Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
A recent study by Lund University found that group mindfulness treatment is as effective as individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating depression and anxiety. The study included 215 patients and showed significant reductions in symptoms of both conditions, regardless of the treatment approach.
A new study found that anxiety symptoms in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increase the risk of a faster decline in cognitive functions and accelerate brain damage, independent of depression. MCI patients with moderate or severe anxiety had a 33%, 78%, and 135% increased risk of Alzheimer's, respectively.
A Tel Aviv University study found that medical clowns significantly decrease anxiety and pain levels in children undergoing skin-prick testing. The intervention also reduced parents' anxiety before and after the test.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found a direct link between oxytocin levels in blood and cerebrospinal fluid and anxiety. Low oxytocin levels are correlated with high anxiety scores, suggesting that oxytocin may be a biomarker for anxiety and a potential therapeutic target.
Despite no detectable coronary artery disease, nearly three-quarters of patients experience severe or moderate symptoms before and after angiography. Symptoms persist in over seven out of ten cases. Validated questionnaires reveal higher anxiety levels, increased somatoform disorders, and hypochondria in these patients.
The study found that mental health problems differ among various subgroups of Hispanics and Latinos, highlighting the need for tailored mental health services. Depression affected 27% of the population, while antidepressant use was relatively low, especially among uninsured individuals.
According to research presented at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2014, nearly one quarter of patients in the study were depressed and nearly a quarter had received treatment for depression. Women were more likely to develop anxiety and depression after a heart attack compared to men, with current smokers also showing higher levels of anxiety.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research finds that flashy launches can backfire if products are truly innovative. Consumers get anxious when they can't understand a product's functionality, especially in stimulating retail environments.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University found that moderate sedation is used to calm anxiety in over half of patients, with fear of needles being the second most common reason. The study provides a guideline for when to use moderate sedation, but raises concerns about endodontist training and certification.
A new study found that IBS patients process pain signals from the gut abnormally, with depressed patients showing reduced central pain inhibition. Depression may contribute to the development or maintenance of disturbed pain processing in IBS.
A new study has identified the most common non-mygalomorph spiders found in international cargo, highlighting that many are harmless species. The study provides a simple key for proper identification of cargo-borne spiders to prevent costly and unwarranted measures.
A new video game called MindLight is being tested to see if it can help youth cope with and conquer their anxiety. The game, designed for children aged 8-16, uses neurofeedback technology to measure the player's level of relaxation or anxiety, providing a safe space for kids to practice regulating their emotions.
A new study reveals that news coverage of environmental disasters like the Exxon Valdez 2014 oil spill calms consumer anxieties instead of driving change. The media coverage creates a 'disaster myth' that directs attention to the company responsible, providing a dramatic closure, and distracting from systemic risks.
Researchers found that caregivers experience high levels of anxiety when caring for a newly diagnosed family member with mental illness, which decreases over time. The study also revealed differences in anxiety symptoms among women and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for interventions to support caregivers.
A study of over 200 nursing students found that many feel unprepared to care for dying patients, with anxiety and fear being major concerns. The students' idealized concept of a competent nurse differs from the actual situation, emphasizing the need for education and support to address these issues.
Researchers at Rockefeller University identified the molecular mechanisms of the stress gap in mice with similar genetic backgrounds. The findings suggest potential new markers for stress-related disorders and a promising route to developing new treatments.
New research shows parents' reactions to anxious children can reinforce anxiety, but giving positive attention and minimizing reassurance can help. Parents can monitor their own reaction and give their child credit for facing fears, leading to decreased anxiety.
A Canadian team outlines possible coping mechanisms for lost or stolen mobile devices, highlighting the importance of user awareness and organization security measures. The researchers found that many users are either unaware or unwilling to use security countermeasures, leaving them vulnerable to data loss risks.
A study by Susan R. Fisk found that women's anxiety in risky situations leads to worse task performance and lower grades than men, even when they have the same ability in non-risky settings.
Researchers found that rats with no explicit memory of an early childhood trauma developed PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of non-articulated brain processes in distress. This study challenges traditional views on PTSD treatment by emphasizing the role of physiologic arousal and other forms of learning.
Caregivers of Boston Marathon bombing victims struggled with guilt, anxiety, and isolation in the aftermath. Eight confidential Schwartz Center Rounds sessions helped them process emotions and cope with trauma.
A study found that acupuncture significantly improved the quality of life for early-stage breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors by reducing fatigue, anxiety, and depression. The intervention led to a significant reduction in these symptoms, with effects persisting for at least four weeks after treatment.
Researchers found that diverticulitis patients suffer from chronic symptoms such as anxiety, depression, bloating, and abdominal pain, which can significantly impact their quality of life. The study aims to develop a screening tool to better assess the long-term impact of diverticulitis.
A new study of National Lung Screening Trial participants found that those who received false positive diagnoses did not report increased anxiety or lower quality of life compared to those with negative results. The study suggests that informed consent and understanding of the high likelihood of false positives can mitigate potential p...
The American College of Radiology (ACR) disputes systemic patient anxiety concerns related to inconclusive cancer screening test results from computed tomography (CT) lung cancer exams. A study by Gareen et al suggests that anxiety effects are minimal, and the lifesaving benefits outweigh any downsides.
A study found that brain activity in two regions correlates with opposing emotional reactions during win-win choices. This suggests that these circuits evolved for different reasons, one for evaluating the outcome and the other for guiding actions.
A study by Depression and Anxiety reveals that children with relatives involved in the Boston Marathon manhunt experience a heavy mental health burden. The research found a significant increase in PTSD symptoms, emotional issues, and hyperactivity among these youth, highlighting the need for targeted support.
A recent study found that teens who are sensitive to light or noise after a concussion are more likely to experience emotional symptoms such as anxiety. Researchers also discovered that having anxiety can lead to attention difficulties, while irritability/aggression is linked to problems with attention.
A study published in Patient Education and Counseling found that the Four Habits Model significantly improves emotion-focused conversations between pediatric nurses and parents. The model's effectiveness was measured across four areas: preparation, communication skills, relationships, and confidence.
Researchers found that people create classification systems to deal with clutter, modifying rules or tolerating transgressions. Understanding everyday tidiness practices helps consumers negotiate social norms regarding tidiness, enabling them to cope with daily constraints and opportunities.
Researchers found that anxious children had enlarged amygdala volume and increased connectivity with other brain regions, compared to non-anxious children. The study's findings provide new insights into the neurodevelopmental origins of anxiety in humans.
A systematic review of 8215 studies found that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening does not significantly influence overall quality of life or result in long-term anxiety or distress. However, positive results can lead to short-term increases in distress levels.
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) affects young, well-educated women with severe symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and excessive fatigue. The syndrome is often misdiagnosed and inconsistently treated, leading to significant disability and impact on quality of life.
The study found that children's anxiety scores were lower in the presence of a parent during induction, with higher rates of good compliance (83% vs. 50%) and improved overall quality ratings (9.3/10). Parents who experienced this procedure also reported high satisfaction and willingness to repeat it.
A $26 million research project employs advanced technology to understand and treat psychiatric disorders by analyzing brain networks. The project aims to develop neural stimulation therapies to 'unlearn' detrimental signaling patterns, potentially eliminating symptoms.
Researchers found a significant association between reduced daily physical activities and mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. The study suggests that increased daily physical activity could be an effective way to reduce these symptoms in dialysis patients.
Researchers found that a revised version of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire, shortened from 87 to 20 items, can also assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study's findings suggest that the questionnaire may be a useful tool for understanding mental health disorders beyond OCD.
A Baylor University study reveals that making amends gives permission to let go of feelings of guilt and shame, allowing individuals to forgive themselves for past wrongs. The research also found that women are less self-forgiving than men and that the more serious the offense, the less likely one is to self-forgive.
A new study by Carl Weems found that anxiety intervention programs focusing on academic matters can help students handle test anxiety and other issues. The program was associated with decreases in test anxiety, anxiety disorder, and depression symptoms among participants.
A new study by Coventry University and Staffordshire University found that anxiety about a competitive situation makes athletes more likely to slip-up. The research tested 18 active young adults during identical physical tests, with participants experiencing worse coordination and higher mental anxiety in competitive trials.
A study of nearly 4,000 college students in 19 countries found that neurotics have unfavorable attitudes towards action and favorable attitudes towards inaction. This association is primarily driven by anxiety, and collectivistic tendencies may also play a role.
Women with false-positive mammogram results experienced moderate to extreme anxiety, yet remained more likely to undergo future breast cancer screening. The study found a significant association between false-positives and increased anxiety, but not necessarily changed plans for future screening.
Research by Baylor University and the University of Texas-San Antonio found that listening to gospel music decreases anxiety about death, while increases sense of control among seniors. The study, based on a nationwide survey, also showed positive associations between religious music and life satisfaction, self-esteem.
A telephone-based collaborative care model was effective in managing depression and anxiety in patients with heart disease, improving health-related quality of life. The study found that patients receiving the intervention had greater average improvement in mental health scores at 24 weeks compared to those in the control group.
Residents of poorer Chicago neighborhoods face more life-changing negative events and experience a range of serious health issues due to the complex interplay between traumatic events and lack of resources. The study's findings highlight the need for addressing poverty and providing support for vulnerable populations.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have created a novel method for controlling serotonin receptors using light, which could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety disorders. By utilizing optogenetic tools, the scientists were able to modulate mouse emotional behavior and reduce anxiety-like behaviors.
The study found that positive thinkers had less brain activity during a task where they were asked to put a positive spin on graphic images, while worriers showed increased activity. This suggests that positive thinking may be harderwired in the brain and could have implications for how negative thinkers approach difficult situations.
Researchers found that Wen Dan Tang significantly reduced insomnia-related anxiety in a sleep-deprived rat model. The traditional Chinese Medicine remedy also prevented decreased Ghrelin levels following sleep deprivation and increased Ghrelin receptor mRNA expression in the hypothalamus.
A study found that video glasses effectively distract patients undergoing minimally invasive treatment procedures, such as biopsies and catheter placements. Patients wearing video glasses showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels, with no adverse effects on blood pressure or pain levels.
A nationwide survey found a strong association between tooth loss and depression, as well as anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 451,000 respondents, revealed that individuals with depression or anxiety were more likely to experience tooth loss, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.16 for depression and 1.23 for anxiety.
A new study found that genetic factors explain about 40 percent of individual differences in math anxiety, while environmental factors account for the rest. The research suggests that genetic predispositions can both exacerbate and reduce the risk of poor math performance.
A mobile gaming app based on attention-bias modification training (ABMT) has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in stressed individuals. Playing the game for 25 minutes can have potent effects on anxiety, suggesting a potential 'cognitive vaccine' against anxiety and stress.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that younger adults experiencing heart attacks and angina received faster care if they were male. The study also identified gender-related factors affecting access to care, including anxiety levels and personality traits.
Researchers identify cannabinoid receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala, a key emotional hub involved in regulating anxiety and stress responses. The discovery may help explain why marijuana users take the drug to reduce anxiety.
Researchers studied how anxiety affects political attitudes and found that induced anxiety leads to stronger anti-immigration beliefs. Watching thrilling videos increased physiological reactivity and influenced people's opinions, even when unrelated to politics.
A study found that Facebook usage is associated with increased appearance-focused behaviors and eating pathology in college women. The study suggests that the desire for social validation through likes contributes to maintenance of weight and shape concerns and anxiety.
Research found that people with math anxiety struggle to comprehend messages about genetically modified foods, while those with high math skills and confidence can better understand. The study highlights the importance of improving math skills and building confidence in math abilities.
An animal study suggests that activating acid-sensing ion channels called ASIC1a in the brain's emotional control center can reduce anxiety-like behavior. The findings highlight a potential new mechanism for controlling fear and anxiety, paving the way for novel therapies.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that seven out of ten teenagers reported chronic pain, with depressed girls experiencing the highest rate. The researchers emphasize the importance of treating physical pain alongside mental health issues.
A new analysis of data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study reveals that anxiety is the biggest factor affecting thinking skills in midlife women with HIV. Mental processing speed and verbal memory were more closely linked to depression, anxiety, and hot flashes in both HIV-infected and healthy women.