Top psych stories of March: Alcohol withdrawal during pandemic, CBD for severe anxiety

Healio Psychiatry has compiled a list of its five most-viewed stories in March.

A study on a CBD product’s role in reducing severe anxiety, research into an increase in alcohol withdrawal rates since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and findings on increased risk for obsessive-compulsive symptoms among people exposed to trauma were some of the most-read stories on Healio Psychiatry for the month.

CBD product may reduce severe anxiety and related symptoms

Use of a cannabidiol sublingual product may reduce severe anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms, according to a presentation at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America annual conference. Read more.

COVID-19 pandemic linked to increase in alcohol withdrawal rates for hospitalized patients

Alcohol withdrawal rates have increased among hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to study results in a research letter published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

People with trauma exposure at increased risk for obsessive-compulsive symptoms

Trauma exposure appeared significantly associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms among a community sample, according to a presentation at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America annual conference. Read more.

Mental wellbeing declined significantly during 2020, global report finds

A report that outlined global mental health during 2020 found societal circumstance and behavior had an “enormous impact” on mental wellbeing. Read more.

Biological sex may play role in late-life risk for cognitive decline

Women appear to have greater cognitive reserve but faster cognitive decline than men, according to results of a cohort study published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.