Beck Anxiety Research Articles

Effect of Pre-procedure Anxiety Levels on Post-procedure Pain Scores in Women Undergoing Hysterosalpingography in South-south Nigeria


 Background: Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Hysterosalpingography plays a very crucial role the evaluation of the women with infertility.
 Objective: To determine the relationship between pre-procedure anxiety and procedure-associated pain among infertile women undergoing hysterosalpingography.
 Materials and Methods: This prospective survey was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Radiology Departments of the two tertiary health institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, from January to August, 2021. Hysterosalpingography was done for 380 infertile women, after obtaining written informed consent. Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) were used to grade levels of anxiety and pain, respectively. Data were entered into a pre-designed proforma, and analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages for categorical variables; mean and standard deviation for continuous variables.
 Results: The pre-procedure anxiety scores showed significant, positive, and strong relationship with post-procedure pain scores, reflected in a correlation coefficient of 0.50 (p – 0.001). For every unit change in anxiety score, there was an estimated 25.4% change in the pain perception documented by the participants. For participants who had an anxiety score of 0, there was an average pain score of 3.45.
 Conclusion: This study established a positive correlation between pre-hysterosalpingography anxiety scores and post-hysterosalpingography pain scores.

Mental disorders among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study.

Pregnancy is the most important event in women's lives and can lead to psychological lability. Several risk factors (such as disasters, events and pandemics) have been correlated with greater prevalence of mental disorders during pregnancy. To research how pregnant women have been affected by the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic process, in order to contribute to the limited literature. Cross-sectional survey study conducted at the Training and Research Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ordu, Ordu, Turkey, from February 1 to March 1, 2021. In total, 356 pregnant women were enrolled and completed the survey. Intention of going to hospital and the Beck anxiety, Beck depression, Beck hopelessness and Epworth sleepiness scales were applied to detect mental disorders. Among the participants, the anxiety, depression, hopelessness and sleepiness scores were 29.2%, 36.2%, 58.1% and 11.8%, respectively. The pregnant women stated that they avoided going to hospital in unnecessary situations by obeying the 'stay at home' calls, but also stated that they were afraid of the potential harmful effects of inadequate physician control. However, most of them stated that they would go to the hospital in emergencies. This paper illustrated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of pregnant women and emphasized their high rates of anxiety, depression, hopelessness and sleepiness. Since presence of mental disorders is indirectly related to poor pregnancy outcomes, preventive strategies should be developed, especially during this pandemic process.

Protocolo de estudo para avaliar função sexual nas mulheres em idade fértil com epilepsia

INTRODUÇÃO: O diagnóstico de epilepsia em mulheres pode desencadear mudanças de comportamento social, emocional e sexual. Estudos já comprovaram que mulheres em idade fértil com epilepsia apresentam comprometimento no desenvolvimento das atividades diárias e na qualidade de vida devido às suas especificidades. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função sexual nas mulheres em idade fértil com epilepsia. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo tipo transversal, descritivo e analítico com abordagem quantitativa. Serão analisados dois grupos de mulheres: grupo exposto: com epilepsia e grupo não-exposto: sem epilepsia. A coleta de dados se dará através de aplicação de questionários de dados socioeconômico, demográfico e clínico, Beck ansiedade e depressão, Whooqol-bref para avaliar qualidade de vida, FSFI para função sexual e FGSIS para autoimagem da genitália. Para análise dos dados, utilizaremos testes de associação ou verificação de diferenças entre grupos paramétricos e não paramétricos. A variável dependente "função sexual" será testada para comparação com as variáveis independentes. Serão considerados p< a 0,05 como medida de significância. RESULTADOS ESPERADOS: Espera-se que fatores associados a disfunção sexual em mulheres em idade fértil com epilepsia possam ser identificados.

Supplementation with açaí (Euterpe Oleracea Martius) for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: effects on perception, anxiety levels and oxidative metabolism biomarkers.

To investigate the effects of antioxidant supplementation with açaí extract on the discomfort with chronic tinnitus and the relationship with the levels of anxiety and oxidative metabolism, not excluding the overlap of diseases. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 30 individuals participated, with an average of 50.5 years, 14 males and 16 females, with normal hearing thresholds or sensorineural hearing loss up to mild degree, divided into two groups: Placebo Group (without active) and, Açaí Group (100mg of açaí extract). The following procedures were applied before and after three months of treatments: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and blood samples for evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers (Lipid Peroxidation and Protein Carbonylation). There was a reduction in the discomfort of tinnitus for the açaí group verified through THI (p = 0.006). Significant differences were found in the score of common symptoms for anxiety disorders in the placebo group (p = 0.016), however, the same was not observed for oxidative metabolism biomarkers, although there was a decrease in post-treatment values for all groups. Oral antioxidant supplementation, with açaí extract, showed favorable effects on tinnitus, reducing discomfort with the symptom, regardless of the underlying etiology, and can be considered a treatment modality. However, the effect of this supplementation on anxiety symptoms and oxidative stress biomarkers needs further investigation.

Comparison the Effects of Gabapentin and Oxazepam on Sleep Quality, Anxiety, and Pain in Unstable Angina Patients Admitted to Coronary Care Unit of Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital.

Background:This study aimed to compare the efficacy of gabapentin and oxazepam on sleep quality, the severity of anxiety, and pain level in patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU).Materials and Methods:This double-blind randomized clinical trial was done on the patients with unstable angina (UA) admitted to the CCU of Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital in Tehran. A total of 56 patients were entered the study and randomly divided into two groups of 26. The first group was given a gabapentin capsule at a dose of 300–1200 mg/day, and the second group was given 10–20 mg of oxazepam tablets per day until hospitalization in the CCU. On the first and 4th days of hospitalization, Groningen sleep quality score (GSQS), Beck Anxiety Inventory, and severity of pain experienced by Visual Analogue Scale were recorded, and the mean frequency of chest pains was calculated in 24 h during the first 4 days. The amount of drug (morphine) prescription in CCU also compared between the two groups.Results:There was no significant difference in GSQS scores between both groups. The mean score of Beck's anxiety scale did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the incidence of chest pain was significantly lower in the gabapentin-receiving group than in the oxazepam-receiving group (<0.001). The days that the patients experienced chest pain were significantly less in the gabapentin-receiving group than in the oxazepam-receiving group (<0.001).Conclusion:The results of our study showed that gabapentin compared to oxazepam could significantly reduce chest pain in patients with UA.

Клинические особенности болевого синдрома при демиелинизирующих заболеваниях с поражением спинного мозга

Study Objective: To study the clinical features of pain syndrome (PS) in demyelinating diseases (DS) with spinal cord damage on the example of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or spectrum of neuroopticomyelitis disoders (NMOSD). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods. 30 patients with demyelinating diseases and spinal cord injury were examined. All patients were divided into two groups: with PS (n = 20, of which patients with MS — 10, with NMOSD — 10) and without it (n = 10, of which patients with MS — 7, with NMOSD — 3). All participants underwent standard interviewing, assessment of neurological status, pain intensity on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), the degree of general disability on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and also filled out questionnaires on the presence of neuropathic PS (DN4), Beck's anxiety and depression, quality of life Short Form 36-item health survey. Study Results. The duration of PS was on average 23.5 ± 1.3 days in patients with MS and 46.6 ± 2.4 days in patients with NMOSD (p = 0.000014). There was no statistically significant difference in the intensity of PS according to VAS between the study groups. When analyzing the scores on the SF-36 quality of life scale, a statistically significant difference was revealed in mental health indicators (with PS — 30.1 ± 2.6, without PS — 50.77 ± 3.39 points, p = 0.000182), social activity (with PS — 30.35 ± 10.37, without PS — 77.33 ± 6.5 points, p = 0.00145), role functioning associated with physical factors (with PS — 27.5 ± 3.31, without PS — 44.22 ± 5.55 points, p = 0.0019842), role functioning associated with emotional factors (with PS — 27.6 ± 11.38, without PS — 70.67 ± 14.74 points, p = 0.001649), as well as in the intensity of PS (with PS — 38.80 ± 7.27, without PS — 73.56 ± 6.56 points, p = 0.001571). According to the Beck scale of anxiety and depression, depression was significantly more common in patients with PS (p = 0.002). Conclusion. Neuropathic pain in NMOSD is more intense and prolonged, and the characteristics of pain do not depend on age, gender and duration of the disease. In patients with PS, the indicators of the mental component of health, social and role functioning are reduced. Statistically significant differences in these indicators between patients with MS and NMOSD were not revealed. Keywords: multiple sclerosis, spectrum of neuroopticomyelitis disoders, neuropathic pain, painful tonic muscle spasms, pain syndrome.

Temporomandibular Eklem Bozukluğu Olan Hastaların Psikolojik Durumu ve Ağız Sağlığı ile İlişkili Yaşam Kalitesi: Kesitsel Bir Klinik Çalışma

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the association of psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression with the quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Material and Methods: This cross-sectional clinical study was carried out on 375 patients with temporomandibular joint disorder in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences Faculty of Dentistry. While the stress level of the participants was evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale-14, the levels of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Scales. Participants' quality of life was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). SPSS for Windows 21.0 program was used for statistical analyses. Results were evaluated in 95% confidence interval, at p<0.05 and p<0.001 significance levels. Results: The OHIP-14 scale mean score of the participants was 17.42. In this study, the highest scores were observed in the OHIP-14 sub-dimensions of 'physical pain (3.97±2.22)' and 'psychological disturbance (3.02±2.09)'. Both the total OHIP-14 score and the OHIP-14 sub-dimension scores increased significantly as the levels of stress, anxiety and depression increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: These study findings revealed that stress, anxiety, and depression level were positively and strongly correlated with quality of life in patients with TMD. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration in the psychosocial parameters in the treatment of the disease and improving the quality of life.

The Living Kidney Donor Safety Study: Protocol of a Prospective Cohort Study.

Living kidney donation is considered generally safe in healthy individuals; however, there is a need to better understand the long-term effects of donation on blood pressure and kidney function. To determine the risk of hypertension in healthy, normotensive adults who donate a kidney compared with healthy, normotensive non-donors with similar indicators of baseline health. We will also compare the 2 groups on the rate of decline in kidney function, the risk of albuminuria, and changes in health-related quality of life. Prospective cohort study of 1042 living kidney donors recruited before surgery from 17 transplant centers (12 in Canada and 5 in Australia) between 2004 and 2014. Non-donor participants (n = 396) included relatives or friends of the donor, or donor candidates who were ineligible to donate due to blood group or cross-match incompatibility. Follow-up will continue until 2021, and the main analysis will be performed in 2022. The anticipated median (25th, 75th percentile, maximum) follow-up time after donation is 7 years (6, 8, 15). Donors and non-donors completed the same schedule of measurements at baseline and follow-up (non-donors were assigned a simulated nephrectomy date). Annual measurements were obtained for blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, patient-reported health-related quality of life, and general health. Incident hypertension (a systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg or receipt of anti-hypertensive medication) will be adjudicated by a physician blinded to the participant's donation status. We will assess the rate of change in eGFR starting from 12 months after the nephrectomy date and the proportion who develop an albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥3 mg/mmol (≥30 mg/g) in follow-up. Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the 36-item RAND health survey and the Beck Anxiety and Depression inventories. Donation-attributable hypertension may not manifest until decades after donation. This prospective cohort study will estimate the attributable risk of hypertension and other health outcomes after living kidney donation.

The effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy on anxiety, depression, and quality of life among female adolescent students.

BACKGROUND:Adolescence is a stressful time period. Adolescents experience new changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on anxiety (primary outcome), depression, and quality of life (secondary outcomes) of adolescents.Materials And Method :This was a quasi-experimental study with pre and postintervention design. One hundred female students aged 16–18 years with mild to moderate anxiety selected through multistage cluster sampling from five educational districts of Tabriz. During six group counseling sessions, students were consulted with the acceptance and commitment approach according to the protocol. Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory and the World Health Organization brief Quality of Life Questionnaire consultation were completed before, immediately after, and 8 weeks after the consultation. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANCOVA.RESULTS:The mean anxiety score decreased significantly immediately after the intervention (mean difference [MD]: −4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.9 to − 2.0; P < 0.001) and 8 weeks later (MD: −3.9, 95% CI: −5.8 to − 1.9; P < 0.001). The mean depression score immediately (P < 0.001) and 8 weeks after intervention (MD; −4.2, CI: −1.6 to − 6.8), P < 0.001) declined significantly. The mean overall quality of life score increased significantly after the intervention (P < 0.001) and 8 weeks later (MD: 4.7, 95% CI: 7.1–2.3, P < 0.001) compared to baseline.CONCLUSIONS:Based on the effectiveness of counseling based on ACT on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the female students with the mild and moderate anxiety over time, it can be used as a helpful method in high schools.

Factors associated with the inflammatory process in pain in ankylosing spondylitis.

Introductionsleep disorders, closely related to any chronic pain process, are frequent among patients with rheumatic diseases, mainly ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Our study aimed to determine the association between sleep disturbances and the inflammatory process in pain in AS patients compared with lower back pain (LBP) patients. We have additionally examined factors associated with sleep disorders among AS patients.Methodswe conducted a cross-sectional study among AS patients. Sociodemographic data, patient reported outcomes and disease characteristics were recorded. Sleep was assessed using the medical outcomes study sleep scale measure (MOS-SS). For psychological assessment, Beck anxiety (BAI) and depression index (BDI) was used. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with sleep disorders.Resultsthe study included 50 patients with AS and 40 patients with low back pain. The most common affected domains among AS patients were inadequacy, sleep disturbance, and daily somnolence. The MOS-SS index was significantly higher in the AS group than in the control group (p<0.001). Sleep disorder was associated with age, female gender, analphabetism, patient-reported outcomes (all p<0.05), but was not associated with profession, comorbidities and smoking habits. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with sleep disruption were the duration of morning stiffness (MS), disease activity, bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI), ASQol, as well as anxiety and depression (odds ratio: 5.4(CI 95% 1.6-18.3), 9.9 (CI95%1.1-86); 6 (CI95%1.1-32); 13 (CI 95% 1.4-143.8); 15.7 (CI 95% 2.6-94.3); 14 (CI 95% 2-105.7) respectively, p<0.05 for each).Conclusionour study highlighted the importance of sleep disorders among patients with AS with a predilection for inadequacy, sleep disturbance, and daily somnolence. Factors associated with sleep disruption were high disease activity, a longer duration of MS, an altered function and quality of life as well as anxiety and depression.

Evaluation of the Effects of Noninvasive Ventilation on Blood Gas and Depression Levels of Patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is associated with increased mechanical load on respiratory system. Here, we aimed to investigate and evaluate the effects of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on physical and mental status of patients with OHS. The current study is an observational study that was performed in 2020 on 50 patients with OHS in Isfahan, Iran. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires were also filled for all patients assessing their depression levels that were confirmed by psychiatrists. PO2 and PCO2 of patients were evaluated using venous blood gas (VBG) before interventions. Patients with a definite diagnosis of OHS and depression entered the study and underwent treatments with NIV. One month after the interventions with NIV, the blood gases of patients were evaluated using VBG and BDI-II, and HADS questionnaires were also filled for all patients, evaluating their depression. The mean age of the subjects was 63.5 ± 13.5. The mean blood oxygen after the use of NIV in patients with OHS increased significantly (P = 0.001). The mean of carbon dioxide after using NIV in patients with OHS decreased significantly (P = 0.001). Based on the BDI-II and HADS scales, the mean score of depression after using NIV decreased significantly (P = 0.001 for both). NIV therapies are associated with improvements in blood oxygen and CO2 of patients with OHS. The levels of depression also decreased after treatments that were confirmed by psychiatrists.

Effectiveness of aromatherapy with inhaled lavender essential oil and breathing exercises on ECT-related anxiety in depressed patients

Background and aims Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered a safe, effective, and significant treatment in patients suffering from a major depressive disorder. Anxiety caused by this invasive treatment may impose several side effects on patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy with inhaled lavender essential oil and breathing exercises on ECT-related anxiety in depressed patients.Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 90 depressed patients were selected and divided into three groups: aromatherapy, breathing exercise, and routine care using a random allocation method. Before undergoing ECT, the aromatherapy group was exposed to the inhaled lavender essential oil (n = 30), the breathing exercise group performed the breathing exercises (n = 30), and the routine care group received routine care (n = 30). Before (20 min) and after the intervention (30 min later), patients' anxiety was assessed using Beck Anxiety Inventory.Results After the intervention, the results revealed that anxiety score changes were statistically significant among the three groups (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that the patients’ mean anxiety scores significantly decreased in the aromatherapy and breathing exercise groups compared to with the pre-intervention scores (p < 0.001).Conclusion Aromatherapy with inhaled lavender essential oil and breathing exercises can be considered by clinical nurses as simple, applicable, and effective interventions to reduce ECT-related anxiety in depressed patients.

Effects of group logotherapy on mood and function of locally advanced prostate cancer patients

AbstractPatients with prostate cancer who receive systemic androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and local treatments have a high likelihood to experience depression, anxiety and fatigue. The present study aimed to determine the effects of Frankl's group logotherapy sessions on alleviating these symptoms in individuals with moderate‐ to high‐risk prostate cancer who were receiving pelvic radiotherapy. A quasi‐experimental study with pretest–post‐test was conducted in which 30 patients were assigned either to the experimental (n = 15) or to the control (n = 15) group. The implicated research instruments were as follows: Beck's Depression Inventory, Beck's Anxiety Inventory, Okayama et al.’s Cancer Fatigue Scale and Luthans' Psychological Capital Questionnaire. The results of the ANCOVA showed that logotherapy significantly affected anxiety (F = 42.51, p &lt; 0.001), depression (F = 39.36, p &lt; 0.001), cancer fatigue (F = 16.54, p &lt; 0.001) and psychological capital (F = 39.86, p &lt; 0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group, indicating that logotherapy sessions with an emphasis on meanings, aims and values of life, when accompanied by peer interaction, can improve mood and function as well as contributing to positive psychological capital in intermediate and high‐risk prostate cancer patients during their treatments.

Fear and Anxiety Caused by COVID-19 in the Iranian Society and the Influential Factors

Background: Due to the changing nature of the spread of emerging infectious diseases, such crises could cause significant fear, especially when the disease is associated with high mortality. Fear and anxiety adversely affect health. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the fear and anxiety caused by COVID-19 in the Iranian society and the influential factors in this regard. Methods: This correlational study was conducted on 458 participants who were recruited for an online survey. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire of COVID-19 fear and Beck's anxiety inventory. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 23 using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including t-test and multiple comparisons. Results: The prevalence of fear and anxiety was less than 20%. The correlations between the anxiety scores and fear of COVID-19 with demographic variables indicated that the COVID-19 fear scores had a weak correlation with an appeal to religion and efforts to prevent COVID-19 (P ≤ 0.05), while no correlation was observed with the other variables. In addition, the anxiety scores had weak, inverse correlations with the effort to prevent COVID-19 and satisfaction with the government’s effort (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results, the fear of COVID-19 and the subsequent anxiety is mild in the Iranian society. Low anxiety and fear caused by the disease could lead to negligence and disregarding health standards, which will increase the number of these patients in the community.

A longitudinal investigation of Aβ, anxiety, depression, and mild cognitive impairment.

We investigated the longitudinal relationship between cortical amyloid deposition, anxiety, and depression and the risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We followed 1440 community-dwelling, cognitively unimpaired individuals aged ≥ 50 years for a median of 5.5 years. Clinical anxiety and depression were assessed using Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories (BAI, BDI-II). Cortical amyloid beta (Aβ) was measured by Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography (PiB-PET) and elevated deposition (PiB+) was defined as standardized uptake value ratio ≥ 1.48. We calculated Cox proportional hazards models with age as the time scale, adjusted for sex, education, and medical comorbidity. Cortical Aβ deposition (PiB+) independent of anxiety (BAI ≥ 10) or depression (BDI-II ≥ 13) increased the risk of MCI. There was a significant additive interaction between PiB+ and anxiety (joint effect hazard ratio 6.77; 95% confidence interval 3.58-12.79; P=.031) that is, being PiB+ and having anxiety further amplified the risk of MCI. Anxiety modified the association between PiB+ and incident MCI.

Sexual function in women of fertile age with epilepsy

PurposeTo evaluate Sexual Function Scores in women of childbearing age with epilepsy. MethodCross-sectional study and comparison of two groups, one with and the other without epilepsy. The instruments used were: semi-structured socioeconomic, demographic and clinical questionnaire; Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories; Word Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-brief); Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI); and Female Genital Self Image Scale (FGSIS). Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's Exact Test, Chi-Square, Mann–Whitney, and Spearman's Correlation, considering p < 0.05 as a measure of significance. Results110 women were included (55 with epilepsy and 55 without epilepsy) with a mean age of 32 years. Both groups had sexual dysfunction (with epilepsy: 19.28 vs. without epilepsy: 21.05; p = 0.416). There was no significant difference between groups in the analysis of self-image of the genitalia, Quality of Life, or Anxiety. However, there was a statistical difference in Depression Symptoms (with epilepsy: 11.44 vs. without epilepsy:13.82, p = 0.038). When evaluating the influence of epilepsy on sexual function score, women who used enzyme-inducing drugs had worse scores in desire domain (5.21 vs. 6.65; p = 0.020) and lubrication domain (9.48 vs. 12.95; p = 0.047) when compared to women who used non-enzyme-inducing drugs, respectively. In the correlation of Sexual Function with Anxiety, Depression, Quality of Life, and Self-Image of the genitalia, it was observed that when Depression levels increase, desire is impaired [-0.273(p = 0.043)]. In Quality of Life, the psychological [0.311(p = 0.021)] and environmental [0.268(p = 0.048)] domains positively influenced desire. The social relationships domain improved desire [0.504(p = 0.000)], excitement [0.461(p = 0.000)], lubrication [0.342(p = 0.011)], orgasm [0.425(p = 0.001)], satisfaction [0.449(p = 0.001)], and decreased pain [0.402(p = 0.002)]. Consequently, these influence appeared to improve sexual function [0.521(p = 0.000)]. ConclusionWomen of childbearing age with epilepsy have sexual dysfunction. The presence of signs of depression and the use of enzyme-inducing drugs must be carefully analyzed, as they can worsen the sexual function score. Health professionals need to be aware that sexual dysfunction must be investigated because this issue influences the quality of life of these women.

اضطراب کادر درمانی و عوامل روانشناختی موثر بر آن در زمان پاندمی کوید 19 در ایران: یک مطالعه مروری سیستماتیک:

Introduction: The Covid-19 epidemic in the world has triggered innumerable stress and anxiety among people. Since medical staff play a leading role in the fight against Covid-19, they experience the highest level of risk and anxiety. Consequently, as a systematic study, this study aimed to investigate the anxiety of medical staff and the psychological factors affecting it during the pandemic of Covid-19 in Iran. Method: In the current study, a systematic review was done to search for Persian database articles, Scientific Information Database (SID), Magiran, and Google Scholar search engine from 2018 to 2021 using Persian keywords; anxiety, coronavirus, Covid-19, medical staff, nurses. To select studies and extract the data, the titles of all articles obtained were reviewed by two people, and duplicates were removed. Information about selected articles, including first author, year of publication, study title, study population, study method, sample size, study tools, and finally, the results were recorded in the data extraction form. Results: In the initial stage of the studies search, 624 studies were reviewed. Due to lack of relevance to the subject and duplication and lack of access to the full article, 610 studies were deleted. Lastly, 14 studies were used to write this study. Numerous psychological factors (stress, depression, burnout, resilience, family social support, suicidal ideation, emotion regulation, anxiety sensitivity, psychological stubbornness, caring behaviors, rumination, health beliefs, and physical activity) played a role in the incidence and prediction of anxiety. Among the studies, five were related to 2021, and 9 were related to 2020. The study population in three studies is Ardabil, in two studies is Malayer, in two studies is Jahrom, and in one study are Zahedan, Zarandieh, Alborz, Kerman, Torbat Heydariyeh, Miyaneh, and Rasht. The instrument in 10 studies was CDAS, two studies used Beck anxiety, and two studies used DASS. Conclusion: The results of this study disclosed that various psychological factors are influential in the incidence of anxiety in health care professionals, each of which can play a role in the incidence of anxiety. Consequently, recognizing the cause of these psychological disorders in these people is essential to maintain the mental health of these people by using appropriate methods.

Elevated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 in chronic methamphetamine users.

Chronic methamphetamine use causes aberrant changes in cytokines. Our aim was to analyze the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-18 in chronic methamphetamine users. Associations between cytokines levels with the demographic properties, methamphetamine use properties, and psychiatric symptoms in chronic methamphetamine users were also evaluated. Seventy-eight chronic methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospitalization and 64 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms of chronic methamphetamine users were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 were significantly increased in methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospital admission (average days since last methamphetamine use=39.06±7.48) when compared to those in controls. Serum IL-6 levels showed significant positive associations with BDI score and current frequency of methamphetamine use in chronic methamphetamine users. Our results suggest that increased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 levels may have an important role in chronic methamphetamine use-associated psychopathological symptoms.

Relationship Between Physiological Factors, Emotional Status and Daily Activities With Sleep Quality in Spinal Cord Injury

Background and Objectives: Generally, spinal cord injuries can lead to functional limitations and restrict participation in different areas of occupations. One of the areas of occupations that are less considered is rest and sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between physiological, emotional status and daily activities, and sleep quality in patients with spinal cord injury. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study that was conducted in 2019-2020. The statistical population of this study was patients with spinal cord injury referring to the occupational therapy clinics in Tehran and Karaj as well as hospitalized patients and daily patients referring to the Kahrizak care unit in Alborz province. The sample size was considered 100 spinal cord injury patients who were randomly selected. Data were collected using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire, STOP-BANG Respiratory Apnea Probability Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire, Pain Scale, and Barthel Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the risk factors of respiratory apnea, anxiety, depression, pain, the time elapsed after the accident and functional mobility, and sleep quality (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Sleep quality in patients with spinal cord injury is low and is significantly associated with factors, such as the likelihood of respiratory apnea, pain, mood factors anxiety and depression, muscle tone, functional mobility, and independence in daily activities

Increases in Stressors Prior to-Versus During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States Are Associated With Depression Among Middle-Aged Mothers.

Working parents in are struggling to balance the demands of their occupation with those of childcare and homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, studies show that women are shouldering more of the burden and reporting greater levels of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression relative to men. However, research has yet to show that increases in psychological symptoms are linked to changes in stress during the pandemic. Herein, we conduct a small-N study to explore the associations between stress and psychological symptoms during the pandemic among mothers using structural equation modeling, namely latent change score models. Thirty-three mothers completed questionnaires reporting current anxious and depressive symptoms (Beck Anxiety and Depression Index, respectively), as well as stressful life experiences prior to-versus during the pandemic (Social Readjustment Rating Scale). Women endorsed significantly more stressful events during the pandemic, relative to the pre-pandemic period. Additionally, 58% of mothers scored as moderate-to-high risk for developing a stress-related physical illness in the near future because of their pandemic-level stress. Depressive symptoms were associated with the degree of change in life stress, whereas anxiety symptoms were more related to pre-pandemic levels of stress. The present study preliminarily sheds light on the nuanced antecedents to mothers’ experiences of anxious and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although further work is needed in larger, more diverse samples of mothers, this study highlights the potential need for appropriate policies, and prevention and intervention programs to ameliorate the effects of pandemics on mothers’ mental health.