Research on stress and its effects on mind and body. Covers work stress and health, mood-supporting materials, stress-response cells, and deep sleep's role.
A new study teaches teenagers to reframe their stress responses from negative to positive driving forces. The intervention improves stress-linked health outcomes, including biological responses, psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in high-stress environments.
A new study by University of Bath psychologists highlights a significant rise in health anxiety among those who shielded at home, growing with time spent indoors. This contrasts with the general population, where anxiety decreased over time, indicating a pressing need for increased psychological support for 'shielders'.
A study led by Imperial College London researchers discovered that certain types of stress induce sleep in mice, which subsequently relieves anxiety. The findings suggest that a specific set of neurons detected and responded to stress hormone levels, inducing both NREM and REM sleep.
A UC San Diego study reveals six overarching themes contributing to physician job stress and suicide, including physical health deterioration and financial stress. The research calls for short-term solutions like improved access to primary care and long-term changes to address workplace culture and self-care.
Patients experiencing dissociative symptoms after trauma may be at high risk of developing severe post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and social impairment. Early interventions are crucial for these individuals.
Researchers from Tohoku University found that virtual training can decrease psychosocial stress response and lower anxiety levels, comparable to real exercise. The study used immersive virtual reality to simulate physical activity, inducing physiological changes and cognitive benefits in young healthy subjects.
A UCI-led study found that repeated exposure to hurricanes is associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and fear. Repeated threat exposure disrupts the natural healing process, potentially leading to a mental health crisis.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that dog-assisted interventions can significantly reduce stress levels in elementary school children, both with and without special needs. The research used salivary cortisol levels to track the effects of dog interactions on stress levels, revealing a decrease in cortisol levels after dog sessions.
Charité is leading four new EU projects tackling environmental impact on mental health, developing a cell therapy for IgA nephropathy, and improving AI-assisted stroke care. The projects aim to advance research and innovation in these areas.
A University of Illinois study examines how mothers' emotional involvement helps youth cope with peer stressors during middle school. The research reveals that youth who experience positive mother-child interactions and high maternal affect are more likely to engage in active coping strategies.
A Rice University study found that parents accustomed to home schooling felt more resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased physical activity. In contrast, parents whose public-school children were suddenly housebound experienced increased stress and lower resilience. The study highlights the importance of physical activi...
A recent Binghamton University study found that women experience reduced stress levels on weekends due to increased downtime. The research also discovered that physically fit individuals relax faster and can benefit from incorporating physical activity into their daily routine.
A new study finds that transgender adolescents are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their cisgender peers. The research suggests that targeted interventions, such as suicide prevention programs and gender-affirming care, can help reduce the burden of suicidality among this group.
Babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 show differences in motor function and relaxation, especially when held. Preliminary analysis suggests increased risk of neurodevelopmental changes compared to uninfected babies.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that dispositional mindfulness can significantly reduce and protect elite athletes from stress. Athletes who demonstrated greater mindfulness had lower levels of stress, both immediately after a COVID-19-related shutdown and at the end of their competitive season.
A peer-led, family-centered preventive intervention is being tested to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Bhutanese immigrants. The program, developed by Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, uses problem management plus (PMP) and addresses multiple stressors, resulting in improved coping skills and social networking.
A naturalistic study using eye-tracking technology found that intensive care unit nurses experience a higher level of mental workload, especially during the start of shifts, with shorter fixation and more sporadic gaze behavior in stressed nurses.
Researchers found that anticipating future stress related to elections can affect people's emotional well-being before anything has happened. Education was shown to help protect individuals against these stresses, even for those actively engaged in the political process.
A study of over 200 pregnant women found that prolonged stress and depression during the pandemic affected fetal brain development, including reduced white matter and delayed brain gyrification. The findings have major implications for basic science and informing public policy initiatives.
A small study suggests that maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with changes in the brain of developing fetuses. The study found decreased brain structure and volumetric measures in fetuses from the pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohort.
Male mice exhibit increased stress hormones and decreased pain sensitivity when near pregnant or lactating females, which is linked to a specific olfactory signal. This finding has significant implications for improving experiment reliability and represents a breakthrough in mammalian social signaling.
A University of Cologne study finds that children with same-sex parents exhibit comparable social adjustment as those with opposite-sex parents, showcasing the resilience of same-sex families.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics explores how genetics influenced an individual's quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research found that some people's genetic tendencies toward better wellbeing became more influential as the pandemic progressed, particularly due to social isolation.
A study found that women who received a brief romantic partner embrace prior to a stressful experience had lower cortisol levels than those without an embrace. In contrast, embracing had no effect on men's cortisol responses to stress. The findings suggest that romantic touch may have a unique impact on women's stress biology.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a devastating rise in adolescent mental health crises, with 60% of admitted patients exhibiting suicidal ideation or attempting suicide. Mental health admissions increased for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance-related disorders, particularly among girls.
A new study from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital – Psychiatry has found that Danish patients with mental disorders experienced a worsening of symptoms in connection with the invasion of Ukraine. The study analyzed over 500,000 clinical notes from psychiatric hospitals in Denmark and identified a sharp increase in clini...
Two studies found that approximately one in eight doctors experienced high levels of moral distress, which increased the risk of anxiety, depression, and burnout. Healthcare organizations can reduce moral distress by providing opportunities for discussing ethical concerns and supporting staff well-being.
A recent study published in PeerJ found that excessive sports training can lead to lower mood states and reduced heart rate variability. The research, conducted on amateur road cyclists, suggests that monitoring training intensity and recovery is essential for athletes' well-being.
A new study found that acute stress and repeated traumas in adolescents alter functional connectivity between the default mode, salience, and central executive networks. This may lead to a maladaptive response to stressful experiences and increased neural vulnerability.
A recent Dartmouth study using mobile technology compares emotional well-being of college students before and during the pandemic, finding significant differences in mental health and behavior. The research identifies two groups with differing experiences, with one group showing poorer mental health, anxiety, and stress.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that mothers with limited financial resources experienced tremendous stress during the pandemic. However, they also valued the opportunity to spend more quality time with their children, showcasing their resilience.
Two new studies found that surgical interns and LGBTQ physicians-in-training experience higher rates of depression than their peers. Surgical interns who identified as female or had a history of adverse childhood experiences were also at increased risk. The studies add to the growing body of knowledge about mental health concerns in me...
A comprehensive review of 40 years of published studies on the benefits of Maharishi Vastu architecture reveals its potential as a tool for promoting mental and physical health. The findings support the growing recognition that building design plays a key role in both causing and preventing humanity's health challenges.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that elevated anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnant women can alter key features of the fetal brain, decreasing their offspring's cognitive development at 18 months. This alteration also increased internalizing and dysregulation behaviors.
Researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of a six-week interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) intervention for addressing depression often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. IER strategies, such as turning to others for emotional support, significantly reduced depression levels in the treatment group.
A recent study found a consistent decline in the mental health of college students across the US over eight years, with significant increases in depression and anxiety among racial and ethnic minority students. The study also revealed a gap between symptom onset and treatment access, particularly for students of color.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that adult vaccination rates and social determinants of health impacted children's mental health during the pandemic. Stress surrounding the pandemic decreased in children after vaccinations were rolled out for adults in December 2020.
A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.
A new study found that partner support significantly influences changes in depressive symptoms over time, but relationship satisfaction and effective arguing have a weaker effect. The research suggests strengthening partner support can improve mental health for individuals in committed relationships.
A University of Essex-led study found that athletes who fixate on their mistakes and strive for perfection are at risk of psychological difficulty. The research suggests that perfectionistic concerns can lead to athlete burnout, causing them to view achievements as inadequate and create a self-fulfilling performance prophecy.
The pandemic significantly increased study burnout among university students, with engagement in studies dropping to its lowest level in late 2020. The conflict between demands and resources was a central factor, while basic psychological needs such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence played a crucial role in student wellbeing.
Researchers found high levels of mood disturbances and sleep disorders among COVID-19 patients, with increased fatigue increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues in COVID-19 recovery.
A study published in the Ochsner Journal found that 28.2% of current smokers reported increased tobacco use during the pandemic, while former smokers experienced no relapse. Researchers identified correlates of increased tobacco use, including mental health concerns and coping strategies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that Latino/a adolescents who took on greater childcare responsibilities due to COVID-19 experienced significant increases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and acting out behaviors. They also saw a drop in their grade point average.
A national study of thousands of young people reveals that state school pupils have similar mental health and life satisfaction to private school counterparts. After controlling for socio-economic background and ethnicity, the difference in happiness between the two groups vanished.
A study of 2,100 adolescent young carers in the UK found that 28% considered self-harming and 12% contemplated harming others. The pressure of caring for a family member or friend can lead to poor well-being and distress, particularly among girls.
A new study reveals that people who are resistant to vaccines often had adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect. These early traumas can lead to a legacy of mistrust, causing individuals to view institutions and authority figures with skepticism.
A new study from the University of Houston finds that firefighters with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to have relationship problems. The research, led by Donald A. Godfrey, discovered a link between PTSD symptom severity and difficulty regulating emotions in intimate relationships.
A UCI-led study has found that early life adversity can lead to microglia dysfunction, resulting in abnormal stress responses later in life. The researchers discovered that microglial pruning of excitatory synapses during brain development is crucial for refining functional circuits and preventing aberrant stress responses.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
Researchers found that maternal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in early childhood predicts child somatisation at school age. The study highlights the importance of considering family trauma history in pediatric consultations to improve patient care.
A survey of nearly 30,000 Korean high school students found a strong association between non-academic internet usage and mental health issues such as stress and suicidal ideation. Students who spent more time online reported better health, reduced stress, and fewer feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.
A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experienced increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that pandemic-related stress may exacerbate mental health issues in MS patients.
A pilot study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found that eight weeks of mindfulness training significantly reduced symptoms of trauma and depression in individuals grieving from gun violence. Participants showed notable improvements in life satisfaction, with benefits lasting after the program concluded.
A new study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that GPs reported stress, burnout, and anxiety due to COVID-19. Women doctors were more likely to experience psychological problems, while older doctors faced greater stress and burnout.
Researchers from UBC Okanagan and the University of Exeter found ketamine to have significant anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects in a comprehensive systematic review. The study suggests ketamine may be helpful in treating various disorders, including eating disorders, substance use, and anxiety.
A new study found that e-cigarette use significantly increases adolescents' risk of cannabis use, especially among those with externalizing mental health problems. However, for those with internalizing mental health issues, the relationship is reversed, and they are less likely to begin using cannabis.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that experiencing racism is stressful for Black youth, while taking action to address racism also contributes to stress. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between racism-related physiological stress and high-risk activism among emerging adults.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a key pathway in the brain that underpins anxiety and fear behaviors. The discovery provides a novel target for developing better treatments for anxiety disorders, which affect an estimated 264-million people worldwide.