Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Research Articles

Impact of Baduanjin exercise combined with rational emotive behavior therapy on sleep and mood in patients with poststroke depression: A randomized controlled trial.

Poststroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common stroke complications. It not only leads to a decline in patients' quality of life but also increases the mortality of patients. In this study, the method of combining Chinese traditional exercise Baduanjin with psychotherapy was used to intervene in patients with PSD and to explore the improvement of sleep, mood, and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with PSD by combined treatment. A total of 100 patients with PSD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to Baduanjin group (n = 50) or control group (n = 50). The control group received treatment with escitalopram oxalate and rational emotive behavior therapy, while the experimental group received Baduanjin training in addition to the treatment given to the control group. Changes in sleep efficiency, sleep total time, sleep latency, arousal index, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale score, serum BDNF, 5-HT, IL-6 levels, and Modified Barthel Index were measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after intervention, and the results were compared between the 2 groups. Significantly improvements in the sleep efficiency, sleep total time, serum 5-HT, BDNF levels, and Modified Barthel Index score were detected at week 4 in the Baduanjin group than in the control group (P < .05). Additionally, the sleep latency, arousal index, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale scores and IL-6 levels in the Baduanjin group were lower than those in the control group (P < .05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the above indexes in the Baduanjin group were further improved compared with the control group (P < .05), and the above indexes of the 2 groups were significantly improved compared with the baseline (P < .001). Baduanjin exercise combined with rational emotive behavior therapy effectively improves the mood and sleep status of patients with PSD; It increases the serum levels of 5-HT and BDNF while reducing the level of serum proinflammatory factor IL-6; additionally, the intervention alleviates the degree of neurological impairment, upgrades the ability of daily living, and improves the quality of life.

Efficacy of Homeopathic Higher Dilutions in management of Sleep Disorders: A Review

Background: Sleep disorders, including insomnia, have diverse causes and can significantly impact physical and mental health. Homeopathy is explored as an alternative treatment for these disorders, but its efficacy remains uncertain. Aim/Objective: This study reviews clinical research on the efficacy of homeopathic higher dilutions remedies for sleep disorders. The goal is to provide insights into the progress in clinical and preclinical investigations on homeopathy for sleep disorders. Methodology: We conducted a comprehensive database search for original clinical studies on homeopathy and sleep disorders and its related terminology published until September 2023, applying exclusion criteria to select relevant studies. Results: We identified 11 studies meeting our criteria. These studies explored the use of homeopathic remedies for managing sleep disorders with the help of various assessment tools, like Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), STAI questionnaire, Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Sleep Diary (SD), Sleep Impairment Index (SII), Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), and Trait of Anxiety Scale (TAS). Findings included reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality with Passiflora Compose, potential benefits of individualized homeopathic treatment for insomnia, and positive outcomes in children and young adults with sleep issues. Homeopathy also showed potential effects on sleep patterns in a rat study. Conclusion: The reviewed studies suggest the potential benefits of homeopathic treatments for sleep-related conditions. Passiflora Compose, individualized homeopathic treatment, and homeopathic similimum demonstrated promise in improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety. More research and larger trials are needed for wider acceptance, but these findings highlight their value for diverse populations.

The influence of gender-specific factors influencing severe anxiety in psychotic major depression: role of thyroid hormones and depression severity.

Psychotic major depression (PMD) is characterized by major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by delusions or hallucinations. While the prevalence of PMD and its association with anxiety have been studied, gender-specific differences and the role of thyroid hormones in PMD-related anxiety remain less explored. A total of 1718 first-episode and drug-naïve MDD patients was assessed for the presence of PMD and severe anxiety. Clinical assessments, including Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) scale, were conducted to assess depression, anxiety, psychotic symptoms, and clinical severity, respectively. Blood samples were collected to measure thyroid function parameters. The prevalence of severe anxiety was higher in PMD patients compared to non-psychotic MDD patients (71.3% vs. 5.3%). No significant gender differences were observed in the prevalence of severe anxiety among PMD patients. However, elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increased depression severity (HAMD scores) were identified as independent risk factors for severe anxiety in female PMD patients. In contrast, no significant risk factors were found in male PMD patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUCROC) analysis revealed that the HAMD score and TSH level showed acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing between female PMD patients with and without severe anxiety. This study highlights the heightened prevalence of severe anxiety in PMD patients, with TSH levels and depression severity emerging as gender-specific risk factors for anxiety in females. These findings suggest the importance of thyroid hormone assessment and tailored interventions for managing anxiety in female PMD patients.

Effect of nano-silver coated catheter combined with comprehensive care on postoperative infection and rehabilitation in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an effective treatment method for coronary atherosclerosis, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life and facilitate their return to normal activities after surgery. This study examines the effects of comprehensive nursing intervention and application of nano-silver coated catheter on postoperative infection and rehabilitation among patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting. The study included 72 patients, randomly assigned into an intervention group and a control group, with 36 patients in each. The control group received standard care, while the intervention group received comprehensive care along with postoperative application of nano-silver coated catheter. The study compared various factors, including the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score, quality of life score, postoperative recovery, postoperative infection, satisfaction, and adverse reactions between the two groups. The intervention group exhibited better scores in HAMD, HAMA, PSQI and quality of survival score when compared to the control group. Moreover, the intervention group experienced an earlier time to first bowel movement and first defecation after surgery. The intervention group also demonstrated lower rates of urinary protein detection, pathogen detection, and serum inflammatory factor levels compared to the control group. Additionally, the overall incidence of complications in the control group was higher at 27.8% compared to 8.3% in the intervention group. Furthermore, the satisfaction level in the intervention group was significantly higher at 97.2%, in contrast to 83.3% in the control group. Overall, comprehensive care combined with the postoperative application of a nano-silver coated catheter can effectively address patients’ emotional needs and accelerate recovery. It also reduces the incidence of infection, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and satisfaction levels among patients. This study provides a good nursing plan for the postoperative recovery of CABG patients, which is conducive to promoting the speed of postoperative recovery and improving the quality of life of patients.

Association of clinical variables and thyroid-stimulating hormone with psychotic symptoms in patients with first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder with elevated fasting blood glucose: preliminary exploratory study with a large sample.

Psychotic symptoms and elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) are frequently observed in people with major depressive disorder (MDD), but there is a lack of research into this relationship within this cohort. This study aimed to preliminarily explore the prevalence of psychotic symptoms and their predictors among patients with MDD and elevated FBG. This study enrolled 1718 patients with first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD. Sociodemographic data and physical and biochemical indicators were collected. Clinical symptoms were assessed with tools such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive subscale. The odds ratio for psychotic symptoms in those with MDD and elevated FBG (18.7%) was 2.33 times higher than those with MDD without elevated FBG. Presence of psychotic symptoms was significantly correlated with HRSD score, suicide attempts, and total cholesterol and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The combination of HRSD score, suicide attempts and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels among patients with MDD and elevated FBG effectively distinguished between individuals with and without psychotic symptoms, achieving an area under the curve of 0.87. Psychotic symptoms are frequently observed among FEDN MDD patients with elevated FBG, and depressive symptoms, suicide attempts and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are related to psychotic symptoms in this cohort.

Progressive muscle relaxation alleviates anxiety and improves sleep quality among healthcare practitioners in a mobile cabin hospital: a pre-post comparative study in China

ObjectiveTo investigate the anxiety levels, sleep quality and potential risk factors of healthcare practitioners involved in the management of COVID-19 patients in a mobile cabin hospital, and further to assess the impact of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on their anxiety levels and sleep quality.MethodsWe conducted a pre-post self-controlled trial. Healthcare practitioners meeting the inclusion criteria underwent daily 30-min PMR sessions for seven consecutive days. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to assess the anxiety and sleep quality of subjects pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Spearman rank correlation.ResultsA total of 94 participants completed the study. No statistically significant differences in HAMA or PSQI total scores were observed between groups categorized based on demographic variables such as age, sex, and years of education (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The PSQI total score and its components (excluding sleep medication usage) exhibited a positive correlation with the HAMA total score and its psychological anxiety component (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and a correlation was observed between somatic anxiety manifestations and several components of the PSQI. The PSQI total scores before and after intervention were 10.0 (8.0, 13.0) and 8.0 (6.0, 9.0) respectively (p &amp;lt; 0.001); the HAMA total scores were 8.0 (5.0, 13.0) and 6.0 (4.0, 9.5) respectively (p &amp;lt; 0.001). The detection rates of poor sleep and anxiety states, along with their severity, significantly decreased post-intervention (p &amp;lt; 0.001).ConclusionHealthcare practitioners experience prominent anxiety and sleep issues in the mobile cabin hospital. PMR can be an effective intervention for improving the anxiety and sleep quality of healthcare professionals during support periods in the mobile cabin hospital. However, trials with larger samples are necessitated to further affirm these preliminary findings.

Prevalence and clinical correlates of suicide attempts in patients with first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder and comorbid autoimmune thyroiditis.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is closely associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicide attempts. However, few studies have examined this relationship. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of suicide attempts in patients with first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD and autoimmune thyroiditis. We recruited 1718 out-patients with FEDN MDD and assessed depressive, anxiety and psychotic symptoms with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRSA) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Subscale positive subscale, respectively. The serum levels of free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), antithyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and several other metabolic parameters were assessed. Patients were divided into non-autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroiditis only and autoimmune thyroiditis with abnormal TSH groups, based on autoimmune thyroiditis severity. Multiple logistic regression model was applied to identify the correlates of suicide attempts in patients with MDD and autoimmune thyroiditis with abnormal TSH. Compared with the non-autoimmune thyroiditis group, the autoimmune thyroiditis with abnormal TSH group had a nearly fourfold higher likelihood of reporting a suicide attempt, whereas no difference was found between the non-autoimmune thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis only groups. HRSA score, lnTPOAb and lnTSH were independently associated with suicide attempts in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis with abnormal TSH. Patients with MDD and autoimmune thyroiditis with abnormal TSH are at higher risk for suicide attempt. TPOAb, TSH and anxiety are all independently associated with suicide attempts in this population, and regular thyroid checks are warranted.

Gambaran Tingkat Kecemasan Keluarga Dalam Merawat Pasien Dengan Skizofrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic mental health disorder, which requires family support in the recovery process. Schizophrenia patients who are cared for directly by their families have the potential to cause immediate anxiety for their families. Objective: to determine the level of family anxiety in caring for patients with schizophrenia. Method: The research design used in this research is descriptive with a cross-sectional approach model. Using a non-probability sampling technique, namely purposive sampling, with a sample size of 93 people. This research uses the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRS-A) questionnaire. Data analysis uses univariate analysis, namely analysis carried out on each research variable to look for frequency distributions, namely frequencies and percentages. Results: Based on age characteristics, it was found that the majority of respondents were in the 36-45 year range, 37 people (39.8%) with an elementary school education level of 35 people (37.6%), 52 people (55%) were male. .9%) and work as farmers as many as 39 people (41.9%). The results of the study showed that the level of family anxiety in caring for schizophrenic patients was mostly 35 people (37.60%) in the mild category. Conclusion: The anxiety level of the patient's family in caring for schizophrenic patients is in the mild category.

Self-esteem as a risk factor of anxiety in senior high school students

BackgroundAdolescence is a dynamic period of significant physical, emotional, and cognitive development, where individuals shape their identities and influence their mental health. Being vulnerable to various risk factors, including anxiety, adolescents often face mental disorders that can affect their overall well-being. With anxiety being a major concern in the global context as well as in Indonesia, this study aimed to determine self-esteem as a risk factor of developing anxiety among senior high school students. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 162 senior high school students, using proportionate stratified cluster simple random sampling. Data were collected through the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale questionnaires to measure self-esteem and anxiety levels, respectively. The full score for self-esteem was 10–40 points. The higher the score, the greater the self-esteem. Data was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. ResultsThe research findings indicate that adolescents experiencing anxiety amount to 51.9% and most of them indicated high self-esteem (61.1%). Multiple logistic regression test showed that low self-esteem (OR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.15-4.24) was the most influential risk factor of anxiety. However, there were no significant associations between anxiety and demographic factors such as gender, grade level, major of study, and parental income. ConclusionMost senior high school students experience anxiety, and lower self-esteem was the most influential risk factor of anxiety. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to boost self-esteem as a preventive measure against anxiety among senior high school students.

An important contributing factor in dry eye disease: somatization.

Somatization is an important mental process that may causes medically unexplained and treatment-resistant somatic symptoms. The aim of the study is assess the presence of somatization in patients with dry eye disease (DED). Eighty-eight patients with no objective DED finding and ongoing DED treatment were included in this prospective and observational study. Patients with subjective symptoms formed the symptom group and patients without subjective symptoms formed the control group. All patients were scored with the Turkish version of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90R) somatization subscale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Symptom Interpretation Questionnaire (SIQ). Mean OSDI score was significantly higher in the symptom group than in the control group. The mean HAM-D and HAM-A outcomes did not differ between the groups. The mean SCL-90R somatization subscale, TAS, and PCS scores were significantly higher in the symptom group than in the control group. In the SIQ, somatic attributional style score was significantly higher in the symptom group than in the control group. The SCL-90R somatization subscale, PCS, and somatic attributional style scores had positive and mild-moderate correlation with OSDI scores in the symptom group. The TAS score had positive and moderate correlation with OSDI scores in all sample analyses. Somatization should be considered in patients with DED with chronic ocular surface symptoms. Presence of subjective symptoms resistant to treatment may be an indicator of somatization.

The Contribution of Genetic Testing in Optimizing Therapy for Patients with Recurrent Depressive Disorder

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of pharmacogenetic-guided antidepressant therapy on the 12-month evolution of the intensity of depressive symptoms in patients with recurrent depressive disorder (RDD) in comparison to a control group of depressive subjects who were treated conventionally. (2) Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted between 2019 and 2022, and the patients were evaluated by employing the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale: Severity and Improvement. We followed them up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. (3) Results: Of the 76 patients with RDD, 37 were tested genetically (Group A) and 39 were not (Group B). Although the patients from Group A had statistically significantly more severe MDD at baseline than those from Group B (p &lt; 0.001), by adjusting their therapy according to the genetic testing, they had a progressive and more substantial reduction in the severity of RDD symptoms [F = 74.334; η2 = 0.674; p &lt; 0.001], indicating a substantial association with the results provided by the genetic testing (67.4%). (4) Conclusions: In patients with RDD and a poor response to antidepressant therapy, pharmacogenetic testing allows for treatment adjustment, resulting in a constant and superior reduction in the intensity of depression and anxiety symptoms.

Posbindu Cadres Art Dance Therapy (PodCAsT) Improving the Quality of Life

Background: Stress is something condition disease no contagious as possible give an impact bad for health when keeps going experienced by someone for period long. Dancing could be fun for Posbindu Cadres but also could help promote relaxation to reduce stress. Objective: This study aims to uncover the effectiveness of Posbindu Cadres Art Dance Theraphy (PodCAsT) for Posbindu Cadres in reducing stress. Method: The study was a quasi-experimental research with a one-group pretest-posttest design. Twenty-Eight cadres at Gading Wetan Donokerto, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia were participated the study. Level of Stress was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Result: There was a significant difference with (p&lt;0.001) between the stress level on cadres before and after Posbindu Cadres Art Dance Theraphy (PodCAsT) with with the stress level from 30 to 11. Conclusion: The PodCAsT could effectively reduce the level stress of cadres who experience stress with severe anxiety because of the many duties and responsibilities carried out by Posbindu Cadres in serving and monitoring and controlling public health.Implication: Posbindu Cadres Art Dance Therapy (PodCAsT) can be applied in communities, especially communities, to improve the quality of life and at the same time maintain Yogyakarta traditional dancing culture

Dopaminergic dysfunction in the left putamen of patients with major depressive disorder

IntroductionDopaminergic transmission impairment has been identified as one of the main neurobiological correlates of both depression and clinical symptoms commonly associated with its spectrum such as anhedonia and psychomotor retardation. ObjectivesWe examined the relationship between dopaminergic deficit in the striatum, as measured by 123I-FP-CIT SPECT imaging, and specific psychopathological dimensions in patients with major depressive disorder. MethodsTo our knowledge this is the first study with a sample of >120 subjects. After check for inclusion and exclusion criteria, 121 (67 females, 54 males) patients were chosen retrospectively from an extensive 1106 patients database of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT scans obtained at the Nuclear Medicine Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. These individuals had undergone striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) assessments based on the recommendation of their referring clinicians, who were either neurologists or psychiatrists. At the time of SPECT imaging, each participant underwent psychiatric and psychometric evaluations. We used the following psychometric scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Snaith Hamilton Pleasure Scale, and Depression Retardation Rating Scale. ResultsWe found a negative correlation between levels of depression (p = 0.007), anxiety (p = 0.035), anhedonia (p = 0.028) and psychomotor retardation (p = 0.014) and DAT availability in the left putamen. We further stratified the sample and found that DAT availability in the left putamen was lower in seriously depressed patients (p = 0.027) and in patients with significant psychomotor retardation (p = 0.048). ConclusionTo our knowledge this is the first study to have such a high number of sample. Our study reveals a pivotal role of dopaminergic dysfunction in patients with major depressive disorder. Elevated levels of depression, anxiety, anhedonia, and psychomotor retardation appear to be associated with reduced DAT availability specifically in the left putamen.

Virtual reality-based cognitive–behavioural therapy for the treatment of anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a randomised clinical trial

BackgroundThe presence of mental health conditions is pervasive in patients who experienced acute myocardial infarction (AMI), significantly disrupting their recovery. Providing timely and easily accessible psychological interventions using virtual reality-based...

Risk factors for anxiety and its impacts on acute exacerbation in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Anxiety is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in older patients with the definition of age over 60 years old. Few studies have focused on anxiety in older COPD patients. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of anxiety in older COPD patients and the impacts of anxiety on future acute exacerbation. The general information, questionnaire data, previous acute exacerbation and pulmonary function were collected. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) was used to evaluate the anxiety of older COPD patients. The patients were followed up for one year, the number and the degrees of acute exacerbations of COPD were recorded. A total of 424 older COPD patients were included in the analysis. 19.81% (N = 84) had anxiety symptoms, and 80.19% (N = 340) had no anxiety symptoms. There were increased pack-years, more comorbidities, and more previous acute exacerbations in older COPD patients with anxiety compared to those without anxiety (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, a higher modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), a higher COPD assessment test (CAT) score and a shorter six-minute walking distance (6MWD) were found in older COPD patients with anxiety (P < 0.05). The BODE index, mMRC, CAT score, comorbidities and acute exacerbations were associated with anxiety. Eventually, anxiety will increase the risk of future acute exacerbation in older COPD patients (OR = 4.250, 95% CI: 2.369-7.626). Older COPD patients with anxiety had worsening symptoms, more comorbidities and frequent acute exacerbation. Meanwhile, anxiety may increase the risk of acute exacerbation in the future. Therefore, interventions should be provided to reduce the risk of anxiety in older COPD patients at an early stage.

IJCM_341A: Prevalence Of Depression And Anxiety Among High School Adolescents Of Urban Area, Belagavi - A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Adolescence, which lasts from the ages of 10-19, is the stage of life between childhood and adulthood. Health issues like alcohol and drug use, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity are widespread among adolescents. Notably, mental health stands out as one of the most prevalent and significant concerns in this age group. Schools are beneficial in recognizing the mental health care needs of adolescents, given that a substantial amount of their time is spent at school. Hence the study was conducted in school to investigate prevalence of depression and anxiety among adolescent students. Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among high school adolescents and to know the determinants associated with it. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among high school adolescent students of schools in urban area of Belagavi. After getting approval from IEC, the data was collected from 100 students using pre-designed, pretested questionnaire. And Depression and Anxiety were assessed using the Becks Depression Inventory (BDI) scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) respectively. Results: Depression prevalence was 45% among students, categorized as mild (23%), borderline (9%), moderate (8%), and severe (5%) based on Becks Depression Inventory. Mean BDI score was 11.31±8.40. Surprisingly, 97% had anxiety with 76% mild, 17% moderate,4% severe anxiety as per Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, with mean HAM-A score of 10.72±8.18. Most affected students were 16 years old, Class-2 socioeconomic status, Hindus, from nuclear families, residing in pucca houses, consuming mixed diet, facing learning difficulties and lacking relationship affairs. A statistically significant association existed between depression and house type, as well as history of child abuse (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Almost half of high school students experience varying mental health issues. Supported counseling centers in schools, implementing periodic screening, and integrating mental health education into routine activities are crucial recommendations for reducing adolescent mental health problems.

Mapping structural covariance networks of emotional withdrawal symptoms in males with methamphetamine use disorder during abstinence.

Individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) often experience anxiety and depressive symptoms during abstinence, which can worsen the likelihood of relapse. Thus, it is essential to understand the neuro-mechanism behind methamphetamine use and its associated emotional withdrawal symptoms in order to develop effective clinical strategies. This study aimed to evaluate associations between emotional withdrawal symptoms and structural covariance networks (SCNs) based on cortical thickness (CTh) across the brain. The CTh measures were obtained from Tl-weighted MRI data from a sample of 48 males with MUD during abstinence and 48 male healthy controls. The severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms was assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and depression (HAMD) scales. Two important nodes belonging to the brain reward system, the right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and medial prefrontal cortex (medPFC), were selected as seeds to conduct SCNs and modulation analysis by emotional symptoms. MUDs showed higher structural covariance between the right rACC and regions in the dorsal attention, right frontoparietal, auditory, visual and limbic networks. They also displayed higher structural covariance between the right medPFC and regions in the limbic network. Moreover, the modulation analysis showed that higher scores on HAMA were associated with increased covariance between the right rACC and the left parahippocampal and isthmus cingulate cortex in the default mode network. These outcomes shed light on the complex neurobiological mechanisms underlying methamphetamine use and its associated emotional withdrawal symptoms and may provide new insights into the development of effective treatments for MUD.

Pregnancy exercise effectiveness on anxiety level among pregnant women.

Changes in one's mental state are possible during pregnancy because it is a phase. Anxiety is one of these mental changes that is common during pregnancy and has a tendency to have a detrimental impact on both the mother and the fetus. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of pregnancy exercise on pregnancy anxiety levels. The method used in this study was quasi-experimental with a purposive sampling technique. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) is the instrument that is employed in this study, and it will be given to the sample group of 15 pregnant women without complications to determine their levels of anxiety. This research was conducted at one of the Health Centers in Batam City, Indonesia. The sample is instructed to perform pregnancy exercise for a total of 4 weeks, with each week's instruction consisting of pregnancy exercise being performed twice for a total of 1 h. The findings of the data analysis performed with the t-test, which assessed the differences in sample anxiety levels before and after taking out pregnant exercise, showed a value of p = 0.000. This indicates that the value of p is less than 0.05, which is the threshold at which the significance level of the test is considered to be significant. Therefore, childbirth of complementary care in the form of exercise during pregnancy can have the impact of lowering levels of anxiety.

Association of Retinal Neurovascular Impairment with Disease Severity in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

Identifying the fundus objective biomarkers for the major depressive disorders (MDD) may help promote mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal neurovascular changes and further investigate their association with disease severity in MDD. This cross-sectional study conducted in the hospital enrolled patients with MDD and healthy controls.The retinal neurovascular parameters for all subjects, including vessel density (VD), thickness of ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and optic nerve head (ONH) eg are automatically calculated by the software in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The severity of MDD including depressive symptoms, anxiety, cognition, and insomnia was assessed by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) respectively. This study included 74 MDD patients (n=74 eyes) and 60 healthy controls (HCs) (n=60 eyes). MDD patients showed significantly decreased VD of superficial and deep capillary plexus, thickness of GCC and RNFL, and volume of ONH (all p<0.05) and increased vertical cup-to-disc ratio and global loss volume (GLV) (all p<0.05) compared to HCs. Positive associations were found between HAMD scores and cup area (r=0.30, p=0.035), cup volume (r=0.31, p=0.029), and disc area (r=0.33, p=0.020) as well as ISI scores and RNFL thickness (r=0.34, p=0.047). We found the retinal neurovascular impairment and its association with disease severity in MDD patients. OCTA showed promise as a potential complementary assessment tool for MDD.

Alterations of the cerebral microstructure in patients with noise-induced hearing loss: A diffusion tensor imaging study.

To explore the changes in the cerebral microstructure of patients with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Overall, 122 patients with NIHL (mild [MP, n=79], relatively severe patients [including moderate and severe; RSP, n=32], and undetermined [lost to follow-up, n=11]) and 84 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. All clinical data, including age, education level, hearing threshold, occupation type, noise exposure time, and some scale scores (including the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE], tinnitus handicap inventory [THI], and Hamilton Anxiety Scale [HAMA]), were collected and analyzed. All participants underwent T1WI3DFSPGR and DTI, and tract-based spatial statistics and region of interest (ROI) analysis were used for assessment. The final sample included 71 MP, 28 RSP, and 75 HCs. The HAMA scores of the three groups were significantly different (p<.05). The noise exposure times, hearing thresholds, and HAMA scores of the MP and RSP were significantly different (p<.05). The noise exposure time was positively correlated with the hearing threshold and negatively correlated with the HAMA scores (p<.05), whereas the THI scores were positively correlated with the hearing threshold (p<.05). DTI analysis showed that all DTI parameters (fractional anisotropy [FA], axial diffusivity [AD], mean diffusivity [MD], and radial diffusivity [RD]) were significantly different in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) for the three groups (p<.05). In addition, the FA values were significantly lower in the bilateral corticospinal tract (CST), right fronto-pontine tract (FPT), right forceps major, left superior longitudinal fasciculus (temporal part) (SLF), and left cingulum (hippocampus) (C-H) of the MP and RSP than in those of the HCs (p<.05); the AD values showed diverse changes in the bilateral CST, left IFOF, right anterior thalamic radiation, right external capsule (EC), right SLF, and right superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) of the MP and RSP relative to those of the HC (p<.05). However, there were no significant differences among the bilateral auditory cortex ROIs of the three groups (p>.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the FA and HAMA scores for the left IFOF/ILF, right FPT, left SLF, and left C-H for the three groups (p<.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the AD and HAMA scores for the left IFOF/ILF and right EC of the three groups (p<.05). There were significantly positive correlations between the RD/MD and HAMA scores in the left IFOF/ILF of the three groups (p<.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the AD in the right SCP and noise exposure time of the MP and RSP groups (p<.05). The AD, MD, and RD in the left ROI were significantly positively correlated with hearing threshold in the MP and RSP groups (p<.05), whereas FA in the right ROI was significantly positively correlated with the HAMA scores for the three groups (p<.05). The changes in the white matter (WM) microstructure may be related to hearing loss caused by noise exposure, and the WM structural abnormalities in patients with NIHL were mainly located in the syndesmotic fibers of the temporooccipital region, which affected the auditory and language pathways. This confirmed that the auditory pathways have abnormal structural connectivity in patients with NIHL.