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 examines how stress affects decision-making in older and younger adults, revealing that stressed older adults alter their behavior more significantly. The researchers found that stressed older adults were not only more cautious but also jerkier drivers, braking almost three times as much as their calmer peers.
Research found that coronary heart disease symptoms presented in the context of stress were identified as psychogenic in origin when presented by women and organic in origin when presented by men. This study sheds light on why there is often a delay in diagnosing CHD in women, highlighting a gender bias in diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that compassion meditation reduces inflammation and emotional distress in response to stress. Regular practice was associated with stronger reductions in inflammation and emotional responses compared to those who received a health discussion control group.
Family members of ICU patients experience high rates of post-traumatic stress and complicated grief that persist over time. Symptoms of anxiety and depression in these individuals tend to diminish with time, but screening is crucial to identify those at risk.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that mothers' stress levels contribute to their children's likelihood of being overweight, even in food-secure households. The study analyzed data from over 800 children and found that young children were most affected by household stress.
A study found that chewing gum helped relieve anxiety, improve alertness, and reduce stress among participants in a laboratory setting. The use of chewing gum was associated with higher alertness, reduced anxiety and stress, and improvement in overall performance on multi-tasking activities.
Researchers have developed a computer program that will help astronauts manage psychosocial challenges, including depression and interpersonal conflicts. The Virtual Space Station is being tested with veteran astronauts, providing private access to treatments even when they're far from Earth.
Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of dietary changes and complementary medicine to control inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) flare-ups. The studies aim to find alternative treatments with fewer side effects, targeting stress reduction and gut bacteria balance.
A new study by the University of Washington found that natural scenes can reduce heart rate and decrease stress faster than technological representations. When participants spent more time looking at a natural scene through a window, their heart rates decreased faster, whereas this effect was not observed when watching a similar scene ...
A randomized controlled trial found that exposure therapy was more effective than cognitive restructuring in preventing PTSD in individuals with acute stress disorder. Exposure therapy reduced distress ratings and promoted full remission, suggesting its potential as an early intervention for high-risk patients.
A new University of Melbourne study found that nearly one in five working women and one in eight working men experience preventable depression caused by job stress. The study estimates that more than 21,000 cases of preventable depression are caused by job stress each year.
Researchers found socially subordinate females consume calorie-rich foods at a higher level, leading to accelerated weight gain and increased fat-derived hormones. Dr. Wilson believes this may be linked to changes in metabolism and cortisol levels.
A new study finds nearly one-third of children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience hallucinations or delusions, which are associated with higher risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms. The study suggests that sedation and physical environment may play a role in reducing these symptoms.
A new study by Rochester Institute of Technology found that sign language interpreting causes more physical stress to the extremities than high-risk industrial tasks, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
A University of Michigan study finds that work hassles, such as psychological strain and conflicts with coworkers, are more likely to interfere with sleep than long hours or job insecurity. Respondents who experienced these stressors were more than 1.7 times as likely to develop sleep problems.
Researchers identify gene variation associated with mental stress-induced ischemia, a condition that increases the risk of heart attack and sudden death. About two-thirds of patients with coronary artery disease experience detectable mental stress-induced reductions in blood flow to the heart.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no statistically significant increase in calls with periods of increased alert among New Jersey law enforcement officers. Researchers analyzed call data from a crisis hotline and did not detect a pattern of increased calls corresponding to an elevation in the alert level.
A study by sport psychologists at the University of Washington found that providing parent workshops alongside coach training decreases performance anxiety and stress in young athletes. The research demonstrated the effectiveness of this combined approach in improving the youth sports experience.
Research suggests that workplace bullying has more severe consequences on employees' well-being and job satisfaction compared to sexual harassment. Employees who experienced bullying reported higher levels of stress, anger, and anxiety.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that Sept. 11 terrorism-related thoughts and fears are associated with increased psychological distress and alcohol abuse in Americans. The study measured the effect of macro-level sociological stressors on mental health, four years after the attacks.
A study on monkeys found that moderate prenatal exposure to alcohol and stress can lead to touch sensitivity in offspring. Researchers suggest that reducing sensory sensitivities at an early age may help prevent behavioral problems associated with fetal alcohol-related issues.
Researchers found a 53% increase in cardiovascular ailments after Sept 11 stress, with high anxiety levels three times more likely to report heart problems. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests that even indirect exposure to extreme stress can lead to long-term health consequences.
A new study published by Temple University found that adding a brisk walking routine can reduce psychological symptoms like anxiety, stress and depression in postmenopausal women. The research suggests moderate-paced exercise can help maintain mental health throughout the menopausal transition.
A landmark public health study has found that people who had a low birth weight are more likely to experience depression and anxiety later in life. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,600 people born in Great Britain in 1946, suggests a dose-response relationship between birth weight and mental health outcomes.
A Cornell University study found that trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD or depression exhibit persistent differences in stress response, including lower cortisol levels and prolonged negative moods.
The study found that older workers generally reported low levels of work-related stress, with 47% agreeing that time pressures are a source of job stress. Workers who experience less job stress are more satisfied with their life and are overall in better physical health compared to those who report higher levels of job stressors.
A meta-analysis of 46 studies on telecommuting involving 12,833 employees found that flexible work arrangements result in higher morale, lower employee stress, and improved performance ratings. The study also showed that women may derive greater benefits from telecommuting, with improved career prospects and better work-life balance.
A study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans found that men and women's brains respond differently to stress, with women exhibiting stronger lasting responses in the limbic system involved in emotion. The findings suggest a fundamental difference in stress response between genders.
Altered levels of an enzyme controlling brain hormone production linked to social isolation-induced anxiety and aggression in mice. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the psychological effects of social isolation, which could lead to the development of new treatments.
The University of California - Los Angeles School of Dentistry has received a $1,876,920 NIH grant to develop an innovative tool for rapid and reliable assessments of the stress response to trauma as evidenced in saliva. This technology aims to unite healthcare providers in delivering comprehensive care to patients with facial trauma.
Mice subjected to psychological stress are more susceptible to skin infections due to decreased expression of antimicrobial peptides by the epidermis. Inhibiting glucocorticoids may improve immune function in stressed individuals.
A new study by University of Washington researchers found that a mastery motivational climate, focusing on personal improvement and having fun, has a greater impact on young athletes than winning. Athletes who played for coaches with this approach reported higher enjoyment, better relationships with the coach, and improved skills.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in treating alcohol dependence. The four-year study aims to develop an increased ability to cope with stress and enhance psychological well-being among alcohol-dependent individuals.
Researchers found that darkness amplifies the impact of social stress on anxiety levels, with a startle response boosted in healthy volunteers. The study suggests that stress can alter nervous system function and contribute to anxiety disorders.
A team from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh is studying the effectiveness of a wrist-mounted instrument called eWatch in measuring psychosocial stress exposure. The study will collect data on participants' daily activities, stress levels, and environment to understand how stress affects daily life.
A new study from Université Laval found that people who experience chronic job strain after a first heart attack double their risk of suffering from a second one. Researchers discovered that high levels of work stress increase the probability of experiencing another CHD event, even after taking into account other health factors.
A study in China found that body-mind meditation improved attention and reduced stress in college students. The integrative body-mind training (IBMT) approach showed greater benefits than relaxation training in reducing cortisol release, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
A study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy significantly improves psychological symptoms and well-being in RA patients, but has no impact on disease activity. After 6 months, the MBSR group achieved a 35% reduction in psychological distress.
Women with metastatic breast cancer who have endured previous traumatic or stressful events see their cancer recur nearly twice as fast as others, according to a study. The median disease-free interval was 2.5 years for those with traumatic experiences, compared to 5 years for those without.
A study in primates suggests that infants and children carrying a specific gene variant may be more vulnerable to the effects of fetal alcohol exposure. The research identifies a potential genetic marker for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which can help recognize susceptible individuals early on.
A Review in The Lancet emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle in reducing stress to manage risk factors associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Studies have shown that both acute and chronic stressors can increase the risk of cardiac events, with major life changes and emotional stressors being key contributors.
A new study reveals that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract, lowers ADHD symptoms in children by reducing stress hormones. The findings suggest a significant stress hormone-lowering effect for a nutritional supplement, providing hope for parents seeking alternative treatments.
A study by Temple University researcher Kathleen Black identifies warning signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension, including increased stress levels, which can indicate worsening conditions. Women experiencing headaches, dizziness, frequent vomiting and malaise should call their physician immediately.
A study by Durham University researchers found that mothers who cradle their babies to the right hand side are displaying signs of extreme stress. This finding could help identify mothers at risk of developing post-natal depression.
A University of Michigan survey found that nearly half of Air Force women experience little to no impact from family separation on their work, but those with higher family-work conflict rates are more likely to suffer symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study aims to identify areas where interventions can reduce this source of stress.
A recent study found that stress management is positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in older white men. Conversely, hostility and social isolation were not associated with HDL levels. The research suggests a potential protective role of coping mechanisms in maintaining healthy lipid profiles.
A literature review found a strong relationship between stress and periodontal diseases, with 57% of studies showing a positive link. Patients can reduce their risk by minimizing stress through healthy habits such as exercise, balanced eating, and positive mental attitude.
A comprehensive study by University of Texas researchers reveals 237 complex motivations for human sex, including physical, emotional, and insecurity-based factors. The findings challenge common assumptions about the simplicity of human sexuality.
People on polar expeditions often experience disturbed sleep, impaired cognitive ability, and interpersonal tension. However, many also report feelings of camaraderie, mutual support, and personal achievement, highlighting the complex impact of these extreme environments on mental health.
A study by Dr. Jacky Boivin found that women using complementary therapies had a lower pregnancy success rate and were more negatively affected by their fertility problems than non-users. The researchers suggest that women may use complementary therapies for stress reduction, but further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A recent study by Cardiff University found that social stress and marital stress increase over time for men with male factor infertility, while mental health decreases. Despite the common misconception that men experience more emotional distress when infertile, the research shows that men in all four categories suffer equally.
A survey of 401 oncology registrars found that 102 experienced psychiatric morbidity, with depression being a major concern. The study suggests that better support and supervision can alleviate stress and improve performance.
A study of 2,737 physicians in their first post-graduate year found that extended duration work shifts increased the risk of medical errors and stress. Interns working five or more extended shifts had seven times greater odds of reporting fatigue-related medical errors.
Researchers identified a brain molecule, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), that increases amyloid beta levels in response to stress. Blocking CRF with a drug may provide a new way to decrease amyloid beta and delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are investigating endocannabinoid, the 'brain's own marijuana,' to regulate stress and anxiety. The study aims to develop a new pharmacotherapy strategy for stress-related mood disorders.
A study by the American Academy of Periodontology identifies smoking and lack of sleep as significant lifestyle factors impacting periodontal health. The study found that current smokers were at high risk for periodontal disease progression, while getting seven to eight hours of sleep can help prevent it.
A systematic review found that psychological counseling and learning coping skills can significantly decrease arthritis-related disability and improve quality of life. The study analyzed 27 randomized controlled trials involving 3,409 patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Children experience traumatic events, such as parent imprisonment or sudden separation, without developing PTSD. More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by age 16.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that a single high-fat meal can make people more prone to physical harm from stress. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, compared the stress responses of students who consumed a fast-food breakfast versus those who ate a low-fat breakfast.
Researchers found that alcoholics experience impaired HPA axis reactivity, leading to increased stress vulnerability. Exercise can exacerbate this issue, but a balanced approach is recommended for early abstinence.