Anxiety Disorders Research Articles

Exploring pathways from intolerance of uncertainty to worry in adults with generalised anxiety disorder

ABSTRACT Three decades of research indicate that intolerance of uncertainty (IU) plays a role in the maintenance of mental health conditions. In particular, the relationship between IU and worry is especially strong. The current study aimed to conduct a partial examination of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model (IUM) of GAD as well as the Transdiagnostic Model of Intolerance of Uncertainty (TMIU), in a clinical sample of adults with GAD using path analysis. Participants with a primary diagnosis of GAD (N = 112) completed a range of measures that assessed IU, cognitive avoidance (CA), positive beliefs about worry (PBW), threat estimates, worry, and anxiety, with two path analysis models constructed for the IUM and TMIU. In a preliminary analysis of the IUM, path analysis found that CA and PBW did not have an indirect effect the relationship between IU and worry, however, CA (and not PBW) had an indirect effect on the relationship between IU and anxiety. For the TMIU, the first model demonstrated a poor fit. In an alternative model, threat estimates were found to indirect effect the relationship between IU and worry as well as anxiety. This suggests that threat appraisals do play a role in the relationship between IU, worry and anxiety in individuals with GAD.

Machine learned text topics improve drop-out risk prediction but not symptom prediction in online psychotherapies for depression and anxiety

Objective: Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapies (iCBT) are effective and scalable treatments for depression and anxiety. However, treatment adherence remains a major limitation that could be further understood by applying machine learning methods to during-treatment messages. We used machine learned topics to predict drop-out risk and symptom change in iCBT. Method: We applied topic modeling to naturalistic messages from 18,117 patients of nationwide iCBT programs for depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). We used elastic net regression for outcome predictions and cross-validation to aid in model selection. We left 10% of the data as a held-out test set to assess predictive performance. Results: Compared to a set of reference covariates, inclusion of the topic variables resulted in significant decrease in drop-out risk prediction loss, both in between-patient and within-patient session-by-session models. Quantified as partial pseudo-R2, the increase in variance explained was 2.1–6.8 percentage units. Topics did not improve symptom change predictions compared to the reference model. Conclusions: Message contents can be associated with both between-patients and session-by-session risk of drop-out. Our topic predictors were theoretically interpretable. Analysis of iCBT messages can have practical implications in improved drop-out risk assessment to aid in the allocation of additional supportive interventions.

Global burden of mental disorders in children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Childhood and adolescence are vulnerable periods for mental disorders, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges in this population. We aimed to estimate changes in the global burden of mental disorders among children and adolescents before and during the pandemic. Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021, we analyzed incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) for mental disorders in individuals aged 5-24. Annual percent changes in age-standardized rates were calculated, and a Bayesian age-period-cohort model estimated the expected and additional burden based on pre-pandemic trends. In 2021, an estimated 123.0 million new cases of mental disorders were reported among children and adolescents, with an 11.8% average annual increase in the age-standardized incidence rate during the pandemic. Anxiety disorders, which previously ranked third, became the leading cause of nonfatal disability (12.9 million [8.0-19.3] YLDs), while depressive disorders rose to fourth place (10.9 million [6.8-16.5] YLDs). The burden grew in most regions, especially among females, those aged 15-24, and in high sociodemographic index (SDI) areas. Based on pre-pandemic data, we estimated an additional burden of 795.0, 165.9, and 622.8 new cases per 100,000 population for total mental disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders globally in 2021, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between additional burden and SDI levels. These findings highlight the increased burden of mental disorders among children and adolescents during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for targeted post-pandemic mental health support.

Spiritual Distress in Caregivers of Patients with Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies-A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

ObjectiveSpiritual distress describes an "impaired ability to experience and integrate meaning and purpose," frequently occurring after receipt of a major diagnosis. We measured spiritual distress in caregivers of children presenting to a multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial clinic, hypothesizing that a significant percentage of caregivers would demonstrate spiritual distress.DesignCaregivers were surveyed utilizing the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being scale, non-illness version (FACIT-Sp 12), the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8) and the seven-item General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), as well as questions evaluating caregiver health, financial strain, and religiosity measured by the Duke Religion Index (DUREL). Logistic regression with cluster adjustment was used to control for demographic and clinical variables.SettingA multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial clinic.Patients, ParticipantsAll caregivers able to read English were surveyed. 149 of 191 completed the survey (response rate = 78.0%).Main Outcome Measure(s)Caregiver spiritual distress, as measured by the FACIT-Sp 12, non-illness version.ResultsThe median age of caregivers was 33 (interquartile range 25-39). Most were female (76.7%), white (86.7%), non-Latino (91.1%), and Christian (76.7%). Most patients were seen for a cleft diagnosis (90.8%). Thirty percent of caregivers demonstrated spiritual distress. Depression was present in 16.1% and moderate to severe anxiety in 18.1%. On adjusted analysis, Christianity was associated with lower odds of spiritual distress (OR 0.32, p = .039). Additionally, both depression (OR 14.36, p = .001) and anxiety (OR 3.81, p = .006) were associated with higher odds of spiritual distress.ConclusionsNearly one-third of caregivers demonstrated spiritual distress, which was associated with mood disorders. Addressing spiritual stress and providing necessary resources is critical for effective team-based care.

Pediatric Criteria on Children’s Mental Health. Early Medical Identificationof Anxiety and Depression Disorders In Children In Brazil

Child mental health is recognized as essential for integral development, influencing children’s emotional, academic and social well-being. The increase in the prevalence of disorders such as anxiety and depression in childhood has stimulated research into specific pediatric criteria for early diagnosis, allowing for assertive interventions that can modify the clinical course of these conditions. Thus, standardized and culturally adapted instruments prove fundamental for the detection and management of symptoms, considering the particularities of children’s emotional and behavioural development. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to carry out a systematic literature review to identify, analyze and synthesize the pediatric criteria applied to child mental health in Brazil, with an emphasis on the early identification of anxiety and depression disorders. The specific objectives were: to map the scientific literature; to evaluate the effectiveness of the screening instruments; to identify gaps and challenges in the application of the criteria in the Brazilian context; to propose guidelines for clinical practice and public policies; and to promote the integration of interdisciplinary approaches. Methodology: The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines, searching databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO and LILACS. Controlled terms were used (e.g. “infant mental health”, “pediatric criteria”, “anxiety disorders”, “depression”, “Brazil”). The selection included original studies that addressed the early identification of disorders in children using pediatric criteria or instruments. Methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools (QUADAS-2) and the data extracted systematically, with narrative synthesis of the findings. Results: The studies analyzed show that early detection of anxiety and depression disorders can significantly improve prognosis, allowing for personalized interventions and a reduction in long-term complications. However, Brazil’s cultural diversity and socioeconomic disparities pose challenges to the standardization of diagnostic criteria, reflecting a variability in prevalence rates (10-25% for depression and 20-30% for anxiety). The integration of standardized protocols in primary care and school environments, together with the continuous training of professionals, is essential to improve the identification and management of these disorders. Conclusion: In summary, the systematic review confirms that the implementation of specific pediatric criteria and culturally adapted instruments is crucial for the early detection of mental disorders in childhood. The adoption of interdisciplinary approaches and the formulation of robust public policies are indispensable measures to mitigate the impacts of these disorders, promoting more effective interventions and contributing to the improvement of child mental health in Brazil.

ANXIETY DISORDER PERSPEKTIF TAFSIR AL-SYA‘RAWI

This research is significant for several reasons: First the number of anxiety disorder sufferers has been increasing year by year. Second The numerous challenges of modern life contribute to the prevalence of anxiety disorders. Few scholars have explored anxiety disorders from the perspective of Quranic exegesis, especially in the Tafsir al-Sya‘rawi by Sheikh Muhammad Mutawallī al-Sya‘rawi. While many studies have addressed anxiety disorder from medical and Zen perspectives, few have examined it through the lens of Quranic exegesis and Sufism. Therefore, this study seeks to analyze anxiety disorder from the perspective of Quranic exegesis. The focus of the research is on Muhammad Mutawallī al-Sya‘rawi’s interpretation of anxiety disorder and its relevance. This study is a qualitative research that adopts the approach of Sufi psychotherapy. The data sources used in this research include Tafsir al-Sya‘rawi and other related literature. The method applied involves content analysis by identifying the main themes that emerge in the interpretation regarding mental health anxiety. The research findings indicate that: first, al-Sya‘rawi’s interpretation of verses related to anxiety disorder suggests that excessive anxiety can be addressed or reduced through the enhancement of faith, particularly through tawakkal (trust in God), ikhlas (sincerity), sabar (patience), rida (contentment), and dzikir (remembrance of God). Second, the relevance of this interpretation in the context of modern society is highly significant. This is evidenced by previous studies, such as those demonstrating that tawakkal can help reduce anxiety related to hemodialysis therapy in patients with chronic kidney failure, ikhlas can provide peace and meaning in life, reducing anxiety caused by situational changes during the Covid-19 pandemic, and dzikir can serve as a psychological therapy for the elderly, helping to alleviate anxiety and improve mental well-being by offering tranquility and hope

The Prevalence of Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome

Background: Most studies in the literature on comorbid psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome (AS) either consist of individual case reports or have evaluated cases only in terms of a specific comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. Therefore, especially in recent years, there are few studies in the literature examining the comorbidity of all psychi-atric disorders in patients with AS in a holistic manner. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of comorbid psychiatric disorders in a clinic-based sample of 34 children and adolescents with AS. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four children and adolescents with AS [31 males (91.2%), 3 females (8.8%) mean age 12.62±3.75 years] were gathered from clinical referrals between 2017 and 2024. Participants' sociodemographic characteris-tics, age at first diagnosis of AS, clinical features, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and treatment regimens were retrospective-ly reviewed from each hospital's records. AS diagnosis was made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV) criteria. Psychiatric comorbidity was assessed using DSM-5 criteria. Results: Comorbid psychiatric disorders were present in 31 (91.2%) of the cases, with 5 (14.7%) having a single comorbid disorder and 26 (76.5%) having at least two. The most common comorbid diagnoses were anxiety disorders (67.6%, n=23), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (64.7%, n=22), obsessive-compulsive disorder (29.4%, n=10), and depression (29.4%, n=10). No cases were identified with post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders, alcohol or substance use, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. In age-related comparisons, conduct disorder, specific phobia, separation anxiety disorder, and enuresis were more frequently observed in childhood, whereas social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression were more prevalent in adolescence. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in children and adolescents with AS, often involving multiple conditions. Routine assessment of psychiatric comorbidity should be an integral part of clinical evaluations for this population.

Mediators and Predictors of Treatment Response in a Brief Online Intervention for Rumination and Worry

Abstract Background Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) is a key transdiagnostic mechanism underlying anxiety and depressive disorders, and targeting RNT specifically leads to improved treatment outcomes. There is a lack of research however into mechanisms of change in RNT-focused interventions and factors that predict treatment response. The aim of this study was to examine the mediators and predictors of outcome (RNT, depression, anxiety, and distress) in a brief online intervention for RNT in adults. Methods This study used secondary data from a Randomised Controlled Trial of the Managing Rumination and Worry Program (Joubert et al. in Beh Res Therapy, 168:104378, 2023) in which N = 137 adults with elevated levels of RNT were randomly allocated to a 3-lesson clinician-guided or self-guided version of the program delivered over 6 weeks, or a treatment-as-usual (TAU) control condition. Self-report measures of depression, anxiety, distress, and RNT were administered at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up; RNT and distress were also measured prior to each lesson. Results Intention-to-treat linear mixed models showed a gradual reduction in RNT and distress over treatment in both active conditions, with the largest reductions in RNT occurring after the lessons containing the active treatment strategies (2 and 3). Structural equation modelling mediation analyses showed that reductions in transdiagnostic RNT mediated reductions in distress between Lessons 2 and 3, and reductions in rumination specifically mediated reductions in distress and depression between post-treatment and follow-up, but there was no consistent pattern of mediation by RNT throughout treatment. Finally, higher baseline symptom severity (particularly rumination) significantly predicted poorer post-treatment outcomes, while higher treatment expectancy and clinician guidance significantly predicted better post-treatment outcomes. Conclusion This is one of the first studies to examine mediators and predictors of change in a brief, online RNT-focused intervention for adults with elevated RNT. Further research in larger samples is needed, examining additional possible mediating and predictor variables and across more time points, to better understand how and for whom this intervention reduces RNT, anxiety and depression. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration number: ACTRN 12620000959976. Date of registration: 25/09/2020.

Longitudinal network analysis of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder comorbidities among adolescents in regional China

Longitudinal network analysis of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder comorbidities among adolescents in regional China

Psychometric Properties of the Nine-Item Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Seven-Item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) With People With Intellectual Disabilities.

The nine-item Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) are, respectively, self-report measures of depression, generalised anxiety, and the impact of mental health on the person's personal functioning that are widely used in mainstream mental health services in England. The psychometric properties of these scales when used with people with intellectual disabilities have not been established. Item level data for the PHQ-9 (n = 128), GAD-7 (n = 124) and WSAS (n = 133) for people with intellectual disabilities in an English NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression (NHSTT) service in the north of England were analysed using internal reliability statistics and confirmatory factor analysis. In this study, the full PHQ-9, GAD-7 and WSAS have Cronbach's α of 0.81, 0.84 and 0.81, respectively, and have acceptable ranges of corrected item-total correlations. The two-factor structures for the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7 were a better fit than single-factor structures, although the single-factor fit and the correlation between the two factors within each scale suggest that their use as a single scale is justified. The single-factor structure for the WSAS was a good fit. In this study, the widely used PHQ-9, GAD-7 and WSAS demonstrate internal consistency values and factor analysis structure similar to those for individuals without intellectual disabilities. The data support the use of these measures for people with intellectual disabilities attending routine primary care mental health services.

A Skill-Based multimodal intervention for dementia caregivers: impact on burden and anxiety

BackgroundDementia is a global health challenge affecting both patients and their caregivers, with family members often bearing the primary caregiving burden. In Egypt, where research on caregiver mental health is limited, interventions addressing caregiver burden and anxiety is critical.AimTo determine the effect of a psychoeducation and skill-based multimodal intervention on caregiver burden and anxiety.MethodsA randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 84 family caregivers. Participants were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 42), which received structured psychoeducation and skill-based training over six biweekly sessions, or the control group (n = 42), which received routine outpatient care. Caregiver burden and anxiety were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q).ResultsThe sample consisted predominantly of women (79% in the intervention group, 69% in the control group), with daughters forming the largest caregiver subgroup (66.6% and 52.4%, respectively). The mean age of caregivers was 39.2 ± 4.2 years. After three months, caregivers in the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in burden (ZBI median score: 24 vs. 34, p < 0.0001) and anxiety (GAD-7 mean score: 6.15 vs. 9.4, p < 0.0001) compared to the control group, however, NPI-Q scores remained unchanged.ConclusionA structured psychoeducation and skill-based intervention significantly reduces caregiver burden and anxiety. Implementing such programs in Egypt could improve the well-being of caregivers and individuals with dementia.

The Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27): reliability of the German translation, factor structure, and concurrent validity with anxiety sensitivity and agoraphobic cognition.

Separation anxiety disorder (SEPAD) is characterized by pronounced fear or anxiety concerning separation from attachment figures. Despite its high lifetime prevalence, adult SEPAD often remains undetected due to alack of diagnostic tools in multiple languages. The Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27) is akey instrument for assessing symptoms of SEPAD in adults. However, no validated German version is available. This study addressed the translation and validation of the ASA-27 in aGerman-speaking population to introduce the first German questionnaire assessing SEPAD. Aconsecutive forward and backward translation was conducted. Reliability and validity of the German ASA-27 against several established anxiety-related psychometric scores were assessed in alarge sample of 1520 healthy participants. Results revealed robust internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87) and afactor structure explaining 49.7% of variations in answers. Concurrent validity was confirmed through significant correlations with established anxiety measures. Younger age and female sex were positively correlated with ASA-27 scores. The German ASA-27 constitutes apromising diagnostic tool for adult SEPAD with sound psychometric properties and acoherent factor structure, offering astructured and reliable assessment of SEPAD and its dimensional evaluation in German-speaking populations.

A Deep Learning-Based Technique for Detection of Generalized Anxiety Disorder using CNN and ResNet-like Approach

A Deep Learning-Based Technique for Detection of Generalized Anxiety Disorder using CNN and ResNet-like Approach

Epidemiology of adult separation anxiety disorder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: results from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey.

Adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) is thought to be prevalent and debilitating, yet many aspects of its epidemiology remain unclear. We aimed to investigate prevalence, course, correlates, comorbidity, impairment, and treatment of ASAD in Saudi Arabia. The study analyzed a subset of 1793 participants from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey; a nationally representative household sample of Saudi citizens. The survey used the CIDI 3.0 to produce prevalence estimates of ASAD and other common DSM-IV mental disorders. Cross tabulations, survival analysis and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The lifetime and 12-month prevalence of ASAD were 7.6% and 3.8%, respectively. Over half (51.7%) of participants with lifetime ASAD had onset in adulthood, and 50.5% of those with lifetime ASAD also had 12-month ASAD. Lifetime ASAD was significantly associated with being female (OR = 2.1), not being married (ORs = 2.2-3.2), having low education (OR = 0.4), and maladaptive family functioning (ORs = 3.6-6.7). Primary lifetime ASAD was a strong predictor of subsequent other mental disorders (ORs = 1.1-6.5). Further, mood, impulse, and substance use disorders were significantly associated with subsequent first onset of ASAD (ORs = 2.15-3.0). ASAD was severely impairing in the presence (59.0%) or absence (56.2%) of 12-month comorbidity. Among those with lifetime ASAD, only 26.1% reported treatment for a mental health condition. ASAD is prevalent, with a persistent course and associated impairment, as well as substantial comorbidity and limited treatment in Saudi Arabia. Increasing awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment of ASAD may help reduce its burden.

Predictors for Poor Outcomes at Six Months on Pain, Disability, Psychological and Health Status in Greek Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain After Receiving Physiotherapy: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Although previous studies have suggested a variety of sociodemographic and psychological factors as predictors of poor outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), longitudinal studies remain rare. Objectives: To examine the prognostic indicators for poor outcome at 6 months on pain, disability, quality of life, anxiety, depression and somatic symptom disorders (SSDs) in Greek backache patients and to evaluate the medium-term effects of a conservative physiotherapeutic approach (massage, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, low-level laser and exercise program). Methods: A prospective cohort study of 145 volunteers receiving treatment for CLBP in a physiotherapy unit was conducted using random systematic sampling. The intervention was assessed by comparing pre-treatment, post-treatment and six-month measurements with Friedman’s test and the Bonferroni correction, using the pain numerical rating scale (PNRS), Roland–Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), EuroQol-5-dimension-5-level (EQ-5D-5L), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8). Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the impact of demographics and pre-treatment scores with scores at six months. Results: The mean age was 60.6 years (±14.7). Post-treatment, statistically significant improvements were observed across all outcome measures, including PNRS, RMDQ, EQ-5D-5L and SSS-8 (all p ≤ 0.001), with anxiety showing a notable reduction (p = 0.002). After examining the multiple regression analysis, pre-treatment SSS-8 emerged as a predictor of elevated levels of pain, disability, anxiety and depression at 6 months. Conclusions: The findings yielded not only somatic symptom burden, greater age and pain intensity as prognostic indicators for poor outcomes at six months, but also reported favorable medium-term effects for a conventional physiotherapy regimen in CLBP management, as well.

The Association Between Preoperative Cannabis Use and Anxiety, Pain Scores and Opioid Consumption in Patients Undergoing Spinal Fusion: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.ObjectiveDespite increasing cannabis use, its prevalence in specific surgical groups is unclear, and its impact on perioperative care and outcomes is understudied. This study estimates cannabis use incidence in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery and explores associations between preoperative use and anxiety, pain scores, and postoperative opioid consumption. We hypothesized a correlation between cannabis use and decreased reliance on opioids for postoperative pain relief.MethodsThis single-center retrospective cohort study included 204 patients undergoing single or multilevel spinal fusion surgery between July 2022 and August 2023. Self-reported cannabis use, demographics, surgical characteristics, numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores, anxiety, inpatient opioid consumption, and discharge prescribing (total morphine equivalent dose) were extracted from electronic medical records (EMR). Patients were categorized into cannabis users or non-cannabis users, and group differences were analyzed using bivariable and multivariable regression.ResultsOf 204 patients, 27 (13.2%) were cannabis users and 177 (86.8%) were non-users. Cannabis users were younger (P = 0.007), more likely male (P = 0.028), and Caucasian (P = 0.032) than non-users. Preoperative cannabis use correlated significantly with anxiety disorder (P = 0.023) and higher preoperative (P = 0.016) and postoperative (P = 0.002) NRS pain scores. Multivariable analysis showed cannabis use associated with higher preoperative (P = 0.015) but not postoperative (P = 0.073) pain scores. No significant differences were found in preoperative, discharge opioid prescribing or postoperative opioid consumption.ConclusionThe incidence of cannabis use was low, but positively associated with anxiety and higher preoperative NRS pain scores. Large, well-powered trials are needed to understand cannabis's impact on spine surgery outcomes.

The impact of music and meditation on anxiety symptoms in students

Due to the ubiquitous nature of anxiety conditions and comorbidities and their detrimental damages, there has been increasing interest in anxiety research and treatment development. Here, current literature on anxiety and therapies are combined to form an overview of the available scientific knowledge. There is currently a substantial amount of information on anxiety disorders, such as the general cause, types, and typical therapies. There is also a wealth of knowledge on anxiety comorbidities. However, gaps in the literature exist regarding comorbidity complexities and alternative, nontraditional therapies, namely music- and meditation-based ones. The available research on both meditation and musical interventions is reviewed in this paper, including the background knowledge and current implementations. An original case study by the author involving the investigation of high school students’ anxiety levels during both music-containing and music-free guided meditations is presented as well. The case study’s design, procedure, results, and limitations are also discussed. This research confirms the need for continued research on anxiety complications and supports directing funding to a wider selection of resources.

Investigation of Electroencephalographic (EEG) Brainwave Signal on Mental Stress through Psychomotor Activities

Mental well-being plays a crucial aspect in human life alongside physical health. A positive mental health allows individuals to engage in healthy relationship, navigate challenges in a positive manner and enjoys a sense of fulfilment upon achieving goals. Conversely, when mental health is not well taken care of, it can impair one’s ability to function well in daily life, which subsequently leads to depression and anxiety disorder. Hence, early detection and intervention is necessary for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The aim of this work is to study the recorded Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals of human subjects for stress detection while engaging in psychomotor activity. EEG signals captured from electrodes were sent to OpenBCI on a laptop via a ganglion board for analysis. The data was then exported to Matlab for further analysis using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and was monitored in real time using Python. Volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50 were carefully chosen, and the experimental conditions were closely monitored to reduce any external factors that could affect stress levels and EEG readings. The findings reveal notable changes in brainwave frequencies observed during periods of stress: a decrease of 18.95% in alpha waves, a 9.89% increase in beta waves, and a 5% rise in delta waves. Comparison was also carried out by placing the electrodes at different location on the subject’s head Significantly, there was a 7.5% increase in alpha readings at the top electrode positions, with beta (4.76%) and theta (1.93%) readings also showing growth at the side positions on the head. An accuracy of 65% was obtained using the developed monitoring system. This research effectively illuminates the relationship between mental stress, physical activity, and EEG brainwave patterns. It highlights the important role that brainwave frequencies play in influencing stress and cognitive responses during physical activity. In addition, the advancement of real-time monitoring systems offers dynamic tools for observing stress, improving opportunities for personalized therapies and strategies for well-being.

Comprehensive Brain-wide Mapping of Afferent and Efferent Nuclei Associated with the Heart in the Mouse.

Normal heart function depends on complex regulation by the brain, and abnormalities in the brain‒heart axis affect various diseases, such as myocardial infarction and anxiety disorders. However, systematic tracking of the brain regions associated with the input and output of the heart is lacking. In this study, we injected retrograde transsynaptic pseudorabies virus (PRV) and anterograde transsynaptic herpes simplex virus (HSV) into the left ventricular wall of mice to identify the whole-brain regions associated with the input to and output from the heart. We successfully detected PRV and HSV expression in at least 170 brain subregions in both male and female mice. Sex differences were discovered mainly in the hypothalamus and medulla, with male mice exhibiting greater correlation and hierarchical clustering than female mice, indicating reduced similarity and increased modularity of virus expression patterns in male mice. Further graph theory and multiple linear regression analysis of different injection timelines revealed that hub regions of PRV had highly similar clusters, with different brain levels, suggesting a top-down, hierarchically transmitted neural control pattern of the heart. Hub regions of HSV had scattered clusters, with brain regions gathered in the cortex and brainstem, suggesting a bottom-up, leapfrog, multipoint neural sensing pattern of the heart. Both patterns contain many hub brain regions that have been previously overlooked in brain‒heart axis studies. These results provide brain targets for future research and will lead to deeper insight into the brain mechanisms involved in specific heart conditions.

Studies on the Evaluation of Teratogenic Potential of SSRI (Escitalopram) on Chick Embryogenesis (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and panic disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Escitalopram on the early developmental stages of chick embryo Gallus gallus. Escitalopram’s teratogenic potential was further assessed using YSM analysis and protein biochemistry. The treated embryos showed mild to severe teratogenic effects at 5mM and 10mM dose respectively. Enzyme Assay was conducted to see whether the drug treatment interfered with the cellular pathways. The levels of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChase) were found to be reduced in the treated embryos. YSM Assay reveals that in ovo drug administration has an impact on the angiogenesis of the embryo. In depth further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of Escitalopram on the developing embryos at cellular and molecular level so as to take caution while prescribing the drug during pregnancy. Keywords: Gallus gallus domesticus, Enzyme Assay, Escitalopram, Teratogenesis, Yolk Sac Membrane (YSM) Assay, Protein Biochemistry.