The effect of anxiety on working memory updating based on attentional control theory?5 answersAnxiety has been shown to affect working memory updating, according to the Attentional Control Theory. Individuals with anxiety may have deficits in attentional control, leading to difficulties in updating information in working memory. This can result in impairments in cognitive functions such as attention control, processing efficiency, and cognitive flexibility. Trait anxiety, in particular, has been associated with impairments in attention control and processing efficiency. Anxiety-related deficits in working memory updating may be specific to certain types of information, such as negative or positive emotional content. However, the relationship between anxiety and memory storage of threat-related distractors is not always consistent. Overall, anxiety can have a negative impact on working memory updating, highlighting the importance of interventions targeting attentional control and cognitive functions in individuals with anxiety.
What is generalized anxiety disorder?5 answersGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry. It is a common illness with a lifetime prevalence of 5% and is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. GAD is characterized by constant, groundless, unrealistic, and exaggerated anxiety and fear. Individuals with GAD usually spend a large proportion of the day engaging in worry that is considered excessive because it is disproportionate to actual risk. The core feature of GAD is cognitive in nature, but somatic complaints and impairment in behavioral functioning are major components. The etiology of GAD includes early childhood trauma, recent life events, faulty conditioning, genetic factors, and neurobiological changes. Treatment methods for GAD include antidepressant medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapy, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are effective treatments for GAD.
What are the most effective self-help interventions for individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder?4 answersSelf-help interventions for individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include online self-help programs. These programs have shown effectiveness in reducing GAD symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Specifically, online self-help interventions have been found to significantly reduce generalized anxiety symptoms and improve well-being. They have also been shown to effectively reduce core symptomatology of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Additionally, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be noninferior to face-to-face CBT for GAD treatment. Complementary therapies such as physical exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) have also shown some evidence of efficacy in managing GAD. Overall, these findings suggest that online self-help interventions and complementary therapies can be effective in reducing GAD symptoms and improving well-being.
What are the best ways to treat generalized anxiety disorder?5 answersThe best ways to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include pharmacological and psychological interventions. Effective pharmacological treatments for GAD include duloxetine, escitalopram, pregabalin, quetiapine, and venlafaxine. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used psychological treatment for GAD and has shown efficacy. Other psychological modalities that have been found to be effective in managing GAD include interpersonal therapy and supportive therapy. Additionally, efforts to enhance CBT have shown promise, such as mindfulness-based CBT, emotion regulation therapy, and metacognitive therapy. Technologically based treatments, such as internet-based CBT, can be effective when face-to-face treatment is inaccessible. Complementary therapies like physical exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) have also shown some evidence of efficacy in managing GAD. It is important to consider individual patient characteristics and preferences when determining the most appropriate treatment approach for GAD.
What is the effect of biofeedback in anxiety reduction?5 answersBiofeedback has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. Studies have found that biofeedback training using electromyography (EMG), respiration rate (RESP), and skin temperature (TEMP) can help alleviate anxiety symptoms among nursing students. Virtual reality (VR)-based biofeedback has also been found to significantly lower self-reported anxiety and heart rate (HR). Additionally, biofeedback therapy with paced breathing has been shown to reduce anxiety levels in individuals with essential arterial hypertension. Neuro-biofeedback therapy using Brain Boy Universal Professional has been found to significantly reduce anxiety levels in individuals with anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, educational programs incorporating biofeedback techniques such as mindful breathing have been found to decrease test anxiety and improve academic performance in adolescents. Overall, these findings suggest that biofeedback can be an effective method for reducing anxiety.
What is the effect of social media on generalized anxiety?3 answersSocial media behaviors such as comparing oneself to others who are better off, posting under the influence of alcohol, and social media addiction are associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Normalizing anxiety on social media can lead to self-diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Social media use has a low positive relationship with anxiety among college students. Social media addiction is not significantly related to anxiety and the risk of social health disasters in adolescents. The relationship between online social networking and social anxiety is still being investigated.