Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
High intelligence and worry both correlate with brain activity measured by choline depletion in subcortical white matter, suggesting co-evolution between the two traits. Worry may aid survival by causing individuals to avoid dangerous situations, leading to higher survival rates.
A new study from Lawson Health Research Institute shows that 75% of mental illnesses emerge by age 25. The First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP) provides direct access to specialized services for youth ages 16-26, leading to improved outcomes.
A new study finds that mothers of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are more critical than parents of other children, which can lead to poorer treatment outcomes. The research suggests that parental criticism is not a characteristic of the parent in general, but rather a specific response to their child's anxiety.
The study explores the relationship between distress tolerance, excessive worry, and anxiety symptoms in college students. Researchers found that distress tolerance plays a unique role in excessive worry, suggesting it could be a useful intervention in therapy.
Researchers found that intensive community-based lifestyle interventions tailored to individual needs can significantly reduce multiple risk factors for heart disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors alongside traditional cardiovascular risk factors to achieve synergistic effects.
A new study found that anxious individuals can detect negative odors more accurately due to heightened sensory perception, leading to increased anxiety responses.
A Stanford imaging study found that children with math anxiety show increased activity in fear centers and decreased activity in problem-solving regions of the brain. This suggests that math-specific fear interferes with the brain's information-processing capacity and ability to reason through math problems.
New research highlights the importance of nurses in alleviating concerns and existential issues in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Nurses can provide supportive care, address death-related concerns, and help patients locate resources to manage end-of-life affairs.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that work-focused psychotherapy can help employees return to work faster and improve their mental health over time. Employees who received this therapy were able to fully return to work on average 65 days earlier than those in standard therapy, with significant impro...
Researchers found that individuals with a fear of spiders perceive the spiders as larger than they really are, which can lead to avoidance and persistence of the phobia. This warped perception doesn't necessarily interfere with daily living but can impact treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that people who are more physically active report greater levels of excitement and enthusiasm compared to those who are less active. Daily physical activity, even if short in duration, can provide a feel-good effect, motivating individuals to stay active and continue their exercise program.
Men with anxiety traits experience higher post-operative pain ratings and longer hospital stays. Women report higher pain levels and are less satisfied with pain control following total knee replacement surgery.
Research challenges common assumption that direct employee involvement leads to high job satisfaction, which in turn boosts performance. Enriched job design approach offers employees discretion, variety, and responsibility, while high involvement management model encourages team working and idea-capturing schemes.
A new study examines the relationship between observed workplace incivility towards same-gender colleagues and negative emotions. Female employees who witness rudeness towards female colleagues experience higher levels of anger, demoralization, fear, and anxiety. In contrast, male observers are more affected by observing uncivil behavi...
The University of Houston has opened a new sleep and anxiety center for kids, offering empirically-based evaluation and treatment services. The center provides top-of-the-line treatment at no cost to participating families, including polysomnography and actigraphy assessments.
Researchers found that Crh and Oprm1 genes are implicated in anxiety and social behavior problems caused by excess MeCP2 protein in mice. Reducing levels of these genes alleviated symptoms, suggesting a potential treatment approach for patients with MeCP2 duplication syndrome.
A new study reveals that child abuse can alter brain activity, making children more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. The research shows that exposed children exhibit heightened responses to threat cues, potentially serving as an adaptive response but also increasing long-term vulnerability.
A recent study reveals the underlying physical causes of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. The findings suggest that early-life depression and anxiety can alter the structure of the developing brain.
Adults with congenital heart disease and implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) experience sexual performance problems due to fear of device shock. The study found men with ICDs had lower sexual function scores, especially those with high shock-related anxiety.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that individuals perform better when focusing on the team's effort, rather than their own. This approach boosts both individual and group confidence through effective use of self-talk motivational statements. The findings have significant implications for various contexts beyond sp...
Researchers found a strong connection between math success and activity in brain areas involved in controlling attention and regulating negative emotional reactions. Students who could focus their attention were able to complete difficult math problems more successfully.
Future-Directed Therapy has been shown to significantly improve depression and anxiety symptoms in patients by teaching them skills to think positively about the future. The new treatment approach focuses on helping individuals set goals, problem-solve, and plan for future events, leading to improved overall quality of life.
A study by LSU sociologists found that individuals with stronger sense of community attachment experienced higher anxiety, worry and fear during the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. Strong attachments can create a self-reinforcing cycle of stress and anxiety when communities are threatened by natural resource depletion.
A single high dose of psilocybin has been shown to induce significant and lasting changes in personality, particularly openness, in nearly 60% of participants. The study found that these changes were comparable in magnitude to those observed over decades of life experiences.
A new study found that 38% of patients with chronic conditions changed their preferences for CPR and mechanical ventilation over a year. Patients' decisions are influenced by factors such as health status, mobility, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the need for regular re-evaluation of advance care planning.
A study by Concordia University and the University of Manitoba found that most boys aspire to have an average physique rather than an idealized, lean, or muscular body. The research suggests that boys are critical of unrealistic beauty standards and view sculpted bodies as unnatural.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that false-positive newborn screening results do not lead to increased healthcare use, but preemies with false positives did have more outpatient visits. The study suggests that parental anxiety about false positives may be specific to certain groups.
A small clinical trial suggests that cognitive bias modification (CBM) may be as effective as in-person therapy or drugs in treating social anxiety disorder. Participants showed significant improvements on a standardized measure of anxiety and public speaking task after completing two exercises twice a week for four weeks.
A new study from Tel Aviv University finds that LGB soldiers in the US military experience high levels of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse despite official support. The researcher suggests that mandatory sensitivity training is essential to address this issue and create a more inclusive environment.
A prevention program for postpartum obsessive compulsive symptoms was developed and tested in a study, reducing anxiety and symptom incidence in mothers. The program incorporated cognitive behavioral therapy principles and was found to be effective in preventing symptoms from developing.
A new study demonstrates the benefits of self-affirmation in improving relational security and social behavior for insecure people. Participants who completed a self-affirmation task showed improved relationships and behaviors over two months.
A University of Virginia study found that intense light enhances fear or anxiety in mice, while dimmer light reduces it. The researchers discovered that the visual pathway responsible for this behavior is in the rods and cones, which can be used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
Research shows that a student's perspective can determine success or failure in school. For students with low working memories, there is little difference in performance related to cortisol production or math anxiety. In contrast, for students with high working memories, a positive outlook can lead to better performance under stress.
Residents of Sri Lanka who were internally displaced during the civil conflict have a higher prevalence of war-related mental health conditions. The study found that displacement is significantly associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A study by University of Washington psychologists found that the right match between parenting styles and child's personality leads to fewer depression and anxiety symptoms. Children with good self-control benefit from more autonomy, while those with trouble regulating emotions need more parental guidance.
A new study published in Archives of Sexual Behaviour found that personality characteristics and interpersonal factors are stronger predictors of infidelity than demographic variables. For men, propensity for sexual excitation and concern about sexual performance failure were significant predictors, while women who felt sexually incomp...
A study at Ohio State University found that omega-3 supplements decreased anxiety and inflammation in healthy medical students by 20% and 14%, respectively. The results suggest that increasing omega-3 intake through diet may be a more effective approach than supplementation for overall health benefits.
Researchers from Oxford University found that training tasks can shift how healthy teenagers think about social events, promoting more positive interpretations. The approach, called cognitive bias modification of interpretations, has the potential to change negative thoughts that drive anxiety in teenagers with high anxiety levels.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity exhibited reduced anxiety reactivity when engaging in high levels of physical activity. Regular exercise was shown to be an effective alternative or complementary strategy to traditional treatments for depression and anxiety problems.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that life experiences significantly influence the set points for anxiety and depression. Researchers used a large sample of over 12,000 twins to show that environmental factors have a lasting impact on mood stability.
Researchers found that aged mice showed increased activity and anxiety-like behaviors before sleep, similar to sundowning in humans. Changes in brain regions associated with attention, emotions, and arousal were also observed, suggesting a biological basis for the syndrome.
A new study found that anxious searchers are more likely to miss multiple objects, particularly the second target, due to anticipatory anxiety. The research, led by Duke University psychologist Stephen Mitroff, has important implications for training and testing searchers in homeland security and healthcare.
A meta-analysis of data from 63 countries found that societal values of individualism are the best predictors of well-being. Higher income and social equality also contribute to higher well-being, but the effect of money on happiness plateaus once basic needs are met.
A study at The University of Nottingham found that group therapy sessions can reduce anxiety and depression in MS patients, improving their quality of life. The treatment reduced costs for the NHS by almost £470 per patient, with savings also seen in GP visits and outpatient hospital costs.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that insecure individuals, particularly those with anxious-ambivalent tendencies, struggle with conflict in their sexual desire and relationships. Controlling partners tend to exhibit greater conflict, while avoidant types evince more problems in intimacy.
Regular cultural activities like visiting museums and theatres improve mental health in adults, with receptive cultural activities showing greatest benefits for men. Engaging in creative or active cultural activities also has positive effects on perceived health and well-being.
A recent study found that granting patients full access to their medical records increases their satisfaction without causing anxiety. The research, published in the Cancer journal, suggests that providing accurate information through medical records can complement verbal communication with physicians and improve patient outcomes.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that anxiety and depression are linked to risk-taking in young drivers, with women being more likely to exhibit this behavior. The research suggests that identifying young drivers at risk of psychological distress could help target them with specific road safety countermeasures.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that young drivers who engage in risky behavior, such as speeding and using mobile phones while driving, are at a greater risk of psychological distress. The study also discovered that women are more likely to experience increased psychological distress compared to men.
A Stanford study suggests that digestive problems early in life may increase the risk of developing depression. Researchers found that laboratory rats subjected to mild stomach irritation showed signs of anxiety and depression, including changes in behavior and stress hormone levels.
A study suggests that animal-assisted therapy can decrease patient anxiety in the pre-MRI setting, potentially reducing the need for anti-anxiety medications. The research, conducted at Monmouth Medical Center, involved 28 patients who interacted with a certified therapy dog before undergoing MRI scans.
Dr. Zeev Kain's P-TIPS program aims to create a calmer surgical environment for children by promoting positive behaviors among healthcare staff and parents. The program has shown promise in reducing anxiety and pain in pediatric patients, leading to improved postoperative outcomes.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital researchers shows that obese individuals with social anxiety related only to their weight may experience anxiety as severe as those with social anxiety disorder. The findings suggest that excluding obesity-related social anxiety from SAD diagnosis may hinder identification of the disorder.
Mexican migrants to the U.S. are at a higher risk of experiencing clinically significant depression and anxiety disorders compared to non-migrants. The study found that those between 18 and 25 years old have nearly four-and-one-half times greater odds of developing a depressive disorder.
Children with extreme social anxiety struggle to interpret facial expressions, confusing angry faces with sad ones. This misinterpretation can lead to problematic interactions and difficulties in making friends.
UBC researchers found that death anxiety leads people to support intelligent design and reject evolutionary theory. Studies suggest that existential concerns can be addressed by naturalistic approaches like evolution, promoting a sense of meaning and purpose.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a novel brain circuit that produces the opposite effect of anxiety, counteracting it instead. The discovery was made using optogenetics technology and found that stimulating this circuit enhances animals' willingness to take risks.
A new study uses optogenetics to precisely identify neural circuits responsible for anxiety, identifying two key pathways in the amygdala region that promote or alleviate anxiety. This breakthrough brings psychiatric professionals closer to understanding anxiety disorders.
A University of Iowa study suggests that people who feel depressed report experiencing a higher number of past symptoms, while those who feel anxious report more symptoms in the present moment. The study highlights the importance of considering mood when making diagnosis and treatment decisions.
A recent study by George Mason University psychology professor Todd Kashdan found that mindfulness can neutralize fears of dying and death. Mindful people showed less defensiveness toward others who didn't share their worldview, and were more diplomatic and tolerant when confronted with death-related thoughts.