Mindfulness meditation matches antidepressants for anxiety disorders

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center pitted mindfulness meditation against a common antidepressant in a clinical trial targeting patients with anxiety disorders. The findings reveal an eight-week mindfulness… Continue reading Mindfulness meditation matches antidepressants for anxiety disorders

Year-long exercise study reveals surprising impacts on mental health

We’ve seen studies offer some valuable insights into different ways exercise can be beneficial for brain health, from combating depression, to fighting dementia, to boosting our memory. New research has approached this topic with a long-term view, tapp… Continue reading Year-long exercise study reveals surprising impacts on mental health

Shift worker study raises the idea that meal timing can shape our mood

People subjected to irregular sleeping and eating habits through shift work are known to have higher risk of a wide range of health problems, and a new study has drilled into the impacts of this lifestyle on mental wellbeing. By simulating the lifestyl… Continue reading Shift worker study raises the idea that meal timing can shape our mood

Molecule linking memories with emotion paves way for anxiety treatments

Associating positive or negative emotions to specific memories is core to our survival, allowing us to avoid dangers or seek out beneficial things. Now, researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a specific molecule that seems to drive the assig… Continue reading Molecule linking memories with emotion paves way for anxiety treatments

Protein linked to alcoholism relapse offers novel target for treatment

Alcohol use disorder is a leading cause of preventable death and a complex disease, but by understanding its effects on brain function scientists hope to lower the risk and rates of relapse. The latest finding in this space comes from Scripps Research … Continue reading Protein linked to alcoholism relapse offers novel target for treatment

Promising early results from largest-ever trial testing LSD for anxiety

Biopharmaceutical company MindMed has announced the first topline data from a novel Phase 2 trial testing high doses of LSD as a treatment for anxiety. The results indicate one to two LSD sessions can generate rapid and sustained reductions to anxiety,… Continue reading Promising early results from largest-ever trial testing LSD for anxiety

“Factory reset” for the brain rewrites risk of anxiety and alcohol abuse

An intriguing new study has zeroed in on a brain region that is central to the development of both alcohol abuse and anxiety in adults, and demonstrated how gene editing could be used to wipe clean a person’s predisposition to both disorders. Likened t… Continue reading “Factory reset” for the brain rewrites risk of anxiety and alcohol abuse

Persistent mental health issues 16 months post severe COVID-19 illness

A large new study offers the first investigation into persistent mental health issues in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients up to 16 months after an initial infection. The findings reveal COVID-19 led to a higher risk of depression and anxiety followin… Continue reading Persistent mental health issues 16 months post severe COVID-19 illness

“Breathing” cushion shown to reduce anxiety when hugged

When experiencing anxiety, many people may feel the need to hug a squishy object such as a cushion. According to a new study, the act of doing so could actually help reduce feelings of anxiety – especially if the cushion “breathes.”Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading “Breathing” cushion shown to reduce anxiety when hugged

COVID-19 raises risk of mental health problems in year after infection

A large study has found high rates of mental health problems in COVID-19 patients up to a year after their acute infection. Looking at health records from millions of Americans the research found mild or severe COVID-19 increased a person’s risk of dev… Continue reading COVID-19 raises risk of mental health problems in year after infection