Frequency Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Psychiatric Symptoms in Women with High-risk Pregnancy in the Postpartum Period: A Case-control Study.

Psychiatric symptoms are common mental issues in pregnancy and the postpartum period. There is limited information regarding the psychiatric symptoms of women with high-risk pregnancy in the postpartum period. This study aimed to compare the severity of psychiatric symptoms and psychological distress in women with high-risk and low-risk pregnancies in the postpartum period. This case-control study examined 250 women in the postpartum period in two groups with low-risk (n = 112) and high-risk (n = 138) pregnancies. Women completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-53 (BSI-53) and the Risk Postnatal Psychosocial Depression Risk Questionnaire (PPDRQ). The mean severity of psychiatric symptoms in women with high-risk pregnancies was significantly higher than that in women with low-risk pregnancies (39.34 ± 17.51 vs. 30.26 ± 17.08). Additionally, the frequency of psychological distress in women with high-risk pregnancies was approximately twice higher than that in women with low-risk pregnancies (30.3% vs. 15.2%). Furthermore, the risk factors for depression in women with high-risk pregnancies were almost 1.5 times (59.8% vs. 39.8%) higher than the factors in women with low-risk pregnancies. The results of the logistic analysis indicated that high-risk pregnancies could be twice the odds ratio of developing postpartum psychological distress (ß = 2.14, 95% CI 1.4-6.3, p= 0.036). Psychiatric symptoms and the psychological distress index are higher in postpartum women with high-risk pregnancies than in postpartum women with low-risk pregnancies. The study suggests that obstetricians and pregnant women's health care providers should strongly consider screening of psychiatric symptoms in women with high-risk pregnancies both during pregnancy and after delivery as the women's routine care priorities.

The Psychological Stress Affecting Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing

This brief provides a high-level overview of the current status of youth mental health globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand. There is a growing global youth mental health pandemic that has seen a rapid rise over several years in mental morbidity and frequency of psychological distress among children and young people and this has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic [1].

Association of traumatic events with levels of psychological distress and depressive symptoms in male asylum seekers and refugees resettled in Italy

BackgroundIn recent years there has been a progressive rise in the number of asylum seekers and refugees displaced from their country of origin, with significant social, economic, public health and mental health implications. The aim of this study is to (1) describe the level of psychological distress and frequency of psychiatric disorders in a sample of male asylum seekers and refugees across different ethnic groups resettled in Italy; (2) establish whether the number of traumatic events experienced before, during and after the migration process is associated with level of psychological distress and depressive symptoms.MethodsIn two large Italian catchment areas, over a period of 1 year a consecutive series of male asylum seekers and refugees, aged 18 or above and included in the Italian protection system, were screened for psychological distress and psychiatric disorders using validated questionnaires.ResultsDuring the study period, 252 male asylum seekers or refugees were recruited. More than one-third of the participants (34.5%) showed clinically relevant psychological distress, and one-fourth (22.2%), met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis, mainly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depressive disorders. The number of traumatic events turned out to be a risk factor for both clinically relevant psychological distress and depressive disorders. Receiving good social support emerged as a protective factor, while migrants with unclear status were at higher risk of psychological distress than those holding or awaiting a permission.DiscussionIn an unselected sample of male asylum seekers and refugees, after around 1 year of resettlement in Italy, the frequency of psychological distress and psychiatric disorders was substantial and clinically relevant. The association between traumatic events, especially post-migration problems, and mental health conditions suggests the need of developing services to assist refugees and asylum seekers to address the multi-faceted problems they experience, such as social support in host country, legal problems concerning permit status and asylum procedure, and family reunification, as well as addressing trauma and mental health issues.

Depression, perceived stress related to COVID, post-traumatic stress, and insomnia among asthma and COPD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction:The COVID pandemic has had a high psychological impact on healthy populations. Increased levels of perceived stress, depression, and insomnia are expected, especially in people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who seem to be particularly vulnerable. However, the difference in psychological distress frequency between asthma and COPD patients is unknown.Objective:To compare the prevalence of depression, perceived stress related to COVID, post-traumatic stress, and insomnia in asthma and COPD patients at a pulmonology clinic in Santa Marta, Colombia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was designed. The patients were contacted by telephone. An electronic link was sent to those who accepted. The questionnaire asked for perceived stress related to COVID-19, post-traumatic stress symptoms, depressive symptoms, and insomnia risk.Results:148 asthma patients and 144 COPD patients participated in, between 18 and 96 years. The prevalence of high COVID-19 perceived stress was 10.6% (n = 31); post-traumatic stress risk, 11.3% (n = 33); depression risk, 31.5% (n = 92); and insomnia risk, 57.7% (n = 169). No significant differences were found between asthma and COPD in indicators of psychological distress.Conclusions:Asthma and COPD patients present similar frequencies of depression risk, COVID-19 perceived stress, post-traumatic stress risk, and insomnia risk during the Colombian lockdown. It is essential to evaluate and manage psychological distress among asthma and COPD patients. It can reduce the risk of exacerbation and improve the quality of life.

Frequency of psychological distress in gynecologic cancer patients seen in a large urban medical center

ABSTRACTPsychological distress in cancer is a well-documented phenomenon, but additional information is needed about demographic and disease correlates in diverse populations with different forms of cancer. This study focused on gynecologic cancers. Using the Distress Thermometer and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, this study examined distress levels in 94 women with gynecologic cancer who were being treated as outpatients at a large urban medical center. The distress levels in this sample were lower than in comparable studies, raising questions about openness to reporting distress. Those who reported higher levels of distress were more likely to also report a mental health diagnosis or psychiatric medication. This suggests that an alternate form for distress screening may involve inquiring about mental health treatment. In this sample, younger women and those with higher educational achievement or private health insurance had higher levels of distress. Conversely, there were no relations between distress levels and disease characteristics, indicating that, for example, women with early stage disease have just as much risk of distress as those with later-stage disease.

Prevalence and Correlates of Psychological Distress and Psychiatric Disorders in Asylum Seekers and Refugees Resettled in an Italian Catchment Area

In recent years there has been a progressive rise in the number of asylum seekers and refugees displaced from their country of origin, with significant social, economic, humanitarian and public health implications. The aim of this study is to describe the frequency and correlates of psychological distress and psychiatric disorders in asylum seekers and refugees resettled in an Italian catchment area. In the catchment area of Verona, all male asylum seekers and refugees aged 18 or above included in the Italian protection system for asylum seekers and refugees during a period of 1year were screened for psychological distress and psychiatric disorders using validated questionnaires. During the study period, 109 asylum seekers or refugees were recruited. The frequency of traumatic events experienced was very high. More than one-third of the participants (36%) showed clinically relevant psychological distress, and one-fourth (25%), met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis, mainly PTSD and depressive disorders. In multivariate analyses, time after departure, length of stay in the host country and number of traumatic events were independent factors associated with psychological distress and psychiatric disorders. In an unselected sample of male asylum seekers and refugees, after around 1 year of resettlement in an Italian catchment area, the frequency of psychological distress and psychiatric disorders was substantial and clinically relevant. Health care systems should include a mental health component to recognise and effectively treat mental health conditions.

Psychological distress among Australian welfare recipient job seekers

ObjectiveThe frequency of psychological distress amongst welfare recipient job seekers in Australia has largely been neglected by researchers and social policy experts. A link between a high level of psychological distress and reduced capacity to work has recently been identified. This is of significant concern as welfare recipients are increasingly expected to participate in programmes in exchange for their welfare payments. The objective of this project was to estimate the frequency of psychological distress amongst this population and to identify characteristics associated with an increased risk of distress.MethodA sample of 519 income support job seekers aged 15–64 years was interviewed using the Kessler Psychological Distress scale.ResultsForty‐five per cent of the sample met the clinical criteria for psychological distress and were deemed likely to have a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th ed., (DSM‐IV) diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety. Several risk factors for psychological distress were identified, including being aged between 40 and 54 years, being female, and being classed as long‐term unemployed.ConclusionsFindings from this study now provide some Australian figures on the frequency of psychological distress amongst welfare recipient job seekers. The implementation of social policy changes in intervention programmes is recommended to improve the psychological well‐being of welfare recipient job seekers in Australia and ensure their capacity to meet income support obligations.

Behavioral Risk Factors and Mental Health

The risk factors associated with mental health in adolescents are not well known in the general population of Mediterranean countries. Therefore, this study aimed to identify individual and clustered behavioral risk factors for psychological distress. Cross-sectional study conducted between 2008 and 2009 among 4054 students representative of those in the fourth year of secondary education in the region of Madrid (Spain). Mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire, with psychological distress defined as a score ≥3. The analyses were performed with logistic regression and adjusted for the main confounders. Psychological distress was more frequent in those who did insufficient physical activity (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.47), smokers (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07-1.59), and users of illegal drugs (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.21-1.76). Psychological distress also showed a positive dose-response relationship with the number of risk behaviors for eating disorders (p for linear trend <0.001). Moreover, it was associated with both thin (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.16-1.62) or very thin body image (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.39-3.32) and perceived overweight (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.40-2.15) or obesity (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.23-4.37). Compared with individuals without classic risk behaviors (low physical activity, low consumption of fruits/vegetables, smoking, high-risk alcohol consumption), frequency of psychological distress was higher in those with 2 risk behaviors (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.19-1.82) and was even greater in those with 3 or 4 risk behaviors (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.21-2.01). During adolescence, psychological distress is associated with lifestyles, body image, and eating behaviors. Clustering of classic risk behaviors increases the likelihood of poor mental health.

Second-hand smoke exposure and psychological distress in adolescents. A population-based study

ObjectivesTo examine the association between duration and place of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure and psychological distress in adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study conducted in 2008 and 2009 in a representative sample of...

Comorbilidad entre abuso/dependencia de drogas y el distrés psicológico en siete países de Latinoamérica y uno del Caribe

Fue realizado estudio multicéntrico en pacientes bajo tratamento por dependencia de alcohol y substancias ilícitas, en ocho países (Brasil, Chile, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Uruguay). El objetivo fue investigar la frecuencia de distrés psicológico, diagnóstico actual de comorbilidades, y disfuncionalidad familiar percibida. Fueron incluídos 1.073 voluntarios adultos, que diligenciaron un cuestionario o fueron entrevistados. El distrés psicológico y la disfuncionalidad familiar fueron evaluados por escalas (Kessler K-10 y APGAR-family). Hombres predominaron en todos los lugares (edades entre 18 y 86). En la mayoría de los sitios, el diagnóstico actual de ansiedad varió entre 30% y 40% y el de depresión entre 20% y 35%. Niveles altos u muy altos de distrés psícológico fueron reportados por más de 70% en Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guatemala y Brasil. La disfuncionalidad familiar severa fue mayor en Panamá 34.7% seguida de los sitios de Nicaragua 20-25%. La prevalencia de distrés psicológico sugiere niveles altos de comorbilidad.

P-1335 - Sexual dysfuction and psychological correlates. Data from a pilot study

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) are common disorders among italian male population aged between 18 and 65 years old (prevalence rate: 20–25%). Several studies demonstrate that the early treatment of the psychological conditions, frequently associated to ED and PE, can positively influence the prognosis. Aim To evaluate the psychological correlates of sexual dysfunction using a standardized instruments.Methods. 46 male patients aged between 18 and 65 years old affected by EP (60,87%) and DE (47,83%) were administered the Cognitive Behavioural Assessment (CBA 2.0). Analysis of data was carried out using an automatic scoring and creating a graphic profile. Results The 28,26% of the participants showed an high score (> 95th percentile) at the STAI X-1 suggesting the presence of trait anxiety; the 39.16% of the subjects reported experiences of social and emotional maladjustment and concomitant introversive personality traits at EPQ schedule (85–@95th percentile at subscales E and P) and depressive mood at scale 8 (questionnaire D). Finally, the 32.60% did not present psychological conditions. Conclusions According to the literature, our findings demonstrates an high frequency of psychological distress in patients affected by sexual dysfunction (67%). The use of CBA 2.0 migth represent an useful tool for the diagnosis and early treatment of this kind of population.

Psychological distress in Nigerian patients with heart failure

Summary Background Heart failure is commonly associated with psychological symptoms. These symptoms are often neglected, underdiagnosed or inadequately treated and therefore impact negatively on the recovery of and quality of life of these patients. This study aimed at determining the frequency of psychological distress (anxiety and/or depression) and its correlates in Nigerian patients with heart failure. Methods The subjects comprised one hundred (100) confirmed heart failure patients in steady state. They were recruited consecutively from the cardiology outpatient clinics of two tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Psychological distress was assessed using a psychometric questionnaire – the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the severity of heart failure was assessed according to the New York Heart Association criteria (NYHA). Results Anxiety was found in 16% of the patients, depression in 13% and 39% had anxiety co-morbidly presenting with depression. Psychological distress was more common in younger patients (less than 50years) ( p p >0.05). Conclusion Anxiety and depression have been found to be common in heart failure patients in Nigeria and affects more of the younger patients. More attention should be focused on psychological co-morbidity in heart failure in order to improve clinical outcome.