Negative thoughts might be changing your brain in surprising ways, study suggests

Negative thoughts might be changing your brain in surprising ways, study suggests

Research shows negativity bias correlates with depression, anxiety and memory problems

A negative mindset is known to trigger or heighten stress and anxiety — and new research has revealed other trickle-down effects on mental and physical health. (iStock)

"The study shows that people with anxiety disorders who exhibit strong negativity bias — the tendency to focus more on negative than positive stimuli — demonstrate clear structural and functional abnormalities in the brain," the lead researcher said. (iStock)

"If you want to treat mental health seriously, you need to look at the brain," the researcher said. (iStock)