Women on the autism spectrum are more likely to be diagnosed with a co-morbid mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or increased risk of self-harm than males with autism.

Study to assess if ‘social prescribing’ such as surfing or rollerskating can stop conditions worsening while on waiting listsYoung people will take part in surfing, rollerskating and gardening to see whether sport, the arts and outdoor activities can make them less anxious and depressed.NHS mental health trusts will use the activities to help 600 young people on their waiting lists for care as part of a study into whether “social prescribing” helps improve mental wellbeing. Continue reading…

Using eyeglasses that filter a specific wavelength on the green light spectrum reduces pain-related anxiety and could decrease the need for opioids for those with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.

Effective neurochemical changes in the brain of those with social anxiety take different forms after SSRI treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Those with pre-existing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and distress caused by loneliness are at 50% increased risk of developing Long-COVID following coronavirus infection.

With anxiety, loneliness and the cost of living crisis driving an urge to accumulate, when does clutter become a cause for concern?Hoarding behaviours are on the rise, with some councils even setting up specialist teams to deal with the issue. But why? And what should you do if you’re worried? I asked Jo Cooke, director of Hoarding Disorders UK and a professional declutterer.What’s the difference between hoarding, collecting, or having a cluttered space?It’s about the emotion. Someone who hoards feels genuine distress at the thought of discarding their items. We say they find meaning in the mess; it’s a security blanket. That’s different from a collector who’d proudly swap one vintage car for another, or chronic disorganisation. Generally, if you offer to tidy up someone’s cluttered house they’ll say: “Yes, please!” Whereas someone with hoarding behaviours will say no, because they don’t like the thought of their things being touched. They are emotionally attached. Continue reading…