Mindfully Healing

The Swedish research included 215 patients with anxiety, depression and stress-related problems. Learning mindfulness in a group can be just as effective as individual cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), new research finds. Professor Jan Sundquist, who led the research, said: “Our new research shows that mindfulness group therapy has the equivalent effect as individual CBT for a wide range of psychiatric symptoms that are common among this patient group, We have shown in a previous study that mindfulness group therapy is just as effective as individual CBT for the treatment of typical

Drugs prescribed for anxiety, OCD, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions linked to dementia. Benzodiazepines carry an increased risk of dementia and even death. Benzodiazepines include drugs marketed under the names Valium, Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax. These drugs are often prescribed for anxiety and other mental health issues such as OCD, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Research has now repeatedly linked these drugs to dementia and Alzheimer’s. Dr Helene Alphonso, a psychiatrist and Director of Osteopathic Medical Education at Texas University, said: “Current research is extremely clear and physicians

Both physical and mental health was better among people with these 5 life skills. Emotional stability, optimism, control, conscientiousness and determination are all vital to people’s success in life. Both young and old alike benefit from these life skills. They are linked to lower depression, greater financial stability, better health and lower social isolation. Professor Andrew Steptoe, who co-led the research, said: “No single attribute was more important than others. Rather, the effects depended on the accumulation of life skills.” The conclusions come from a study of more than 8,000

One-third of people experiencing major depression could be of this new type. Inflammation in the brain could explain episodes of major depression in some people, new studies suggest. Around one-third of people experiencing major depression have high-levels of inflammation markers in their blood. This persistent inflammation could explain some of the worst symptoms of depression. The inability to feel pleasure — called anhedonia — is a particularly stubborn symptom. Depressed people often find it hard to experience pleasure from everyday activities like eating or spending time with friends and family.

Cognitive control helps people resist temptations and make decisions that benefit them in the long-term. Pictures of cold temperatures help people to control their thoughts, new research finds. Imagining yourself in that cold environment helps to ‘cool down’ any quick emotional responses. Dr Idit Shalev, who led the study, said: “Metaphorical phrases like ‘coldly calculating,’ ‘heated response,’ and ‘cool-headed’ actually have some scientific validity, which we demonstrate in our study.” Studies have already shown that people who are actually colder, exhibit more cognitive control, Dr Shalev said: “Previous research focused

The herb is central to the traditional home medicine of India called Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is a herb central to the traditional home medicine of India called Ayurveda. Its Latin name is W. somnifera, meaning sleep-inducing, and it has been used for that purpose for centuries. It is sometimes known as “Indian ginseng”. Modern scientific studies have shown that crude powder of Ashwagandha helps to promote sleep. Now, new research has revealed the active ingredient. The Ashwagandha leaf is rich in triethylene glycol (TEG), which scientists have now found helps improve

Nine years before memory changes, this can signal problems. Changes in sense of humour could be an early sign of dementia, a new study finds. A shift to preferring slapstick humour — like Mr Bean — over satirical or absurdist comedy, such as Monty Python, could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Friends and relatives of those with dementia reported seeing changes around nine years before the more typical memory problems. Dr Camilla Clark, who led the study, said: “As sense of humour defines us and is used to build