Depression And Anxiety Research Articles

Insomnia Catastrophizing and Affective Temperaments in Major Depressive Disorder

Background and Objective We aim to assess the role of affective temperaments, insomnia severity, sleep quality, and depressive anxiety symptoms in predicting catastrophizing insomnia in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods Our study employed a case-control design, involving 90 drug-free MDD patients and 90 healthy controls (HCs) with identical sociodemographic characteristics. Participants completed a comprehensive set of assessments, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Catastrophizing Scale (ICS), and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A).Results Among the 90 MDD patients, 80% were female (n = 72), with a mean age of 32.2 ± 13.6 years. The MDD group exhibited significantly higher scores on the BDI, BAI, ISI, PSQI, ICS night, ICS daytime, and ICS total scores, along with depressive, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperament scores, compared to the HCs (p < 0.001). Notably, the hyperthymic temperament showed no correlation with insomnia catastrophizing in either group. Our findings revealed that the ISI score was a predictive factor for the ICS night; age and ISI were predictive factors for the ICS daytime; and age, anxious temperament, and ISI were predictive factors for the ICS total in the MDD group.Conclusions The severity of insomnia, young age, and an anxious temperament were identified as positive predictors of insomnia catastrophizing.

Racialized Gender Stress and Mental Health Among Black Women: a Test of the Vance-wade Intersectional Suicide Risk Model with Longitudinal Data.

The recent shift in Black women's suicide risk calls for a new paradigm focused on unique factors specific to Black womanhood. The Vance-Wade Intersectional Suicide Risk Model (VWISRM) was introduced to contextualize this unexpected spike. According to the VWISRM, for Black women, psychosocial risk factors, gendered racism, and the Strong Black Woman script (SBW) lead to racialized gender stress (RGS) which results in mental health outcomes which are established predictors of suicide-related behaviors. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) was used to test for empirical evidence supporting the VWISRM. Our sample consisted of 418 Black female adolescent respondents who fully participated in data collection during Waves 1, 3, and 4. We ran bivariate analyses to examine both (1) what psychosocial factors of Black women are associated with SBW traits, gendered racism, and racialized gendered stress and (2) what mental health outcomes are predicted by SBW traits, gendered racism, and racialized gendered stress. Our analysis showed having both lower scores on the SBW traits and experiencing gendered racism are associated with a PTSD diagnosis. Specifically, the analysis explained 30% of the variation in PTSD diagnoses among Black women. Having both lower scores on the SBW traits predicted anxiety, PTSD, and contemplating suicide, and having experienced RGS linked to depression anxiety and contemplating suicide. Importantly, there were no moderating effects among SBW traits and RGS on PTSD, anxiety, or suicidality. Findings highlight important research and clinical implications for Black women's mental health. The Gendered Racism Intersectional Trauma model (GRIT) is introduced to better understand the breadth of mental health outcomes for Black women. Notably, our findings make a new contribution to the scientific inquiry of PTSD in Black women.

TRPC4/5 inhibitors: Phase I results and proof of concept studies.

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) ion channels are expressed in areas of the brain responsible for processing emotion and mood and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of internalizing disorders such as major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. This review outlines the rationale for targeting TRPC ion channels for drug development, with specific focus on TRPC4 and TRPC5. We provide preclinical evidence that the lack of TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels or its pharmacological inhibition attenuate fear and anxiety without impairing other behaviors in mice. We also report on clinical studies of BI 1358894, a small molecule inhibitor of TRPC4/5 ion channels, demonstrating reduced psychological and physiological responses to induced anxiety/panic-like symptoms in healthy volunteers. Furthermore, we highlight an imaging study that investigated the acute effects of BI 1358894 and showed reduced activation in several brain regions involved in emotional processing. We conclude that these findings demonstrate a critical role for TRPC4 and TRPC5 in emotional processing, even though it remains an open question if the biological signatures of TRPC4/5 inhibition reported here translate into clinical efficacy and indicate that a TRPC4/5 inhibitor might provide a more effective treatment of internalizing disorders.

Problems of depression in neurological practice

Introduction. Depressive disorders have ceased to be only the task of psychiatrists. Depression is detected in patients with a somatic and neurological profile as a reaction to the disease, and may be the cause of the disease. The number of above-mentioned pathologies remains unknown to date. The main task for health care organizers is the need to build an algorithm for the identification, registration and treatment of depressive disorders in patients with combined pathologies. This article discusses depressive disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis. The purpose of the study: to study depressive disorders and factors influencing depression in patients with multiple sclerosis. Materials and methods. 203 patients with clinically confirmed diagnosis of MS participated. Taking into account the course of the disease, MS patients were distributed: with a remitting (RRS) type of MS course 88.2 % (179 people) and 11.8 % (24 people) with a secondary progressive course (RRS). The average age of the examined patients with remitting course (RRS) ranged from 15 to 63 years, on average 38 ± 10 years. The age of the examined patients with HPV is in the range from 29 to 65 years, on average (46 ± 9.00) years. The majority of patients had a disease duration of less than 20 years, on average 8.23±6.57 years. The average age of onset of the disease is 30.2±10.5 years. The duration of the disease is 9.84 ± 0.73 years, while the level of disability of patients (score in points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale/EDSS) at the time of examination was 2.89 ± 0.16 points. The disability index varied in patients with RRS2.89 ± 0.16 points, in patients with RRS (5.0 ± 0.24) points. Results and discussion. 55.7 % (113 people) of MS patients were diagnosed with depression, of which 80.5 % (91 people) and 19.5% (22 people) of patients with a remitting (RRS) course and a secondary progressive course of the disease (RRS). More than 54.8 % (62 people) had mild and moderate depressive manifestations, 39.8 % (45 people) most often had mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, recurrent depressive disorder, then depressive episodes. It was revealed that the development of depression in patients with a remitting course is influenced by: «disease duration» PC p = 0.00333**, «disability level» p = 0.0457* and «personal anxiety» p = 0.0194. In patients with a secondary progressive course, depression is influenced by the following factors: «situational» p = 0.0398* and «personal anxiety» p = 1.740. The social status determined that patients with «MS without depression» who were married were statistically less likely to suffer from depression and maintained their working capacity longer (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Depressive disorders are the leading disorders in neurological patients, but their number and severity of symptoms are often ignored by specialists. Therefore, the health authorities are faced with the task of building a clinical and organizational algorithm for the identification of depressive disorders, as well as their timely medical correction.

Lack of optimistic bias during social evaluation learning reflects reduced positive self-beliefs in depression and social anxiety, but via distinct mechanisms

Processing social feedback optimistically may maintain positive self-beliefs and stable social relationships. Conversely, a lack of this optimistic bias in depression and social anxiety may perpetuate negative self-beliefs and maintain symptoms. Research investigating this mechanism is scarce, however, and the mechanisms by which depressed and socially anxious individuals respond to social evaluation may also differ. Using a range of computational approaches in two large datasets (mega-analysis of previous studies, n = 450; pre-registered replication study, n = 807), we investigated how depression (PHQ-9) and social anxiety (BFNE) symptoms related to social evaluation learning in a computerized task. Optimistic bias (better learning of positive relative to negative evaluations) was found to be negatively associated with depression and social anxiety. Structural equation models suggested this reflected a heightened sensitivity to negative social feedback in social anxiety, whereas in depression it co-existed with a blunted response to positive social feedback. Computational belief-based learning models further suggested that reduced optimism was driven by less positive trait-like self-beliefs in both depression and social anxiety, with some evidence for a general blunting in belief updating in depression. Recognizing such transdiagnostic similarities and differences in social evaluation learning across disorders may inform approaches to personalizing treatment.

Mindfulness to enhance quality of life and support advance care planning: a pilot randomized controlled trial for adults with advanced cancer and their family caregivers

BackgroundPatients with advanced cancer and family caregivers often use avoidant coping strategies, such as delaying advance care planning discussions, which contribute to deterioration in their quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in improving quality of life in this population but have rarely been applied to advance care planning. This pilot trial examined the preliminary efficacy of a group-based Mindfulness to Enhance Quality of Life and Support Advance Care Planning (MEANING) intervention for patient-caregiver dyads coping with advanced cancer. Primary outcomes were patient and caregiver quality of life or well-being, and secondary outcomes included patient advanced care planning engagement (self-efficacy and readiness) and other psychological and symptom outcomes.MethodsIn this pilot trial, dyads coping with advanced cancer were recruited from five oncology clinics in the midwestern U.S. and randomized to six weekly group sessions of a mindfulness intervention (n = 33 dyads) or usual care (n = 22 dyads). Outcomes were assessed via surveys at baseline, post-intervention, and 1 month post-intervention. All available data were included in the multilevel models assessing intervention efficacy.ResultsPatients in the MEANING condition experienced significant increases in existential well-being and self-efficacy for advance care planning across follow-ups, whereas usual care patients did not. Other group differences in outcomes were not statistically significant. These outcomes included other facets of patient well-being, caregiver quality of life, patient readiness for advance care planning, caregiver burden, and patient and caregiver depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance, cognitive avoidance, and peaceful acceptance of cancer. However, only MEANING patients showed moderate increases in psychological well-being across follow-ups, and MEANING caregivers showed moderate increases in quality of life at 1-month follow-up. Certain psychological outcomes, such as caregiver burden at 1-month follow-up, also showed moderate improvement in the MEANING condition. Patients in both conditions reported small to moderate increases in readiness to engage in advance care planning.ConclusionsA mindfulness-based intervention showed promise in improving quality-of-life and advance care planning outcomes in patients and caregivers coping with advanced cancer and warrants further testing.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03257007. Registered 22 August 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03257007.

Psychological problems and their impact on oral mucosal disease patients’ quality of life: A cross-sectional study in the Chinese population

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the presence of common psychological factors (i.e., stress, depression, anxiety) and their impact on the Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients diagnosed with four oral mucosal diseases (OMDs): recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU), oral lichen planus (OLP), oral leukoplakia (OLK), and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). MethodsA total of 229 patients with clinically diagnosed OMDs were enrolled in this study, consisting of 55 RAU, 68 OLK, 50 OLP, and 56 OSF patients. The patients were statistically analyzed for psychological problems and OHRQoL using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)､ the 5-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) scales. ResultsThere were 229 valid questionnaires collected, consisting of 83 females and 146 males with a mean age of 45.24 (SD = 11.88) years. Multiple regressions between DASS-21 scores and OHIP-5 scores revealed generally negative impacts of psychological problems on OHRQoL, with depression on OLP (β = 0.47), OLK (β = 0.65) and OSF (β = 0.38), stress on RAU (β = 0.29), OLP (β = 0.72), OLK (β = 0.38) and OSF (β = 0.60), and anxiety on OLP (β = 0.33), OLK (β = 0.49) and OSF (β = 0.51). ConclusionsPsychological problems like depression, stress, and anxiety were found to be prevalent in OMDs patients and adversely affected their OHRQoL. The results support the biopsychosocial medical model in the treatment of OMDs patients. Clinical significanceThe present study reinforced the crucial roles of psychological factors in impacting OMDs patients' OHRQoL. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor patients’ psychological status and OHRQoL using questionnaires like DASS-21 and OHIP-5. Followed by psychological interventions, the treatment is expected to be enhanced.

Food insecurity and unemployment as mediators of the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and psychological well-being in young South Africans with HIV

BackgroundPoor psychological well-being, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, is both prevalent among young South Africans living with HIV and associated with poor HIV clinical outcomes. By impacting food insecurity and employment, the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced psychological well-being in this population. This analysis sought to examine whether food insecurity and unemployment mediated the relationship between study cohort (pre- versus during-pandemic) and psychological well-being in our sample of young South Africans living with HIV.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis comparing baseline data from two cohorts of young South Africans ages 18–24 from the Cape Town and East London metro areas who tested positive for HIV at clinics (or mobile clinics) either before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseline sociodemographic, economic, and psychological outcomes were analyzed through a series of bivariate logistic regression and mediation analyses. All data were analyzed in 2023 and 2024.ResultsReported food anxiety, insufficient food quality, and insufficient food quantity were lower in the cohort recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic than those recruited before the pandemic (p < 0.001). Higher levels of food insecurity predicted higher depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower self-esteem. Food anxiety, insufficient food quality, and insufficient food quantity, but not unemployment, mediated the relationship between study cohort and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and self-esteem.ConclusionFood insecurity may have decreased amongst our sample of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings build on our understanding of how the psychological well-being of young people living with HIV was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and may lend support to interventions targeting food insecurity to improve psychological well-being in this population.

Anxiety and sleep mediate the effect of food insecurity on depression in single parents in Ghana

BackgroundData on the association between food insecurity and depression in single parents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited, and no study has reported the serial mediation effects of psychosocial factors in this association. This study examines the extent to which anxiety and sleep serially explain the food insecurity and depression link among single parents in Ghana.MethodsData on 627 single parents were obtained through a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. Food insecurity was assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organization Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Multivariable OLS models and bootstrapping serial mediation analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesized associations.ResultsThe mean age (SD) was 45.0 (14.7) years; 67.3% females. After full adjustment, food insecurity was significantly associated with increases in anxiety symptoms (β = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.476 − 0.737), sleep problems (β = 0.04, 95%CI = 0.02 − 0.07), and depression (β = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.12 − 0.36). Food insecurity indirectly related to depression via anxiety (β = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.26-0.44) representing 55.8%, sleep (β = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.0032-0.0575) suggesting 4.0%, and anxiety→sleep (β = 0.013, 95%CI = 0.0024-0.0265) yielding 2.0% of the total effect.ConclusionsFood insecurity was positively associated with depression. This association was partially and serially explained by generalized anxiety and sleep problems. Efforts to address depression among single parents should consider interventions for food insecurity and psychosocial problems, particularly in LMICs.

Depressive Symptoms and Gut Microbiota after Bowel Preparation and Colonoscopy: A Pre-Post Intervention Study.

Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) is essential for visualisation of the colon during colonoscopy. Previous studies have identified changes in gut microbiota composition after MBP and colonoscopy. Considering the gut microbiota is increasingly implicated in psychiatry, we explored the potential impact of this intervention on mood and the microbiota-gut-brain axis. We conducted a pre-post intervention study in adults, with timepoints of one week before and one month after MBP and colonoscopy. Our primary outcome was change in average Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression sub-scores. We examined changes in average anxiety, stress, and quality of life scores and gut microbiota composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. We further explored associations between changes in depressive symptoms and gut microbiota and conducted post hoc analyses to explore potential effect modifiers. Average depressive symptom scores decreased one month post-procedure compared to baseline (n = 59; adjusted β = -0.64; 95%CI: -1.18, -0.11). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) appeared to moderate this relationship (β = 1.78; 95%CI: 0.292, 3.26); depressive symptoms increased in those with, and decreased in those without, IBS. Reduced alpha diversity, modest effects on beta-diversity, and increases in health-associated genera were observed one month post-procedure. Increases in the CLR-transformed abundances of Ruminococcaceae UCG-009 were associated with improvements in depressive symptoms. There is preliminary evidence of a potential mental health effect of MBP and colonoscopy, particularly for those with IBS, which may be associated with changes to the gut microbiota. Further research is required to confirm these findings and their clinical relevance.

The Role of Mental Health Literacy in Shaping Help-Seeking Behaviors among High School Students in Vietnam

Background: Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, are becoming more common among high school students, yet cultural stigma and inadequate mental health literacy impede effective help-seeking in Vietnam. Adolescents sometimes encounter obstacles in identifying mental health issues and obtaining suitable resources, particularly in environments where professional services are inadequate and mental health is stigmatized. Purpose: This study aims to address the comprehension of mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviors among Vietnamese high school students. Methods: The study involved 422 high school students from four cities in Vietnam. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) and Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) were employed to evaluate mental health awareness and behavior, with data processed utilizing SPSS version 22.0. Result: Students exhibited the greatest awareness of bipolar disorder (M = 4.43, SD = 0.844). Students experience a moderate to high level of anxiety when they become aware of potential mental health issues (M = 3.50, SD = 1.296). In order of priority, students actively seek information about mental health professionals (M = 3.88, SD = 0.645). Students are highly critical and thoughtful in comparing different sources of advice before deciding on a mental health strategy (M = 4.27, SD = 0.925). Students are slightly more likely to participate in these programs compared to other formal mental health resources (M = 1.44, SD = 0.469). Some students turn to online communities for support and guidance in managing their mental health issues (M = 1.63, SD = 0.483). Conclusion: This investigation underscores numerous critical developments in the mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviors of students in high schools. Students exhibited a deliberate approach to evaluating mental health resources and a strong awareness of bipolar disorder.

The multiple mediation model of social support and postpartum anxiety symptomatology: the role of resilience, postpartum stress, and sleep problems

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of postpartum anxiety and the factors influencing it, while also exploring the multiple mediating roles of related factors between social support and postpartum anxiety symptomatology among postpartum women in China.MethodsBetween April and August 2023, we recruited a total of 824 postpartum women through a convenience sampling method. These participants completed a series of general survey questionnaires and were evaluated using the depression anxiety stress scale, perceived social support scale, 10-item Connor–Davidson resilience scale, maternal postpartum stress scale, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Additionally, we employed a hierarchical multiple regression model to investigate the relevant factors and mediators of postpartum anxiety symptomatology. A structural equation model was used to examine the mediating role of resilience, postpartum stress, and sleep problems in the relationship between social support and postpartum anxiety symptomatology.ResultsOur study found a postpartum anxiety symptomatology prevalence rate of 18.40%. The factors influencing postpartum anxiety symptomatology included age, education of their husband, mastitis, social support, resilience, postpartum stress, and sleep problems. Through a multiple mediation analysis, we found that resilience, postpartum stress, and sleep problems completely mediated the effects of social support on postpartum anxiety symptomatology, with the mediating effect accounting for 83.57% of the total effect.ConclusionThe multiple mediation analysis revealed that among postpartum women, the impact of social support on postpartum anxiety symptomatology is channeled through resilience, postpartum stress, and sleep problems. Therefore, enhancing social support, resilience, postpartum stress, and sleep problems might alleviate postpartum anxiety symptomatology.

A multicultural comparative study of self-stigma in epilepsy: Differences across four cultures.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, exhibiting variance in prevalence and treatment availability across diverse geopolitical contexts and cultural milieus. The stigma associated with epilepsy is a significant global issue affecting the quality of life (QOL) of people with epilepsy (PWE). This study aims to examine the relationship between self-stigma and depressive symptoms in PWE, with a particular emphasis on understanding the manifestations of these across different cultural contexts. We aim to enhance the provision of customized care to diverse cultural settings, fostering the adoption of healthier lifestyles for PWE. We recruited PWE who received treatment at specialized medical facilities for epilepsy in Japan, Malaysia (Chinese, Malay), and Turkey from February to October 2023. The Epilepsy Self-Stigma Scales (ESSS), Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) in local languages were used to assess self-stigma, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. The ESSS total scores were significantly higher among the Turkish and Japanese cohorts (F [3, 406] = 6.57, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.05). In addition, the self-stigma observed moderate positive correlations for depressive symptoms (rs = 0.41-0.50, Ps < 0.001) and anxiety (rs = 0.42-0.44, Ps < 0.001). The ANCOVA findings suggested that the notable variations in self-stigma, as found in the one-way ANOVA conducted across four cultures, were reduced when taking into consideration depressed symptoms. Our finding highlights the potential influence of mental health factors over cultural factors concerning self-stigma. The manifestation of self-stigmatization within epilepsy exhibits distinctions across diverse cultural cohorts, regardless of the demographic and clinical variation, yet demonstrates a significant correlation with psychological factors. In subsequent research endeavors, we should comprehensively investigate these subtle differences, their potential impact on patient care, and the development of supportive approaches. This cross-cultural study reveals significant variations in self-stigma among people with epilepsy across different cultural contexts, with Turkish and Japanese cohorts showing higher levels. Self-stigma demonstrated moderate positive correlations with depressive symptoms and anxiety across all cultures. Notably, differences in self-stigma were reduced when accounting for depressive symptoms, suggesting that mental health factors may have a stronger influence than cultural factors. These findings underscore the importance of considering both cultural and psychological aspects in developing targeted interventions to address self-stigma in epilepsy care.

Exploring the Neuropharmacological Terrain of Depression and Anxiety: Mechanisms, Therapies, and Future Avenues

Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health illnesses that have significant worldwide consequences, impacting millions of individuals who experience chronic feelings of melancholy, excessive worry, and significant limitations in their everyday activities. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and several anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, are defined by severe symptoms that make their treatment more difficult, especially when these illnesses happen at the same time. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the neuropharmacological mechanisms that are responsible for these illnesses is of utmost importance in order to facilitate the development of treatments that are very effective. The existing therapy approaches, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and newer antidepressants, provide partial relief but do not work for everyone. This suggests that further research is necessary to explore the underlying neurological causes of these illnesses. Recent developments in the field of neuropharmacology have provided insights into the significance of imbalances in neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, in the underlying mechanisms of mood disorders. Disruption of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and neuroinflammation are also major factors in the development of these illnesses. This review offers a thorough examination of these pathways, emphasizing the functions of neurotransmitter systems, neurostimulation treatments, and developing pharmaceutical medicines. This study investigates the possibility of new neuropharmacological targets, including NMDA receptor antagonists, AMPA receptor modulators, and neurosteroids, to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, it discusses non-pharmacological methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), physical activity, and mindfulness, highlighting their neuropharmacological foundations and advantages.This review is to provide an in-depth investigation of the current understanding and approaches to addressing depression and anxiety by including latest research findings. The text discusses crucial therapeutic approaches and presents potential areas of future study that could improve treatment results for these prevalent mental health illnesses.

Experiencing Migraine and the Assessment of the Quality of Life in the Context of Feeling Ressentiment Considering Causes for Increasing Depression and Anxiety

Migraine is a chronic neurological disease. Research indicates that it has a significant negative impact on daily functioning and, consequently, on the quality of life. Migraine sufferers often experience psychological strain, which can lead to anxiety disorders, depression, and feelings of ressentiment. This article attempts at examining these threads. The study involved 120 women experiencing migraine headaches. The subjects completed several questionnaires: Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) – used to assess the impact of headaches on the life of a person with migraine; Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) – to assess the disability of a person with migraine; General Health Questionnaire – Goldberg (GHQ-28) – to assess adults’ mental health; World Health Organization Quality of Life Test-Bref (WHOQOL-BREF) – to assess the quality of life; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) – to assess the severity of anxiety; Beck Depression Scale – a screening tool examining the presence and severity of depressive traits; and the Ressentiment Questionnaire. The results show that migraine significantly affects the quality of life of the surveyed women; moreover, ressentiment, as indicated in the research, causes feelings of anxiety and depression and plays an intermediary role in the relationship between migraine and quality of life. As migraines increase in severity and their consequences, the levels of anxiety, depression, and ressentiment increase as well, which negatively affects women’s quality of life.

To Measure the Level of Depression Anxiety and Stress Using a Dass-21-Based Questionnaire on the Students of Shri Guru Ram Rai University, India

To Measure the Level of Depression Anxiety and Stress Using a Dass-21-Based Questionnaire on the Students of Shri Guru Ram Rai University, India

Quality of life and psychological distress in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis and transplantation.

Among diverse profound impacts on patients' quality of life (QoL), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) frequently results in increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Renal replacement therapies such as hemodialysis (HD) and transplantation (TX) are intended to enhance QoL, although their ability to alleviate psychological distress remains uncertain. This research posits the existence of a significant correlation between negative emotional states and QoL among ESRD patients, with varying effects observed in HD and TX patients. To examine the relationship between QoL and negative emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress) and predicted QoL in various end-stage renal replacement therapy patients with ESRD. This cross-sectional study included HD or TX patients in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. The 36-item Short Form Survey and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) was used for data collection, and correlation and regression analyses were performed. The HD and TX transplantation groups showed statistically significant inverse relationships between QoL and DASS scores. HD patients with high anxiety levels and less education scored low on the physical component summary (PCS). In addition, the results of the mental component summary (MCS) were associated with reduced depression. Compared with older transplant patients, TX patients' PCS scores were lower, and depression, stress, and negative working conditions were highly correlated with MCS scores. The findings of this study revealed notable connections between well-being and mental turmoil experienced by individuals undergoing HD and TX. The PCS of HD patients is affected by heightened levels of anxiety and lower educational attainment, while the MCS of transplant patients is influenced by advancing age and elevated stress levels. These insights will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of patient support.

Comparison of outcomes from a university counselling service before and during COVID‐19: Exploring the use of remote therapy

AbstractBackgroundResearch pooling data from UK university counselling services (UCSs) has allowed UCSs to compare their outcomes and demonstrate their effectiveness in improving student mental health. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, UCSs moved to remote delivery. Consequently, it was necessary to understand how this impacted students' outcomes.AimsThis evaluation aimed to (1) understand how the therapeutic outcomes of a UCS compared with established norms in UK UCS literature, and (2) understand whether delivering therapy online affected student outcomes compared with UK norms from in‐person therapy.MethodSessional outcome data from 627 students who attended the UCS in the 2020/2021 academic year were gathered. Descriptive analyses of students' initial clinical data (determined by the CCAPS‐34) were conducted. Paired sample t‐tests determined differences between the pre‐ and post‐therapy scores. The effect size of this difference was derived.ResultsStudents presented with high levels of academic distress, social anxiety, generalised anxiety and depression. The initial severity of mental health concerns was lower than that reported in previous literature. The largest improvements were evidenced for depression and general anxiety and 25% (n = 112) of students achieved reliable reductions in distress. Compared with existing literature, the UCS showed similar levels of improvement over therapy. It is suggested that remote therapy increased service accessibility.ConclusionThe delivery of remote therapy produced results consistent with norms in the UK data, highlighting the effectiveness of online therapy for university students. Further large‐scale evaluations of student outcomes from remotely delivered therapy are recommended.

The Impact of Social Media and the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adolescent Mental Health: A Literature Review

Recent research indicates that adolescents and college students today are heavily reliant on their smartphones and other devices. While technology has made communication and accessing information easier, it also has its downsides. This reliance on technology can contribute to behavioral addictions and may lead to increased depressive symptoms and anxiety. Adolescents are vulnerable to the influences of social media. Studies show that time spent on social media, the types of sites visited, and a lack of in-person interactions with peers can all contribute to higher levels of depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these issues. For example, a study by Son et al. (2020) found that during the pandemic, 71% of participants experienced increased stress and anxiety, 91% had concerns about their own and their loved ones' health, 89% struggled with concentration, 86% faced disrupted sleep patterns, 86% had reduced social interactions due to social distancing, and 82% felt anxious about their academic performance. This paper reviews the literature on social media use and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health. It highlights the urgent need for greater education for both parents and policymakers about managing social media use among adolescents and college students.

Transformative Impact of Islamic Spiritual Care (ISC) Enriched with Murottal: Alleviating Anxiety and Depression among Coronary Heart Disease Patients through Pre- and Post-Intervention Analysis

Background:Spiritual care is a vital component of comprehensive nursing, especially for patients in palliative care, such as those with coronary heart disease. While pharmacological and medical interventions remain the primary approach for heart-related conditions, the substantial success rate observed with spiritual therapy incorporating Murottal recitations highlights its significant impact on improving patients' quality of life, particularly in managing anxiety and depression. Objective:This study aimed to assess the differences in anxiety and depression scores among cardiovascular patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease before and after the application of Islamic spiritual care interventions using Murottal, in both intervention and control groups. Method:Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group, the study involved a population of 156 coronary heart disease patients undergoing treatment. Simple random sampling produced a sample size of 110 patients at Muhammadiyah Hospital in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Respondents were divided into two groups of 55 participants each. The intervention group received spiritual care through Murottal, while the control group received standard hospital therapy. Levels of anxiety and depression were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Results:The Wilcoxon test results for anxiety and depression variables in the intervention group showed a p-value of &lt;0.005, indicating a significant difference in anxiety and depression scores before and after receiving the spiritual care intervention with Murottal. Conclusion:Islamic spiritual care (ISC) services incorporating Murottal recitations have the potential to reduce anxiety and depression among coronary heart disease patients at Muhammadiyah Hospital in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Keywords: Anxiety, Coronary Heart Disease, Depression, Murottal, Spiritual Care, Patient.