Feelings Of Hopelessness Research Articles

Asian Australian’s Experiences and Reporting of Racism During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Between 13 November 2020 and 11 February 2021, an online national survey of 2,003 Asian Australians measured the type and frequency of their experiences of racism during the COVID-19 context. The survey also aimed to understand the reporting behaviours of targets and witnesses of racism and identify barriers to reporting racism. The survey found that 40 per cent of participants experienced racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, most commonly in public settings such as in shops, on the street, public spaces, and work. A similar 39 per cent of participants witnessed racism. Despite these high rates, Asian Australians overwhelmingly did not report incidents of racism. Lack of trust in statutory agencies and their response to racism reports was a frequent barrier experienced. Feelings of hopelessness, shame or disempowerment and lack of knowledge of reporting tools and human rights were other barriers to reporting. Lifting the confidence of people to report racism remains an urgent task. These findings provide direction for developing targeted anti-racism strategies, reporting tools and support services for targets and witnesses of racism.

The process of reacquiring new vocalization in total laryngectomy patients with head and neck cancer: A qualitative study

ObjectiveSpeech rehabilitation significantly contributes to the enhanced quality of life for patients who have undergone laryngectomy due to head and neck cancer. The initiation of tracheoesophageal speech early in the rehabilitation process has been associated with improved speech quality. Despite this, voice changes can carry a stigma due to communication challenges, even after successful voice restoration, potentially limiting the overall improvement in quality of life. Thus, our aim was to gain a profound understanding of the transition process from the selection to the adaptation of tracheoesophageal speech in patients with head and neck cancer. MethodsParticipants, who had undergone laryngectomy for head and neck cancer, were recruited from peer support groups in Japan, resulting in the identification of thirteen tracheoesophageal speakers. The data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology, incorporating open, axial, and selective coding. Semi-structured interviews delved into tracheoesophageal speakers' perceptions of their voices and the adaptive strategies employed for their preferred alternative communication methods. ResultsDuring the adaptation process, participants underscored the importance of communicating with their own voices. However, they also experienced anxiety about losing their natural voice, confronted the reality of living without a voice, and coped with their new voice. Eventually, participants came to recognize the changed voice as their own. ConclusionsThe personal conviction associated with the notion of “communicating with one's own voice” is integral to the adaptation process for patients with head and neck cancer who undergo laryngectomies and utilize tracheoesophageal speech. Some aspects of tracheoesophageal speech can evoke feelings of hopelessness, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive support for professional speech rehabilitation.

Turning to religion as a mediator of the relationship between hopelessness and job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals representing the uniformed services or working in professions of public trust in Poland.

During the COVID-19 pandemic individuals performing uniformed service or working in a profession of public trust were particularly exposed to chronic stress. The exposure to stress contributes to a decrease in quality of life across various domains, including professional performance. The perceived mental difficulties can lead to a feeling of hopelessness which, in turn can generate a decrease in job satisfaction. Religiosity is a factor which, in stress-inducing conditions, not only stops the spiral of perceived resource losses but also triggers gains in the resources possessed. The aim of the study was to assess the preference for positive religious coping strategies, namely turning to religion as a mediator for the relationship between perceived hopelessness and job satisfaction in the individuals declaring religiosity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis has been performed based on the Conservation of Resources theory (COR). The study encompassed 238 individuals representing the uniformed services or working in professions of public trust in Poland. The Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress (MINI-COPE) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) were used in the research. The mediating role of turning to religion in relationship between perceived hopelessness and job satisfaction was confirmed only in the group of women. The relationship found in this group indicates that perceived hopelessness is alleviated by turning to religion, which simultaneously leads to an increase in job satisfaction. The obtained results prove that counselling should be standard practice after potentially traumatic events in the workplace; moreover, emotional and/or instrumental support should be offered along with spiritual one.

Provision of health care services related to substance use disorder in southern U.S. jails

IntroductionThe U.S. jail population has more than tripled since the 1980s, and today, one out of every three incarcerated individuals is being held in a county or city jail. Substance use disorders (SUD) are overrepresented in incarcerated populations; however, little recent research has examined the availability and quality of SUD-related health care services in jail settings. Incarcerated individuals may engage with a variety of SUD-related health care services, including: screening and withdrawal management at entry, SUD treatment or other brief health care interventions while they are being held, and overdose prevention education and reentry planning at release. MethodsWe conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative data from 34 interviews conducted with 38 personnel from a purposive sample of jails that varied in size and rurality within a five-state study area. The goals of the analyses were to: 1) describe jail health care services for SUD and barriers to service provision, 2) compare current practices to best practice recommendations, and 3) provide context by describing factors at the jail and community level that influence service provision, such as access to resources. ResultsInterviewees described wide variability in both availability and comprehensiveness of SUD-related health care services. Most adhered to federal guidance for supervising withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines, but not opioids. Medication for addiction treatment was most widely available for pregnant women and rarely for other individuals. Roughly one third of the jails in our sample provided behavioral group or individual therapy with a licensed counselor and roughly one quarter offered self-help groups. Very few jails provided comprehensive re-entry planning and support. Jail staff reported specific barriers to providing each type of service, as well as limiting contextual factors. Despite observed increases in case volume, jail health care staff did not necessarily receive any additional funding or staff members. Overall, lack of investment in mental and behavioral health care contributed to recidivism and feelings of hopelessness among staff. ConclusionsThis study identified several areas where jails could improve SUD-related health care services. Many of the barriers to improvement—organizational buy-in, cost/budgeting, staffing, logistics—were not under the control of health care staff. Implementing changes will require support from local governments, jails administrators, private health care companies, and other local health care providers.

A rapid realist review of co‐producing and co‐facilitating Recovery College Dementia Courses

AbstractBackgroundRecovery Colleges have been established internationally as a service model for people with mental health conditions based on the principles of recovery, co‐production and adult learning. In the UK, NHS mental health services and third sector organisations are widening their use to include post‐diagnostic support for people with dementia. However, guidance for how to adapt the Recovery College model for people with dementia is lacking.MethodA Rapid Realist Review built an initial programme theory for how and why Recovery College Dementia Courses worked for people who co‐produced and attended them. Using a realist logic of analysis, we synthesised evidence from academic and grey literature. The initial programme theory was refined in four online workshops with people with dementia and staff with experience of recovery colleges.ResultStaff committed to recovery‐focused approaches recognised co‐producing Recovery College Dementia Courses as an opportunity to work within their core values. Course development is often additional to staff’s caseload, therefore time for this needed to be agreed with managers who recognised the potential for courses to foster person‐centred service cultures. Staff attendance to courses altered perceptions of service‐user/service‐provider relationships. Through co‐facilitated courses, people with dementia shared their experiences of living with the condition, giving staff the opportunity to understand people’s challenges and strengths beyond a set of clinical presentations.Registration and attendance depended on staff knowing about courses and understanding who might benefit. Additionally, receiving a diagnosis of dementia was recognised as overwhelming and follow‐up contact with services varied. This meant there was no consistent approach for who received information about courses or when. Discussion with someone knowledgeable about the course was considered important to overcome internalised negative perceptions about dementia and feelings of hopelessness. These responses to diagnosis were major barriers to attendance and were experiences that Recovery College Dementia Courses sought to tackle.ConclusionImproving access to post‐diagnosis support for people with dementia and those who support them is important for helping people live well with their diagnosis. This initial programme theory provides the foundation for a primary study of Recovery College Dementia Courses to inform guidelines of international relevance.

CAM therapy initiative for Alzheimer’s patients : Asian perspectives

AbstractBackgroundIn resource‐poor‐settings, Unlike Western nations monitoring Alzheimer’s‐treatment‐Adherence is low priority due to lack of training modules/funds/expertise. drug‐toxicity, social stigma causes high‐incidence of withdrawal from therapy. Hence our we‐analyzed locally available Complementary‐Alternative Medicines [CAM] in Alzheimer’s‐casesFacilities for diagnosis/treatment located in major‐cities &are unaffordable to >75%. ADR’s & social stigma worsened situation. CAM must be incorporated along with standard DRUG’s to reduce ADR’s & control symptoms to get better treatment‐Adherence. Provide CAM to Traditional‐faith‐hearers. To assess CAM response to pain/fatigue/Myalgia/bed‐sores/wt‐loss, feeling of hopelessness, Dementia. Hence we combined CAM with standard‐drugs.Methodn = 72 cases aged 60‐70 years enrolled. 30% females, 70% males. self report questionnaire distributed in NGO clinic. Mud therapy 60%, Bach‐flower 40%, Accupressure/Accupuncture 80%, Hydrotherapy 10%, Hypnotherapy 70%, ayurvedic therapy 80%, 60% on Unani, 50% Homeopathic, 60% Herbal‐Oil‐TFH massage therapy, 30% Aromatherapy.Resultpatients treated in 7 CAM sessions. responses evaluated by feedback‐Performa periodically to modify treatment. Symptom relief 92%, Psycholocal mood elevation 52%, willingness to shift back to std‐drug thrapy 80%. CAM 80% cheaper compared to std drugsConclusion80% patients used & preferred CAMs. CAM effectively compliments Alzheimer’s treatment‐adherence. Community NGO’s must be part of such efforts to evolve newer concepts in Adherence. Realizing divergent versions of CAM multicentre study needed.

Presenting a Causal Model of Bias towards Drugs in Students based on the Academic Failure and Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit with the Mediating Role of Hopelessness Feelings

Presenting a Causal Model of Bias towards Drugs in Students based on the Academic Failure and Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit with the Mediating Role of Hopelessness Feelings

Impact of gender discrimination on young Indian women’s mental health: do benevolent childhood experiences play any role?

Purpose Gender discrimination exists in various settings globally and harms women’s mental health. This study aims to understand the impact of gender discrimination on hopelessness and emotional vulnerability. Further, we attempted to determine whether benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) moderate the relationships of gender discrimination with hopelessness and emotional vulnerability. Design/methodology/approach Data from 445 young women from India was gathered from a cross-sectional survey. Measures included gender discrimination inventory, Beck’s hopelessness inventory, emotional vulnerability scale and BCE scale. Findings Results yielded a significant positive association of gender discrimination with hopelessness and emotional vulnerability. BCEs were negatively related to hopelessness, emotional vulnerability and gender discrimination. Further, gender discrimination predicted increased feelings of hopelessness and emotional vulnerability. However, BCEs do not neutralize the effect of gender discrimination. Social implications It is evident from this study that gender discrimination exists independent of socioeconomic class, domicile and educational qualification, taking a toll on women’s well-being and mental health. Incorporating attitudinal changes at the community and societal level in reducing gender norms responsible for negative outcomes will allow women to function to their full capacity and experience improved mental health. Originality/value The research on gender discrimination and its impact on women’s mental health is limited, especially exploring the role of BCEs. Previous studies have indicated that BCEs have protective roles in neutralizing adversities. However, the present study uniquely contributes to establishing the limited role of BCEs in the context of gender discrimination, though it contributes to mental health. The policy and psychosocial implications of the study are discussed.

Tingkat Kecemasan Keluarga Pasien yang Dirawat di Ruangan ICU Rumah Sakit Santa Elisabeth Medan

Background: While the patient is being treated in the ICU, the patient's family experiences difficulties in helplessness, temporary separation from the family, feelings of grief, feelings of hopelessness, resting and sleeping, and various emotions that can arise as reactions in each person. Objective: This study aims to determine the level of anxiety of the families of patients treated in the ICU at Santa Elisabeth Hospital, Medan. Methods: The type of research design used is quantitative with a descriptive design with a sample size of 32 people. The sampling technique used was total sampling. The research was conducted January-February 2023. The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (ZSAS) questionnaire was used to measure anxiety levels. Results: The results showed that the majority of respondents had a severe level of anxiety, namely 29 people (90.60%) and 2 people (6,30%) was panic. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the majority showed severe anxiety. Researchers recommend that families always have positive thoughts by increasing spirituality and improving coping so that the anxiety experienced can be reduced.

Relationship Between Stress Level and Hopelessnes among Adolescents Victim of Bullying

Aims: Bullying is a serious problem faced by teenagers nowadays. The impact of bullying could make victims feel insecure and away from their social life. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between stress level and feelings of hopelessness among adolescents victim of bullying. Methods: This research was a descriptive correlative study with a cross sectional study approach. Simple random sampling was applied to choose the class, the inclusion criteria was student who had experienced as a victim of bullying. A total of 489 senior high school students participated as respondents. Sample were taken by using a simple random sampling technique. The instruments used the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Spearman Rank Correlation was used as data analysis in this study. Results: Most of the respondents were female (84%), with an average age of 16 years. More than half of the total respondents had severe of hopelessness (57.9%). The mean score of the stress level experienced by the respondents was 23.21 (±SD 4.427). The results of the bivariate analysis showed that stress levels had a relationship with hopelessness among adolescents victim of bullying (p-value=0.00). Conclusion: The level of stress was a factor that contributes to the hopelessness of adolescent victims of bullying.. Suggestion: School should develop an intervention program that can prevent stress and overcome hopelessness in adolescents victims of bullying.

Meningkatkan Derajat Kesehatan Melalui Pendekatan Biopsikospiritual Pada Kelompok Lansia

Introduction: as we get older, the aging process continues and causes various kinds of changes. The body will experience changes in structure and physiology. There are 4 changes due to the aging process, namely physical and functional changes, mental changes, psychosocial changes and spiritual changes. To survive the decline in body function, the elderly must be able to continue to adapt to the situation. Objective: To improve the level of health through a biopsychospiritual approach in the elderly group with a total of 146 activity participants in the active elderly category. Method: Implementation of community service is carried out through stages: Preparation, Socialization, Implementation of Activities (Explanation of material, Simulation and Evaluation) and Closing. Results: Based on the data above, it can be seen that the problems experienced by the activity participants were high blood pressure, dizziness, pain in the joints, pain in the stomach and solar plexus area, mild anxiety and sleep disturbances and a feeling of hopelessness due to the pain they complained about. Furthermore, the evaluation results at the end of the activity showed an increase in understanding of the material presented by the presenters. With an average increase of 50%. This community service activity is documented in the pictures below. Conclusion: Based on the results of the evaluation of Community Service activities, the picture of understanding about efforts to improve health status through a biopsychospiritual approach in the elderly group through education and simulation has increased quite significantly.

Prevalence of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use Among Pregnant Women From 2017 to 2020 in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study.

Perinatal depression is a mental health disorder that is associated with feelings of hopelessness, despair, and lack of motivation. Its effects on pregnant women are not limited to hemorrhage and hypertension and may lead to maternal mortality. As a result, maternal antidepressant usage during pregnancy has rapidly increased in the United States. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered one of the most prescribed antidepressants. Thus, this study aims to measure the prevalence of SSRIuse during pregnancy. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah (KAMC-J), Saudi Arabia. The population consisted of all pregnant women aged 18 or older from the period of January 2017 to December 2020 (N=13484). The sampling technique was non-probability consecutive sampling. The study included 13,484 pregnant women, and further analysis revealed that 62 (0.459%) were exposed to at least one type of antidepressant during pregnancy. Of these, 12 (19.35%) had used more than one class of antidepressants. The majority of the sample, comprising 39 (62.90%) women, were between 34 and 44 years old. Furthermore, SSRIs were found to be the most commonly used antidepressant (41, 66.13%). In addition, fluoxetine was the most frequently prescribed antidepressant, with 23 (37.10%) patients receiving this medication. The dosage did not exceed 20 mg for the majority of the patients on SSRIs. This study measured the prevalence and patterns of SSRIs and use of different antidepressant classes during pregnancy. After calculating the prevalence of each class of antidepressants among 62 pregnant women exposed to antidepressants, the analysis concluded that SSRIs are the most prescribed antidepressant during pregnancy. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and highlights the need for ongoing research in this area.

Who are the superheroes? A cross-sectional study on the determinants of good health among Italian older adults.

People who reach old age enjoying good physical and mental health can be defined as (health) "superheroes", given their relatively low impact on healthcare expenditure and the desirable model they represent. To evaluate prevalence and possible determinants of being "physical superheroes" (i.e., free from the ten major chronic conditions, plus obesity), "mental superheroes" (i.e., free from major mental symptoms), and "superheroes" (i.e., both mental and physical superheroes). A telephone-based cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) was conducted in November 2020 (i.e., during the COVID-19 pandemic) on a representative sample of 4,400 adults aged ≥ 65years from Lombardy region, northern Italy. All participants provided both current data and data referring to one year before. Mental and physical superheroes were 59.0% and 17.6%, respectively. Superheroes were 12.8% overall, 15.1% among men, and 11.1% among women; 20.2% among individuals aged 65-69years, 11.3% among 70-74, 10.0% among 75-79, and 8.3% among ≥ 80years. Multivariable analysis showed that female sex, higher age, disadvantaged socio-economic status, and physical inactivity (p for trend < 0.001) were inversely related to being superheroes. People not smoking (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.40), alcohol abstainers (aOR = 1.30), and those free from feelings of hopelessness (aOR = 5.92) more frequently met the definition of superheroes. During COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of superheroes decreased by 16.3%. Differences in the older adults' health status are largely attributable to their lifestyles but are also likely due to gender, educational, and socio-economic disparities, which should be properly addressed by public health policies.

The rise of depression and the risk of suicide: Understanding dysphoria in modern society

Abstract Problem Depression is on the rise and can result in the intense despair that underlies suicide risk. Description of the Problem Modern society has changed in ways that disrupt personal life, reduce lasting values, and create a disconnect from close interpersonal relations. It is important to understand the prevalence of despair and the high rates of death by suicide. Results A comprehensive scoping review identified five relevant factors that play a role in the rise of distress and despair across society. First, many people rely on alcohol or drugs to temporarily suppress emotional reactions. Drug abuse has become commonplace. Further, the over-use of antidepressant medications may result in the social and emotional causes of depression remaining untreated. Second, prescription pills and guns are the most common methods used in a suicidal act and both are commonplace throughout the U.S. Third, many adults struggle with occupational stress and chronic financial worries. In addition, many adults feel their job is repetitive and mundane, providing a source of income but little benefit to person or society. Fourth, many people experience pervasive feelings of loneliness and social isolation, often feeling disconnected from family and friends. Some aspects of social isolation may be related to an excessive use of technology that has changed social interactions in ways that are not helpful. Fifth, many people have been losing hope or lack meaning in life. As society becomes filled with interpersonal conflict, political strife, and suppressed hatred, feelings of hopelessness can grow. Some people have reached a level of fatigue over the assorted crises facing the world today. Lessons The rising suicide rates are not a time-limited epidemic, but despair has become endemic to modern society, quietly undermining the emotional lives of many people. Societal changes can promote positive mental health by addressing each of these five factors. Key messages • Mental Health professionals can promote non-pharmacological means of managing stress and depression. • All fields can encourage supportive and compassionate bonds when confronted with people in distress.

The Relationship Between Stressful Life Events and Feelings of Hopelessness and Psychological Loneliness Among Al Balqa Applied University Students

Because of the complexity of modern life in all aspects, people can face different stressful life events, which also lead to different physiological disorders. The current study aimed to discover the relationship between stressful life events and feelings of hopelessness, and psychological loneliness. The study sample consisted of (294) students from Al-Balqa Applied University (females, 262; males, 32). The researchers used three tools: the stressful life events scale, the hopelessness scale and the psychological loneliness scale. The study results showed a positive correlation between stressful life events and feelings of hopelessness and psychological loneliness. Accordingly, future suggestions for research, policy and practices are presented.

Registered Nurses' beliefs about end-of-life care: A mixed method study.

To examine registered nurses' (RNs) behavioural, normative and control beliefs about end-of-life care for patients who are diagnosed with advanced and life-limiting illnesses; and to identify the barriers and facilitators they experience when providing end-of-life care. A sequential explanatory mixed methods study. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Care for Terminally Ill Patient tool among 1293 RNs working across five hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Online individual semi-structured interviews with a subgroup of survey respondents were then undertaken. Data were collected between October 2020 to February 2021. A total of 415 RNs completed the online survey, with 16 of them participating in individual interviews. Over half of the participants expressed the belief that end-of-life care is most efficiently delivered through multidisciplinary team collaboration. The majority of participants also believed that discussing end-of-life care with patients or families leads to feelings of hopelessness. Paradoxically, the study revealed that more than half of the participants held the negative belief that patients at the end of life should optimally receive a combination of both curative and palliative care services. The results showed that nurses' beliefs were significantly associated with their age, religion, ward type, level of education and frequency of providing end-of-life care. Data from the qualitative interviews identified four themes that explored RNs' beliefs and its related factors. The four themes were 'holistic care', 'diversity of beliefs', 'dynamics of truth-telling' and 'experiences of providing end-of-life care.' Wherever possible, patients at the end-of-life should be cared for in specialist settings by multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective, high-quality care. Where this is not possible, organisations should ensure that teams of multidisciplinary staff, including nurses, receive education and resources to support end-of-life care in non-specialist settings. Hospitals that employ foreign-trained nurses should consider providing targeted education to enhance their cultural competence and reduce the impact of different beliefs on end-of-life care.

Trouble dysphorique prémenstruel : prises en charge médicamenteuses et psychothérapeutiques, une revue de littérature

IntroductionPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) was first recognised in July 2013 in the DSM-5 after a long journey to identify its existence. It was not until 1983 that the US National Institute of Mental Health determined research criteria for the study of PMS. In 1994, the term “premenstrual dysphoric disorder” (PMDD) replaced this term in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic System Manual (DSM). It was listed in the section “Mood Disorder Not Otherwise Specified” and remained under consideration until the DSM-5, in which it appeared in the depressive disorders section. The legitimisation of the psychiatric diagnosis as well as the determination of clear symptomatology criteria in 2013 opened up possibilities for management, development of clinical, pathophysiological, therapeutic and psychotherapeutic studies. This disabling disorder can affect personal, social, family and professional life. In 2019, the ICD-11 in turn introduced the diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which solidifies the recognition of the disorder. Objective(I) to review the existing treatments, both medicinal and psychotherapeutic, and (II) to review their effectiveness. At the end of this work we will formulate recommendations for the management of these patients. MethodologyA bibliographic search was carried out from 7 June 2021 to 7 July2021 on the databases (bases de données) Psychinfo APA, Scopus, PubMed, as well as the bases de données of the Cochrane organisation and the recommendation documents of the Haute Autorité de la santé. After an initial selection based on keywords, the full text of all articles were read to arrive at the final selection of 32 articles. ResultsAntidepressants and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) appear to be the most commonly recommended treatments for PMDD. Other research shows the effectiveness of oral contraceptives including drospirenone. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were identified as an effective treatment for PMDD. These data are consistent with the current etiological hypothesis of PMDD which has a negative impact of natural hormonal fluctuations on certain neurotransmitters. CBT showed positive results in reducing the functional impact of PMDD. DiscussionSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants were reported to be first-line treatments for PMDD (sertraline 50–150 mg/d, fluoxetine 10–20 mg/d, escitalopram 10–20 mg/d, paroxetine 12.5–25 mg/d). Drospirenone (EE 3 mg and EE 20 mg/d 24 days of hormonal pills, 4 days inactive) appears to have been a first or second line treatment depending on the articles. Current results clearly point to the effectiveness of CBT in helping to reduce: functional impairment, depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, mood swings, sensitivity, irritability, insomnia, conflict with others, impact of premenstrual symptoms on daily life, intensity of symptoms experienced, and symptom handicap. CBTs could also become a first-line treatment if there were to be more evidence of their effectiveness. In the future, it would seem useful to offer a psychotherapeutic treatment that can be reproduced and to multiply research with a high level of scientific comparability in order to clarify the place of CBT in the management of PMDD. Research on the etiopathology of the disorder and the optimal drug regimen is still ongoing. There is a need to develop appropriate psychotherapeutic techniques to support and accompany these patients. ConclusionIn order to better evaluate treatments for PMDD, there is a need to homogenise studies on the subject at several levels: design, treatment doses, psychotherapeutic techniques, and evaluation measures. At present, some studies include both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and PMDD patients. PMS and PMDD do not include the same symptoms, nor the same severity and potentially the same aetiology in the patients studied. In order to propose rigorous research that evaluates the effectiveness of treatments for PMDD and to properly support people with both these disorders, it seems essential to distinguish the two conditions. The role of the health practitioner is to be able to identify PMDD by differentiating it from other clinically related disorders. The patient must then be accompanied to make a choice of treatment adapted to her symptoms, their severity, her history, her plans for procreation, contraindications and her preferences. In 2021, the French National Authority for Health did not offer any guidelines or recommendations for the management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. There is a need to develop research in France.

Emotional responses to COVID-19 stressors increase information avoidance about an important unrelated health threat.

The COVID-19 pandemic, like other crises, has had direct and indirect impacts on individuals, many of which have been negative. While a large body of research has examined the impacts of COVID-19 on people's lives, there is little evidence about how COVID-19 affects decision-making broadly. Emotional responses to COVID-19-related stressors, such as illness and income loss, provide a pathway for these stressors to affect decision-making. In this study, we examine linkages between exposure to COVID-19-related stressors-focusing on temporally specific local case counts and loss of income due to the pandemic-and decisions to access information about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), another critically important health issue. COVID-19 constitutes a natural experiment in that people's exposure to stressors does not result from those individuals' current decisions. Using a nationally representative survey with 1223 respondents in December 2020, we linked the temporally specific COVID-19 cases and income loss experienced by participants to an increased likelihood of feeling hopeless. Higher feelings of hopelessness led to a higher probability of avoiding information about AMR. A mediation analysis confirms that emotional responses to COVID-19 stressors significantly increase information avoidance about an unrelated, but important health issue. Our results suggest that large-scale crises, like COVID-19 and climate change, may diminish action on other important health issues facing humanity.

Melanie: A Novel Exploring How Trauma Affects a Teenager’s Mental Health

When a teenager accidentally commits a killing in self-defense, such an experience will have a tremendous effect on her psychological condition. From the accidental killing, she suffers from a post-traumatic stress disorder, which negatively affects her mental health. She will then use a variety of defense mechanisms to cope. This work applies the theory of traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and defense mechanisms. This creative thesis is written in the form of a novel to showcase the effects of a self-defense killing on a person’s psyche, and how she uses defense mechanisms to deal with the effects. The novel shows how Melanie, the main character, suffers from the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as strong emotions, overreaction, disturbed sleeping patterns, withdrawal from family and friends, depression, pessimistic outlook on life, and feelings of hopelessness, and she utilizes avoidance, acting out, repression and denial as defense mechanisms to deal with the stress.

Purpose in the pandemic: Fear of COVID-19, hopelessness, meaning in life, and suicidal thoughts among two samples of Black Americans.

The mental health experiences of Black Americans remain understudied in existing COVID-19 research. While several vital reports highlight disparate physical health outcomes-and even higher mortality rates among Black Americans-few queries have considered the current mental health concerns for this particular group. This investigation therefore examines correlates associated with experiencing suicidal ideation at the beginning (e.g., 2020) and in a later phase (e.g., 2022) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 1 includes responses from (n = 489) Black young adults ages 18-30 who completed online surveys from May 27 to June 24, 2020. Study 2 includes response from a separate, nationally representative probability-based sample of (n = 794) Black adults ages 18-88 who completed online surveys between April 21 and June 1, 2022. Participants' fear of COVID-19, feelings of hopelessness, and perceptions regarding meaning in life were considered. Study findings indicate that hopelessness, but not fear of COVID-19, was positively associated with suicidal ideation in both studies. Further, presence of meaning in life was negatively associated with suicidal ideation during the past 2 weeks in Study 1 and was also associated with significantly lower odds of suicidal ideation during the past year in Study 2. Presence of meaning in life moderated the relation between hopelessness and suicidal ideation among participants in Study 1 only. Thus, having a sense of life purpose appears to be an important construct to consider when working to prevent suicide among Black Americans during the current global COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).