Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scores Research Articles

P.114 The impact of screening for anxious and depressive symptoms on the outcome of patients with a mild traumatic brain injury

Background: An estimated 27-69 million individuals worldwide sustain a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) each year, making it an important public health concern. Many victims experience post-injury neuropsychological issues such as anxiety and depression, which are associated with more post-concussive symptoms and worse functional outcomes. We sought to determine a systematic process to document the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms in mTBI patients to prevent negative impacts on their recovery. Methods: We administered the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESDR-10) questionnaires, no more than three months after injury, to screen for these symptoms. A retrospective chart review was performed for 328 patients from the Montreal General Hospital mTBI Clinic who either received these questionnaires (N=143, Mage=40.36, SDage=15.557, Nfemale=90, Nmale=53) or did not (N=185, Mage=41.17, SDage=16.449, Nfemale=114, Nmale=71). The number of interventions received between groups were compared using ANOVA. Results: Patients who received the questionnaires (M=1.34, SD=0.978) were referred to significantly more interventions than those who did not (M=0.90, SD=0.876, p<0.001) and the rate of referral positively correlated with GAD-7 and CESDR-10 scores. Conclusions: Screening for symptoms of anxiety and depression post mTBI helps clinicians refer patients to the appropriate resources, which in turn should improve outcome.

Choosing a COVID-19 vaccination site might be driven by anxiety and body vigilance.

The occurrence of COVID-19 led to the rapid development of several vaccines which were distributed around the world. Even though there had been a vast amount of information about both virus and vaccination, this process was potentially related to increased anxiety and thus affected the vaccination process. The present study examined anxiety levels and body vigilance in subjects reporting for COVID-19 vaccination at different vaccination sites. Instruments used included general socio-demographic questionnaires and specifically constructed ones such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), body vigilance scale (BVS), and coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS). A total of 227 subjects enrolled in the study reported mild GAD and CAS scores and relatively low scores on BVS. When the subjects were divided according to a vaccination site (under supervision and non-supervised), it turned out that subjects vaccinated under supervision were more anxious (higher GAD and CAS) and had their body vigilance increased. In conclusion, there is a need for highlighting the importance of efficient planning and organization of vaccination process, since to a certain extent it is driven by both anxiety and body vigilance.

Anxiety and depression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and network analysis to identify central symptoms: A cross-sectional study from a high-incidence area

PurposeTo determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to identify central symptoms and bridge symptoms among psychiatric disorders. MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited patients with NPC in Guangzhou, China from May 2022, to October 2022. The General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used for screening anxiety and depression, respectively. Network analysis was conducted to evaluate the centrality and connectivity of the symptoms of anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL) and insomnia. ResultsA total of 2806 respondents with complete GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores out of 3828 were enrolled. The incidence of anxiety in the whole population was 26.5% (depression, 28.5%; either anxiety or depression, 34.8%). Anxiety was highest at caner diagnosis (34.2%), while depression reached a peak at late-stage radiotherapy (48.5%). Both moderate and severe anxiety and depression were exacerbated during radiotherapy. Coexisting anxiety and depression occurred in 58.3% of those with either anxiety or depression. The generated network showed that anxiety and depression symptoms were closely connected; insomnia was strongly connected with QoL. “Sad mood”, “Lack of energy”, and “Trouble relaxing” were the most important items in the network. Insomnia was the most significant bridge item that connected symptom groups. ConclusionPatients with NPC are facing alarming disturbances of psychiatric disorders; tailored strategies should be implemented for high-risk patients. Besides, central symptoms (sad mood, lack of energy, and trouble relaxing) and bridge symptoms (insomnia) may be potential interventional targets in future clinical practice.

Efficacy of Magnesium Sulfate and Labetalol in the Treatment of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Its Effect on Anxiety and Depression: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

In this study, the effect of magnesium sulfate and labetalol in treating pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and its influence on anxiety and depression in patients are observed, and new ideas for treating anxiety and depression in PIH are introduced. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to select patients with PlH diagnosed from July 2020 to July 2023 from Affiliated Hospital of Electronic Science and Technology University and Chengdu Women' s and Children's Central Hospital in Chengdu of Sichuan Province. The changes in blood pressure, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and generalized anxiety disorder 7 (GAD-7) in patients with hypertensive pregnancy were collected and analyzed. In our investigation, 219 patients completed the study, and 36.1% (79/219) of them developed anxiety and depression. According to whether the patients were treated with magnesium sulfate and labetalol, 49 cases were assigned to the magnesium sulfate and labetalol treatment (MSLT) group, and 30 cases were assigned to the conventional treatment (CT) group. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores and GAD-7 scores in the MSLT group were significantly lower than those in the CT group, indicating that magnesium sulfate and labetalol can improve anxiety and depression in hypertensive patients during pregnancy. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05). According to the changes in systolic blood pressure, the clinical efficacy of patients was evaluated, and no significant difference in efficacy existed between the MSLT and CT groups. Magnesium sulfate and labetalol can control the blood pressure of patients with PIH and indirectly improve anxiety and depression in patients with PIH, thereby introducing new ideas for the treatment of PIH accompanied by anxiety and depression.

Comparative effectiveness of remote digital gamified and group CBT skills training interventions for anxiety and depression among college students: Results of a three-arm randomised controlled trial

Digital interventions can enhance access to healthcare in under-resourced settings. However, guided digital interventions may be costly for low- and middle-income countries, despite their effectiveness. In this randomised control trial, we evaluated the effectiveness of two digital interventions designed to address this issue: (1) a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills Training (CST) intervention that increased scalability by using remote online group administration; and (2) the SuperBetter gamified self-guided CBT skills training app, which uses other participants rather than paid staff as guides. The study was implemented among anxious and/or depressed South African undergraduates (n = 371) randomised with equal allocation to Remote Group CST, SuperBetter, or a MoodFlow mood monitoring control. Symptoms were assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Intention-to-treat analysis found effect sizes at the high end of prior digital intervention trials, including significantly higher adjusted risk differences (ARD; primary outcome) in joint anxiety/depression remission at 3-months and 6-months for Remote Group CST (ARD = 23.3–18.9%, p = 0.001–0.035) and SuperBetter (ARD = 12.7–22.2%, p = 0.047–0.006) than MoodFlow and mean combined PHQ-9/GAD-7 scores (secondary outcome) significantly lower for Remote Group CST and SuperBetter than MoodFlow. These results illustrate how innovative delivery methods can increase the scalability of standard one-on-one guided digital interventions. Preregistration international standard randomised controlled trial number (isrtcn) submission #47,089,643.

Oh My GAD: Evaluating Anxiety in Current Pregnant Patients Who Have Had a Prior Termination Abortion [ID 2683438

INTRODUCTION: An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience anxiety disorders at some point in their lives. Studies have shown that prior pregnancy loss such as miscarriage is associated with increased anxiety in future pregnancies. We aim to look at the effect of abortion on anxiety in future pregnancies carried to term. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which current pregnant patients seeking obstetric care at the George Washington Medical Faculty Associates were surveyed via the BabyScripts application. The survey was sent out via the application and text message and included demographics, obstetric history, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The primary outcome was anxiety levels in patients who are currently pregnant and have previously undergone abortion. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-nine patients completed the survey thus far; the study is ongoing. Of these, 72 patients reported a history of anxiety. Race distribution between those with a history of anxiety versus those without were similar. Of those who have had a prior pregnancy, those with a history of abortion were more likely to have severe anxiety with a GAD-7 score greater than 15 in this current pregnancy (18.2% versus 4.5%; P=.01). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that multiparous patients who have had a prior abortion and are currently pregnant are more likely to have severe anxiety as compared to patients without a history of abortion. Patients who have experienced abortion therefore have specific needs for prenatal care that are currently unmet. Furthermore, as GAD-7 is not routinely administered in pregnancy, these patients may be underdiagnosed with anxiety that then goes untreated.

Correlation between Serum Levels of Nitric Oxide and Adropin and Erectile Dysfunction in Males with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Observational Study.

The current study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and adropin in males with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced erectile dysfunction (ED) and NAFLD patients without ED and controls. The current study selected 165 participants from the hepatology department from November 2021 to November 2022. The patients were either suffering from NAFLD with normal liver functions or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with abnormal liver functions. They were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Participants were evaluated using the validated Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function (ArIIEF-5), the Arabic form of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Noteworthy, there were significant positive correlations between ArIIEF-5 score, NO, adropin and total testosterone (r = 0.380, p = 0.001; r = 0.507, p = < 0.001; r = 0.246, p = 0.038, respectively). Meanwhile, there were significant negative correlations between ArIIEF-5 score, creatinine, duration of the disease and scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 (r = -0.656, p = < 0.001; r = -0.368, p = 0.002; r = -0.663, p = < 0.001; r = -0.248, p = 0.037, respectively). Finally, a linear regression analysis revealed that GAD-7, creatinine, and adropin were the only strong independent predictors of ArIIEF-5, as the 95% confidence interval in the form of upper and lower bounds was -0.349, -0.843, p < 0.001, -6.507, -18.402, p < 0.001, 0.476, 0.117, and p 0.002, respectively. Impaired NO and adropin levels play a potential role in the development of ED in patients with NAFLD.

Patterns of peripartum depression and anxiety during the pre-vaccine COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundPregnant people are vulnerable to new or worsening mental health conditions. This study aims to describe prevalence and course of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnancy during the pre-vaccine COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals with known or suspected COVID-19. Participants completed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized-Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires, screening tools for depression and anxiety, at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum. Prevalence of elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms at each visit was described. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between demographic and clinical factors and those with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms.Results317 participants were included. The prevalence of elevated antepartum depression symptoms was 14.6%, 10.3%, and 20.6% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. The rate of elevated anxiety symptoms was 15.1%, 10.0%, and 17.3% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. A prior history of depression and/or anxiety (p’s < 0.03), as well as higher EPDS and GAD-7 scores at enrollment (p’s < 0.04) associated with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Quarantining during pregnancy was associated with elevated anxiety symptoms at 34weeks gestational age in univariate (P = 0.027) analyses. COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization were not associated with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsElevated depression and anxiety symptoms were prevalent throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, particularly in those with prior depression and/or anxiety and who quarantined. Strategies that target social isolation may mitigate potential adverse consequences for pregnant people, and continued vigilance in recognition of depression and anxiety in pregnancy should be considered.

ALARMING PREVALENCE OF POOR SLEEP AND ANXIETY IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Objective: Anxiety and sleep disorders have been reported to be common in medical students. This study aimed to determine the frequency of poor sleep quality and anxiety symptoms in medical students. Moreover, to reveal the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle data, perceptions of professional future, academic performance with anxiety, and sleep quality. Material and Methods: A total of 225 participants enrolled in the first through fifth years of education in Kafkas University’s Faculty of Medicine in the 2022-23 academic year participated in the study. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire encompassed sociodemographic data, lifestyle information that may affect sleep, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Statistical analyses were performed with R Statistical Software (v4.2.2; R Core Team 2022). Results: It was found that 76% of the participants had poor sleep quality according to the PSQI, while 31.56% of the participants had GAD-7 scores of 10 or above. There was a relationship between the poor sleep quality and anxiety of the participants (p

Factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms among anophthalmic patients wearing ocular prostheses

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among individuals with ocular prostheses and to identify factors associated with these psychological symptoms. A sample of patients who underwent monocular enucleation and socket implantation participated in the study, responding to digital questionnaires covering demographics, psychosocial factors, and aspects related to their ocular prostheses. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Optimal scale regression analysis was employed to explore factors linked to psychological symptoms in ocular prosthesis users. Results from 100 valid participants revealed a 51% prevalence of depressive symptoms and a 45% prevalence of anxiety symptoms. The mean PHQ-9 score was 4.91 &amp;plusmn; 1.98, and the mean GAD-7 score was 4.99 &amp;plusmn; 2.15. Factors such as undergoing right eye enucleation, longer duration of ocular prosthesis use, comfort with prosthesis wearing, and greater satisfaction correlated with milder depressive symptoms. In terms of anxiety, those who used ocular prostheses due to trauma or tumors were affected by more severe symptoms, while individuals who were comfortable with their prosthesis or using alumina-based prostheses reported fewer anxiety symptoms. In conclusion, ocular prosthesis users wrestle with significant challenges of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Factors including age, household registration, economic status, enucleation side, cause of anophthalmos, prosthetic material, and satisfaction and duration of prosthesis use were associated with depressive or anxiety symptoms. Long-term comprehensive care targeting these vulnerable individuals is imperative to alleviate depression and anxiety.

Anxiety and Depression Prevalence in Free Clinic Patients

Background: Disparities in mental health services are often observed in under-resourced low-income communities, which are at an increased risk for compromised mental health. By surveying patients at JayDoc Free Clinic, a student-run free clinic (SRFC) in Kansas City, Kansas, this study sought to as-sess the prevalence of depression and anxiety and compare screening outcomes among various de-mographic groups seeking safety-net care.Methods: From May through November 2022, patients aged 12 and older were offered a Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and demographic survey. Demo-graphic variables included household income, gender, insurance status, and race and ethnicity. GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaire scores were categorized into minimal, mild, moderate, or severe catego-ries. Relationships between demographic variables and scores on screening questionnaires were an-alyzed using multivariable analyses, with linear regression and analysis of variance one-way tests for significance (p-value &lt;0.05).Results: Of 232 participants who consented to the study, 222 completed the GAD-7 and 228 com-pleted the PHQ-9. In comparison to 2019 United States national data, the percentage of respondents experiencing anxiety and depression was greater across all severity classifications. Approximately 18.1% reported symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety and 21.5% reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression, compared to national distributions of 6.1% and 7%, respectively. Of 232 participants, 54 completed the demographic survey. There was no correlation between PHQ-9 scores or GAD-7 scores and gender, household income, insurance status.Conclusion: While no association was identified between screening outcomes and demographic var-iables, the findings that the prevalence of anxiety and depression at JayDoc SRFC is greater than na-tional rates reaffirm the need for accessible mental health services for patients receiving care at SRFCs. This study provides insight into the status of mental health in an SRFC patient population and discusses mental health screening implementation at SRFCs.

Psychometric properties of the GAD-7 (General Anxiety Disorder-7): a cross-sectional study of the Peruvian general population

BackgroundAnxiety disorders are among the main mental health problems worldwide and are considered one of the most disabling conditions. Therefore, it is essential to have measurement tools that can be used to screen for anxiety symptoms in the general population and thus identify potential cases of people with anxiety symptoms and provide them with timely care. Our aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7) in the Peruvian population.MethodOur study was a cross-sectional study. The sample included people aged 12 to 65 years in Peru. Confirmatory factor analysis, analysis of measurement invariance, convergent validity with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and internal consistency analysis were performed.ResultsIn total, 4431 participants were included. The one-factor model showed the best fit (CFI = 0.994; TLI = 0.991; RMSEA = 0.068; WRMR = 1.567). The GAD-7 score showed measurement invariance between men and women and between age groups (adults vs. adolescents) (ΔCFI < 0.01). The internal consistency of the one-factor model was satisfactory (ω = 0.90, α = 0.93). The relationship between depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7) presented a moderate correlation (r = 0.77).ConclusionsOur study concluded that the GAD-7 score shows evidence of validity and reliability for the one-factor model. Furthermore, because the GAD-7 score is invariant, comparisons can be made between groups (i.e., by sex and age group). Finally, we recommend the use of the GAD-7 for the general population in the Peruvian context.

Association between white matter hyperintensity and anxiety/depression.

Although previous studies have explored the associations of white matter hyperintensity with psychiatric disorders, the sample size is small and the conclusions are inconsistent. The present study aimed to further systematically explore the association in a larger sample. All data were extracted from the UK Biobank. First, general linear regression models and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between white matter hyperintensity volume and anxiety/depression. White matter hyperintensity has been classified into periventricular white matter hyperintensity and deep white matter hyperintensity. Anxiety was determined by General Anxiety Disorder-7 score (n = 17,221) and self-reported anxiety (n = 15,333), depression was determined by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score (n = 17,175), and self-reported depression (n = 14,519). Moreover, we employed Cox proportional hazard models to explore the association between white matter hyperintensity volume and anxiety/depression. The covariates included in fully adjusted model are age, gender, body mass index, Townsend deprivation index, healthy physical activity, cigarette consumption, alcohol consumption, educational attainment, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. The results of the fully adjusted model showed that white matter hyperintensity volume was significantly associated with General Anxiety Disorder-7 score (periventricular white matter hyperintensity: β = 0.152, deep white matter hyperintensity: β = 0.094) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score (periventricular white matter hyperintensity: β = 0.168). Logistic regression analysis results indicated that periventricular white matter hyperintensity volume (odds ratio = 1.153) was significantly associated with self-reported anxiety. After applying the Cox proportional hazard models, we found that larger white matter hyperintensity volume was associated with increased risk of depression (periventricular white matter hyperintensity: hazard ratio = 1.589, deep white matter hyperintensity: hazard ratio = 1.200), but not anxiety. In summary, our findings support a positive association between white matter hyperintensity volume and depression.

Association of pulmonary function test abnormalities and quality-of-life measures after COVID-19 infection

BackgroundLong-COVID is a multisystem disease that can lead to significant impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Following COVID-19 infection, abnormalities on pulmonary function tests (PFT) are common. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate for any correlation between PFT abnormalities and impairment in HRQoL scores following COVID-19 infection. MethodsThis is an analysis of a prospective cohort of patients in Louisville, KY who were infected with COVID-19. Data collected included demographics, past medical history, laboratory tests, PFTs, and several HRQoL questionnaires such as the EuroQol 5 Dimension HRQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D-5 L), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive statistics were performed, comparing PFTs (normal vs abnormal) and time since COVID-19 infection (3- vs 6- vs ≥ 12 months). ResultsThere were no significant differences in FEV1, FVC, or the percentage of patients with abnormal PFTs over time after COVID-19 infection. Following COVID-19, patients with normal PFTs had worse impairment in mobility HRQoL scores and change in GAD-7 scores over time. There were no differences over time in any of the HRQoL scores among patients with abnormal PFTs. ConclusionsAmong patients with an abnormal PFT, there was no temporal association with HRQoL scores as measured by EQ-5D-5 L, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and PCL-5. Among patients with a normal PFT, mobility impairment and anxiety may be associated with COVID-19 infection. Following COVID-19 infection, impairment in HRQoL scores is not completely explained by the presence of abnormalities on spirometry.

818 Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Depression, Anxiety, and Burnout in U.S. Neurosurgical Residents

INTRODUCTION: Rates of mental illness are disproportionately higher among medical residents. Neurosurgical trainees are no exception and may be more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and/or burnout than other residents. An assessment of the prevalence of mental illness in U.S. neurosurgical residents in the post-COVID-19 era is lacking in the literature and understanding the risk factors is vital to combating these mental health disorders. METHODS: Cross-sectional study analyzing responses to a 28-question survey from March-May 2023 distributed to U.S. neurosurgery residents. The survey included demographic and program-specific information, as well as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screening questions. PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores &gt;5 represent at least mild depression and anxiety, respectively. RESULTS: Forty-eight responses were included in the analysis, which consisted of 35 males (74%), 36 married respondents (77%), and 27 junior residents (56%, PGY-1 to 4). Twenty-four residents (50%) screened positive for depression, 19 residents (40%) screened positive for anxiety, and 26 residents (54%) reported feeling burned out. Depressed residents were highly more likely to also suffer from anxiety (70%, p &lt; 0.0001) and burnout (79%, p = 0.001). Further, junior residents (63%, p = 0.042), female residents (83%, p = 0.008), and residents on a neurosurgical rotation (60%, p = 0.036) were more likely to screen positive for depression. However, being married (p = 0.318), practicing in one’s home state (p = 0.724), having a 24-hour call system (0.188), having formal didactic time (p = 0.125), and having program-led wellness initiatives (p = 0.069) were not protective. CONCLUSIONS: Half of U.S. neurosurgery residents who responded screened positive for depression, 40% screened positive for anxiety, and 54% felt burned out. Depression was strongly correlated with both anxiety and burnout. Neurosurgery residents who were female, in their junior years, and on-service were at particularly high risk for depression.

Personality traits are associated with physical symptoms, mental disorders, fear of COVID-19 and Health-related quality of life among frontline healthcare workers following COVID-19 pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study in Vietnam

ObjectiveThere is no evidence about the effects of personal traits on physical health, mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in healthcare workers in Vietnam, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to measure associations between the personality of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Vietnam and their physical health, mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). MethodsA multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted on 245 HCWs in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) was used to measure HCWs’ personality. Physical Health Questionnaire-14 (PHQ-14), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 7 (GAD7) and EuroQOL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5 L) instruments were used to measure physical health, mental health and HRQOL. Multivariate Tobit regression models were used. ResultsThe mean EPI Extraversion and Neuroticism scores were 8.75/24 (SD=5.66) and 8.69/24 (SD=6.30). The Extraversion score was negatively associated with PHQ14 respiratory infection (Coef.= - 0.13, 95 %CI=-0.24; -0.02) and GAD7 score (Coef. = -0.22, 95 %CI= - 0.40; -0.04). The Neuroticism score was positively correlated with PHQ14 gastrointestinal issue score, PHQ14 headache score, PHQ14 respiratory infection score, PHQ14 sleep disruption score, PQH14 total score, PHQ9 score, GAD7 score and fear of COVID-19 score, while negatively correlated with EQ-5D index (Coef. = -0.006, 95 %CI= -0.010; -0.002). ConclusionThis study indicated that personality had potential roles in impacting the physical and mental well-being of HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions to implement mindfulness practices, enhance overall well-being, and foster group dynamics among HCWs should be warranted..

Association between Combustible Cigarettes and Noncombustible Nicotine or Tobacco Products and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Based on Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2021.

Despite the increasing prevalence of anxiety disorders in Korea, there have been no nationwide studies on the association between tobacco status and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Furthermore, despite the increasing number of people using noncombustible nicotine or tobacco products (NNTPs), the association between NNTP use and GAD remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the association between tobacco use and GAD. This nationwide study used data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2021) and included 5,454 adults aged ≥19 years who self-reported on the tobacco use and mental health sections. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the odds ratios (ORs) of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score ≥10) according to tobacco status among Korean adults. The severity of anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale. Compared to never tobacco users, the ORs of GAD for combustible cigarette smokers and NNTP users were 2.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66-4.50) and 2.11 (95% CI, 1.16-3.83), respectively. The OR of GAD for former tobacco users was 1.63 (95% CI, 0.98-2.72). Tobacco use (combustible cigarettes and NNTP) was positively associated with GAD. However, in former tobacco users, there was no significant association with GAD when compared with never tobacco users. Given the OR of GAD among tobacco users, it is crucial to pay attention to screening for GAD and implement appropriate early interventions.

Adjunctive Naturopathic Medicine in the Management of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: A Retrospective Chart Review

Background: Naturopathic medicine uses natural and evidence-based treatments to promote health. The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the effectiveness of naturopathic medicine in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients seeking care from the Mental Health Shift at a Canadian naturopathic teaching clinic. Methods: Charts of 192 consecutive patients who attended appointments between 1 January 2019 and 6 March 2020 were reviewed. Subjects were included if they screened positive on the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD7) or the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) and attended follow up at least 4 weeks after initial treatment. Results: Of the 22 included subjects, a clinically significant decrease of at least 5 points occurred in 76% of individuals with elevated baseline PHQ9 scores and 59% of individuals with elevated GAD7 scores. Mean PHQ9 and GAD7 scores decreased 7.5 (p&lt;0.0001) and 4.6 (p&lt;0.008) points, respectively. Mild adverse events were reported in 9 charts (41%). No serious adverse events were reported. Most subjects were also in the care of a medical doctor and counsellor. Conclusion: Naturopathic medicine as performed on the Mental Health Shift may be effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms as an adjunctive treatment. Further research incorporating comparison groups is warranted.

The prevalence of and factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers in South Africa.

Healthcare workers globally have experienced increased social and occupational stressors in their working environments and communities because of COVID-19 which has increased the risk of mental health concerns. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety amongst healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Cape, South Africa. In addition, role-related stressors and coping strategies were explored. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses working in public healthcare facilities across the Western Cape, South Africa. Participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), the Professional Quality of Life (PROQL-R-IV), and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE-R) scales. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The sample comprised 416 health workers (303 nurses, 113 doctors). Almost 40% of the sample (n = 161) had CES-D scores suggestive of probable depression, and 45.9% (n = 186) had GAD-7 scores suggestive of anxiety. In the logistic regression model, the odds of probable depression were higher for female participants compared to men (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.00-5.10) and for participants who used behavioural disengagement as a coping strategy (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.14-1.97). More time spent working with COVID patients was associated with increased odds of having high levels of anxiety [OR = 1.13, 95% CI (1.02-1.25). Substance use (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.81), venting (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70), and self-blame (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.87) were some of the coping strategies used by healthcare workers. High levels of secondary traumatic stress and burnout were found to increase the odds of both depression and anxiety. Findings of this study suggest that there is a high prevalence of mental health issues among healthcare workers, and a critical need to focus on workplace mental health interventions to support these frontline workers.

Anxiety and Depression Among Patients Who Had Cardiac Intervention in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: This research examines the effects of depression and anxiety on patients' recovery and quality of life following cardiac intervention, highlighting the frequent occurrence of these psychological conditions after ICU stays and intensive rehab, emphasizing the need for addressing pain perception and providing patient education and counseling. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used, and the research was conducted in Saudi Arabia from April 2023 to September 2023. All participants were from Saudi Arabia and had cardiac intervention. Questionnaires collected data: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) questionnaire. Results: Among the 543 patients included who underwent cardiac intervention, 61.3% (n=333) were males, and 38.7% (n=210) were females. The most common types of intervention were percutaneous coronary intervention (30.8%, n=167) and coronary artery bypass grafting (26.7%, n=145). Notable comorbidities included arrhythmia (22.1%, n=120), diabetes (42.7%, n=232), high cholesterol (41.8%, n=227), hypertension (52.3%, n=284), a sedentary lifestyle (37.8%, n=205), and smoking (33.1%, n=180). Patients with depressive and anxiety symptoms were further categorized into different levels of severity based on their PHQ and GAD-7 scores, respectively. Conclusion: Our study indicated a high prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in this population. Factors such as comorbidities, demographics, and intervention characteristics were associated with the presence and severity of these symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological well-being and implementing targeted interventions to improve the mental health outcomes of cardiac intervention patients in Saudi Arabia