MentalHealthDaily

TMS For Anxiety Disorders (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

by GLOOM

TMS (Transcranial magnetic stimulation) is considered a non-invasive neurostimulation procedure aimed at normalizing brain activity among those with abnormal neurological function. Individuals diagnosed with psychiatric conditions (e.g. depression) may turn to TMS for relief if standard first-line pharmacological options fail to ameliorate symptoms. A TMS device works by using pulsed magnetic fields to generate low-grade electrical currents. …

Genetically Modified Mice: PDE4B Inhibition Increases Intelligence, Reduces Anxiety

by GLOOM

Perhaps you’ve heard of the fictional story “Flowers for Algernon” about a laboratory mouse named Algernon. The mouse undergoes a nootropic-esque surgical procedure that dramatically amplifies his intelligence. The experiment is deemed so successful, that scientists decide to test the procedure in a human character named Charlie Gordon. Prior to the artificial enhancement of Charlie’s …

L-Theanine For Anxiety: An Effective Supplement?

by GLOOM

L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid derived primarily from the plant Camellia sinensis. It was discovered as a green tea constituent circa 1950, and can also be found within other types of tea including black tea and white tea. The levorotatory “L” (left-handed) enantiomer is more popular than the dextrorotatory “D” enantiomer and better understood. …

Neurofeedback For Anxiety Disorders: An Effective Treatment?

by GLOOM

People with lifelong anxiety disorders often have genetic polymorphisms that cause abnormal activation of various neural circuitry and changes in neurotransmission, provoking excessive fear. While fear in appropriate situations such as getting attacked by a lion is beneficial in that it helps us survive by giving us superhuman abilities (e.g. endurance, strength, thinking), many people …

Eating Fermented Foods For Social Anxiety Disorder: Preliminary Study Suggests Benefit

by GLOOM

Fermentation is considered the conversion of carbohydrates to organic acids using yeast and/or bacteria. During the fermentation process, millions of tiny microorganisms become infused with the food so that when consumed, those bacteria enter your gut. While all the health effects associated with consumption fermentation of foods remain unknown, most evidence suggests that regular consumption …

Gabapentin For Anxiety Disorders: An Off-Label Treatment

by GLOOM

Gabapentin is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 1993 as an adjunct treatment for epileptic seizures. It has since attained approval for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children. In addition to its mechanism as an antiepileptic drug, Gabapentin functions as an analgesic, and was approved in 2004 for the …

Social Anxiety Disorder Caused By Too Much Serotonin?

by GLOOM

Those with social anxiety disorder are reported to suffer from debilitating, uncontrollable anxiety in social situations. This condition, also known as “social phobia” can lead to an intense fear of public speaking, forming friendships, maintaining social bonds, and even getting a job. Individuals living with social anxiety often isolate themselves, suffer from low self-esteem, and …