Sensory subtypes and anxiety and autism

Questioning Aswers: "This is the first study to identify the existence of sensory subtypes among older children and adolescents with ASD [autism spectrum disorder] and explore their association with anxiety levels."
Far be it from me to question the above quote provided in the paper by Mirko Uljarević and colleagues [1] but I'm inclined to suggest that there has already been some research published on the link between sensory issues and anxiety in the context of the autism spectrum before. Indeed, I do wonder whether the assertions put forward by Mazurek and colleagues [2] on how gastrointestinal (GI) issues (yes, they are over-represented) might be an important part of any sensory/anxiety mix in autism could be something that is further looked at by Uljarević in their cohort?

We shouldn’t worry so much about our kids’ anxiety – it’s a normal part of growing up

TheConversation: There’s been a big rise in the number of young people seeking help for their anxieties, according to Childline. The telephone counselling service has suggested exposure to social media reports on global issues such as Brexit and the war in Syria may be behind the 35% increase in the number of calls it receives from anxious children. Yet while some may see this as further evidence of a wider mental health crisis among young people, it’s important to remember that worrying is a normal part of life. Kids usually learn to cope with worries as they grow up, but worrying can also enhance problem-solving skills in children.

Worried but well, may boost chance of a sick heart

Scimex: People who worry about having or developing a serious illness may be raising their risk of developing heart disease, according to a team of Norwegian scientists. The researchers surveyed over 7,000 older people's levels of anxiety about their health and found that those who had health anxiety were twice as likely develop heart disease as those who didn't have health anxiety - 6 per cent compared to 3 per cent. Although this study can't prove that health anxiety causes heart disease, the authors say that there is still a need for the proper diagnosis and treatment of health anxiety.

Being a 'couch potato' linked to increased anxiety risk

NHS: “Being a couch potato is bad for your mental health,” the Mail Online reports. However, the evidence gathered by a new review is not as clear-cut as the headline would lead you to believe.
The review summarised the results of nine studies on the link between anxiety symptoms and sedentary behaviour, such as using a computer or watching TV. Overall, five of the nine studies found a positive link – that as time spent sitting went up, so did the risk of anxiety symptoms. However, the results of a review are only as reliable as the studies it includes, and in this case they weren’t very good. The majority of studies looked at sitting and anxiety at one time.

First review to examine the relationship between sedentary behaviour and anxiety

Scimex: The first systematic review to examine the relationship between sedentary behaviour and anxiety has found that prolonged sitting, such as watching TV, working on a computer or playing electronic games, is linked to increased risk of anxiety in adults and children. The study was published today in the open access journal BMC Public Health.

Exploring anxiety and ritualistic behaviour

Scimex: A research team, including a New Zealander, has gained fresh insight into the characteristics of the ritualised behaviour. The scientists looked at the actions people took when cleaning, and found that increasing stress and anxiety led to more repetitive and predictable cleaning behaviour. They hope that the research will help to understand the ritualistic traits seen in religious ceremonies, gamblers, athletes, or people with conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or autism.

Brain Injury Patterns Linked to Post-concussion Depression and Anxiety

RSNA: A new MRI study has found distinct injury patterns in the brains of people with concussion-related depression and anxiety, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology. The findings may lead the way to improved treatment and understanding of these common disorders, researchers said.
Post-concussion psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and irritability can be extremely disabling for those among the nearly 3.8 million people in the United States who suffer concussions every year. The mechanisms underlying these changes after concussion—also known as mild traumatic brain injury—are not sufficiently understood, and conventional MRI results in most of these patients are normal.

Seven new genes linked to anxiety disorders

TheConversation: Researchers have linked seven new genes to anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. These gene links mean that new drug treatments could be created to target these gene products specifically in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It gives hope to thousands of people who currently have no treatment plan. Treatments for anxiety disorders involve both drug-free and drug-based therapies. The most effective treatment strategies are a combination of the two, differing in application from patient to patient.

Study links brain inflammation triggered by chronic pain to anxiety and depression

Irvine: Brain inflammation caused by chronic nerve pain alters activity in regions that regulate mood and motivation, suggesting for the first time that a direct biophysical link exists between long-term pain and the depression, anxiety and substance abuse seen in more than half of these patients, UC Irvine and UCLA researchers report. This breakthrough finding also points to new approaches for treating chronic pain, which is second only to bipolar disorder among illness-related causes of suicide. About a quarter of Americans suffer from chronic pain, making it the most common form of enduring illness for those under the age of 60. The Institute of Medicine estimates that this costs our society more than $635 billion per year.

Smoking increases panic attacks

Maastricht: Panic disorder patients run a greater risk of experiencing panic attacks if they smoke regularly. This was shown in a doctoral research study performed by Inge Knuts of Maastricht UMC+. Based on the study findings, she recommends combining panic disorder treatment with treatment for tobacco dependence. People with panic disorder suffer from frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Recurrent panic attacks can easily result in sufferers avoiding situations or circumstances in which they might experience a panic attack. This fear of having a panic attack and the associated avoidance behaviour can pose huge drawbacks with respect to their everyday lives.

Mobile mood-tracking website helps patients across Canada

British Columbia: Effective help for depression and anxiety is now just a click away, thanks to a mobile-optimized website developed at UBC’s Mood Disorders Clinic. MoodFx, accessible by mobile device or computer, uses validated questionnaires to track patients’ mood, cognition and work performance. While other mood-tracking websites and apps do exist, MoodFx, the brainchild of UBC Mood Disorders Centre director Dr. Raymond Lam, is unique. Not only was it developed by mental-health researchers and clinicians, but its checklists and questionnaires are backed by scientific research.

Germanwings prompts pilot review but industry must also deal with workplace stress

TheConversation: Following the tragedy of Germanwings flight 4U9525, the US Federal Aviation Administration has said it is launching a study into how pilots' mental health is monitored. It follows on from Lufthansa’s announcement of spot checks, much like dope testing in sport. The deliberate downing of the flight in March 2015 by co-pilot Andreas Lubitz led to 150 deaths and prompted calls for safeguards such as a requirement for two people to be present in the cockpit at all times and greater sophistication in the screening of pilots. However, this tragedy also highlighted the potential dangers of precarious employment contracts and the anxiety such contracts can cause. Murder-suicide is a rare and extreme act, but there was much speculation about Lubitz’s mental health and what may have led or exacerbated his situation.

High finance, high anxiety

Ann Arbor: Studying events like the 2008 financial crisis in hindsight leads many to ask, "How could they have gotten it so wrong?" New research by University of Michigan professor Martin Schmalz finds that overconfidence—underestimating risks—can be a rational response to fear, or "anxiety," but the balance between the two can fluctuate over time. "So many CFOs were overconfident before the financial crisis and underestimated risk. That's quite puzzing" said Schmalz, assistant professor of finance at U-M's Ross School of Business. "Given they are the experts, why were they still so bad at it?"

Animals’ presence may ease social anxiety in kids with autism

NIH: When animals are present, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have lower readings on a device that detects anxiety and other forms of social arousal when interacting with their peers. According to a study funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, companion animals — like dogs, cats or the guinea pigs in the study — may prove to be a helpful addition to treatment programs designed to help children with ASDs improve their social skills and interactions with other people.

Children encouraged to be fearless, not anxious

University of Queensland researchers are seeking families of anxious children to participate in a ground-breaking intervention called Fear-less. Professor Matthew Sanders from the School of Psychology said an anxious child could suffer from problems with low self-esteem, social isolation, academic difficulties and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders. The founder of the world-renowned Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) said he was specifically seeking children aged seven to 12.

Effectivenes of drugs for anxiety disorders overestimated

Oregon: A new analysis reported in JAMA Psychiatry raises serious questions about the increasingly common use of second-generation antidepressant drugs to treat anxiety disorders. It concludes that studies supporting the value of these medications for that purpose have been distorted by publication bias, outcome reporting bias and “spin.” Even though they may still play a role in treating these disorders, the effectiveness of the drugs has been overestimated.

Air pollution linked to stroke and anxiety

Scimex: Two studies have found that air pollution is linked to a higher risk of stroke and associated with anxiety. In one study, Scottish scientists reviewed research investigating links between short term air pollution exposure and stroke-related hospital admissions and deaths in 28 countries - including Australia and New Zealand. While n the second study, US researchers looked at air pollution and anxiety in over 70,000 women aged between 57 and 85 years.

Anxious people more apt to make bad decisions amid uncertainty

Berkeley University. US: Highly anxious people have more trouble deciding how best to handle life’s uncertainties. They may even catastrophize, interpreting, say, a lovers’ tiff as a doomed relationship or a workplace change as a career threat.

Morita therapy for anxiety disorders in adults

Cochrane: Anxiety disorders are some of the most prevalent mental disorders. Morita therapy, a systematic psychological therapy based on eastern philosophy, has been used to treat anxiety disorders for decades. It encourages people with anxiety disorders to accept anxiety as a natural feeling, while at the same time it engages them in constructive behaviours via four phases, which sequentially are bed rest in isolation, light work, heavy work and preparation for normal daily living. Acceptance is merely redirecting attention towards purposeful behaviour.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety in children and young people

Cochrane: Many children and young people suffer from anxiety. Children and young people with anxiety are more likely to have difficulty with friendships, family life and school. Treatments for children and young people with anxiety can help to prevent them from developing mental health problems or drug and alcohol misuse in later life.