Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
A study of 350 million primary care visits found that mental health concerns are a significant part of everyday care, affecting 1 in 9 patients. The prevalence of mental health issues was equal to respiratory and cardiovascular complaints, with depression, anxiety, and psychosis being common conditions.
A groundbreaking article proposes a transdiagnostic framework that views neurodivergent conditions as points on a spectrum rather than distinct categories. This approach acknowledges the shared characteristics and complex interplay between these conditions and recognizes their frequent overlap with mental health challenges.
Patients with low-risk cancers undergoing active surveillance experience anxiety caused by uncertainty, a problem that persists even after diagnosis, leading to negative responses such as fear and avoidance of decision-making. Medical interventions are needed to address this anxiety and improve patient-centered care.
A new study found a 15% increase in benzodiazepine prescriptions among postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers suggest that the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of postpartum depression and anxiety were exacerbated by the pandemic-induced healthcare crisis.
A UBCO study found that patients face barriers when discussing psychedelics with physicians due to stigma and perceived lack of knowledge. The study analyzed data from 800 adults who use psychedelics, revealing that nearly 60% felt less satisfied with communication about psychedelics compared to previous conversations.
A new review found that one-third of children with chronic pain also meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder, while one in eight meets the criteria for a depressive disorder. The study suggests that clinicians should consider screening for mental health issues when treating young patients with chronic pain.
A study by HSE University scientists found that changes in heart rate can serve as an early biomarker for anxiety and depressive disorders. The research used PPG technology to analyze heart function during cognitive tasks, revealing more pronounced changes in individuals with higher levels of anxiety or depression.
Researchers created a mouse model to study relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), revealing the syndrome impacts the entire body and affects males and females differently. REDs leads to hormonal and reproductive issues, insomnia and fatigue, bone weakness and injury, and anxiety and depression.
A cohort study found no association between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and increased risk of suicide death or related disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study included mostly patients with type 2 diabetes.
A study of over 5,000 Australian high school students found that those with severe depressive symptoms were more than twice as likely to have tried e-cigarettes. The research highlights the urgent need for effective mental health support to prevent vaping onset during early adolescence.
A new study published in JRSM Open found that pain is the most prevalent and severe symptom reported by individuals with long Covid, affecting 26.5% of participants. Demographic factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, education level, and socioeconomic status significantly impact symptom severity.
A new study published in the Stroke journal found that people with brain aneurysms are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including anxiety. The study, which analyzed data from over 85,000 people, found that younger adults were particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
A cohort study found elevated depression and anxiety levels in unvaccinated people with COVID-19 diagnosis compared to before or without the virus. Vaccination was associated with lower incidence of mental illnesses after hospitalization for COVID-19.
A self-guided CBT app, Maya, significantly reduced anxiety in young adults, with improvement levels similar to anxiety medication studies. The study found that the app's interactive platform and real-time feedback helped users learn new skills and coping mechanisms.
A new study explores how older adults in a South Florida retirement community coped with the pandemic, finding they grew stronger and more resilient. Participants discovered new interests, deepened relationships, and used technology to adapt, leading to increased confidence and life appreciation.
A recent review of 57,470 patient cases shows that rare cancer patients are nearly three times more likely to develop anxiety and depression compared to common cancer patients. The study highlights the need for early identification and intervention to address mental health risks in this group.
A study of 1,300 emerging adolescents found that higher parental technoference levels were associated with increased anxiety symptoms, inattention, and hyperactivity. The findings highlight the need for parents and emerging adolescents to discuss digital technology use and mental health as part of routine care.
Researchers analyzed national Medicaid data to identify perinatal and postpartum outcomes among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Autistic pregnant people had significantly higher probability of postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression compared to other groups.
After two major health policy shifts, pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety received slightly more psychotherapy and paid less out-of-pocket costs. Despite the positive trends, only about 10% of women with private insurance received psychotherapy in 2019 to 2020.
Researchers found that air pollution affects people differently, causing some to feel less aroused and more negative. The study suggests that this effect can contribute to increased anxiety risk and inform climate adaptation planning.
A recent study by Washington State University found that entrepreneurs who connected their pitch anxiety to their passion for their venture performed better in funding pitches and were more likely to receive recommendations. This emotional reframing strategy was shown to be effective in leveraging anxiety as a positive energy source, r...
A new study led by CU Boulder computer scientist Theodora Chaspari found that AI algorithms can be confused by natural variations in speech patterns between different genders and races. This can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of mental health concerns like depression.
Researchers highlight acute need for mental health services and support for men with prostate cancer. The study found that 15% of prostate cancer patients started anti-anxiety and antidepression medications at diagnosis, while only 6% sought help from mental health services.
A lack of adaptive equipment and trained staff in commercial gyms creates significant barriers to exercise for people with disabilities. The study highlights the need for more accessible options and awareness programs to encourage continued physical activity among this population.
A new analysis found that people hospitalized for heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions within the first year after hospitalization. Early mental health screening and intervention are crucial for patients and their loved ones.
A new study found that Cannabigerol (CBG) significantly reduced feelings of anxiety at 20, 45 and 60 minutes after ingestion, with stress ratings also decreasing. CBG's effect on memory was unexpectedly positive, enhancing the ability to recall lists of words.
A study of nearly 150,000 young people found a strong association between breakfast consumption and life satisfaction. Regularly eating breakfast was associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, while skipping breakfast was linked to lower life satisfaction scores.
Researchers found that adults with chronic pain experience higher rates of anxiety and depression but access mental health care at lower rates. Only 44.4% of those with chronic pain received adequate treatment for their symptoms, compared to 71.5% without chronic pain.
A new study at Tel Aviv University found that geckos experience a sharp increase in metabolic rates when exposed to rocket explosions, leading to energy depletion. The researchers hypothesize that this stress response may apply to many other animals in conflict zones.
A prospective cohort study found that both chronic and new anxiety were associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. The presence of chronic anxiety was linked to a 2.8-time higher risk, while new onset anxiety was associated with a 3.2-time higher risk.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that mothers' mental health suffers when their families lack food resources, especially if they are the ones going without food. The study highlights the need for strategies to help moms or caregivers manage their mental health during times of food insecurity.
A study found that 'floating duck syndrome', where individuals present themselves as effortlessly high-achieving, leads to underinvestment of effort towards goals and spreading oneself too thinly. This phenomenon is exacerbated by social media platforms and institutional public relations, causing individuals to invest too much total ef...
A new study suggests that even temporary increases in drinking can have lasting effects on bipolar symptoms, but the opposite isn't true. The research found that individuals with bipolar disorder who drink more than typical for them are more likely to experience an increase in depressive and/or manic symptoms over six months.
Salk researchers created tools to study neuropeptides, finding they control the brain's fear response in mice. Neuropeptides are released during a mild stimulus, triggering fear behaviors, which can be reduced by silencing their release.
A recent study suggests that eco anxiety and 'lie-flat' lifestyles are costing the world trillions in lost productivity. The research, published in One Earth journal, highlights the need for major changes in global economic and political systems to address climate and biodiversity crises.
A meta-analysis published in Ecopsychology found that even brief nature exposure can have a positive effect on symptomology, including affect, anxiety, and depression. The study suggests using nature exposure as an intervention to improve health and wellbeing for adults with mental illness.
A recent study found that habitual doomscrolling on social media can lead to feelings of existential anxiety, pessimism about human nature, and distrust. Researchers surveyed 800 university students from Iran and the US, discovering a link between excessive negative news consumption and increased anxiety, despair, and misanthropy.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that mental health apps can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in individuals waiting for their initial psychiatric appointment. The study, which involved over 2,000 patients, showed improvement in all groups, regardless of the app used.
Medical debt exacerbates the mental health treatment gap among US adults, particularly those with depression and anxiety. The study highlights the need for new policies to protect against this financial barrier and ensure access to mental health care.
Researchers found that bowel movement frequency is linked to long-term health, with younger people, women, and those with lower BMI tending to have less frequent bowel movements. The study also showed associations between bowel movement frequency and chronic disease risk, mental health history, and gut microbiome composition.
A new study highlights the importance of friendships in supporting young people who self-harm, while also considering the potential negative impact on friends' own mental wellbeing. The review recommends that adults should extend support to young people who disclose a friend's self-harming behavior.
A Duke University study found that by adulthood, Black men and women in the U.S. have developed mental resilience to everyday discrimination, including microaggressions, potentially limiting its impact on their mental health. White young adults may lack these coping strategies, making them more psychologically distressing.
A new study introduces a novel hypothesis that digital technologies affect human sociality and mental health, particularly among youth. The Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis suggests cultivating rich personal relationships in face-to-face communities to counterbalance disembodied digital interactions.
A UTEP study found that employed veterans experience lower levels of depression, stress, and higher positive emotion compared to unemployed veterans. Employment is a critical public health intervention that enhances emotional well-being and quality of life for veterans with disabilities.
A recent study by Amsterdam University Medical Center found that women who survive cardiac arrest are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression compared to men. The research also showed a significant decrease in employment rates and earnings among survivors, highlighting the need for better support after a cardiac arrest.
A new study links dengue fever to a higher risk of depression, both short- and long-term. Researchers analyzed medical records of nearly 50,000 people who experienced dengue fever in Taiwan and found an elevated risk of depressive disorders across all timeframes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that technology-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is as effective as face-to-face CBT in treating anxiety and depression in children and young people. The study highlights the potential of technology-assisted CBT to expand access to mental health treatment.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that increased social media usage 18 months into the pandemic had a negative effect on college students' mental health. Students who spent more time on social media were more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
Neuroscientists have identified a region of the brain that regulates escape behavior in mice, revealing its role in anxiety and PTSD. The study found that inhibitory neurons can be turned up or down to control sensitivity to threats.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that uncertainty drives anxiety by changing how we perceive hazard rates. The study found that when the timing of a potential threat is unknown, our brains respond with increased anxiety.
A new study published in PLOS ONE explores the implementation of a paper-based system for collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in an outpatient integrative health and medicine (IHM) setting. The research found that provider, operational, and clinical-level factors have a greater impact on successful completion than patient factors.
A Northwestern University study found that learning and practicing positive emotion skills like gratitude, mindful awareness, and self-compassion can improve health care workers' well-being and reduce stress and anxiety. However, the intervention only works for those who practice it regularly.
A new study by UCL researchers found that people with anxiety over the age of 50 are at least twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease. The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, also identified symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbance, and fatigue as risk factors for developing the condition.
Research on mice exposes to cannabidiol during gestation shows altered behaviors and brain changes, affecting nerve cells involved in processing emotions. The study suggests a public health priority to understand CBD's impact on developing nervous systems.
A new study found that a fatigue-management program improved sleep duration and reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among Seattle police officers. The training also lowered rates of falling asleep while driving.
A study led by a University of Hawai‘i scientist found that planetary science community members experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general U.S. population. The survey also highlighted issues faced by marginalized groups, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
A high-fat diet in adolescent rats disrupts resident gut bacteria, alters behavior, and influences brain chemicals to fuel anxiety. The study also found a link between the high-fat diet and altered expression of genes involved in serotonin production.
A systematic review of 14 studies found that mindfulness reduced anxiety and stress to a statistically significant extent. The study highlights the importance of combining mindfulness with improving work conditions to manage symptoms of anxiety and stress among nursing staff.
A study led by UCLA Health found that emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) significantly reduces chronic pain among older adults compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. EAET helps patients confront and release traumatic emotions, leading to a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.
Research reveals diverse impacts of anxiety, depression, and discrimination on substance use among young adults, with varying effects by race or ethnicity. The study suggests that everyday discrimination is associated with increased likelihood of substance use in all product forms.