Category: anxiety research
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DO STUDY PREPARATION STRATEGIES HELP REDUCE TEST ANXIETY?
Students grappling with test anxiety often find themselves struggling to focus during exams and encounter difficulties in adequately preparing for their assessments. This pervasive issue can lead to a range of detrimental consequences, such as extended study periods, higher dropout rates at the university level, poor performance in exams, and even adverse physical and psychological…
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DO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ALSO EXPERIENCE MATH ANXIETY
Math anxiety is a well-recognized psychological phenomenon that significantly affects individuals’ performance in mathematics and their willingness to engage with math-related tasks. This phenomenon is characterized by a heightened fear or apprehension towards mathematics, which often leads to math failure and the avoidance of math-related activities. Moreover, in severe cases of math anxiety, the mere…
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OXIDATIVE STRESS: UNMASKING THE ANXIETY CONNECTION
The human brain, with its voracious appetite for oxygen, is exceptionally vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its modest antioxidant defenses and lipid-rich composition. Recent studies have unveiled a compelling connection between oxidative stress and anxiety disorders, shedding light on the intricate role of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin in anxiety regulation. One notable revelation…
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A CLOSER EXAMINATION OF MUSCLE TENSION IN GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety and persistent worry that can be overwhelming and uncontrollable. Among the hallmark features of this disorder are the myriad somatic symptoms that often accompany the psychological distress. These symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and disrupted sleep patterns. Among these, muscle tension stands out…
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HOW DIFFERENT MEDITATION TYPES CHANGE OUR BRAINS
Neuroimaging studies have illuminated the unique impact of various meditation practices on neural activity. Notably, focused attention meditation (FAM) and loving kindness meditation (LKM) yield distinct alterations in brain function, each with its own intriguing implications. FAM centers on concentrating attention on an object or bodily sensation to achieve a clear, undistracted state. Long-term practice…
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BREATHE DEEP: THE SURPRISING ROLE OF HYPERVENTILATION IN EMOTIONS
The intricate connection between emotions and breathing finds expression in everyday phrases like a “gasp of surprise” or a “sigh of sadness.” This linkage is further evident in laughter and crying, where breathing patterns are noticeably altered. Within this framework, Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS) emerges, characterized by abnormal breathing at rest and during activity without…
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WHY DO OUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS INFLUENCE BREATHLESSNESS?
SPOILER ALERT! ~ Cues linked to breathlessness trigger sensations even without the original cause. ~ Negative emotions like anxiety and depression play a significant role in breathlessness perception. ~ Anxiety and depression often coexist with respiratory issues, intensifying breathlessness. ~ You would feel more out of breath when you’re in a place or situation that…
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IS HAVING OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCES DURING ANXIETY A BAD SIGN?
Depersonalization (DP), characterized by a sensation of detachment from one’s body and a distorted sense of reality, has garnered significant attention due to its intriguing connection with anxiety. Numerous studies highlight a strong correlation between depersonalization and anxiety, particularly in social anxiety and panic disorder. Anxiety emerges as a key predictor of depersonalization disorder, where…
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THE DYNAMIC ROLE OF ATTENTION IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has long puzzled researchers, leading them to delve into the intricate mechanisms that underlie the characteristic repetitive obsessions and compulsions. A prevailing hypothesis postulates that these behaviors could stem from an attention system that is either deficient or skewed, fixated solely on information pertinent to threats. This intriguing premise has spurred investigations,…
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POOR MEMORY CONFIDENCE IN OCD CHECKERS
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychological condition that often brings with it a range of perplexing and distressing symptoms. Among these, a curious complaint frequently arises: individuals with OCD find themselves unsure whether they have truly completed a task or have simply imagined doing so. This intriguing phenomenon has spurred comprehensive research endeavors, seeking to…