Anxiety

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) of Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Seems Effective for Depression & Anxiety (2024 Review)

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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at 2-mA intensity effectively alleviates depressive symptoms and shows promise in reducing anxiety symptoms across various clinical conditions. Highlights: tDCS targeting the left DLPFC significantly reduces depressive symptoms, highlighting it as a transdiagnostic neural mechanism across diverse clinical conditions. The meta-analysis showed that …

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Social Anxiety Disorder & Brain Structure Abnormalities: Cortical Thickness Analysis (2024 Study)

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The study found that patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) exhibit distinct structural brain alterations, including cortical thickening and thinning in specific regions, which fit into existing neurocircuitry models of the disorder. Highlights: Cortical Thickness Alterations: Patients with SAD showed increased cortical thickness in the left insula, superior parietal lobule, superior temporal gyrus, and frontopolar …

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Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Improve Anxiety Symptoms (2024 Meta-Analysis)

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TLDR: Omega-3 supplementation shows potential for reducing anxiety symptoms, with the most significant improvement at a dose of 2 grams per day. Highlights: Dose-Dependent Effect: Each 1 gram per day of omega-3 supplementation led to a moderate decrease in anxiety symptoms, with the greatest improvement observed at 2 grams per day. Analysis: The meta-analysis included …

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Severe COVID Anxiety in UK Adults Treated with CBT-HA (2024 Study)

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TLDR: A study in the UK found that severe COVID anxiety tends to decrease over 6 months from onset, both organically and with the help of CBT for Health Anxiety (CBT-HA), though many individuals still experience significant anxiety and poor social functioning, with health anxiety being a key factor that can be effectively targeted with …

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Running Therapy vs. Antidepressants: Efficacy for Depression, Anxiety, Health

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New research finds that regular running is just as effective as antidepressants for treating depression and anxiety, and leads to better physical health outcomes. Key Facts: In a study of 141 patients, running therapy and antidepressant medication had comparable effects on rates of remission (no longer meeting diagnostic criteria) from depression/anxiety disorders. However, running led …

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Kava Kava for Anxiety Treatment: Effective Short-Term But Uncertain Long-Term

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Kava kava, an herbal supplement made from the root of Piper methysticum, has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for anxiety and insomnia. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis re-examined kava kava’s effectiveness and safety for anxiety disorders. The authors concluded that kava kava is effective for short-term anxiety relief but long-term safety remains uncertain. …

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Kava & Valerian Combo for Stress-Related Insomnia

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A new pilot study investigates using kava and valerian, two herbal remedies, to treat stress-induced insomnia. Key Facts: 24 patients with stress-induced insomnia took part in the 6-month crossover study. All patients took kava for 6 weeks, then valerian for 6 weeks, then a combination of both for 6 weeks. Both kava and valerian significantly …

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Chamomile for Anxiety, Insomnia, Sleep: An Effective Natural Treatment?

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Chamomile, a popular herbal tea, has frequently been associated with benefits for relaxation and sleep. A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Phytotherapy Research comprehensively analyzes the clinical research on chamomile for anxiety, insomnia, and sleep quality. Key facts from this study: 12 randomized controlled trials with 965 total patients were included. Trials tested …

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High Serotonin Levels in Social Anxiety Disorder Brains (PET Scans)

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Social anxiety disorder (SAD), one of the most common anxiety disorders, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations. A new brain imaging study provides evidence that SAD is associated with an overactive serotonin system. Key Takeaways: Using PET imaging, researchers found increased serotonin synthesis and reuptake in multiple brain regions in patients with …

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Post-COVID Lung Damage Linked to Anxiety & Depression

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A new study reveals important connections between lingering lung damage after COVID-19 and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The research also demonstrates that simple at-home breathing exercises can improve both lung function and mood. Key facts: 1 in 3 patients in the study still had abnormal lung function 2 months after moderate COVID-19 …

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