience less amygdala activation, while postpartum anxiety is estimated to be just as prevalent but receives less attention.
Finnish researchers have identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents by controlling newly born nerve cells in the hippocampus. The discovery provides a fresh insight into how the brain regulates mood and indicates potential for new anti-depressant drug development.
Researchers identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents by inhibiting JNK protein. This discovery provides fresh insight into the brain's regulation of mood and indicates potential for new anti-depressant drug development.
A study shows that testimony therapy plus ceremony significantly reduced symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression among Khmer Rouge torture survivors. The intervention was found to be effective, brief, culturally adapted and suitable for low-resource contexts.
A nationwide study found that states like Mississippi, Utah and Wisconsin scored low on attachment anxiety and avoidance, while having high marriage rates and fewer isolations. The top states for lovers also had lower temperatures and more regional charm.
A new Northwestern University study found that 13 speedy mini-apps, IntelliCare, significantly reduced depression and anxiety in participants who used them up to four times a day. The apps offer various exercises and strategies to improve mental well-being, resulting in a 50% decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms.
A national survey found that young adults who use seven to 11 social media platforms have more than three times the risk of depression and anxiety compared to those who use zero to two platforms. Multitasking, navigating platform rules, and committing social media faux pas may contribute to these negative outcomes.
A new study from Colorado State University found that using cannabis for depression or anxiety relief may not be the long-term answer. Researchers analyzed data from 178 college-aged users of recreational cannabis, who reported lower symptoms of one condition compared to another.
Research from NC State University and UBC reveals a strong predictor for postpartum stress and anxiety. A woman's history of drug use is associated with heightened symptoms after childbirth, making it a valuable tool for healthcare providers to identify women at risk.
A new method devised by Drexel University professor Connor Kerns to diagnose anxiety symptoms in children with autism has been proven effective. The Autism Spectrum Addendum (ASA) adds new questions to the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule - Child/Parent, helping determine behaviors related to autism versus anxiety.
A recent study from Umeå University found that young salmon's desire to migrate to the sea is partly limited by their fear of the unknown downstream. Researchers used anxiolytic medication to treat the salmon and found that treated fish migrated nearly twice as fast as untreated ones.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University links avoiding spiritual struggles with poorer mental health outcomes, including higher levels of depression and anxiety. People who fully engage with these struggles report better mental health than those who avoid them.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that psilocybin significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with life-threatening cancer. The treatment showed enduring effects for up to six months, offering a potential new model for treating psychiatric conditions.
A study published in Oncology Nursing Forum found that acupuncture improved recovery after mastectomy surgery by reducing pain, nausea, and anxiety. Patients who received acupuncture had a greater reduction in symptoms compared to those with traditional care.
Researchers found that palliative care intervention reduced decline in quality of life and depression among patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing stem cell transplantation. Caregivers also reported a smaller increase in depression.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that an abundance of white blood cells in the spleen can send messages to the brain leading to behavioral changes long after mice experience repeated stress. The study suggests that the immune system may represent a novel therapeutic target for treating mental health conditions.
Research published in BMJ Open found that people with health anxiety were twice as likely to develop heart disease as those without it. The study, based on 7,052 participants, suggests that health anxiety can be a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease.
A new study finds that using emotion regulation strategies like reappraisal in situations with control over outcomes may actually hinder well-being, while those with higher well-being use these strategies more in uncontrollable situations. Context plays a significant role in the effectiveness of emotion regulation strategies.
A new cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) resource has been developed to manage children's dental anxiety. The study found a significant reduction in dental anxiety and an increase in health-related quality of life among children who used the guided self-help CBT resource.
Researchers found that reminding people of close relationships decreases the need to anthropomorphize objects as a means of feeling socially connected. Attachment anxiety was also linked to this tendency, suggesting it may be a driven process to seek out support.
A University of British Columbia-led review of mind-wandering research provides a new framework for understanding thought dynamics, potentially improving mental illness diagnosis and treatment. The framework suggests that spontaneous thought processes, including mind-wandering, are essential for creative thinking and dreaming.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that young people with chronic liver conditions have a significantly higher prevalence of depression and anxiety compared to the general adolescent population. The most common concerns reported by these patients are fatigue, sleep difficulties, financial concerns, and low self-esteem.
A new study reveals that Latinos, particularly those who are Spanish-speaking, experience higher levels of preoperative anxiety compared to Caucasian patients. These patients also express a greater desire for detailed information about their surgery, including specifics about anesthesia and post-surgical care.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a protein called CRHBP that reduces anxiety in male mice by halting the activity of a stress-inducing hormone. In contrast, the same protein has no effect on female mice.
Researchers developed a fractional order model to estimate Lithium-ion battery charge, reducing errors of up to 1% compared to traditional methods. The model replicated the battery's performance and provided accurate results, promising to reduce drivers' anxiety on the road.
A new brain-scanning study found that engaging a specific part of the brain during mental math exercises is connected with better emotional health. The study suggests that this ability may reflect the brain's capacity to regulate emotions like fear and anger, and could inform new brain training strategies.
Researchers have discovered a biological link between anxiety and metabolic disorders, revealing microRNAs as key regulators of inflammation and metabolism. This finding offers novel opportunities for innovative diagnoses and treatments, including manipulation of microRNA activity through DNA-based drugs.
A new study found that patients with anxiety, phobias, and fears show greater improvement from therapy scheduled in the morning when cortisol levels are high. Morning sessions help psychotherapy patients overcome panic and anxiety better due to increased cortisol, facilitating fear extinction.
A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that a misinterpretation of brain function has hindered the development of effective treatments for fear and anxiety disorders. The researchers propose a new framework that recognizes the distinction between conscious feelings and behavioral/physiological responses.
A new survey shows that nearly one-quarter to one-third of family caregivers experience high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, with self-care behaviors declining as caregiving time increases. Family caregivers can spend over eight hours per day providing care, which affects their mental health if neglected.
A new study from Boston Children's Hospital reveals that specific neurons in the hypothalamus play a central role in triggering anxiety. Blocking these neurons selectively erased natural fears in mice, suggesting a potential more effective treatment for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who engage in high levels of physical activity are less likely to develop anxiety or depression, with a 15% reduced risk. Mental disorders are common in COPD patients, affecting approximately 40% of the population.
The author of a SLU commentary proposes a comprehensive model for improving mental health among medical students, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that nurtures rather than punishes. The approach includes tweaking the curriculum, offering electives and learning communities, teaching resilience training, and coping...
A new study found that iPads are as effective as sedatives in reducing child anxiety before surgery. The use of tablets also improved parental satisfaction and the quality of anaesthesia induction. Researchers concluded that non-pharmacologic tools like iPads can reduce perioperative stress without sedative effects.
Scientists at UNC School of Medicine have mapped a serotonin-driven anxiety circuit that worsens fear and anxiety in SSRI patients. A new compound blocks this pathway, potentially eliminating the side effect.
A new study from Ohio State University found that patients who experience anxiety after a kidney transplant are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days. The research suggests that standardized post-transplant care and training caregivers to convey empathy can reduce anxiety and prevent readmissions.
A recent study published in Social Personality and Psychological Science found that individuals with responsive partners experience lower anxiety and arousal, leading to improved sleep quality. Responsive social partners provide feelings of safety and security, crucial for high-quality uninterrupted sleep.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in boys aged 10-12. The study controlled for socioeconomic factors and found no such associations in girls.
A meta-analysis of 4,113 ICU patients found nearly one-third exhibit clinically important and persistent depressive symptoms. Persistent symptoms can last a year or more, affecting recovery and daily life.
Research from the University of Southampton found that financial difficulties worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression among university students. The study suggests a 'vicious cycle' where financial struggles exacerbate mental health issues, which in turn increase financial stress.
A study found a distinct brain-to-gut pathway where psychological symptoms begin first, while another pathway links gut symptoms to mental health. Higher anxiety and depression levels predicted IBS development within a year.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science identified a stress mechanism that regulates social behavior in mice, determining their willingness to form new relationships. The findings suggest that similar mechanisms may operate in humans, potentially informing treatments for social anxiety and other disorders.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy increases activity in brain regions controlling emotional processing, leading to reduced anxiety in youth at risk of bipolar disorder. The study's pilot trial showed significant improvements in clinician-rated and youth-rated anxiety following 12 weeks of treatment.
Research reveals that Urocortin-3 influences how mice interact with familiar and stranger mice, potentially shedding light on human social anxiety disorders. The study suggests a molecular mechanism regulating social behavior may be involved in coping with social challenges.
Researchers propose using nudges to influence patients' decisions to enroll in trials, leveraging psychology and economics. Strategies include conveying participant numbers, default enrollment in low-risk trials, and financial incentives.
A study found that severe non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy stages are associated with increased depressive symptoms in people with diabetes. Moderate or severe vision impairment, but not diabetic macular edema, contributed to the risk of depression.
A study found that palliative care-led informational and emotional support meetings did not reduce anxiety or depression symptoms among family members of patients with chronic critical illness. However, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found a significant genetic link between low attention control in early adolescence and four distinct anxiety symptoms. Low attention control is also linked to increased risk of depression, drug dependence, suicidal behavior, and educational underachievement.
A new mouse study suggests that autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may be linked to defects in peripheral nerves, rather than just the brain. The research found that mice with ASD-associated gene mutations exhibited abnormal touch sensitivity and anxiety-like behavior.
Researchers at Rice University found a link between emotional stress and Type 2 diabetes, with low inhibition leading to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6. The study showed that individuals with poor inhibition were more likely to develop diabetes due to the pathway from high anxiety to inflammation.
A global review of systematic reviews found that people under 35, particularly women, are disproportionately affected by anxiety disorders. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding how common these disorders are and which groups are at greatest risk, especially those with chronic health conditions.
Chronic stress alters the architecture of the brain's amygdala, leading to anxiety and depressive disorders. An experimental new drug may prevent this damage by increasing resilience in mice at risk for developing these conditions.