Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
Researchers found smokers are less physically active, lack motivation, and more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Smokers also reported feeling tired and had poorer lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life.
A team of researchers at Caltech has identified a new neural circuit in the lateral septum that plays a causal role in promoting anxiety states. Activation of this circuit increases stress hormone levels, suggesting that it acts to increase anxiety rather than reduce it.
According to a new study, nearly half of children treated for anxiety achieve significant improvement and are disease-free after six years. However, the same number of children do not fare well and require ongoing mental health therapy. The research emphasizes the importance of vigilant follow-up and monitoring to mitigate anxiety's lo...
A recent study published in Medical Care found that psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia and emotional distress have a significant impact on work-related outcomes. The study suggests targeting symptoms, rather than disorders, may help lessen the work impact of mental health issues.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that MDMA decreases activity in the limbic system, which is involved in emotional responses. The results suggest possible clinical uses of MDMA in treating anxiety and PTSD. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Dr. Kushner earned the award for his study on hybrid cognitive behavioral therapy versus relaxation training for co-occurring anxiety and alcohol disorder, which showed significant better alcohol outcomes four months after treatment.
A daily meditation practice of 30 to 40 minutes can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with various medical conditions. The study found moderate evidence of improvement in symptoms after an eight-week training program in mindfulness meditation.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found a link between anxiety and an increased risk of stroke over a 22-year period. People with high anxiety levels had a 33% higher stroke risk than those with low levels, possibly due to smoking, physical inactivity, and stress hormone levels.
A study of over 500 university students found that frequent cell phone use was negatively related to GPA and positively related to anxiety. Cell phone use also tended to be associated with lower levels of happiness.
Researchers found that anxiety, depressed mood, and physical disability among RA patients decreased by half over the past two decades. Improved treatment options, including early therapy intervention and biologics, have led to reduced disease activity and better daily living for these patients.
Researchers investigated epigenetic changes in response to maternal cortisol exposure, finding support for prenatal transmission of risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study highlights the importance of treating maternal prenatal depression and anxiety to mitigate newborn behavioral problems.
Research by University of Illinois expert Aric Rindfleisch found that materialistic individuals experience higher levels of post-traumatic stress, compulsive buying, and impulsive purchasing after traumatic events. Materialism amplifies distress and impairs coping mechanisms.
Researchers at Stanford University found that a larger amygdala and stronger connections with other brain regions are linked to higher anxiety levels in young children. The study provides new insights into the developmental origins of anxiety and could aid in early identification and treatment.
A study found that younger patients have a lower quality-of-life score after breast biopsy due to increased pain and anxiety. The researchers suggest tailored pre-biopsy counseling could minimize these effects.
A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to make decisions that are not swayed by unrelated emotions. This allows them to assess risks more accurately and make more informed investment choices.
Researchers have pinpointed specific brain regions and molecules associated with depression and anxiety, offering potential new avenues for understanding and treating these debilitating mental health conditions. The study suggests that targeting certain brain areas and chemical signals may lead to more effective treatments.
A study by Timothy Craig, MD, found that allergy shots decrease anxiety and depression in those allergic to wasp, bee, and ant stings. Allergy shots are the only treatment known to modify disease progression, making them life-saving for severe allergy sufferers.
A new study found that seven in 10 primary care patients with anxiety disorders eventually received adequate medication or psychotherapy, but this took years and was less likely for minorities. The study also showed that people with higher education levels were more likely to receive care.
A large-scale trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced symptoms of health anxiety in medical patients, with improvements sustained at 2 years. The treatment was delivered by non-specialist staff with minimal training and cost-effectively reduced healthcare costs.
A study of over 32,000 participants found that traumatic life events are the biggest cause of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the importance of a person's thinking style in determining their level of stress and anxiety.
A University of Missouri researcher has found that individuals genetically predisposed to anxiousness are less likely to volunteer and help others. Helping such individuals cope with their anxiety may increase their prosocial behavior, improving their overall health and well-being.
A new UNL study reveals a genetic pathway that connects social anxiety to prosocial behavior, finding carriers of a dominant gene are less likely to help others. The study suggests this pathway can influence an individual's level of social anxiety and their willingness to engage in pro-social behavior.
A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found that Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice reduced trait anxiety in people with high anxiety levels. Studies showed significant reductions in anxiety, especially in those with elevated anxiety levels.
Researchers discovered that neuroactive stress steroids trigger changes in the brains of methamphetamine-dependent rats during withdrawal. Flumazenil reversed these changes and prevented anxiety by reducing expression of a4βδ GABARs, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for stress-triggered anxiety.
Research suggests brain activity and hormone fluctuations play crucial roles in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with PMDD exhibit hyper-responsive amygdala activation in response to emotional stimuli, particularly low progesterone levels. The study aims to develop new treatment strategies for affected women.
A 2-year study found that two 90-minute group therapy sessions significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and behavior problems in British youth. The interventions targeted specific risk factors for mental health issues and were delivered by trained educational professionals.
A University of Iowa study found that mothers with prematurely born infants who participated in personal sessions with NICU nurses reported lower anxiety and depression symptoms. The sessions, led by a nurse, allowed the mothers to focus on themselves and their needs, leading to improved self-esteem and quality of life.
Researchers discover how anxiety affects olfactory processing, linking emotional centers of the brain. Neutral smells become distasteful under anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle that can heighten distress and lead to conditions like anxiety and depression.
Girls report higher levels of math anxiety in general surveys, but their actual math class performance reveals no significant difference from boys. Lower self-reported competence may be the underlying cause of this discrepancy.
Researchers at MIT have identified a key brain circuit that controls anxiety levels, providing new insights into the development of effective treatments. The study found that manipulating this circuit can boost or reduce anxiety in mice, suggesting a promising avenue for future research.
Researchers found that immune cells called monocytes are recruited to the brain in response to stress and promote anxiety-like behavior. Monocytes travel to specific regions of the brain, generating inflammation that causes anxiety.
A new study found that depressed adolescents are more likely to develop anxiety if they have a pessimistic outlook, poor family relationships, or a mother with an anxiety disorder. Mental health professionals may be able to target these high-risk youth and provide early intervention to prevent anxiety from developing.
Researchers have developed substrate-selective COX-2 inhibitors that relieve anxiety behaviors in mice by activating natural endocannabinoids without gastrointestinal side effects. The findings suggest a new approach to treating mood and anxiety disorders, potentially paving the way for clinical trials and new treatments.
Research suggests that early-life stress exposure increases adulthood anxiety, hormonal stress responses, and a preference for comfort foods. These changes may be used as self-medication to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
New research shows oxytocin's role in strengthening negative social memories and increasing future anxiety, contradicting its long-held association with love and social bonding. The hormone activates a brain region that intensifies the memory of stressful social interactions.
Research suggests that vitamins and minerals, such as B and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Supplementing with these nutrients may provide an alternative to psychiatric medicines for symptom relief.
Regular exercise reduces brain's stress response and anxiety by strengthening mechanisms that prevent excited neurons from firing. The study finds that physical activity enhances local inhibitory mechanisms in the ventral hippocampus, leading to a boost of activity in inhibitory neurons.
A new study by Long and Greenwood suggests that thinking about death can increase humorous creativity as a defense mechanism against anxiety. In the experiment, students who were subconsciously primed with the word 'death' wrote funnier captions than those who consciously wrote about it.
A new study has found that pre-existing insomnia symptoms in military service members prior to deployments may be at greater risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety upon return. The study also identified short sleep duration as a significant risk factor for new-onset PTSD symptoms.
The University of Houston has received a $675,000 grant to investigate the effectiveness of transdiagnostic cognitive behavior therapy for smoking cessation among individuals with anxiety disorders. The study aims to reduce tobacco use and develop an effective smoking cessation treatment that targets people with anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that sleep deprivation triggers excessive anticipatory anxiety by activating the amygdala and insular cortex. Innate worriers are more vulnerable to this impact, suggesting that sleep therapy could be a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.
A new study finds that estrogen replacement therapy decreases anxiety symptoms in girls with anorexia nervosa, which may help prevent relapse. The treatment also appears to prevent worsening attitudes toward body image and food.
A Johns Hopkins trial found that group psychotherapy significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among women survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The treatment achieved more dramatic results compared to individual support services.
A randomized controlled study found that short-term therapy delivered by para-professionals significantly reduced mental health symptoms among rape survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) was effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
A study by Oxford University psychologists found that stress or anxiety increases a 'belief in science' in non-religious people, which may help them cope with adversity. The researchers suggest that this belief can offer comfort and reassurance, similar to the benefits of religious faith.
A recent study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that meditation can significantly reduce normal everyday anxiety in healthy individuals. The study used arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain activity before and after four 20-minute mindfulness meditation sessions.
A recent study reveals that cancer survivors are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, with partners experiencing even more anxiety than survivors. The findings highlight the need for improved screening and follow-up support for both survivors and their families.
A recent study found that anxious men experience significantly greater impairments from anxiety during job interviews compared to women. The researchers suggest that societal stereotypes and expectations may contribute to this disparity. Strategies for reducing interview anxiety, such as preparation and practice, are also discussed.
A study published in JAMA Network found that patient-preferred music significantly reduced anxiety and sedation frequency and intensity in critically ill patients receiving acute ventilatory support. The intervention resulted in a 19.5-point lower anxiety score compared to usual care.
A clinical trial shows that listening to favorite music lowers anxiety by 36.5% and reduces the need for sedative medications in ICU patients on mechanical ventilators. The study also found that patients who listened to music spent more time being liberated from the ventilator than those in other groups.
A study published in JAMA Network found that creative arts therapies significantly improved anxiety, depression, and pain symptoms, as well as quality of life among cancer patients during treatment. However, the effects were reduced during follow-up.
Researchers discovered that individuals who use an emotional regulation strategy called reappraisal tend to experience less anxiety than those who suppress their emotions. Reappraisal involves reframing a problem in a positive light, finding the positives and focusing on challenging situations.
A world-first clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava significantly reduced symptoms of people suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorders. The study revealed Kava could be an alternative treatment to pharmaceutical products, with no significant adverse reactions or differences in liver function between the groups.
A CU-Boulder study found that rats forced to exercise by mechanized wheels showed reduced anxiety levels compared to sedentary rats. Humans who feel forced to exercise may also benefit from the mental health benefits of physical activity.
Researchers found Tylenol reduces psychological effects of fear and anxiety, suggesting the drug inhibits distress signals to the brain. The study built on previous research that acetaminophen can reduce social pain, advancing understanding of how the human brain processes different types of pain.
Researchers found that smoking and depressive symptoms in adolescent girls negatively impact bone accrual and may be associated with lower bone mass or osteoporosis. The study suggests these factors have a negative impact on bone health, increasing the risk of fractures in postmenopausal years.
A new Hong Kong-based study suggests that targeting feelings of mental defeat can prevent severe depression, anxiety, and daily activity interference among chronic pain patients. Mental defeat occurs when pain is viewed as an 'enemy' taking over life and autonomy.
Researchers from UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health discovered a core circuit responsible for the variability in symptoms shown by patients with severe anxiety. The study identified two distinct brain circuits: one shared among all anxious individuals and another specific to particular symptoms.
Researchers used optogenetics to study the interaction between two brain regions involved in emotional behavior. They found that stimulating one pathway increased anxiety-like behavior, while stimulating another pathway promoted reward-associated behaviors.
New research reveals that heart disease patients with anxiety are twice as likely to die from any cause compared to those without anxiety. Those with both anxiety and depression face a tripled risk of death. The study suggests that anxiety may underlie the risk previously attributed solely to depression.