Anxiety Symptoms Research Articles

Exploring the impact of interpersonal sensitivity on anxiety symptoms: the mediating role of psychological capital and social support among nursing students

BackgroundAs the demand for healthcare in society continues to rise, nursing students are likely to face various challenges related to their profession in the future. Anxiety symptoms have increasingly become a significant factor affecting their mental health. Given that nursing students are crucial to building the future nursing workforce, it is essential to prioritize their mental well-being. This study aims to explore the relationships between anxiety symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, psychological capital, and perceived social support among nursing undergraduates.MethodsIn April 2022, 1,885 nursing undergraduates at a university in eastern China participated in a survey using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), the interpersonal sensitivity subscale of the SCL-90, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0 and PROCESS v3.4 macro to assess the impact of interpersonal sensitivity on anxiety and the mediating roles of social support and psychological capital.ResultsAnxiety showed a positive correlation with interpersonal sensitivity (r = 0.43) and negative correlations with perceived social support (r = -0.32) and psychological capital (r = -0.40), all significant (p < 0.001). Interpersonal sensitivity directly affects anxiety (β = 0.306, SE = 0.023, 95% CI [0.260, 0.352]). Psychological capital served as an independent mediator (β = 0.051, SE = 0.011, 95% CI [0.031, 0.075]) and also in a chain mediation with social support (β = 0.050, SE = 0.104, 95% CI [0.031, 0.072]).ConclusionInterpersonal sensitivity is a positive predictor of anxiety symptoms. Both psychological capital and social support effectively reduce interpersonal sensitivity and anxiety symptoms. Enhancing the availability of psychological capital and social support for nursing students is essential.

Associations of specific emotion and symptom mindsets with clinical symptoms, treatment attitudes, and treatment preference

ABSTRACT Background One psychological factor that relates to individuals’ level of emotional distress and how they view coping with that distress is the mindsets they hold about the nature of emotions and clinical symptoms. Method The current study (N = 978 undergraduate students; Mage = 19.01 years, 71.9% female, 68.9% White/Caucasian) used repeated measures General Linear Models (GLMs) and multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) to examine the relationships between mindsets in specific domains – malleability, function, and individual aspects of emotions – and which mindsets in each domain have the strongest relationships with clinical symptoms, treatment attitudes, and treatment preference. This statistical approach allows us to examine the relative strength in the relationships between specific mindsets within a particular domain (e.g., malleability) and study outcomes. Results When all mindsets in a specific domain (e.g., malleability, function, or specific facet of emotion) were included as simultaneous predictors in analyses, certain mindsets held specific relationships with outcomes. For example, more malleable mindsets about anxiety had the stronger relationships with anxiety symptoms. Conclusion The current study clarified that certain mindsets held the strongest relationship with specific outcomes, such as the anxiety malleability mindset with anxiety symptoms, while certain mindsets had equally strong relationships with symptoms and treatment attitudes.

Quality of life after brain injury in children and adolescents questionnaire – validation of the proxy version (QOLIBRI-KID/ADO-Proxy)

ABSTRACT Background The QOLIBRI-KID/ADO-Proxy is the first disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) proxy questionnaire developed for use in the field of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), when children are unable to report their HRQoL themselves. Methods Its psychometric properties in a German-speaking context are examined in two samples (development and validation). Dyads of 600 parents and their children (aged 8–17 years) were included. Results The 35-item questionnaire covers six dimensions (Cognition, Self, Daily Life and Autonomy, Social Relationships, Emotions, and Physical Problems). Results showed good to excellent internal consistencies, acceptable test-retest reliability, and low to fair parent-child agreement. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the one-level six-factor structure. In terms of construct validity, there was an overlap between the disease-specific and the generic HRQoL. Lower parent-reported HRQoL in children was associated with lower parental education, lower functional recovery (Study I), more recent TBI, and more severe depressive, anxiety, and post-concussion symptoms. Findings differed between the two studies in terms of age, gender, and TBI severity. Study I found more severe TBI linked to lower HRQoL in adolescents, while Study II indicated lower HRQoL ratings in girls. Conclusion The QOLIBRI-KID/ADO-Proxy is recommended when individuals are unable to self-report their HRQoL.

Network analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with cardiovascular disease

BackgroundPatients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) often experience anxiety and depression. However, the central and bridge symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients with CVD remain unclear. Network analysis is a statistical method that can reveal and visualise complex relationships between multiple variables. This study aimed to identify the central and bridge symptoms in the anxiety-depression network, which may provide potential targets for preventing and intervening in anxiety and depression.MethodsA total of 1180 patients with CVD were selected from the Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents. The survey was conducted from July 10 to September 15, 2021. Face-to-face electronic questionnaires were distributed to respondents by the investigators. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with CVD. Network analysis was conducted using R4.02 to identify central and bridge symptoms in the anxiety-depression network.ResultsAmong the 1180 patients with CVD included in this study, 673 (57%) were male and 507 (43%) were female. More than half (53.5%) of patients were under 60 years old. The mean GAD-7 score was 4.66 ± 4.38, and 169 (14.3%) patients had anxiety symptoms. The mean PHQ-9 score was 6.29 ± 5.29, and 235 (19.9%) had depressive symptoms. Furthermore, 144 (12.2%) patients people had both anxiety and depressive symptoms. In the network of anxiety and depressive symptoms, “unable to sit still because of anxiety”, “feeling afraid that something terrible is about to happen”, and “feeling bad or like a failure, or disappointing oneself or family” were the most influential and central symptoms. We also found that “feeling afraid that something terrible is about to happen” and “thoughts of dying or hurting oneself in some way” were pivotal bridge symptoms between anxiety and depression.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into the network structure of anxiety and depression in patients with CVD. These identified central and bridge symptoms may be potentially effective targets for preventing anxiety and depression in patients with CVD, and may provide treatment strategies for patients with anxiety and depression.

The importance of the cumulation of risk factors for antepartum depression

ABSTRACT Objectives Pregnancy is a period of heightened vulnerability to mental health problems. This pilot study aims to investigate the association between psychosocial and obstetric risk factors and the onset of depressive and anxious symptoms during pregnancy, with a focus on cumulative risks. Method Conducted at Ghent University Hospital in Belgium, this prospective observational study involved 378 pregnant women. Participants received a semi-standardized psychosocial assessment at 16 weeks to evaluate potential risk factors, followed by stepped screening protocol for depressive and anxious symptoms at 20 weeks. Due to significant overlap, the analysis focused solely on depressive symptoms. Results Depressive symptoms were identified in 5.5% of participants with a score ≥ 13 on the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Key psychosocial risk factors that increase the risk of antepartum depression include a history of mental health issues, especially depression (Fisher’s exact test (FET), p = .018), experiences of physical (FET, p = .007) or emotional (FET, p = .008) violence, lack of social support (FET, p = .014), and unplanned pregnancy (FET, p = .008). No significant association was found between obstetric factors and depressive symptoms. The study highlights that the accumulation of psychosocial risk factors significantly elevates the risk of depression (Kendall’s τ = 0.22, p < .001). Conclusion These findings underscore the necessity of comprehensive psychosocial assessments in pregnant women, offering deeper insights than mere screenings for depression and anxiety. Recognizing and quantifying these risk factors facilitates targeted interventions. Employing a cumulative risk index effectively identifies women at heightened risk of mental health problems.

Impact of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, childhood adversities and stressful life events on depressive and anxiety symptoms: insights from the UK Biobank

Impact of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, childhood adversities and stressful life events on depressive and anxiety symptoms: insights from the UK Biobank

Prevalence and correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury among youths in Singapore: findings from the National Youth Mental Health Study

BackgroundNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common phenomenon; a recent meta-analysis of studies conducted among non-clinical adolescents reported a global lifetime prevalence rate of 22.0%. NSSI results in significant impairment and is associated with negative outcomes later in young adulthood. There is, however, a dearth of research on the occurrence of NSSI in Singapore’s youth population. Past studies examining NSSI behaviours among youths in Singapore were conducted using clinical samples, which tend to report a higher prevalence compared to community samples. The present study aims to establish the prevalence of NSSI and examine its associated sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates in the general youth population.MethodsThis study included 2600 youths aged 15–35 years who participated in the National Youth Mental Health Study, a nationwide cross-sectional survey of the mental health status of youths in Singapore. The Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales Short Form were used to assess NSSI behaviours and mental health symptoms. Data on coping strategies, perceived social support and resilience were also collected.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of NSSI among youths in Singapore was 25.0%, and the 12-month prevalence was found to be 6.8%. The median age of onset for lifetime NSSI was 14 years. Significantly higher odds of lifetime NSSI were observed among youths aged 15–29 years, females, and youths with lower educational attainment. Youths with severe and extremely severe symptoms of depression and anxiety and those with greater use of avoidance coping strategy were associated with higher odds of lifetime NSSI. Higher resilience scores were associated with lower odds of lifetime NSSI.Conclusion1 in 4 youths in Singapore had engaged in self-injurious behaviour at least once in their lifetime. Screening and early intervention programs could be targeted at the more vulnerable youth groups such as those in early- and mid- adolescence. Potential areas for future research and interventions could include resilience building and educating youths on adaptive coping strategies. The limitations of the cross-sectional study design and the use of self-reported data should be considered when interpreting the study findings.

Mapping Insight Dimensions and Symptom Dynamics in Schizophrenia: A Data-Driven Network Approach: Cartographie des dimensions d'insight et de la dynamique symptomatique dans la schizophrénie: une approche par réseau fondée sur les données.

ObjectivesPatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) present with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional difficulties. Affected individuals often exhibit poor insight into aspects of their illness, such as awareness of the illness itself or the need for treatment, which can hinder treatment adherence and complicate clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between clinical symptoms and dimensions of insight in SSD using a network approach, which captures direct and indirect relationships among variables. We hypothesized that illness awareness would correlate negatively with positive symptoms and positively with depressive symptoms, and that positive symptoms would have the strongest influence on the network.MethodsData were collected from 142 individuals diagnosed with SSD. Insight was measured using the Birchwood Insight Scale (IS) across three dimensions: illness awareness, symptom re-labelling, and awareness of the need for treatment. Symptoms were evaluated using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, the Calgary Depression Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Network analysis was employed to explore interconnections (edges) between variables (nodes) and identify influential variables through centrality measures (strength, betweenness, closeness).ResultsA significant positive connection was found between illness awareness and depressive symptoms. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were identified as the most central and influential variables within the network. Treatment awareness showed greater centrality than illness awareness, indicating this dimension's potential importance in influencing symptom dynamics in a clinical profile.ConclusionsAnalyzing a more extensive network that includes treatment adherence and cognitive domains affected in SSD could enhance and validate the understanding of the cascading effects of symptoms and insight dimensions, allowing for more tailored treatments.

Resting state connectivity patterns associated with trait anxiety in adolescence

Anxiety symptoms occur more frequently during adolescence and early adulthood, increasing the risk of future anxiety disorders. Neuroscientific research on anxiety has primarily focused on adulthood, employing mostly univariate approaches, discounting large-scale alterations of the brain. Indeed adolescents with trait anxiety may display similar abnormalities shown by adults in brain regions ascribed to the default mode network, associated with self-referential thinking and rumination-related processes. The present study aims to explore resting-state connectivity patterns associated with trait anxiety in a large sample of young individuals. We analyzed the rs-fMRI images of 1263 adolescents (mean age 20.55 years) and their scores on anxiety trait. A significant association between trait anxiety and resting-state functional connectivity in two networks was found, with some regions overlapping with the default mode network, such as the cingulate gyrus, the middle temporal gyri and the precuneus. Of note, the higher the trait anxiety, the lower the connectivity within both networks, suggesting abnormal self-referential processing, awareness, and emotion regulation abilities in adolescents with high anxiety trait. These findings provided a better understanding of the association between trait anxiety and brain rs-functional connectivity, and may pave the way for the development of potential biomarkers in adolescents with anxiety.

Effectiveness of Digital Lifestyle Interventions on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Well-Being: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is a growing body of robust evidence to show that lifestyle behaviors influence mental health outcomes. Technology offers an accessible and cost-effective implementation method for interventions, yet the study of the effectiveness of interventions to date has been specific to the mode of delivery, population, or behavior. The primary aim of this review was to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of digital lifestyle interventions for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being as coprimary outcomes in adults. The secondary aim was to explore the technological, methodological, intervention-specific, and population-specific characteristics that were associated with major changes in mental health outcomes. A systematic search was conducted across the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases to identify studies published between January 2013 and January 2023. Randomized controlled trials of lifestyle interventions (physical activity, sleep, and diet) that were delivered digitally; reported changes in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, or well-being in adults (aged ≥18 years); and were published in English were included. Multiple authors independently extracted data, which was evaluated using the 2011 Levels of Evidence from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Inverse-variance random-effects meta-analyses were used for data analysis. The primary outcome was the change in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being as measured by validated self-report of clinician-administered outcomes from pre- to postintervention. Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine whether results differed based on the target lifestyle behavior, delivery method, digital features, design features, or population characteristics. Of the 14,356 studies identified, 61 (0.42%) were included. Digital lifestyle interventions had a significant small-to-medium effect on depression (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.37; P<.001), a small effect on anxiety (SMD -0.29; P<.001) and stress (SMD -0.17; P=.04), and no effect on well-being (SMD 0.14; P=.15). Subgroup analyses generally suggested that effects were similar regardless of the delivery method or features used, the duration and frequency of the intervention, the population, or the lifestyle behavior targeted. Overall, these results indicate that delivering lifestyle interventions via a range of digital methods can have significant positive effects on depression (P<.001), anxiety (P<.001), and stress (P=.04) for a broad range of populations, while effects on well-being are inconclusive. Future research should explore how these interventions can be effectively implemented and embedded within health care with a concerted focus on addressing digital health equity. PROSPERO CRD42023428908; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023428908.

Using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to reduce anxiety symptoms among individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder

Purpose This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a brief six-session version of the mindfulness-based cognitive intervention derived from the positive psychology approach to decrease the symptoms of anxiety among individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders (SUDs). Design/methodology/approach An experimental research design with pre- and post-tests and a one-month follow-up were used. The study sample comprised 34 participants diagnosed with SUD who also endorsed anxiety symptoms on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The participants experienced six 90-min sessions of training in mindfulness-based cognitive intervention. At the end of the training, the participants were again evaluated using the GAD-7 immediately after the intervention and one month after. Findings Analysis of repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. The results of this study suggested that MBCIs demonstrated significant reductions in the anxiety symptoms of individuals diagnosed with SUD. Originality/value This paper provided support for the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive intervention derived from the positive psychological severity symptoms of anxiety among individuals diagnosed with SUDs. The findings produced by this study can help modify the intervention and improve the effectiveness of future trials.

Exploring the impact of Flash technique on test anxiety among adolescents.

This study aims to investigate the specific effects of Flash Technique (FT) on adolescents with test anxiety. This follow-up study consists of 38 adolescents, 14-17 years of age (M = 15.39, SD = 1.13). Pre-post assessments were conducted using the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), Scale of Attitudes Negatively Affecting the Performance I/Test (POET), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) at baseline, at the end of the 4th and 12th weeks of therapy. The FT was applied for 12 weeks, with one weekly session as an intervention. As a result of the therapy process, the baseline means of total BAI scores decreased from 25.26 to 2.18; the baseline means of TAI decreased from 149.79 to 39.13, and the baseline mean of POET decreased from 298.47 to 73.84 at the end of the 12th week of therapy. Also, the baseline means of SUD scores decreased from 9.42 to zero at the end of the 12th week of treatment. All the adolescents showed complete improvement after the 12th week of the FT. The study findings showed that the test anxiety symptoms significantly decreased with the treatment of the FT. FT can be an effective intervention for test anxiety in adolescents.

Clinical manifestations of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders with and without specific learning disorders

BackgroundAnxiety disorders (ADs) are common among children and adolescents and frequently co-occur with specific learning disorder (SLD). Approximately 20% of children with SLD meet criteria for ADs, while those with anxiety are six times more likely to have a premorbid SLD. The strong relationship between premorbid SLD and ADs underscores the importance of examining developmental trajectories and manifestations of neuropsychiatric conditions like ADs, particularly when SLD is present. In this context, this study investigates the clinical profiles of children and adolescents with a first diagnosis of an AD and a history of SLD compared to those with a first diagnosis of an AD without a history of SLD. The analysis focuses on various clinical characteristics, including developmental history, demographic aspects, age of anxiety onset, global functioning, types of ADs, self-report anxiety and depressive symptoms, and adaptive behavior. Additionally, the study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms, adaptive behavior, and age.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study with 78 participants from the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, divided into two groups: those with ADs alone (Group AD, n = 42) and those with both ADs and premorbid SLD (Group AD + SLD, n = 36). We collected data on developmental history, demographic information, age of anxiety onset, global functioning, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and adaptive behavior.ResultsOur findings revealed that Group AD experienced more stressful life events and had higher cognitive levels, whereas Group AD + SLD showed a greater impairment in global functioning. Notably, Group AD exhibited lower social adaptive behavior and higher self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms than Group AD + SLD, possibly indicating a greater awareness of their emotional distress.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the impact of premorbid neurodevelopmental disorders into clinical manifestations of psychopathological symptoms. In particular, results underline the importance of developing tailored clinical interventions for children with co-occurring ADs and learning difficulties, focusing more on their emotional awareness to better address the unique challenges posed by the comorbidity.

Reduced symptoms of anxiety among professional caregivers facing cardiac arrest after simulation based training

Professional caregivers often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after intra-hospital cardiac arrest. The aim of our study was to describe long-term evolution of symptoms of anxiety among professional caregivers after a simulation-based training. Our study was a prospective, single-center pilot study conducted at Nancy-Brabois University Hospital. The sample included 56 professional caregivers, divided into two groups: 26 participants who underwent simulation-based training and 30 controls who did not participate during the study period. This sample size was determined based on the availability of participants and the exploratory nature of the pilot study. Each simulation involved a team of junior healthcare providers. Symptoms of anxiety and self-efficacy were assessed using standardized scales before, immediately after, and 3 months post-training. Control professional caregivers completed the same assessments without training. The symptoms of anxiety were assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire while self-efficacy was assessed by Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Self-Efficacy Scale (CPR-SES). Nine simulation-based training sessions were conducted, each including a team of professional caregivers (one junior physician, one junior nurse, and one care assistant). There was no significant difference in symptoms of anxiety immediately after training. However, after 3 months, both state and trait anxiety significantly decreased, while self-efficacy improved among the professional caregivers who attended the simulation-based training. Our study shows sustained behavioral improvements in professional caregivers after simulation-based training, enhancing their self-efficacy in cardiac arrest management. Further research is needed to evaluate the longevity and necessity of repeated training sessions.

Gender differences in the associations between developmental disabilities and anxiety and depression symptoms among U.S. children: Insights from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey.

Gender differences in the associations between developmental disabilities and anxiety and depression symptoms among U.S. children: Insights from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey.

Sex and age differences in depression and anxiety networks among adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: A network analysis.

Depression and anxiety are prevalent psychological challenges among patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), affecting individuals across both sex and age groups. To explore the network structure of depression and anxiety symptoms, with a focus on identifying differences at the symptom level between sex and age subgroups. A total of 1955 participants diagnosed with AIS aged 10-18 years were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHO-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and 765 patients exhibiting PHQ-9 or GAD-7 scores ≥ 5 were enrolled in our study. Network analysis and network comparison tests were utilized to construct and compare the depression-anxiety symptoms networks among sex and age subgroups. The results revealed GAD3 "Excessive worry" and PHQ2 "Sad mood" were the most significant central symptoms in all subgroups, while "Sad mood" had higher strength than "Excessive worry" in the lower age group. In the network comparisons, the female network exhibited tighter connectivity, especially on GAD6 "Irritability" and GAD2 "Uncontrollable worry", while only PHQ3 "Sleep" and PHQ9 "Suicidal ideation" had differences at the local level in the lower age group. Several interventions targeting excessive worry and sad mood could reduce the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms in the AIS population. Furthermore, specific anxiety symptoms in females, along with sleep disturbances and suicidal ideation in the lower age group, should be addressed at an early stage to prevent significant disruptions in mental health trajectories.

Psychometric Properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42 and DASS-21) in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Background/Objectives: Patients with hematologic malignancies undergo prolonged, intensive treatments involving frequent hospitalizations and experience debilitating side effects. Consequently, they are at increased risk of developing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, which can undermine their quality of life. However, there is a scarcity of instruments validated for the simultaneous assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress within hematologic cancer populations. The aim of this study is to examine the construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and reliability of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42 and DASS-21) among hematologic cancer patients. Methods: We collected data from 452 hematologic cancer patients across three studies. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the theoretical correlated three-factor model and bifactor model for DASS-42 and DASS-21 responses were sufficient to explain the underlying factor structure of the scales in hematologic cancer patients. However, the bifactor model for DASS-42 and DASS-21 fit better with the data compared to the theoretical correlated three-factor model. In addition, we found the correlated three-factor model and the bifactor structure to exhibit scalar measurement invariance across gender for DASS-42 and DASS-21. DASS-42 and DASS-21 subscales demonstrated weak to strong negative correlations with measures of psychological well-being (happiness, well-being, life satisfaction) and strong positive correlations with measures of similar constructs (depression, anxiety, and stress), thereby supporting their convergent and discriminant validity with theoretically and empirically expected correlations with external criteria. The reliability analyses demonstrated that both DASS-42 and DASS-21 subscales exhibited strong internal consistency and test–retest reliability when assessing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among patients with hematologic malignancies. Moreover, the item-scale convergent and discriminant validity analyses demonstrated that items exhibited higher corrected item–total correlations with their intended subscales than with other subscales across the DASS-42 and DASS-21, providing evidence for the distinct measurement properties of each subscale. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the DASS-42 and DASS-21 are psychometrically robust instruments for use in Turkish hematologic cancer patients.

Insights on the cognitive enhancement effect of desvenlafaxine in major depressive disorder

BackgroundDesvenlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in improving affective symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD); however, its effects on associated cognitive and functional difficulties remain underexplored. This study seeks to assess the antidepressant effects of desvenlafaxine in patients with SSRI-resistant MDD, its impact on both objective and subjective cognitive performance, where cognitive improvements occur independently of clinical recovery or not, and its influence on psychosocial functioning.MethodsAn observational case-control prospective study with 66 participants was conducted, including 26 patients with a current MDD episode, with an inadequate SSRI response, and with the prescription of desvenlafaxine as the next antidepressant therapeutic option, and 40 healthy controls. Sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive, and functional assessments were conducted both before and after a 12-week treatment period. Changes were analyzed using two tailed paired-samples t-tests, with Cohen’s d for effect sizes. Cognitive improvements were compared between the patients who achieved remission and those who did not.ResultsPatients showed significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, attention/working memory and processing speed, self-perceived cognitive difficulties and psychosocial functioning. Highlighting the fact these cognitive enhancements occurred independently of patients’ clinical improvement.ConclusionsThe findings of this study focus on the therapeutic potential of desvenlafaxine, demonstrating its efficacy not only in ameliorating clinical and functional symptoms but also in addressing specific cognitive impairments in patients with depression. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying desvenlafaxine’s effects and optimize treatment strategies for individuals with MDD.Trial registration numberNCT03432221 (clinical.trials.gov). Registration date: 08-01-2018.

Parenting and adolescent anxiety within families: a biweekly longitudinal study.

Anxiety symptoms among adolescents have been increasing globally. The present study aimed to better understand the role of parenting, which is believed to act as both a risk and protective factor for anxiety while also being impacted by adolescent anxiety. Specifically, this preregistered study examined the bidirectional associations between parental autonomy support, intrusiveness, and symptoms of generalized anxiety in adolescents. We used meso-longitudinal data of Dutch adolescents (N = 256, Mage = 14.4, age range = 12-17, 71.5% female, tmean = 17.7) and their parents (N = 176, Mage = 46.8, 82% female, tmean = 22). They reported biweekly on parental intrusiveness and autonomy support and on adolescent generalized anxiety symptoms. Dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM) was used to examine the associations at the between- and within-family levels. The between-family level associations indicated that adolescents from families with lower levels of parental autonomy support and higher levels of parental intrusiveness exhibited higher levels of generalized anxiety symptoms. Within families, during weeks when parents were less autonomy supportive or more intrusive, adolescents also experienced more generalized anxiety symptoms. Regarding the bidirectional time-lagged effects, adolescent-driven, but not parent-driven, effects emerged. Specifically, when adolescents experienced more generalized anxiety symptoms than usual, their parents were less autonomy supportive and more intrusive 2 weeks later. Although further research is needed, these findings underscore the negative impact of adolescents' mental health issues on parenting. To prevent the further escalation of family problems, it seems vital to promote positive and adaptive parent-child interactions when adolescents face mental health issues.

The Impact of Pre-injury Psychiatric Difficulties on Caregiving Needs and Post-injury Emotional Distress in Care Partners of Persons with TBI.

The Impact of Pre-injury Psychiatric Difficulties on Caregiving Needs and Post-injury Emotional Distress in Care Partners of Persons with TBI.