Study Identifies Risk Factors for Elevated Anxiety in Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic

 A new study has identified early risk factors that predicted heightened anxiety in young adults during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Drinking during COVID-19 up among people with anxiety and depression

 People with anxiety and depression are more likely to report an increase in drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic than those without mental health issues, according to a new study.

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Single brain region links depression and anxiety, heart disease, and treatment sensitivity

Over-activity in a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms.

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Stress and anger may exacerbate heart failure

Mental stress and anger may have clinical implications for patients with heart failure, according to a new report.

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Unhealthy Diet Linked to Anxiety Disorders

New research shows that adults who have low fruit and vegetable intakes have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This finding helps to explain the discovery of an association or correlation between body composition and anxiety disorders. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Unhealthy and unhappy: Mental toll of troubled relationships

Some forms of domestic violence double victims' risk of depression and anxiety disorders later in life, according to recent research. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Antidepressants may reduce anxiety more than symptoms of depression

An NIHR-funded trial has shown that one of the most common antidepressants, sertraline, reduces anxiety symptoms several weeks before it has an effect on depressive symptoms.
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Study sheds light on link between cannabis, anxiety and stress

A molecule produced by the brain that activates the same receptors as marijuana is protective against stress by reducing anxiety-causing connections between two brain regions, researchers report. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

‘Safety Signals’ May Help Reduce Anxiety

For those struggling with anxiety disorders, using a “safety signal” — a symbol or sound never identified with a negative event — may help relieve some of their fear, according to new research in both humans and mice at Yale University and Weill Cornell Medicine. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Just what the doctor ordered: Take a yoga class and depression, anxiety improve

Scientific studies already support yoga practice as a means to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Now a new study provides evidence that yoga and breathing exercises can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in both the short term -- with each session as well as cumulatively in the longer term, over three months. Read ScienceDaily article here

National Clinical Audit of Anxiety and Depression: inpatient mental health services

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Why stress and anxiety aren't always bad

People generally think of stress and anxiety as negative concepts, but while both stress and anxiety can reach unhealthy levels, psychologists have long known that both are unavoidable -- and that they often play a helpful, not harmful, role in our daily lives, according to a presentation at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association.  Click here to read further.

Online Self-Management Helpful for Anxiety, Depression and Pain

Emerging research suggests that for some individuals, online symptom self-management plus clinician telecare is the best strategy for treating anxiety, depression and pain.  Click here to read further.

Weak upper and lower body physical performance associated with depression and anxiety

Physical fitness is associated with a number of key health outcomes, including heart disease, cognition, mortality, and an overall feeling of well-being. A new study now links physical performance with mental health and emotions, suggesting that weak upper and lower body fitness can cause more serious depression and anxiety in midlife women.  Click here to read further.

Millions have felt ‘powerless’, ’angry’ or ’worried’ because of Brexit – results of our new poll

Millions of people in the UK have felt powerless, angry or worried over the last year because of Brexit, according to calculations from our new poll. Read Mental Health Foundation report here

Depression, anxiety may take same toll on health as smoking and obesity

Incidence of arthritis, heart disease, stroke -- but not cancer -- strongly swayed by psychological status. Read ScienceDaily article here

One in four older adults prescribed a benzodiazepine goes on to risky long-term use

They may start as well-intentioned efforts to calm anxiety, improve sleep or ease depression. But prescriptions for sedatives known as benzodiazepines may lead to long-term use among one in four older adults who receive them, according to new research.  Read ScienceDaily article here

Perception of Support Helps People Cope with Worries

Perceiving that a partner is providing support when one is worried and stressed can have a powerful effect. In fact, the perception that someone cares may be more important that receiving actual support. Moreover, the perception of support may have physical and mental benefits as sleep and health may both be improved. Click here to read PsychCentral article

How our brain and personality provide protection against emotional distress

Researchers recently examined a sample of 85 healthy college students to see how a number of personality traits can protect an individual's brain against symptoms of emotional distress, namely depression and anxiety. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Simple Problem-Solving Task Improves Brain Function After Concussion

A simple cognitive task as early as four days after a sports-related concussion activates the region of the brain that improves memory function, and may guard against developing depression or anxiety, according to a new study. Click here for PsychCentral article