Frequency Of Anxiety Disorders Research Articles

Anxiety-depressive disorders in patients with arterial hypertension who were in a combat zone

Objective — to study the frequency and severity of anxiety‑depressive disorders in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) who were in the war zone.
 Materials and methods. Examinations involved 42 patients with AH of the II stage, 2—3 degree (20 men and 22 women), aged from 46 to 65 years (average age — (52.4±4.3 years), who were in the combat zone during the war in the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv region of Ukraine. The degree and stage of hypertension were assessed in accordance with current recommendations. All subjects underwent general clinical laboratory and instrumental examination, as well as psychological testing using special questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale — HADS, Hamilton Anxiety Scales (HAM‑A), Hamilton Depression Scales (HAM‑D), Spielberger‑Hanin Personality and Reactive Anxiety Scales, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Screening Questionnaire (MH of Ukraine, 2016) and the Civilian Mississippi Scale for PTSD. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out with standard methods using Microsoft Excel 7.0 and «SPSS 19.0» application programs.
 Results. The anxiety and depressive disorders of varying severity, and PTSD symptoms have been established in the majority of AH patients, who were in the combat zone. The most frequent anxiety disorders were subclinical anxiety (according to HADS), anxiety symptoms and anxiety state (according to the (HAM‑A). Examinations with the use of Spielberger Personality and Reactive Anxiety Scale — Khanin showed an increased level of both personal and reactive anxiety, but the frequency of high‑level reactive anxiety was significantly higher than this indicator of personal anxiety. In the vast majority of examined patients with AH, subclinical depression (according to HADS) and mild or moderate depressive disorder (according to HAM‑D) have been established. In a third of the patients, depressive disorders were combined with anxiety disorders. Some of the patients with AH after being in the combat zone showed individual PTSD symptoms or developed clinical variant of PTSD (according to the Civilian Mississippi Scale for PTSD). Clinically expressed signs of anxiety and depression and PTSD symptoms were significantly more common in women than in men.
 Conclusions. The negative impact of the presence of patients with hypertension in the combat zone on mental health indicators was established. In most of the examined patients, it was manifested as anxiety and depressive disorders of various degrees of severity, and PTSD symptoms. These violations require early diagnosis and timely adequate correction.

Life-time anxiety disorders in patients with late-onset psychosis

BACKGROUND. Anxiety disorders are frequently observed in patients with schizophrenia. Meanwhile lifetime frequency of these disorders in late-onset schizophrenia remains unknown.
 AIM. The aim of the study was to investigate frequency of anxiety disorders in patients with late-onset psychosis.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS. 85 patients with late-manifesting psychoses (after 40 years) aged 45 to 86 years (average age 66.5=9.5 years) were examined. Patients with late schizophrenia (n=42), late schizoaffective disorder (n=12), late chronic delusional disorder (n=15), organic schizoform psychosis (n=8), recurrent depression with psychotic symptoms (n=8) underwent psychiatric examination (PANSS, HDRS-17, MMSE, MoCA) and standard interviews. The diagnosis was carried out according to the criteria of the International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision. The control group included 24 people over 45 years old without signs of mental disorders (average age 57.68.8 years). Statistical analysis included nonparametric criteria.
 RESULTS. Results. Patients with late schizophrenia were distinguished by certain premorbid features in the form of an increased frequency of social phobia, more animal phobias and multiple polysymptomatic habitual anxiety reactions. Patients with late schizoaffective disorder were characterized by a tendency to hypochondriac fears and multiple polysymptomatic habitual anxiety reactions. Patients with late delusional disorder were characterized by an increased frequency of animal phobias. Patients with late mental depression are characterized by the presence of multiple undeveloped anxiety reactions and hypochondriac fears. Patients with endomorphic organic psychoses were distinguished by a low frequency of hypochondriacal fears in the anamnesis.
 CONCLUSION. High frequency of anxiety disorders in patients with late-onset schizophrenia was detected. This data could improve diagnostics of late-onset psychosis.

High Rates of Anxiety Among Adolescents in a Partial Hospitalization Program.

BackgroundAnxiety disorders are garnering increasing attention for their contribution to high-risk issues and functional impairment. Adolescents are typically admitted to partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) due to high-risk presentations. However, the frequency of anxiety disorders in PHPs is not well-established, in part because anxiety can be overlooked in acute settings due to limited lengths of stay and focus on stabilization.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the frequency and severity of anxiety disorders among a sample of adolescent PHP patients to assess the need for anxiety-specific assessment and interventions in higher acuity settings.MethodsParticipants were 158 youths ages 13 to 19 years old (M = 15.49 years, SD = 1.50) who were admitted to an adolescent PHP and their caregivers. Clinician-reported diagnostic information was collected from the youth’s electronic medical record, and self- and caregiver-rated severity of anxiety was collected using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotions Disorders (SCARED-C/P). Frequency of anxiety and related disorder diagnoses and self- and caregiver-reported severity were assessed using descriptive statistical methods.Results75% of participants were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (n = 118). On average, participants with anxiety disorders had elevated SCARED-C scores. Youths with depressive disorders had elevated SCARED-C scores even when they did not carry anxiety disorder diagnoses. Caregiver ratings of the youth’s anxiety symptoms on the SCARED-P were elevated when youths had anxiety disorders.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that anxiety is common in an adolescent PHP setting and support investing in evidence-based assessment and treatment of anxiety in high-acuity settings.

The Prevalence And Possıble Rısk Factors Of Depression And Anxiety Dısorders In Syrian Migrant Women In Turkey

In this study, it is aimed to identify depression and anxiety disorder frequency and possible risk factors on immigrant Syrian women. This study was planned as a cross-sectional study. The study included 279 Syrian migrant women. The data were evaluated by SPSS 23.0 statistical package program. Pearson's chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal Wallis Test were used. The level of statistical significance was accepted as p <0.05.%56,6 of participants does not have depression. 66.1% of the participants had mild anxiety and 24.2% were severe. There are few studies about Syrian immigrants so it is required to do many more studies on this topic and there are not any studies similar to this one. As the transfer of trauma to generations can be more intense, especially in immigrant mothers, it shows the necessity to take preventive measures for their children.

Major depression and psychiatric comorbidity in Turkish children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Many psychological factors contribute to an increased risk of depression in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aims to evaluate coexisting psychiatric disorders, perceived social support, and quality of life (QoL) in Turkish children with CF and compare these factors with those of a control group. The study group consisted of 32 children (8-16 years of age) with CF and a group of 33 age- and sex-matched control children. All subjects completed the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED), Social Support Appraisals Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire. Psychiatric diagnoses were established using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version. Of the children with CF, 80% of those in the 8 to 11 years age range and 50% of those in the 12 to 17 years age range had at least one psychiatric disorder, that is, 68% of the 33 children with CF had at least one psychiatric disorder. Anxiety disorder (46.8%) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (21.8%) were also common among children with CF. The rates of depression in the CF group and control group were 21.9% and 6.1%, respectively (P > .05). The CF subjects with coexisting depression exhibited higher levels of disease severity, longer periods of hospitalization, and more frequent anxiety disorder. When compared with the control group, the QoL among the Turkish children with CF was lower (P < .05). The CDI and SCARED are relatively sensitive and specific screening tools for depression and anxiety in children with CF. Psychiatric disorders were more frequently found in children and adolescents with CF. By examining symptoms of anxiety and depression and by using screening tools, CF patients who exhibit symptoms of psychiatric disorders can be better identified and evaluated.

Adverse Drug Reactions Related to Mood and Emotion in Pediatric Patients Treated for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Comparative Analysis of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System Database.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be comorbid with frequent anxiety and mood disorders, as well as emotional symptoms (anxiety, irritability, mood lability). These may also be triggered by drugs and appear as adverse drug reactions (ADRs). We mined data from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System pharmacovigilance database, focused on methylphenidate, atomoxetine, amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and their derivatives. We collected reports of ADRs connected with mood or emotional symptoms in pediatric patients, excluding drug abuse/accidents. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated and compared between drug classes and children/adolescents. We collected 6176 ADRs of interest of which 59% occurred in children. Atomoxetine accounted for 50.7% of reports, methylphenidate for 32.5%, lisdexamfetamine for 14.2%, and amphetamine for 2.6%. Irritability, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, depressed mood, and euphoria scored significant RORs for all drugs, overall with an increasing risk from methylphenidate to atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine, and amphetamine. Apathy regarded mostly atomoxetine, and crying regarded all drugs except methylphenidate. Several age-based differences were found. Notably, affect lability hit only adolescents. All drugs scored significant self-injury RORs, except lisdexamfetamine in adolescents, with an increasing risk from methylphenidate to lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine, and amphetamine. For suicidality, all drugs had significant RORs in children, and methylphenidate was better than atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. In adolescents, only methylphenidate and atomoxetine scored significant RORs. We conclude that real-world data from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System are consistent with previous evidence from meta-analyses. They support a hierarchy of drug safety for several ADRs (except self-injury/suicidality) with methylphenidate as safest, followed by atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine, and amphetamine last. Self-injury and suicidality RORs were overall higher in children.

Physical exercise augmented cognitive behaviour therapy for older adults with generalised anxiety disorder (PEXACOG): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGeneralised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a frequent and severe anxiety disorder among older adults. GAD increases the risk of developing other disorders such as depression and coronary heart disease. Older adults with GAD exhibit a poorer response to cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) compared to younger patients with GAD. The normal age-related cognitive decline can be a contributor to reduced treatment efficacy. One strategy for improving treatment efficacy is to combine CBT with adjunctive interventions targeted at improving cognitive functions. Physical exercise is a viable intervention in this regard. Increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor may mediate improvement in cognitive function. The present study aims to investigate the proposed effects and mechanisms related to concomitant physical exercise.MethodsThe sample comprises 70 participants aged 60–75 years, who have GAD. Exclusion criteria comprise substance abuse and unstable medication; inability to participate in physical exercise; and conditions which precludes GAD as primary diagnosis. The interventions are individual treatment in the outpatient clinic at the local psychiatric hospital, with two experimental arms: (1) CBT + physical exercise and (2) CBT + telephone calls. The primary outcome measure is symptom reduction on the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Other measures include questionnaires, clinical interviews, physiological, biological and neuropsychological tests. A subset of 40 participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After inclusion, participants undergo baseline testing, and are subsequently randomized to a treatment condition. Participants attend five sessions of the add-on treatment in the pre-treatment phase, and move on to interim testing. After interim testing, participants attend 10 sessions of CBT in parallel with continued add-on treatment. Participants are tested post-intervention within 2 weeks of completing treatment, with follow-up testing 6 and 12 months later.DiscussionThis study aims to develop better treatment for GAD in older adults. Enhancing treatment response will be valuable from both individual and societal perspectives, especially taking the aging of the general population into account.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02690441. Registered on 24 February 2016.

Anksiozni poremećaji - trenutno stanje stvari? Preporučena medikamentozna terapija i perspektive

The frequency of anxiety disorders has been significantly increasing during the last few decades, especially within the younger population. This review article inclines to explain the differences between fear and anxiety, types of disorders that might mimic anxiety or induce it, and the involvement of different neural circuits in the processing of anxiety information. A significant portion of the paper is dedicated to the current pharmacological treatment of these disorders which represents a basis for the treatment of anxiety. Also, we addressed a potential application of herbal remedies for the treatment of different anxiety spectrum disorders.

Assessment of cognitive dysfunction, depression, and anxiety in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in relation to serum interleukin-6

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a well-recognized multicomponent disease, but its influences on cognitive function and other associated psychological disorders were poorly identified. Systemic inflammation is considered as a key link between these diseases. Aim To assess the cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression among stable COPD patients using different neuropsychological tests, in relation with serum interleukin-6 (IL-6). Patients and methods A study was conducted upon 100 stable COPD patients and 25 controls. All the participants were subjected to neurological and psychiatric assessment, such as The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale. Serum IL-6 was measured for all participants. Results COPD patients had more frequent anxiety disorders, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and higher serum IL-6 than control group. Visual-spatial/executive and delayed recall domains of cognitive dysfunction were significantly affected in COPD than controls ( P P <0.001). Conclusion Anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment were significantly more prevalent between COPD patients. Serum IL-6 was a valid predictor for cognitive dysfunction in COPD patients.

Suicidality in Subjects With Anxiety or Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: Recent Advances.

Historically, anxiety disorders have not been considered as important determinants of suicide, but in the last years, many works have challenged this assumption. Here, we will review the available evidence on the relationship between suicide and anxiety disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder), with special emphasis on findings published in the last years. Overall, anxiety disorders increase the risk of suicide. Specifically, 16% of patients with social anxiety disorder reported suicidal ideation in the previous month, and 18% of them had a history of suicide attempts. Similarly, in patients with panic disorder, suicidal ideation prevalence ranged between 17 and 32%, and 33% of them had a history of suicide attempts. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was the most frequent anxiety disorder in completed suicides (present in 3% of people who committed suicide) and also subthreshold GAD was clearly linked to suicide ideation. Post-traumatic stress disorder was positively associated with suicidal ideation, and in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, suicide ideation rates ranged from 10 to 53% and suicide attempts from 1 to 46%. Body dysmorphic disorders presented a suicide ideation prevalence of about 80%. Suicide risk is increased in subjects with anxiety disorder. This risk is higher in the presence of comorbidities, but it is not clear whether it is independent from such comorbidities in some disorders.

Ultra high risk status and transition to psychosis in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is characterized by high rates of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia, making this condition a promising human model for studying risk factors for psychosis. We explored the predictive value of ultra high-risk (UHR) criteria in a sample of patients with 22q11DS. We also examined the additional contribution of sociodemographic, clinical and cognitive variables to predict transition to psychosis within a mean interval of 32.56176 months after initial assessment. Eighty-nine participants with 22q11DS (age range: 8–30 years; mean: 16.1647) were assessed using the structured interview for psychosis-risk syndromes. Information on axis I diagnoses, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, level of functioning and IQ was also collected. At baseline, 22 (24.7%) participants met UHR criteria. Compared to those without a UHR condition, they had a significantly lower functioning, more frequent anxiety disorders and more severe psychopathology. Transition rate to psychosis was 27.3% in UHR and 4.5% in non-UHR participants. Cox regression analyses revealed that UHR status significantly predicted conversion to psychosis. Baseline level of functioning was the only other additional predictor. This is the first study investigating the predictive value of UHR criteria in 22q11DS. It indicates that the clinical path leading to psychosis is broadly comparable to that observed in other clinical high-risk samples. Nevertheless, the relatively high transition rate in non-UHR individuals suggests that other risk markers should be explored in this population. The role of low functioning as a predictor of transition to psychosis should also be investigated more in depth.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Anxiety disorder in elderly persons with chronic pain: frequency and associations

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the frequency of anxiety disorders in older elderly persons with chronic pain and identify associated factors. Method: a descriptive, analytical and cross section study of the "Projeto Longevos" ("Long-Lived Elderly Persons Project") was carried out, featuring elderly persons living in the community who were aged 80 or over. Older elderly persons with chronic pain were selected, and data regarding their sociodemographic characteristics and factors related to pain was gathered, especially with regard to the multidimensional nature of pain, according to the "Geriatric Pain Measure-p" (GPM-p). Self-perception of health was also recorded and functionality assessments were carried out, along with the screenings for depression and anxiety disorders, according to the Geriatric Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Associations were analyzed by Pearson correlation, the ANOVA Test and Tukey multiple comparisons. Results: the sample was composed of 41 elderly persons with a mean age of 85.7 years, most of whom were female, white, widowed and had a low education. A high prevalence of anxiety disorders was observed, being 53.6% and 68.3%, respectively, for trait and state anxiety. A significant, but not high, correlation was found between the anxiety trait and chronic pain according to the GPM-p (r=31.5%; p=0.048), and there was a significant and high correlation between the same type of anxiety and depression (r=61.3%; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: anxiety disorders were very prevalent in older elderly persons with chronic pain, and these correlated significantly with pain and depression, which could justify the need for varied multidisciplinary therapeutic measures against the persistent pain conditions of the elderly.

The Efficacy of Augment of D-Cycloserine and Cognitive-behavioral Therapy on Adolescent with one Type of Anxiety Disorders: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:This study was designed to investigating the effect of combining D-cycloserine (DCS) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on adolescent with at least one type of anxiety disorders.Materials and Methods:The present study was conducted as a double-blind randomized controlled trial on 36 adolescent with anxiety disorders. Patients were assessed in two groups. In addition to 4 sessions of weekly CBT in both groups; case group, received a 50-mg DCS capsules, control group, received Placebo daily for a month. Patients received DCS capsules or placebo 1 h before sessions of CBT. Age, sex, kind of anxiety disorders “screen for child anxiety related disorders (SCARED)” and “cognitive abilities test (CATS)” scores were evaluated and compared between groups.Results:The mean age of the studied patients (29 females (80.6%) and 7 males (19.4%)) was 14.1 ± 1.8 years. The most frequent anxiety disorder among the study population was generalized social disorder (GAD) (77.7%). Age, sex and the frequency of anxiety disorders were not statistically significant between the study groups (P > 0.05). The mean score of “SCARED” and “CATS” at before starting the treatment, after treatment and three month after the treatment were not statistically significant between groups (P > 0.05). Also, decrease in values of “SCARED” and “CATS” during the evaluation time periods was not statistically significant between groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions:Findings of this study showed that there has been no difference in symptoms improvement in adolescent with anxiety disorder who received treatment protocol including 4 sessions of CBT, weekly, together with 50 mgs of DCS compared to the patients of the control group.

Review of research works done on generalized anxiety disorder at institute for postgraduate teaching and research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders characterized by persistent worrying, anxiety symptoms, and tension. It is most frequent anxiety disorder in primary care and associated with a significant economic burden owing to decreased work productivity and increased use of health-care services. GAD is a highly disabling illness, often complicated by multiple comorbidities, most commonly depression and other anxiety disorders. Being an alarming disease, it requires effective management. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach, can be helpful in such situation. In this direction, to assess the actual efficacy of different Ayurveda treatment modalities; few works have been carried out at Institute for Postgraduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (IPGT and RA), Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. In the current attempt, it has been planned to review all such works done on GAD. Totally, six studies on GAD were done during 2001–2017 that were compiled and screened. Various ayurvedic treatment modalities such as Nasya Karma, Shirodhara, Medhya Rasayana , yogic practice are found to be significantly effective in GAD.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANXIETY-DEPRESSIVE SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND JOINT DISEASE IN WOMEN

The frequency of anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders (ADSDs) in patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) is much higher than that in the general population. ADSDs are known to be associated with pain intensity, disease activity, and functional limitations. However, the majority of available papers are limited by the framework of a certain disease. Objective: to investigate the association of ADSDs with the characteristics of joint damage beyond the nosological approach. Subjects and methods. The investigation enrolled 38 women aged 18 years and older who had different RDs and preserved reproductive function, were treated at round-the-clock hospitals, and had no clinically significant comorbid diseases. All the patients were divided into two subgroups: 1) those with predominant hand joint injury and 2) those with joint involvement at other sites. All the patients were evaluated for disease activity (DAS-28-ESR, ASDAS-ESR), pain (visual analogue scale), and functional status (HAQ). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to detect ADSDs and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were employed to rate the severity of anxiety and depression, respectively. Results and discussion. The frequency of anxiety disorders evaluated through the HADS and the HAM-A was 44.7 and 34.2%, that of depressions was 34.2 and 60.5% respectively. The clinically evident level of HADS anxiety (11+) in Subgroup 1 was detected 5 times more frequently (30.0%) than in Subgroup 2 (5.5%); and that of HAM-A anxiety (18+) was twice as often: 45.0 and 22.2%, respectively. The frequency of clinically significant depression according to HADS (11+) and HAM-D (14+) in Subgroup 1 was 30.0 and 40.0%, and that in Group 2 was 11.1 and 16.7% respectively. The probability of severe depressions (HAM-D 19+) in hand joint injury was twice higher (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–3.19) than in arthritis at various sites. Thus, this investigation provides evidence for the high frequency of ADSDS in patients with RDs. Reproductive-aged women with hand joint injury are one of the most vulnerable groups.

Ultra high risk status and transition to psychosis in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is characterized by high rates of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia, making this condition a promising human model for studying risk factors for psychosis. We explored the predictive value of ultra high risk (UHR) criteria in a sample of patients with 22q11DS. We also examined the additional contribution of socio-demographic, clinical and cognitive variables to predict transition to psychosis within a mean interval of 32.5 ± 17.6 months after initial assessment. Eighty-nine participants with 22q11DS (age range: 8-30 years; mean 16.1 ± 4.7) were assessed using the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes. Information on Axis I diagnoses, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, level of functioning and IQ was also collected. At baseline, 22 (24.7%) participants met UHR criteria. Compared to those without a UHR condition, they had a significantly lower functioning, more frequent anxiety disorders, and more severe psychopathology. Transition rate to psychosis was 27.3% in UHR and 4.5% in non-UHR participants. Cox regression analyses revealed that UHR status significantly predicted conversion to psychosis. Baseline level of functioning was the only other additional predictor. This is the first study investigating the predictive value of UHR criteria in 22q11DS. It indicates that the clinical path leading to psychosis is broadly comparable to that observed in other clinical high-risk samples. Nevertheless, the relatively high transition rate in non-UHR individuals suggests that other risk markers should be explored in this population. The role of low functioning as a predictor of transition to psychosis should also be investigated more in depth.

Trastornos depresivos y de ansiedad y factores asociados en la población adulta colombiana, Encuesta Nacional de Salud Mental 2015

IntroductionMental disorders are the first causes of disability adjusted life years (DALY), contributing with the 7.4%. This value increases as the DALYs of the transmittable diseases decrease. ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and associated factors of the major depressive and anxious disorders. MethodsData obtained from the IV Mental Health Survey with representation from 5 regions. A computerised interview was conducted, focusing on the most frequent anxiety and depressive disorders, using the CIDI CAPI 3.0. A sample of 10,870 adults over 18 years old was obtained. ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of any of these disorders is 10.1% (95% CI: 8.8-11.5) in the population between 18 and 44 years, and of 7.7% (95% CI: 6.5-9.1) in those older than 45 years. The prevalence in the last 12 months was 5.1% (95% CI: 4.3-6.0) in the younger group, and 2.3% (95% CI: 1.8-3.0) in the older group. Of the people with evaluated mental disorders, 17.6% (95% CI: 13.1-23.4) had 2 or more disorders, a comorbidity that is more common in the female population (20.4%, 95% CI: 14.2-28.3) than in males (13.5%, 95% CI: 7.9-22.0). Major depressive disorder is the most prevalent of the disorders, with a lifetime prevalence of 4.3% (95% CI: 3.7-5.0). After adjusting in a multivariate model, being divorced or widowed (OR=1.3), previous suicide attempt (OR=3.3), and having 6 or more features of border-line personality, were associated with an increased risk of presenting with any of the studied disorders. ConclusionsAnxiety and depressive mental disorders are an important health burden in Colombia.

Neural Mechanism of a Sex-Specific Risk Variant for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Type I Receptor of the Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequent anxiety disorder with higher prevalence rates in female patients than in male patients (2.5:1). Association with a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2267735) in the gene ADCYAP1R1 encoding the type I receptor (PAC1-R) of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide has been reported with PTSD in female patients. We sought to identify the neural correlates of the described PAC1-R effects on associative learning. MethodsIn a reverse genetic approach, we examined two independent healthy samples (N1 = 112, N2 = 73) using functional magnetic resonance imaging during cued and contextual fear conditioning. Skin conductance responses and verbal self-reports of arousal, valence, and contingency were recorded. ResultsWe found that PAC1-R modulates the blood oxygenation level–dependent response of the hippocampus. Specifically, we observed decreased hippocampal activity during contextual, but not during cued, fear conditioning in female participants carrying the PAC1-R risk allele. We observed no significant differences in conditionability for skin conductance responses, verbal reports, or activation in other brain regions between the genotype groups in female participants. ConclusionsOur results suggest that impaired contextual conditioning in the hippocampal formation may mediate the association between PAC1-R and PTSD symptoms. Our findings potentially identify a missing link between the involvement of PAC1-R in PTSD and the well-established structural and functional hippocampal deficits in these patients.

The Use of Essential Oils as a Complementary Treatment for Anxiety

Mental disorders occur in people in all countries, societies and in all ethnic groups, regardless socio-economic order with more frequent anxiety disorders. Through the process of time many treatment have been applied in order to address this complex mental issue. People with anxiety disorders can benefit from a variety of treatments and services. Following an accurate diagnosis, possible treatments include psychological treatments and mediation. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) plays a significant role in health care systems. Patients with chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, chronic neck and backache, headache, digestive problems and mental health conditions (including insomnia, depression, and anxiety) were high users of CAM therapies. Aromatherapy is a holistic method of treatment, using essential oils. There are several essential oils that can help in reducing anxiety disorders and as a result the embodied events that they may cause.

The Psychosocial Background of Asthma and Panic Disorder

Asthma, the chronic disease, shows increased prevalence in the last decades. Genetic and environmental factors also influence its development. Panic disorder (PD) is one of the most frequent anxiety disorders in asthma. Their common symptom is the difficulty in breathing. In my study I aimed to compare the family representations of asthmatic and panic disorder young adults and their family members with healthy young people's and their family members’ representations to know more about the family structures and their mental processes. Gehring's (2010) Family System Test (FAST) was used by 3-3-3 families in my investigation testing all of the family members. There were four family members in all of the investigated families (parents and children). One of the children was concerned in asthma or panic disorder, while – in the control group – both of the children were healthy. I made both the quantitative- and qualitative analysis of the data to explore the differences between the subgroups. The results show that more pronounced differences are among the family members’ representations in the patients’ subsamples. The way we interpret the surrounding world has a powerful effect on our well-being and healthy status. The family has a particular influence on our development from birth to death. The organization and flexibility of this system and our place which is defined by the other family members’ personality and communicative style collectively form the members in the level of the (sub)system(s) and teach him/her how to live and cope. Although the results seem to be remarkable, further studies are needed to explore the importance of the family representations in our life better, and the role of the other factors and their interactions also need to be researched.