Anxiety Management Strategies Research Articles

Business as usual like never before! Continuity, rupture and anxiety management in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum campaign

Ontological security-seeking has traditionally been considered to rest upon the stability and continuity of core auto-biographical narratives and everyday routines. ‘Critical situations’ which fundamentally destabilise these foundations of ontological security have thus hitherto carried a negative valence. Constitutional referenda proposing a radical re-organisation of collective political identities and daily life, therefore, are intriguing. A source of severe consternation for some, for others, potential change is positive, even thrilling. This article investigates this puzzling contrast, drawing on Ontological Security Studies’ (OSS) recent recentring of Existentialist thought and debates exploring the heterogenous potential of anxiety, and utilising the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence and the strategies for anxiety management embedded in the pro-independence ‘Yes’ campaign. Through analysis of dominant discourses grounding the argument for independence, findings demonstrate the simultaneous deployment of contradictory anxiety management strategies: independence was framed as a pathway to escape the instability and uncertainty of the status quo; as a pathway to continuity; and as a chance to embrace anxiety, to relish the opportunity and excitement of change. This article thus contributes to the prevailing critique of OSS’ over-privileging of stability and continuity in ontological security-seeking, yet problematises ‘either/or’ approaches to understanding anxiety management in critical situations and beyond.

Variations in anxiety and emotional support among first-year college students across different learning modes (distance and face-to-face) during COVID-19.

College students with more emotional support experience lower levels of anxiety and other psychosocial and behavioral problems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the emotional well-being of college students was additionally challenged by an abrupt shift to distance learning followed by a return to face-to-face classes. In this exploratory study, we compared the levels of perceived emotional support and anxiety among incoming first-year undergraduate students, prior to starting classes, which included different learning modes in five semesters of instruction from 2021-2023 (three distance semesters and two face-to-face semesters). Data from 8659 undergraduate students were extracted from a Mexican state university database, corresponding to students' responses collected during new student orientation week. Participants were students in the arts and humanities (9.7%), social and legal sciences (38%), life and health sciences (28.9%), and engineering and architecture (23.4%). Anxiety levels were measured with the GAD-7 scale, and emotional support was measured using a subscale of the PERACT-R (To go through with resilience) inventory. Comparisons of emotional support and anxiety scores among semesters revealed highly significant differences with small effect sizes. Anxiety levels increased significantly with mean average of 6.65 SD(5.52) during the baseline measure to the highest in 2022-2 to 7.53 SD(5.3) and Emotional Support decreased systematically each semester from baseline mean = 8.03 SD(2.0) to the lowest 7.52 SD(1.8) in 2022-2. The results show that a return to face-to-face classes was associated with increased anxiety levels, whereas levels of emotional support systematically decreased across the five semesters. MANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in anxiety and emotional support scores between semesters, with peaks during the learning mode semester that students returned to face-to-face classes after distance learning even after adjusting for gender. Given that the effect of emotional support on anxiety may be related to success in future educational and professional activities, it is important to develop interventions to restore and increase college students' emotional support levels and develop anxiety management strategies.

Development and Implementation of an Anxiety Management Intervention for Young Children

ABSTRACT Children are facing increasing levels of anxiety in the classroom. Learning anxiety management strategies may prevent worry from interfering in the classroom, thereby improving emotional well-being. We used qualitative analysis of teacher interviews (N = 21) to evaluate an intervention designed to teach children cognitive-behavioral strategies to reduce anxiety. During interviews, teachers discussed their perceptions of child anxiety and whether they thought parents would use the two worry management books (for first through third graders). Results of qualitative analyses indicated teachers thought the books were effective, and they would use the strategies. Teachers indicated children were facing significant worries, such as financial security. Teachers reported using breathing strategies with children. They mentioned that using imagery, with a superhero to fight worries, was a new strategy they could use. Teachers favored implementing strategies they were familiar with, like breathing. They also preferred strategies that were consistent with their curriculum. Teachers thought that parents would need training to use the books with their children. In summary, teachers viewed the intervention as an effective tool for addressing anxiety for young children. Future studies should include information about child and parent perceptions of the intervention and assessment of dissemination of the intervention.

Promoting Self-Efficacy of Individuals With Autism in Practicing Social Skills in the Workplace Using Virtual Reality and Physiological Sensors: Mixed Methods Study.

Individuals with autism often experience heightened anxiety in workplace environments because of challenges in communication and sensory overload. As these experiences can result in negative self-image, promoting their self-efficacy in the workplace is crucial. Virtual reality (VR) systems have emerged as promising tools for enhancing the self-efficacy of individuals with autism in navigating social scenarios, aiding in the identification of anxiety-inducing situations, and preparing for real-world interactions. However, there is limited research exploring the potential of VR to enhance self-efficacy by facilitating an understanding of emotional and physiological states during social skills practice. This study aims to develop and evaluate a VR system that enabled users to experience simulated work-related social scenarios and reflect on their behavioral and physiological data through data visualizations. We intended to investigate how these data, combined with the simulations, can support individuals with autism in building their self-efficacy in social skills. We developed WorkplaceVR, a comprehensive VR system designed for engagement in simulated work-related social scenarios, supplemented with data-driven reflections of users' behavioral and physiological responses. A within-subject deployment study was subsequently conducted with 14 young adults with autism to examine WorkplaceVR's feasibility. A mixed methods approach was used, compassing pre- and postsystem use assessments of participants' self-efficacy perceptions. The study results revealed WorkplaceVR's effectiveness in enhancing social skills and self-efficacy among individuals with autism. First, participants exhibited a statistically significant increase in perceived self-efficacy following their engagement with the VR system (P=.02). Second, thematic analysis of the interview data confirmed that the VR system and reflections on the data fostered increased self-awareness among participants about social situations that trigger their anxiety, as well as the behaviors they exhibit during anxious moments. This increased self-awareness prompted the participants to recollect their related experiences in the real world and articulate anxiety management strategies. Furthermore, the insights uncovered motivated participants to engage in self-advocacy, as they wanted to share the insights with others. This study highlights the potential of VR simulations enriched with physiological and behavioral sensing as a valuable tool for augmenting self-efficacy in workplace social interactions for individuals with autism. Data reflection facilitated by physiological sensors helped participants with autism become more self-aware of their emotions and behaviors, advocate for their characteristics, and develop positive self-beliefs.

EFFECTIVENESS OF AUTOGENIC TRAINING ON REDUCING ANXIETY DISORDERS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Autogenic training (AT) is a relaxation technique that has garnered attention for its potential to reduce anxiety and improve psychological well-being. <strong>Objectives</strong>: This study aims to synthesize the findings from a diverse range of studies investigating the relationship between autogenic training and anxiety disorder across different populations and settings. <strong>Methods:</strong> A comprehensive review of 162 studies, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials (N-RCTs), surveys, and meta-analysis, was conducted out of these 29 studies were selected which is directly related to the objectives of the studies. Participants in the studies had conditions such as cancer patients, bulimia nervosa, stroke survivors, coronary angioplasty, nursing students, healthy volunteers, athletes, and so on. Anxiety levels were measured before and after the AT intervention using a variety of anxiety assessment scales, including the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The formats, duration, and delivery of the interventions varied, with some studies utilising guided sessions by professionals and other self-administered practises. <strong>Results:</strong> The combined findings of these studies revealed consistent trends in the beneficial effects of autogenic training on anxiety reduction. AT was found to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms across a wide range of populations and settings. Following AT interventions, participants reported reduced anxiety, improved mood states, and improved coping mechanisms. AT was found to be superior to no treatment or a comparable intervention in a number of cases. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The body of evidence supports autogenic training as a non-pharmacological approach to reducing anxiety and improving psychological well-being. Despite differences in methodology and participant profiles, the studies show that AT has a positive impact on a wide range of populations. The findings merit further investigation and highlight AT's potential contribution to anxiety management strategies.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0071/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Analysis of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia and Directed Information Flow between Brain and Body Indicate Different Management Strategies of fMRI-Related Anxiety

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) denotes decrease of cardiac beat-to-beat intervals (RRI) during inspiration and RRI increase during expiration, but an inverse pattern (termed negative RSA) was also found in healthy humans with elevated anxiety. It was detected using wave-by-wave analysis of cardiorespiratory rhythms and was considered to reflect a strategy of anxiety management involving the activation of a neural pacemaker. Results were consistent with slow breathing, but contained uncertainty at normal breathing rates (0.2-0.4 Hz). We combined wave-by-wave analysis and directed information flow analysis to obtain information on anxiety management at higher breathing rates. We analyzed cardiorespiratory rhythms and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals from the brainstem and cortex in 10 healthy fMRI participants with elevated anxiety. Three subjects with slow respiratory, RRI, and neural BOLD oscillations showed 57 ± 26% negative RSA and significant anxiety reduction by 54 ± 9%. Six participants with breathing rate of ~0.3 Hz showed 41 ± 16% negative RSA and weaker anxiety reduction. They presented significant information flow from RRI to respiration and from the middle frontal cortex to the brainstem, which may result from respiration-entrained brain oscillations, indicating another anxiety management strategy. The two analytical approaches applied here indicate at least two different anxiety management strategies in healthy subjects.

Mechanisms of change in posttraumatic headache-related disability: A mediation model.

To explore whether the association between change in headache management self-efficacy and posttraumatic headache-related disability is partially mediated by achange in anxiety symptom severity. Many cognitive-behavioral therapy treatments for headache emphasize stress management, which includes anxiety management strategies;however, little is currently known about mechanisms of change in posttraumatic headache-related disability. Increasing our understanding of mechanisms could lead to improvements in treatments for these debilitating headaches. This study is a secondary analysis of veterans (N=193) recruited to participate in a randomized clinical trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, or treatment as usual for persistent posttraumatic headache. The direct relationship between headache management self-efficacy and headache-related disability, along with partial mediation through change in anxiety symptoms was tested. The mediated latent change direct, mediated, and total pathways were statistically significant. The path analysis supported a significant direct pathway between headache management self-efficacy and headache-related disability (b=-0.45, p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI: -0.58, -0.33]). The total effect of change of headache management self-efficacy scores on change in Headache Impact Test-6 scores was significant with a moderate-to-strong effect (b=-0.57, p=0.001; 95% CI [-0.73, -0.41]). There was also an indirect effect through anxiety symptom severity change (b=-0.12, p=0.003; 95% CI [-0.20, -0.04]). In this study, most of the improvements in headache-related disability were related to increased headache management self-efficacy with mediation occurring through change in anxiety. This indicates that headache management self-efficacy is a likely mechanism of change of posttraumatic headache-related disability with decreases in anxiety explaining part of the improvement in headache-related disability.

Dental Students’ Anxiety Level, Awareness of Dental Anxiety, and Attitudes in Treating Patients with Dental Anxiety

Background: Successful treatment of patients with dental anxiety requires particular attitudes and knowledge. Dentists who have severe stress, inadequate knowledge, or less sensitivity to anxious patients may affect the success of the treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the general anxiety level and occupational perceptions of the final-year dental students and their attitudes to and knowledge level about anxious patients.Methods: The anxiety levels of the dental students were assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory. A questionnaire that evaluated professional perceptions, dental anxiety awareness, attitude, and knowledge level was conducted. The answers between the groups were compared, and differences were assessed statistically.Results: One hundred fifty-nine final-year dental students answered the questionnaire. No statistical difference was found between the anxiety levels of the students. 69,2% of students agreed that patients evaluate dentists with their style or behavior rather than their perceived technical competence. Female students and the students with adverse patient experiences perceived dentistry as a more stressful profession (respectively p=0,001, p=0,003). 39,6% of students had never taken a course related to dental anxiety. 25,8% of students thought that there is a relationship between dental anxiety and wound healing, and 37,1% of students thought that dental anxiety aggravates the inflammatory disease.Conclusion: The final-year dental students need more training in managing their stress and increasing their knowledge about anxious patients. There is a need for further studies involving dental anxiety management strategies with a higher number of dental students or dentists.

Prevalence factors and strategies for handling health workers’ anxiety in providing health services for COVID-19 variants

Introduction: Analysis of health workers' anxiety in providing patient services towards the COVID-19 variant has never been done well. Therefore, this study analyzes factors that affect anxiety among health workers because it has the potential to interfere with health services. The purpose of the study is to analyze the factors that affect the prevalence of anxiety among health workers in providing patient services variant of COVID-19. Methods: Participants involves health workers who handle patient variant of COVID-19. The data collection was approved by the research ethics committee of Surabaya Islamic Hospital A.Yani. Data source taken in Surabaya and surrounding areas in June 2021 namely N= 300-400 data breeding techniques is purposive sampling, research instrument is in the form of questionnaires by sharing to social media using a google form, data in the univariate analysis is done descriptively to see the respondents' characteristics and bivariate analysis is used to analyze factors affecting anxiety in statistical tests used is regression ordinal. Results: The results of statistical analysis obtained factors that affect anxiety, namely: female sex obtained = 0.02), age 30 years obtained results= 0.00, working in public health center = 0.08, nursing profession= 0.25, unmarried= 0.00, works outside Surabaya= 0.00, has a child and 2-3 children= 0.00. Conclusions: The study was conducted to analyze the prevalence factors of health care workers' anxiety in providing care for patients with COVID-19 variants and how the anxiety management strategies that resulted in this greatly contributed to the condition of health workers with psychological problems, namely anxiety.

Angsterkrankungen in der Rehabilitation

Anxiety disorders are among the most common and socio-medically relevant mental illnesses. Correct diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy are of the utmost importance for patients' prognosis and for ensuring their social and occupational participation. This article therefore aims to provide an overview of new developments in the field of anxiety disorders relevant to rehabilitation.Within the framework of the changes in ICD-11, anxiety disorders now receive an independent chapter with a focus appropriate to their frequency and relevance. Further innovations concern the revised S3 guideline (2020) with the increasing consideration of digital therapy options, such as virtual reality exposure therapy (VER) as well as Internet-supported therapy methods as part of the therapy recommendations. Systemic therapy is also considered for the first time. However, the evidence for both procedures is significantly lower than for behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or pharmacotherapy. Online interventions are therefore not recommended as the sole therapy.Important for the practice in rehabilitation is the knowledge of the core symptoms of each of the above mentioned diagnoses as well as the diagnostic possibilities taking into account especially the correlations and interactions with physical diseases.Both psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy are available for treatment. In the field of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the therapy of first choice due to the broadest base of evidence. In consideration of comorbid somatic diseases, attention must be paid to possible contraindications for antidepressants. Psychosomatic rehabilitation is an important resource in the overall treatment spectrum, especially if chronification or a threat to participation is foreseeable, in order to give the affected person confidence and motivation for further successful treatment of the anxiety disorder in an intensified treatment setting, in addition to teaching anxiety management strategies and socio-medical clarification. An important task of somatic rehabilitation is to recognize comorbid anxiety disorders and to provide the affected persons with an appropriate explanatory model of their complaints and to be able to initiate targeted treatment.

The variables associated with dental anxiety and their management in primary care dental clinics in Bahrain: a cross-sectional study

Background20–80% of adults presenting to a dental clinic experience anxiety. Negative past dental experiences and environmental factors such as the waiting area of a dental clinic or sound of a drill are commonly considered triggering factors for anxiety. Anxiety management strategies are considered a part of routine dental procedure, due to increased prevalence and compromised patient care. Hence the aim of the present study is to identify the prevalence and variables associated with dental anxiety and their management in patients visiting the primary care dental clinics in Bahrain.MethodFour hundred and eighty participants were included. A 3-part questionnaire deciphered the demographic characteristics of the participants, the dental procedure undertaken, the level of anxiety, and the management strategy used by the dentist. The pre and post-treatment MDAS scores were recorded. Paired t test, ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test the level of significance between the variables and the mean MDAS scores. The p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of dental anxiety was 23.7% with moderate anxiety, and 11.4% with high anxiety. Females presented with a higher mean MDAS both pre and post-treatment compared with males. A statistically significant difference between the pre and post-treatment MDAS scores were observed in educated patients less than 50 years of age. Those with unpleasant previous dental experience showed statistically significant difference. Analyses of anxiety management techniques showed that single techniques worked better than combination techniques. Rest and breaks combined with any other technique of choice showed significant reduction in the MDAS scores post treatment.ConclusionTo conclude, all patients attending the dental clinic present with some level of anxiety that necessitates the dentist to use anxiety management strategies. Non-pharmacological methods that are non-invasive must be the first choice. Rests and breaks, with any technique of choice provides the best possible anxiety management. It is possible to achieve the desired anxiety reduction in single visit to complete the planned dental intervention, other than in patients who are dental phobic.

Disordered eating concerns, behaviors, and severity in young adults clustered by anxiety and depression.

ObjectivesLittle is known about how anxiety and depression in combination relate to eating disorder concerns (eating, shape, and weight concern) and behaviors (restraint eating, binge eating, and purging) indicative of eating disorder symptom severity. This study examined links among disordered eating concerns, behaviors, and severity clustered by depression and anxiety.MethodsCollege students (n = 1792) completed a survey comprised of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7), 2‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐2) assessing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Eating Disorder Exam Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) assessing concerns and behaviors indicative of disordered eating.ResultsCluster analysis yielded four groups: not depressed or anxious to subclinical, moderate, and high depression and anxiety. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated overall eating disorder severity scores increased significantly as GAD and MDD increased, suggesting that as anxiety and depression rise in tandem, disturbed eating severity rises. Results revealed that even at subclinical levels, disordered eating concerns, behaviors, and overall severity scores increase.DiscussionFuture interventions aiming to reduce disordered eating in young adults may be strengthened by incorporating depression and anxiety management strategies. A screening for subclinical anxiety and depression (Mixed Anxiety and Depression Disorder [MADD]) may be helpful in providing early intervention to resolve disordered eating behaviors before they become entrenched.

Quantifying Session Content in the Delivery of Parent Coached Exposure Therapy

ABSTRACT Despite exposure therapy having been identified as the active ingredient in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders (CADs), available protocols deliver a variety of anxiety management strategies (AMS) in addition to exposure. To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment, Parent Coached Exposure Therapy (PCET): 1) begins exposure early (e.g., session 2 or 3) to increase session time spent on exposure, 2) does not include other AMS, and 3) involves parents at all times. The current manuscript uses audio recordings from a previous pilot study to descriptively quantify the manner in which these key components of PCET are implemented by therapists closely involved in the development of the protocol. Results indicate that implementation of PCET accurately reflected the protocol in that the majority of session time was devoted to exposure activities (.60, s.d. = 0.2), AMS were effectively excluded from treatment (.01, s.d. = .03), and that parents and youth attended almost the entirety of session time together (.98, s.d. = 0.1). These findings suggest that PCET differs meaningfully from traditional CBT for CADs and provides preliminary guidelines for how much time per session to dedicate to in-session exposure work while delivering PCET.

Coping Ability Relationship With Anxiety Levels Of Chronic Kidney Failure Clients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Mental Health is a condition in which an individual can develop physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially so that the individual realizes his own abilities, can overcome pressures, can work productively and is able to contribute to his community (Mental Health Act 18 of 2014). One of the psychosocial problems that many people experience in daily life is anxiety. A person who has an anxiety problem can have an effect on his physical and mental. The purpose of this study is to find out the Relationship of Coping Ability With Anxiety Levels Of Chronic Kidney Failure Clients Undergoing Hemodialysis. The research method used is by Cross-Sectional approach. The research was conducted in the Hemodialysis room of RS Pelni Jakarta with a total of 30 response sampling using simple random sampling. Statistical test results show p 1.0 &gt; 0.05 means that there is no meaningful relationship between anxiety levels and coping strategies in patients undergoing hemodialysis. conclusion and advice are that hospitals can carry out health counseling activities on anxiety management and coping strategies in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Treating Speech Anxiety in Youth: A Randomized Controlled Microtrial Testing the Efficacy of Exposure Only Versus Exposure Combined With Anxiety Management Strategies

CBT for anxious youth usually combines anxiety management strategies (AMS) with exposure, with exposure assumed to be critical for treatment success. To limit therapy time while retaining effectiveness, one might optimize CBT by restricting treatment to necessary components. This study tested whether devoting all sessions to exposure is more effective in reducing speech anxiety in youth than devoting half to AMS including cognitive or relaxation strategies and half to exposure. After a 6-week waitlist period, adolescents with speech anxiety (N = 65; age 12–15; 42 girls) were randomized to a 5-session in-school group-based CBT training consisting of either (1) exposure-only (EXP+EXP) or (2) cognitive strategies followed by exposure (COG+EXP) or (3) relaxation strategies followed by exposure (REL+EXP). Clinical interviews, speech tests, and self-report measures were assessed at pretest, posttest, and follow-up. For all conditions (a) the intervention period resulted in a stronger decline of speech anxiety than waitlist period; (b) there was a large sized reduction of speech anxiety that was maintained at six-week follow-up; (c) there was no meaningful difference in the efficacy of EXP+EXP versus COG+EXP or REL+EXP. These findings suggest that devoting all sessions to exposure is not more effective than combining exposure with AMS. AMS appeared neither necessary for CBT to be effective, nor necessary for youth to tolerate exposure. This indicates that CBT can be optimized by restricting treatment to exposure.

The Effectiveness of a Coping Cat Program on Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Primary Schools

Background: Anxiety disorders are the most common disorders in children that affect the psychological and social functioning of the child. Recently, researchers have used the coping cat programs as a way to reduce anxiety disorders. Therefore the current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a coping cat program on symptoms of anxiety disorders in primary schools. Materials and Method: This study was performed in a pre-test, post-test compared to the control group. The statistical population included all children aged 8 to 11 years with anxiety disorders in five state primary schools in the second district of Bandar Abbas, Iran in 2019. The sampling using a questionnaire (SCAS), 32 children with anxiety disorders were selected from schools and randomly divided into control (n=16), and experimental (n=16) groups. Members of the experimental group were (CCP) training intervention for 16 sessions, twice a week for 45-minute. The control group did not receive any intervention. The anxiety was assessed one week after intervention by The Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) in the control and experimental groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23. Results: The experimental and control groups were homogeneous before intervention. The mean anxiety in the intervention group after the coping cat program including the Separation anxiety disorder (‎3.56±2.09)‎, Panic disorder (‎‎2.12±2.15), Obsessive-compulsive (3.81±2.007)‏‎, physical injury fears (4.06±3.08‏‎) was significantly lower than that in the control group (9.81±3.54), (7±3.07), (9.43±3.28) and (7.37±3.36) respectively (P <0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that (CCP) in 16 sessions by recognizing the symptoms of unwanted anxiety in children and using these symptoms to apply anxiety management strategies leads to a reduction of anxiety disorders in children.

Uncertainty Management and Curve Flattening Behaviors in the Wake of COVID-19’s First Wave

ABSTRACT The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak poses a substantial threat to public health. Individual efforts to engage in COVID-19 precautionary behaviors are necessary to flatten the pandemic’s curve in the waiting period before a vaccine is developed. This study sought to apply the Theory of Motivated Information Management to investigate the relationships among COVID-19 illness uncertainty, information management, and actual precautionary behaviors, both preparatory and preventative. The results of a national opt-in online panel demonstrate that uncertainty discrepancy, anxiety, and information management strategies are key predictors of the adoption of COVID-19 preparation and prevention behaviors. The results further identify diverging associations across age groups with respect to associations between information management and precautionary behaviors. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Mood-related changes in children and adolescents with persistent concussion symptoms following a six-week active rehabilitation program

ABSTRACT Primary objective The purpose of this study is to explore changes in mood in youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms following participation in a six-week active rehabilitation program. Research design A pre-post test design was used. Methods and procedures Participants (N = 40 children and adolescents with concussion symptoms >2 weeks post-injury) were recruited from the concussion services at an urban children’s rehabilitation hospital and the community. The program consisted of individualized low-intensity aerobic exercise, sport-specific drills, relaxation exercises and comprehensive education and support. The 6 week program was completed by participants in their home or local community with weekly check-ins with the research team. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regressions. Main outcomes and results Outcome measures included the Beck Youth Inventories (youth), and the Child Behavior Checklist (parents). Results indicated significant improvements in anger and anxiety post-intervention with anger reduction being more pronounced in girls. Conclusions Active rehabilitation interventions may have positive effects on mood in youth recovering from concussion. Clinicians may wish to consider addressing anxiety and anger management strategies as part of comprehensive concussion management in youth.

Strategies to Mitigate Anxiety and Pain in Intrauterine Device Insertion: A Systematic Review.

One barrier to the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) as a contraceptive method is the experience of anxiety and pain during the insertion procedure. Previous reviews have focused on pharmacological methods used to relieve pain during IUD insertion; however, few similar reviews have examined non-pharmacological methods to relieve pain or strategies to reduce anxiety. The objectives of this study were to identify and categorize strategies for reducing anxiety and pain with respect to IUD insertion and the ways in which anxiety and pain were assessed. In particular, the study aimed to identify non-pharmacological interventions and studies that included anxiety as a research outcome. A literature search was conducted of all English-language studies between inception and the week of July 29, 2018 from the following online databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. The search revealed 426 studies after removal of duplicates, 35 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A total of 29 studies were identified as assessing pharmacological interventions for the management of pain, and six studies assessed non-pharmacological interventions. Only one study included a measurement of patient anxiety during the procedure as an outcome measure. Research on non-pharmacological interventions for the management of anxiety and pain during IUD insertion is lacking. This review found that evidence for the studied pharmacological interventions is conflicting, and there is very little evidence on understanding the effectiveness of strategies to manage anxiety during the IUD insertion procedure. Further high-quality research on non-pharmacological pain and anxiety management strategies is warranted.

Befriending Anxiety to Reach Potential: Strategies to Empower Our Gifted Youth

Gifted students can encounter anxiety-provoking stressors throughout their day. Developing effective anxiety management skills allows them to better navigate these challenges. Concepts from neuroscience help us better understand responses to anxiety and can assist gifted youth and those working with them in recognizing how and when to best apply anxiety management strategies. This article reviews these concepts and integrating them into the classroom environment to assist with this learning process. In addition, it examines an evidenced-based anxiety management intervention that has been found to be efficacious for gifted youth, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Results of recent EFT research are reviewed and the steps to learning EFT are outlined.