Higher Symptom Levels Research Articles

Unraveling the relationship between executive function and mind wandering in childhood ADHD

ABSTRACT Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children. According to developmental literature findings, there is a link between executive function (EF) and ADHD. Although EF deficits vary across ADHD presentations in children, working memory capacity is commonly associated with attention impairments. Notably, deficits in working memory capacity are also observed in frequent mind wandering reports for typically developing children. Mind wandering is shifting attention away from a current task to an unrelated thought. To explore the relationship between EF and mind wandering in children with ADHD (n = 47) and further compare our current sample to a typically developing (control) group from a previous study (n = 47), all participants completed three EF-related tasks. They concurrently reported if they were on task or mind wandering. Our results indicate better short-term memory capacity predicted lower mind wandering frequency in children who reported high levels of ADHD symptoms. Similar trends were observed for working memory capacity and ADHD symptomatology. Children with ADHD also reported more overall and unintentional mind wandering on questionnaires compared to children without ADHD. However, the relationship between EF and mind wandering did not differ between these groups. The current study suggests memory-related cognitive abilities may inform our understanding and management of mind wandering in children, driving the development of interventions targeting attention regulation.

Psychological reactions of Holocaust survivors following the October 7 attack in Israel

Holocaust survivors may be sensitive to additional traumatic events that can awaken memories of their past. The study examined Holocaust survivors' reactions to the October 7 terrorist attack. Data were collected from 118 Israeli Jewish older adults, who were divided into three groups: Survivors with high (n = 17), and with low PTSD symptom levels (n = 69) and a comparison group (n = 32), matched for background variables. Results demonstrate that survivors who reported high PTSD symptom levels due to the Holocaust reported more anxiety (p < .001, η2 = 0.13), depression (p = .006, η2 = 0.08), and PTSD symptoms due to the Israel–Hamas War (p < .001, η2 = 0.22), compared to low-PTSD-level survivors and comparisons – those not directly exposed to the Holocaust. However, there were no group differences in hope, activity engagement, and community resilience. The findings highlight the heightened distress experienced by highly traumatized Holocaust survivors following additional mass trauma, while also demonstrating their remarkable resilience.

Diet quality in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: time for improving nutritional recommendations.

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is a severe psychiatric disorder that is associated with a high level of psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficit as well as poor functioning, and an increased risk of mortality for cardiometabolic diseases. Some studies suggest that lifestyle, particularly diet, could represent a risk factor for obesity and its metabolic complications in these patients. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate diet quality and eating habits in individuals with TRS. Seventeen participants (13M/4F aged 37.8±13 years) were recruited to assess dietary composition and food groups consumption by a 7days food record to assess. In addition, demographic and clinical data were collected. Most of the participants were overweight/obese (82%) and only 35% performed physical activity. As compared to nutritional recommendations, participants presented an insufficient intake of fiber (15.9±3.2 g/day), vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin A, D, and E), minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, and iron), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (2.11±0.8%), likely triggered by the low consumption plant-based foods (legumes, fruit, vegetables, and nuts) and fish. Participants exceeded the intake of saturated fatty acids (11.6±3.4%) and cholesterol (242±124 mg/day), and simple sugars (15.2±3.9%) which were mainly related to greater consumption of red meat and processed meat, and sweet foods, respectively. Individuals with TRS presented low diet quality and did not comply with the nutritional recommendations. These results support the importance of including nutritional assessment in the management of individuals with TRS.

The Relationship Between Work Engagement, Depression, Anxiety, and COVID-19 Anxiety in Physician Assistant Students.

Introduction: Physician assistants (PAs) are subject to high levels of burnout, depressive symptoms, and anxiety, which can negatively impact quality of care and patient outcomes. Learning how to handle stress in the classroom may increase success and engagement in PA programs. The goal of this study was to characterize burnout, depressive symptoms, and anxiety in current PA students and examine the relationship between these factors and work engagement.Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed PA students (n = 42) via convenience sampling from eighteen different PA programs across North and South Carolina in October, 2021. Questionnaires included the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), the General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CIAS). Adjusted linear regression was used to assess associations between the GAD-7, PHQ-2, and CIAS and the three subscales of the UWES-17 (vigor, dedication, and absorption).Results: Students were primarily female (79%), white (79%), second-year students (62%), and had an average body mass index of 21.0 ± 3.9kg/m2. A one-unit increase in the GAD-7 was associated with a decrease in the vigor (β = -0.94, SE = 0.19, p < .01) and dedication (β = -0.42, SE = 0.15, p = .01) subscales. A one-unit increase in the PHQ-2 was associated with a decrease in the vigor subscale (β = -2.94, SE = 0.60, p < .01).Conclusions: Recognizing warning signs of declining mental health early among PA school students may be key to increasing resilience, enthusiasm, and concentration, which may enhance school/work engagement. More work is needed to elucidate potential intervention targets to increase school/work engagement in PA students.

Association of vaping with respiratory symptoms in U.S. young adults: Nicotine, cannabis, and dual vaping

IntroductionAlthough studies have found nicotine and cannabis vaping to be individually associated with respiratory symptoms, little is known about the harm of dual vaping. We aim to assess the association of nicotine-only, cannabis-only, and dual vaping with respiratory symptoms. MethodsUsing a national sample of 8033 U.S. young adults (ages 18–24) interviewed in 2021, we employed multivariable logistic regressions to assess the association between vaping behaviors and past 12-month respiratory outcomes. ResultsOf all participants, 75.4 % did not vape, 15.0 % vaped nicotine only, 4.7 % vaped cannabis only, and 4.9 % vaped both. Compared with no vaping, nicotine-only vaping was associated with sounding wheezy (aPR = 1.75, 95 % CI, 1.28–2.39) and dry cough at night (aPR = 1.43, 95 % CI, 1.19–1.72). Cannabis-only vaping was also associated with these two symptoms, with aPRs at 1.82 (95 % CI, 1.15–2.88) and 1.61 (95 % CI, 1.18–2.21), respectively. In addition to these two symptoms (aPR = 2.24, 95 % CI, 1.42–3.54 for sounding wheezy, and aPR = 1.50, 95 % CI, 1.01–2.22 for dry cough at night), dual vaping was associated with wheezing or whistling (aPR = 1.93, 95 % CI, 1.23–3.04) and high level of respiratory symptoms (aPR = 2.02, 95 % CI, 1.24–3.32). Compared with non-frequent vaping, cannabis-only and dual frequent vaping were associated with higher risks of wheezing or whistling. ConclusionsNicotine-only and cannabis-only vaping were associated with two respiratory symptoms while dual vaping with four. The elevated respiratory risk of dual vaping warrants future research on the underlying mechanisms of different vaping behaviors and respiratory outcomes.

Differential psychosocial consequences between male and female workers who have suffered an amputation in an occupational accident.

The main goals of this study are to determine the sociodemographic, occupational and psychosocial characteristics and type of amputation of people affected by occupational amputations in Navarre, Spain, and to analyse the differing characteristics based on sex. People affected by occupational amputations in Navarra between January 2000 and December 2019 were identified by the Public and Work Health Institute of Navarre. Sociodemographic, amputation, psychopathological (Symptom Checklist, SCL-90-R; Severity Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale-Revised, EGS-R), maladjustment (Maladjustment Scale), pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and suicide (Columbia Scale Screening for Suicidal Ideation, C-SSRS) characteristics were assessed. Of the 557 workers identified, 80 were included in the study. The results showed the presence of relevant psychosocial repercussions with a moderately high level of psychopathological symptoms, a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) prevalence rate of 10%, re-experimentation as the most relevant symptom, and labour and leisure as the most affected areas. Sex differences were found in PTSD re-experimentation symptoms (higher in women) and leisure maladjustment (higher in men). No sex differences were found in the remaining variables studied. This study demonstrates the relevance of psychosocial consequences in workers with amputations. Research on this topic is necessary due to the scarcity of studies conducted to date.

Factors Predicting Posttraumatic Stress and Anxiety in Parents Who Experienced the Great Eastern Anatolian Fault Line Earthquakes: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

To identify levels and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and anxiety in parents who experienced the Great Eastern Anatolian Fault Line earthquakes. A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted from May to September 2023, with 200 parents who experienced earthquakes along the East Anatolian Fault Line. A descriptive information form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were used for data collection. Independent samples t test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. The earthquakes caused significant distress among parents: 53% experienced unemployment, 85% had damaged homes, 31.1% lost a relative, 82% lacked an emergency kit, and 90% were concerned for their children's safety. Significant predictors of PTSD included loss of a loved one or relative, not having an emergency kit, having a severely damaged or uninhabitable home, having a chronic illness, and being anxious about the earthquake's impact on their child. High anxiety and PTSD levels were prevalent, with a positive correlation between STAI and IES-R scores. Parents were found to have high levels of PTSD symptoms and anxiety. Findings highlight the complex needs of parents in the post-earthquake context, underscoring the critical need for health professionals, including nurses, to provide comprehensive support to individuals who experienced natural disasters. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Trajectories of depressive symptoms in Korean adults with diabetes: Individual differences and associations with life satisfaction and mortality.

We examined trajectories of depressive symptoms and their predictors in adults with diabetes. We assessed whether these trajectories were related to life satisfaction and mortality. Longitudinal, prospective observational study. We analysed data from 1217 adults with diabetes (aged ≥45 years) in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2018). Three trajectories of depressive symptomology were identified in growth mixture models: low/stable (i.e., low and stable levels of symptoms; 85.56%), high/decreasing (i.e., high levels of symptoms with a decreasing trajectory; 7.47%), and moderate/increasing (i.e., moderate levels of symptoms with an increasing trajectory; 6.98%). Participants with poor perceived health status at baseline were more likely to be in the moderate/increasing or high/decreasing classes than in the low/stable class. The moderate/increasing class had the lowest satisfaction with quality of life, followed by the high/decreasing and low/stable classes. The moderate/increasing and the high/decreasing classes had lower satisfaction with relationships with spouse and children than the low/stable class. The high/decreasing class had a higher mortality risk than the low/stable class. Long-term monitoring of depressive symptoms in adults with diabetes is warranted given their potential adverse impact on life satisfaction and mortality.

Impact of Symptoms on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Wounds

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the occurrence of symptoms and quality of life (QoL) among patients with chronic wounds and the impact of chronic wounds on QoL. METHODS Researchers evaluated 200 patients with chronic wounds using a general information questionnaire, a modified version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, and the Chinese version of the Cardiff Wound Impact Questionnaire. They performed correlation and linear regression analyses to explore the impact of symptoms on QoL. RESULTS Mean symptoms scores were all moderately severe and ranged as follows: 0 to 7.06 ± 3.85 for mean total symptom, 0 to 2.69 ± 1.33 for mean frequency, 0 to 2.27 ± 1.02 for mean severity, and 0 to 2.29 ± 1.29 for mean distress. Scores on the three dimensions of QoL (daily life, social life, and well-being) were 51.61 ± 14.73, 48.63 ± 17.20, and 47.45 ± 8.65, respectively. Patients’ symptoms on each subscale were negatively correlated with the dimensions of QoL (r = −0.383 to −0.559, P &lt; .01). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that 9 symptoms collectively explained 66.1% of the total variance of daily life (P &lt; .01); 7 symptoms explained 59.0% of the total variance of social life (P &lt; .01); and 10 symptoms explained 59.6% of the total variance of well-being (P &lt; .01). CONCLUSIONS Patients with chronic wounds had high levels of psychological symptoms and moderate QoL, scoring lowest on well-being. Sleep disruption, limitations in activity, and scarring were the main symptoms affecting their QoL. Nurses should prioritize managing these symptoms to improve patients’ QoL.

Mental health and perceived consequences in a clinical sample of women featured in video-based pornography

ContextSeveral reports have shed light on the potentially traumatic filming conditions, and violence experienced by women featured in pornography (WP). However, there is a scarcity of research on the mental health of these women, as well as the perceived consequences of participation in Video-based Pornography (VbP). MethodsThirty-six women, recruited through collaboration with WP support groups, completed an online questionnaire covering socio-demographics, pre-VbP violence experiences, and perceived consequences of their participation in VbP. Additionally, participants completed the French versions of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II), and the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13). ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 31.2 years (SD = 7), and the median age at first participation in VbP was 21. A majority (77.8 %) reported a lifetime experience of sexual violence before featuring in VbP. All participants reported at least one negative effect of participating in VbP, with three in four women citing cyberbullying following VbP dissemination. Additionally, participants reported a range of physical consequences such as vaginal lesions and sexually transmitted diseases. Thirty women (83 %) had a PCL-5 score over 33, indicative of probable PTSD, and 28 women (78 %) had a DES-II score of 30 or more, indicating high levels of dissociative symptoms. Furthermore, 19 women (53 %) reported a BDI-13 score over 13, suggesting potential severe depression. ConclusionThis study underscores psychosocial vulnerabilities and the presence of severe psychopathology among WP. It also documents their perceptions of negative consequences of participation in VbP, such as cyberbullying, physical injuries, and emotional distress. Further, large-scale studies are needed to substantiate these results and better understand the scale of the problem, as well as to optimize care interventions.

“I Changed After the Death”: Symptoms of Psychopathology Predict Lower Agency and Communion Themes in Loss Narratives Over 16 Months

Abstract Purpose Some individuals struggle to adjust after the death of a close other. Constructing an adaptive narrative about the loss is important to adjustment but symptoms of psychopathology may interfere with this process. We examined whether psychopathology symptoms measured 2 months after the loss of a spouse or parent predicted loss narratives with lower agency and communion themes as well as more negative emotional tone and self-event connections. Method Participants included 507 adults from the Aarhus Bereavement Study who completed psychopathology symptom measures at 2, 6, 11, and 18 months after the death of their spouse or parent. Symptom measures included prolonged grief disorder (PGD), PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Eighteen months after the death, participants wrote a narrative about the loss and answered questions about its emotional qualities (i.e., tone, self-event connections). The narratives were content coded for agency and communion themes. Results Multiple regressions showed that higher PGD symptoms at 2 months predicted less adaptive loss narratives at 18 months, even after controlling for neuroticism and age. Conclusion Individuals who experience high symptom levels are struggling to construct adaptive loss narratives. This may hinder identity changes needed to accommodate their altered life circumstances.

Psychopathological Profile of Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis and Its Correlation to DLQI: Results from a Prospective, Monocentric Clinical Study.

Background: Psoriasis is associated with a high psychological burden and comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychopathological profile of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis under systemic treatment and to explore the association between DLQI and alexithymia, depression, and other psychopathological disorders. Methods: In this monocentric, prospective clinical study, 104 adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were evaluated according to the disease severity (measured by PASI) influence of psoriasis on their quality of life (measured by DLQI) and their psychopathological profile (measured by the BDI, TAS-20, and SCL-90 questionnaires). Results: The psoriasis patients exhibited high levels of psychopathological symptoms, particularly for depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, and anxiety. More than half of the psoriatic patients (56.7%) were diagnosed with minimal depression, 26.9% with mild depression, and 16.3% with moderate or severe depression. The symptoms of possible and confirmed alexithymia were present in 19.2% and 15.4% of the patients, respectively. The patients with alexithymia appeared to experience a more significant impact on their QoL. Specifically, the percentage of patients with alexithymia/possible alexithymia who had a DLQI of ≥2 was 77.8% vs. 51.5% in those without alexithymia. Conclusions: Our study illuminates the intricate connection between the disease severity and psychological components that impact the QoL of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It is advised that clinicians adopt a comprehensive approach to managing psoriasis, which involves addressing both the physical symptoms of the condition and the psychological impact. In cases of patients with a DLQI of ≥2, despite adequate clinical responses, evaluating the possible coexistence of general psychopathology is recommended.

Navigating treatment trajectories for families with young children after domestic violence: A Delphi-study exploring the priorities in terms of trauma-therapy and attachment-based intervention

BackgroundIn families with young children who have experienced domestic violence, both parents and children are at risk to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and there is a risk for disrupted parent-child interactions. ObjectiveTo identify the factors on which expert-clinicians agree that they should be considered when deciding on the order of trauma therapy for the parent, trauma therapy for the child, and attachment-based intervention. Participantsand settings: Participants were 16 experienced clinicians, trained in attachment-based intervention for parents and their young children, trauma therapy for adults, and trauma therapy for young children. MethodsA classic three-round Delphi approach was used. Anonymous online surveys were filled out by the participants. Consensus was defined as agreement among 70% of the participants. ResultsAfter the third survey round, there were eleven factors for which there was consensus. These included the preference of the parent for one of the three individual therapies, impaired parental mentalizing capacity, insensitive/disrupted parenting, a problematic attachment history between parent and child, a high level of child PTSD symptoms, a high level of parental PTSD symptoms, severe risks for the development of the child, a very young age of the child, and exposure of the child to one or more traumatic events. ConclusionsAgreement was found on which factors to consider in planning the order of treatments for families who have experienced domestic violence. These factors can provide a starting point from where clinicians can design a treatment plan with a specific family.

Psychological burden and depressive symptoms in caregivers of hemato-oncological patients: the role of medical visits

AbstractInformal caregivers of patients with cancer are known to experience extensive burdens, whereas this issue remains unresolved in the setting of hematological malignancies. Yet, these diseases are characterized by a prolonged course, numerous relapses, and implementation of multiline therapy, administered in outpatient facilities. This study aimed to assess the factors contributing to burden and depressive symptoms in informal caregivers of patients with hematological malignancies, while concentrating on the role of medical visits. The study population comprised patients and their caregivers, recruited at the Rambam Hematology Ambulatory Unit. Participants completed validated questionnaires, including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview. The cohort (n = 185) included 115 patients (average age, 62.8 ± 14.5 years; 54 males) and 70 caregivers. Among caregivers, 80% reported high psychological burden, and 50% reported significant depressive symptoms. The burden was higher if caregivers were females and if patients were less educated, less healthy, and more depressed. The caregiver burden and depressive symptoms were significantly linked, and the medical visit frequency predicted the level of both. The caregiver burden fully mediated the link between the independent variables of self-rated health and medical visits and the dependent variable of caregiver depressive symptoms. Informal caregivers of ambulatory patients with hemato-oncological malignancies experience high levels of psychological burden and depressive symptoms. This is partly attributed to the medical visit frequency. Hence, a decrease in the number and length of such visits via the implementation of advanced technology could essentially reduce burden and depressive symptoms of caregivers, without compromising patient outcomes.

Suicide in Gynecological and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Depression and suicide rates are high among cancer sufferers. Women with breast and gynecological cancer show high levels of distress, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, and anxiety. Understanding suicide rates and risk factors in this population would represent a viable tool in planning tailored, prevention strategies. The objective of this study was to estimate suicide rate and identify the determinants of suicide risk in women with breast and other gynecologic cancer. A systematic research was performed in PubMed and PsycINFO from anytime to September 26, 2023. The following search strategy was used: (Gynaecol* OR Gynecolog*) AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumor OR neoplas* OR malignan*) AND suicid*. In this review, we adhered to PRISMA statement. Nine papers met inclusion criteria. Women with breast or gynecological cancers showed higher suicide rates compared to the general population. Ovarian cancer was associated with higher suicide risk and suicidal ideation compared to other gynecological cancers. The extent of surgical demolition was positively associated with both. Psychological factors, such as self-perceived burden and alexithymia, might also influence suicidal thinking. Women with breast and gynecological cancer are at high risk of suicide. Intervention aimed to reduce burden related to psychological factors might help reducing such risk.

Developmental cascades from maternal depressive symptoms in childhood to adolescents' friendship quality: A 13-year longitudinal study.

Adolescent friendships of positive quality promote well-being for decades to come. But what impedes the development of positive friendship quality? The present study examined whether maternal depressive symptoms during early childhood predict children's friendship quality into adolescence, and whether observed negative parenting behavior and children's earlier friendship quality, social skills, and their own depressive symptoms in middle childhood mediate these associations. We used six waves of data from a prospective longitudinal community sample (N = 396). The study followed children and their mothers across 13 years from child ages 2-15 years (52% female, 67% White, 26% Black), collecting multi-informant data (from mothers, children, teachers, and behavioral observations). The significance of indirect effects was estimated with structural equation modeling. Exposure to high levels of maternal depressive symptoms in early childhood (child ages 2-5 years) was negatively correlated with children's later adolescent friendship quality (at age 15). Structural equation models revealed that this association was mediated by children's poorer social skills (age 7) and friendship quality (age 10). Negative parenting behavior and children's depressive symptoms did not mediate this association. Maternal depressive symptoms have downstream associations with children's friendship quality into adolescence, including via children's social skills. Promoting the social skills of children exposed to maternal depressive symptoms could have long-term positive effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Depressive symptoms' trajectories since adolescence and sleep quality in early adulthood: results from the EPITeen cohort.

We aimed to estimate the association between depressive symptoms' trajectories during adolescence and young adulthood and sleep quality in early adulthood. Data from 802 participants of the EPITeen study, evaluated at 13, 17 and 21 years of age, were analysed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II and three trajectory classes from adolescence to adulthood were previously identified (High, Moderate, Low). The prevalences of poor sleep quality, overall (score>5) and in its specific dimensions: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, use of sleep drugs and daytime dysfunction (score≥2), at 21 years of age were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Associations were estimated using adjusted odds ratio (OR) and the respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI). At 21 years of age, 29.8 % young adults presented poor sleep quality, which was significantly different between those in the Low and High depressive trajectories (14.3 and 53.1 %, respectively, p<0.001). Compared with participants in the Low trajectory, those in the High trajectory were more likely to present poorer sleep quality at 21 years of age (OR=6.34 95 % CI: 3.94-10.21), particularly worse levels of sleep disturbance (OR=5.89 95 % CI: 2.84-12.21), daytime dysfunction (OR=7.63 95 % CI: 3.63-16.06) and subjective sleep quality (OR=6.61 95 % CI: 3.69-11.85). Poor sleep quality in early adulthood was more frequent among individuals who had high levels of depressive symptoms since adolescence. Monitoring depression until adulthood may help to identify those at higher risk of sleep problems which, in turn, can lead to worse health outcomes over time.

Internalized Heterosexism, Hope, and Depressive Symptoms Among Gay and Bisexual Men

Sexual minority men (SMM), and bisexual men in particular, show elevated risks of depressive symptoms relative to heterosexual men. A breadth of research shows that internalized heterosexism, a primary minority stressor, partially explains the disproportionately high levels of depressive symptoms among SMM. However, it is less clear which factors buffer this relationship. The present study investigated whether hope and its subfactors, agency and pathways, moderated the relationship between internalized heterosexism and depressive symptoms, and whether this was contingent on sexual orientation (gay versus bisexual). An international sample of 412 mostly cisgender gay (59.7%) and bisexual men (40.3%) aged 18–81 years (M = 37.32 years, SD = 14.26) completed the Revised Internalized Homophobia Scale, the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results indicated that internalized heterosexism, hope, agency, and pathways were independently associated with depressive symptoms. Hope, agency, and pathways did not moderate the internalized heterosexism-depressive symptoms relationship, nor were these moderation relationships conditional on sexual orientation. Findings substantiate previous research suggesting that internalized heterosexism is a risk factor for depressive symptoms and hope, agency, and pathways are protective factors. Clinicians working with SMM should consider integrating strategies to mitigate internalized heterosexism and cultivate hope, and scholars should aim to expand research focused on the role of hope in influencing SMM’s mental health outcomes.

Mental Health of Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction Outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, can lead to psychological distress and symptoms of mental illness, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs) who are at high risk of contracting the infection. This current crisis, in particular, adversely affects mental health due to the rapid spread of the infection from person to person and the uncertainty underlying the treatment guidelines, preventative measures, and the expected duration of its prevalence, which could affect the psychological, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify, evaluate, summarize and analyze the findings of all relevant individual studies conducted to assess mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it aimed to identify any gaps in the literature, which could identify the potential for future research. Methods This PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis on SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct stated from 11th Feb, 2021 to 11th March, 2022. Following the search to identify relevant literature, one author in the article evaluated the studies in relation to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The systematic review included 31 studies, the meta-analysis of anxiety prevalence analyzed 20 studies and the meta-analysis of severe anxiety prevalence assessed 13 studies. Results As per the results that were obtained, for HCW, the most prevalent mental health symptoms were sleep disturbance, depression and anxiety, with a prevalence level of 42.9%, 77.6% and 86.5%, respectively. As per the pooled analysis, anxiety prevalence was recorded as 49% (95%CI, 0.36- 0.62), while for severe anxiety, the number dropped to 8% (95%CI, 0.05–0.10). The highest pooled prevalence of anxiety was observed in Turkey at 60% (95%CI, 0.51- 0.70). Alternatively, the lowest pooled prevalence was observed in China, 36% (95%CI, 0.23–0.50) and India, 36% (95%CI, 0.13–0.62). Based on the review of the relevant articles, a few methodological gaps were identified (i.e., Population of the studies and countries). Conclusion This study’s review and meta-analysis provide relevant information pertaining to the mental health status of healthcare workers across the world in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. They experience and endure high levels of mental health symptoms, and thus, it is necessary to provide them with mental and psychological support in this context.

Predicting cannabis use moderation among a sample of digital self-help subscribers: A machine learning study

BackgroundFor individuals who wish to reduce their cannabis use without formal help, there are a variety of self-help tools available. Although some are proven to be effective in reducing cannabis use, effect sizes are typically small. More insight into predictors of successful reduction of use among individuals who frequently use cannabis and desire to reduce/quit could help identify factors that contribute to successful cannabis use moderation. MethodsWe analyzed data taken from a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of the digital cannabis intervention ICan to four online modules of educational information on cannabis. For the current study, we included 253 participants. Success was defined as reducing the grams of cannabis used in the past 7 days at baseline by at least 50 % at 6-month follow-up. To train and evaluate the machine learning models we used a nested k-fold cross-validation procedure. ResultsThe results show that the two models applied had comparable low AUROC values of .61 (Random Forest) and .57 (Logistic Regression). Not identifying oneself as a cannabis user, not using tobacco products, high levels of depressive symptoms, high levels of psychological distress and high initial cannabis use values were the relatively most important predictors for success, although overall the associations were not strong. ConclusionsOur study found only modest prediction accuracy when using machine learning models to predict success among individuals who use cannabis and desire to reduce/quit and show interest in digital self-help tools.