Mood Distress Research Articles

The altered resting-state functional connectivity of thalamic subregions in patients with globus pharyngeus.

Globus Pharyngeus (GP) is a somatic symptom that accompanies mood distress. Although the etiology of GP remains unclear, its specific symptom of a false lump sensation in the throat without physical obstruction raises the possibility of alterations in brain networks responsible for somatosensory and emotion processing in patients with GP. To address this possibility, we investigated resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in 31 patients with GP and 24 healthy individuals using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Considering its significance in somatosensory and emotional functions, we focused on rsFC in the subregions of the thalamus. We found significantly decreased rsFC between the right caudal temporal thalamus (rcTtha) and the midcingulate cortex (MCC) as well as significantly decreased rsFC between the right rostral temporal thalamus (rrTtha) and the left cerebellum in the patients with GP. Additionally, within the patient group, the abnormalities in rsFC between the rcTtha and the MCC were correlated with the severity of somatization symptoms but not with depression and anxiety. These findings suggest alterations in the rsFC of thalamic subregions in patients with GP, shedding light on the pathogenesis of GP and potentially leading to improved diagnosis and treatment approaches for the condition.

Symptom clusters of patients with advanced thyroid cancer: a cross-sectional study.

To investigate and analyze the symptom clusters of patients with advanced thyroid cancer and provide a basis for developing targeted symptom management measures. Patients who visited a multidisciplinary outpatient service for advanced thyroid cancer at a tertiary A hospital in Sichuan Province from April 2022 to April 2023 were selected using convenience sampling. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Thyroid Cancer module (MDASI-THY). Symptom clusters were extracted by exploratory factor analysis. Disturbed sleep had the highest incidence (75.7%) and severity (3.0 points), while mood distress had the highest incidence (63.5%) and severity (2.0 points) of symptom interference. Three symptom clusters were identified: mood-fatigue-sleep, digestive tract-sensation, and thyroid cancer-specific symptom clusters. Patients with advanced thyroid cancer have multiple symptom clusters that seriously affect their daily lives. Health care professionals should conduct targeted observation and preventive treatment to reduce the burden of symptoms on patients.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training Reduces Early Maternal Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Women Undergoing Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Women who undergo cesarean delivery have reported experiencing mood distress related to the surgery and postoperative pain. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) training is known to have positive effects on mental health, but its effects on women undergoing cesarean delivery have not yet been determined. This study evaluated the effects of an HRVB training intervention on stress, anxiety, and depression in women undergoing cesarean delivery. We hypothesized that 10 sessions of HRVB training could cumulatively improve emotion regulation in participants. This study was designed as a double-blinded randomized controlled trial involving a total of 86 enrolled women who were then divided into two groups: intervention and control. During their hospitalization, the intervention group underwent HRVB training daily, while both groups received standard perinatal care. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), high-frequency power (HF) and low-frequency power (LF). HRV parameters, stress, anxiety, and depression were evaluated at baseline and on the fifth day after childbirth. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses examined change over time between groups. Although no significant effects were found for the RMSSD and HF, a significant increase was observed in SDNN (F = 13.43, p = < 0.001, ƞ2 = 0.14), and LF at post-assessment (F = 4.26, p = .04, ƞ2 = 0.05) compared to the control group. Except for the depression variable, stress (F = 6.11, p = .02, ƞ2 = 0.07) and anxiety (F = 8.78, p = .004, ƞ2 = 0.10) significantly decreased compared to the control group on the fifth postpartum day. Furthermore, post-hoc analysis showed that HRVB was more effective in decreasing mild to severe depressive symptoms (F = 7.60, p = .001, ƞ2 = 0.27). The intervention program successfully decreased self-perceived stress and anxiety in the postpartum period and relieved symptoms in more severely depressed participants. Our findings suggest that this program is suitable and beneficial for application in women during the early postpartum period following cesarean delivery.

Effects of Walking Combined With Resistance Band Exercises on Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom, and exercise has shown potential in alleviating CRF. However, there is a need for diverse exercise options tailored to individual patient needs. To evaluate the overall effects of a combined walking and resistance band exercise intervention in relieving CRF among cancer patients through randomized controlled trials. Comprehensive searches were conducted in multiple databases to identify relevant studies up until March 2023. Inclusion criteria required the intervention to involve walking combined with elastic band training, with a clear exercise protocol description. The primary outcome was CRF, and secondary outcomes included walking steps, distance, mood distress, and quality of life. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Ten trials were included. The intervention group showed significant improvements in CRF (SMD, -0.40; 95% CI, -0.60 to -0.20), mood distress (SMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.53 to -0.07), and daily walking steps (SMD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.07-0.96) compared with the control group. Although the 6-Minute Walk Test and quality of life did not show significant differences, a trend toward improvement was observed in the intervention group. Adverse events related to the intervention were infrequent. A combined walking and resistance band exercise intervention can effectively alleviate CRF and improve mood distress and daily walking steps among cancer patients. This exercise option may provide an additional strategy to manage CRF. Further research is needed to explore the optimal exercise prescription for individual patients.

A-152 Associations between Cognitive Functioning and Self-Report Mood Measures in a Veteran Clinical Population

Abstract Objective: To determine the strength of correlation between subjective mood distress and concurrent measures of objective cognitive functioning. Method: 334 veterans (89.6% male; 93.7% White) were seen for neuropsychological evaluation at the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS; M/SD: age = 56.45/14.43; education = 13.16/2.37). Participants were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and either the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and/or PTSD Checklist (PCL). Partial correlations were used to determine associations between psychological distress and neuropsychological test performance, controlling for age and education. Three clinical groups were created based on each mood measure’s total score: 1.) BDI-II ≥ 20 (n= 96); 2.) GDS ≥ 11 (n = 17); 3.) PCL ≥ 33 (n = 57), and compared to a control group - scores below moderate cutoffs on BDI-II (n = 102), GDS (n = 16), and PCL (n = 8). Clinical groups were not mutually exclusive. Independent-samples t-tests compared neuropsychological test scores between groups. Results: Two of the 111 bivariate correlations between the three mood measures and neuropsychological tests were statistically significant at p &amp;lt; .01, both with medium effect sizes (BDI-II and Pegboard dominant and nondominant hand). Across clinical group comparisons, none were statistically significant at p &amp;lt; .01; four from the BDI-II group were statistically significant at p &amp;lt; .05. Conclusions: Few associations were found between subjective reports of mood distress and neuropsychological test performance, indicating statistical independence. Consistent with other literature, these results suggest reported mood distress has minimal impact on concurrent cognitive performance, except for motor slowing.

Personality as a moderator of immediate and delayed ostracism distress.

Although ostracism is known to have negative consequences, individuals are affected to differing extents and show different patterns of recovery. To better understand these differences, the Big Five personality model was used to examine the moderating role of personality on immediate and delayed ostracism distress. In this laboratory study, 408 participants played Cyberball and completed batteries on needs satisfaction and mood distress. The results show that more Agreeable or Conscientious individuals experienced greater distress on the immediate and the delayed distress measures (needs satisfaction and mood). Greater Openness to experience was related to greater effects of Agreeableness or Conscientious on distress experienced after being ostracized than when included. The discussion centres on the steps that can be taken to achieve greater relief after ostracism. This research contributes new theoretical insights and presents practical implications leading to a better understanding of those individuals who are at greater risk of being affected by ostracism, the personality characteristics that moderate ostracism distress, and when.

“Why do I obsess about my child's flaws?”: Assessing the role of parental self‐vulnerabilities in parent–child relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms

ObjectiveRelationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a manifestation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that refers to obsessions, doubts, and compulsive behaviours focusing on one's relationship and relationship partner. ROCD symptoms occur in various types of relationships including parent–child dyads, involving obsessional preoccupations with the perceived flaws of one's child (parent–child ROCD symptoms). Such preoccupations have been shown to be associated with decreased mood and significant parental distress. We examined the double self‐vulnerability hypothesis—that the co‐occurrence of parental contingency of self in specific domains (i.e., intelligence and appearance) and child‐value contingent self‐worth would be associated with increased parent–child ROCD symptoms.MethodA total of 175 parents participated in the study and completed self‐report questionnaires to assess ROCD and depressive symptoms and parental self‐contingencies. We used linear regression with simple slope analyses to estimate interaction effects.ResultsParents whose self‐worth were strongly dependent on their child's perceived value showed higher parent–child ROCD symptoms, particularly when co‐occurring with parental intelligence and appearance self‐contingencies. These findings were maintained when controlling for depression symptoms, parental age, and gender.ConclusionsResults supported the double self‐vulnerability hypothesis suggesting that parents with child‐value and domain‐relevant self‐vulnerabilities might be susceptible to child‐related obsessions. More research is needed to further explore susceptibility of vulnerable parents to the development and maintenance of parent–child ROCD symptoms.

Perinatal depression: Data-driven subtypes derived from life history and mindfulness and personality

Background:Perinatal depression is the most prevalent mental disorder during the perinatal period, and research suggests that it presents heterogeneously. We aimed to explore how subtypes of perinatal depression present in terms of multivariate patterns of stable characteristics. Methods:A cohort study was conducted from March 2016 to March 2018 with Chinese women in the prenatal period (n = 3186). Of the participants, 682 (21.41%) women with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores ≥10, indicating probable depression, were included, with the remaining 2504 (78.59%) representing the control group. We assessed mood distress, cognition, life history, emotional regulation, and personality, and used latent class analysis and latent transition analysis to identify perinatal depression subtypes. Of the 682 women with probable depression, only 598 were included in the full analyses, as they completed at least 10 questionnaires. A second, non-overlapping sample and a follow-up cohort were used. Results:We identified four subtypes: 1) a highly distressed type characterized by distress across all domains, high levels of rumination and neuroticism, and reduced trait mindfulness; 2) two moderately distressed types: one with high trauma and low perceived social support, and another with low trauma, high perceived social support, and expressive suppression; and 3) a slightly distressed subtype. Limitations:We only collected cost and time spent in hospital from medical records. We only had a small follow-up sample. Conclusions:This multidimensional subtyping of women with perinatal depression could help reduce the apparent heterogeneity of perinatal depression. Distinguishing the subtype characteristics facilitates identifying underlying causes of perinatal depression.

The Potential Efficacy of Psychological First Aid on Self-Reported Anxiety and Mood: A Pilot Study.

The authors explored the efficacy of a randomized controlled trial to assess the potential benefits of psychological first aid (PFA) compared with a social acknowledgement condition in a sample of 42 participants who spoke about a stressful life event. Demographics and standardized questionnaires, including the state version of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale and the Brief Profile of Mood States, assessed anxiety and mood state. Those in the PFA group evidenced significantly lower anxiety scores at 30-minute postdisclosure than at baseline and, although not significant, showed lowered distressed mood compared with baseline at 30-minute postdisclosure. Those in the social acknowledgment condition evidenced increases in anxiety and distressed mood scores, albeit not significantly, at 30 minutes post disclosure compared with their baseline scores. These results provide preliminary empirical evidence for the efficacy of PFA, and implications for intervention and additional assessment are suggested.

Effects of Acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Five-Element Music Therapy on Symptom Management and Quality of Life for Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis

ContextMost cancer patients suffer from both the disease itself and symptoms induced by conventional treatment. Available literature on the clinical effects on cancer patients of acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Five-Element Music Therapy (TCM-FEMT) reports controversial results. ObjectivesThe primary objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, and TCM-FEMT on various symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with cancer; risk of bias for the selected trials also was assessed. MethodsStudies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE via both PubMed and Ovid, Cochrane Central, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, China Biology Medicine, and Wanfang Database). All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, or TCM-FEMT published before October 2, 2014, were selected, regardless of whether the article was published in Chinese or English. ResultsWe identified 67 RCTs (5465 patients) that met our inclusion criteria to perform this meta-analysis. Analysis results showed that a significant combined effect was observed for QOL change in patients with terminal cancer in favor of acupuncture and Tuina (Cohen's d: 0.21–4.55, P < 0.05), whereas Tai Chi and Qigong had no effect on QOL of breast cancer survivors (P > 0.05). The meta-analysis also demonstrated that acupuncture produced small-to-large effects on adverse symptoms including pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and some gastrointestinal discomfort; however, no significant effect was found on the frequency of hot flashes (Cohen's d = −0.02; 95% CI = −1.49 to 1.45; P = 0.97; I2 = 36%) and mood distress (P > 0.05). Tuina relieved gastrointestinal discomfort. TCM-FEMT lowered depression level. Tai Chi improved vital capacity of breast cancer patients. High risk of bias was present in 74.63% of the selected RCTs. Major sources of risk of bias were lack of blinding, allocation concealment, and incomplete outcome data. ConclusionTaken together, although there are some clear limitations regarding the body of research reviewed in this study, a tentative conclusion can be reached that acupuncture, Tuina, Tai Chi, Qigong, or TCM-FEMT represent beneficial adjunctive therapies. Future study reporting in this field should be improved regarding both method and content of interventions and research methods.

Effects of 10,000 steps a day on physical and mental health in overweight participants in a community setting: a preliminary study.

ABSTRACTBackgroundBeing overweight is associated not only with physical health problems, but also with risk of mental health problems. Increased physical activity (PA) has been recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about the effect of walking on physical and mental health outcomes.ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to explore the effectiveness of a pedometer-based PA intervention on physical and mental health states.MethodThirty-five overweight participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg•m–2 were selected and assigned to a 12-week pedometer-based walking program (10,000 steps•d–1). The profile of mood states, BMI, waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (%BF), and lean body mass (LBM) were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. The number of step counts was recorded 5 days a week in a diary booklet.ResultsThe 30 participants who accumulated 10,000 steps•d–1 had significantly lower anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion, and total mood distress scores compared with measurements taken prior to the intervention. Further, the participants had higher vigor scores compared to baseline. Regarding physical health, the participants who accrued 10,000 steps a day had significantly lower body weight, WC, BMI, and %BP. After adjustment for gender, height, and daily steps at follow-up, changes in WC were negatively associated with depression, fatigue, confusion, and total mood distress.ConclusionsAn increase in PA by accumulating at least 10,000 steps•d–1 over a 12-week period improves physical and mood states in sedentary, overweight individuals.

Body weight status misperception and its association with weight control behaviours, depressive mood and psychological distress in nulliparous normal-weight young women

Background: Understanding body weight status dissatisfaction may be important for understanding weight control behaviours and mental health.Aims: To investigate the relationships between body weight status misperceptions in nulliparous normal-weight young women and weight control-related behaviours and mental health.Subjects and methods: Body weight perceptions, weight control methods, depressive mood and psychological distress were measured in 717 nulliparous normal-weight women, aged 18–40 years, who participated in the 2007–2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES-IV).Results: Among 717 participants, 24 subjects (4.1 ± 1.0%) misperceived themselves to be underweight and 295 subjects (39.2 ± 2.2%) misperceived themselves to be overweight. Those with overweight misperceptions were more likely to fail to maintain their targeted body weights, despite weight control efforts (p < 0.001). Weight control behaviours such as taking diet pills were more common among women with overweight misperception (p < 0.001). Compared to the accurate body weight perception group, age-adjusted ORs for depressive mood and psychological distress were 1.82 (1.06–3.13) and 1.65 (1.10–2.47) in the overweight misperception group.Conclusions: Body weight status misperception may be important for understanding weight control-related behaviours and psychiatric illness among nulliparous normal-weight young women.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy on Attention and Mood in Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study.

To explore the efficacy of mindfulness- based music therapy (MBMT) to improve attention and decrease mood distress experienced by women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Quantitative, descriptive, longitudinal approach. A comprehensive cancer hospital and a university in southern Florida. 15 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer, stages I-III, receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Participants individually received MBMT for one hour per week for four weeks. The sessions consisted of varied music activities accompanied by mindfulness attitudes, or mental strategies that enhance moment-to-moment awareness, and weekly homework. Demographic information was collected at baseline. Attention was measured using Conners' Continuous Performance Test II. Mood was measured using the Profile of Mood States-Brief Form. Narrative comments collected from the homework assignments served to reinforce quantitative data. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that attention improved significantly over time. Although all mood states significantly improved from the beginning to the end of each MBMT session, the mood state of fatigue decreased significantly more than the other mood states. MBMT enhances attention and mood, particularly the mood state of fatigue, in women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. . A preferred music listening and mindfulness exercise may be offered to women with breast cancer who experience attention problems and mood distress.

Emotional Disturbances Expressed by Deaf Patients: Affective Deaf Syndrome

Structured assessment of affective mood and mental distress in deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals is difficult for various reasons. The aim of this paper is to examine the complex interaction between self-rated affective mood as well as the combined double burden of affective psychiatric disorders and deafness/hard-of-hearing, this interaction system has been termed the Affective Deaf Syndrome. Deaf and hard-of-hearing psychiatric polyclinic patients at a University Hospital in Sweden (n=52) were compared to healthy individuals (n=116). The Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale, the Stress and Energy questionnaire and a Background & Health Questionnaire were used. Our results clarified some issues of the emotional disturbances among the patient group with the following results. Firstly, the communication between family members was hindered due to a high rate of non-fluent sign communication (86%) within the families of the patients. Only few (10%) of the patients were found to have fluent Swedish language skills. Secondly, self-esteem was found to predict positive affective mood for patients (p<.01) and for controls (p<.001) although the patients had less self-esteem. Positive self-esteem is identified as a protective factor. Thirdly, ANOVA results indicated significant differences between patients and the healthy control group in self-rated stress (p<.001), analgesics (p<.001) and self-rated energy (p<.001). The conclusions from regression analyses of the patient group were that analgesics may be seen as a predisposing factor for the Affective Deaf Syndrome (ADS) and was identified as a key attribute for the patients at risk. Stress was positively related to sleep disturbance and analgesics. Further, suggestions on how to enhance the treatment quality of the patient group are presented.

Association of a behaviorally based high school health education curriculum with increased exercise.

Increasing exercise in children and adolescents through academic classes is an understudied area. Potential benefits include associated improvements in health, psychosocial, and quality-of-life factors. A sample of 98 students (M(age) = 14.3) from high school health education classes received six, 40-min lessons incorporating cognitive-behavioral methods to increase exercise over 6 weeks. Significant within-group improvements in exercise, mood, and body satisfaction were found, with slightly larger effect sizes identified for the boys. Increase in exercise was significantly associated with reduced mood distress (β = -.17, p < .001). For the girls only, change in body satisfaction significantly mediated that relationship, and a reciprocal relationship between changes in mood and body satisfaction was also identified. Incorporation of lessons emphasizing goal setting and self-regulation within high school health education classes may foster increased exercise and associated improvements in mood and body satisfaction. For girls, the positive effects may reinforce one another.

Overlap between dissociation and other psychological characteristics in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

Patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) often report symptoms of dissociation. However, it is unclear how these symptoms relate to psychotherapeutic treatment, for example, with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Here, we investigated the degree of overlap between symptoms of dissociation and other psychiatric features that are more traditional targets for CBT. We used a hierarchical linear regression to measure the variance associated with dissociative symptoms (as assessed by the Dissociative Experiences Scale — DES) among 46 individuals with PNESs. The regression predictor variables are indices of participants' self-rated mood, self-efficacy, quality of life, locus of control, and life outlook (e.g., optimism). Results revealed that 70.2% of the variance associated with DES score was explained by psychological distress and locus of control. The other factors examined did not make a significant contribution to the regression model. These results suggest that traditional CBT targets – mood symptoms, mood distress, and dysfunctional beliefs about locus of control – overlap substantially with self-reported dissociative symptoms.

Clinical Utility of the Brunel Mood Scale in Screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Risk in a Military Population

Measures of mood states and post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms are commonplace in many studies. However, the conventional application of these measures conjointly raises questions whether they actually correlate, and whether mood states have a meaningful role in predicting PTS symptoms. This study aimed to assess the degree to which the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) would be useful in detecting adverse psychological experiences (e.g., PTS). A sample of South African Navy sailors (N = 103) completed the BRUMS during demobilization after a traumatic deployment, and 6 weeks later completed a repeat BRUMS and the IES-R. Significant correlations were found between some BRUMS and IES-R subscales, but the lack of other subscale correlations indicates that the two measures probably tap different expressions of psychological distress following exposure to adverse events. Greater mood distress correlated with more severe PTS. A BRUMS total mood distress score cutoff of ≥24 gave a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 79% for severe PTS 6 weeks later. Using a BRUMS score of ≥24 at demobilization to assess for possible elevated PTS response later could be useful in the screening of large groups of people.

Abstract P2-13-07: Long-term follow-up data of the side effect profile of anastrozole compared with tamoxifen in Japanese women: findings from N-SAS BC03 trial.

Abstract Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are standard treatment in the adjuvant setting such as initial, switch and extended treatment in postmenopausal hormone-sensitive breast cancer patients overseas. Non-steroidal AIs have usually been used as adjuvant treatment in Japanese practice. We already reported the efficacy and short term adverse events by switching therapy from tamoxifen (TAM) to anastrozole (ANA) in Japan (Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2010;121:379–87). However, the usage of adjuvant hormone therapy currently shows a trend to continue for a long time. Furthermore, long-term follow-up data is very important for the safe use of AIs. Off course, there are many data on safety profiles in Western countries. However, there are limited data in the Asian population. Methods: We investigated the planned analyses by using the data of a randomized adjuvant study of tamoxifen alone versus sequential tamoxifen and anastrozole in hormone-responsive postmenopausal breast cancer patients (N-SAS BC 03 trial. UMIN CTRID: C000000056). We examined the chronological changes from baseline to 36 months after randomization between the TAM arm (351 cases) and the ANA arm (345 cases) according to the case report forms (CRFs). We prospectively collected the data and compared data on hot flushes, nausea &amp; vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, mood distress, headaches, arthralgia, leukocytopenia, liver transaminase changes, thromboembolism, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, cardio-vascular events, second primary cancer and contra-lateral breast cancer between the two arms every 3 months from baseline to 12 months, and every 6 months up to 36 months after randomization. The data were expressed as the difference in the incidence over the time course and were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regressions with the baseline value as a covariate via generalized estimating equation using robust standard errors. Results: The incidence of arthralgia are significantly better in the TAM arm than the ANA arm (p = 0.00002). However, there are no differences concerning all events excluding arthralgia between the two arms. Ten and twelve cases of second primary cancer occurred in the TAM and ANA arms, respectively (p = 0.6). Six and three cases of contralateral breast cancer occurred in the TAM and ANA arms, respectively (p = 0.3). According to analyses of the chronological changes, significant changes were observed in hot flushes (p = 0.001) and vaginal discharge (P &amp;lt; 0.001) in favor of ANA, and it developed gradually after randomization and continued until 36 months after randomization. Adverse events of arthralgia increased chronologically up to 12 months after randomization in the ANA arm, but the difference between the two arms gradually decreased up to 36 months after randomization. Interestingly, concerning the liver transaminase change, the TAM arm is better until 9 months after randomization and the ANA arm is better from 12 months. There are no other differences between the two arms. Conclusion: Safety profiles of ANA were confirmed by long-term follow-up data of a clinical trial in Japanese women. Adjuvant switch ANA therapy is also one of the standard hormone treatments for hormone-sensitive postmenopausal Japanese women. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-07.

Negative moods correlate with craving in female methamphetamine users enrolled in compulsory detoxification

BackgroundMethamphetamine (METH) use, especially in females, has become a growing public health concern in China. In this study, we aimed to characterize the factors that contributed to drug craving in female METH users under isolated compulsory detoxification. We characterized factors contributing to craving such as duration of detoxification, history of drug use and self-reported mood state.MethodsSubjects (N=113) undergoing a 1- to 3-year METH detoxification program were recruited from the Zhejiang Compulsory Detoxification Center for Women. The Questionnaire of METH-use Urge (QMU) was used to evaluate the level of craving for METH. The Abbreviate Profile of Mood States (A-POMS) was applied as an assessment for the negative mood disturbances.ResultsThe participants were at a mean age of 25.2, primarily lowly educated and unemployed, and single. Smoking was the only route of METH administration at an average dose of 0.5 g/day, and 4 times/week. The reported craving level was positively correlated with the negative mood disturbances and the weekly dose of METH, but independent of the duration of detoxification. Furthermore, all five aspects of negative mood disturbances, including fatigue, bewilderment, anxiety, depression and hostility, were shown to positively correlate to the self-reported craving level after controlling for weekly dose of METH.ConclusionsThe data demonstrate a robust correlation between mood distress and craving for METH. Our results call for close evaluation of mood distress in treatment of METH users in China.

Bereaved females are more likely to suffer from mood problems even if they do not meet the criteria for prolonged grief

The goal of this study was to describe the gender difference of grief experience and mood distress among caregivers who cared for terminal cancer patients residing in a hospice ward. This study recruited 432 caregivers who cared for terminal cancer patients in the hospice ward. Caregivers received telephone interviews 6 months after the patients had died. The Chinese versions of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) developed in 1995 by Prigerson et al. were employed to assess the mood distress and grief status. Total scores of BDI, BAI, and ICG were significantly higher in females. Six out of twenty-one items of BDI, lack of satisfaction, crying spells, sleep disturbance, fatigability, somatic preoccupation, and loss of libido, showed significantly higher scores in females. According to BAI, inability to relax, dizziness, fear of dying, fright, flushed face, and hot/cold sweats were significantly higher in females. After adjustment for potential confounders, the results show that female gender is associated with higher BDI (regression coefficient 3.24, 95% CI: 1.48-4.99), BAI (3.8; 1.11-6.50), and ICG (4.25, 1.09-7.40). Dichotomizing the BDI, BAI, and ICG into severe and nonsevere cases, the results showed that gender only contributes to severe anxiety status (BAI ≥ 36), but not to severe depression (BDI ≥ 29) or to prolonged grief (ICG ≥ 25). Bereaved females had higher scores for depression and anxiety than males. Female gender is associated with severe anxiety; however, it is not associated with severe depression or prolonged grief.