Rates Of Anxiety Research Articles

The adaptation process of a safety planning intervention to promote connectedness and reduce distress in Diné adolescents and adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionIndigenous connectedness is an impetus for health, well-being, self-confidence, cultural preservation, and communal thriving. When this connectedness is disrupted, the beliefs, values, and ways of life that weave Indigenous communities together is threatened. In the Spring of 2020, the COVID-19 virus crept into Tribal Nations across the United States and exacerbated significant health-related and educational inequities. The first case of COVID-19, or Dikos Ntsaaígíí-19 in the Diné (Navajo) language, arrived in the Southwest in March 2020. The virus quickly spread amongst Diné communities and contributed to immediate school closures. These closures created significant disruption to connectedness on the Navajo Nation.MethodsAs part of the Community Based Participatory Research process, our team worked with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to facilitate a longitudinal cohort study titled “Project SafeSchools” and, most critically, to culturally adapt mental health interventions to be implemented as a part of this study. This paper describes the process our team used to select, adapt, and test Safety Planning and Caring Contacts interventions to reduce elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation amongst Diné adolescents and adults. CBPR was the primary approach used to engage with Navajo Nation communities and the adaptation process was guided by a scoping study of frameworks for adapting public health evidence-based interventions (EBI) and was guided by the cultural adaptation process. Our team met virtually several times in 2021 and 2022 as the parent launched and as the pilot randomized clinical trial called “+Connection is Medicine” started. When Safety Planning and Caring Contacts messaging was selected, the study team, which consisted primarily of Navajo research personnel led by a Navajo community-based principal investigator (PI) and allied PIs with extensive experience in implementation science, infectious disease prevention, and CBPR, were adapted and presented to CAB members. This CAB also included a youth advisory council who participated in the field testing and further adaptation process.ResultsThe use of the CAB allowed for a collaborative workgroup effort to examine the feasibility and acceptability of using safety planning to help reduce suicide risk factors with Navajo adolescents and adults. Most importantly, this CAB collaborative with researchers to further tailor safety plan intervention materials to align with Navajo values related to connectedness to relatives, community, mental health resources, and the land. In addition, the caring contacts messaging was aligned with safety plans to provide culturally sensitive messages that would be shared with randomized participants.DiscussionMental health stigma is highly common in reservation-based communities. In Indigenous communities, mental illness has association with not living well or not living culturally aligned further complicates the likelihood of at-risk community members contacting resources available in their communities. By using an Indigenous approach that restores connectedness, and reminds participants of their belonging, +CiM researchers were able to develop enhanced versions of safety plans to use in their pilot randomized controlled trial.

Selected determinants of anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents aged 11–15 in relation to the pandemic COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine

IntroductionThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, and the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022 (a country bordering Poland on the east) have significantly impacted the mental health of young people in Poland, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The rising number of individuals struggling to cope with daily stressors, as well as non-normative stressors, may indicate a decrease in the individual’s potential, specifically in skills, attitudes, and competencies required to overcome difficulties that they encounter. It can be assumed that for young people, maintaining mental health under the influence of social stressors, such as the pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, depends on the ability to adapt positively, which is the ability of young individuals to adjust to situational demands in a way that allows them to effectively manage those situations. The aim of the conducted study was to determine whether social stressors, namely the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and intrapsychic factors such as beliefs about oneself, others, life, and the world, influence the occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms in Polish youth. An attempt was made to assess the significance of external stressors and internal potential resources for maintaining psychological balance among young people.MethodsThe study was conducted using the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), the Questionnaire of Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and World Attitudes (QIIWA), as well as a survey created by the researchers containing questions about well-being in relation to the pandemic, remote learning, and the ongoing war in Poland’s neighboring country. Ethical approval for the planned research was obtained from the Bioethics Committee. The study included 945 adolescents aged 11–15 years (M = 13.10; SD = 1.11), representing a sample of youth from 14 regions of Poland.ResultsThe results and analyses are presented from three perspectives: (A) the occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms in relation to the gender and age of the respondents, (B) the significance of situational experiences, such as the COVID-19 pandemic (Q1), remote learning (Q2), and the outbreak of the war in Ukraine (Q3) for the occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms in Polish youth, and (C) other determinants of anxiety and depression symptoms in Polish youth, such as intrapsychic variables including self-esteem, satisfaction with relationships with others, and views on the world and life.DiscussionIt can be concluded that in the case of young people, maintaining mental health under the influence of social stressors such as the pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine depends mainly on intrapsychic variables, including the beliefs and attitudes of young people towards themselves, toward other people, the world and life.

Girltelligence: A safe and supportive social community app for teen girls and young women

Young people’s mental health has deteriorated over the last decade, especially among females. Rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm have soared while well-being has declined. This mental health crisis has coincided with increased use of smartphones and social media, the extended isolation and suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and attacks on reproductive rights. These recent stressors have compounded the historic challenges women and girls have always faced while growing up, at school, in society, and in the workplace. In this paper, we examine the mental health effects of social media on young people, focusing on females. In an effort to address the current crisis, we designed a mobile app, Girltelligence, that provides a safe online space for girls and young women to advise and support one another on any topics without judgment and without the negative mental health impacts associated with mainstream social media. Girltelligence achieves this by offering a safe environment monitored by both AI and human moderators and tailored by age.

The aftermath of multiple trauma on a nation: unraveling Lebanon’s unique mental health struggle

ObjectiveThis study examines the national prevalence of mental health disorders and their associated factors in Lebanon, specifically in the aftermath of the 2020 events, including the catastrophic events of Beirut blast and the concurrent financial meltdown amid the global pandemic.MethodsConducted between July and September 2022, the study interviewed a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Lebanese via telephone, using the Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) system. Gender-specific bivariate and multivariate models were generated for probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.ResultsHigh rates of mental health disorders emerged — 47.8% screened positive for probable depression, 45.3% for probable anxiety, and 43.5% met the probable diagnosis for PTSD. Multivariate gender-specific analyses revealed no significant associations with governorate, employment status, or marital status, while the financial composite score consistently influenced all disorders.ConclusionLebanon faces a severe mental health crisis, evidenced by elevated rates of probable depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The universal impact of multiple traumas transcends typical determinants, emphasizing the need for nuanced interventions and targeted policy considerations.

Mental Health, Emotional Regulation, and Psychosocial Work Factors Among Scientific Researchers: A Cross-Sectional Study from Paraguay

Background: This study examined the prevalence of mental health issues among Paraguayan researchers and their relationships with emotional regulation and psychosocial factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 235 researchers was conducted using validated instruments: the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21); the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ); and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Sociodemographic, academic, and behavioral variables were also analyzed. Results: Findings revealed significant rates of depression (26.4%), anxiety (30.6%), and stress (32.3%), with female researchers reporting nearly twice the rates of anxiety and stress compared to males. Researchers with doctoral degrees exhibited lower anxiety levels, emphasizing the protective role of advanced academic qualifications. Conversely, younger and early-career researchers were more vulnerable to psychological distress. High job demands and emotional dysregulation were strongly associated with poorer mental health outcomes, while hazardous alcohol consumption and low physical activity further exacerbated risks. Conclusions: These findings highlight the urgent need for institutional reforms to prioritize mental health and well-being in academic environments. By advancing the understanding of occupational health in resource-limited settings, this study provides actionable recommendations to improve the working conditions and mental health of researchers in Paraguay and beyond.

A cognitive help or hindrance? A systematic review of cognitive behavioural therapy to treat anxiety in young people with autism spectrum disorder.

Anxiety rates amongst autistic youth range from 11% to 84%. While Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment of anxiety in neurotypical youth, there are concerns autistic youth lack the cognitive resources necessary to effectively engage with CBT. It is also unclear whether standard or adapted CBT is more effective. This review aims to compare the effects of standard and adapted CBT in the treatment of anxiety in autistic youth. Articles were searched across three online databases. 24 articles were selected for final review. All articles were published between 2008 and 2024. Total sample size was 1,140 and participant age ranged from 4-18years. Various designs, settings, and CBT formats were incorporated. When treating anxiety in autistic youth, standard CBT is effective although CBT adapted to accommodate the autism-related needs of the youth appears more effective, with gains maintained up to 26months post-treatment. Statistical analysis was not significant. Standard and adapted CBT are effective treatments of anxiety in autistic youth. To optimise outcomes, it may be important to consider the common cognitive styles associated with autism and adapt the therapeutic intervention accordingly. However, there is not yet statistical evidence for this hypothesis.

Anxiety disorders presenting as gastrointestinal symptoms in children - a scoping review.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and their association with anxiety disorders in children significantly impact a child's functioning and treatment response. This study aimed to scope the evidence of anxiety disorders manifesting as FGID in children up to 16 years old. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted on Embase (1974-2024), Medline (via EBSCOHost 1946-2024), and APA PsycINFO (via EBSCOHost 1967-2024). Articles were retrieved, screened, and assessed for bias using the GRADE system. Our initial search yielded 1984 articles. After screening titles and abstracts, 53 articles remained. Full-text screening further narrowed this to four eligible studies. The first study found that anxiety indirectly influenced abdominal pain severity in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The second study reported an association between anxiety and abdominal pain but found that anxiety might not predict abdominal pain in later childhood. The third study suggested FGID could be a risk factor for anxiety, with higher anxiety rates in children with FGID compared to those without. The fourth study found no significant difference in pain intensity between children with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) alone and those with FAPD and anxiety. The reviewed studies indicate a relationship between anxiety and FGID but lack clarity on directionality or causation. The limited number of studies calls for more research, including case-control studies with large sample sizes and longitudinal cohort studies to investigate the incidence and causation.

The collective experience of moral distress: a qualitative analysis of perspectives of frontline health workers during COVID-19

BackgroundMoral distress is reported to be a critical force contributing to intensifying rates of anxiety, depression and burnout experienced by healthcare workers. In this paper, we examine the moral dilemmas and ensuing distress personally and collectively experienced by healthcare workers while caring for patients during the pandemic.MethodsData are drawn from free-text responses from a cross-sectional national online survey of Australian healthcare workers about the patient care challenges they faced.ResultsThree themes were derived from qualitative content analysis that illuminated the ways in which moral dilemmas and distress were relationally experienced by healthcare workers: (1) the moral ambiguity of how to care well for patients amid a rapidly changing work environment; (2) the distress of witnessing suffering shared between healthcare workers and patients; and (3) the distress of performing new forms of invisible work in the absence of institutional recognition. These findings reveal that moral distress was a strongly shared experience.ConclusionsFindings advance understandings of moral distress as a relational experience, collectively felt, constituted, and experienced by healthcare workers. Considering how to harness collective solidarity in effectively responding to moral distress experienced across the frontline healthcare workforce is critical.

Peri-operative mental health interventions for surgical oncology patients: a narrative synthesis and meta-analysis.

Oncologic surgeries are common and rates of depression and anxiety are high in the peri-operative period, potentially interfering with successful recovery. We conducted a narrative review and meta-analysis focusing on randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of peri-operative mental health interventions on anxiety and/or depression in adult patients having oncological surgery. The review included studies published in the last 5 years, identified through EMBASE with no pre-specified criteria for the type of comparison or outcome. A meta-analysis using a random effects model was performed for outcomes with sufficient data, and a vote-counting synthesis was performed for studies with insufficient data or fewer than two studies per outcome. Seventeen randomised controlled trials were included. All were conducted internationally, primarily in Asia. Ten studies assessed psychological interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy), six assessed pharmacological interventions (e.g. ketamine) and one assessed acupuncture. Meta-analysis revealed significant intervention effects on pre-operative anxiety scores (n = 429, Hedge's g = -1.03, p = 0.001) and postoperative depression scores at hospital discharge (n = 188, Hedge's g = -0.88, p < 0.001), whereas no significant intervention effect was found in anxiety scores at discharge (n = 188, Hedge's g = -1.54, p = 0.08). Vote-counting synthesis identified intervention effects on depression and anxiety scores on day 3 postoperatively and on depression scores at one-week postoperatively, while all other time-points showed no intervention effect. Psychological and pharmacological interventions are effective at reducing pre-operative anxiety and immediate postoperative depression scores in patients having oncological surgery, but these benefits do not persist postoperatively. Hence, future research efforts should focus on development and testing of interventions that are effective and implementable within the peri-operative context.

Anxiety, mental suffering, and bruxism in dental students in the COVID-19 postpandemic moment.

The COVID-19 pandemic was devastating, causing deaths, economic and social problems, and mental disorders in the lives of many people. After 3 years, the mental repercussions caused by the pandemic are unclear, especially in young adults. This study assessed the occurrence of mental disorders, anxiety, and bruxism in dental students during the postpandemic moment and determined the factors that influenced the occurrence of bruxism. The cross-sectional study enrolled 126 dental students. Sociodemographic information, COVID-19 experience, and remote teaching/learning were collected using questionnaires. Mental state and disorders were collected using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) of mental disorders. Bruxism was self-reported. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression (α=0.05). Moderate anxiety manifested in 62.7% of the students. Common mental disorders and bruxism were identified in 35.7% and 59.5% of the students. The odds ratio for bruxism self-report was 6.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.49-16.66) times higher for those who suffered economic impact during the pandemic and 2.39 (95% CI 1.04-5.47) times higher for those reporting anxiety during the pandemic. Bad sleep was also associated with the occurrence of bruxism. In the postpandemic period, dental students exhibited high rates of common mental disorders, anxiety, and bruxism. The increased occurrence of bruxism was linked to the economic impacts experienced during the pandemic, self-perceived anxiety during the pandemic, and poor sleep.

A national estimate of mental disorders and mortality outcomes in cancer survivors.

This study evaluated the prevalence of various mental disorders and their influence on mortality outcomes in individuals with cancer. The authors' institutional database included patients with cancer diagnosed between 2011 and 2015 who had mental disorders and death information up to 2021. Mental disorders included nonaffective psychotic disorders, affective psychotic disorders, anxiety-related and stress-related disorders, alcohol or drug misuse, and mood disorders without psychotic symptoms. The causes of death were classified as all-cause, cancer-related, or suicide. Individual matching was performed to randomly match cancer survivors with and without mental disorders according to age at cancer diagnosis, year of cancer diagnosis, sex, and cancer site. The association between mental disorders and mortality risk was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model and competing-risk analyses. Among 637,491 cancer survivors (mean age, 58.9 years), there were 238,654 deaths from any cause and 2255 deaths from suicide. Incidence rates varied across disorders, with the highest rates observed for anxiety-related and stress-related disorders and mood disorders without psychotic symptoms. Mental disorders were associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for nonaffective psychotic disorders, affective psychotic disorders, anxiety-related and stress-related disorders, alcohol and drug misuse, and mood disorders without psychotic symptoms were as follows: HR, 2.49 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.22-2.80); HR, 2.38 (95% CI, 2.21-2.57); HR, 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01-1.04); HR, 2.13 (95% CI, 1.87-2.43); and HR, 1.27 (95% CI, 1.24-1.30), respectively, for all-cause mortality. Suicide risk was higher in patients who had mental disorders, especially within the first 6 months after diagnosis. The current findings underscore the impact of mental illness on mortality among cancer survivors in Korea, specifically highlighting the elevated rates of anxiety, stress, and mood disorders.

The effects of war-related experiences on mental health symptoms of individuals living in conflict zones: a longitudinal study

On October 7, 2023, a large-scale attack in southern Israel and the subsequent war resulted in extensive loss of life and injuries, with many individuals experiencing traumatic losses, such as family members or close friends being killed or kidnapped. This study aims to longitudinally examine its effects on mental health, specifically, clinical symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We anticipated greater symptom severity among individuals who experienced traumatic loss, were forcibly displaced, or suffered income loss, as well as among women and members of ethnic minorities. This three-wave online survey study assessed mental health symptoms in a sample of 1052 individuals, aged 18–40, residing in conflict zones in Israel from February 2024 (day 1), through March 2024 (day 30), to May 2024 (day 90). Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD). Individuals experiencing traumatic losses, forced displacement, or economic hardships, as well as females, consistently demonstrated higher rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms compared to those without such experiences or to males, across all time points (F values ranged from 17.7 to 215.3, p < .001). For ethnic minorities (Arab and other), as compared to Jewish, anxiety and depression symptoms were higher at every time point (F = 8.3–97.1, p = .004 to < .001). This study highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in conflict zones, particularly for affected individuals. Further research should expand these findings to broader populations.

Psychological Status and its Influencing Factors of Staff in a District of Shenzhen: A Retrospective Study.

Anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, as psychological and emotional diseases, have serious impact on people's physical and mental health, and receive increasing academic attention. This study aimed to examine anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder of staff in a district of Shenzhen and to provide the basis for the development of targeted intervention measures to improve the psychological status of cadres. Based on the psychological evaluation data of staff cadres in a district of Shenzhen City obtained from January to December 2020, a stratified sampling method was adopted to randomly select two streets and three communities in each street. A total of six communities were selected as investigation units. All participants filled out the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed using R4.2.0 statistical software. A total of 705 effective psychological assessment questionnaires were matched, and there were 71 (10.13%) positive results on SAS, 156 (22.13%) positive results on SDS, and 264 (37.45%) positive results on PSQI. Chi-square test results showed that the detection rates of anxiety and depression were significantly different among the staff cadres of different genders and different educational levels (p < 0.05). The detection rate of sleep disorder of government officials significantly differed among different age groups (p < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that the detection rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder of female cadres and workers were significantly higher than those of male cadres and workers (p < 0.05). The detection rates of anxiety and depression of the staff with bachelor's degree and graduate degree were significantly lower than those of the staff with a college degree or below (p < 0.05). The detection rates of anxiety and depression are different among staff of different genders and different education levels in a district of Shenzhen, where female staff and those with lower education levels have higher detection rates.

PREVALENCE OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN NON-PRACTICING FEMALE DOCTORS OF PAKISTAN

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in non-practicing female doctors of Pakistan and the factors associated with it. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted at Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College. A self-administered questionnaire with demographic details and questions related to the objectives of the study was used to collect data via online social media platforms, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and The Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale were used for screening. Results: 384 doctors included. Mean (±SD) age of participants was 33.6(7.8) years. Anxiety was more prominent among non-practicing female doctors (prevalence = 73.9%, p-value &lt;0.01). 272 doctors had depression (70.8%, p-value: &lt;0.04). Chi-square statistic applied for correlation analysis. Both married and lived single participants had high rates of depression. 94.01% completed their house job. A large number of participants (n=186, 48.44%) did not acquire any postgraduate qualification. A significant correlation between the prevalence of anxiety/depression and time lag from medical practice was found (p-value &lt;0.005). The highest prevalence of depression was noted for women who had a break of 5 to 15 years from medical practice (74.22%). Lack of childcare facilities in the hospital, moving abroad and the heavy working hours were the reported barriers to practice. Arranging childcare facilities in the hospital among other suggestions were proposed by the non-practicing female doctors to overcome this problem. Conclusion: The alarming rates of anxiety and depression point to the urgent need for potential policy changes to prevent this catastrophe.

Impact of anemia on the six-month trend of anxiety and depression in women with threatened abortion: A case-control retrospective cohort study.

Anemia in pregnancy is associated with psychiatric symptoms and poor psychiatric symptoms, this study investigates the 6-month trends of anxiety and birth outcomes. Considering the controversies surrounding the impact of anemia on psychiatric symptoms, this study investigates the 6-month trends of anxiety and depression in anemic pregnant women with threatened abortion (TA). A case-control retrospective cohort study conducted among 282 participants who enrolled in a registry of pregnant women with TA in Babol city from December 2022 to October 2023. Fifty individuals with anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL) who were matched with 50 without anemia based on age, pregnancies, education, and gestational age, were included. The BSI-18 (Brief Symptom Inventory) was used to assess depression, anxiety, and psychological distress at the beginning, three and six-month follow-ups. The prevalence of anemia among women diagnosed with TA was found to be 17.7%. At the beginning, compared to normal individuals, anemic women had higher rates of depression (32% vs. 14%), anxiety (34% vs. 22%), and psychological distress (66% vs. 48%). Moreover, at 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the frequency of psychiatric symptoms in anemic women was significantly higher. The Generalized Estimating Equations model showed that although both groups had a decreasing trend of frequency anemic women experience a slower rate of decrease in psychiatric symptoms compared to non-anemic women. Anemia in women with TA is associated with high rates of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, as well as a slow recovery rate.

Study Protocol for the Opioid and Pain Treatment in Indigenous Communities Trial: A Systems Level Intervention for Enhanced Screening and Brief Intervention and Referral for Co-Occurring Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder.

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals have the highest rates of opioid overdose mortality and chronic pain (CP) compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. These individuals also report higher rates of pain anxiety and pain catastrophizing, which are both associated with poorer outcomes and risk for opioid misuse (OM) and opioid use disorder (OUD) among individuals with CP. Yet, no prior studies have examined rates of comorbid pain and OUD among AI/AN adults. This commentary describes an implementation research partnership of 3 AI/AN-serving clinics and a university team that utilizes an implementation hybrid type III design to examine the impact of implementation strategies on adoption and sustainability of evidence-based screening and brief intervention for CP and OM/OUD among AI/AN clients. As part of our community-engaged approach, we embrace both AI/AN models and Western models, and a collaborative board of 10 individuals guided the research throughout. We hypothesize that our culturally centered approach will increase rates of screening and brief intervention and improve identification of and outcomes among AI/AN clients with CP and OUD who receive treatment at participating sites. Each site convenes a workgroup to evaluate and set goals to culturally center screening and brief interventions for CP and OM/OUD. Data collected include deidentified electronic health records to track screening and brief interventions and rates of CP and OUD; provider and staff surveys beginning prior to implementation and every 6 months for 2 years; and a subset of clients will be recruited (N = 225) and assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months to examine biopsychosocial and spiritual factors and their experiences with culturally centered screening and brief intervention. Cultural adaptations to the measures and screening and brief intervention as well as barriers and facilitators will be addressed. Recommendations for successful Tribal health clinic-university partnerships are offered.

The experiences of students with mental health difficulties at medical school: a qualitative interview study

ABSTRACT Background High rates of burnout, anxiety, and depression in medical students are widespread, yet we have limited knowledge of the medical school experiences of students with mental health issues. The aim of the study is to understand the impact of mental health issues on students’ experience and training at medical school by adopting a qualitative approach. Methods Qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 students with mental health issues from eight UK medical schools of varying size and location. Students were purposefully sampled to gain variety in the type of mental health issue experienced and demographic characteristics. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed using NVivo software. Results Three themes were identified. 1) Culture of medicine: medical culture contributed to causing mental ill-health through study demands, competitiveness with peers, a ‘suck it up’ mentality where the expectation is that medical school is tough and medical students must push through, and stigma towards mental ill-health. 2) Help-seeking: students feared others discovering their difficulties and thus initially tried to cope alone, hiding symptoms until they were severe. There were multiple barriers to help-seeking including stigma and fear of damage to their career. 3) Impact on academic life: mental health issues had a detrimental impact on academic commitments, with students’ unable to keep up with their studies and some needing to take time out from medical school. Conclusion This study provides insight into how medical culture contributes both to the cause of mental health difficulties and the reluctance of medical students to seek help. Mental health issues had a considerable negative impact on medical students’ ability to learn and progress through their degree. Addressing the medical culture factors that contribute to the cause of mental health issues and the barriers to help-seeking must be a priority to ensure a healthier medical workforce.

Contributing Factors to the Rise in Adolescent Anxiety and Associated Mental Health Disorders: A Narrative Review of Current Literature

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe prevalence of anxiety among adolescents has seen a notable increase in recent years, becoming a significant public health concern. In fact, anxiety is substantially more prevalent in Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) than in any of the past three generations. We aimed to examine what factors contribute to the increased prevalence in teen anxiety and identify points of intervention.MethodsThis study employed a narrative review method. We performed a literature search of the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Medline databases and identified original research and review articles discussing increased anxiety and other mental health disorders in Generation Z.ResultsWe provide a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to the increased rates of adolescent anxiety, including academic pressures, social media influence, family dynamics, and broader societal stressors.ConclusionsIn this narrative review, we examine the multifaceted nature of adolescent anxiety, identifying contributing factors. Additionally, we discuss potential clinical, educational, and community‐based interventions to prevent and treat adolescent anxiety. By understanding and addressing the underlying causes of anxiety, it is possible to mitigate its impact and promote healthier developmental trajectories for young individuals.

Temporomandibular Disorders in Psychiatric Outpatients: A Hidden Epidemic?

ABSTRACTBackgroundTemporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a multimodal group of orofacial pain syndromes that rank behind only chronic low back pain in the list of most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions causing pain and disability. Previous studies have recorded high rates of comorbid anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality among TMD patients.MethodsEighty five outpatients recruited from Rhode Island Hospital's Latino and Portuguese Mental Health Programs completed the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI). The latest meta‐analysis of TMD prevalence in the general population was used for the reference population (n = 3159).ResultsThe most prevalent psychiatric disorders were depressive disorders (75.3%), anxiety disorders (57.6%), and sleep–wake disorders (47.1%). Fifty patients (58.8%) met criteria for TMD, versus 29.3% in the reference population (p &lt; 0.001). In our sample, the PSQI cut‐off for poor sleep was crossed in 96.2% of patients with TMD and 82.9% of those without TMD (p = 0.041).ObjectivesWe sought to establish the prevalence of TMD in a significant sample of psychiatric outpatients, considering their psychiatric diagnoses and sleep quality.ConclusionThe very high prevalence of TMD among patients with depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders reinforces their association and alerts us to the possibility of TMD constituting a widespread, though largely ignored, comorbidity of psychiatric outpatients that may be impacting their mental health outcomes. Further studies are needed to clarify the value of screening this population for TMD and to establish which cases merit treatment.

Anxiety in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Review

Anxiety, characterized by feelings of unease, worry, and fear, is a prevalent mental health condition among college students. Higher education institutions are facing a growing mental health crisis among their students. Recent studies have shown that mental health issues are increasingly prevalent in this population, with rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation on the rise. This review paper aims to explore the multifaceted nature of anxiety among college students. To address the mental health crisis in higher education, institutions must take a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, early intervention, and treatment. This may involve providing mental health training for faculty and staff, increasing access to mental health services and promoting mental health awareness and stigma reduction on campus. Additionally, it is important to create a supportive campus environment that fosters student well-being and resilience. Addressing anxiety in higher education is a complex but necessary endeavor. Understanding anxiety factors and interventions' effectiveness can help institutions develop targeted strategies for student mental health support. By prioritizing mental health, institutions can create a more supportive and inclusive campus environment, empowering students to thrive academically and personally.