anxiety Tag

02 Jul

Posted at 19:04h in Mental Health Research

Mental Health Notice: If you are experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or low mood, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (24/7), or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. In a life-threatening situation, call 911.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges facing Americans today. While occasional stress is a normal part of life, persistent anxiety can affect relationships, career performance, physical health, and overall quality of life. As awareness of mental health continues to grow, more individuals are seeking professional support to better understand and manage their symptoms.

One of the most important developments in modern mental healthcare is the shift toward personalized treatment approaches. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model, many mental health professionals now recognize that effective care must be tailored to each individual's unique experiences, symptoms, and goals.

personalized_anxiety_treatment.png

01 Jul

Posted at 10:32h in Mental Health Research, Pediatrics
Editor's note: This piece discusses teen mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, and suicide. If you or a young person you know is struggling, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. For teens specifically, the Teen Line is available by texting "TEEN" to 839863 or calling 1-800-852-8336. In life-threatening situations, call 911. Teen mental health is in crisis. Walk into any high school right now and you will see students facing anxiety, depression and trauma that was once whispered about by past generations. The statistics are overwhelming. And the very systems designed to safeguard kids are failing. [caption id="attachment_74653" align="aligncenter" width="500"]safeguarding_adolescent_mental_health Pexels[/caption] But here's the good news. Structure can make all the difference for a troubled teen. Between educated parents, clinical intervention and trauma-informed legal guidance, children can receive help early-on. This article breaks down how that framework works.

29 Jun

Posted at 11:35h in Cannabis, Sleep Disorders

Cannabis / CBD Notice: CBD and cannabidiol-based products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, including sleep disorders. The legal status of CBD products varies by state and country. These products may interact with prescription medications. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any CBD or cannabis-derived product, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have an underlying health condition. MedicalResearch.com and Eminent Domains Inc. do not warrant or endorse any CBD product, brand, or supplier referenced in this post. Cannabis products should not be used if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant or while driving or performing potentially dangerous tasks.  Keep out of reach of children and pets.

The appeal of CBD gummies for sleep is easy to understand. Something natural, no prescription required, no morning grogginess or addiction risk associated with conventional sleep aids. But the gap between what CBD gummies can realistically do and what the marketing often implies is wider than most first-time buyers realize. Getting clear on the science, the product standards, and the practical approach before you start will save you the frustration of buying something that does not match your situation.

1. CBD Works on Sleep Differently Than You Might Expect

CBD does not make you sleepy the way antihistamines or sedatives do. It does not switch off your brain. What research suggests it may do is reduce the anxiety and physiological arousal that prevents sleep from coming. A review published in PubMed by the National Library of Medicine found that CBD demonstrated anxiolytic effects in clinical research, with participants reporting reduced anxiety without impaired alertness. Since anxiety and an overactive stress response are among the most common drivers of poor sleep onset, the mechanism makes clinical sense even if the evidence base is still developing. What this means practically: CBD gummies for sleep tend to work best for people whose sleep problem involves difficulty switching off mentally rather than a primary sleep disorder. If you lie awake with a racing mind, CBD is more likely to help than if you fall asleep easily but wake repeatedly at 3am. [caption id="attachment_74582" align="aligncenter" width="500"]gummies for sleep pexels image Pexels image[/caption]

23 Jun

Posted at 09:52h in AI and HealthCare, Mental Health Research
[caption id="attachment_74430" align="aligncenter" width="500"]mental-habits-keep-up-stuck.png Image source[/caption]  

Hidden Mental Habits That Keep You Stuck and How to Change Them

Many people spend years trying to fix their productivity, motivation, or confidence without realizing that the real issue starts much deeper. Small mental habits shape how we interpret setbacks, make decisions, and respond to challenges every day. Because these habits often operate in the background, they can feel like part of our personality rather than behaviors we can change.

This is why some people stay trapped in the same patterns even when they genuinely want something different. They set goals, make plans, and look for solutions, yet they keep running into the same obstacles. The problem is often less about effort and more about the way they think. Once you identify these hidden habits, you gain the ability to challenge them. That awareness can make progress feel far more achievable than it did before.

Missing the Patterns Right in Front of You

Many people focus on individual problems without noticing the patterns connecting them. They see a stressful week at work, a disagreement in a relationship, or another abandoned goal as separate events. In reality, recurring challenges often point to deeper habits of thinking and behavior.

Pattern recognition plays a major role in personal growth. If the same problem keeps appearing in different forms, it is worth asking what might be contributing to it. Common examples include difficulty setting boundaries, fear of failure, people-pleasing, or avoiding difficult conversations.

Simple reflection practices can help reveal these patterns. Journaling, regular self-check-ins, and even structured conversations with AI therapy tools can help people spot recurring thoughts and reactions. Awareness alone does not create change, but it provides the information needed to make better choices.\

19 Jun

Posted at 11:19h in Mental Health Research
[caption id="attachment_74372" align="aligncenter" width="500"]why-so-many-patients-drop-out-of-therapy.jpg Pexels[/caption]

Mental Health Notice: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek help immediately. In the US or Canada, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). In Australia, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 911 (US) or 000 (Australia).

Why People Quit Therapy Early and How to Find a Therapist That Actually Fits

Starting therapy is hard. Perseverance is tough. But continuing is even tougher. Did you know that most people who start seeing a therapist don't go back for a second session? And many of those that do drop out before they receive any real benefits.

Here's the kicker: the majority of those dropouts have nothing to do with therapy "not working." They boil down to one thing — the fit between patient and therapist. This article shows you why most patients drop out early and what works to keep people engaged long enough to recover.

What's Inside This Guide

  • Why Therapy Dropout Rates Are So High
  • The Real Reasons People Quit Early
  • How to Choose a Therapist That Actually Fits
  • What Therapists Can Do to Keep Patients Engaged

18 Jun

Posted at 10:21h in Mental Health Research, Stress
[caption id="attachment_74348" align="aligncenter" width="500"]mental-health-first-time-home-buyer.png Source[/caption]

Buying your first home is a proud milestone, but it can also be one of the most mentally taxing things you ever do. Everything is new, the stakes feel enormous, and there is no past experience to fall back on.

That mix can quietly chip away at your mental health. The encouraging part is that, with the right mindset and a few simple habits, you can look after your wellbeing and still enjoy the journey to your first home. Here is how.

Why a First Purchase Hits Your Wellbeing Harder

First-time buyers carry a particular kind of pressure. You are making huge financial decisions without a template, so every step can feel like a test you are scared to fail.

The fear of making a costly mistake is real, and it can keep your mind spinning long after the day is done. Add tight deadlines, unfamiliar paperwork and a lot of money on the line, and it is easy to feel out of your depth.

Decision fatigue builds quickly too. When you are constantly weighing properties, finance and contracts, your brain gets tired, and a tired brain finds it harder to stay calm and think clearly. Knowing this is normal can take some of the self-judgment out of feeling overwhelmed.

05 Jun

Posted at 17:44h in Mental Health Research, Telemedicine
[caption id="attachment_74100" align="aligncenter" width="500"]telemental-health-pexels.jpg Pexels[/caption] Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. In life-threatening situations, call 911. Online therapy has moved from a niche convenience to a mainstream model of mental health care. What began as a workaround during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a permanent fixture of how millions of people access support for anxiety, depression, and other conditions. But as virtual care becomes the default for many, a fair question follows: does therapy delivered through a screen actually work as well as sitting in a clinician's office? A growing body of research suggests the answer, for most people and most common conditions, is yes.

21 May

Posted at 22:20h in Orthopedics, Pain Research
Chronic-Shoulder-Pain-and-mental-health

How Chronic Shoulder Pain Can Affect Mental Health and Daily Confidence

Chronic pain does not only affect the body. It can gradually influence emotional well-being, confidence, relationships, and daily routines in ways many people do not immediately recognize. Patients researching treatment options from a frozen shoulder doctor in Houston often discover that long-term shoulder stiffness and discomfort can affect sleep quality, stress levels, and overall mental health in addition to physical mobility limitations. As more adults experience work-related strain, repetitive movement injuries, and inflammatory joint conditions, the connection between chronic shoulder pain and emotional wellness has become increasingly important in healthcare discussions. Living with ongoing shoulder pain can create a constant sense of frustration. Simple tasks like getting dressed, driving, cooking, or reaching for everyday objects may become uncomfortable and exhausting over time. When pain interferes with routine activities, people often begin feeling less independent and more emotionally drained.

20 May

Posted at 10:42h in Mental Health Research
Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. [caption id="attachment_73852" align="aligncenter" width="500"]therapist-in-redbank-nj.jpg Photo by Vitaly Gariev[/caption] Mental health plays a major role in overall well-being, influencing how people think, feel, and manage everyday challenges. Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. While many people try to manage emotional struggles on their own, professional support can provide the guidance and tools needed to improve mental and emotional health. For individuals living in New Jersey, working with a therapist in Red Bank NJ can offer valuable support during difficult times. Therapy provides a safe and confidential environment where people can openly discuss their emotions, experiences, and personal challenges. Whether someone is coping with anxiety, relationship problems, grief, or life transitions, a qualified therapist can help individuals build healthier coping skills and improve their quality of life.

17 Feb

Posted at 17:50h in Depression, Disability Research, Mental Health Research, Social Issues
[caption id="attachment_72446" align="aligncenter" width="500"]social-anxiety-disorder.jpg Photo by cottonbro studio[/caption] Many people wonder whether a diagnosed social anxiety disorder makes them disabled. The simple answer is most likely yes, it is when a person's daily life and work are affected by social anxiety that it can be considered a disability. Many people are actually unable to function normally in social interactions, a direct result of this condition. If someone is unable to work, form personal relationships, or even perform daily tasks due to social anxiety, it is a sign that the disorder has become disabling. Federal laws recognize mental health problems as disabilities. Social anxiety disorder is listed on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Social Security Administration's list of disabilities. These laws, on the same level, recognize that mental disorders can be as limiting as physical injuries. Social Anxiety as a Disability Social anxiety disorder is a common condition that affects millions of people. Most people with severe social anxiety remain stuck in patterns of fear and avoidance. They are eager to work and become functioning fellows of society, but mental barriers get in their way. Even simple tasks like answering phone messages, attending meetings, or dealing with customers become almost impossible obstacles for people with this disorder. However, social anxiety disorder affects different people differently. While some people sweat, tremble, or feel nauseous when faced with social situations, others are so afraid that they literally run away from people they have to meet. It is most disabling when it interferes with:
  • Job performance and career advancement, as well as personal skills development
  • Basic daily activities like shopping and banking
  • Maintaining personal relationships
  • Finding necessary medical care or other services
  • Using public transportation
  • Making phone calls or appointments
Studies have shown that people with this level of social anxiety often isolate themselves from others. They may avoid jobs, stay home, or skip going to the academy/workplace. This type of isolation leads to additional problems such as depression, financial stress, and health issues.

07 Apr

Posted at 17:39h in Mental Health Research
Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.   [caption id="attachment_67796" align="aligncenter" width="500"] 10 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Image Source[/caption]  There are days when everything feels off, but you can’t explain why. You might feel tired, disconnected, or overwhelmed even when things seem “fine.” You push through, hoping it passes. But sometimes, those feelings stick around longer than expected. That’s when it might be time to pause and look closely at what’s really happening. In Georgia, mental health struggles are more common than most people realize. Stress, anxiety, and depression affect thousands every year. While many continue to live with these feelings in silence, more individuals are now taking steps to seek help. Yet, others hesitate—unsure if they’re “bad enough” to reach out. This article will help you spot signs that shouldn’t be ignored and show you where to start.
  1. You’re Constantly Overwhelmed or Anxious
If your mind is always racing or you’re constantly on edge, that’s not something to overlook. Anxiety can show up in many ways—feeling tense, having trouble focusing or even struggling to fall asleep. When worry becomes part of your daily life, it may be time to talk to someone. A licensed professional can help you understand and learn how to manage these feelings.

20 Mar

Posted at 11:45h in Addiction, addiction-treatment, Alcohol
hangover-anxiety Experiencing a hangover can be a challenging ordeal, not just physically but mentally as well. For many, the aftermath of a night of indulgence is accompanied by a wave of anxiety that can feel overwhelming. This phenomenon, often referred to as hangover anxiety, can exacerbate feelings of guilt, worry, and unease. Understanding how to manage these feelings is crucial for a smoother recovery. Below are effective strategies and tips to help navigate hangover anxiety.

Understanding Hangover Anxiety

Hangover anxiety is a specific type of anxiety that occurs after consuming alcohol. It often manifests as feelings of dread, worry about past actions, or fear of the future. This reaction is not uncommon, as alcohol can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to heightened anxiety levels. Many individuals find themselves reflecting on the previous night's events, replaying conversations, and scrutinizing their behavior, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.

10 Feb

Posted at 15:16h in Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Microbiome
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66462" align="alignleft" width="200"]Associate Professor Shawn JeNeuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School Shawn Je[/caption] Associate Professor Shawn Je Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What questions were you trying to address?  Response: The project started in 2013 when I met Professor Sven Petterson, then a visiting professor from the Karolinska Institute, during his time at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) in Singapore. At the time, our lab was studying autism, and we discovered that many children with autism also had gastrointestinal problems. This sparked my interest in the relationship between gut microbiota and brain disorders. Professor Petterson had already established a germ-free facility at NCCS to study the link between cancer and gut microbiota. I asked him if he could create germ-free C57BL/6 mice, a strain often used to study learning, memory and brain disorders. After developing the mice, we subjected them to behavioural testing at the Duke-NUS Behavioural Phenotyping Facility to assess their emotional responses (fear, anxiety, depression), cognitive abilities (learning and memory), and social interactions. We were surprised to find that the germ-free C57BL/6 mice exhibited increased anxiety, although no significant changes in social behaviours typical of autism were observed. Anxiety was assessed using tests in which mice were placed in an elevated arena with open and closed sections, and the time spent in each area was measured. The increased anxiety in these germ-free mice had not been reported before, so we repeated the tests several times to confirm the findings. Interestingly, other researchers had observed hyperactivity in germ-free mice of different strains, but our C57BL/6 mice showed unusual anxious behaviour, even though this strain typically has lower anxiety. This led us to investigate the underlying mechanisms behind the increased anxiety in these mice, with the goal of discovering why this particular strain exhibited such pronounced anxiety.

13 Dec

Posted at 11:05h in Mental Health Research
This post discusses mental health.
  • If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.govor call 800-662-HELP (4357).
  • S. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online.
  • The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).
  Why are more people experiencing anxiety? Stressful lifestyles and uncertain times often contribute to rising mental health challenges. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to provide relief and support. Let us explore why anxiety is a growing concern and how treatment can help. [caption id="attachment_65470" align="aligncenter" width="500"]anxiety-stress-lakewood Photo by Anna Shvets[/caption]

Understanding the Rise in Anxiety

Many individuals struggle with anxiety due to various factors. Increased anxiety from work, family responsibilities, and economic pressures often play a role. Anxiety treatment Lakewood professionals has observed that societal changes also contribute to heightened mental health issues. Social isolation, digital pressures, and health concerns increase emotional challenges. With proper care, professionals can address these root causes, offering effective support. Awareness of these issues is the first step toward improvement.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, affecting daily life, and recognizing them is essential for seeking help in significant ways. Physical symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, and muscle tension are common. Emotional signs include excessive worry, irritability, and feelings of dread. Anxiety can cause concentration issues, disrupted sleep, and behavioral changes, such as avoiding certain situations. These symptoms impact relationships, work, and overall well-being. Recognizing these signs encourages individuals to seek help, and early intervention leads to better outcomes. Understanding treatment options is crucial for managing and alleviating anxiety effectively.

05 Nov

Posted at 19:07h in Complementary Medicine, Mental Health Research, Psychological Science, Stress
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.govor call 800-662-HELP (4357). [caption id="attachment_64583" align="aligncenter" width="500"]mind-body-health.jpg source[/caption] The relationship between mental and physical health has been a topic of increasing interest, highlighting how closely our minds and bodies interact. This connection, often referred to as the "mind-body connection," underscores the significant impact that mental well-being can have on physical health. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can cause a range of physical symptoms, from fatigue and headaches to digestive issues and chronic illnesses. As people continue to learn more about this link, there is growing evidence that caring for mental health can lead to improved physical wellness and vice versa. A fascinating aspect of this connection is how mental health struggles can trigger the body's stress response, leading to heightened levels of cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone." While this response can be helpful in short bursts—preparing us for challenges—it can lead to harmful effects if sustained over long periods. Understanding and prioritizing mental health care, therefore, is crucial in promoting overall wellness and helping individuals manage both physical and emotional challenges.

28 Oct

Posted at 13:13h in Mental Health Research
[caption id="attachment_64361" align="aligncenter" width="500"]hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy Source[/caption] Do you need to find a way to stop feeling stressed and anxious all the time? Nowadays, it seems like everyone is constantly feeling overwhelmed for a number of different reasons. Your mental and physical health should always be a priority, and many innovations are being implemented to combat stress and anxiety—one of which is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Could hyperbaric oxygen therapy be the solution to reducing your stress and anxiety levels? In this article, we’ll dive into what hyperbaric oxygen therapy is and the benefits it presents, which can help you to better manage the stress and anxiety you’re feeling.

20 Jun

Posted at 12:47h in Mental Health Research
The pandemic may be over, but its effects linger. According to a paper on the psychological impact of COVID-19 on children and adults in the United Arab Emirates, 71% of the UAE general population have generalized anxiety disorder. Younger people and females register the highest levels of anxiety, and teachers also report a higher incidence of emotional problems in children. Mental health awareness and solutions are more crucial than ever in the face of this increased risk for anxiety. Fortunately, you and the people you care about have access to interventions like neurofeedback in Dubai to address various mental health conditions.

What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?

Neurofeedback therapy is a biofeedback technique that monitors brain waves and provides real-time feedback about those brainwaves to the brain. The brain can learn to self-regulate its functions by becoming aware of its activity. Through consistent brain training, the brain can instinctively prevent, manage, or control undesirable brain wave patterns. Consequently, it can be more effective at curbing the negative behavior, mental state or physiological symptoms associated with unwelcome brain activity.

22 Aug

Posted at 22:15h in Mental Health Research

It is estimated that phobias affect 7.8 American adults per year making it an extremely common cause of mental illness among the population. Most people are afraid of something, but when that fear becomes irrational or excessive, it can cause feelings of panic, dread, horror and anxiety making certain situations more challenging...

01 Dec

Posted at 12:34h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Medical Imaging, Mental Health Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_56055" align="alignleft" width="142"]Maria Vittoria Spampinato, MD Neuroradiology Division Director Department of Radiology and Radiological Science Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC 29425-3230 Dr. Spampinato[/caption] Maria Vittoria Spampinato, MD Neuroradiology Division Director Department of Radiology and Radiological Science Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC 29425-3230 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a major public health crisis worldwide. More than 5 million people currently have AD in the United States. AD is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative brain disorder with a long preclinical phase. Many people with AD first suffer from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a decline in cognitive abilities like memory and thinking skills that is greater than that associated with normal aging. A person with MCI is at an increased risk of developing AD or another dementia, although some individuals with MCI remain cognitively stable or improve. Anxiety is frequently observed in individuals with MCI. The reported prevalence of anxiety in MCI patients varies between 10 and 50%.  In this study we evaluated a cohort of 339 individuals with MCI participating in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study (ADNI2). During the five years of study participation, 72 patients experienced cognitive decline and were diagnosed with AD. We did not find difference in age, gender and education among patients with and without AD conversion. Patients who progressed had greater atrophy of the hippocampi and entorhinal cortex on their MRI scan, as expected (hippocampal atrophy is often used as a marker of neurodegeneration in AD), as well as greater prevalence of APOE4 is the strongest known genetic risk factor for AD.   Patients who progressed to Alzheimer’s disease also had greater severity of anxiety during the study, as measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire. Next we determined the effect of the MRI findings (hippocampal and entorhinal cortex atrophy), of the genetic risk factor (APOE4) and of the severity of anxiety on the time to progression to AD. We found that higher levels of anxiety were associated with faster progression from MCI to AD, independently of whether they had a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease or brain volume loss. We still need to understand better the association between anxiety disorders and cognitive decline. We do not know whether increased levels of anxiety are a consequence of cognitive decline or if anxiety exacerbates to cognitive decline. If we were able to find in the future that anxiety is actually contributing to cognitive decline, then we should more aggressively screen for anxiety disorders in the elderly population. 

03 Jun

Posted at 16:38h in Author Interviews, Emergency Care, Mental Health Research, Psychological Science
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_49541" align="alignleft" width="143"]Stephen L. Ristvedt, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Washington University St. Louis, MO  63110-1093 Dr. Ristvedt[/caption] Stephen L. Ristvedt, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Washington University St. Louis, MO  63110-1093  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Having a usual source of healthcare – either with a regular doctor or a medical clinic – is the best way to manage one’s health in a proactive way.  Doctors and clinics can provide ongoing guidance with regard to the use of preventive medical screenings as well as the management of chronic illness.  Unfortunately, a significant proportion of US adults do not have a usual source of healthcare.  Also, many people often rely for their healthcare needs on a hospital emergency department, where there is neither sufficient continuity of care nor counseling for prevention. We wanted to investigate what factors might contribute to suboptimal utilization of healthcare resources.  We were particularly interested in looking at individual psychological factors that might play a role in the choices that people make when seeking healthcare.  One specific psychological characteristic proved to be important in our study.  That characteristic is called “threat sensitivity,” and it is measured with a simple questionnaire.  People who are relatively high in threat sensitivity are prone to experience high levels of anxiety in potentially threatening situations 

26 Apr

Posted at 12:31h in Author Interviews, Mental Health Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Yoshinori SUGIURA Ph.D. Associate Professor Hiroshima University Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences Behavioural Sciences Section Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Lengthy worrying or repeated checking if the door is locked are common manifestations of anxiety in the general population. However, if their frequency, intensity, and interference become too much, they are diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) respectively. People with OCD are tortured by repeatedly occurring negative thinking and they take some strategy to prevent i. GAD is a very pervasive type of anxiety. GAD patients worry about everything. Despite their burden, both are relatively difficult to treat. Furthermore complicated, as they are two different disorders, mental health professionals have to master separate strategies. To overcome such situation, transdiagnostic research, which seeks common causes for different disorders, is now eagerly pursued by psychologists/psychiatrists. As one of such endeavors, we predicted that inflated responsibility is the common predictor of both OCD and GAD symptoms.

10 Apr

Posted at 02:49h in Author Interviews, Depression, Exercise - Fitness, JAMA, Parkinson's
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Jojo Kwok  R.N., BN(Hons), MPH, Ph.D. School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?  Response: Before the study, we knew that mind-body exercises such as yoga and stretching improves the physical health of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), however the benefits to their mental health was not known. This study concludes that mindfulness yoga alleviates psychological distress, improves spiritual well-being and quality of life, not to mention motor symptoms and mobility. When it comes to managing the stress and symptoms of Parkinson Disease, what is exciting, is that yoga has now been proven to be a better strategy than just stretching. Yoga draws together body, mind and spirit through mindful practice of 1) yoga posture, 2) breathing and 3) meditation. These form the three core components of our Mindfulness Yoga Program. Mindfulness is non-judgemental awareness of the present moment - of one’s physical sensations and thoughts, be they positive or negative. By adopting a mind-body approach, patients are much better positioned to reframe their illness journey than through physical training alone. By learning to relate non-judgmentally to their physical symptoms and emotions, they develop new coping skills that cultivate openness, acceptance and resilience to these symptoms. They feel better. 

24 Mar

Posted at 21:37h in Author Interviews, Depression, Dermatology
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_24142" align="alignleft" width="128"]Dr. Jonathan L. Silverberg MD PhD MPH Assistant Professor in Dermatology Medical Social Sciences and Preventive Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois Dr. Jonathan Silverberg[/caption] Dr. Jonathan L. Silverberg MD PhD MPH Assistant Professor in Dermatology Medical Social Sciences and Preventive Medicine Northwestern, Chicago, Illinois MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?  Response: Atopic Dermatitis is characterized by chronic and often severe and debilitating itch, skin pain, sleep disturbances, skin lesions and multiple comorbid health conditions. The signs, symptoms and comorbidities of atopic dermatitis can lead to significant psychosocial distress and mental health burden We performed a cross-sectional, population-based study of 2893 US adults. We found that adults with atopic dermatitis had more severe symptoms scores for anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression anxiety). Adults with atopic dermatitis also had higher prevalences of anxiety and depression. Mean symptom scores and prevalences of anxiety and depression were even higher in adults with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis compared to those with mild atopic dermatitis. All respondents with severe PO-SCORAD, POEM and PO-SCORAD-itch scores had elevated anxiety and depression scores. Many adults with atopic dermatitis that had elevated anxiety and depression scores reported no diagnosis of anxiety or depression. 

09 Jan

Posted at 19:23h in Alcohol, Author Interviews, Depression, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_46863" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Ingunn Olea Lund, PhD The Norwegian Institute of Public Health Oslo, Norway Dr. Ingunn Olea Lund[/caption] Dr. Ingunn Olea Lund, PhD The Norwegian Institute of Public Health Oslo, Norway MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: There are significant amounts of research on children of parents with alcohol use disorders – where the children are shown to be at risk of several adverse outcomes, including mental disorders, substance use disorders, suicide, impaired school performance, and employment problems. There is very little previous research on how other, more normal levels of parental drinking may influence child outcomes, such as mental health. This is a grave oversight, as there are vastly more parents with normal drinking patterns than there are parents who suffer from an alcohol use disorder. This means that there are potentially a lot more cases of adverse effect for children, and the number of children at risk may be higher than previously assumed. In addition to parents' alcohol use, several other risk factors in the family that may affect child mental health outcomes, such as parents' mental health and socio-economic status. Researchers have tended to look at these risk factors separately, but as these risks tend to co-occur, it may be more informative to consider them together. To our knowledge, this is the first study that examines possible harm from normal levels of parental drinking, alone or in combination with other parental risk factors, on children’s anxiety and depression. The sample consists of more than 8700 triads: children and both their parents. We combined information from three health registries with survey data where both adolescents and their parents provided information about health and social conditions. The health registers include information about the children 's actual contact with the health care system; we used information about whether children received diagnoses and/or treatment for anxiety and/or depression.