Anxiety In Adults Research Articles

Interpersonal Support and Social Reflection are the Solution to Internet Addiction: Empirical Evidence

The use of the internet has become one of the most leisurely activities among young adults all around the world. Growing worries over the extensive student internet usage have prompted heightened research into the determinants of internet addiction and its adverse outcomes. The existing research examined the relationships among interpersonal social support, self-reflection, social anxiety, and internet addiction in young adults. A correlation research design was used in this study. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation, Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, Social Interaction Phobia Scale, and Internet Addiction Test were used to collect data from 150 young adults having an age range 18 to 27 years. The study's results indicated a positive likelihood of a relationship between interpersonal social support and self-reflection. Conversely, an inverse correlation emerged in relation to social anxiety and internet addiction. Regression analysis unveiled interpersonal social support as an inverse predictor, while the duration of internet use in young adults positively predicted internet addiction. Moreover, no significant mean differences were found in interpersonal social support, self-reflection, social anxiety, and internet addiction between male and female young adults. The mediation models demonstrated noteworthy model fit indices and illustrated the mediation of the social anxiety-internet addiction relationship. Additionally, demographic variables (daily internet usage duration and purpose) exerted an influence on the association. The study would be helpful for the parents, institutional counselors, and teachers. if young adults are provided with interpersonal social support from their significant others, then they will not seek it in a virtual medium such as the internet.

Clinical practice guideline recommendations for diagnosis and management of anxiety and depression in hospitalized adults with delirium: a systematic review

BackgroundDelirium commonly occurs in hospitalized adults. Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can co-occur with delirium, and can be recognized and managed by clinicians using recommendations found in methodological guiding statements called Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The specific aims of this review were to: [1] synthesize CPG recommendations for the diagnosis and management of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in adults with delirium in acute care; and [2] identify recent published literature in addition to those identified and reported in a 2017 review on delirium CPG recommendations and quality.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and 21 sites on the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies listed in the Health Grey Matters Lite tool were searched from inception to February 12, 2021. Selected CPGs focused on delirium in acute care, were endorsed by an international scientific society or governmental organization, and contained at least one recommendation for the diagnosis or management of delirium. Two reviewers independently extracted data in duplicate and independently assessed CPG quality using the AGREE-II tool. Narrative synthesis of CPG recommendations was conducted.ResultsTitle and abstract screening was completed on 7611 records. Full-text review was performed on 197 CPGs. The final review included 27 CPGs of which 7 (26%) provided recommendations for anxiety (4/7, 57%), depression (5/7, 71%), and PTSD (1/7, 14%) in delirium. Twenty CPGs provided recommendations for delirium only (e.g., assess patient regularly, avoid use of benzodiazepines). Recommendations for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders with delirium included using evidence-based diagnostic criteria and standardized screening tools. Recommendations for the management of psychiatric disorders with delirium included pharmacological (e.g., anxiolytics, antidepressants) and non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., promoting patient orientation using clocks). Guideline quality varied: the lowest was Applicability (mean = 36%); the highest Clarity of Presentation (mean = 76%).ConclusionsThere are few available evidence-based CPGs to facilitate appropriate diagnosis and management of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in patients with delirium in acute care. Future guideline developers should incorporate evidence-based recommendations on the diagnosis and management of these psychiatric disorders in delirium.Systematic review registrationRegistration number: PROSPERO (CRD42021237056)

Examining the Association Between Trauma Characteristics and Adult Depression and Anxiety: Analysis of Types, Variety, Repetition, and Timing of Past Trauma.

Past research has emphasized the impact of prior trauma on adult depression and anxiety rates. However, few studies have examined the simultaneous connection between various trauma characteristics (e.g., type, variety, repetition, timing) and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults. Understanding how these different trauma characteristics relate to mental health issues can offer valuable insight into predicting the onset of such problems. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis with 356 adult participants to explore the associations between lifetime trauma history and depression/anxiety scores. Participants retrospectively reported on five different traumatic experiences from birth to the present, including childhood physical abuse, witnessing parental violence, lifetime experiences of rape, witnessing trauma to loved ones, and the unexpected death of loved ones. For each trauma type, participants indicated the timing of their first exposure and the frequency of subsequent occurrences. Depression and anxiety symptoms in the past 2 weeks were also self-reported. Multiple regression analyses with covariates were employed. On average, participants experienced two out of the five trauma types. Regardless of the type, having at least one traumatic experience was linked to higher depression and anxiety scores. Those who experienced all five trauma types reported the highest levels of depression and anxiety. Repeated instances of rape, witnessing trauma to loved ones, and the death of loved ones were significantly associated with elevated depression and anxiety scores. The timing of exposure to the unexpected death of loved ones predicted higher depression scores in childhood compared to adulthood, while no relationship between timing and anxiety scores was observed. Other trauma types did not show significant associations. Our study enhances knowledge of the link between trauma and depression/anxiety by elucidating how various trauma characteristics, such as type, variety, repetition, and timing of trauma, have differential influences on depression and anxiety scores.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

PurposeImmersive virtual reality (IVR) shows promise in cancer care, especially for chemotherapy patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses IVR’s impact on adult and pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We focused on anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and anxiety in adults and pain and anxiety in pediatric patients. ResultsFifteen trials were included, enrolling 607 adult and 257 pediatric cancer patients. IVR significantly reduced anxiety (SMD = −1.89, 95% CI = −2.93 to −0.85), depression (SMD = −1.85, 95% CI = −3.14 to −0.55), fatigue (SMD = −3.40, 95% CI = −5.54 to −1.26), and systolic blood pressure (MD = −3.54, 95% CI = −6.67 to −0.40) in adults. In pediatric patients, IVR significantly lowered pain (SMD = −1.17, 95% CI = −1.84 to −0.50) and anxiety (SMD = −1.18, 95% CI = −1.77 to −0.59) but not heart rate (MD = 0.48, 95% CI = −2.38 to 3.34). ConclusionIVR effectively reduces anxiety, depression, fatigue, systolic blood pressure, pain, and anxiety in cancer patients. More robust RCTs are needed for further IVR research.

An internet-based behavioral intervention for adults with autism spectrum disorder – A randomized controlled trial and feasibility study

BackgroundThe increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses in combination with psychiatric comorbidity, has led to an increased need for effective interventions. The evidence for internet-based interventions for several mental health problems is established but has not been evaluated for adults with ASD. ObjectiveThe aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the feasibility and effects of an internet-based intervention targeting quality of life and psychiatric symptoms (depression and anxiety) in adults with ASD. Methods84 participants were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 42) or control (n = 42). The 18-week internet-based intervention covered a range of themes related to difficulties common in ASD, and exercises based on cognitive behavioral strategies. Participants were provided with individual feedback following each module and were invited to regular chat sessions with peer participants. The primary outcomes were subjective quality of life and sense of coherence, and secondary outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety. All outcomes were measured at five occasions and analysed with linear mixed effect models. Participant satisfaction and adherence was also analysed. ResultsParticipant satisfaction and adherence was satisfactory but no significant interaction between group and time was found for any outcome measure. Autistic traits were negatively related to quality of life and sense of coherence and positively related to anxiety and depressive symptoms. ConclusionsThis internet-based intervention showed feasibility regarding adherence and participant satisfaction. However, no significant effects on quality of life, sense of coherence or psychiatric symptoms were found, likely due to limitations in the design and methodology of this specific trial in combination to the heterogeneity of the group. Individuals with ASD may require interventions that are flexible and individually tailored in regard to both format, content and therapeutic support. The current trial provides useful information and suggestions for the future research on internet-based interventions for ASD.

Associations among social participation types, mental and subjective well-being in Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study investigated the relationships between specific types of social participation and well-being variables (i.e., life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, symptoms of depression and anxiety) in Chinese older adults in Hong Kong. This study was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of 341 participants aged 55-95 years (mean, 70.92; SD, 9.03) was recruited to complete a survey questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic (between April and June 2022). Five hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between different types of social participation (physical, cultural, recreational, religious, and voluntary work) and outcome variables. After controlling for covariates, it was revealed that only physical activities were associated with all outcome variables. Religious and cultural activities were positively related to positive affect, while an inverse relationship was found between recreational activities and anxiety. With the restrictions on social participation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, these findings suggest that promoting different types of social interactions might foster various aspects of well-being in Chinese older adults. To achieve successful aging, the role of physical activities might be of paramount importance even under adverse situations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 364-369.

Evaluating the Effects of a Self-Help Mobile Phone App on Worry and Rumination Experienced by Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Delivery of preventative interventions via mobile phone apps offers an effective and accessible way to address the global priority of improving the mental health of adolescents and young adults. A proven risk factor for anxiety and depression is elevated worry and rumination, also known as repetitive negative thinking (RNT). This was a prevention mechanism trial that aimed to investigate whether an RNT-targeting self-help mobile phone app (MyMoodCoach) reduces worry and rumination in young adults residing in the United Kingdom. A secondary objective was to test whether the app reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and improves well-being. A web-based, single-blind, 2-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 236 people aged between 16 and 24 years, who self-reported high levels of worry or rumination. Eligible participants were randomized to an active intervention group (usual practice, plus up to 6 weeks of using the RNT-targeting mobile app, n=119) or a waitlist control group (usual practice with no access to the app until after 6 weeks, n=117). The primary outcome was changes in worry and rumination 6 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcomes included changes in well-being and symptoms of anxiety and depression after 6 weeks and changes in all measures after 12 weeks. Participants randomly allocated to use the RNT-targeting self-help app showed significantly lower levels of rumination (mean difference -2.92, 95% CI -5.57 to -0.28; P=.03; ηp2=0.02) and worry (mean difference -3.97, 95% CI -6.21 to -1.73; P<.001; ηp2=0.06) at 6-week follow-up, relative to the waitlist control. Similar differences were observed for well-being (P<.001), anxiety (P=.03), and depression (P=.04). The waitlist control group also showed improvement when given access to the app after 6 weeks. Improvements observed in the intervention group after 6 weeks of using the app were maintained at the 12-week follow-up point. The MyMoodCoach app had a significant positive effect on worry and rumination, well-being, anxiety, and depression in young adults, relative to waitlist controls, providing proof-of-principle that an unguided self-help app can effectively reduce RNT. This app, therefore, has potential for the prevention of anxiety and depression although longer-term effects on incidence need to be directly evaluated. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04950257; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04950257. RR2-10.1186/s12888-021-03536-0.

216 The relationship between anxiety and physical functional decline in older Irish adults: analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Abstract Background Research has shown the prevalence of anxiety in the older adult population and its significant impact on physical health. The Irish population is ageing and will have an increasing proportion of the population experiencing physical functional decline. Both anxiety and physical functional decline are associated with reduced quality of life and increased healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to explore if there is an association between anxiety and physical functional decline in older Irish adults. Methods This study used data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). The sample cohort were derived from those who had completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) and who reported having difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) at Wave 1. This cohort were analysed at Wave 2 for a possible association between anxiety, as measured by the HADS-A and physical functional decline, as measured by an ADL self-reporting questionnaire and a Timed Up and Go (TUG). Results The sample cohort consisted of 535 participants. The result of the logistic regression found that the odds of continuing to report an ADL difficulty at Wave 2 are 1.78 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.15, 2.76) times higher for those with anxiety compared to those without and is statistically significant at p = 0.029. The result of the logistic regression analysis found that those with anxiety are more likely to have a longer TUG time (12.4 sec) than those without (11.19 sec) and the result is statistically significant (p = 0.023). Conclusion Anxiety is a mental health condition that has a significant impact on physical health. This study has established that there is an association between anxiety and physical functional decline in the older adult population in Ireland. Further research is needed to establish the nature and directionality of the relationship.

Examining associations between early adverse life events and health anxiety using the DanFund study

Childhood adverse life events, in particular illness-related events, have been proposed as a risk factor for development of health anxiety. ObjectiveTo examine: 1) The association between accumulated early adverse life events and health anxiety in adulthood and 2) The influence of specific types of life events, i.e., illness, injury, loss, and the impact of their exposure time on health anxiety in adulthood. MethodA population-based, cross-sectional study including 7454 participants from the Danish study of Functional Disorders (DanFunD). Health anxiety was assessed with Whiteley-6-R and early adverse life events with the Cumulative Lifetime Adversity Measure. Caseness was defined as a Whiteley-6-R score ≥ 90%ile. Generalised linear models were used to estimate the association with relative risk (RRa, adjusted for sociodemographics). ResultsA cumulative effect was found for each additional adverse life event with 8.03% increased risk of health anxiety. Two categories were associated with a higher risk: violence (RRa = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.37–1.99, P < 0.001) and relationship stress (RRa = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.15–1.57, P < 0.001). Respondents with self-reported childhood illness were also more likely to report health anxiety (RRa = 1.52, 95% CI 1.11–2.09, P = 0.009). Timewise, health anxiety seemed associated with illness during school age and injury during adolescence. ConclusionsAccumulated adverse life events, early exposure to specific categories and specific health-related life events were associated with self-reported health anxiety in adulthood. Our findings provide new knowledge on the potential role of early life events in health anxiety which could inform early intervention.

A brief virtual reality intervention for pre-operative anxiety in adults

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising non-pharmacologic tool for managing health care anxiety. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a pre-operative VR intervention by adult patients and medical staff and measured anxiety in adult patients pre- and post-VR intervention. We recruited 30 patients scheduled to undergo oral surgery and 8 medical staff as participants. The patients completed a verbal demographic survey and rated their anxiety before the VR intervention and at 1 minute and 2 minutes post-intervention. We administered the Acceptability of Intervention Measure to the patients to measure their perceptions of the VR intervention and the Feasibility of Intervention Measure to the medical staff to assess their perception of VR implementation. We performed an analysis of variance to compare pre-operative anxiety over time and assess demographic differences. The patients showed high and consistent acceptability of the pre-operative use of VR among patients, but acceptability varied among medical staff. The patients experienced a statistically significant reduction of pre-operative anxiety (P = .003). A brief VR pre-intervention is highly accepted by and very beneficial for patients undergoing oral surgery, positively affecting anxiety reduction. The perception of VR by health care providers needs to be explored to increase acceptability.

Physical Activity During Adolescence and Mental Health in Early Adulthood: Findings From the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study.

Low prevalence of physical activity (PA) and a high prevalence of mental health problems are common among youth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between PA during adolescence and depression and anxiety disorders in young adulthood. Data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study were analyzed. Leisure-time PA and total PA (leisure plus commuting) were evaluated at 11, 15, and 18years using self-reported data. PA was evaluated at each age separately and during adolescence, considering the number of times participants reached PA recommendations. Depression and anxiety were assessed through Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at 22years. Crude and adjusted association analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust error variance, providing prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Three thousand two hundred and forty-seven participants were included in the study. In the adjusted analyses, active participants in leisure-time PA (≥300min/wk) and total PA at 11years were less likely to be depressed at age 22 (prevalence ratios: 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.89; prevalence ratios: 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.97). For leisure-time PA, the more PA recommendations were met during adolescence, the lower the prevalence of depression. There was no association when PA variables were evaluated separately at 15 and 18years and between PA and anxiety after controlling for potential confounders. Early adolescence appears to be a sensitive period for PA benefits on depression in early adulthood. The more timepoints reaching PA recommendations during adolescence, the lower the risk of depression. On the other hand, PA during adolescence was not associated with anxiety in young adults.

How does cognitive behavior therapy fare in the wild? A commentary on Öst et al.’s cognitive behavior therapy for adult anxiety disorders in routine clinical care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

How does cognitive behavior therapy fare in the wild? A commentary on Öst et al.’s cognitive behavior therapy for adult anxiety disorders in routine clinical care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cognitive behavior therapy for adult anxiety disorders in routine clinical care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cognitive behavior therapy for adult anxiety disorders in routine clinical care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Resilience and spirituality mediate anxiety and life satisfaction in chronically Ill older adults

BackgroundSpirituality and psychological resilience can be considered as a protective factor for coping with anxiety in geriatric populations. The aim of the study was to investigate the structural model related to the mediating role of spirituality and psychological resilience in predicting the relationship between anxiety and life satisfaction in older adults with chronic illness.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, one hundred patients over sixty years of age from one university hospital were selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Spiritual Health Scale, the Anxiety Module of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) structure modeling.ResultsThere was a positive and significant relationship between resilience, spirituality and life satisfaction of the samples. The structural model showed that spirituality, and psychological resilience mediated in the relationship between anxiety and life satisfaction directly and in indirectly in the older people with chronic disease, explaining approximately 34% of the variance in life satisfaction.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that spirituality and psychological resilience can help older adults with chronic illness to negate the impact of anxiety on satisfaction, with the effect of spirituality being stronger than resilience in this relationship.

INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SLEEP QUALITY, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION LEVELS AMONG EXERCISER AND NON-EXERCISER ADULTS IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Purpose: To assess physical activity (PA), perceived exercise benefits, perceived sleep quality, anxiety and depression levels of adults who exercised and did not exercise during the pandemic. &#x0D; Methods: 1226 voluntary participants who lived in the community (age range 18-55 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic information was recorded, and exercise motivators and barriers were evaluated through questions prepared by the researchers. PA levels [International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF)], perception about the benefits of exercise [Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale-Benefits Subscale (EBBS-BS)], sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], and anxiety and depression levels [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)] were assessed. &#x0D; Results: There were statistically significant differences in scores of IPAQ-SF, PSQI, EBBS-BS, and HADS between those who did and did not exercise (p

Depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide risk in patients with functional seizures vs. those with epilepsy.

We aimed to investigate the rates of positive screening for depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide risk in adults with seizures [i.e., well-matched groups of patients with focal epilepsy vs. idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) vs. functional seizures (FS)]. This was a cross sectional study. Patients, 19-55 years of age, with a diagnosis of IGE, focal epilepsy or FS were investigated at the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, from September 2022 until January 2023 and during their follow-up visits. We used the validated Farsi version of DASS-21 (Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale) to investigate and screen for depression, anxiety, and stress in these patients. We also used the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI). Forty patients with focal epilepsy, 40 persons with IGE, and 40 individuals with FS were included. Depression and anxiety were more prevalent among patients with FS compared with those with epilepsy. The rate of stress among patients with FS was not significantly different compared with that in patients with epilepsy. The suicide risks were not significantly different between the groups either. Patients with FS are at high risk for psychiatric comorbidities that is comparable or even worse than that in patients with epilepsy. Specific validated scales to screen for psychiatric comorbidities and suicide risk should be integral components of the evaluation and treatment of all patients with seizures.

Does health literacy affect attitudes towards healthy eating and health anxiety in young adults?

&lt;b&gt;Objective:&lt;/b&gt; The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between young people's health literacy, healthy eating attitudes, and health anxiety.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material and methods:&lt;/b&gt; The data of this cross-sectional and descriptive study were collected by face-to-face interviews with students studying in the department of nursing, nutrition and dietetics and health management at the health sciences faculty of a university located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 599 students who volunteered to participate in the study. In collecting the data of the study, Individual Descriptive Information Form, Turkish Health Literacy Scale (THLS-32), Attitudes towards Healthy Eating Scale (ASHN), Health Anxiety Inventory (Short Version) (HAI) used.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; It was determined that the total mean score of the students on the THLS-32 scale was 33.57±8.41, the mean total score of ASHN was 70.57±10.87, and the mean total score of HAI was 19.67±7.43. There was a positive relationship between students' health literacy and their attitudes towards healthy eating (r=0.258, p=0.000), a negative relationship between health anxiety (r=-0.171, p=0.000) and their attitudes towards healthy eating and health anxiety (r= -0.166, p=0.000).&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; It is important that this study is the first to examine health literacy, attitudes towards healthy eating, and health anxiety together. It is thought that improving the health literacy and healthy eating attitudes of students who will be health care professionals and reducing their health anxiety will provide significant benefits individually and socially.

Is secondhand smoke associated with mental health issues? A narrative review of the evidence and policy implications

Secondhand smoke (SHS) is a well-established cause of lung cancer, respiratory disease, heart disease and developmental issues in children, with an overwhelming evidence base spanning over four decades. In this narrative review, we describe studies which have also linked self-reported or cotinine-assessed SHS exposure in the home, workplace and other settings to mental health disorders including depression, suicide, anxiety, and psychological distress in children and adults, sleeping disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and behavioural issues in children, and dementia in older adults. In general, evidence indicates that SHS exposure is associated with these disorders in a dose-response manner, with higher odds reported in people who are exposed to SHS at high levels, frequently, and in the home environment. Most studies so far are cross-sectional albeit in large, nationally representative samples from various countries with a smaller number of longitudinal studies. More research is needed in this area to determine whether SHS is a direct cause of adverse mental health outcomes, and whether creating smokefree environments leads to improved mental wellbeing. In particular, more research is needed on the impact of smokefree home environments, an area which has received relatively little focus in smokefree interventions which generally target public places.

Efficacy of a Brief Blended Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety in University Students: Uncontrolled Intervention Study.

Blended cognitive behavioral therapy (bCBT)-the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and digital mental health applications-has been increasingly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. As a resource-efficient treatment approach, bCBT appears promising for addressing the growing need for mental health care services, for example, as an early intervention before the chronification of symptoms. However, further research on the efficacy and feasibility of integrated bCBT interventions is needed. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel bCBT program comprising short (25 min), weekly face-to-face therapy sessions combined with a smartphone-based digital health app for treating mild to moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety. This prospective uncontrolled trial comprised 2 measurement points (before and after treatment) and 2 intervention groups. We recruited university students with mild to moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety. On the basis of the primary symptoms, participants were assigned to either a depression intervention group (n=67 completers) or an anxiety intervention group (n=33 completers). Participants in each group received 6 weekly individual psychotherapy sessions via videoconference and completed modules tailored to their respective symptoms in the smartphone-based digital health app. The depression group displayed medium to large improvements in the symptoms of depression (Cohen d=-0.70 to -0.90; P<.001). The anxiety group experienced significant improvements in the symptoms of generalized anxiety assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale with a large effect size (Cohen d=-0.80; P<.001) but not in symptoms of anxiety assessed with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (Cohen d=-0.35; P=.06). In addition, both groups experienced significant improvements in their perceived self-efficacy (Cohen d=0.50; P<.001 in the depression group and Cohen d=0.71; P<.001 in the anxiety group) and quality of life related to psychological health (Cohen d=0.87; P<.001 in the depression group and Cohen d=0.40; P=.03 in the anxiety group). Work and social adjustment of patients improved significantly in the depression group (Cohen d=-0.49; P<.001) but not in the anxiety group (Cohen d=-0.06; P=.72). Patients' mental health literacy improved in the anxiety group (Cohen d=0.45; P=.02) but not in the depression group (Cohen d=0.21; P=.10). Patient satisfaction with the bCBT program and ratings of the usability of the digital app were high in both treatment groups. This study provides preliminary evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of a novel brief bCBT intervention. The intervention effects were generalized across a broad spectrum of patient-reported outcomes. Hence, the newly developed bCBT intervention appears promising for treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety in young adults.

Anxiety in adults with asthma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a Canadian perspective

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that affects millions of Canadians and often contributes to higher levels of anxiety among patients. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a time of increased anxiety and fear among the Canadian population, it was thought that those with asthma may experience heightened anxiety levels due to uncertain access to care, the potential to misinterpret asthma symptoms for symptoms of COVID-19 (or vice versa), and the concern about being treated differently by those around them when experiencing asthma symptoms. Therefore, this study sought to perform a cross-sectional analysis of the asthma-anxiety relationship in adults with and without asthma in the unique context of the COVID-19 pandemic from a Canadian perspective.MethodsThis study employed the COVID-19 Associated Anxiety in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma patients Experiencing Symptoms (CAAARES) survey, consisting of COVID-19-specific questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 (GAD-7) and the Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). Data collection occurred through the Qualtrics XM platform and data analyses were conducted with the IBM SPSS Statistics 28 software.ResultsA total of 741 valid responses were collected (asthma group, n = 244; control group, n = 497). 31.6% and 26.2% of respondents in the asthma and control groups, respectively, met the diagnostic criteria for GAD. There was no significant difference (p = .067) in mean GAD-7 scores between the two groups. A Hierarchal Multiple Regression (HMR) model was developed, and neither asthma status nor ACQ-6 score had a significant predictive effect on the GAD-7 score. There was a statistically significant (p < .001) weak positive correlation (r = .22) between GAD-7 and ACQ-6 scores. In a simple mediation (SMM) model, perceived COVID-19 stress of others was not identified as a significant mediator of the relationship between ACQ-6 and GAD-7 (indirect effect β = 0.014).ConclusionOur study of a Canadian cohort demonstrates elevated levels of anxiety overall, amongst both asthma and control groups. While AR status was significantly greater in the asthma group, it was not a significant predictive variable of GAD-7 score. Our data suggests that COVID-19-specific factors appear to have a greater contribution to anxiety than asthma status or control.