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Groundbreaking trial finds MDMA reduces social anxiety in autistic adults

Rich Haridy September 19, 2018

As final trials move to establish MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a legal clinical treatment, a new study has recently been published demonstrating the results of the world’s first clinical trial for another, albeit more controversial, application – treating severe social anxiety in autistic adults.

The first ever study into the effects of MDMA on social anxiety in autistic adults has ...

Medical

Exciting insight into role gut bacteria play in obesity-related depression and anxiety

Rich Haridy June 17, 2018

A compelling new study has shed more light on the mysterious connection between our diet, gut bacteria and mood. The study found that mice given a high-fat diet displayed greater depressive behaviors until microbiome-altering antibiotics returned their behavior back to normal.

A new study has found gut bacteria may play a part in anxiety and depression seen ...

Health & Wellbeing

The bacteria that could lead to a probiotic-based immunization for stress, anxiety and depression

Rich Haridy June 6, 2018

Intriguing new research suggests that a particular bacteria may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects on the brain. Early studies in rodent models found that through injections of the bacteria the animals can be "immunized" against displaying anxious responses to stressful situations.

Ambitious new research suggests a probiotic-based vaccine could be developed that protects against stress, anxiety and ...

Medical

Anti-anxiety drug found to undo some of alcohol's ill effects on the brain

Michael Irving February 8, 2018

Researchers have discovered a surprising secondary function for an existing drug. Tandospirone is used to treat anxiety and depression, but now Australian researchers have found that it can “reboot” the brain to reverse some of the negative effects of heavy alcohol consumption.

Australian researchers have found that an anti-anxiety drug may be able to reverse damage caused by ...

Biology

Discovery of "anxiety cells" in mice could lead to better therapies

Rich Haridy January 31, 2018

A new study has opened up a potential pathway to future anti-anxiety treatments after effectively demonstrating the identification of specific "anxiety cells" in the brains of mice and successfully turning those cells on or off with beams of light.

New research has identified and controlled suspected "anxiety cells" in a mouse brain

Health & Wellbeing

Is anxiety a strong early indicator of Alzheimer's disease?

Rich Haridy January 14, 2018

A new study is suggesting that increasing symptoms of anxiety could be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s, allowing physicians better targets for early interventions to treat the condition before it causes too much irreversible neurological damage.

Increasing anxiety in old age could be amn early symptom of Alzheimer's disease

Science

Need to calm down? Science says sniff your partner's shirt

Rich Haridy January 7, 2018

A new study from researchers at the University of British Columbia has revealed that the scent of a person’s partner can tangibly reduce feelings of stress and literally lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Taking in your partner's scent could calm you down according to a new study

Medical

Ketamine found to rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts and depression

Rich Haridy December 17, 2017

After recently drifting into recreational circles, ketamine is now being re-evaluated among medial researchers for its powerful anti-depressant qualities. A new study has now revealed the drug can be effective in rapidly reducing suicidal thoughts in patients.

A new study has found ketamine to be more effective in rapidly reducing acute suicidal thoughts ...

Biology

Plagued by unwanted thoughts? You may be low on hippocampal GABA

Ben Coxworth November 6, 2017

Recurrent unwanted thoughts are a key feature of conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and schizophrenia. Now, in a step towards better-treating these disorders, scientists have identified a chemical in the brain that lets most people suppress such thoughts.

Scientists could be a step closer to better treatments for conditions such as depression and PTSD

Science

Magnetic brain stimulation helps "unlearn" crippling fear of heights

Rich Haridy September 17, 2017

Advances over the last decade have led to a swift rise in research surrounding transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and its therapeutic effects. A new study demonstrates how TMS, in conjunction with a VR experience, can help alleviate anxiety disorders, helping people “unlearn" fears.

New research suggests a little magnetic brain stimulation prior to being exposed to your greatest fear ...