Articles tagged with Chronic Stress
A Northwestern University study found that 20 minutes of calming music significantly improves clinician energy levels and mood, increasing from 56% to 83% after the intervention. The music, designed to slow brain activity and promote relaxation, may provide an easy and practical way to support clinicians' wellbeing.
A new study identifies astrocytes in the brain's fear center as a key player in stress response and anxiety. The research found that restoring the antenna-like structure on these cells can ease stress behaviors, and a potential treatment target has been identified.
Expectant mothers in the Philippines used creative coping strategies to manage sociopolitical stressors, including reframing difficult circumstances and maintaining a positive outlook. The study suggests that how new moms cope with stressful news may be more important than the news itself, with 67% of participants citing financial stre...
The journal aims to bridge the gaps in real-world deployment, long-term safety, and systemic equity by establishing a comprehensive research pipeline focused on clinical efficacy, implementation, and safety. Research exploring workflow compatibility, equitable access, user engagement, and economic sustainability of DMHIs is welcome.
A new study found that living in greener neighborhoods is associated with lower levels of chronic stress hormones, such as cortisol and cortisone, during the second trimester of pregnancy. This discovery has significant implications for urban planners and policymakers seeking cost-effective ways to improve public health and well-being.
A digital therapy platform, iACT4CARERS, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in dementia carers after three and six months. The study, which involved almost 500 volunteers, found that carers using the platform had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those receiving usual care alone.
A new study published in JMIR Serious Games suggests that playing open-world adventure games can lower loneliness levels and increase stoicism in adults. The research found that specific types of games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Yoshi's Crafted World, provide a 'digital diet' for emotional well-being.
A longitudinal study found modifiable factors like emotion regulation, social support, and sleep quality influence psychological resilience in female athletes. Greater resilience was linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and perceived stress.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that women with HIV are more likely to die from preventable trauma-related conditions like substance use and mental illness. The researchers say these causes are largely missing from official death records, highlighting the need for broader goals in HIV care beyond just controlling the virus.
A new national survey found nearly all parents (97%) felt stress related to parenting in the past month, with children's behavioral issues and emotional/mental health being top sources of that stress. The Kids Mental Health Foundation offers free resources to help parents build healthy homes and reduce stress.
The study brings clarity to the field by agreeing on 19 dimensions of mental wellbeing, including six essential factors that define positive mental health. Positive mental health is separate from mental illness and involves emotional wellbeing, psychological functioning, and social connection.
A new study found that female post-9/11 veterans experienced a more significant decline in overall well-being compared to their male counterparts after the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported lower work satisfaction, higher underemployment, and less emotional support, with the sharpest difference appearing in work strain.
A landmark report reveals increasing levels of high and very high psychosocial risk across Australian higher education, driven by weaknesses in safety systems. The study offers universities a clear roadmap for action to prioritize staff wellbeing and create workplaces that support the wellbeing of their people.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
A study found that chronic stress and inflammation contribute to elevated mortality risk among Black Americans, with approximately half of the disparity attributed to these factors. The research suggests policy efforts to address structural racism and stress exposure can help minimize health risks.
Researchers found that an increasing number of preexisting maternal chronic conditions increases the risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women with multiple chronic conditions may benefit from preconception counseling, earlier identification of complications, and enhanced newborn supports to optimize outcomes.
A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...
Researchers developed a deep learning model to measure adrenal gland volume on existing CT scans, identifying the first imaging biomarker of chronic stress. The AI-derived biomarker correlates with validated stress questionnaires, cortisol levels, and future cardiovascular outcomes.
A new study reveals that 11.2% of Norwegians experience reduced capacity for work due to work-related anxiety. Experts stress the importance of a supportive culture at work, including psychological support from managers and colleagues, job security, and a safe working environment.
A new study from UC San Francisco found that saturated fat affects the behavior of a protein called PER2, which orchestrates fat metabolism and circadian rhythms. Mice eating a diet high in hydrogenated fats struggled to adapt to winter, whereas those on unsaturated fat diets adjusted easily.
Chronic stress reprograms tumor microenvironment, fueling cancer development and metastasis through stress-activated signaling pathways. Stress management may now be part of precision oncology, suggesting potential interventions like beta-blockers and behavioral approaches.
Research synthesizes current evidence on psychedelic therapy's potential to fundamentally alter treatment paradigms for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Chronic stress contributes significantly to psychiatric illness worldwide, leaving traditional treatments with residual symptoms or side effects.
Researchers identified five distinct sleep-biopsychosocial profiles, each associated with a unique pattern of brain connectivity. The study revealed that different aspects of sleep are related but can also be separable domains influencing biopsychosocial factors.
A new study reveals that autistic individuals identify loneliness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness as key factors contributing to their suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the need for improved access to support services and reduced stigma within society.
A study analyzing acute and chronic stress on rat brains reveals distinct effects on mental health. Acute stress triggers anxiety-like behaviors, primarily in males, whereas chronic stress is linked to depressive symptoms.
A new study reveals that autistic college students face dramatically higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their non-autistic peers. The research highlights the need for more mental health support for this underrepresented population.
A new national survey finds that nearly a third of parents (30%) report their child missed more than a week of school due to fear or anxiety. The Kids Mental Health Foundation offers free resources to help parents and caregivers understand and manage school avoidance.
Researchers found that older adults who challenge themselves to learn new things are less likely to experience loneliness or depression, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued skill learning is associated with improved mental health outcomes, including greater resilience to external stressors and reduced depressive symptoms.
A study of police organisations in Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales reveals rising levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health challenges. The research identifies key trends and insights into how policing organisations can enhance support systems to balance job demands with adequate resources.
Dr. Randy J. Nelson's research reveals that artificial light exposure disrupts immune function, causes neuroinflammation, and influences mood regulation. His work has significant implications for understanding depression and anxiety disorders, as well as the obesity epidemic.
A recent study published in Health Science Reports found that food insecurity does not affect the stress mindset of individuals. However, exercise was associated with improvements in neurobehaviors, including stress mindset and improved resilience.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that structured exercise programs improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in children. The study, involving 38,000 young people across 375 clinical trials, suggests benefits can emerge quickly, even for short periods of time.
Children from disadvantaged neighborhoods show blunted response to reward and loss, especially those with family history of depression. Growing up in chronically stressful environments may dampen reaction to good or bad events, increasing depression risk.
A national survey reveals worsening crisis in the nursing profession, with experienced nurses sending distress signals. Key findings include a troubling paradox between hopeful students and distressed experienced workers, highlighting the need for bold action to stabilize the profession.
Researchers found that immune system influences stress and fear behaviors by changing how brain cells communicate, but treatment with psychedelics can target these interactions and reduce stress-induced fear. The study suggests that psychedelics could reshape treatment for inflammatory disorders like anxiety and depression.
A new study suggests that chronic stress and an unhealthy diet may work together to fuel the early development of pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that both stress-related neurotransmitters and obesity-related hormones activate a protein called CREB, which is linked to cancer cell growth.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that overexpressing cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) in astrocytes promotes resilience to chronic social stress by reducing anxiety levels and depressive symptoms. The researchers also discovered an association between CB1 receptors and depressive symptoms in human brains.
A University of Missouri survey found that 78% of nearly 500 teachers have considered quitting since the 2020 pandemic. Experienced teachers were more likely to consider leaving due to inadequate administrative support and excessive workloads.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that chronic stress changes how the brain processes sounds, with higher decibel levels needed to trigger similar responses. This effect may be driven by a type of inhibitory cell becoming more active under repeated stress.
A groundbreaking study by University of Missouri researchers shows that embedded counseling services in veterinary programs lead to significant reductions in psychological distress among veterinary trainees. The study also highlights the critical role of mental health support in high-stress professional education, with implications for...
Dog owners cite emotional, physical, and social benefits of dog ownership, but also costly responsibilities. While daily life benefits include improved exercise and stability, the biggest cost is often cited as veterinary expenses.
A new study finds that not attaining a high school degree is associated with higher cancer mortality, while high allostatic load, a marker of chronic stress, also increases the risk. The researchers emphasize the need for educational attainment promotion and addressing social determinants of health to reduce cancer disparities.
A new study reveals how chronic stress disrupts the balance of gut microbiota to speed up the progression of colorectal cancer. The research identified a particular bacterial species as a potential therapeutic target, specifically Lactobacillus genus, which is essential for a healthy immune response against cancer.
A new UMass study identifies key factors influencing exercise among nursing students, including intrinsic motivation, social support, demographic identifiers, and health-tracking technology. The research aims to help nurses build healthy habits before entering the workforce.
A recent study by University of Missouri researchers found that giving nurses massages during their shifts can reduce physical aches and pains while improving mental rejuvenation. The study's lead researcher aims to create a healthier work environment where nurses are excited to remain in the profession long-term.
A new study from the University of Illinois examines the interpersonal effects of racial discrimination on parents and their adolescent children, finding that interactive effects of exposure to discrimination lead to increased psychological distress and lower levels of family support. The researchers identify four clusters of responses...
Researchers discovered that young adults with higher levels of inflammation were more likely to experience reduced cognitive function in midlife. Higher inflammation was associated with lower performance on skills testing and differences in executive functioning.
A study reveals that photobiomodulation applied to the brain-gut axis is effective in recovering cognitive alterations caused by chronic stress. The technique stimulates the activity of both the brain and the gut, promoting changes in the intestinal microbiota and improving neuroinflammatory processes.
Researchers at UTEP used prairie voles to study depression, finding they exhibit changes in behavior similar to humans, including weight loss and anhedonia. The study suggests that social defeat stress can activate the voles' stress response and lead to symptoms of depression.
A new study reveals that young adults look and feel older on stressful days, especially when they lack control over their lives. Researchers found a significant correlation between stress levels and subjective age in younger adults.
Researchers at Mainz University and the US-American BENFRA Center have demonstrated the effect of botanical products used in traditional Asiatic medicine on depressive states in fruit flies. The plants Withania somnifera and Centella asiatica enhanced resilience to chronic stress, alleviating symptoms of depression.
A study published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy suggests a possible association between chronic stress and an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted on 44,447 individuals between 18-65 years old, found that those with chronic stress or depression had a higher risk of d...
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.
Research found that chronic stress overrides natural satiety signals, promoting eating of highly palatable foods. Mice stressed with a high-fat diet gained twice as much weight as those not stressed, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet during stressful times.
Researchers found that glial cells in the gastrointestinal tract respond to stress signals from the central nervous system, leading to inflammation and exacerbating IBD symptoms. Chronic stress can impair treatment efficiency for IBD patients using steroids.
Researchers discover that senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can induce neuroendocrine transdifferentiation (NED) in breast cancer epithelial cells, promoting tumor progression and aging-related features. SASP's dual role in cancer involves both antitumoral and tumorigenic effects.
A team of researchers from The Ohio State University, University of California Davis, and Virginia Commonwealth University will investigate the biological mechanisms of chronic stress's effect on cardiovascular health. They aim to identify specific interventions that can help reduce health risks associated with chronic stress.
A new study by ETH Zurich researchers has developed a model that can predict stress levels in the office based on typing and mouse behavior, finding stressed individuals type and move more erratically than relaxed ones. The approach could help prevent workplace stress early on with anonymized data protection.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst epidemiologist is leading a team to better understand the effects of chronic stress on future health risks. They will examine metabolites in blood samples from a large, racially diverse population to identify potential biomarkers for heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.
A study in mice found that chronic stress impairs allopregnanolone production, a key neurosteroid involved in regulating emotions. This finding suggests that synthetic neurosteroid analogs might exert a beneficial effect in individuals with depression.