anxiety

May 2, 2019

Therapy animals’ impact on children with cancer studied

The sight of a dog in a therapy vest trotting down a hospital hallway or being petted by a child lying in a hospital bed is familiar to many, yet the scientific research showing the impact of therapy animals is largely anecdotal, says Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Professor Mary Jo Gilmer, PhD. Her work is changing that.

By Nancy Wise
April 28, 2017

Regulating anxiety in the brain

Two brain signaling pathways have overlapping functions in regulating anxiety, suggesting that therapeutics aimed at one or the other will impact both.

By Leigh MacMillan
child hiding behind a corner
October 13, 2016

Study may help predict anxiety risk in children

In what could be a way to predict which children might be vulnerable to anxiety disorders, a Vanderbilt study has shown that an altered prefrontal cortex function in the brain marks a heightened anxiety risk in children.

By Nancy Humphrey
May 12, 2016

COX-2 blocker could help PTSD

COX-2 inhibitors – used clinically to reduce inflammation and pain – may find new applications for treating PTSD and other stress-related psychiatric disorders like major depression.

By Bill Snyder
July 21, 2014

Reversing stress-induced anxiety

Augmenting the signals of natural “endocannabinoids” in the brain may be a promising approach for treating mood and anxiety disorders.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 28, 2014

Mapping brain circuitry

Vanderbilt investigators have used two types of neuroimaging to establish a “map” of connections for a brain region important in anxiety and addiction.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 6, 2014

Discovery sheds new light on marijuana’s anxiety relief effects

An international group led by Vanderbilt University researchers has found cannabinoid receptors, through which marijuana exerts its effects, in a key emotional hub in the brain involved in regulating anxiety and the flight-or-fight response.
By Bill Snyder
August 5, 2013

Vanderbilt scientists discover potential new way to treat anxiety

Chemically modified inhibitors of the COX-2 enzyme relieve anxiety behaviors in mice by activating natural “endocannabinoids” without gastrointestinal side effects, Vanderbilt University scientists will report next week.
By Bill Snyder
May 2, 2012

Early stomach troubles augur anxiety

Children with stomach troubles grow up to be anxious adolescents and young adults, according to a recent study.
By VUMC News and Communications