GSI Scores Research Articles

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND FEAR OF COVID-19 IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Primary healthcare workers as the front-line fighters against the pandemic have high risk for mental problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors of psychological distress and the fear of COVID-19 in the primary health care workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the primary health care workers in Antalya. The data was collected using a self-administered hardcopy questionnaire which included three parts as participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. 65.7% of the participants are female and 40.4% are nurses-midwives. 42.2% of the participants’ departments were changed during the pandemic. Fear of COVID-19 Scale, GSI and PST scores of the females are significantly higher than males’ (all comparisons, p<0.001). Participants who changed their departments during the pandemic have significantly higher scores in all scales than who did not (all comparisons, p <0.05). Fear of COVID-19, GSI and PSDI scores of those who live in the same house with people aged 65 and over are significantly higher than those who do not (all comparisons, p<0.05). There is a moderate and significant correlation (r=0.411 and p<0.001) between the BSI scores and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. The front-line healthcare workers are at high risk of psychological distress and the fear of being infected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The positive correlation between fear of COVID-19 and frequency of psychiatric symptoms is concluded as that the remedial interventions in one can also have a positive effect on the other.

Stability predictions for excavations of mountain tunnels based on [BQ] method and its field verification

In response to the engineering problems often encountered during the construction of mountain tunnels, the aim of this study is to overcome the inability of numerical simulation methods to rapidly predict tunnel construction based on the [BQ] method of classifying surrounding rock grades. Numerical simulations were carried out using FLAC3D6.0 software based on previous empirical formulas for each parameter of the GSI scores and Hoek-Brown criterion. Relying on the Luanlu Highway Tunnel Project, the engineering problems of the Nianpan and Dahongyan tunnels were firstly identified, followed by numerical simulations to quickly obtain construction predictions for the proposed changes, and finally, engineering monitoring was carried out to verify the feasibility of the method. The results indicate that [BQ] = 311 for the water gushing section of the Nianpan Tunnel, which should be changed from Class III to IV surrounding rock and constructed according to the support scheme for Class IV surrounding rock, corresponding to GSI[BQ] = 43. The maximum load-bearing ratios of the secondary lining for ordinary Class III, seepage Class III and Class IV surrounding rocks are 24.2 %, 25.4 % and 34.7 % respectively. For the Dahongyan Tunnel, the change in the length of the anchors should be adjusted to from 3.0 m to 3.5 m and the distance of the secondary lining from the excavation face changes from 40 m to 46 m. Moreover, the secondary lining load sharing ratio at the monitoring point of the maximum load of the section secondary lining generally doesn’t exceed 35 %. The method can be used as a reference for other tunneling problems.

ПСИХОПАТОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ СТАТУС ЗАБОЛЕВАЮЩИХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ В СВЯЗИ С РАННИМИ ДЕЗАДАПТИВНЫМИ СХЕМАМИ

The article provides data of an analytical correlation study based on hospital data on general severity of psychopathological symptoms, maladaptive schemas, and coping strategies in patients with pulmonary TB. The study involved 78 patients with pulmonary TB aged 18 to 60 years who received treatment at the Central TB Research Institute in 2019–2021. There were 61 (78.2%) women and 17 (21.8%) men. Sixty-five (83.3%) patients were new cases, and 13 (16.7%) patients were previously treated cases. We evaluated severity of psychopathological symptoms (SCL-90-R questionnaire), features of coping with stress (the Coping Strategies questionnaire), and severity of emotional and cognitive patterns associated with childhood experience (YSQ-S3R questionnaire). We established that all the above schemas were more severe in patients with high GSI scores. Patients with low GSI scores did not update addiction/helplessness or defectiveness/shame schemas (feelings of helplessness, inferiority, and shame). Patients with high GSI scores maximally updated abandonment/ instability, unrelenting standards/hypercriticalness, negativity/pessimism, and approval-seeking schemas, as well as escape/avoidance and confrontation coping strategies. There were also inverse correlations between confrontation coping strategy and failure, emotion inhibition schemas; planned problem-solving coping strategy and failure, addiction/ helplessness or subjugation schemas. Diagnosis of maladaptive personality traits is important for the prediction and prevention of a patient’s unfavourable reactions to treatment.Keywords: pulmonary TB, psychological characteristics, severity of psychopathological symptoms, early maladaptive schemas, coping strategies

Technology Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Psychological Distress: Exploring Health, Pain, And Activity

This randomized controlled trial investigates two technologically based self-administered cognitive behavioral depression treatments (CBT) on psychological distress in older adults. Health may change the ability to participate in types of activities, thereby impacting mental well-being and treatment response. The aims of this research are 1) to understand the impact of technologically based cognitive behavioral treatment on psychological distress 2) explore how health, pain, and activity engagement may affect treatment response. Fifty one participants recruited were randomized to one of 3 groups: audio-based cognitive behavioral therapy, computer-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, and control group. The combined treatment groups are compared to the control group. Health was examined in multiple ways; the Vulnerable Elders Scale-13 score ; (Saliba et al., 2001); and a reported chronic pain condition. For overall psychological distress, improvement on the Brief Symptom Inventory General Severity Index (GSI; Derogatis & Spencer, 1983) scores from baseline to post-treatment indicated treatment response. The California Older Person’s Pleasant Events Scale (COPPES; Rider, Gallagher-Thompson, & Thompson, 2004) measured activity engagement. While controlling for the Time 1 GSI score, an ANOVA revealed a significant difference in psychological distress between the CBT treatment group and control group F(1, 43) =4.22, p=.046. A linear regression analysis with the VES-13 score and GSI baseline score as predictors and the GSI posttreatment score as the dependent variable, found that health did not significantly predict psychological distress outcomes. Observation of the descriptives and these analyses suggest that CBT can impact psychological distress, potentially even with variations in health and pain.

Technology Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy On Psychological Distress: Exploring Health, Pain, And Activity

To slow the spread of Covid-19, many states instituted restrictions on group size for religious services, exercise, and social engagement. We are beginning to understand the effect of these mandates on older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sleep health, depression, pain, and quality of life (QOL) among older adults during the initial months of the Covid-19 pandemic. Older adults completed an anonymous online survey to collect data including personal characteristics, behaviors, and health conditions during May-September 2020. Sleep Health was assessed with a survey of satisfaction, timing, efficiency, and duration of sleep along with daytime alertness. Pearson correlations were used to explore relationships between age, education, socioeconomic status, pain, depression, and QOL. Participants (N=509) were primarily female (n=392, 77%), white (n=466; 92%), college educated (n=471, 93%) and with a mean age of 75.6 years (SD=5.0; range 63-93 years). Mean Sleep Health score was 7.4 (SD=2.1; range 0-10). Higher (better) Sleep Health scores were associated with education (r=.15, p<01) and socioeconomic status (r=.17, p<.01) and lower scores with depression (r= -.35, p<.01), pain (r= -.23, p<.01), and QOL (r= -.26, p<.01). Poorer Sleep Health among older adults during the initial months of the pandemic were associated with depression, pain, and reduced QOL. Sleep, depression, and pain have reciprocal relationships that may have lasting consequences on physical and mental health among older adults. These findings suggest that poor sleep health should be identified and treated to improve QOL among older adults.

Stretch-shortening cycle exercises can efficiently optimize gait-symmetry and balance capabilities in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial.

Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) experience an asymmetrical gait pattern and poor balance capabilities. Effective interventions, therefore, are needed to facilitate remediation of these functional issues. This study was set out to investigate the emerging role of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercises on gait-symmetry and balance in children with UCP. In this randomized controlled trial, 42 children with UCP (age; 8 -12 years) were enrolled and received either standard physical rehabilitation (control group; n = 21) or the SSC exercise program plus physical rehabilitation (SSC group; n = 21). Spatial- and temporal-gait symmetry index (GSI) and specific balance capabilities [reactive balance, directional control, movement synchronization, and sensory organization] were assessed before and after 16 sessions that were carried out twice/week over non-sequential days in an 8-week program. Using the pre-treatment scores as covariates, the post-treatment spatial- (P = 0.006; ηp2= 0.17) and temporal- GSI (P < .001; ηp2= 0.46) scores reduced significantly in the SSC group as compared to the control group, suggesting favorable improvement of gait symmetry. Also, all measures of balance (P < 0.05; ηp2 ranged between 0.10 and 0.29) improved remarkably, post-treatment, in SSC group in comparison with the control group. The evidence from this study suggests that SSC exercises besides standard physical rehabilitation appear to be effective for improving gait symmetry and boosting balance capabilities in children with UCP.

A randomized controlled trial comparing a manual and computer version of CALM in VA community-based outpatient clinics.

Background:This study compared a computer and manual version of a tailored Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management (VA CALM) protocol on provider fidelity to CBT and patient outcomes.Methods:This study was a cluster randomized controlled trial. Providers (N = 32) were randomized to deliver VA CALM by computer or manual. Veteran patients (N = 135), treated by study providers, were recruited. The primary outcome was CBT fidelity, measured by rating audiotaped sessions. Secondary outcomes were Veterans’ general (BSI-18 GSI, SF-12) and disorder-specific (GAD-7, PCL-5, PHQ-9) outcomes assessed at baseline, three and six month follow-up.Results:We found a large (d = 0.88) but not statistically significant difference in mean fidelity rating scores between conditions. Compared with the manual, participants with generalized anxiety disorder receiving VA CALM by computer reported lower GAD-7 scores at three (−5.88; 95% CI=−11.37, −0.39) and six month (−5.25; 95% CI=−10.29, −0.22) follow-ups (d = 0.37 to 0.55). Participants in the computer and manual conditions reported lower PHQ-9 (−3.11; 95% CI=−5.51, −0.71; −4.06; 95% CI=−7.22, −0.90, respectively) and BSI-18 GSI (0.78; 95% CI=0.68,0.90; 0.71; 95% CI=0.58, 0.87, respectively) scores from baseline to six month follow-up. We did not find statistically significant differences over time or between conditions on SF-12 or PCL-5 scores.Limitations:This study was underpowered to test the primary outcome. Small samples sizes in the disorder-specific subgroup analysis may limit the generalizability of findings.Conclusions:Neither modality proved to be superior on VA CALM fidelity. The computer version of VA CALM, compared to the manual, may provide modest benefit to Veterans with GAD.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Borderline Intellectual Functioning in a Cohort of Patients With Polysubstance Use Disorder.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated demographic and clinical features of borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) among individuals with polysubstance use disorder (pSUD).Methods: We applied a cross-sectional analytical design to data from the Norwegian STAYER study (n = 162), a cohort study of patients with a pSUD from the Stavanger University hospital catchment area. We used Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) to define BIF (FSIQ = 70–85) and non-BIF (FSIQ = >85) and collected demographic and clinical data using semi-structured interviews and self-reports on the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS).Results: The prevalence of BIF was 18% in the present study. The presence of BIF was associated with higher SCL-90-R GSI scores than in the non-BIF group. There were no significant differences between the BIF and non-BIF groups regarding age, gender, participation in meaningful daily activity, years of work experience, years of education, satisfaction with life, level of care, treatment attempts, age at substance-use onset, years of substance use, history of injecting drugs, or age of onset of injecting drugs.Conclusion: The present study confirmed a higher prevalence of BIF among patients with pSUD than expected from the distribution of IQ scores in a general population. Elevated SCL-90-R GSI scores suggested that BIF is associated with increased psychological distress in patients receiving treatment for pSUD. Further studies on this association, and its effect on treatment procedure and outcomes are strongly warranted.

Psychopathological outcomes and defence mechanisms in clinically healed adults with a paediatric cancer history: an exploratory study

BackgroundThe incidence of paediatric cancers has increased in recent years; however, with advances in the treatment of paediatric cancer, almost 80% of children and adolescents who receive a diagnosis of...

Popularity of Commercial and Non-Commercial Diets From 2010–2020: A Google Trends Analysis

Abstract Objectives When looking to follow or change a diet, Americans have many choices across numerous commercial (COM) and non-commercial (NCOM) diets. Since the Internet is a go-to source for information, this study sought to use Google Trend Data (Google Search Interest; GSI) from 2010–2020 to examine the popularity of diets included in the 2021 U.S. News &amp; World Reports’ (USN) Best Diet's Report. There were four aims: 1) identify which COM and NCOM diets had the highest GSI, 2) identify which diets had a higher GSI compared to the healthiest COM and NCOM diet (Weight Watchers and the Mediterranean Diet, respectively; determined by USN), 3) determine if any relationship exists between GSI and various USN healthfulness scores, and 4) determine which diet type (e.g., Balanced, Elimination, Low Calorie, etc.) has the highest GSI. Methods COM (n = 15) and NCOM (n = 24) diet names as well as their diet type (Balanced, Elimination, High protein, Low Calorie, Low Carbohydrate, or Low Fat) and scorings (Overall, Health, Managing or Preventing Diabetes, Heart-Health, Short-term and Long-term Weight Loss, Ease of Following, Nutrition, and Safety) were collected from USN and popularity was measured using GSI data (GSI Range: 0–100) collected from Google Trends for the United States from 2010–2020. Spearman or Pearson correlation analyses were used when necessary with alpha set to 0.05. Results Weight Watchers (mean GSI: 29.80) and the Keto Diet (mean GSI: 15.05) had the highest mean GSI over the past ten years of all COM and NCOM diets, respectively. While Weight Watchers had the highest mean GSI and was the highest ranked COM diet by USN, four diets had a higher GSI compared to the Mediterranean Diet (in descending order: Keto Diet, Paleo Diet, Vegan Diet, and the Fast Diet). The diet type with the highest mean GSI was low carbohydrate for both COM and NCOM diets. Mean GSI was not correlated with any of the USN diet scores (P &amp;gt; 0.05 for all). Conclusions These results suggest that numerous, less-healthful NCOM diets are more popular than the most healthful NCOM diet, the Mediterranean Diet. Understanding what attracts people to these less-healthful NCOM diets can provide insight into diet selection that can be used to better support diet choice. Funding Sources None.

Persistent level of mental distress in PTSD patients is not reflected in cytokine levels 1 year after the treatment.

Cross-sectional data show that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients often have increased levels of circulating inflammatory markers. There is, however, still a paucity of longitudinal studies with long follow-up times on levels of cytokines in such patients. The current study assesses patients with and without PTSD diagnosis 1 year after discharge from inpatient treatment. Patients in treatment for serious non-psychotic mental disorders were recruited at the beginning of their treatment stay at a psychiatric centre in Norway. Ninety patients submitted serum samples and filled out the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-90 Revised Global Severity Index (HSCL-90R GSI) questionnaire during their mainstay and at a follow-up stay 1 year after discharge. Of these patients, 33 were diagnosed with PTSD, 48 with anxiety, depression, or eating disorder, while 9 patients had missing data. The patients were diagnosed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). At the follow-up stay (T3), PTSD patients had higher levels of GSI scores than non-PTSD patients (p = 0.048). These levels were unchanged from the year before (T2) in both groups. The levels of circulating cytokines/chemokine did not differ between the PTSD and non-PTSD patients at T3. At T2, however, the PTSD and non-PTSD groups exhibited different levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) (p = 0.053), IL-1RA (p = 0.042), and TNF-α (p = 0.037), with the PTSD patients having the higher levels. Despite exhibiting different mental distress scores, the PTSD and non-PTSD patients did not differ regarding levels of circulating inflammatory markers at 1-year follow-up.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Quality of Life of Patients With Crohn Disease.

Patients with Crohn disease have debilitating psychological symptoms, mental fatigue, and poor quality of life. Psychological intervention may improve these symptoms. We performed a randomized parallel-group physician-blinded trial of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based stress reduction (COBMINDEX) on quality of life and psychological symptoms in adults with mild-moderate Crohn disease. COBMINDEX was taught by social workers in one-on-one video conferences over 3 months; quotidian home practice was mandated. Fifty-five COBMINDEX and 61 waitlist control patients completed the study; mean age was 33 years and 65% of participants were women. At 3 months, COBMINDEX patients had significantly reduced disease activity (per Harvey-Bradshaw Index score, C-reactive protein level, and calprotectin level), increased quality of life (Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire [SIBDQ] score increased from baseline 41 to 50; P < 0.001), decreased psychological symptoms (Global Severity Index [GSI], 0.98-0.70; P < 0.001), reduced fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, 26-33; P < 0.001), and increased mindfulness disposition (Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, 33-38; P < 0.001). Waitlist patients had a significant but small change in Harvey-Bradshaw Index, SIBDQ, and GSI scores, without improvement in fatigue or mindfulness. There were significant correlations (0.02 > P < 0.002) in COBMINDEX patients between baseline SIBDQ, GSI, Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scores with a relative change (baseline to 3 months) of the SIBDQ score, but none among waitlist patients. Predictors of relative change of the SIBDQ score in COBMINDEX patients included the GSI score (90% quantile; coefficient 0.52; P < 0.001), somatization (90%; 0.20; P = 0.001), depression (75%; 0.16; P = 0.03), and phobic anxiety (75%; 0.31; P = 0.008). COBMINDEX was effective in increasing patients' quality of life and reducing psychological symptoms and fatigue. Patients with severe baseline psychological symptoms benefited the most from COBMINDEX.

The Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy and Acupressure in Controlling Gag Reflex in Children Undergoing Dental Procedures

Background: Impression making can be challenging in children due to the exaggerated gag reflex. It not only hinders the basic dental examination procedure but also delivery of the treatment procedure becomes more challenging. Aim: Comparative evaluation of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and in combination with acupressure in controlling gag reflex in children undergoing impression making procedure. Experimental Procedure: A total of 90 children (10.1 + 2.6) years were divided into three groups depending upon the strategies used. Group A received LLLT whereas group B received LLLT with acupressure and group C was placebo group. Each patient underwent two impressions to record GSI and GPI scores for all groups. Results: Mean values of GSI and GPI scores for each group were calculated at three different stages. The mean values revealed least gagging with LLLT as compared to LLLT with acupressure and placebo group at stage 1 (p-0.001) and stage 3 (p-0.000) which was statistically significant. Mean values of GPI score was less than GSI score at all three stages for all the groups except for stage 1 in group C, which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: LLLT and in combination with acupressure was effective in controlling gag reflex in comparison to acupressure in children undergoing impression making procedure. Keywords: Acupuncture, acupressure, acupoints, gag reflex, impression making.

Mental Health Status of Healthcare Workers in China for COVID-19 Epidemic.

Background:COVID-19 first appeared in China in December 2019, with a high rate of infectivity and morbidity, which brought tremendous psychological pressure to healthcare workers.Purpose:To understand the psychological health status of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak and decline, and to provide a theoretical reference for the future establishment of a psychological crisis intervention system.Methods:Healthcare workers were recruited using convenience sampling and snowball sampling methods, and the electronic version of the SCL-90 scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire were administered. In the pretest, a total of 5018 responses were collected; after six weeks, random sampling was performed. The SCL-90 and measures of other epidemic-related problems were administered, with 1570 responses received; then, the final data analysis was performed.Results:After six weeks, the post-test GSI score; SCL-90 total score; and PST, PSDI, O-C, I-S, DEP, ANX, PHOB, PAR, PSY, and HOS scores were significantly lower than the corresponding pretest scores (p < 0.05). The results by occupational category showed that the scores of nursing staff decreased significantly for 12 indexes and that the scores of the doctors and other hospital staff also significantly decreased. There was a significant difference between the pretest (50.78 ± 28.18) and post-test (45.00 ± 28.49) scores for the degree of worry about the epidemic. Healthcare workers believed that the top three aspects of life affected by the epidemic were economic problems (816 people), interpersonal communication problems (731 people), and mental health (728 people).Conclusion:Over the course of the epidemic, the item scores generally declined significantly. Therefore, during an outbreak period, attention should be paid to psychological crisis interventions for healthcare workers; problems caused by psychological pressure, and even other psychological conditions, can be significantly alleviated to reduce the probability of subsequent health problems.

Trajectories of psychological distress during recovery from polysubstance use disorder

Introduction Polysubstance use is a prevalent substance use pattern with adverse effects on psychological distress and diminished treatment outcomes. Although polysubstance use often dominates clinical practice, the trajectories of substance use and psychological distress in the initial phase of treatment have been subject to few empirical investigations. Material and Methods 141 patients initiating inpatient or outpatient treatment for substance use disorder were followed for 12 months, using multiple assessments. We assessed psychological distress and substance use at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. We implemented an SMS tracker of substance use during follow-up to reduce the impact of missing data. Results Stable abstinence was associated with a lower baseline SCL-90-R score, as well as a more rapid symptomatic decline during the first 3 months of abstinence. Unstable abstinence was associated with higher GSI scores at baseline, but also with a significant drop in scores across the follow-up period. Relapse was associated with an initial drop in GSI scores, but a subsequent increase in GSI scores at later follow-ups. Conclusions Most participants had a rapid reduction of psychological distress during the first 3 months of abstinence. Elevated levels of psychological distress may indicate an increased risk of drug use or relapse and should be monitored carefully. Our findings highlight the importance of early screening for psychological distress in SUD treatment, and advocate the use of tentative diagnostic procedures in the early phase of treatment of PSUD.

Prevalence and factors related to psychiatric symptoms in low risk pregnancy.

Background:Psychiatric disorders are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes both for mother and child. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and related demographic risk factors of psychiatric symptoms among the pregnant women in Babol City.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in five private and public obstetrics clinics of Babol city. During routine appointments of prenatal care, 176 pregnant women filled in three questionnaires including; sociodemographic questionnaire, Edinburg Prenatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-25). Wilcoxon test, Spearman correlation, and multivariate logistic regression tests were used to interpret the data.Results:The prevalence of depressive disorders was 15.4%% for Edinburg scores ≥13. The overall rate of maternal psychiatric symptoms (global severity index or GSI scores ≥ 1.75) was 48.5%. The prevalence of psychiatric symptoms was high; for 25% somatization, 258% anxiety, obsession-compulsion disorders or OCD 6.4%, 8.8% interpersonal sensitivity, 5.3% phobia, 7.6% paranoid ideation, and 1.2% psychoticism. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that pregnant women with history of abortion in previous pregnancy were at risk of depressive symptoms more (β=3.18, CI 1.28-7.93, p=0.01) than those without history of abortion. Also, the only demographic factor related to psychiatric symptoms was the age of pregnant women; younger age was associated with higher symptom levels for GSI ((r=-0.17).Conclusion:The high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, especially depressive symptoms, in pregnant women highlights the need for continued research on screening, identifying the risk factors, and developing effective treatments for mental disorders in pregnant women.

Examination of Psychological Symptom Levels of Physical Education Teachers and Teachers in Different Branches

Purpose of this research is to determine differences between teachers' branches in terms of mental health status according to whether they do regular sports or not. Research was carried out using descriptive scanning model. Research population consist of schools in Turkey affiliated to the Ministry of Education, active working teachers in 2018-2019 education term. The sample consists of teachers working in Şanlıurfa and Mersin. 461 teachers were participated in the study. Easy sampling method was preferred as sampling method. Revised Symptoms Checklist (SCL-90-R) was used to measure psychological symptoms and distress developed by Derogatis. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t test was used to analyze differences between two groups. In terms of branches of teachers, there was a significant difference in all other sub-scales and GSI except HOS sub-scale. It was found that there was a significant difference in favor of teachers doing regular sports in all sub-scales according to which teachers did regular sports regardless of their branch. There was a significant difference between some sub-scales and GSI of other teachers who participated regular sports. There was no significant difference in all sub-scales between all teachers who did regular sports. As a result, GSI score of each participant who declared that they participate in regular sports was lower than those who did not. There were no significant differences in mental health status of the teachers. The difference between individuals was found to be significant compared to whether or not to do regular sports. Sub-scales scores of teachers who participated in regular sports were found to be low.

Empirical Development of a Screening Method to Assist Mental Health Referrals in Collegiate Athletes

The conspicuous absence of validated screening measures specific to mental health symptomology in collegiate athletes has negatively affected clinical practice in this population. Therefore, this study was performed to develop a sport specific measure to optimally identify collegiate athletes who are particularly likely to benefit from mental health programming. Participants were 289 collegiate-athletes who were assessed for mental health symptomology using the Global Severity Index of Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (GSI), factors that interfere with sport performance using the Problems in Sport Competition Scale (PSCS) and Problems in Sport Training Scale (PSTS), and motivation to pursue professional counseling using the Desire to Pursue Sport Psychology Scale (DSPS). As hypothesized, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that PSCS, PSTS and DSPS scores significantly predicted GSI scores, controlling gender and sport status (NCAA, club, intramural). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that high-risk athletes (GSI T-scores ≥ 60) could be correctly classified by PSTS and PSCS scores. Results suggest the PSCS and PSTS may assist identification of collegiate athletes who are especially appropriate for mental health programs. These scales additionally identify factors directly relevant to athletes’ sport performance.

Measuring cognitive impairment in young adults with polysubstance use disorder with MoCA or BRIEF-A – The significance of psychiatric symptoms

IntroductionChronic polysubstance use disorder (PSUD) is associated with cognitive impairments. These impairments affect the quality of life, occupational functioning, and the ability to benefit from therapy. Psychological distress also affects neurocognitive status, and impaired neurocognition characterizes several psychiatric conditions. Neurocognitive assessment is thus of importance but faces several interpretive challenges. One is disentangling the link between psychological distress and cognitive impairment. This paper investigates the associations between psychological distress and two cognitive screening tools, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (BRIEF-A) in young adults with PSUD. Material and methodsThis study included 104 patients with PSUD recruited from the Norwegian Stayer study. Participants completed the MoCA, a self-report measure of executive functioning (EF), the BRIEF-A, and the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised, a measure of psychiatric symptoms (SCL-90-R). Cognitive impairment was diagnosed in accordance with previously published cutoff scores for the MoCA and BRIEF-A. Correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between cognitive impairment identified with the MoCA or BRIEF-A and psychological distress. ResultsMore than a third (34.6%) of patients scored below the threshold for cognitive impairment on the MoCA. On the BRIEF-A, 63.2% of participants reported executive problems that exceeded what was expected based on previously published norms. SCL-90-R scores were, as expected, elevated when compared with normative scores. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between cognitive impairment identified by the BRIEF-A and scores on the SCL-90-R Global Severity Index (OR = 17.3, 95% CI: 4.4–68.8, p < 0.001) and age (OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6–0.9, p = 0.003). Cognitive impairment identified by the MoCA was not significantly associated with demographic variables or SCL-90-R GSI score in multiple regression analysis. ConclusionsOur study indicated that the MoCA is a measure of cognitive impairment that is independent of psychological distress, as measured with the SCL-90-R, whereas the BRIEF-A Global Executive Composite is strongly associated with distress. This suggests the need to interpret BRIEF-A results within a broad differential diagnostic context, where the assessment of psychological distress is included. The findings support that performance-based assessment such as the MoCA could reduce the impact of psychological distress in cognitive screening.

Impulse control disorders in patients with prolactinoma receiving dopamine agonist therapy: a prospective study with 1 year follow-up.

To assess prospectively the prevalence of impulse control disorders (ICD), psychiatric symptoms, and their clinical correlates in patients with prolactinoma receiving dopamine agonists (DA) in comparison to those with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFA) and healthy controls (HC). A total of 25 patients with prolactinoma, 31 with NFA, and 32 HCs were included in the study. All patients and controls were screened for the presence of ICDs and other psychiatric disorders using revised version of Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview (MIDI-R), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R) questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). We detected two new cases (8%) of ICD associated with DAs. Both cases presented with hypersexuality, which reversed totally or decreased upon discontinuation of the drug. The re-challenge of the DA in a smaller dose has led to either no symptoms or weaker symptoms than before. There was an increase in the number of patients who screened positive on obsession, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoid ideation, and additional items subscales of SCL-90-R in comparison to HCs at the end of the study period (p < 0.05 for all). Likewise, cumulative DA dose was positively correlated to obsession, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoid ideation, hostility, phobic anxiety subscales, and GSI scores of SCL-90-R (p < 0.05 for all). DAs are associated with a small but substantial short-term risk of ICD development and a broad range of psychiatric symptoms in patients with prolactinoma receiving DAs.