Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
Researchers found that Puerto Rican children with parents reporting asthma were more likely to have depressive disorders. Children experiencing asthma attacks were also at higher risk for anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a gene, CREB, that regulates brain function during development and learning. Mice with only one copy of the CREB gene exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviors and consumed more alcohol than normal littermates.
A study found that immediate mammogram reading can decrease stress and anxiety in women, especially those receiving false-positive results. Women who received rapid evaluation of their mammograms reported less anxiety than those who had to wait several days for results.
A recent study by Cornell University found that NYC firefighters experience high levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after the 9/11 attacks. The study also highlights the importance of open communication, teamwork, and employee involvement in decision-making to improve firefighter well-being.
Researchers found cognitive behavior therapy significantly reduced hypochondriacal symptoms, beliefs, and attitudes, as well as health-related anxiety. CBT also improved social role functioning and daily living activities in patients with hypochondria.
Researchers found that cultured embryos led to decreased anxiety and small decreases in memory, but no differences in development. The study highlights the need for further research to optimize culture conditions for human embryos.
Researchers discovered that methamphetamine withdrawal is associated with significant brain changes in individuals with mood disorders. The study used PET scans to compare glucose metabolism in the brains of methamphetamine abusers and non-abusers, revealing lower glucose levels in regions linked to depressive disorders.
A study found that individuals with high levels of social anxiety use alcohol more often to relieve social discomfort and avoid social situations without alcohol. They experience greater relief from anxiety in social situations, but not full relief, suggesting a self-medication strategy that may lead to increased risk of alcoholism.
A new study has found that the starting dose of Lexapro is as effective as an optimally dosed Zoloft in treating depression. Patients treated with Lexapro experienced significant relief from depressive symptoms, with 75% achieving a 50% or better reduction in their Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores.
Researchers found that VR therapy with touch reduces anxiety and increases participants' comfort near real spiders. After three sessions, those who received touch-based therapy came within 6 inches of a live tarantula, compared to 5 feet for the control group.
A study analyzing data from 2,016 congregation members found that altruistic actions are associated with improved mental health. People who give help to others may be less likely to focus on their own anxieties and depression, leading to better mental well-being.
Researchers surveyed 183 households in five Mayan refugee camps, finding high prevalence of anxiety and depression among respondents. The study highlights the devastating effects of trauma and living in refugee camps on mental health, particularly among women.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that women have higher levels of anxiety after a heart attack compared to men. The researchers also discovered that both men and women under age 60 reported higher anxiety levels, while older individuals experienced lower anxiety due to their expectation of illness.
A new study measures the emotions of doctors-in-training, finding that anxiety, guilt, and compassion are prevalent feelings. The research highlights the importance of acknowledging and managing these complex emotions to improve medical education and patient care.
A new study suggests that psychological factors like anger and anxiety may boost heart risk in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy provides some artery protection for women with high levels of anger and Type A behavior, but not for those with anxiety or depression.
A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that a protein in the brain, CREB, controls drinking behavior in laboratory animals. Low levels of active CREB or neuropeptide Y correlated with symptoms of anxiety and excessive alcohol consumption.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that nearly three-quarters of hospitalized patients with anxiety received treatment, but symptoms were documented on less than half of their charts. The study highlights the need for systematic evaluation and objective measures to address anxiety management in healthcare.
A yearlong study of 932 children found that emotional distress can lead to negative views of oneself and the world, ultimately decreasing perceptions of competence. Children tend to blame themselves for failures and uncertainty in meeting performance standards, further exacerbating this issue.
A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that 55% of golfers with the 'yips' described physical symptoms, while only 22% attributed them to psychology. The research suggests a continuum of causes for the condition, including performance anxiety and focal dystonia.
Researchers discovered a correlation between a specific genetic variation in the COMT gene and higher levels of anxiety in women. Women with the COMT Met158/Met158 genotype tended to exhibit increased anxiety symptoms, as well as altered brain wave patterns associated with anxiety disorders.
A study found that stress can alter fetal heart rates in response to a woman's emotional state, potentially impacting long-term health and development. The research suggests that high anxiety levels may shape fetal heart rate patterns even before birth.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that family-friendly policies should prioritize protecting work from disruptions and fostering productivity. The study suggests that learning opportunities at work can be applied at home, providing a more beneficial balance between work and family life.
A team of researchers has identified a gene, Pet-1, crucial for serotonin neuron development, which is associated with abnormal anxiety and aggression in mice. The discovery provides a valuable animal model for understanding the causes of mood disorders and developing new treatments.
Researchers at the University of California - Irvine have discovered two new compounds, URB532 and URB597, that relieve anxiety by inhibiting the breakdown of natural neurotransmitters, similar to Prozac. These gentler biochemical approaches may lead to more effective and side-effect-free treatments for anxiety and depression.
A new information structure called Point of Information and Support (PIS) has been shown to reduce patients' anxiety and depression by providing personalized health information. The PIS comprises a library with booklets, videos, and essential information about cancer types and drugs.
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a potential target for anxiety-reducing drugs that may be less addictive and have fewer side effects. The research found that mice lacking a certain enzyme exhibit reduced anxiety levels, providing insight into the mechanisms of stress creation.
Mice lacking a specific gene have reduced anxious behavior and increased sensitivity to brain's own endogenous neurosteroids. The findings suggest PKCe as a possible target for developing novel therapeutics for anxiety treatment.
Researchers discovered a blocking enzyme that reduces anxiety without sedation, improving cognitive abilities and alertness. The study suggests a new route for treating anxiety without the side effects of existing anti-anxiety drugs.
Scientists have identified a potential new target in the brain for anxiety-reducing medications, which may provide less disruptive alternatives to existing sedatives. By inhibiting a specific enzyme protein kinase C (PKC-epsilon), researchers hope to develop new treatments that can modulate GABA function without addictive side effects.
Scientists study emesis in genetically engineered mice lacking specific PDE4 subtypes and infer that inhibition of PDE4D mediates nausea. The discovery could lead to the development of selective PDE4 inhibitors with anti-inflammatory effects, reducing side effects in humans.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine reveals that heart transplant patients with depression are at a higher risk of mortality compared to those without depression. The study found significant correlations between depression and poor post-operative survival in ischemic disease patients.
A study of 15 research studies found that high psychological distress was associated with an 8% increased risk of developing hypertension. The researchers suggest that the relationship between psychological factors and hypertension development is a significant concern for clinical health experts.
A study of 150 high school students found that anxiety was a prevalent issue among teens, with those experiencing more anxiety spending less time with friends and engaging in unhealthy behaviors. The researchers used hand-held computers to collect data, providing valuable insights into the adolescent mind.
A recent study reveals that girls tend to outshine boys academically, however, they suffer from increased internal distress and anxiety related to their performance. The research suggests that societal expectations and socialization can contribute to this phenomenon.
A recent study found that venlafaxine is effective in reducing symptoms of GAD in children and teens, with a significant decrease of 18.6 points on a standard measurement scale. The medication showed promising results in improving symptoms, with 64% of participants responding to therapy.
A study published in Nature found that mice without a serotonin receptor gene exhibit anxiety-like behaviors, indicating the gene plays a crucial role in regulating emotional circuitry. The research suggests that anxiety may be laid down during early development, and that adult brains without the serotonin receptor create normal behavior.
Duke University researchers found depression to be a significant predictor of worse quality of life and perceived shortness of breath in patients awaiting lung transplantation. The study suggests that treating depression could improve outcomes after lung transplantation, which could benefit patients with severe lung disease like COPD.
Three exceptional researchers have been awarded the Young Minds in CNS Award for their innovative work on residual symptoms in bipolar disorder, serotonin receptors in anxiety disorders, and thalamic neurochemistry in schizophrenia. The $20,000 award will support career development and attendance at international congresses.
Researchers report that a critical period between 5-21 days after birth is crucial for normal anxiety-like behavior, triggered by serotonin stimulation of the forebrain receptor. This timing enables long-lasting changes in brain chemistry or structure essential for normal emotional behavior throughout life.
A study of nearly 1,900 air travelers found that the percentage of people experiencing stress while flying increased from 60% to 81% since 9/11. Post-9/11 fliers are more focused on personal safety and security, with women being slightly more concerned than men.
A large Norwegian study found that nearly half of people experiencing gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea, also suffer from anxiety disorders. The study suggests that primary care physicians should not overlook depression and anxiety as potential diagnoses for patients with nausea.
A study found that relaxation techniques learned prior to cancer treatment reduced anxiety more effectively than those taught during treatment. These techniques also eased symptoms of nausea, pain, and emotional adjustment issues, helping patients feel more in control of their treatment.
A panel of experts recommends focusing on remission as the goal for treating depression and anxiety, rather than just partial improvement. This aims for virtual elimination of symptoms and restoration of psychosocial and occupational functioning.
UCLA researchers found that anxiety about breast self-examination leads to low compliance among high-risk women. Only 34% of participants performed regular breast self-exams, despite high rates of mammogram and Pap smear adherence.
A study of 430 women with a family history of breast cancer found that anxiety about breast self-examination was the primary barrier to compliance. Only 34% performed regular breast self-exams, despite 79% getting regular mammograms and 89% getting Pap smears.
A scholar warns that excessive information-seeking can exacerbate mental health concerns, particularly in times of high uncertainty. Brashers advises people to balance their desire for information with the need to avoid extreme anxiety, suggesting they listen to trusted sources and verify information through reputable agencies.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine discovered a molecular switch in CRF by replacing a single amino acid, allowing for the development of selective CRF-like agonists and antagonists. This breakthrough has potential applications in treating anxiety disorders.
A study found that negative emotionality is highly correlated with self-reported health problems in adolescents with alcohol use disorders. The study suggests that these health problems are predominantly of psychological origin, despite relatively normal laboratory and physical exam results.
A new study suggests that Asian Americans' higher anxiety scores on social phobia and anxiety tests may be a result of their culturally adaptive sensitivity in social situations. The researchers found that perceptions about norms were not related to the anxiety inventory scores among white Americans, but were related to those among Asi...
Women with chronic constipation exhibit reduced rectal blood flow, indicative of altered nerve function. This association is also seen with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and feelings of 'unfemininity',
A study published in Psycho-Oncology found that support groups significantly reduced anxiety among children aged 7-18 whose sibling was treated for leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancers. The five-session program enhanced feelings of control, allowing children to share experiences and emotions, and teaching them coping strategies.
A study by Jean Twenge found that young adults are experiencing high levels of anxiety due to social problems and isolation. The research suggests that trait anxiety can lead to increased mortality rates from conditions such as asthma and coronary heart disease.
Two new meta-analytic studies involving thousands of children and college students show that anxiety has increased substantially since the 1950s. Anxiety is associated with low social connectedness and high environmental threat, including media coverage and increasing individualism.
Perfectionists experience anxiety and depression when minor hassles pile up during the holidays. To mitigate this, Blankstein suggests planning ahead, involving others in tasks, and accepting help from loved ones. His study based on 443 university students provides valuable insights into perfectionism's impact on mental health.
Researchers found that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity exhibit increased fear of anxiety and experience reduced anxiety symptoms when drinking. This study suggests that high AS individuals may drink excessively to cope with anxiety, leading to a higher risk of alcohol abuse.
A new study found that professional ballet dancers experience injury rates comparable to those of athletes in collision sports, with an average time lost due to injury of 10.5 days. Anxiety and stress management programs can help identify at-risk dancers and reduce injuries.
Researchers developed a new virtual reality exposure therapy called Virtual Reality Exposure (VRE) to help individuals with a fear of flying. After eight sessions, participants showed significant reductions in anxiety and fear, with 93% having flown six months after treatment.
A study found that people with a particular variation in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) showed a greater fear response during a laboratory experiment. This variation is linked to increasing regulation of serotonin levels in the brain, which may play a role in anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that watching the video reduced anxiety and stress in patients before surgery, while also decreasing cortisol levels and pain medication needs. The study suggests that preparing for an operation by watching a videotape may improve coping abilities.
Scientists have found a genetic switch that helps calm anxiety in mice, revealing the role of Crhr2 receptor in reducing stress response. The discovery provides an initial motivation for further dissecting potential drug discovery programs.