ScienceDaily: Anxiety News

Breakthrough on Huntington's disease

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:29:29 EDT

Researchers have succeeded in preventing very early symptoms of Huntington’s disease, depression and anxiety, by deactivating the mutated huntingtin protein in the brains of mice.

Insomnia may cause dysfunction in emotional brain circuitry

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:12:12 EDT

A new study provides neurobiological evidence for dysfunction in the neural circuitry underlying emotion regulation in people with insomnia, which may have implications for the risk relationship between insomnia and depression.

Antidepressant reduces stress-induced heart condition

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:37:37 EDT

A drug commonly used to treat depression and anxiety may improve a stress-related heart condition in people with stable coronary heart disease, according to researchers at Duke Medicine.

For combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, 'fear circuitry' in the brain never rests

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:32:32 EDT

Chronic trauma can inflict lasting damage to brain regions associated with fear and anxiety. Previous imaging studies of people with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, have shown that these brain regions can over-or under-react in response to stressful tasks.

Skydiving is never 'plane sailing'

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:57:57 EDT

Skydivers show the same level of physical stress before every jump whether a first-timer or experienced jumper, say researchers.

Brain-imaging study links cannabinoid receptors to post-traumatic stress disorder: First pharmaceutical treatment for PTSD within reach

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:50:50 EDT

In a first-of-its-kind effort to illuminate the biochemical impact of trauma, researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a connection between the quantity of cannabinoid receptors in the human brain, known as CB1 receptors, and post-traumatic stress disorder, the chronic, disabling condition that can plague trauma victims with flashbacks, nightmares and emotional instability.

World first clinical trial supports use of Kava to treat anxiety

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:57:57 EDT

A world-first completed clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava, a medicinal South Pacific plant, significantly reduced the symptoms of people suffering anxiety.

To suppress or to explore? Emotional strategy may influence anxiety

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:33:33 EDT

When trouble approaches, what do you do? Run for the hills? Pretend it isn't there? Hide? Or do you focus on the promise of rain in those looming dark clouds? New research suggests that the way you regulate your emotions, in bad times and in good, can influence whether -- or how much -- you suffer from anxiety.

Chronic pain sufferers likely to have anxiety

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:31:31 EDT

Patients coping with chronic pain should also be evaluated for anxiety disorders, according to new research.

Link between intimate partner violence and depression

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:56:56 EDT

Not only are women who have experienced violence from their partner (intimate partner violence) at higher risk of becoming depressed, but women who are depressed may also be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence, according to a new study.

Psychological trauma after miscarriage is more likely in women using assisted reproduction

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:43:43 EDT

Subfertile women who conceive through assisted reproduction are more likely to experience a greater traumatic impact following early pregnancy loss compared with women who conceive naturally, suggests a new study.

Forced exercise may still protect against anxiety and stress

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:02:02 EDT

Being forced to exercise may still help reduce anxiety and depression just as exercising voluntarily does, according to a new study.

Longer days bring 'winter blues' -- for rats, not humans

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:24:24 EDT

Biologists have found that rats experience more anxiety and depression when the days grow longer. More importantly, they discovered that the rat's brain cells adopt a new chemical code when subjected to large changes in the day and night cycle.

Social stress and the inflamed brain

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:38:38 EDT

Depression is the leading cause of disability with more than 350 million people globally affected by this disease. In addition to debilitating consequences on mental health, depression predisposes an individual to physiological disease such as heart disease, and conversely heart disease increases the risk of depression.

Intranasal neuropeptide Y may offer therapeutic potential for post-traumatic stress disorder

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:38:38 EDT

Stress triggered neuropsychiatric disorders take an enormous personal, social and economic toll on society. In the US more than half of adults are exposed to at least one traumatic event throughout their lives. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a debilitating anxiety disorder associated with exposure to a traumatic event outside the range of normal human experience.

Mindfulness therapy might help veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EDT

A new study shows that veterans with PTSD who completed a mindfulness-based group treatment plan showed a significant reduction in symptoms as compared to patients who underwent treatment as normal.

Acute stress primes brain for better cognitive and mental performance

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:45:45 EDT

Chronic stress is known to cause major health problems, yet acute stress can be good for you. A new study shows why. Stress generates new nerve cells in the brain that, two weeks later, help you learn better. Thus, unlike chronic stress, acute stress primes the brain for improved cognitive and mental performance.

Anxious about life and afraid of death? Tylenol may do the trick, study suggests

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:23:23 EDT

Researchers have found a new potential use for the over-the-counter pain drug Tylenol. Typically known to relieve physical pain, the study suggests the drug may also reduce the psychological effects of fear and anxiety over the human condition, or existential dread.

Drug could improve working memory of people with autism, study finds

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:24:24 EDT

Investigators found that propranolol, a drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety and panic, improves the working memory performance of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Pain improves during first year but mental-health problems linger in returning veterans with major limb injuries

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Few studies document short- and long-term pain and behavioral health in combat-injured service members with major limb trauma. In a 2-year longitudinal study, multiple post-injury pain and related outcomes are reported.

Most effective PTSD therapies are not being widely used, researchers find

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:24:24 EDT

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects nearly 8 million adults in any given year, federal statistics show. Fortunately, clinical research has identified certain psychological interventions that effectively ameliorate the symptoms of PTSD. But most people struggling with PTSD don't receive those treatments, according to a new report.

Google searches about mental illness follow seasonal patterns

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:12:12 EDT

Google searches for information across all major mental illnesses and problems followed seasonal patterns, suggesting mental illness may be more strongly linked with seasonal patterns than previously thought.

Reframing stress: Stage fright can be your friend

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:30:30 EDT

Fear of public speaking tops death and spiders as the nation’s number one phobia. But new research shows that learning to rethink the way we view our shaky hands, pounding heart, and sweaty palms can help people perform better both mentally and physically.

Study looks at importance of coping skills during hospital stays

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:26:26 EDT

New research looks at how coping strategies used by a mother when her child is hospitalized impacts that child's anxiety level.

Research identifies co-factors critical to PTSD development

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:42:42 EDT

New research has found that the action of a specific gene occurring during exposure to adolescent trauma is critical for the development of adult-onset post-traumatic stress disorder.

Targeting mental defeat among pain patients could prevent anxiety and depression

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:19:19 EDT

A new study of Hong Kong chronic pain patients suggests that targeting feelings of mental defeat could prevent severe depression, anxiety and interference with daily activities.

Few effective, evidence-based interventions to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder, review finds

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:01:01 EDT

A new review summarizes the results of a systematic review of clinical interventions for adults exposed to at least one traumatic event such as war, a natural or human-made disaster, motor vehicle accidents, community violence, sexual assault or domestic violence.

Researchers discover the brain origins of variation in pathological anxiety

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:40:40 EDT

New findings from nonhuman primates suggest that an overactive core circuit in the brain, and its interaction with other specialized circuits, accounts for the variability in symptoms shown by patients with severe anxiety. In a brain-imaging study researchers have described the work that for the first time provides an understanding of the root causes of clinical variability in anxiety disorders.

Primary care physicians missing early signs of serious mental illness

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:13:13 EDT

Primary care providers could help people with warning signs of psychosis get critical early treatment and potentially reduce the current burden on emergency departments and inpatient units, finds a new study.

How two brain areas interact to trigger divergent emotional behaviors

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:25:25 EDT

New research for the first time explains exactly how two brain regions interact to promote emotionally motivated behaviors associated with anxiety and reward. The findings could lead to new mental health therapies for disorders such as addiction, anxiety, and depression.

Anxiety, depression identify heart disease patients at increased risk of dying

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:21:21 EDT

Heart disease patients who have anxiety have twice the risk of dying from any cause compared to those without anxiety. Patients with both anxiety and depression had triple the risk of dying. The findings suggest more frequent monitoring is needed for heart patients with anxiety and depression.

Mindfulness at school reduces (likelihood of) depression-related symptoms in adolescents

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:59:59 EDT

Secondary school students who follow an in-class mindfulness program report reduced indications of depression, anxiety and stress up to six months later. Moreover, these students were less likely to develop pronounced depression-like symptoms.

Postpartum depression: Surprising rate of women depressed after baby

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:46:46 EDT

A surprisingly high number of women have postpartum depression, reports a new, large-scale study of 10,000 women. A high rate of women had considered harming themselves. The study's screening likely saved several lives. Most postpartum women with depression are not identified or treated even though they are at a higher risk for psychiatric disorders. It's a major public health problem because a woman's mental health affects her child's physical and emotional development.

Single concussion may cause lasting brain damage

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:26:26 EDT

A single concussion may cause lasting structural damage to the brain, according to a new study.

Children who avoid scary situations likelier to have anxiety

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:10:10 EDT

Children who avoid situations they find scary are likely to have anxiety a study of more than 800 children ages 7 to 18 found.

Vets' PTSD affects mental and physical health of partners

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:46:46 EST

A new study of veterans with PTSD and their partners looks at intimate relationship conflict and finds greater physiological and anger responses for the male veterans as well as their female partners. Researchers conclude that the findings may have important implications for treatment and services for returning veterans and their families.

Higher heart attack rates continue 6 years after Katrina

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:42:42 EST

New Orleans residents continue to face a three-fold increased risk of heart attack post-Katrina -- a trend that has remained unchanged since the storm hit in 2005, according to new research.

Deep brain stimulation shows promise for patients with chronic, treatment resistant anorexia nervosa

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:08:08 EST

In a world first, a team of researchers has shown that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with chronic, severe and treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa (anorexia) helps some patients achieve and maintain improvements in body weight, mood, and anxiety.

How the brain suppresses pain during times of stress

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:40:40 EST

How does the brain suppress pain? For the first time, it has been shown that suppression of pain during times of fear involves complex interplay between marijuana-like chemicals and other neurotransmitters in a brain region called the amygdala.

Portion of hippocampus found to play role in modulating anxiety

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:38:38 EST

Researchers have found the first evidence that selective activation of the dentate gyrus, a portion of the hippocampus, can reduce anxiety without affecting learning. The findings suggest that therapies that target this brain region could be used to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and PTSD, with minimal cognitive side effects.

People with mental illness at highly increased risk of being murder victims, study suggests

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:04:04 EST

People with mental disorders have a highly increased risk of being victims of homicide, a large study suggests.

Insomnia is linked to increased risk of heart failure

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:03:03 EST

People who suffer from insomnia appear to have an increased risk of developing heart failure, according to the largest study to investigate the link.

Potential target to better treat, cure anxiety disorders

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:46:46 EST

Researchers have, for the first time, identified a specific group of cells in the brainstem whose activation during rapid eye movement sleep is critical for the regulation of emotional memory processing.

Protein synthesis blocker may hold key to reducing effects of traumatic events

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:16:16 EST

Reducing fear and stress following a traumatic event could be as simple as providing a protein synthesis blocker to the brain, report a team of researchers in a new paper.

Is baby still breathing? Is mom's obsession normal?

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:18:18 EST

A new mother may constantly worry and check to see if her baby is breathing. Or she may obsess about germs. A new study found postpartum moms have a much higher rate of obsessive-compulsive symptoms than the general population. This is the first large-scale study of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in new moms. The symptoms could result from hormonal changes or be adaptive, but may indicate a psychological disorder if they interfere with a mother's functioning.

ADHD takes a toll well into adulthood

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:47:47 EST

The first large, population-based study to follow children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder into adulthood shows that ADHD often doesn’t go away and that children with ADHD are more likely to have other psychiatric disorders as adults. They also appear more likely to commit suicide and to be incarcerated as adults.

Infection during pregnancy and stress in puberty play key role in development of schizophrenia

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:25:25 EST

The interplay between an infection during pregnancy and stress in puberty plays a key role in the development of schizophrenia, as behaviorists demonstrate in a mouse model. However, there is no need to panic.

Police and firefighters at higher risk for mental disorders following traumatic events

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:12 EST

New research suggests that exposure to diverse types of traumatic events among protective services workers is a risk factor for new onset of psychopathology and alcohol use disorders.

Persistent negative attitude can undo effectiveness of exposure therapy for phobias

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:51:51 EST

Because confronting fear won’t always make it go away, researchers suggest that people with phobias must alter memory-driven negative attitudes about feared objects or events to achieve a more lasting recovery from what scares them the most.

Preventing chronic pain with stress management

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:20:20 EST

For chronic pain sufferers, such as people who develop back pain after a car accident, avoiding the harmful effects of stress may be key to managing their condition. This is particularly important for people with a smaller-than-average hippocampus, as these individuals seem to be particularly vulnerable to stress.

Drug could aid treatment of anxiety disorders

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:20:20 EST

Scopolamine is a drug with many uses. Treating anxiety disorders may become a new use for it, new life science research suggests.

Bullied children can suffer lasting psychological harm as adults

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:36:36 EST

Bullied children grow into adults who are at increased risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression and suicidal thoughts, according to a new study.

New evidence for link between depression and heart disease

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:16:16 EST

Interleukin-6, an inflammatory biomarker associated with cardiovascular disease, is significantly higher in patients with major depression, a study has found.

Is there a link between childhood obesity and ADHD, learning disabilities?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:10:10 EST

A new study has established a possible link between high-fat diets and such childhood brain-based conditions as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory-dependent learning disabilities.

Horses don't get stage fright -- but their riders do

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:06:06 EST

It is well known that horses show symptoms of stress when ridden but relatively little attention has been paid to the effects on their riders. This is surprising, as equestrian sports rely on the close cooperation between the animals and their riders. How does the horse-rider team cope with the stress involved in competing in an equestrian event?

Memory appears susceptible to eradication of fear responses

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:29:29 EST

Fear responses can only be erased when people learn something new while retrieving the fear memory. This is the conclusion of a new study.

Even limited physical activity is linked to lower rates of depression in bariatric surgery patients

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:38:38 EST

For adults undergoing bariatric surgery, just one hour of moderate-intensity physical activity a week -- or eight minutes a day -- was associated with 92 percent lower odds of treatment for depression or anxiety, according to new research.

Flexible approaches needed to reduce children's pre-operative anxiety

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:52:52 EST

A survey of nurses anaesthetists in Sweden identified difficulties in preparing children for surgery but also found that when the hospital and the staff were flexible in their approaches, the children's anxiety could be reduced. These approaches included varying the operation schedule, provided it do not create risk to the child, and pre-surgical visits with operating staff.

Anxiety about relationships may lower immunity, increase vulnerability to illness

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:08:08 EST

Concerns and anxieties about one’s close relationships appear to function as a chronic stressor that can compromise immunity, according to new research.

Few effective, evidence-based interventions for children exposed to traumatic events

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:07:07 EST

About two out of every three children will experience at least one traumatic event before they turn 18. Despite this high rate of exposure, little is known about the effectiveness of treatments aimed at preventing and relieving traumatic stress symptoms that children may experience after such events, according to researchers.