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Anxiety Disorder ResearchSeveral studies are researching anxiety disorder causes and treatments. Additional information about some of the studies can be obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov: OCD geneScientists at the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have identified a gene variant of the serotonin transporter gene (SERT) that doubles a person's risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is hoped that the identification of this gene variant will lead to the earlier identification and treatment of people at risk of developing OCD, as well as lead to the development of more effective treatments. OCD and strepScientists at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), working with scientists at California State University and the University of Oklahoma, have identified how a bacterial infection may trigger OCD in some children. It appears that in some cases an antibody against strep throat bacteria sometimes disrupts communications between neurons, which causes a form of OCD in children. Phobias and VRVirtual reality (VR) creates computer images that simulate real-life environments. Researchers are investigating the use of cognitive-behavior therapy plus VR to treat special phobias (such as the fear of heights or flying). The approach exposes people to VR-created simulations of the objects or situations that they fear. During the treatment, people experience physical anxiety symptoms similar to those in the real-life situations. Then after the treatment has been completed, most people report a reduction in anxiety when they're exposed to the real-life situations. Researchers are currently investigating the use of this technique to treat social phobias (such as the fear of public speaking). St. John's Wort researchNumerous studies have shown that the herb St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is effective in treating of mild depression. So far, research testing the use of St. John's wort for anxiety disorders have had mixed results. Several studies are currently researching the use of St. John's wort to treat general anxiety disorder (GAD), OCD, and social phobia.
PSTD in childrenResearch has shown that children exposed to traumatic events have a higher rate of developing an anxiety disorder or depression but only a small number of these children develop the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). Children exposed to multiple traumas are more likely to develop PSTD. Various NIMH studiesScientists at the NIMH are currently investigating:- The role of genes and environmental factors (such as pollution, and physical and psychological stress) in the development of anxiety disorders.
- The course various anxiety disorders and anxiety disorder combinations take without treatment.
- The safety and effectiveness of medications for children and adolescents who have both an anxiety disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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