TL;DR: A 2026 randomized trial in PLOS One found that 5 MIDI-assisted group music therapy sessions during psychiatric hospitalization reduced Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) stress scores more than 1 session, while anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, and immediate emotional-response measures did not clearly differ by session frequency. Key Findings Stress fell further: DASS-21 stress showed …
TL;DR: A 2026 human microbiome and intervention study in Nature Communications found that coffee drinkers showed distinct gut microbiome composition and lower several microbial metabolites, while caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee shifted stress and mood measures in the intervention phase. Key Findings Study type: a study of habitual coffee intake, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, gut microbes, …
Women experiencing midlife stress-related exhaustion have a higher risk of developing dementia at a younger age and exhibit long-term cognitive impairments. Highlights: Higher Dementia Risk: Women with midlife stress-related exhaustion had a nearly threefold increased risk of developing dementia before age 75. Earlier Onset: The average age of dementia onset was younger for women with …
Psychosocial factors such as stress and depression, along with physical health issues like tympanic abnormalities and diabetes, significantly contribute to dizziness and chronic dizziness in adults. Highlights: Prevalence & Chronicity: Dizziness affected 24.6% of adults, with 17.1% of these experiencing chronic dizziness (≥3 months). Psychosocial Factors: Female sex, high levels of stress, and depression were …
Oral contraceptives (OCs) reduce avoidance bias and increase approach behavior under stress, with effects varying based on the type of contraceptive used. Highlights: Participants: The study involved 130 women, split evenly between those taking oral contraceptives (OCs) and those not using any hormonal contraception. Avoidance Bias: Women taking oral contraceptives showed a reduced tendency to …
TLDR: LSD does not provide psychological resilience during stressful experiences such as job loss – and may increase psychological distress. Highlights: The study analyzed data from 5,067,553 unemployed individuals seeking jobs. LSD users who had used the drug more than a year before job loss were the focus to ensure accurate results. LSD use prior …
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 …
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb with numerous scientifically-validated benefits for brain health and cognitive function. This medicinal plant can stimulate the nervous system, enhance work performance, and help treat stress-induced conditions like anxiety, fatigue and depression. Key Facts: Rhodiola rosea has a long history of use in traditional medicine in Nordic countries, Eastern Europe …
Addiction involves complex interactions between the brain’s reward circuitry and stress systems. The adrenal cortex and its hormones are emerging as key players. Key Facts: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates adrenal cortex hormone secretion. Adrenal hormones like cortisol influence mood, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Disrupting adrenal hormone signaling reduces addictive behaviors in animal studies. There …
