http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/stress/ What causes stress and what medical treatments available? Can meditation or medication make a difference? Read the latest medical research on stress. en-us Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:05:01 EST Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/stress/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123171232.htm Do stressful situations make your blood pressure rise? If so, your phosducin gene could be to blame according to new research that indicates a role for the protein generated by the phosducin gene in modulating blood pressure in response to stress in both mice and humans. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123171232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123612.htm The "chocolate cure" for emotional stress is getting new support from a clinical trial. It found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in the bodies of people feeling highly stressed. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145304.htm Depression and other emotional symptoms in survivors of torture and other traumatic experiences may be exacerbated by the effects of head injuries, according to a new study. The researchers found structural changes in the brains of former South Vietnamese political detainees who had suffered head injuries and clearly linked those changes to psychiatric symptoms often seen in survivors of torture. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104091726.htm Use of cannabinoids (marijuana) could assist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder patients, according to a new study. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104091726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171409.htm Individuals who experience both childhood adversity and traumatic events in adulthood appear more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder than those exposed to only one of these types of incidents, according to a new report. In addition, the risk was further increased in individuals with a certain genetic mutation. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211531.htm Common mental disorders, such as depression and alcohol misuse, are the top psychological problems amongst UK troops post-deployment and not post traumatic stress disorder as is widely believed. A new study also finds that reservists remain at special risk of operational stress injury. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023163346.htm More than half the people who take antidepressants for depression never get relief. The reason, according to new research, is that the cause of depression has been oversimplified and drugs designed to treat it aim at the wrong target. The medications are like arrows shot at the outer rings of a bull's eye instead of the center. The findings offer the first novel concept for antidepressant drugs in 20 years. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023163346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019134720.htm Being at the top has its perks, but new research shows people in positions of authority at work are more likely to experience certain psychological and physical problems that can undermine the health benefits associated with job authority. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019134720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100520.htm Experts say our stress levels at work peak when we reach about 50 to 55 years of age and decrease as we head towards retirement. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021100520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101502.htm Many patients urgently admitted to hospital with cerebral infarction state that they were under great stress over a prolonged period prior to suffering their stroke, is shown in a unique patient study. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092652.htm A new study examines the rates of violence among homeless veterans and their partners and the significant results of group therapy. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925092652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831212954.htm New research has found that the Wenchuan, China earthquake that occurred on May 12, 2008, had an acute impact on the brain function of physically healthy survivors and poses a risk to the mental health of these survivors. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831212954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134650.htm Researchers have shown that, at least in laboratory mice, bouts of relatively short-term stress can boost the immune system and protect against one type of cancer. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of this occasional angst seem to last for weeks after the stressful situation has ended. The finding is surprising because chronic stress has the opposite effect -- taxing the immune system and increasing susceptibility to disease. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921134650.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914151629.htm The Veterans' Administration should expect a high volume of Iraq veterans seeking treatment of post traumatic stress disorder, with researchers anticipating that the rate among armed forces will be as high as 35 percent, according to a new analysis. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914151629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914194652.htm A dietary ingredient derived from a melon rich in antioxidant superoxide dismutase enzymes has been shown to relieve stress. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that the supplement decreased the signs and symptoms of perceived stress and fatigue in healthy volunteers. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914194652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122847.htm A researcher in Israel demonstrates that functional magnetic resonance imaging can be used to forecast which soldiers might be vulnerable to stress psychopathology. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825151341.htm Researchers working with Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have found that post-traumatic stress disorder, the current most common mental disorder among veterans returning from service in the Middle East, is associated with an increased risk for thoughts of suicide. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825151341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805075640.htm It is important to understand what biological mechanisms contribute to an individual's capacity to be resilient under conditions of extreme stress, such as those regularly experienced by soldiers, police, and firefighters. Researchers have now studied special operations soldiers enrolled in the military Combat Diver Qualification Course to discover how people fare under extreme stress. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805075640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723113657.htm Experiencing chronic stress day after day can produce wear and tear on the body physically and mentally, and can have a detrimental effect on learning and emotion. However, acute stress -- a short stressful incident -- may enhance learning and memory. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723113657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722110901.htm Feeling stressed? Then try savoring the scent of lemon, mango, lavender or other fragrant plants. Scientists in Japan are reporting the first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances alter gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that can reduce stress levels. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722110901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720215426.htm Children with stressed out parents may be more susceptible to developing asthma associated with environmental triggers such as high levels of traffic-related pollution and tobacco smoke, according to a new study. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720215426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163719.htm Whether it's getting a cold during exam time or feeling run-down after a big meeting, we've all experienced feeling sick following a particularly stressful time at work or school. Is this merely coincidence, or is it possible that stress can actually make us sick? A new report reviews research investigating how stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, and provides some suggestions to further our understanding of this connection. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134554.htm Researchers have conducted a "before and after" study of depression and terrorist attacks in adolescents, demonstrating that strong social support from friends is a buffer from depression in terrorism-related stress. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716113352.htm Young people with asthma have nearly twice the incidence of depression compared to their peers without asthma, and studies have shown that depression is associated with increased asthma symptoms and, in some cases, death. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716113352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708153233.htm Mothers of children with autism had higher levels of parenting-related stress and psychological distress than mothers of children with developmental delay. Children's problem behavior was associated with increases in both parenting-related stress and distress in both groups, but this relationship was stronger in mothers of children with autism. The research also found no link between a child's decreased daily living skills and increased parental stress and psychological distress. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708153233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201130.htm Psychological interventions intended to prevent the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in the early stages after a traumatic experience have not been shown to be effective, researchers have concluded. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630202123.htm Stressed out, dude? Don't go to Vegas. New research shows that men under stress may be more likely to take risks, correlating to such real-life behavior as gambling, smoking, unsafe sex and illegal drug use. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630202123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090711.htm A good partner relationship can act as a buffer for those exposed to work-related stress. The relationship reduces the negative effects of this kind of stress on our health. But poor relationships will amplify the negative effects, says a young researcher. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623112106.htm Children who live in Afghanistan are more prone to developing PTSD. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623112106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072711.htm The genetic factors that cause increased sleep problems during times of stress seem to be the same as those that make people with intrusive and ruminative thoughts have a higher prevalence of insomnia, according to new research. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610091236.htm People with chronic stress report shorter sleep duration, worse sleep quality, and more daytime functioning impairments, according to new research. Conversely, daytime functioning impairments and shorter sleep duration demonstrated a predictive relationship with habitual stress complaints. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610091236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602101258.htm New research findings examine the psychological impact of war captivity, "cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment" and physical torture. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602101258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511122427.htm Advances in neuroscience research could benefit the Army, particularly in areas of soldier training and education. Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511122427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421091739.htm School-aged children who witness violence in urban communities show symptoms of post-traumatic stress. They also suffer physiological effects with a disruption to their normal cortisol production pattern during the day, which may have long-term negative effects on their health. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421091739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420151234.htm Key processes in the brain that control the emotional significance of our experiences and how we form memories of them. A lack of proper brain function in this area is what lies beneath such conditions as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420151234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090417084006.htm Even low levels of lead found in the blood during early childhood can adversely affect how the child's cardiovascular system responds to stress and could possibly lead to hypertension later in life. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090417084006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409104303.htm Listening to music may benefit patients who suffer severe stress and anxiety associated with having and undergoing treatment for coronary heart disease. A new review found that listening to music could decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of anxiety in heart patients. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409104303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090405185031.htm Can people's differing reactions to situations of stress be attributed at least in part to genetic differences and do those differences affect men and women in different ways -- with the edge seemingly favoring the women? New research would seem to indicate that the answer to both questions is yes. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090405185031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402215712.htm Research examining the difference in brain activity between soldiers with PTSD and those without it moves scientists a step closer to the possibility of being able one day to use brain scans to help diagnose the condition. The search for the footprints left in the brain by psychiatric disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder is a growing area of research. Scientists hope it will lead to the identification of brain patterns that could be used to improve diagnosis and treatment. Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402215712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403122014.htm A team of scientists has examined the stress levels of parents whose young children either had no cavities or so many cavities that the children had receive anesthesia before undergoing dental treatment. Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403122014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406192346.htm Two nonpharmacological interventions -- cognitive behavior therapy and supportive stress management -- appear more effective than usual care for treating depression after coronary artery bypass surgery, according to a new article. Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406192346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401134610.htm According to a new report in Psychological Science, stress could make our financial troubles even worse. This study suggests that stress exaggerates the reflection effect; while exposed to stress volunteers were more conservative when choosing between potentially positive outcomes and were riskier when choosing between gambles that could result in a loss. These findings indicate that in financial decision making, where rational and deliberative thinking is essential, a stressful environment might hamper our ability to make decisions. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401134610.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324171422.htm A receptor for glutamate, the most prominent neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a key role in the process of "unlearning," report researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Their findings could eventually help scientists develop new drug therapies to treat a variety of disorders, including phobias and anxiety disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324171422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319102313.htm A new report by psychologists warns of the dangers of jurors facing trauma because of their exposure to harrowing and gruesome evidence. In the first study of its kind, the research highlights how women jurors are more vulnerable, particularly if the trial covers material that resonates with their personal histories. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319102313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311120435.htm A new study has analyzed the expressive writing of terrorism victims to analyze their psychosocial processes following the terrorist attacks in New York and Madrid. Despite the cultural differences of the people involved, the results show that the feelings and thoughts experienced following this type of traumatic event are universal. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311120435.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317094847.htm Imagine that you have been in combat and that you have watched your closest friend die in front of you. The memory of that event may stay with you, troubling you for the rest of your life. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is among the most common and disabling psychiatric casualties of combat and other extremely stressful situations. People suffering from PTSD often suffer from vivid intrusive memories of their traumas. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317094847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316075845.htm Does stress damage the brain? New research suggests that in learned helplessness, an animal model for depression and PTSD, stress-related reductions in synapses in the hippocampus are directly related to the emergence of depression-like behavior. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316075845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312165204.htm Exposure to critical incidents, workplace discrimination, lack of cooperation among coworkers and job dissatisfaction correlated significantly with perceived work stress among urban police officers, according to a new study. Work stress was significantly associated with adverse outcomes, including depression and intimate partner abuse. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312165204.htm