Anxiety Symptoms In Women Research Articles

The effects of exercise on anxiety symptoms in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

Anxiety is a common mental health issue during pregnancy. Moreover, women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) seem to have to cope with higher levels of anxiety, being at higher risk for several health and mental complications. Women with GDM are recommended to undertake regular physical exercise to improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes. However, there are no specific guidelines for exercise in women with GDM and data on its relationship with mental health are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise on anxiety symptoms in pregnant women with GDM. The present non-randomized, open-label clinical trial was a pilot study intended to provide initial data on the effect of exercise on anxiety symptoms of pregnant women with GDM. Forty-three women were assigned to three the following three study groups, (a) Advice Group (n = 17), Walking Group (n = 14), and Mixed Exercise Group (n = 12), from GDM diagnosis to delivery. Based on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores, all groups showed normal anxiety changes or mild anxiety levels pre- and post-intervention, ranging between 9.00 (1.00-32.00) (pre-intervention) and 7.5 (1.00-26.00) (post-intervention), but none experienced severe anxiety. In the present study, a trend of self-selected pace walking to reduce the BAI scores was identified since the Walking Groups had lower scores after the intervention. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance. Brisk walking (30-45min) three times per week may produce positive changes in both the treatment plan and the anxiety state of women with GDM. Moreover, the study confirms that routine medical care, counseling, and support by an interdisciplinary team are protective against anxiety in women with GDM.

Common mental disorders and risk of female infertility: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Female infertility is a global issue that impacts on public health seriously and many mental disorders are observed in infertility groups. To investigate the casual relationship between those, genome-wide association studies summary data of anxiety disorder (n=9,897), broad depression (n=322,580), major depressive disorder (n=480,359 and n=500,199), bipolar disorder (n=51,710), insomnia (n= 462,341), and female infertility (n=126,342) were extracted from the existing datasets and was analyzed through the two-sample mendelian randomization study. The following heterogeneity and sensitivity test were applied to ensure the robustness of results. Based on inverse variance weighted results, major depressive disorder was associated with female infertility (P = 0.0001, odds ratio 1.396, 95 % confidence interval 1.175-1.658). No causal relationship was identified between the other four mental disorders and infertility. was found. Additionally, reverse mendelian randomization did not indicate a causal relationship among these disorders. The early identification and management of anxiety symptoms in women of reproductive age, in conjunction with the effective treatment of major depressive disorder, may be crucial for preserving female fertility.

Cigarette Smoking in Women Victims of Police-Reported Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of Childhood Maltreatment, Type of Partner Abuse, and Psychological Distress Symptoms

ABSTRACT Existing research on the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and cigarette smoking primarily involves low-risk, physical IVP-focused studies on community women. As a result, the risks associated with cigarette smoking in women victims of severe IPV have not been fully explored. This study examined the association between exposure to different forms of childhood maltreatment, exposure to physical, psychological, and sexual IPV, and current psychological distress symptoms with cigarette smoking in a high-risk sample of women victims of police-reported severe IPV. Participants included 162 women victims of police-reported severe IPV recruited in shelters for domestic violence and Child Protective Services in Portugal. Participants provided self-reports on childhood maltreatment physical, psychological, and sexual violence), physical, psychological, and sexual IPV, psychological distress symptoms (anxiety, depressive, somatic, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms), and daily cigarette consumption. Results revealed significant associations between daily cigarette consumption and exposure to IPV, physical abuse during childhood, psychological IPV, and anxiety symptoms in women experiencing police-reported severe IPV. Childhood maltreatment may increase vulnerability for emotion dysregulation, promoting addictive behaviors to regulate distress. Smoking can be an unhealthy regulating strategy to reduce the distress related to chronic exposure to psychological IPV. Future effective health promotion interventions in women facing severe forms of IPV may target emotional regulation and incorporate a trauma-focused approach.

P-469 Tackling Anxiety and Depression in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: The role of chronic illness-related shame, self-compassion and psychological flexibility

Abstract Study question What predicts depressive and anxiety symptoms in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome? Summary answer Chronic illness-related shame emerged as the only significant predictor of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with an MRKH diagnosis. What is known already An MRKH diagnosis may elicit a range of emotions, such as depression, sadness, anxiety, shock and shame. Feelings of being different may induce shame, which has been associated with psychopathological symptoms. Depression and anxiety are more prevalent in women facing an MRKH diagnosis when compared to women without this condition. Younger age and a more recent diagnosis are risk factors for developing depressive and anxiety symptoms. Although emotion regulation processes, as self-compassion and psychological flexibility, have proven to ameliorate the impact of chronic illnesses on the mental health of those affected, studies addressing these processes in MRKH patients are scarce. Study design, size, duration Cross-sectional study. Several European patients’ associations disseminated the study through their social media platforms. The online invitation to participate encompassed detailed information regarding the study’s aims and procedures, inclusion criteria, and the voluntary and anonymous nature of the participation. Informed consent was mandatory. Data collection occurred between February and September 2023. Participants/materials, setting, methods 75 women aged 18-60 (M=31.04, SD=9.70), presenting an MRKH syndrome diagnosis for 14.07 years (SD=10.17). Most participants had undergone medical treatment (n=47, 62.70%). Participants completed online a set of standardized self-report measures: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Chronic Illness-related Shame Scale (CISS), Compassion, Engagement and Actions Scales (CEAS) and Psy-Flex. Regression analyses using chronic illness-related shame, self-compassion and psychological flexibility as independent variables and depressive and anxiety symptoms as dependent variables were conducted. Main results and the role of chance Depressive symptoms showed a significant negative correlation with age (r=-.35, p=.002) and time since diagnosis (r=.31, p=.006). Depressive symptoms were also positively and significantly correlated with the CISS (r=.43, p<.001) and negatively significantly with the actions subscale of the CEAS (r =-.29, p=.010) and with the Psy-Flex (r=-.42, p<.001). Anxiety symptoms were positively correlated with the CISS (r=.48, p<.001) and negatively significantly with the actions subscale of the CEAS (r =-.25, p = .029) and with the Psy-Flex (r=-.37, p=.001). The linear regression model was significant [r2=.25; F(1, 71)=15.19; p<.001], explaining 25% of depressive symptoms. The only significant predictor was chronic illness-related shame (β=.29; p=.013). The regression model considering anxiety symptoms as the dependent variable was also significant [r2=.22; F(1, 73)=22.30; p<.001]. A similar pattern was found with chronic illness-related shame (β=.39; p<.001) also emerging as the only significant predictor of anxiety. Women who underwent medical treatment revealed significantly less depressive symptoms and chronic illness-related shame when compared with those who did not. Limitations, reasons for caution The cross-sectional design does not allow for causal inferences. Results should also be interpreted cautiously due to limitations derived from the recruitment and data collection procedures (e.g., sampling bias, self-selection concerns, exclusion of participants not using social media or online platforms), restricting the possibility of making generalizations. Wider implications of the findings When working with women presenting an MRKH diagnosis it is important to consider the role of chronic illness-related shame, given it may contribute to a higher vulnerability of developing depressive and anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that psychological interventions targeting shame may be adequate approaches for MRKH patients. Trial registration number not applicable

Prevalence of depression and anxiety in women with pelvic floor dysfunctions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Female pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common condition affecting the emotional well-being of women. To estimate the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with PFD. SEARCH STRATEGY, SELECTION CRITERIA, DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Following prospective registration (PROSPERO CRD42022362095) we conducted a search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) from inception to April 2023 without language restriction to capture studies reporting the prevalence of depression/anxiety among women with PFD (chronic pelvic pain [CPP], urinary incontinence [UI], pelvic organ prolapse [POP], and/or fecal incontinence [FI]). Only studies with validated tools were included. Data extraction and study quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Stratifying by type of PFD, rates of depression and anxiety were pooled using random effects model computing 95% confidence interval (CI) and assessing heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. Funnel plots were used to detect potential reporting biases and small-study effects. The search yielded 767 articles, from which 54 studies containing 632 605 women were included. All the studies were high quality. The prevalence of depression was: CPP 26.8% (95% CI: 19.2-34.4, I2 = 98.7%; 12 studies, 4798 participants with 491 cases; Egger's P value = 0.009); UI 26.3% (95% CI: 19.4-33.2, I2 = 99.9%; 26 studies, a total of 346 114 participants with 25 050 cases; Egger's P value = 0.944); POP 34.9% (95% CI: 24.3-45.6, I2 = 68%; three studies, 297 participants with 104 cases; Egger's P value = 0.973); and FI 25.3% (95% CI: 0.68-49.9, I2 = 99.7%; six studies, 14 663 participants with 1773 cases; Egger's P value = 0.780). The prevalence of anxiety was: CPP 29.5% (95% CI: 16.3-42.7, I2 = 97.7%; nine studies, 2483 participants with 349 cases; Egger's P value = 0.001); UI 46.91% (95% CI: 39.1-54.6, I2 = 99.6%; 11 studies, 198 491 participants with 40 058 cases; Egger's P value = 0.337); and POP 28% (95% CI: 13.6-42.4, I2 = 89%; three studies with 355 participants with 90 cases; Egger's P value = 0.306). The prevalence of mental health illness was variable in the different types of PFDs. This meta-analysis helps quantify the burden of depression and anxiety in PFD and will help inform the policies regarding screening of emotional well-being by healthcare professionals engaged in care of women with PFD.

Effects of Physical Exercise and Motor Activity on Depression and Anxiety in Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome.

Chronic post-surgical pain is a condition persisting for not less than 3 months after surgical intervention. It is evaluated that 25-60% of women who underwent breast cancer excision suffer from post-mastectomy pain syndrome, and anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and catastrophizing. Physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and has a good impact on mood and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of physical activity on the intensity of pain, depression, and anxiety in women who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer removal. A prospective observational unicentric cohort study was performed. Patients were females who underwent unilateral or bilateral mastectomy. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was used to measure pain intensity, Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorders-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety evaluation. Physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Interleukin (IL)-17, IL-1β, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also evaluated in the blood of patients. All evaluations were assessed 3 and 6 months after the surgery. Adequate physical activity reduced the intensity of pain, depression, and anxiety symptoms in women affected by post-mastectomy pain syndrome. Moreover, adequately active women showed a reduction in biomarkers of inflammation, cortisol, ACTH, and an increase of BDNF. Our results suggest that physical activity can improve the quality of life, reduce the intensity of pain and inflammatory markers, and be useful in the reduction of associated anxiety and depression.

Emotional Freedom Techniques for Postpartum Depression, Perceived Stress, and Anxiety

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) group intervention on perceived stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in women in the postpartum period. DesignA one-group pre- and posttest quasi-experimental design. Setting/Local ProblemPostpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety affect nearly one in five women in the first 12 months after childbirth. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant worsening of symptoms of PPD, stress, and anxiety in this population. Mental health screening is the standard of care in perinatal settings. This practice has led to an increased rate of PPD and anxiety diagnoses and the need for evidence-based nonpharmacologic interventions to support mothers with PPD and anxiety. ParticipantsEleven mothers seeking care for lactation concerns who screened positive for PPD and anxiety symptoms. Intervention/MeasurementsA total of eight 1-hour group EFT sessions were offered to participants over a period of 4 weeks. During the group sessions, participants were taught how to perform the steps of EFT and apply it in a supportive group format. Measurement tools included the Subjective Unit of Distress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7. The preintervention and postintervention scores of these tools were compared using a paired-samples t test. ResultsAfter implementing EFT as a group intervention, we observed a reduction in mental health burden experienced by women in the postpartum period. There was a statistically significant decrease in depression (p = .003), anxiety (p <.001), and perceived stress (p <.001) scores 1 month after the EFT intervention. ConclusionThese findings suggest that EFT may be a viable adjunctive intervention for managing depression, anxiety, and stress in the postpartum period. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to confirm these findings.

Perinatal mental health screening for women of refugee background: Addressing a major gap in pregnancy care.

Perinatal mental health disorders affect up to 20% of all women. Women of refugee background are likely to be at increased risk, yet little research has explored this. This study aimed to assess if women of refugee background are more likely to screen risk positive for depression and anxiety than non-refugee women, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); and if screening in pregnancy using the EPDS enables better detection of depression and anxiety symptoms in women of refugee background than routine care. This implementation study was conducted at an antenatal clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Women of refugee and non-refugee backgrounds were screened for depression using English or translated versions of the EPDS and a psychosocial assessment on a digital platform. The psychosocial assessment records of 34 women of refugee background receiving routine care (no screening) were audited. Overall, 274 women completed the EPDS; 43% of refugee background. A similar proportion of women of refugee and non-refugee backgrounds had EPDS scores of ≥9 (39% vs. 40% p = 0.93). Women receiving the combined EPDS and psychosocial screening were more likely to receive a referral for further support than women receiving routine care (41% vs. 18%, p = 0.012). Similarly, high proportions of women of refugee and non-refugee backgrounds were at increased risk of experiencing a current depressive disorder in early pregnancy, suggesting pregnancy care systems should acknowledge and respond to the mental health needs of these women. Screening appeared to facilitate the identification and referral of women compared to routine care.

Association between dietary intake and symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant women: Evidence from a community-based observational study.

Dietary intake is considered as a crucial factor affecting mental health symptoms, particularly depression and anxiety symptoms, especially in the case of pregnant women. This study explored the role of dietary intake in depression and anxiety symptoms of pregnant women and provided evidence for primary care interventions. We enrolled 806 pregnant women in their third trimester from 14 communities in Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China, from July 2019 to September 2019. The Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess depression and anxiety symptoms. Dietary intake, demographic characteristics, BMI, and pregnancy characteristics were collected using a self-designed, structural questionnaire. A covariate-adjusted logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship between mental health symptoms and dietary intake. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in our population were 7.7% (95% CI: 5.9%-9.5%) and 9.2% (95% CI: 7.2%-11.2%), respectively. Women consuming eggs and egg products once a week (OR: 3.688, 95% CI: 1.476-9.215) were more likely to have depression symptom than consumed eggs and egg products once or more per day. Consuming green leafy vegetable <2-3 times per month had a significantly greater risk for depression symptoms than consuming the same once or more per day (OR: 3.450, 95% CI: 1.145-10.393). Women who consumed eggs and egg products 2-3 times a week had an increased likelihood of experiencing anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.253, 95% CI: 1.049-4.837). Anxiety symptoms in women consuming green leafy vegetables <2-3 times per month probably increased by 3.988 times (95% CI: 1.327-11.985) compared with women consuming the same once or more per day. Consuming salted and smoked food <2-3 times per month was protective against anxiety symptoms (OR: 0.181, 95% CI: 0.040-0.828) than consuming the same every day. Implementing interventions to promote healthy dietary among pregnant women is crucial due to its association with mental health. However, future researches are warranted to confirm the reliability and causal association obtained in this study.

The effectiveness of technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy on perinatal depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Extensive literature has shown the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating perinatal depression, but little is known about the effectiveness of its technology-based version. The aim of this review was to examine the effectiveness of technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in women suffering from or at risk of experiencing perinatal depression. Six electronic databases were searched until February 2023 for articles published in English. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were also performed, and quality appraisals at the study and outcome levels were conducted. A total of 16 randomized controlled trials were included in the review. Results from meta-analyses suggest that technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy has a medium effect in reducing perinatal depressive symptoms and a small effect in reducing perinatal anxiety symptoms. Overall, women suffering from or at risk of perinatal depression may benefit from technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy. Future interventions can be improved by addressing both perinatal depression and anxiety, paying more attention to antenatal women to prevent postnatal mental health issues, and using self-guided mobile applications for accessibility.

Mental Health Matters: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and the Female and Male Athlete Triad

Objective: To determine the relationship between the female and male athlete triad with depression and anxiety symptoms. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Survey distributed online through social media to participants. Participants: Male and female high school, collegiate, and postcollegiate athletes. Interventions: Participants completed a survey assessing components of the female athlete triad and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System depression and anxiety short-form questionnaires. Main Outcome Measures: Participants were classified into those with no, mild, moderate, or severe depression symptoms or anxiety symptoms. A female athlete triad (Triad) cumulative risk score was calculated. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between triad score and depression/anxiety. Results: Two hundred fifty-four men and 780 women completed the survey; 66.6% of women and 41.3% of men reported at least mild anxiety symptoms; 54.2% of women and 38.7% of men reported at least mild depression symptoms. Triad risk score was significantly related to moderate and severe depression symptoms (P &lt; 0 .0001) and moderate (P = 0.003) and severe (P &lt; 0 .0001) anxiety symptoms in women. We found no significant associations between Triad risk score and depression or anxiety symptoms in men. Conclusions: We found a correlation between the female athlete triad and moderate and severe depression and anxiety symptoms in women. Depression and anxiety symptoms were most strongly related to the low energy availability component of the Triad risk score and to the presence of eating disorders/disordered eating. This suggests that mental health illness is most tied to the behavioral aspects of the Triad. Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrates the importance of screening for and treating mental health illness in those diagnosed with low energy availability, disordered eating, and/or the female athlete triad in addition to focusing on a nutrition intervention.

The risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) appears to be associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence relating to the risk of patients with POI developing depression or anxiety. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with POI. We searched English and Chinese databases to evaluate the risk of depression and anxiety disorders in patients with POI. The final search date was November 2021. The risk was quantified using meta-analysis, with an estimation of pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. A total of seven primary studies with 1316 individuals were included, five of which were related to depression and six to anxiety disorders. All included articles were case–control studies of high quality. Patients with POI were associated with a higher odds of depression and anxiety (depression: OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 2.31–4.81, P < 0.001; anxiety: OR = 4.89, 95% CI = 3.28–7.30, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis also indicated that patients with POI are at a higher risk of anxiety and depression. POI appears to be associated with a high risk of depression and anxiety. Early psychosocial assessment and regular screening of patients with POI are also necessary. In addition, it is important to consider the mental health of patients with POI.

The effect of family support on anxiety and depression in pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies hospitalized in the third trimester of pregnancy: Results of randomized controlled trial

Background. During pregnancy, it is crucial to minimize maternal anxiety to maintain the mental and physical health of both the mother and fetus, especially in high-risk pregnancies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of family support on decreasing depressive and anxiety symptoms in women hospitalized with high-risk pregnancies in their third trimester. Methods. This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 70 high-risk pregnant women in their third trimester. Samples were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group walked for five weeks, five days a week, with their spouse or a family member for half an hour a day in the hospital. The control group received routine care. Participants completed the Spielberger Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory once before and once a week during the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS.21 software using ANCOVA, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U. Results. Results showed that the subjects were homogeneous in terms of mean overall score of anxiety before the intervention, and there is no significant difference between the intervention group 43.2 (±2.93) and the control group 42.63 (±3.3) (P=0.53). Statistical tests showed that, three weeks after the intervention, the mean anxiety score in the study group decreased significantly, and there was a significant difference in the mean anxiety score of women in the intervention 41.3(±3.07) and control 42.12(±3.6) groups (P=0.032). On the other hand, the level of state anxiety in the study group decreased (P=0.03). The results showed that the depression score after the intervention in the study group decreased significantly (P=0.001). Conclusion. Anxiety level and depression score decreased after the intervention. Practical Implications. The current study's results showed that talking to a spouse or relatives during pregnancy can increase women's peace of mind, and social support during hospitalization can reduce the anxiety and depression of the pregnant mother. Therefore, using such methods will be beneficial for the pregnant mother.

EFEITOS DA AROMATERAPIA NOS SINTOMAS DE ANSIEDADE EM MULHERES COM CÂNCER DE MAMA: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effect of aromatherapy on anxiety symptoms in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Method: a systematic review, carried out from the PEOT strategy: what are the effects of aromatherapy in reducing anxiety symptoms in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer? The research was conducted in six databases and in eight other data sources. Randomized clinical trials without date and language restrictions were included. Results: the sample consisted of seven studies. Aromatherapy was applied by inhalation (57.1%) and massage (42.8%), and was adopted alone or in conjunction with other interventions, demonstrating a reduction in anxiety symptoms in 71.4% of studies. The predominance of lavender, bergamot, frankincense and sandalwood essential oils is highlighted for their anxiolytic, relaxing, sedative, invigorating, antidepressant and muscle tension reducing effects. Conclusion: aromatherapy showed positive and significant results in reducing anxiety symptoms in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

The effectiveness of cognitive analytical therapy on improving generalized anxiety disorder and reducing anxiety symptoms in women of Isfahan city

generalized anxiety disorder is a common and debilitating. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of cognitive analytical therapy on improving generalized anxiety disorder and reducing anxiety symptoms in women in Isfahan. The current research is a single subject study with ABA design. The statistical sample included 5 women with generalized anxiety disorder in Isfahan, who were selected by targeted sampling method. The instruments used are the generalized anxiety disorder scale and the Hamilton anxiety symptom severity questionnaire (1960). In the present study, after the subjects reached the baseline, the intervention based on Ryle and Kerr's cognitive analytical therapy (2012), was conducted during 16 sessions of 90 minutes, and a week after the end, follow-up tests were conducted. Then, in order to analyze the data, visual analysis indicators and graphs such as trend change, stability, data overlap percentage and means percentage improvement have been used. The findings of the research show that cognitive analytical therapy is significantly effective in improving generalized anxiety disorder and reducing severity of anxiety symptoms. Cognitive analytical therapy can be cautiously considered as an effective treatment in psychological interventions for patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

The prevalence and associated factors of prenatal depression and anxiety in twin pregnancy: a cross-sectional study in Chongqing, China

BackgroundPregnant women expecting twins are more likely to experience stress, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of prenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms in women with twin pregnancies and the associated factors.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey, 210 women with twin pregnancies who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria in two tertiary centers in Southwestern China were asked to complete a basic information form, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). To compare statistics with normal distribution in distinct characteristic groups, a paired t-test, and one-way ANOVA were utilized. Binary logistic step regression was used to analyze the associated factors of antenatal anxiety and depressive symptoms.ResultsThe 210 women with twin pregnancies (age = 30.8 ± 4.2 years) were between 7 and 37 gestational weeks (29.2 ± 1.2 weeks), were typically well-educated (72.4% had a post-high-school degree), and reasonably affluent (88.1% were above the low-income cutoff). Among them, 34.8% had symptoms associated with clinical levels of anxiety, and 37.1% had symptoms indicating possible depression. The prevalence of co-morbid anxiety and depressive symptoms was 24.3%. Binary stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that previous health status and sleep disturbance during pregnancy were the associated factors of anxiety symptoms in women with twin pregnancies (P < 0.05), whereas age, previous health status, negative life events, and physical activity during pregnancy were the associated factors of depressive symptoms in women with twin pregnancies (P < 0.05).ConclusionAbout one-third of women with twin pregnancies had symptoms of anxiety or depression; these were most strongly predicted by some modifiable factors, suggesting that early preventive mind-body interventions may be a promising strategy to protect against mental health issues for women with twin pregnancies.

Does the gender matter?: Anxiety symptoms and emotion dysregulation in adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Research shows high rates of anxious symptoms in people autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Finding factors related to the development of anxiety in ASD is necessary. Emotion regulation (ER) is associated with anxiety in ASD. Moreover, some studies find higher rates of anxiety in women with ASD. A total of 121 adults (M=35.46 years, SD=9.46) with ASD and intellectual disabilities were evaluated to verify moderating role of gender and mediating role of ER. A moderated mediation analysis supported the moderated role of gender in the relationship mediated by emotional dysregulation between ASD and anxiety. These findings suggest that interventions designed to prevent or reduce anxiety symptoms in women with ASD should include among their goals emotional regulation. LAY SUMMARY: If we want to reduce or prevent anxiety symptoms in women with ASD we must work on emotional regulation.

Prevalence of Anxiety Symptoms in Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Kazakhstan and Its Associated Factors.

Diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with high psychological distress. There is a lack of studies examining the prevalence of anxiety among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Kazakhstan. This study aims to assess the mean prevalence and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors of anxiety symptoms in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. It also aims to determine independent predictors of anxiety risk. An analysis of 162 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at the oncology institute in Almaty was performed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on social, demographic, and clinical information, as well as the Beck Anxiety Inventory. In addition, multiple regression analysis was used to model the relationship between anxiety risk and independent predictors. The average age of the patients was 54.41 years (SD=8.1; min.-max: 32-75). The majority of the patients were married (52%), employed or self-employed (51%), had children (91%), had a bachelor's or a graduate degree (50%), lived in an urban area (54%), did not drink (41%), did not smoke (67%), did not engage in physical activity (54%), and had social support (91%). A total of 48% of patients had symptoms of moderate anxiety, and 33% had symptoms of severe anxiety. Based on the multivariate analysis, factors associated with a lower risk of anxiety symptoms included higher household income (OR -2.21 (95 CI: -1.35, -3.07)) and having reliable social support (OR -2.93 (95% CI: -2.25, -3.61)). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms is very high among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Anxiety is more likely to develop in patients from low-income households and those without reliable social support.

Gender differences in prevalence and clinical correlates of anxiety symptoms in first-episode and drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder

AimGender differences in major depressive disorder (MDD) are commonly reported; however, gender differences in first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) patients with major depressive disorder remain unclear. This study aimed to examine potential gender differences in the prevalence and clinical correlates of comorbid anxiety in FEDN patients with MDD. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with1718 FEDN patients with MDD. Patients' demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using standardized clinical evaluation forms. The Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety and psychotic symptoms, respectively. ResultsThere were no gender-based differences in the comorbidity rates of MDD and anxiety disorders (male: 10.2% vs. female:12.7%, P = 0.123). The prevalence of MDD with severe anxiety symptoms in male patients was similar to that of female patients (80.8%vs. 80.1%, P = 0.749). Male MDD patients were younger, had earlier age of onset, and were less likely to be married. In both the male and female groups, HAMD scores, HAMA scores, suicide attempts, and psychotic symptoms in patients with severe anxiety symptoms were higher than those patients without severe anxiety symptoms (all p ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis showed that psychotic symptoms and suicide attempts significantly predicted severe anxiety symptoms in both male and female patients with MDD, while body mass index(BMI)significantly predicted severe anxiety symptoms in MDD females only. ConclusionOur study showed that there were no gender differences in the prevalence of comorbid anxiety in FEDN patients with MDD. Suicide attempts and psychiatric symptoms were associated with severe anxiety symptoms in both men and women with MDD, whereas BMI was only correlated with severe anxiety symptoms in women.

Association between Non-Medical Cannabis Use and Anxiety Disorders in Women

Introduction: Non-medical cannabis use and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent among Canadian women; however, the direction of this assocation remains controversial. The objective of this article is to provide an evidencebased update regarding the effect of non-medical cannabis on anxiety symptoms in women. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PsychINFO and MEDLINE for articles related to cannabis and marijuana use among women with anxiety or anxiety disorders. Only English language literature from 2010 to 2020 was reviewed. Studies including patients under the age of 18 and studies addressing medical cannabis were excluded. Four studies met our inclusion criteria for this review. Results: Cannabis use and anxiety disorders are both highly prevalent among young women. Other substance use in addition to cannabis is frequently reported by women. Reasons for cannabis use by women with anxiety differed from those of men. Findings did not show a direct association between cannabis use and anxiety symptoms. Women who used cannabis did not report higher rates of anxiety nor did anxiety predict the onset of cannabis use. Conclusion: There is no evidence to indicate that non-medical cannabis use worsens anxiety symptoms among women. Further studies should focus on reducing potential confounding factors and developing a reliable method of quantifying cannabis use in order to determine the direction of the interaction between cannabis and anxiety disorders among women.