Baseline Anxiety Symptoms Research Articles

Insomnia symptoms increase during pregnancy, but no increase in sleepiness - Associations with symptoms of depression and anxiety

ObjectiveTo evaluate alteration in insomnia and sleepiness symptoms during pregnancy and assess early pregnancy risk factors for these symptoms, especially depressive and anxiety symptoms. MethodsA cohort of 1858 women was enrolled from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Insomnia and sleepiness symptoms were measured in early, mid- and late pregnancy with the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and anxiety symptoms with the Symptom Checklist-90/Anxiety Scale. General linear models for repeated measures were conducted. ResultsGeneral sleep quality decreased (p < 0.001) and all insomnia types (p < 0.001) and sleep latencies (p < 0.001) increased as pregnancy proceeded. Snoring increased, but witnessed apneas remained rare. Nevertheless, morning (p = 0.019) and daytime (p < 0.001) sleepiness decreased from early to both mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy (p = 0.006 and p = 0.039). Women took more naps in early and late pregnancy compared to mid-pregnancy (both p < 0.001). Women with higher baseline anxiety symptoms had greater increase in sleep latency. At each pregnancy point, higher depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with higher insomnia (p < 0.001) and sleepiness scores (p < 0.001) and higher depressive symptoms with longer sleep latencies (p < 0.001). ConclusionWe found a marked increase in insomnia symptoms throughout pregnancy. However, sleepiness symptoms did not increase correspondingly. Both depressive and anxiety symptoms in early pregnancy were associated with higher insomnia and sleepiness symptoms in later stages of pregnancy which emphasizes the importance of their assessment in early pregnancy.

The effect of polymorphisms in startle-related genes on anxiety symptom severity

Given the limited effectiveness of treatments for pathological anxiety, there is a pressing need to identify genetic markers that can aid the precise selection of treatments and optimize treatment response. Anxiety and startle response levels demonstrate a direct relationship, and previous literature suggests that exaggerated startle reactivity may serve as an endophenotype of pathological anxiety. In addition, genetic variants related to startle reactivity may play a role in the etiology of pathological anxiety. In the current study, we selected 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to startle reactivity in the literature, and examined their association with anxiety symptom severity across psychiatric disorders (n = 508), and in a subset of patients with an anxiety disorder (n = 298). Overall, none of the SNPs pass correction for multiple independent tests. However, across psychiatric patients, rs6323 from the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene and rs324981 from the neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) gene were nominally associated with baseline anxiety symptom severity (p = 0.017, 0.023). These preliminary findings provide support for investigating startle-related genetic variants to identify biomarkers of anxiety symptom severity.

Validity of the newly developed 4-item ANXiety-scale in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: A 12-month follow-up study

BackgroundSubclinical anxiety symptoms are associated with risk of impaired mental and physical health status, ventricular tachyarrhythmias and mortality, in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This study evaluates the validity of the brief and new 4-item Anxiety Scale (ANX4) and its predictive value in relation to health status 12-months post ICD implantation. MethodsA total of 288 ICD patients completed the ANX4 questionnaire. Factor analysis was performed to assess the validity of the scale. In a subsample of N = 212 patients, regression analysis was performed to assess questionnaires' predictive value of health status at 12-months follow-up. ResultsAnalyses of the ANX4 revealed a one-factor structure with a high internal consistency (α = 0.894). The ANX4 correlated significantly with existing generic and disease specific measures of anxiety symptoms STAI-S (r = 0.62), GAD-7 (r = 0.58), HADS-A (r = 0.66) and ICD related concerns (ICDC) (r = 0.44). Baseline anxiety symptoms were associated with lower levels of physical (β = −0.276; p < .001) and mental (β = −0.551; p < .001) health status 12-months post ICD implantation, adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. ConclusionsThe 4-item ANX4 shows to be a valid measure of anxiety symptoms in ICD patients and predicts physical and mental health status up to 12 months follow-up. Further studies are warranted to replicate these findings, determine the cut-off score for clinical relevant symptoms, and whether the ANX4 can be used in other populations.

Anxiety and Depression Symptom Comorbidity and the Risk of Heart Disease: A Prospective Community-Based Cohort Study.

The goal of this study was to examine the independent and joint associations between anxiety and depression symptoms with the risk of heart disease. A total of 30,635 participants from the CARTaGENE community cohort study in Quebec who did not have heart diseases at baseline were included in the study. Baseline anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires. Survey data were linked with diagnostic codes from a public insurance database to examine incident heart disease during a 7-year follow-up period. Cox regression analyses were conducted comparing groups with high anxiety only, high depression only, comorbid anxiety and depression, and no/low symptoms of both on the risk of heart disease. Additional analyses examined anxiety and depression using continuous questionnaire symptom scores, data-driven comorbidity groups, and diagnostic codes. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, diabetes, and hypertension. In the main analyses, we found that, although depression without anxiety symptoms was associated with an increased risk of heart disease (hazard ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.04-1.74), there was no significant association for anxiety without depression symptoms (hazard ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.71-1.41). High anxiety assessed with diagnostic codes or by examining latent classes was, however, associated with a higher risk of heart disease. The association between anxiety and incident heart disease may be accounted for by comorbid depression, particularly when anxiety and depression symptoms are assessed using self-report questionnaires. Differing methods of assessment and analysis, and adjustment for comorbid depression may explain differences in findings across different studies on anxiety and the risk of heart disease.

A prospective investigation of factors associated with depressive symptoms in older adults' post-hospitalisation.

The transition from hospital to home is a period where older adults are at risk of experiencing depressive symptoms. The present study applied the Social Antecedent Model of Psychopathology (SAMP) to identify factors present at hospital discharge associated with depressive symptoms at discharge and future symptoms at 3- and 6-month post-discharge home. 286 older adults aged over 65 (M = 78.38, SD = 7.68, 57% female) reported on a range of variables that were mapped to the SAMP at hospital discharge, 3- and 6-month post-discharge. At baseline assessment, male gender, increased anxiety symptoms, low social support and low perceived coping ability were associated with concurrent baseline depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms at baseline were strongly associated with future depressive symptoms at 3- and 6-month post-discharge. Low household physical activity was also associated with depressive symptoms at 3 months and elevated baseline anxiety symptoms and low social support were associated with depressive symptoms at 6-month post-discharge. Pre-discharge screening of depressive and anxiety symptoms, social support, household physical activity and coping ability may assist in identifying elderly patients at risk of developing depressive symptoms during the hospital-to-home transition. These factors may also serve as potential targets for preventative interventions post-discharge for older adults.

Amygdala Functional Connectivity Features in Grief: A Pilot Longitudinal Study

ObjectiveAcute grief, in an important minority of older adults, can become protracted, intense, and debilitating, leading to the development of complicated grief (CG). However, the neurobiologic mechanisms underlying a maladaptive grief response after an attachment loss are unknown. The current study aimed to examine the amygdala brain network features that cross-sectionally explain the symptom variance and longitudinally relate to grief symptom trajectories after an attachment loss. MethodsBaseline amygdala functional connectivity (Fc) was assessed using a seed-based resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging method in 35 adults who were within 1-year after death of a loved one and 21 healthy comparison (HC) participants. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained at baseline, and clinical assessments, including the inventory of complicated grief (ICG) were completed at weeks 0, 8, 16, and 26 (endpoint). ResultsRelative to HC participants, grief participants showed increased amygdala Fc in the posterior default mode (bilateral medial temporal lobes and left precuneus) and thalamus. Amygdala Fc in the default mode and ventral affective regions positively correlated with ICG scores at baseline. Furthermore, increased baseline amygdala functional connections with the dorsal frontal executive control and salience network regions correlated with worsening ICG scores over time. These longitudinal findings persisted after controlling for covariates, including baseline depressive and anxiety symptoms. ConclusionThese results provide novel preliminary evidence suggesting amygdala-based brain network measures to cross-sectionally explain symptom variance and longitudinally correlate with grief symptom trajectories in grievers. Amygdala brain network function measures may have the potential to serve as biomarkers of CG.

Randomized Trial of a Smartphone Mobile App to Improve Symptoms and Adherence to Oral Therapy for Cancer.

Patients with cancer are increasingly prescribed oral therapies, bearing greater responsibility for self-management of treatment adherence and adverse events. We conducted a randomized trial to test the use of a smartphone mobile app to improve symptoms and adherence to oral cancer therapy. From February 18, 2015, through December 31, 2016, 181 patients with diverse cancers who were prescribed oral therapy were randomized to receive either the smartphone mobile app or standard care. The mobile app included a medication plan with reminders, a symptom-reporting module, and patient education. Primary outcomes were adherence (per electronic pill caps), symptom burden (per MD Anderson Symptom Inventory), and quality of life (per the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General). Participants also completed self-report measures of medication adherence, anxiety and depression symptoms, social support, quality of care, and healthcare utilization. Linear regression was used to assess intervention effects on adherence and change in self-report outcomes from baseline to week 12, controlling for baseline scores and social support. Study groups did not differ across any outcome measure, with an overall mean adherence of 78.81% (SD, 26.66%) per electronic pill caps. However, moderation analyses showed that intervention effects on the primary adherence measure varied by baseline self-reported adherence and anxiety symptoms. Specifically, adherence rates per electronic pill caps were higher in patients randomized to the mobile app versus standard care within the subsamples of patients who reported baseline adherence problems (mean difference, -22.30%; 95% CI, -42.82 to -1.78; P=.034) and elevated anxiety (mean difference, -16.08%; 95% CI, -31.74 to -0.41; P=.044). Although the mobile app may not improve outcomes for all patients prescribed oral cancer therapy, the intervention may be beneficial for those with certain risk factors, such as difficulties with adherence or anxiety.

The Impact of Resilience Factors and Anxiety During Hospital Admission on Longitudinal Anxiety Among Dyads of Neurocritical Care Patients Without Major Cognitive Impairment and Their Family Caregivers.

Anxiety is common in patients experiencing neurocritical illness and their family caregivers. Resilience factors like mindfulness and coping skills may be protective against symptoms of emotional distress, including anxiety. Less is known about the interplay of anxiety symptoms and resilience factors between patients and caregivers. The purpose of this study is to examine the trajectory of anxiety symptoms among dyads of neurocritical care patients without major cognitive impairment and their family caregivers and to elucidate the relationship between resiliency (e.g., mindfulness and coping) and anxiety in these dyads. Prospective, longitudinal study of adults admitted to the neurological intensive care unit (Neuro-ICU) and their caregivers. Dyads of patients (N = 102) and family caregivers (N = 103) completed self-report measures of mindfulness (Cognitive Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised) and coping (Measure of Current Status-Part A) during Neuro-ICU hospitalization and anxiety symptoms (anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) during hospitalization and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. We used actor-partner interdependence modeling to predict the effect of one's own baseline characteristics on one's own and one's partner's future anxiety symptoms. Rates of clinically significant anxiety symptoms were 40% for patients and 42% for caregivers at baseline. Of these, 20% of patients and 23% of caregivers showed moderate and severe symptoms. Approximately, one-third of patients and caregivers reported clinically significant anxiety symptoms at 3- and 6-month follow-ups, with more than 20% endorsing moderate or severe symptoms. Patients' own baseline mindfulness, coping, and anxiety symptoms were associated with lower anxiety symptoms at all time points (ps < 0.001)-this was also true for caregivers. For both patients and caregivers, one's own baseline mindfulness predicted their partner's anxiety symptoms 3months later (p = 0.008), but not at 6-month follow-up. Anxiety symptoms in Neuro-ICU patient-caregiver dyads are high through 6months following admission. Mindfulness is interdependent and protective against anxiety in dyads at 3-month but not 6-month follow-up. Early, dyad-based interventions may prevent the development of chronic anxiety in patients without major cognitive impairment and caregivers.

Tracking and Predicting Depressive Symptoms of Adolescents Using Smartphone-Based Self-Reports, Parental Evaluations, and Passive Phone Sensor Data: Development and Usability Study.

BackgroundDepression carries significant financial, medical, and emotional burden on modern society. Various proof-of-concept studies have highlighted how apps can link dynamic mental health status changes to fluctuations in smartphone usage in adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the use of such apps to monitor adolescents remains a challenge.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether smartphone apps are useful in evaluating and monitoring depression symptoms in a clinically depressed adolescent population compared with the following gold-standard clinical psychometric instruments: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A).MethodsWe recruited 13 families with adolescent patients diagnosed with MDD with or without comorbid anxiety disorder. Over an 8-week period, daily self-reported moods and smartphone sensor data were collected by using the Smartphone- and OnLine usage–based eValuation for Depression (SOLVD) app. The evaluations from teens’ parents were also collected. Baseline depression and anxiety symptoms were measured biweekly using PHQ-9, HAM-D, and HAM-A.ResultsWe observed a significant correlation between the self-evaluated mood averaged over a 2-week period and the biweekly psychometric scores from PHQ-9, HAM-D, and HAM-A (0.45≤|r|≤0.63; P=.009, P=.01, and P=.003, respectively). The daily steps taken, SMS frequency, and average call duration were also highly correlated with clinical scores (0.44≤|r|≤0.72; all P<.05). By combining self-evaluations and smartphone sensor data of the teens, we could predict the PHQ-9 score with an accuracy of 88% (23.77/27). When adding the evaluations from the teens’ parents, the prediction accuracy was further increased to 90% (24.35/27).ConclusionsSmartphone apps such as SOLVD represent a useful way to monitor depressive symptoms in clinically depressed adolescents, and these apps correlate well with current gold-standard psychometric instruments. This is a first study of its kind that was conducted on the adolescent population, and it included inputs from both teens and their parents as observers. The results are preliminary because of the small sample size, and we plan to expand the study to a larger population.

Smartphone, Social Media, and Mental Health App Use in an Acute Transdiagnostic Psychiatric Sample.

BackgroundDespite high rates of smartphone ownership in psychiatric populations, there are very little data available characterizing smartphone use in individuals with mental illness. In particular, few studies have examined the interest and use of smartphones to support mental health.ObjectiveThis study aimed to (1) characterize general smartphone app and social media usage in an acute transdiagnostic psychiatric sample with high smartphone ownership, (2) characterize current engagement and interest in the use of smartphone apps to support mental health, and (3) test demographic and clinical predictors of smartphone use.MethodsThe survey was completed by all patients attending an adult partial hospital program, with no exclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were frequency of use of general and mental health smartphone apps (smartphone use survey) and the frequency of social media use and phone-checking behavior (mobile technology engagement scale).ResultsOverall, 322 patients (aged mean 33.49, SD 13.87 years; 57% female) reported that their most frequently used app functions were texting, email, and social media. Younger individuals reported more frequent use across most types of apps. Baseline depression and anxiety symptoms were not associated with the frequency of app use. Participants reported health care, calendar, and texting apps as most supportive of their mental health and social media apps as most negatively affecting their mental health. Most patients reported an interest in (73.9% [238/322]) and willingness to use (81.3% [262/322]) a smartphone app to monitor their mental health condition. Less than half (44%) of the patients currently had a mental health app downloaded on their smartphone, with mindfulness and meditation apps being the most common type.ConclusionsThe high interest in and willingness to use mental health apps, paired with the only moderate current reported usage, indicate a potential unmet treatment opportunity in psychiatric populations. There is potential to optimize non-mental health–specific apps to better support the needs of those with mental illness and to design a new wave of mental health apps that match the needs of these populations as well as the way they use smartphones in daily life.

Longitudinal Associations of Self-reported Vision Impairment With Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among Older Adults in the United States

Vision impairment (VI) and mental health conditions are highly prevalent among older adults and are major causes of morbidity and health care expenditures. However, there are few nationally representative data from the United States on the longitudinal association between VI and depressive symptoms, and no such data on anxiety symptoms. To evaluate the longitudinal association and directionality of the association between self-reported VI and clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety in older US adults. The National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative US survey administered annually from 2011 to 2016 to a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older. A total of 7584 participants with complete data on self-reported VI status at baseline were included. Data analysis was performed from February to October 2018. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the longitudinal associations between self-reported VI and depression and anxiety symptoms, adjusting for sociodemographics and medical comorbidities and accounting for the complex survey design. There were 7584 participants included in this study. At baseline, the survey-weighted proportion of participants who were women was 56.6%; 53.0% were aged 65 to 74 years, and 8.9% (95% CI, 8.1%-9.8%) had self-reported VI. Symptoms of depression were significantly more common in participants with self-reported VI than those without self-reported VI (31.2%; 95% CI, 27.0%-35.6% vs 12.9%; 95% CI, 11.9%-14.0%; P < .001), as were symptoms of anxiety (27.2%; 95% CI, 23.7%-30.9% vs 11.1%; 95% CI,10.2%-12.0%, P < .001). Baseline self-reported vision status was significantly associated with future report of depression (hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% CI, 1.15-1.55) but not anxiety (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.85-1.31) symptoms. Baseline depression (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08-1.75) and anxiety (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.19-2.02) symptoms were both significantly associated with future reports of self-reported VI. In a sensitivity analysis excluding data provided by proxy respondents, statistical significance was unchanged and the effect size was similar for all statistical models. Older US adults with self-reported VI were more likely to report symptoms of depression in the future, while those who had symptoms of either depression or anxiety were more likely to report VI in the future. This investigation suggests that there is a significant bidirectional and longitudinal association between self-reported VI and mental health symptoms. Furthermore, the study suggests the need for effective strategies to screen for and address depression and anxiety among older US adults with VI.

Exploring the effect of antenatal depression treatment on children\u2019s epigenetic profiles: findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChildren prenatally exposed to maternal depression more often show behavioral and emotional problems compared to unexposed children, possibly through epigenetic alterations. Current evidence is largely based on animal and observational human studies. Therefore, evidence from experimental human studies is needed. In this follow-up of a small randomized controlled trial (RCT), DNA-methylation was compared between children of women who had received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for antenatal depression and children of women who had received treatment as usual (TAU). Originally, 54 women were allocated to CBT or TAU. A beneficial treatment effect was found on women’s mood symptoms.FindingsWe describe DNA methylation findings in buccal swab DNA of the 3–7-year-old children (CBT(N) = 12, TAU(N) = 11), at a genome-wide level at 770,668 CpG sites and at 729 CpG sites spanning 16 a priori selected candidate genes, including the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1). We additionally explored associations with women’s baseline depression and anxiety symptoms and offspring DNA methylation, regardless of treatment. Children from the CBT group had overall lower DNA methylation compared to children from the TAU group (mean ∆β = − 0.028, 95% CI − 0.035 to − 0.022). Although 68% of the promoter-associated NR3C1 probes were less methylated in the CBT group, with cg26464411 as top most differentially methylated CpG site (p = 0.038), mean DNA methylation of all NR3C1 promoter-associated probes did not differ significantly between the CBT and TAU groups (mean ∆β = 0.002, 95%CI − 0.010 to 0.011). None of the effects survived correction for multiple testing. There were no differences in mean DNA methylation between the children born to women with more severe depression or anxiety compared to children born to women with mild symptoms of depression or anxiety at baseline (mean ∆β (depression) = 0.0008, 95% CI − 0.007 to 0.008; mean ∆β (anxiety) = 0.0002, 95% CI − 0.004 to 0.005).ConclusionWe found preliminary evidence of a possible effect of CBT during pregnancy on widespread methylation in children’s genomes and a trend toward lower methylation of a CpG site previously shown by others to be linked to depression and child maltreatment. However, none of the effects survived correction for multiple testing and larger studies are warranted.Trial registrationTrial registration of the original RCT: ACTRN12607000397415. Registered on 2 August 2007.

Guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescent anxiety: Predictors of treatment response

BackgroundGuided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) has been found efficacious in reducing symptoms of anxiety in adolescents with anxiety disorders, but not all respond equally well. ObjectiveIn this study, we explored candidate predictors of ICBT treatment response within the frame of a randomized controlled trial. MethodsSixty-five adolescents (13–17 years) with anxiety disorders according to DSM-IV received 14 weeks of therapist-guided ICBT. Outcome was evaluated as improvement (continuous change score) from pre-treatment to 12-month follow-up according to self-reported anxiety symptoms and clinician-rated diagnostic severity. Clinical predictors included baseline self- and parent-reported anxiety symptom levels, baseline clinician-rated severity of primary diagnosis, summed baseline clinician-rated severity of all anxiety diagnoses, baseline self-rated depressive symptoms, age of onset, and primary diagnosis of social phobia. Demographic predictors included age, gender and computer comfortability. Therapy process-related predictors included number of completed modules and therapist phone calls, summed duration of therapist phone calls, degree of parent support, and therapeutic alliance. Multi-level models were used to test the prediction effects over time. ResultsHigher levels of self- and clinician-rated baseline anxiety and self-rated depressive symptoms, female gender, and higher levels of computer comfortability were associated with increased treatment response. None of the proposed therapy process-related predictors significantly predicted treatment response. ConclusionThe present findings indicate that ICBT may be an acceptable choice of treatment for youths, even those with relative high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Extending access to a web-based mental health intervention: who wants more, what happens to use over time, and is it helpful? Results of a concealed, randomized controlled extension study

BackgroundWeb-based mental health applications may be beneficial, but adoption is often low leaving optimal implementation and payment models unclear. This study examined which users were interested in extended access to a web-based application beyond an initial 3-month trial period and evaluated if an additional 3 months of access was beneficial.MethodsThis study was a concealed extension of a multi-center, pragmatic randomized controlled trial that assessed the benefit of 3 months of access to the Big White Wall (BWW), an anonymous web-based moderated, multi-component mental health application offering self-directed activities and peer support. Trial participants were 16 years of age or older, recruited from hospital-affiliated mental health programs. Participants who received access to the intervention in the main trial and completed 3-month outcome assessments were offered participation. We compared those who were and were not interested in an extension of the intervention, and re-randomized consenting participants 1:1 to receive extended access or not over the subsequent 3 months. Use of the intervention was monitored in the extension group and outcomes were measured at 3 months after re-randomization in both groups. The primary outcome was mental health recovery as assessed by total score on the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS-r), as in the main trial. Linear mixed models were used to examine the time by group interaction to assess for differences in responses over the 3-month extension study.ResultsOf 233 main trial participants who responded, 119 (51.1%) indicated an interest in receiving extended BWW access. Those who were interested had significantly higher baseline anxiety symptoms compared to those who were not interested. Of the 119, 112 were re-randomized (55 to extended access, 57 to discontinuation). Only 21 of the 55 extended access participants (38.2%) used the intervention during the extension period. Change in RAS-r scores over time was not significantly different between groups (time by group, F(1,77) = 1.02; P = .31).ConclusionsOnly half of eligible participants were interested in extended access to the intervention with decreasing use over time, and no evidence of added benefit. These findings have implications for implementation and payment models for this type of web-based mental health intervention.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.govNCT02896894. Registered retrospectively on September 12, 2016.

Quality of life and psychological distress in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

154 Background: Older patients with AML face difficult treatment decisions as they can be treated either with multi-drug ‘intensive’ chemotherapy requiring a prolonged hospitalization, or ‘non-intensive’ chemotherapy. Although clinicians often perceive intensive chemotherapy as more burdensome, studies comparing older patients’ quality of life (QOL) and psychological distress while receiving these treatments are lacking. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study of older patients (≥ 60 years) newly diagnosed with AML receiving intensive (i.e. 7+3: cytarabine/anthracycline combination) or non-intensive (i.e., hypomethylating agents) chemotherapy at two tertiary care hospitals. We assessed patient’s QOL [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia], and psychological distress [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]] at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after diagnosis. We compared the proportion of patients in each group reporting clinically significant depression or anxiety (HADS subscale cut off ≥ 7) and used mixed linear effects models to compare QOL and psychological distress longitudinally between groups. Results: We enrolled 75.2% (100/133) of eligible patients within 72 hours of initiating intensive (n = 50) or non-intensive (n = 50) chemotherapy. Baseline QOL, depression, or anxiety symptoms did not differ between the groups. At baseline, 33.33% (33/100) and 30% (30/100) of the overall cohort reported clinically significant depression and anxiety, respectively, with no differences between groups. At 4 weeks, 41.98% (34/81) of patients in the overall cohort reported clinically significant depression, with no differences between groups. In mixed linear effects models, there were no differences in QOL (β = -0.71, SE = 1.12, p = 0.527), depression (β = 0.24, SE = 0.20, p = 0.226), or anxiety (β = -0.16, SE = 0.19, p = 0.386) symptoms over all time points. Conclusions: Older patients with AML receiving intensive and non-intensive chemotherapy experience similar QOL and high rates of psychological distress. These findings underscore the need to develop supportive care interventions for older patients with AML, regardless of their initial treatment strategy.

Quality of Life and Psychological Distress in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Background: Older patients with AML face difficult treatment decisions as they can be treated either with multi-drug ‘intensive’ chemotherapy requiring a prolonged hospitalization, or ‘non-intensive’ chemotherapy. Although intensive chemotherapy is often perceived by clinicians as more burdensome, studies comparing patients' quality of life (QOL) and psychological distress while receiving these treatments are lacking.Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study of older patients (≥ 60 years) newly diagnosed with AML receiving intensive (i.e. 7+3: cytarabine/anthracycline combination) or non-intensive (i.e. hypomethylating agents) chemotherapy at two tertiary care hospitals. We assessed patient's QOL [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia], and psychological distress [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]] at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after diagnosis. We compared the proportion of patients in each group reporting clinically significant depression or anxiety (HADS subscale cut off ≥ 7) and used mixed linear effects models to compare QOL and psychological distress longitudinally between groups.Results: We enrolled consecutive patients within 72 hours of initiating intensive (n=50) or non-intensive (n=50) chemotherapy. There were no differences in baseline QOL, depression, or anxiety symptoms between the groups. At baseline, 33.33% (33/100) and 30% (30/100) of the overall cohort reported clinically significant depression and anxiety, respectively, with no differences between groups. At 4 weeks, 41.98% (34/81) of patients in the overall cohort reported clinically significant depression, with no differences between groups. In mixed linear effects models, there were no differences in QOL (β=-0.71, SE=1.12, P=0.527), depression (β=0.24, SE=0.20, P=0.226), or anxiety (β=-0.16, SE=0.19, P=0.386) symptoms between groups over time.Conclusion: Older patients with AML receiving intensive and non-intensive chemotherapy experience similar QOL impairments and high rates of psychological distress. These findings underscore the need to develop supportive care interventions for older patients with AML, regardless of their initial treatment strategy. DisclosuresBrunner:Takeda: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Fathi:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz: Honoraria; Boston Biomedical: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astellas: Honoraria; Agios: Honoraria, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria. DeAngelo:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy; Shire: Honoraria; Blueprint Medicines: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer Inc: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy; Glycomimetics: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria. Amrein:Takeda: Research Funding.

Depression Symptoms Predict Worse Clinical Response to Etanercept Treatment in Psoriasis Patients

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the predicting values of depression and anxiety symptoms for clinical response to etanercept treatment in psoriasis patients. Methods: A total of 85 psoriasis patients who received 6 months of etanercept treatment were consecutively enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was evaluated at month 0 (M0), M1, M3, and M6, and the corresponding PASI 75/90 response at each visit was assessed. Also, anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at M0, M1, M3, and M6. Results: Depression symptoms were observed to correlate with female gender (p = 0.004), longer disease duration (p = 0.018), and higher PASI score (p < 0.001), and anxiety symptoms were seen to be associated with female gender (p = 0.017), larger psoriasis-affected body surface area (p = 0.049), and higher PASI score (p = 0.017) in psoriasis patients. After etanercept treatment, HADS-Depression (HADS-D) and HADS-Anxiety (HADS-A) scores were both decreased at M1, M3, and M6 (all p < 0.001) compared with M0. Most importantly, baseline depressed patients presented with a lower PASI 75 response rate at M3 (p = 0.014) and M6 (p = 0.005), and a reduced PASI 90 response rate at M6 (p = 0.045) compared with baseline non-depressed patients. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that depression symptoms at baseline were an independent predictive factor for the lower possibility of both PASI 75 response (p = 0.048) and PASI 90 response (p = 0.048) achievements at M6 in psoriasis patients. However, no correlation of baseline anxiety symptoms with PASI 75/90 responses was observed. Conclusion: Depression symptoms at baseline independently predict a worse clinical response to etanercept treatment in psoriasis patients.

Longitudinal Trajectory and Characterization of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in a Nationwide Cohort Study.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is an important clinical problem in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. Nationwide longitudinal studies are needed to understand the trajectory and severity of CRCI in specific cognitive domains. The overall objective of this nationwide, prospective, observational study conducted within the National Cancer Institute Community Clinical Oncology Research Program was to assess trajectories in specific cognitive domains in patients with breast cancer (stage I-IIIC) receiving chemotherapy, from pre- (A1) to postchemotherapy (A2) and from prechemotherapy to 6 months postchemotherapy (A3); controls were assessed at the same time-equivalent points. The primary aim assessed visual memory using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery Delayed Match to Sample test by longitudinal mixed models including A1, A2, and A3 and adjusting for age, education, race, cognitive reserve score, and baseline anxiety and depressive symptoms. We also assessed trajectories of CRCI in other aspects of memory as well as in attention and executive function with computerized, paper-based, and telephone-based cognitive tests. In total, 580 patients with breast cancer (mean age, 53.4 years) and 363 controls (mean age, 52.6 years) were assessed. On the Delayed Match to Sample test, the longitudinal mixed model results revealed a significant group-by-time effect ( P < .005); patients declined over time from prechemotherapy (A1) to 6 months postchemotherapy (A3; P = .005), but controls did not change ( P = .426). The group difference between patients and controls was also significant, revealing declines in patients but not controls ( P = .017). Several other models of computerized, standard, and telephone tests indicated significantly worse performance by patients compared with controls from pre- to postchemotherapy and from prechemotherapy to 6 months postchemotherapy. This nationwide study showed CRCI in patients with breast cancer affects multiple cognitive domains for at least 6 months postchemotherapy.

Predictors of response to brief CBT in patients with cardiopulmonary conditions.

This study examined predictors of treatment outcome in a randomized controlled trial of brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (bCBT) for patients with a cardiopulmonary condition and comorbid, clinically significant symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Only those who completed outcome assessments in the bCBT arm were studied (n = 132), to provide information about predictors of change in psychological symptoms. Multivariable linear regressions were conducted with baseline depression and anxiety symptoms, functional limitations, coping, self-efficacy, number of treatment sessions attended, and working alliance as potential predictors of change from pre- to postintervention on the dependent variables, depression [Patient Health Questionniare-9] and anxiety [Beck Anxiety Inventory]). Significant predictors of improvement in depression and anxiety included baseline mental health symptoms, physical health functional impairment, and self-efficacy. Coping, working alliance, and number of sessions attended were not associated with change in depression or anxiety. Patients with greater physical functioning limitations and lower self-efficacy may experience less change in depression and anxiety during brief CBT. Future research should examine how to boost treatment effectiveness for patients with these characteristics. (PsycINFO Database Record

Depression, Anxiety, and Pelvic Floor Symptoms Before and After Surgery for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

We aimed to explore the correlation between perioperative symptoms of depression and anxiety with pelvic floor symptoms after urogynecologic surgery. Postoperative pain, goal attainment, quality of life, and satisfaction were assessed. A prospective cohort study of women undergoing inpatient urogynecologic surgery was conducted. Preoperative questionnaires included Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety Inventories, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, and a detailed goals and perioperative supports questionnaire. Postoperative pain was assessed via the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Questionnaires were readministered 6 weeks postoperatively. Descriptive statistics were obtained. Spearman correlation determined the relationship between preoperative and postoperative questionnaire scores. Quantile regression assessed the potential moderating effect of patient characteristics on these relationships. Sixty women (mean age, 58.5 years) were recruited. Fifty-seven (95%) completed follow-up. Most common surgical indication was pelvic organ prolapse (59/60; 98%). Depression and anxiety symptoms were minimal in most women. There was significant median change in preoperative to postoperative scores for Beck Anxiety Inventory (-2.0, P = 0.011), Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (-69.4, P < 0.001), and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (-23.8, P = 0.001). Baseline depression and anxiety symptoms were correlated with higher immediate postoperative pain, but not other outcomes. The most common goal, achieved by 47 (92%) of 51, was to reduce condition-specific symptoms. Postoperative depression and anxiety symptoms, and pelvic floor distress and impact were significantly correlated. Baseline depression and anxiety symptoms were not significantly associated with postoperative pelvic floor symptom burden or surgical satisfaction. Bothersome postoperative pelvic floor symptoms were associated with postoperative depressive symptoms.