https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/anxiety/ Current medical research news on the causes of anxiety and panic attacks. Learn techniques for managing stress and understand medications to treat anxiety. en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:11:55 EDT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:11:55 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/anxiety/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224508.htm Astrocytes, once thought to be mere brain “support cells,” are now revealed to be key players in fear memory. Researchers found they actively help form, recall, and weaken fear responses by interacting with neurons in real time. Changing astrocyte activity directly altered how strong fear memories became. This breakthrough could lead to entirely new treatments for anxiety-related disorders. Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:47:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260403224508.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:27:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224229.htm Scientists studying 1,300 golden retrievers have uncovered genetic clues explaining why some dogs are more anxious, energetic, or aggressive than others. Remarkably, several of the same genes linked to canine behavior are also tied to human traits like anxiety, depression, and intelligence. The discovery suggests dogs and humans share biological roots for emotions and behavior. Understanding these links could help owners better interpret their pets’ reactions and even improve training and veterinary care. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:54:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260225081205.htm Worrying about getting older—especially fearing future health problems—may actually speed up aging at the cellular level, according to new research from NYU. In a study of more than 700 women, those who felt more anxious about aging showed signs of faster biological aging in their blood, measured using cutting-edge “epigenetic clocks.” Fears about declining health had the strongest link, while concerns about beauty or fertility didn’t appear to have the same biological impact. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:14:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260225081205.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020412.htm A sweeping review of global research suggests that exercise—especially aerobic activities like running, swimming, and dancing—can be one of the most powerful ways to ease depression and anxiety. Across tens of thousands of people aged 10 to 90, exercise consistently reduced symptoms, often matching or even outperforming medication and talk therapy. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:58:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020412.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040623.htm Depression in older adults may sometimes signal the early stages of Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia. Researchers found that depression often appears years before diagnosis and remains elevated long afterward, unlike in other chronic illnesses. This suggests depression may reflect early brain changes rather than emotional distress alone. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:57:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040623.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231240.htm Chronic stress can damage the gut’s protective lining, triggering inflammation that may worsen depression. New research shows that stress lowers levels of a protein called Reelin, which plays a key role in both gut repair and brain health. Remarkably, a single injection restored Reelin levels and produced antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models. The findings hint at a future treatment that targets depression through the gut–brain connection. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:37:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231240.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000328.htm Researchers report that vagus nerve stimulation helped many people with long-standing, treatment-resistant depression feel better—and stay better—for at least two years. Most participants had lived with depression for decades and had exhausted nearly every other option. Those who improved at one year were very likely to maintain or increase their gains over time. Even some patients who didn’t respond initially improved after longer treatment. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:44:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000328.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084855.htm A massive global genetics study is reshaping how we understand mental illness—and why diagnoses so often pile up. By analyzing genetic data from more than six million people, researchers uncovered deep genetic connections across 14 psychiatric conditions, showing that many disorders share common biological roots. Instead of existing in isolation, these conditions fall into five overlapping families, helping explain why depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders so frequently occur together. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 02:28:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084855.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100924.htm Natural killer cells act as the immune system’s rapid-response team, but the stress of anxiety and insomnia may be quietly thinning their ranks. A study of young women in Saudi Arabia found that both conditions were linked to significantly fewer NK cells—especially the circulating types responsible for destroying infected or abnormal cells. As anxiety severity increased, NK cell levels dropped even further, suggesting a stress-driven weakening of immune defenses. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:47:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100924.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024236.htm Researchers found that people with anxiety disorders consistently show lower choline levels in key brain regions that regulate thinking and emotions. This biochemical difference may help explain why the brain reacts more intensely to stress in anxiety conditions. Scientists believe nutrition could play a role in restoring balance, though more research is needed. Many Americans already fall short of recommended choline intake, making diet a potential area of interest. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 23:46:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024236.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052213.htm Nitrous oxide may offer quick, short-term relief for people with major depression, especially those who haven’t responded to standard medications. The meta-analysis found rapid improvements after a single dose and more sustained benefits after repeated treatments. Side effects were generally mild and brief, though researchers stress the need for larger, longer-term studies. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:00:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052213.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251113071604.htm Researchers have uncovered surprising evidence that anxiety may be controlled not by neurons but by two dueling groups of immune cells inside the brain. These microglia act like biological pedals—one pushing anxiety forward and the other holding it back. Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:18:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251113071604.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251111233952.htm Researchers scanning soccer fans’ brains found that wins trigger bursts of reward activity while losses dampen control signals. The results show how loyalty and rivalry can override logic, turning competition into an emotional storm. The same brain circuits that fuel sports passion may also underlie political or social fanaticism. Early experiences, the study suggests, shape whether these circuits lead to healthy excitement or explosive reactions. Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:46:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251111233952.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251110021114.htm Researchers identified SGK1 as a key chemical connecting childhood trauma to depression and suicidal behavior. High SGK1 levels were found in the brains of suicide victims and in people with genetic variants linked to early adversity. Drugs that block SGK1 could offer a new kind of antidepressant, especially for patients resistant to SSRIs. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:28:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251110021114.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251109013242.htm Millions struggle with depression and anxiety, often enduring long waits for effective treatment. Scientists in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany are developing a genetic test to predict which medications will actually work. Using polygenic risk scores, they can analyze DNA variations linked to mental health and drug response. Sun, 09 Nov 2025 11:21:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251109013242.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251108083910.htm Sertraline (Zoloft) may relieve emotional symptoms of depression and anxiety within two weeks, while physical side effects stabilize later. The research highlights how antidepressants can act on specific symptom networks rather than uniformly across all aspects of depression. Sat, 08 Nov 2025 23:51:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251108083910.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251105050730.htm Meditation is widely praised for its mental health benefits, but new research shows that it can also produce unexpected side effects for some people—from anxiety and dissociation to functional impairment. Psychologist Nicholas Van Dam and his team found that nearly 60% of meditators experienced some kind of effect, and about a third found them distressing. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:56:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251105050730.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027023816.htm Generalized anxiety disorder affects millions, often trapping sufferers in cycles of fear and isolation that conventional medications barely relieve. At UCSF, neuroscientist Jennifer Mitchell is testing a pharmaceutical form of LSD called MM120, which has shown striking results in reducing symptoms by promoting neuroplasticity and easing rigid thought patterns. In clinical trials, a single dose significantly outperformed standard treatments, offering hope to those who have found little relief elsewhere. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:42:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027023816.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040343.htm Finasteride, a common hair-loss drug, has long been tied to depression and suicide, but regulators ignored the warnings. Prof. Mayer Brezis’s review exposes global data showing psychiatric harm and a pattern of inaction by Merck and the FDA. Despite its cosmetic use, the drug’s effects on brain chemistry can be devastating. Brezis calls for urgent regulatory reforms and post-marketing studies to protect public health. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:48:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033126.htm Scientists have pinpointed Y1 receptor neurons in the brain that can override chronic pain signals when survival instincts like hunger or fear take precedence. Acting like a neural switchboard, these cells balance pain with other biological needs. The research could pave the way for personalized treatments that target pain at its brain source—offering hope for millions living with long-term pain. Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:16:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033126.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073959.htm Penn researchers found that psilocybin can calm brain circuits tied to pain and mood, easing both physical suffering and emotional distress in animal studies. The compound works in the anterior cingulate cortex, bypassing injury sites and offering a dual benefit for pain and depression. Unlike opioids, psilocybin is non-addictive and may provide relief lasting weeks. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:10:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250913232924.htm Chronic insomnia may do more than leave you groggy, it could speed up brain aging. A large Mayo Clinic study found that people with long-term sleep troubles were 40% more likely to develop dementia or cognitive impairment, with brain scans showing changes linked to Alzheimer’s. Those reporting reduced sleep showed declines comparable to being four years older, while certain genetic risk carriers saw even steeper drops. Sun, 14 Sep 2025 02:02:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250913232924.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104658.htm A long-term study following insomnia patients treated with cannabis-based medical products revealed sustained improvements in sleep quality, mood, and pain management over 18 months. Most participants reported better rest and less anxiety or depression, while only a small fraction experienced mild side effects such as fatigue or dry mouth. Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:42:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250901104658.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002404.htm Using cannabis to self-medicate comes with hidden dangers—new research shows these users face higher paranoia and consume more THC. Childhood trauma further amplifies the risks, especially emotional abuse, which strongly predicts paranoia. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:24:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250828002404.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011817.htm Researchers discovered that PTSD may be driven by excess GABA from astrocytes, not neurons. This chemical imbalance disrupts the brain’s ability to forget fear. A new drug, KDS2010, reverses this effect in mice and is already in human trials. It could represent a game-changing therapy. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:37:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011817.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235825.htm Over-the-counter (OTC) products like St John’s Wort and omega-3s have long been touted for helping with depression, but new research reveals that 64 different OTC products have been tested in clinical trials, with varying levels of evidence. Some well-known options like St John’s Wort, saffron, and probiotics showed encouraging results, sometimes comparable to antidepressants. Others like folic acid, lavender, and lemon balm show emerging promise. Although few safety concerns were reported, researchers stress the need for better safety reporting and more studies, especially on commonly used but understudied herbal remedies. Mon, 28 Jul 2025 03:42:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235825.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000856.htm Yoga, Tai Chi, walking, and jogging may be some of the best natural remedies for improving sleep and tackling insomnia, according to a large analysis comparing various treatments. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) remains effective, exercise-based approaches—especially Tai Chi—were shown to deliver significant improvements in total sleep time, efficiency, and reducing how long people stay awake after falling asleep. Yoga stood out for boosting overall restfulness, and jogging helped ease insomnia symptoms. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 03:46:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000856.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000843.htm Struggling to sleep might be the hidden reason why adults with ADHD traits often feel less satisfied with life. New research reveals a strong link between insomnia and reduced well-being in people with ADHD symptoms, suggesting a vicious cycle where poor sleep worsens attention and emotional issues, and vice versa. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:10:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000843.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250710113151.htm What if your brain is the reason some pain feels unbearable? Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered a hidden brain circuit that gives pain its emotional punch—essentially transforming ordinary discomfort into lasting misery. This breakthrough sheds light on why some people suffer more intensely than others from conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and PTSD. By identifying the exact group of neurons that link physical pain to emotional suffering, the researchers may have found a new target for treating chronic pain—without relying on addictive medications. Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:37:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250710113151.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250706230309.htm Feeling jittery as the week kicks off isn’t just a mood—it leaves a biochemical footprint. Researchers tracked thousands of older adults and found those who dread Mondays carry elevated cortisol in their hair for months, a stress echo that may help explain the well-known Monday heart-attack spike. Even retirees aren’t spared, hinting that society’s calendar, not the workplace alone, wires Monday anxiety deep into the HPA axis and, ultimately, cardiovascular risk. Mon, 07 Jul 2025 02:30:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250706230309.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250705083949.htm People who treat hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants regain rich conversations, escape isolation, and may even protect their brains and lifespans—proof that better hearing translates into fuller living. Sat, 05 Jul 2025 10:25:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250705083949.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250629033424.htm Deleting a gene called PTEN in certain brain cells disrupts the brain’s fear circuitry and triggers anxiety-like behavior in mice — key traits seen in autism. Researchers mapped how this genetic tweak throws off the brain's delicate balance of excitation and inhibition in the amygdala, offering deep insights into how one gene can drive specific ASD symptoms. Sun, 29 Jun 2025 05:06:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250629033424.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623233327.htm A groundbreaking wireless implant promises real-time, personalized pain relief using AI and ultrasound power no batteries, no wires, and no opioids. Designed by USC and UCLA engineers, it reads brain signals, adapts on the fly, and bends naturally with your spine. Tue, 24 Jun 2025 02:38:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623233327.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529140137.htm Humans and mice share persistent brain-activity patterns in response to adverse sensory experience, scientists find, opening a window to our emotions and, perhaps, neuropsychiatric disorders. Thu, 29 May 2025 14:01:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529140137.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132237.htm It's tempting to think that, with our fancy electric lights and indoor bedrooms, humanity has evolved beyond the natural influence of sunlight when it comes to our sleep routines. But new research shows that our circadian rhythms are still wild at heart, tracking the seasonal changes in daylight. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:22:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132237.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124809.htm A new risk calculator accurately identified participants who had calcium buildup in their heart arteries and those who had a higher future heart attack risk, in an analysis of about 7,000 adults in New York City referred for heart disease screening. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:48:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124809.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124629.htm A mechanism involving potassium channels in the brain that control brain cell activity could provide a new and fundamentally different way of treating depression symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:46:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124629.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520183839.htm Poor mental health, rising obesity rates, exposure to violence and climate change are among the key challenges facing our adolescents today, according to a global report. Tue, 20 May 2025 18:38:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520183839.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520183836.htm Trauma centers nationwide will begin to test a new approach for assessing traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is expected to lead to more accurate diagnoses and more appropriate treatment and follow-up for patients. The new framework expands the assessment beyond immediate clinical symptoms. Added criteria would include biomarkers, CT and MRI scans, and factors, such as other medical conditions and how the trauma occurred. Tue, 20 May 2025 18:38:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520183836.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515132119.htm Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on easing symptoms, addressing psychological and spiritual needs, and helping patients and caregivers make critical decisions aligned with their personal beliefs and values. Thu, 15 May 2025 13:21:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515132119.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515131952.htm New research shows that cyberbullying should be classified as an adverse childhood experience due to its strong link to trauma. Even subtle forms -- like exclusion from group chats -- can trigger PTSD-level distress. Nearly 90% of teens experienced some form of cyberbullying, accounting for 32% of the variation in trauma symptoms. Indirect harassment was most common, with more than half reporting hurtful comments, rumors or deliberate exclusion. What mattered most was the overall amount of cyberbullying: the more often a student was targeted, the more trauma symptoms they showed. Thu, 15 May 2025 13:19:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515131952.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111102.htm Researchers have discovered how inferred emotions are learned. The study shows that the frontal part of the brain coordinates with the amygdala -- a brain region important for simple forms of emotional learning -- to make this higher-order emotional ability possible. This breakthrough study is the first to show how the brain codes human-like internal models of emotion. Wed, 14 May 2025 11:11:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111102.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112158.htm People with multiple long-term physical health conditions are at a significantly greater risk of developing depression, a study shows. Tue, 13 May 2025 11:21:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112158.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131322.htm Researchers have created an effective therapy for chronic pain that reduces pain intensity by focusing on emotional regulation. Tue, 06 May 2025 13:13:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506131322.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105351.htm When picturing a 'typical' alcoholic, people tend to imagine a person drinking at home alone. But that focus overlooks the social origins of many serious alcohol problems. Tue, 06 May 2025 10:53:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105351.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170641.htm In a recent clinical study, patients with treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder were symptom-free up to six months after completing traditional therapy paired with vagus nerve stimulation. Mon, 05 May 2025 17:06:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505170641.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121754.htm Physically punishing children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has exclusively negative outcomes -- including poor health, lower academic performance, and impaired social-emotional development -- yielding similar results to studies in wealthier nations, finds a new analysis. Mon, 05 May 2025 12:17:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121754.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121412.htm One of the first studies in this area to use clinical-level diagnoses reveals a range of differences between young people with and without mental health conditions when it comes to social media -- from changes in mood to time spent on sites. Mon, 05 May 2025 12:14:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250505121412.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142959.htm Researchers have found that drug effectiveness, alcohol tolerance, and carbohydrate metabolism change with the seasons. Their findings are based on a comprehensive seasonal gene expression map, which investigated over 54,000 genes in 80 tissues in monkeys across one year. The study has implications for drug prescription and precision medicine. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:29:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142254.htm Childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in harmful alcohol consumption, smoking and illicit drug use, by the age of 18. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:22:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430142254.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220605.htm A new study shows how a dopamine circuit between two brain regions enables mice to extinguish fear after a peril has passed. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:06:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220605.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164351.htm A new study finds vision loss fears may deter some patients from cataract surgery, despite it being the only effective treatment. The research underscores the role of doctor-patient relationships in medical decisions. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:43:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423164351.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112041.htm Smartphones may often feel like a source of stress, feeding us an endless stream of bad news and social comparison. But what if they could also be the solution? A team of researchers believes they can be. The team has developed a smartphone app that delivers core techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) -- a proven treatment for depression and anxiety -- straight into the hands of users, and tested it in the largest-ever individually randomized trial of its kind. Their resilience training app, called RESiLIENT, was tested on nearly 4,000 adults across Japan experiencing subthreshold depression -- a form of low-level but persistent depressive symptoms that doesn't meet criteria for major depressive disorder but can still be debilitating. This condition affects an estimated 11% of people worldwide and often goes untreated. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:20:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112041.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423111905.htm A new study suggests that fear and the immune system are connected in previously unknown ways. Researchers found that the immune system can influence stress and fear behaviors by changing how brain cells communicate. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:19:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423111905.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131203.htm Researchers found that a brief episode of anxiety may have a bigger influence on a person's ability to learn what is safe and what is not. A new study used a virtual reality game that involved picking flowers with bees in some of the blossoms that would 'sting' the participant, simulated by a mild electrical stimulation on the hand. Researchers discovered that temporary feelings of anxiety had the biggest impact on whether participants could learn to distinguish between the safe and dangerous areas, where the bees were and were not, not a person's general tendency to feel anxious. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:12:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131203.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112902.htm For adults over the age of 65, higher levels of both insomnia symptoms and sleep medication use were associated with higher risk of disability a year later, according to a new study. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:29:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112902.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135739.htm A new study suggests that climate trauma -- such as experiencing a devastating wildfire -- can have lasting effects on cognitive function. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:57:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135739.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250414124657.htm A new study suggests that perceived stress and depression factor into the relationship between insomnia and hazardous drinking -- perhaps not a surprise. But because the relationship between insomnia and heavy drinking goes in both directions, the influence of stress or depression depends on which condition came first, the analysis found. Mon, 14 Apr 2025 12:46:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250414124657.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411110035.htm Police officers are more than twice as likely to have traumatic brain injuries compared to the general population. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:00:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411110035.htm