Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
A Swedish study found that topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is characterized by symptoms such as redness, pain, and itching, often accompanied by sleep problems. The study aimed to understand the phenomenon of TSW, which many patients consider a cortisone dependence.
A new study published in PNAS found that sleep deprivation leads to memory control deficits, making it harder to suppress unwanted memories. REM sleep rejuvenates brain regions that support memory inhibition, reducing the likelihood of intrusive memories.
A new study reveals music therapy can deliver an immediate reduction in agitation and anxiety, as well as improvements in attention, engagement, and mood. Music helps individuals feel safer and more orientated, lowering levels of distress and improving wellbeing.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that older adults in the U.K. are more likely to be repeatedly victimized by cybercrime, resulting in significant financial loss. This demographic is particularly vulnerable due to factors such as health conditions and social isolation.
A study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research found that open-world video games provide cognitive escapism, reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer a sense of freedom and autonomy.
A new study by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that 64% of adolescents reported symptoms three or more times across their adolescent years. Girls were at increased risk and more likely to have a chronic course. Preventive strategies are urgently needed to address this public health problem.
Researchers found that a blunted response to reward feedback in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidal ideation. This study contributes to understanding neural risk factors for mental health disorders and developing new methods to assess mental health risks.
A study analyzed police data in Atlantic City, NJ before and after the start of the pandemic, finding a temporary reduction in dispatched calls for mental health services. Police-initiated contact also decreased slightly after restrictions began, but no long-term trend was found.
Researchers at Université de Montréal's CRCHUM discovered that inhibiting a key brain enzyme can reduce body weight and improve physical activity in mice. The study suggests that targeting specific neuronal pathways in the brain could be crucial for fighting obesity and metabolic disorders.
A randomized clinical trial found that cannabidiol (CBD) significantly reduced anxiety levels 2-4 hours after ingestion in women with advanced breast cancer. CBD's anxiolytic effect suggests its potential as a treatment for scan-related anxiety.
A new study explores whether CBD can reduce scan-related anxiety in advanced breast cancer patients, finding it was safe but did not significantly change anxiety levels. However, participants who consumed CBD experienced lower anxiety levels after treatment.
Increasing serotonin levels in the gut epithelium improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in animal studies, suggesting a new therapeutic approach. The study also highlights the risk of digestive issues in children exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy.
A study by the University of Southampton found that police investigators of Child Sexual Abuse Material experience high levels of depression and anxiety, with feelings of betrayal by colleagues and institutions being a significant predictor. In contrast, feeling successful and supported at work can act as a powerful buffer to these out...
The program aims to decrease opioid use by increasing provider knowledge of integrative therapies and providing sustained outpatient follow-up. University Hospitals will refine evidence-based integrative therapies such as music therapy and acupuncture to address acute pain.
A new Simon Fraser University study finds that antidepressants are associated with reduced genital sensitivity in 13% of users, compared to 1% of other psychiatric medication users. The study highlights the need for better patient education and warnings about potential side effects.
A global survey of over 4,700 food allergy patients and families found airline travel to be a significant source of worry and anxiety. The study suggests that reasonable accommodations, such as pre-boarding and allergen-free zones, can reduce stress for travelers with food allergies.
A new review synthesizes evidence from molecular studies, animal research, and human trials to understand how ayahuasca influences emotional processing and memory systems. Key findings include ayahuasca's dual action through serotonin receptor types 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A.
A new review reveals how sleep disturbances exacerbate dementia symptoms, impacting overall health and caregiver well-being. The study emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to address coexisting conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A new study suggests that a cancer peer support program called Stronger Together improved psychological outcomes, as well as overall quality of life, among patients with breast and gynecological cancers in Vietnam. The program showed promise for providing critical social support in low-resource settings.
A suburban clinic implemented an innovative approach to reduce behavioral health clinic wait times for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment. The new process uses self-administered screening tools and diagnostic interviews to confirm diagnoses and offer treatment, resulting in improved care access and patient satisfaction.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found the 'lizard brain' is connected to newly evolved social cognitive network regions, which are involved in thinking about other people. This link helps shape the function of the social cognitive network by giving it access to the amygdala's role in processing emotionally important content.
A scoping review reveals that forcibly displaced children and young people experience high rates of mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support their mental well-being.
A new study finds that US abortion policy changes have a significant impact on the mental health of young women, with increased rates of anxiety reported. In contrast, younger men living in states where abortion became illegal experienced decreases in anxiety symptoms.
Binghamton University Community Schools will expand mental health services in Chenango County with a $4.5 million grant, serving 2,310 students and their families. The initiative aims to address complex student needs and provide evidence-based social work support.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a specific brain circuit responsible for slowing anxious breathing, connecting the frontal cortex to the brainstem. This discovery may offer a scientific explanation for the beneficial effects of practices like yoga and mindfulness on alleviating negative emotions and could lead to the devel...
Behavioral therapies are proven to be the most effective treatment for Tourette syndrome, teaching patients how to manage tics using behavioral strategies. The therapies train patients to recognize early signs of an upcoming tic and implement strategies to reduce tic severity.
A study found that traditional paranormal beliefs are linked to increased stress and distress, while new age philosophy is not. The research used a new scale to measure paranormal belief and found that higher scores for traditional paranormal belief were associated with elevated distress and reduced coping abilities.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 found that heart attack survivors experience significant fear and anxiety about having another heart attack. The fear can be triggered by various factors, including new health information and lack of follow-up care. The study highlights the need for e...
A new study found that beta blockers, commonly used to treat heart attack patients with normal pumping function, may lead to increased depression symptoms. Researchers observed more severe depression symptoms in patients who received beta blockers compared to those who did not.
A study found that seniors vulnerable to emotional contagion are 8.5-10 times more likely to experience anxiety or anxious depression than less vulnerable individuals. Researchers analyzed data from 170 adults aged 55+, exploring the relationship between emotional contagion and psychological distress.
A recent study found that 85% of veterans who used psychedelics reported benefiting from the experience, with many seeking mental health care or returning to VA services. The survey also identified factors that lower the likelihood of negative outcomes, such as being older and using psilocybin.
The COVID-19 pandemic triggers a significant increase in pediatric mental health challenges, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, OCD, and suicidality. Theoretical models such as intolerance of uncertainty offer valuable insights into the mechanisms behind these increases.
A recent study found that exhaustion, cynicism, and inadequacy are interconnected dimensions of school burnout. Students who were emotionally engaged in their studies experienced less exhaustion and feelings of inadequacy. Effective support measures should be targeted to prevent burnout in general upper secondary education.
A new Curtin University study found that time spent on social media has a negligible effect on mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The research suggests that the relationship between social media use and mental health is complex, with some platforms having different effects on users.
High exam anxiety affects around 16% of UK students, impacting their full potential, according to Professor David Putwain. He advocates for 'temperature checks' and evidence-based psychological interventions to control negative thinking and recommends broad policy reforms.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that families who ate together more often during the pandemic had more positive interactions, shared news, and even used videoconferencing to connect with distant family members. This increased frequency was linked to improved quality of family time.
The Ask the Experts series offers practical psychological insights to address common challenges, such as exam anxiety, supporting loved ones with dementia, and managing technology use. The books provide clear advice grounded in science and easy to apply.
A new study reveals that couples living with rheumatoid arthritis who engage in joint problem-solving and emotional support experience lower depression and anxiety. The research highlights the importance of dyadic coping in improving relationship quality and patient well-being.
A study found that anxiety related to food allergies increased significantly in children, leading to an average of 2.1 allergens per patient and a 69% incidence of food-related anxiety. Psychology referrals for these patients increased by 50% over four years, with 60% completing at least one appointment.
A study by Northwestern University found that cross-talk between the hippocampus and cortex can predict chronic pain, with higher anxiety levels increasing precision. The researchers suggest targeting anxiety after injury to prevent chronic pain, paving the way for novel treatments.
Researchers found that fear memories start as broad associative memories, but become more specific over time. Individuals with high anxiety may struggle with integrating episodic memories, leading to persistent fear linked to cues.
This review identifies 24 traditional medicinal plants used in Sri Lanka to treat mental disorders. These plants exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties through compounds such as trigonelline, bacosides, asiaticoside, and quercetin.
Research suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain levels, anxiety, and heart rate, with patients experiencing a lower need for opioid medication. Music's calming effect may also contribute to faster recovery by easing the transition from waking up after surgery.
A new study adapted acceptance-based mental health intervention ACT-W to fit Uganda's unique socio-cultural context. The programme aims to equip employees with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and common mental health issues at work.
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
A study from the University of Surrey found that 99.73% of undergraduate medical students in Afghanistan exhibit symptoms of nomophobia, a fear and anxiety related to being without a mobile phone. Gender, age, and marital status are significant factors influencing nomophobia levels, with married individuals showing higher mean scores.
A new study by Concordia researchers found that one-third of adult childhood cancer survivors experience a severe fear of cancer recurrence, which can cause real distress. The study highlights the need for improved treatment and screening for this understudied population.
A new study found that cognitive psychological factors, such as how children remember and perceive traumatic events, are the strongest predictors of poor mental health outcomes. The research team developed four predictive models of risk factors for PTSD, Complex PTSD, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
A recent Canadian study reveals that transgender populations in Canada experience a significantly higher prevalence of serious mental disorders and suicidality compared to cisgender peers. The study, published in JAMA, is based on data from nearly 10,000 Canadians aged 15 or older.
A study by UC San Francisco found that more screen time is associated with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, and aggression in 9-10 year olds. The effects were small but consistent, with activities like video chatting and playing video games strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
A new study by Harvard researchers found that food insufficiency increased after pandemic-era SNAP emergency allotments expired, leading to greater use of food pantries and difficulty paying household expenses. Black SNAP participants reported higher anxiety symptoms than white participants.
Researchers have identified liver X receptor beta as a promising target for treating depression and anxiety, with key findings including LXRβ's role in regulating neurotransmission and neurogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for treatment-resistant depression and personalized medicine approaches in psychiatry.
A study by TIFR Mumbai and collaborators has identified the ventral hippocampus as a critical brain region in mediating the anxiolytic effects of psychedelics like DOI. The researchers found that targeting parvalbumin-positive interneurons in this region is key to reducing anxiety behavior.
A recent study by UC San Francisco and the University of Michigan found that childhood trauma can lead to increased pain, depression, and loneliness in older adults. Participants who experienced more traumatic events were more likely to experience these symptoms during their final years.
A study of over 1,329 adults and 1,907 caregivers found that two-thirds of adults with food allergies and three-quarters of adult caregivers reported psychological distress related to food allergy. The biggest barrier to access to psychological help was cost, highlighting the need for free or low-cost support.
A study by the University of Córdoba found that 98% of women in Spain experience street harassment, with 80% reporting monthly incidents. The research highlights the impact on women's psychological well-being, including increased anxiety and fear of rape, as well as self-esteem drops.
Researchers found that wearable fitness technology can provide greater control and certainty for Long COVID sufferers, but also anxiety and uneasiness. Participants used data from their watches to regulate energy expenditure and understand symptoms, leading to a degree of control over the disease and body.
A new review of evidence has found that buprenorphine-precipitated withdrawal occurs in only 0-13.2% of adults taking their first dose, with symptoms being generally mild. The study calls for better evidence to measure the true risk and encourages doctors and patients to use this effective treatment.
A study published in Neuron found that psychedelics, such as DOI, activate fast-spiking interneurons in the ventral hippocampus, which helps to silence other neighboring neurons and reduce anxiety in mice and rats. This understanding of brain chemistry could lead to the development of new drugs targeting anxiety.
A study by University of California San Diego researchers found that displaced Syrian refugees with higher self-compassion levels reported fewer poor mental health outcomes. The study surveyed 272 participants and explored the relationship between self-compassion and resilience in mitigating mental illness.