Articles tagged with Anxiety
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that people who use both tobacco and cannabis are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who use tobacco only or neither substance. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 US adults and found a significant association between co-use and poor mental health outcomes.
A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.
A recent analysis of data from New Jersey found that the rate of hospital visits for self-harm and suicide attempts remained relatively stable, but diagnoses of suicidal ideation increased significantly over a 12-year period. The study suggests that changes in healthcare screening recommendations and coding regulations may be driving t...
Researchers found that culturally adapted Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT) are effective in treating anxiety and depression in Japanese youth. The studies highlight the importance of cultural adaptation, user-centered design, and careful implementation of CBT programs to improve learning and treatment outcomes.
Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues is linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels. Patients also report clinically meaningful reductions in pain and moderate-severe anxiety and depression.
A new study led by Anglia Ruskin University found that positive body image is strongly associated with better psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction. The research involved 56,968 participants in 65 nations and discovered that body appreciation was higher in single individuals and those living in rural areas.
A soft ball designed to support mental health has been invented, giving users a tangible representation of their breath to regulate emotions. The device, called PAWS, shows significant improvement in reducing anxiety and increasing protection against worry-induced thoughts, with an average 75% reduction in anxiety.
Research based on the Trøndelag Health Study found that people in good physical shape fill fewer prescriptions for anxiety and depression medications. The study suggests that improving physical fitness can help prevent anxiety and depression, with men experiencing greater benefits from exercise than women.
Researchers at McMaster University found that peer-led group cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered online significantly improved symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers. The model has the potential to substantially improve access to effective treatment for mothers with postpartum depression.
Researchers studied 1,500 middle-aged women and found that those with four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly twice as likely to be sexually inactive. The study also showed that these women were two times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction in midlife. Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen for childhood ...
Researchers at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research found significant effects of floatation-therapy on body image and anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa. The study showed immediate and sustained reductions in body image dissatisfaction and improved anxiety, which remained after treatment and lasted up to six months.
A new study by North Carolina State University reveals that posting about mental health challenges on LinkedIn can affect how potential employers perceive job applicants. Researchers found that disclosures about anxiety and depression led to viewers viewing candidates as less emotionally stable and less conscientious.
Researchers will examine neurological and psychological factors that lead to substance use in adolescents with anxiety symptoms. The study aims to identify predictors of adverse patterns of substance use and develop targeted interventions to prevent pathways.
A four-wave cohort study followed 800 children from age 10-16 to examine correlations between social media use and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The results showed no causal link, regardless of whether children used social media for self-expression or social interaction.
A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...
A study suggests that immune cells, particularly regulatory T cells, play a role in anxiety and depression, with reduced expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 associated with major depressive disorders. Depletion of these cells leads to increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice, highlighting their potential link to these conditions.
A randomized clinical trial found that a preoperative augmented reality walkthrough decreased preoperative anxiety compared to traditional education and handouts. However, there was no significant impact on postoperative anxiety, pain levels, or narcotic use in patients undergoing surgery.
The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommend mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and mindful movement to treat anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients. These interventions have strong evidence supporting their benefits.
National guidelines recommend mindfulness meditation, yoga, and music therapy for cancer patients experiencing anxiety and depression. The guidelines are based on strong evidence from clinical studies, providing a comprehensive approach to managing these common side effects of cancer treatment.
A large study of 175,000 participants found that shift work significantly increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and social connections, partially mediate this association, highlighting the need for public health interventions to promote healthy lifestyles among shift workers.
A systematic review found that social media use interventions improved mental wellbeing in over a third of studies, with significant improvements in depression. Therapy-based interventions were most effective, with 83% improvement rates compared to limited or no social media use.
Chronic pain is often accompanied by depression and anxiety, with a feedback loop creating a bi-directional linkage between the two. Successful treatment of depression and anxiety improves pain outcomes, but neglecting psychological symptoms can lead to long-term suffering.
A meta-analysis of multiple studies found no association between depression and anxiety and most types of cancer. However, the study found a link between depression and anxiety with a 6% higher risk of developing lung cancer and smoking-related cancers.
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center implemented a quality improvement initiative to improve documentation consistency and increase the capture of patient-reported outcomes. The findings show that music therapists' rates of capturing PROs increased significantly, with notable improvements in stress, pain, anxiet...
A global study analyzed data from over 6,600 families with a child with a neurodevelopmental condition to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their anxiety levels. The results show that anxiety increased for parents and children at the beginning of the pandemic, but decreased for children as they returned to pre-pandemic levels.
A study of 2,900 participants found that anxiety is a key factor in the mental health impacts of the pandemic, with women coping better when supported by friends and family. Men experience higher psychological stress due to job insecurity and unemployment.
A recent study from the University of Cambridge and King's College London found that over half of patients with autoimmune conditions experience mental health symptoms, but are rarely or never asked about in clinic. The study highlighted a significant gap in mental health support for these patients.
Conventional psychotherapeutic approaches for women with late-stage gynaecological cancers take too long and require too much stamina. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has shown promise in treating anxiety, depression, and end-of-life distress with rapid and sustained effects.
A new research programme called Prevail teaches employees evidence-based psychological techniques to manage mental health conditions, reducing stigma and sick days. The study found a 22% drop in recorded sick days among staff at the DVLA after implementing the programme.
A cluster of neurons in the brains of fruit flies has been found to control visual aversion to scary objects. The researchers discovered that these neurons release a chemical called tachykinin, which regulates vision when feeling afraid.
In a new study, Salk Institute scientists discovered that dopamine regulates anxious worm behavior in the presence of nipping predators. The findings illuminate how this dopamine-regulated brain pathway may be related to anxiety and could provide insight into human conditions like PTSD.
Internet search trends indicate a growing prevalence of biophobias worldwide, particularly in countries with large urban populations. Researchers analyzed search interest for various biophobia types and found an association between urban living and increased fear of certain organisms.
A new analysis of 13 studies confirms that in-person mindfulness courses reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months. The research found that roughly half of participants experienced a small to moderate reduction in psychological distress after completing the programmes.
A South African study found that interacting with children can promote a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing anxiety and depression in retirement home residents. The program, which includes activities like playing games and reading, also boosts mood and emotions.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that kindness meditation improves the retrieval of specific personal memories in people with a history of depression. After four weeks, participants in the meditation group showed increased memory specificity and reduced rumination compared to those in the control condition.
A recent study found that daily fluctuations in COVID-19 worry are linked to negative emotions during daydreaming. In contrast, nighttime dreams are more influenced by individual differences. The research suggests that relying on general questionnaires may not capture the complexities of inner experiences.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a group of nerve cells involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which are sensitive to oestrogen levels, were mapped using advanced techniques such as Patch-seq, Neuropixels, and optogenetics.
Incoming collegiate student-athletes who reported prior COVID diagnosis showed significantly higher depression scores, while most participants had mental health scores within established diagnostic thresholds. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mental health in this population after COVID recovery.
A study published in Brain and Behavior found that humor therapy reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants from various countries. The analysis included 2,964 participants and nine different countries, suggesting that humor therapy may be a feasible complementary alternative for clinicians, nurses, and patients.
Unaccompanied migrant children are vulnerable to persistent emotional distress due to their experiences. Ongoing psychosocial support is crucial after resettlement to mitigate these symptoms.
Research by Fiona Baker of SRI's Human Sleep Lab highlights the deep connections between adolescent sleep and overall health. Studies have shown that poor sleep patterns can affect brain development, weight gain, cognitive decline, and socioemotional difficulties in adolescents.
A study reports a CRISPR/Cas9 delivery system that reduces anxiety-related behavior in mice by modulating neuronal receptor pathways. The treatment, delivered through the nose, shows a 35.7% increase in time spent in light areas and a 14.8% decrease in marble burial compared to controls.
This study found that housing insecurity during childhood is associated with anxiety and depression symptoms later in life, including depression in adulthood. Social policies supporting secure housing may be a crucial prevention strategy for these mental health issues.
A new study tracking 554 UK undergraduates from May 2020 to May 2021 found high levels of psychological distress and anxiety during the pandemic. Students reported significantly lower wellbeing, happiness, and life satisfaction compared to pre-pandemic levels.
A systematic review of evidence found that Covid-19 led to an initial rise in depression and anxiety disorders across Europe, but rates did not return to pre-pandemic levels for many services. The pandemic exacerbated existing treatment gaps, with potential long-term repercussions.
A West Virginia University study found that over half of surveyed faith community nurses and leaders reported moderate-to-high stress and compassion fatigue. The researchers recommend team-based approaches to support these individuals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing burnout and promoting self-care.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that employees who frequently interact with AI systems are more likely to experience loneliness, insomnia, and increased after-work alcohol consumption. However, these effects may be mitigated by equipping AI systems with social features or limiting their use.
A new study found that federal and state lockdowns and health mandates implemented during the pandemic exacerbated mental health issues in people living in four US geographic regions. The research showed a significant increase in feelings of anxiety and depression, particularly in Southern states with Republican governments.
A University of Chicago Education Lab study found that a school-based group counseling program can significantly reduce PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Black and Latina girls. The program, Working on Womanhood (WOW), was found to reduce PTSD symptoms by 22% among adolescent girls in Chicago neighborhood schools.
A University of Ottawa team has discovered a vital role for the VGLUT3 transporter protein in modulating the development of Huntington's disease. The study shows that blocking glutamate release through this protein can lead to an amelioration of the disease progression, offering new hope for potential treatment approaches.
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that children and teenagers who volunteer tend to flourish mentally and physically. Volunteers were in better physical health, had a more positive outlook on life, and were less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of microglia in controlling anxiety-related behaviors. The study found that specific microglia populations activate anxiety behaviors while others dampen them, and these cells communicate with neurons to invoke behaviors.
A study analyzed tweets from nearly 500 emergency medicine physicians, finding a significant increase in expressions of loneliness, anger, and anxiety during the pandemic. Positive themes took a dive, while negative emotions dominated, with loneliness increasing by up to 17% compared to pre-pandemic years.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to less accurate recollections of event timing, particularly for events in 2021. Participants who struggled with timeline accuracy also exhibited higher levels of depression, anxiety, and lower resilience.
A study of 4,260 adults found that smoking cessation was associated with improved anxiety and depression outcomes. Sustained cessation for at least 15 weeks showed promise as a strategy for improving mental health in this population.
Researchers found volunteering associated with higher odds of excellent health and flourishing in children and adolescents, as well as lower anxiety in adolescents and behavioral problems in children. The study used survey data from across the US to explore the relationship between volunteering and child and adolescent health.
The prevalence of depression among adolescents increases with age, affecting up to 1 in 4 youths during the pandemic. More than 60% of adolescents with MDD also have co-occurring mental health conditions, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
A UC Riverside-led study created a virtual village to connect older people living with HIV, reducing social isolation and depression. The virtual space provided health, community-based, and personal resources, facilitating positive connections and friendships.
A study of 12,000 medical students found that poor eating habits established during post-secondary studies can contribute to future health issues. The researchers call for universities to provide healthy, affordable food options to prevent long-term problems.