Anxiety-related Symptoms Research Articles

APPLYING TIME-VARYING EFFECT MODELING TO EXAMINE DAILY VARIATION IN SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that caregivers may experience high rates of suicidal ideation. However, relatively little is known about daily contextual factors, including day-to-day depression and anxiety-related symptoms, that increase the severity of suicidal ideation over time. The purpose of this study was to apply time-varying effect modeling (TVEM) to examine daily depression and anxiety symptoms leading up to an individual’s highest suicidal ideation score within a span of 14 days in a sample of community-dwelling ADRD caregivers. The intercept-only model revealed an increase in the mean scores of daily suicidal ideation four days leading up to an individual’s highest score. Additionally, there was a significant decrease four days after the highest suicidal ideation point. The relationship between depression and daily suicidal ideation was significant 1-day leading up to the highest suicidal ideation score. Similar relationships were observed with daily anxiety as a time-varying predictor in a separate model. The results from this study suggest that suicidal ideation can vary between days, with depression and anxiety influencing the intensity of the slope leading to and following an individual’s highest suicidal ideation score. Examining suicidal ideation trajectories over time and factors associated with varying severity can help inform targeted interventions to support dementia caregivers and mitigate the risk of severe psychological distress associated with dementia caregiving.

P139: Psychotherapy for Anxiety and Anxiety related symptoms in Mild Cognitive Impairment - A Case Treated with Morita Therapy-

Morita Therapy is a psychotherapy which originated in Japan. Conventionally, it had been applied to ‘neurosis’. The patients who have anxiety symptoms make various efforts in order to be free from the unpleasant emotion. Morita Therapy (1) does not try to eliminate anxiety and its symptoms and builds the patients’ attitude to leave these symptoms as a natural course, and (2) to focus on the feeling that they should aspire to enhancing their life and to encourage them to exert their lust for life. The authors presumed that this concept can be applied to anxiety symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and attempts to intervene. This case is for a male patient aged 74 years old with MCI with the complaint of subjective cognitive impairments. He had severe anxiety for his own cognitive impairment and recognized a severe decrease of Quality of Life (QOL) due to worrying about his own excessive anxiety. The authors implemented the therapeutic approach to address his anxiety and encouraged him to improve his QOL by accepting the anxiety, not excluding it. During the therapeutic process, various problems were evident, such as the caregiver’s excessive fear of dementia, so education about the nature of dementia was provided to dispel the stigma for the family members. As a result, the patient’s anxiety was decreased, and his daily activities were observed in spite of his subjective cognitive decline. This case suggested that Morita therapy was effective for anxiety symptoms in patients with MCI.

A comparison of psychiatric symptoms between mental health professionals with and without post-infection sequelae of COVID-19

Post-infection sequelae of COVID-19 (PISC) have raised public health concerns. However, it is not clear whether infected mental health professionals (MHPs) with PISC have experienced more psychiatric symptoms than MHPs without PISC do. This study examined differences in the prevalence of self-reported depression, anxiety, insomnia and suicidality as well as the network structures of these symptoms between these two groups. Participants completed questionnaire measures of psychiatric symptoms and demographics. Expected influence was used to measure centrality of symptoms and network comparison tests were adopted to compare differences in the two network models. The sample comprised 2,596 participants without PISC and 2,573 matched participants with PISC. MHPs with PISC had comparatively higher symptom levels related to depression (55.2% vs. 23.5 %), anxiety (32.0% vs. 14.9 %), insomnia (43.3% vs. 17.3 %), and suicidality (9.6% vs. 5.3 %). PHQ4 (“Fatigue”), PHQ6 (“Guilt”), and GAD2 (“Uncontrollable Worrying”) were the most central symptoms in the “without PISC” network model. Conversely, GAD3 (“Worry too much”), GAD5 (“Restlessness”), and GAD4 (“Trouble relaxing”) were more central in the “with PISC” network model. In sum, MHPs with PISC experienced comparatively more psychiatric symptoms and related disturbances. Network results provide foundations for the expectation that MHPs with PISC may benefit from interventions that address anxiety-related symptoms, while those without PISC may benefit from interventions targeting depression-related symptoms.

Exploring Experiences of Traumatic Microaggressions Toward Surgeons and Surgical Residents

IntroductionStudies have suggested that experiences of gender and racial discrimination are widespread among surgeons and surgical residents. This study examines the relationship between experienced microaggressions and traumatic stress. MethodsA one-time, deidentified survey was distributed over email to academic surgical societies. The survey consisted of 35 items including questions on prevalence of microaggressions, perceived job impacts as well as a shortened version of the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale. Chi-square tests and an independence test for trends were utilized to determine significance. ResultsWe collected data from 130 participants with majority (81%) having experienced microaggressions in the workplace. On measures of worry (P < 0.001), avoidance (P = 0.012), anxiety (P = 0.004), and trouble relaxing (P = 0.002), racial/ethnic minority surgeons and trainees demonstrated significantly higher scores. With perceived job impacts, significant agreement was seen with occurrences of working harder to prove competence (P = 0.005), gaining patient confidence (P < 0.001), reduced career satisfaction (P = 0.011), work-related negative talk (P = 0.018), and burnout at work due to microaggressions (P = 0.019). Among participants who underwent behavioral modifications, female surgeons were more likely to change their nonverbal communication styles (P < 0.001) and spend more time with patients (P < 0.001). ConclusionsExperiences of microaggressions are associated with increased anxiety-related trauma symptoms in racial/ethnic minority surgeons and surgical trainees. Additionally, these experiences of microaggression can influence job satisfaction, burnout, career perceptions and workplace behaviors. As the field of surgery becomes more diverse, this study contributes to growing awareness of the role of implicit discrimination in the attrition and retention of racial/ethnic minority surgeons and female surgeons.

North American open-label 16-week trial of the MindShift smartphone app for adult anxiety

BackgroundEvidence-based treatments can effectively address anxiety and related conditions. However, new resources are needed to make psychological interventions accessible to the substantial and increasing North American population affected by anxiety and related psychopathology. ObjectiveThe present study evaluated whether use of the MindShift app (Anxiety Canada) may help reduce anxiety symptoms and related depressive symptoms, quality-of-life, and functional impairment among adults 18 years of age and older. MethodsAdults ages 18–80 (N = 380) participated in an online open-label trial to evaluate change in anxiety and related distress while using the MindShift smartphone app. Inclusion criteria: residence in Canada or the USA and self-identification of anxiety or anxious distress to address during the study. Participants reported the severity of four primary outcomes at baseline and 2-, 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-weeks after they began using the MindShift app. ResultsAll four primary outcomes improved over the 16-week period: participants reported reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms; reduced functional impairment; and improved quality-of-life. Improvements were unrelated to the frequency with which participants used the MindShift app. Effect sizes indicated moderate change in anxiety symptoms (d=0.61, p < 0.0001), depressive symptoms (d=0.50, p < 0.0001), functional impairment (d=0.55, p < 0.0001), and quality-of-life (d=0.31, p < 0.0001) at the end of the 16-week intervention; improvements were consistent with response to treatment but not remission. ConclusionsOverall, the MindShift app may provide a ready to scale low-cost resource to assist in meeting the mental health needs of adults across North America, particularly those who report mild or moderate symptom severity.

Enhancing Knowledge of Anxiety Disorders in Primary School Students Through Jigsaw Puzzle Activity

The study aims to develop an Anxiety-Related Disorders Jigsaw Puzzle (ADJP) as an intervention tool and to determine its effectiveness in enhancing children's mental health literacy on anxiety-related disorders. The ADJP contained four modules defining anxiety-related disorders, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Seven subject-matter experts and participants evaluated these modules, and feedback was used to improve the tool further. A one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was then used to test the ADJP's efficacy in enhancing knowledge of anxiety-related disorders among primary school students (N=35). The results showed significant differences in anxiety literacy (A-Lit) scores between the intervention and control groups, implying that the ADJP intervention effectively enhanced the knowledge of anxiety-related disorders among study participants. Findings suggest the tool could be used as a mental health literacy resource for classroom activities to improve students' awareness of anxiety-related disorders.&#x0D;

Factors Affecting Anxiety-Related Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Among Collegiate Student-Athletes in the National College Health Assessment.

Increased attention continues to be placed on best practices for assisting student-athletes who show symptoms of a mental health illness. One of the most common mental health concerns for student-athletes is feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Early recognition of these symptoms can help student-athletes find early intervention. To elucidate specific attributes associated with an increased likelihood of anxiety symptoms and treatment avoidance to help athletic trainers and other practitioners better identify and assist high-risk individuals. Cross-sectional study. Colleges and universities in the United States. A total of 51 882 varsity athletes who completed the National College Health Assessment between 2011 and 2019. Survey responses (self-report) to questions related to anxiety symptoms and disorders cross-sectioned into 9 predictors: year in school, gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, international student status, school type, received information on stress reduction or depression or anxiety, anxiety about impeding academic performance, and history of mental health treatment in the last year. More than three-fourths (82.9%, n = 43 016) of student-athletes reported feeling overwhelmed because of all that they had to do in their daily activities, whereas only half (47.5%, n = 24 645) of student-athletes described overwhelming anxiety as a symptom. Gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, school type, and previous mental health treatment had large effects on these 2 symptoms. However, of the student-athletes who reported overwhelming anxiety as a symptom, only one-fourth (22.9%, n = 5649) indicated they received a diagnosis of anxiety with or without treatment. Factors such as the year in school and availability of mental health information appeared to have little effect on the experience of anxiety-related symptoms and the propensity to seek treatment. However, other factors, including gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, school type, and previous mental health treatment, did have important effects. Our study provides additional evidence that the stresses placed on collegiate student-athletes frequently led to feelings of being overwhelmed and, eventually, anxiety disorder diagnoses. However, most student-athletes experiencing anxiety-related symptoms still did not seek a diagnosis with or without treatment.

Anxiety and geology: managing acute anxiety disorder symptoms during field exercises

ABSTRACT Efforts to increase inclusion in the geosciences have progressed much in the past few decades. As inclusion grows our procedures and methods for accommodating individuals’ needs must adapt. Responsible leaders must grow to meet challenges in a way that mirrors modern approaches to dealing with hardships individuals face. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and related conditions are a growing problem among students. Often compounded by the trying nature of field work, individuals with anxiety disorders encounter challenges that can leave the person debilitated and unresponsive. Simple measures can provide support allowing more individuals to maximize their field experiences. While leaders always carry first aid kits and a basic knowledge of treatment of minor wounds, many people are unprepared for aiding a colleague experiencing anxiety-related symptoms such as Acute Panic Attacks (APAs) or induced mutism. This paper describes simple methods for identifying and managing acute symptoms as well as determining when professional medical intervention is necessary. Our aim is to provide Earth scientists of all education levels a basic overview of the acute symptoms of APAs and provide a guide for preventing and aiding affected colleagues in a field setting.

Serum BDNF levels and state anxiety are associated with somatic symptoms in patients with panic disorder.

We aimed to explore the predictive role of serum BDNF and anxiety-related variables in changes in somatic symptoms post-escitalopram treatment in panic disorder (PD) patients. Ninety PD patients and 99 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. PD patients received an 8-week escitalopram treatment. All patients were administered the Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Chinese Version (PDSS-CV) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess panic and anxiety-related symptoms, respectively. Patient Health Questionnaire 15-item scale (PHQ-15) was performed to measure somatic symptoms, and the blood sample was collected to detect serum BDNF levels in all participants. We performed partial correlation analysis and multiple linear regression to explore correlates of PHQ-15 and predictors of PHQ-15 changes post-escitalopram treatment after controlling for age, gender, education levels (set as a dummy variable), the current duration, comorbid AP, and/or GAD. Compared to HCs, PD patients had lower serum BDNF levels and higher PHQ-15 scores that could be improved post-escitalopram treatment. Lower baseline STAI state (b = -0.07, p = 0.004), and PDSS-CV scores (b = -0.25, p = 0.007), but higher baseline serum BDNF levels (b = 0.35, p = 0.007) contributed to the prediction of PHQ-15 changes post-escitalopram treatment. State anxiety, serum BDNF levels, and panic severity could predict changes in somatic symptoms post-escitalopram treatment, our results highlighted that serum BDNF could serve as a biological indicator for improving somatic symptoms in PD patients.

Diazepam and exercise training combination synergistically reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex of mice

Anxiety-related disorders are among the most important risks for global health, especially in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Benzodiazepines like diazepam are generally used to treat anxiety disorders, but the overall outcome is not always satisfactory. This is why psychiatrists encourage patients with anxiety to change their lifestyle habits to decrease the risk of anxiety recurrence. However, the effect of diazepam and exercise in combination is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of diazepam alone or in combination with swimming exercise on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice. Mice were exposed to diazepam and swimming exercise alone or in combination with each other and then received LPS. We assessed anxiety-like behavior using open field and light-dark box and measured oxidative markers including glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The findings showed that LPS increased anxiety-related symptoms and oxidative stress by decreasing GSH and increasing MDA and GSSG levels in the prefrontal cortex but not in the hippocampus. Although diazepam alone did not reduce anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress, it in combination with exercise significantly decreased anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex of LPS-treated mice. This drug and exercise combination also displayed a more effective effect in comparison with exercise alone. Overall, this study suggests that diazepam in combination with swimming exercise has higher efficacy on anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress than when they are used alone.

Long-term intermittent hypoxia induces anxiety-like behavior and affects expression of orexin and its receptors differently in the mouse brain.

Studies have revealed a possible connection between orexin, narcolepsy, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Orexin has an important role in the maintenance of arousal and wakefulness/sleeping states. To better understand the pathophysiological mechanism of OSA, we used a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) model in mice to mimic OSA. In this way, we explored the effect of CIH on the locomotor activity and orexin system in the hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, and brainstem of mice. Male C57BL/6J mice (8weeks) in the CIH group were exposed in a hypoxia chamber for 8h/day for 28weeks. The re-oxygenation groups comprised the W2 group and W4 group, which were exposed to 28weeks of CIH followed by 2weeks and 4weeks of re-oxygenation, respectively. The open field test was undertaken to observe locomotor activity. mRNA expression of orexin, orexin receptor type 1 (OX1R), and OX2R mRNA was evaluated by real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Mice subjected to long-term CIH exhibited significant anxiety-like behavior during the light period, and this behavior lasted until 4weeks of re-oxygenation. mRNA expression of orexin was upregulated in the hypothalamus. mRNA expression of OX1R mRNA in the cerebral cortex and brainstem was downregulated by CIH. Two weeks and 4weeks of re-oxygenation could not reverse these alternations. Long-term CIH may induce anxiety-like behavior and re-oxygenation cannot reverse these behavior. Moreover, OX1R has a significant role in the anxiety-related symptoms observed in long-term CIH.

Impacts of Anxiety and Depression on Clinical Hypertension in Low-Income US Adults.

Depression and anxiety are common leading causes of disability and are associated with systemic effects including cardiovascular comorbidities. Low-income populations may experience higher frequencies of depressive or anxiety-related symptoms, and be at greater risk for developing hypertension. We performed a cross-sectional study of low-income participants who completed hypertension and disability questionnaires as part of the 2017-2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to identify associations between depressive/anxiety-related symptoms and hypertension status. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify whether (1) frequency of depressive symptoms, (2) frequency of anxiety-related symptoms, (3) self-reported depression medication use, or (4) self-reported anxiety medication use predicted previous hypertension diagnosis. A total of 74,285,160 individuals were represented in our cohort. Participants that reported taking depression (OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.41-5.24; P = 0.009) and anxiety (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.42-4.41; P = 0.006) medications had greater odds of hypertension. Individuals with depressive feelings daily, monthly, and few times per year were more likely to have hypertension. Respondents with daily (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.22-4.24; P = 0.021) and weekly (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.05-3.38; P = 0.040) anxiety symptoms were more likely to have hypertension. Low-income adults in the United States with symptoms of anxiety or depression have higher likelihood of hypertension than those with no symptoms. Respondents who indicated taking medication for anxiety disorders or depression were more likely to have been diagnosed with hypertension.

Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) in anxiety and depression: An experience sampling study

BackgroundReduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) is a behavioral intervention that systematically attenuates external sensory input to the nervous system. Previous studies have demonstrated acute anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of single sessions of REST in anxious individuals, however the duration and time course of these effects is unknown. In the current study, we used experience sampling and multiple sessions of REST to explore the time course of the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects over a 48-hour time period. Methods75 adults with anxiety and/or depression were randomized to complete 6 sessions of REST (either pool-REST, pool-REST preferred, or chair-REST). Post-REST effects were tracked using experience sampling on a smartphone with a ten-item survey administered at 6 time points for each session (i.e., immediately before and after REST and then 4, 8, 24, and 48 h later). Using principal component analysis, responses to survey items at baseline were reduced to broad symptom clusters of anxiety, depression, and serenity and were utilized in linear mixed effects models to determine the magnitude and time course of post-REST effects. ResultsREST was associated with significant decreases in anxiety and depression, and significant increases in serenity, with effects lasting for 48 h. Repeated exposure to REST was associated with lower baseline levels of anxiety at later sessions. ConclusionThese initial findings suggest that the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of REST persist for at least two days, and that repeated REST sessions may have additive effects on lowering anxiety-related symptoms. These findings could help to determine the optimal intervention frequency of REST and facilitate future investigations focused on the combination of REST with standard treatments for anxiety and depression.

The Role of Psychotherapies in the Management of General Health Symptoms among Parents and Teacher of Autism Spectrum Disorders Adolescents

Objective: The current article's goal is to emphasize the importance of psycho-therapeutic interventions in the management of general health symptoms (i.e., bodily symptoms, sleep and anxiety-related symptoms, inability to socialize, depression symptoms) among parents and teachers of autistic spectrum disorder adolescents. Method: The current study is based on an experimental design to lessen the general health symptoms of parents and teachers of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. choosing appropriate friends, appropriate use of humor, entering a conversation, exiting a conversation, get-togethers, good sportsmanship, teasing and embarrassing feedback, bullying and bad reputations, handling disagreements, rumors, and gossip relaxation exercises were all used by clinical psychologists at various schools. The general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) scale was filled by both control and experimental group participants prior to the start of therapy. G power was used to calculate sample size; a total of 140 individuals, parents (N = 40) and teachers (N = 40), were chosen for the experimental group, while the remaining 40 parents and 20 teachers were assigned to the control group (CG), with an age range of 30 to 50 years old. Purposive sampling was used to determine the sample size. The data came from two schools in Islamabad and one in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. To treat their psychological concerns, parents and teachers were taught various therapeutic strategies. The participants filled the measure instruments of general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) after fifteen treatment sessions. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data, and the MANCOVA test was used to validate the results.

Impact of sleep disorders on behavioral issues in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder.

Sleep disorders are one of the most common problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, they often tend to be underdiagnosed and incorrectly treated in clinical practice. This study aims to identify sleep disorders in preschool children with ASD and to explore their relationship with the core symptoms of autism, the child's developmental and cognitive level as well as the psychiatric comorbidities. We recruited 163 preschool children with a diagnosis of ASD. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) assessed sleep conditions. Multiple standardized tests were used to evaluate intellectual abilities, the presence of repetitive behaviors (through the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised), as well as the emotional-behavioral problems and the psychiatric comorbidities (through the Child Behavior Checklist -CBCL 11/2-5). The results showed that poor disorders had consistently higher scores in all areas assessed by the CSHQ and on the CBCL across all domains. The correlational analysis showed that severe sleep disorders were associated with higher scores in internalizing, externalizing, and total problems at the CBCL syndromic scales, and in all DSM-oriented CBCL subscales. Moreover, we found that the association between sleep disorders and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) is explained by the anxiety-related symptoms. Based on these findings, the study recommends that screening for sleep problems followed by early intervention should constitute a routine part of clinical practice for children with ASD.

Comparison of Social-Evaluative Anxiety and Theory of Mind Functions in Social Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Healthy Controls

Introduction: Despite the similarities in poor social competence and clinical manifestations of poor social behavior, no study has compared the theory of mind performance between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and schizophrenia, considering the effect of social-evaluative anxiety and neurocognitive functions. In our study, we aimed to compare the theory of mind functions and social-evaluative anxiety between patients with SAD and schizophrenia and healthy controls and to examine the relationship between the theory of mind, neurocognitive skills, and social-evaluative anxiety. Methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients with schizophrenia, 29 patients with SAD, and 30 controls matched by age, education level, and sex were enrolled in the study. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM, Beck Depression Inventory, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Theory of Mind measures (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Hinting Task, Faux Pas Test), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, Fear of Positive Evaluation Scale, Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale-Short Form, and neuropsychological tests were administered to all participants. Results: A greater significant deterioration in theory of mind and neurocognitive functions was found in patients with schizophrenia compared to those with SAD and healthy controls. Social evaluation anxiety was highest in patients with SAD. Although social-evaluative anxiety was associated with the theory of mind function in schizophrenia, only fear of positive evaluation was associated with SAD. In all groups, neither theory of mind nor neurocognitive ability measures were correlated with social anxiety levels and related symptoms. Conclusions: The impaired theory of mind functioning detected in our study is more prominent in the schizophrenia group and largely independent of anxiety in schizophrenia and SAD. Although social evaluation anxiety, as a transdiagnostic concept, seems to be independent of theory of mind function in general, fear of positive evaluation seems to be associated with hinting in both disorders.

Influence of Shift Work on The Health of Nursing Professionals.

Shift work is increasingly common in health services, subjecting healthcare professionals to work schedules that can alter circadian rhythms and eating habits with consequent repercussions for the intestinal homeostasis. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship of rotating work shifts with the intestinal health, sleep quality, and emotional dimension of nursing professionals. In March and May 2019, an observational and comparative study was conducted among 380 nursing professionals from different Spanish cities and divided into fixed shift (n = 159) and rotating shift (n = 221). To carry out the present work, the variables measured were gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency and shape, anxiety, depression, sleep, as well as stress and work environment. Nurses with rotating shifts reported more abdominal pain and symptoms of depersonalization, as well as worse sleep efficiency and worse nursing practice environment. In addition, overall scores of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were found to be significantly worse in nurses with these shifts. Rotating shift work by nursing staff may be associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal and anxiety-related symptoms. These findings, together with the presence of negative and insensitive attitudes towards patients by nurses on rotating shifts, should be considered to maintain the quality of healthcare.

Assessment of Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety &amp; Stress among Medical Students

Aims: To Assess Depressive, Anxiety &amp; Stress related symptoms and their correlation with sociodemographic factors amongst recently enrolled medical students.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Recently enrolled 275 Medical students attending University between June 2022 and September 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Study conducted among recently enrolled 275 Medical students. After taking their prior informed consent through online form shared through WhatsApp group, they were given to fill online questionnaire to collect sociodemographic factors in English made using PsyToolkit software. It also contains Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21), which was used to collect information on depressive, anxiety, and stress related symptoms.&#x0D; Results: Prevalence of depressive symptoms is 68.4%, anxiety symptoms are 78.2% and stress related symptomsis 33.1% among medical students. Depressive, anxiety and stress related symptoms were statistically significantly associated with peer and family pressure to join study-stream (p-value of &lt;.01 for all three) and history of mental health issues in family (p-value=.01 for all three). In addition, depressive symptoms were statistically significantly associated with poor peer-relationship (p-value=.01) and unsatisfaction regarding admission (p-value=.04); and stress related symptoms was statistically significantly associated with unsatisfaction regarding admission (p-value=.03).&#x0D; Conclusion: Prevalence of depressive, anxiety &amp; stress related symptoms among recently enrolled medical students are high providing insight into needed improvement of psychological wellbeing in them; which could potentially have a positive impact upon their quality of life &amp; patient care.

Distress tolerance, anxiety-related symptoms, stress, and depression among dropout and non-dropout university students: a mediation analysis.

This study explores the relationship between distress tolerance and depression with mediating role of anxiety-related symptoms and stress among dropout and non-dropout university students. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to December 2020. Participants' age ranged between 20-40 years. Data was collected using the Distress Tolerance Scale and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. Descriptive, t-test, and mediation analyses were performed to calculate the results. A sample of 500 respondents was recruited. A significant difference was noted between dropout and non-dropout students on CGPA (p<0.001), depression (p<.001), anxiety (p<0.001), stress (p<0.001), tolerance (p<.001), absorption (p<0.001), appraisal (p<0.001), and distress tolerance (p<0.001). Mediation analysis reveals that stress and anxiety significantly mediates between distress tolerance and depressive symptoms (i.e., F (498) = 31.14, p<0.001; F (498) =34.14, p<0.001; F (496) = 161.21, p<0.001). It is concluded that low distress tolerance increases stress and anxiety, triggering depressive symptoms.

Low Back Pain Patients' Perceptions Regarding Their Own Radiology Reports: Pre-Intervention Survey.

While advanced medical technology and unlimited access to medical information might benefit and empower patients, these same advantages may pose some risks, especially in the cases where patients have direct access to advanced imaging studies. The aim of this work was to evaluate three domains related to patients with lower back pain: the patients' perceptions, misconceptions and the experience of anxiety-related symptoms following direct access to their thoraco-lumbar spine radiology report. An additional aim was the assessment of possible associations with catastrophization. Patients who were referred to the spine clinic, following the completion of a CT or MRI of their thoraco-lumbar spine were surveyed. Patient perceptionsof the importance of having direct access to their imaging report and of the concern they attribute to the medical terms found in their report were evaluated using a set of questionnaires. The medical terms severity scores were then correlated to a reference clinical score created for the same medical terms by spine surgeons. Lastly, patients' anxiety-related symptoms and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) after reading their radiology report were evaluated. Data from 162 participants (44.6% female), with mean age of 53.1 ± 15.6 years, were collected. Sixty-three percent of the patients stated that reading their report helped them gain better understanding of their medical condition and 84% agreed that having early access to the report helped improve communication with the physician. Patients' degree of concern associated with the medical terms in their imaging report ranged between 2.07 and 3.75, on a scale of 1-5. The patient's degree of concerns were significantly higher for six common medical terms and significantly lower in one, when compared to experts' opinions. A mean (± SD) of 2.86±2.79 anxiety-related symptoms was reported. The mean Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PSC) score was 29.18 ±11.86, ranging from 2 to 52. Both the degree of concerns and the number of symptoms reported were significantly associated with the PCS. Direct access to radiology reports might provoke anxiety symptoms, especially in patients with a tendency for catastrophic thinking. Increasing awareness amongst spine clinicians and radiologist about possible risks associated with direct access to radiology reports could contribute to preventing patients' misconceptions and unnecessary anxiety-related symptoms.