Doomscrolling linked to anxiety and 'helicopter brain' condition

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 19:14 · Archive

Research links excessive negative online content to anxiety; neurologist describes constant nervous system alertness as 'helicopter brain'.

A new analysis of 44 studies published in Frontiers in Psychology has linked 'doomscrolling' — excessive consumption of negative online content — to higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress. The research did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, only associations between the behaviour and poorer mental health.

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Steven Resnick uses the term 'helicopter brain' to describe a nervous system that remains constantly on high alert. 'Imagine your own helicopter — that is your nervous system,' Resnick, chief of the Division of Neurology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, said. 'Your nervous system's job is to protect you from harm.' Information overload, overstimulation and uncertainty can keep the brain on high alert by activating the autonomic nervous system, he explained.

Resnick said he often sees patients experiencing symptoms they struggle to explain, including headaches, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, sleep problems, tingling and dizziness. In some cases, patients undergo evaluations by multiple specialists before identifying a potential explanation. 'They end up going to see a neurologist, who sends them to the gastroenterologist, who sends them to the cardiologist, then the rheumatologist,' he said.

How it is being reported

• ‘Helicopter brain’ could be making you feel sick: How to spot it and what to doAn analysis of 44 studies links doomscrolling to anxiety. Dr. Steven Resnick explains how "helicopter brain" keeps your nervous system on high alert.New York Post · 12 Oct, 18:58
• 'Helicopter brain' could be making you feel sick: How to spot it and what to doDoomscrolling is linked to higher anxiety and psychological distress, but a neurologist says it may also trigger what he calls "helicopter brain."Fox News · 12 Oct, 12:00

In this story: Dr. Steven Resnick · Mount Sinai Medical Center · Miami Beach, Florida · Frontiers in Psychology

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