Mental Issues Research Articles

Sleep Deprivation Triggers Mitochondrial DNA Release in Microglia to Induce Neural Inflammation: Preventative Effect of Hydroxytyrosol Butyrate.

Sleep deprivation (SD) triggers mitochondrial dysfunction and neural inflammation, leading to cognitive impairment and mental issues. However, the mechanism involving mitochondrial dysfunction and neural inflammation still remains unclear. Here, we report that SD rats exhibited multiple behavioral disorders, brain oxidative stress, and robust brain mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) oxidation. In particular, SD activated microglia and microglial mtDNA efflux to the cytosol and provoked brain pro-inflammatory cytokines. We observed that the mtDNA efflux and pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly reduced with the suppression of the mtDNA oxidation. With the treatment of a novel mitochondrial nutrient, hydroxytyrosol butyrate (HTHB), the SD-induced behavioral disorders were significantly ameliorated while mtDNA oxidation, mtDNA release, and NF-κB activation were remarkably alleviated in both the rat brain and the N9 microglial cell line. Together, these results indicate that microglial mtDNA oxidation and the resultant release induced by SD mediate neural inflammation and HTHB prevents mtDNA oxidation and efflux, providing a potential treatment for SD-induced mental issues.

Mental well-being of children and adolescents during COVID-19: evidence from the Italian context and possible future developments.

The article aims to discuss the increased emergence of mental health problems among children and adolescents, as an outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.The results of a research study conducted among various professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists specialized in childhood and adolescence, are presented. The study, which uses both qualitative and quantitative methods, investigates the main consequences of the physical social distancing measures undertaken by the Italian government during the pandemic. The results are in line with the main evidence highlighted by international research and underline the particularly negative effects of the pandemic emergency on the mental health of minors. It reports how the limitation of intersubjective relationships and the forced digitalization of relationships has triggered or caused the emergence of multiple and varied disorders of the psyche, also linked to the area of reference (e.g., metropolitan, urban o remote areas), the socio-economic and cultural fragility of families, as well as the presence of previous mental issues within them. Finally, the research emphasizes how the understanding and management of the psychic health of these population groups, also from a health organization point of view, will be crucial to address the medium and long-term effects of such emerging issues among younger cohorts.

The evaluation of the quality of life in survivors of critical illness after discharge from Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A prospective cohort study

Background: Admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) constitutes a substantial psychophysical burden for patients and their relatives. Individuals who are critically ill and receive care in the ICU frequently exhibit numerous physical and mental issues stemming from the primary ailment, its complications, and subsequent treatments. Aim: This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) for ICU patients in the first and third month after ICU discharge and identify any issues arising from their ICU hospitalization. Method and Material: This was a prospective cohort study. The study participants were adult medical or surgical patients admitted to ICUs in three public hospitals in the region of Attica in Greece, from August 2020 to December 2021. The short form (SF)-36 was used to measure QoL. Data collection was performed through telephone interviews during the first and third month after ICU discharge. Results: The study included 43 patients. The mean age was 59.63±13.06 years. The average value of the two main categories in the 1st month was: Physical health: 53.72 ± 15.92, and Mental health: 69.03 ± 26.02, while in the 3rd month, it was 62.42 ± 20.45 and 72.81 ± 16.47, respectively. The duration of mechanical ventilation, high-flow oxygen therapy, and spontaneous breathing in days seemed to be correlated with the “Physical Functioning”, “Pain”, and “Limitation of the role due to Physical health” subscales of SF-36, respectively (p-value <0.05). The total length of hospitalization seemed to have a statistically significant weak negative correlation with "Physical Function" and "Physical Health" subscales (p-value<0.05). Conclusions: An improvement in patients’ QoL was demonstrated three months after discharge from the ICU.

Mental health outcomes of offspring exposed to parental intimate partner violence in Rwanda

BackgroundChildren who witness parental intimate partner violence (IPV) are more likely to develop mental health issues compared to those who do not witness such violence.ObjectiveThe main objective of this study is to assess the association between parental intimate partner violence and child mental health outcomes.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study involved 548 participants divided into two groups: parents (N = 304) and offspring (N = 244). The participants were recruited from Mageragere Sector in the City of Kigali (urban), as well as Mbazi and Ruhashya sectors in Huye District (rural). To assess the difference about mental difficulties reported by the offspring, a Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare the responses of parents and their children on mental health outcomes. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between parental intimate partner violence (IPV) and the mental health outcomes of their offspring.ResultsThe results highlighted significant levels of mental and emotional challenges in children, as reported by both parents and the children themselves. Depression and youth conduct problems were more prevalent among the children compared to their parents, whereas anxiety and irritability were more commonly reported by parents than by their children. Intimate partner violence showed to be a predictor of irritability and anxiety symptoms in offspring. In terms of irritability, depression, and youth conduct problems they were identified as predictors of anxiety symptoms. Particularly, anxiety and irritability were revealed to predict youth conduct problems.ConclusionThe study indicates that parental intimate partner violence (IPV) has an impact on the mental well-being of their offspring. Furthermore, it was observed that there is not only a correlation between IPV and poor mental health outcomes, but also a connection between different mental conditions, implying that children exposed to IPV are more prone to experiencing a range of mental issues. As a result, intervention programs should place emphasis on addressing the mental disorders of both parents and children.

A Platform for Emotional Evaluation and Psychological Support: Development and Usability Evaluation using SUMI

Mental illness has been ranked as one of the diseases with the highest number of cases globally. Generally, an individual can only be diagnosed with mental illness by undergoing proper medical procedures by the experts. On the other hand, due to the presence of different beliefs in various cultures and ethnicities, an individual is also claimed to have mental illness by the assumptions made based on the symptoms that the individual is having. This is additionally contributed by feelings of reluctance and being reserved, where the individual would subsequently resort not to go for a proper medical assessment. Therefore, to overcome this problem, this present project was developed as a real-time platform for users with mental health conditions to freely share their problems. Specifically, a rule-based algorithm of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) was implemented in the Emotional Evaluation and Psychological Support (PEEPS). Furthermore, a real-time platform for PEEPS was developed and the effectiveness of the whole system was evaluated by using the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI). The development of the project would benefit the users to evaluate their own level of depression, stress and anxiety through the DASS test and get necessary counselling through the chat feature. According to the results collected, it was shown that the users were satisfied with the PEEPS application. This application is certainly relevant for governmental and non-governmental institutions that are interested in supporting and improving mental health-related issues. Future studies may consider modifying the machine learning technique to anticipate mental health issues as well as adding a few other elements to the application, such as personalized feedback or patient recommendations.

Brain activation in response to art-based tasks using diverse materials based on the Expressive Therapy Continuum (ETC)

This study investigated the relationship between art creation and brain function using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) via a portable NIRSIT device, focusing on the frontal lobe’s oxygen saturation changes during art activities. Authorized by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul Women’s University, the research involved 26 healthy participants aged 20 to 29, without prior mental, medical, or substance use issues. They engaged in four art tasks, separated by rest periods, to monitor pre- and post-task brain activity through fNIRS scans.The research unfolded in two phases: initially, it analyzed brain activity based on the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) framework, comparing different art mediums; next, it then examined differences between drawing on paper and on a digital tablet.Findings indicated unique activation patterns in various brain regions—including the Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex (VLPFC), Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC), Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortexes (DLPFC), and the parietal cortex—highlighting a notable increase in the Left Frontopolar and Orbitofrontal Cortexes during paper drawing compared to tablet drawing. These results provide insights into how different art mediums influence neural activation, particularly showing enhanced activity in regions linked to empathy and feedback in paper-based tasks. It clearly suggests that different art materials significantly influence varying brain region activation, highlighting the importance of art medium and art-making in art therapy in enhancing cognitive and emotional functions.By examining changes in frontal lobe oxygen saturation via diverse art activities grounded in the ETC framework, this study contributes to understanding art therapy’s neurological impact on cognitive and emotional functions. It offers evidence-based guidance for art therapists on selecting materials that meet therapeutic objectives. The study’s limitations include a small sample size that may affect the generalizability of the findings and the exclusive use of NIRSIT focusing on the frontal cortex, potentially neglecting the involvement of other brain regions like the temporal and parietal cortexes in art activities. Future research should therefore consider expanding the sample size and employing comprehensive neuroimaging techniques.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Danish Cancer Survivors Referred to a Late Effects Clinic: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The Region of Southern Denmark has recently established four late effects clinics to help cancer survivors suffering from complex and severe late effects. This study aimed to capture and analyze the full range of physical, mental, and psychosocial issues using patient-reported outcomes. Moreover, we aimed to describe demographic data and the type and severity of the late effects. A prospective cohort study was conducted among cancer survivors referred to a late effects clinic. Before their first appointment, patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life cancer survivorship core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-SURV100). We compared mean scores of the EORTC QLQ-SURV100 scales that were comparable to the scales/items from the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire with norm data for the Danish population and EORTC reference values. All patients referred to the clinic within its first 2 years were included (n = 247). The mean age was 57 [23-85] years and 74% were females. The most common cancer diagnoses was breast cancer (39%). The five most commonly reported late effects were fatigue (66%), pain (51%), cognitive impairment (53%), sleep problems (42%), and neuropathy (40%). A total of 236 of the patients entering the clinic completed QLQ-SURV100. They reported significantly worse mean scores on all scales compared to the Danish norm population and EORTC reference values for pretreatment cancer patients, p < 0.001. Effect sizes were moderate or large for all scales. In this study, we collected demographic data and described the late effects presented by the patents referred to the clinic. Moreover, we captured and analyzed the full range of physical, mental, and psychosocial issues using QLQ-SURV100. Patients referred to the Late Effects Clinic (LEC) had a number of late effects and reported a significantly lower health-related quality of life compared to the general Danish population and patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer, suggesting the aim of helping patients suffering from late effects gain a better quality of life is in dire need.

Puberty suppression in adolescents with gender dysphoria: an emerging issue with multiple implications.

Controversy exists over puberty suppression (PS) in adolescents with gender dysphoria (GD). PS is preferentially achieved with GnRH analogues. By preventing the development of secondary sex characteristics, PS may improve psychological functioning, well-being, quality of life, emotional and behavioral (especially internalizing) problems and depressive symptoms, thus decreasing suicidality. PS can also extend the diagnostic period and give transgender adolescents time to explore their gender identity. GnRHa may also decrease the need for feminization/masculinization surgery. However, 2-year treatment with GnRHa may result in bone mass accrual retardation (decrease in BMD/BMAD z-scores), growth velocity deceleration (decrease in height SDS), increase in fat mass, temporary pause in oocyte/sperm maturation. The most common side effects of GnRHa are hot flashes, mood fluctuations, fatigue and headache. They are usually mild and rarely lead to GnRHa discontinuation. Based on current scientific evidence, PS could be recommended to adolescents who meet the diagnostic criteria of gender incongruence (by DSM-5 and/or ICD-11) and have long-lasting intense GD, which aggravates with puberty onset. Before initiating PS, possible mental issues should be addressed and informed consent (by the adolescent/caregiver) should be given, after counseling on probable reproductive effects of GnRHa. GnRHa can only be started after the adolescent has entered Tanner stage 2. Nevertheless, published studies are inadequate in number, small in size, uncontrolled and relatively short-term, so that it is difficult to draw safe conclusions on efficacy and safety of GnRHa. Large long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to expand knowledge on this controversial issue and elucidate the benefit and risks of PS.

A Study of the Outcomes of a Yoga Prana Vidya (YPV) 7-Day Healing Camp for Health &amp;Wellness Conducted at the YPV Ashram, Sri Ramana Trust in December 2023

Introduction: The integrated and holistic healing protocols of the Yoga Prana vidya (YPV) system have been making significant contributions to people as complementary and alternative therapies to the various mainstream healthcare systems. YPV healing camps are conducted by Competent YPV healers to raise the awareness of people on the need to learn and practice healthy lifestyles for the cure and prevention of diseases. This paper presents the outcomes of one such Health &amp; Wellness camp conducted by a team of 8 YPV healers for a week in December 2023. Method: This is an interventional study with data collected from 27 patients who participated in the camp. Data was collected on selected health parameters before and after the camp ended to know the improvements the patients experienced in this one-week camp. Results: The mean body weight and BMI (Body mass Index) reduced by 1.88 % and 1.66% respectively. Those with diabetes and BP became normal. Patients who had physical pain, mobility, and flexibility issues were greatly relieved and were able to walk normally. Cases of constipation, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, varicose veins, and acne were resolved to return to normal condition. An alcoholic case was successfully de-addicted after 3 days of healing treatment. Improvements were noticed in patients with eye/vision problems. Those who had mental and emotional issues were also found to be calm and peaceful by the end of the camp. Conclusions: It is observed that the patients in this YPV healing camp experienced satisfactory improvements in their health and wellness issues. The team of healers did a dedicated service helping and treating the patients holistically with a combination of exercises, rhythmic breathing protocols, the right diet, and meditations. The patients appreciated and practiced the lifestyle changes needed based on the principles of YPV energy healing system protocols. There is great scope to conduct more such camps in rural and semi-urban areas to disseminate this knowledge to the general population.

Social and Psychological Impact of Child Abuse

Child abuse is a common and worrying problem that affects many children in South Sudan. This paper highlights a variety of forms of child abuse, such as physical abuse, neglect, sexual offence, emotional damage, slapping, shaking, throwing, kicking, biting and burning. The paper discusses the risk factors and people who are involved in child abuse, as well as the position of early detection and intervention. Furthermore, it examines the long-term consequences of child abuse, such as physical, mental and health issues, weakened social relationships, and increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Again, the paper stresses the need for multi-dimensional interventions, which include legal measures, public awareness campaigns, and support services, to fight child abuse and protect the rights and safety of children. Any national damage or mistreatment to a child under 18 years old is considered child abuse.

Investigating the Relationship Between Clinical Characteristics, Mental Health, and Vascular Function in Minor Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Patients.

Over the past decade, there has been extensive research exploring the relationship between vascular health and mental well-being, encompassing aspects such as mood and cognition. However, there is a notable gap in research focusing on the mental and vascular conditions of minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients, particularly within the Thai population. To investigate the clinical characteristics and mental issues related to vascular functions in patients who have experienced a minor ischemic stroke or TIA. This study, approved by the Buriram Hospital Ethics Committee (IRB: BR0033.102.1/8), adhered to the guidelines of the Helsinki Declaration and obtained informed consent from all participants. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Buriram Hospital, a government regional hospital located in Buriram province, Thailand, involving twenty-three participants diagnosed with minor ischemic stroke or TIA. Measurements included clinical characteristics, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-part Anxiety (HADS-A), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-part Depression (HADS-D), mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Linear regression analysis was employed to investigate the factors associated with vascular function (FMD and baPWV). The factor related to FMD was HADS-D (β = -0.5, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.04). Factors associated with baPWV included age (β = 0.51, 95% CI 5.05 to 39.50) and the duration of minor ischemic stroke or TIA (β = 0.48, 95% CI 25.41 to 290.99). FMD shows a connection with depressive symptoms in patients with minor ischemic stroke or TIA. Therefore, it is important to detect and provide appropriate treatment for depressive symptoms in these patients, as it may lead to improvements in vascular function and better cerebrovascular outcomes.

Active imagery rescripting in virtual reality as a promising tool to address psychological conditions

Imagery rescripting (IR) is a cognitive-experiential technique used for the treatment of various mental conditions through the re-working of aversive memories. It has been widely applied in psychotherapy to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and personality, anxiety, and eating disorders. Despite usually being effective, IR's underlying mechanism has not been clarified yet. Consistently, different assumptions may correspond to different IR versions and outcomes. Among these versions, active IR (AIR) – meaning a rescripting where the patient is the active ‘rescriptor’ – seems to have particularly positive effects. So far, IR use has been almost exclusively limited to in vivo settings. But the increasing availability of Virtual Reality (VR) in the last few years has favored the in virtuo implementation of safe and effective psychological treatments. On these grounds – and given that virtual scenarios can offer the possibility to perform any necessary actions and even more than real ones – we hypothesize that implementing AIR in VR can be effective in treating psychological conditions. As a preliminary evaluation of this assumption, we systematically searched the literature and reviewed the studies concerning VR realizations of AIR addressing mental issues. Our literature analysis provides the first evidence supporting this hypothesis, yet urging further research and testing.

Research on the factors influencing the mental issue of university students

In current years, the mental issues of university students have become progressively thoughtful, attracting widespread attention from society. Therefore, studying the elements that influence the mental issues of university students has become an urgent issue, but few scholars have done this work. Therefore, based on the multiple linear regression model, this article quantitatively studies several factors that affect the mental health status of college students, attempting to make a contribution to explaining the causes of mental issues among university students. The empirical study finds that stress level is currently the main factor affecting the mental health status of college students, and a significant positive correlation between this variable and the incidence of mental health problems has been found in the model. Therefore, schools and society must heed the psychological pressure of students, provide reasonable help and psychological counseling when necessary, and college students should also learn how to eliminate their own psychological pressure to prevent the occurrence of mental health problems caused by excessive pressure.

The nature gaze: Eye‐tracking experiment reveals well‐being benefits derived from directing visual attention towards elements of nature

Abstract The urban lifestyle has a profound effect on mental health, contributing significantly to the challenges faced by people who reside in urban areas. Growing empirical evidence underscores the potential of nature to alleviate these mental health burdens. However, we still lack understanding of which specific natural elements provide these benefits. Using eye‐tracking technology, we experimentally explored the relationships between intentional visual attention to natural (green) and human‐made (grey) elements in urban areas and their association with well‐being measures. Participants took a 45‐min outdoor walk that simulates a walk to and from work, in which we examined pre‐ and post‐measures of cognition, affect, anxiety and perceived restorativeness. Participants were prompted to direct their attention to green, grey or a mixture of both elements. By analysing participants' eye movements and patterns, we determined adherence to experimental conditions and related visual attention to natural elements. The experimental groups instructed to direct their visual attention to green, grey or a mix of both infrastructures exhibited differences in negative and positive affect, anxiety and perceived restorativeness, but not in cognition after a walk in an urban environment. The percentage of time spent viewing natural elements showed that people who focused more on green features reported a decrease in anxiety and higher perceived restorativeness. In contrast, those who spent more time viewing grey elements reported increased anxiety and lowered perceived restorativeness. The percentage of time viewing natural elements was not linked to affect or cognition. Viewing trees showed the strongest association with well‐being measures compared to other natural elements. Together, our results indicate that a simple behaviour change (directing visual attention to elements of nature instead of grey elements) can produce mental health benefits in the form of reducing anxiety and perceived restoration for people in urban areas. Thus, efforts to integrate nature, especially trees, in urban areas and promote city dwellers to visually interact with it during their daily routine can improve mental issues associated with urban lifestyle. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Promoting Positive Thinking and Reducing Perceived Stress Using the Be Aware of Stress Smartphone Application among At-risk Adolescents: A Quasi-experimental Study.

It is estimated that globally, millions of adolescents experience mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. Adolescents with high perceptions of stress often encounter mental issues, have negative thoughts or are dissatisfied with daily life events. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with two groups and repeated measures to test an innovative nursing intervention, the Be Aware of Stress Smartphone Application. This application aims to increase positive thinking and reduce perceived stress among at-risk adolescents aged 13 to 16, and we sought to determine their satisfaction with its usability. The study was conducted with 44 junior high school students from an opportunity expansion high school in Eastern Thailand, who were randomly assigned to experimental and comparison groups (22 each). Data were collected between December 2023 and February 2024 using the General Information Questionnaire, Positive Thinking Test, Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and Satisfaction of Application Usability scale. The outcomes were measured at baseline, after completing the program at week 4, and at week 8 after using the application. The chi-square test and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. The results of this study have important implications for future research. They indicate a significant improvement in positive thinking and a reduction in perceived stress within the experimental group, compared to the comparison group, at weeks 4 and 8. Moreover, the experimental group reported high satisfaction with the application’s usability. These findings suggest that the Be Aware of Stress application is beneficial for community nurses and others to prevent adolescent stress. The study also highlights the need for future research to enhance the application’s functionality and compatibility with various phone operating systems to ensure widespread and effective use.

Qanā‘ah al-Ghazālī sebagai Landasan Stabilitas Mental: Pendekatan Holistik-Psikosufistik dengan Teknik Pernapasan 4-7-8

This article examines al-Ghazālī’s concept of qanā‘ah—contentment—as a pathway to mental health stability, offering insights into the wisdom and meaning behind applying Sufism and holistic therapeutic practices to address emotions such as anger, sadness, and anxiety. The 4-7-8 deep breathing technique is proposed as a complementary solution to these mental health challenges. The research adopts a psycho-sufistic approach to healing, focusing on the management of mental stability issues related to anger, anxiety, and sadness through the integration of Sufi qanā‘ah and the 4-7-8 breathing method, tailored for the modern era. A qualitative methodology with descriptive analysis is employed, drawing on library-based research. The data is sourced from various forms of documentation, including books, newspapers, transcripts, and other written materials, analyzed using text and discourse analysis techniques. The findings suggest that the application of psycho-sufistic qanā‘ah combined with the 4-7-8 breathing technique can effectively address mental stability issues, offering a means to alleviate anger, sadness, and anxiety in contemporary society. This holistic and Sufi-informed psychological approach aims to harmonize the heart and mind, fostering a more meaningful and fulfilling life for individuals in the modern age.

ASUU Strike in Nigerian Universities: Implications for Students in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria

Abstract The strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria has significant impact on different stakeholders. Hence, this study investigated the implication of ASUU strike on students in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, by examining the lifestyle of students during ASUU strike; its effects; and the coping strategies employed by the students during the strike. This study was conducted among undergraduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Cross-sectional survey design was used and 132 undergraduates were sampled using convenience sampling. Primary data were collected through the questionnaire, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as simple percentage and frequency count. Results showed that more students engaged in actively participating in social media and praying for the strike to be over, relaxation, and learning of skills while gardening, getting a certification course or interim job were the least engaged by students during the ASUU strike. The results above indicated that boredom was the highest effect of ASUU on students’ lifestyle, followed by worry and by anxiety while mental issues was the least felt consequence of ASUU strike by students. The study also revealed that the students employed some coping mechanism such as praying for an end to the strike, social media usage, learning a skill and even sleeping to mitigate the implications of ASUU strike. The study then concluded that the disruption of academic activities during the ASUU strike made students engage in different lifestyles while overcoming its effects by using coping strategies.

Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Japan: A General Population Survey.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is among the most prevalent and highly disabling mental health conditions that negatively impacts patient's quality of life (QOL) and disrupts activities of daily living. However, the recognition of GAD is difficult due to substantial overlap with other mental disorders. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of GAD, assess QOL of probable GAD patients in Japan, and gain insights on the status of visiting medical institutions as well as their recognition/awareness of the disorder. We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of 20,009 participants using a questionnaire with approximately 30 single/multiple choice or open-ended questions in Japanese. Overall prevalence of GAD based on Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) cutoff score of ≥10 and questionnaires developed with reference to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria was 7.6% (n=1530) and 6.0% (n=1197), respectively. The degree of coincidence between GAD diagnosis by DSM-5 criteria and GAD-7 scores was moderate (Cohen's Kappa=0.47, p<0.01). Younger people reported a substantially higher prevalence of GAD compared to older. QOL scores assessed using EuroQol 5 dimensions 5-level and EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were substantially lower in probable GAD patients than those with GAD-7<10. Anxiety/depression and pain/discomfort were the most prevalent issues and depression was the most reported comorbidity for the probable GAD patients. Probable GAD patients "currently visiting medical institutions" for anxiety or other mental issues were 27.6% (422/1530); a majority had seen specialists. Most of the probable GAD patients had never heard of the disease. We found higher prevalence of GAD and lower QOL of probable GAD patients in Japan. There is a need for creating awareness about GAD among the general population and developing clinical guidelines on GAD in Japan so that physicians can educate their patients.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Emergency Care Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Study of Healthcare Staff Perspectives.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted various aspects of healthcare services, including emergency care services. Healthcare staff face mental issues and physical exertion when caring for patients potentially infected with COVID-19. Understanding the experiences and perspectives of emergency department (ED) healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to inform evidence-based interventions and strategies to mitigate the impact on emergency care services. This study aims to investigate the experiences of ED healthcare staff regarding emergency care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus providing valuable insights into the challenges faced. This study utilized a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 256 ED healthcare staff working in nine different hospitals located in Turkey between November 15, 2021, and December 30, 2021. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 256 participants were included in the study. Of the participants, 58.6%were nurses, 19.5% were ED doctors, and 21.9% were emergency medical technicians. In addition, 67.2% of the participants were infected with COVID-19, and almost all of them (94.1%) were psychologically affected by the pandemic process. It was found that 85.2% of ED healthcare staff felt excluded by society due to being healthcare staff and 71.9% had to be separated from their families. Nurses were separated from their families at the highest rate (78%) during this period. More than half of the ED healthcare staff had problems accessing protective equipment and were separated from their families during the pandemic due to the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Although the number of ED visits decreased because of restrictions at the beginning of the pandemic, ED visits increased again with the abolition of restrictions.

Out of the shadows: mental health of physicians in Germany – a narrative mini-review

Burnout, depression, and suicide are major problems among physicians that can significantly impact patient care. This project aimed to gather studies and evaluations concerning the mental health of physicians in Germany through PubMed and websites of the government and large medical associations, with a focus on psychiatrists and compile those in a narrative mini-review. A pre-pandemic study by the “Marburger Bund” found that physicians were overwhelmed by workload and felt that extended working hours were damaging their private lives. According to this study, around 15% of physicians underwent psychiatric or psychotherapeutic treatment due to work-related mental issues such as exhaustion or depression. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among physicians was substantially greater than before the outbreak. A minimum of 76% of trainees questioned by the “Hartmannbund” expressed that their professional workload had a detrimental impact on their personal lives. Going back to the study of the “Marburger Bund”, physicians tend to trivialize their psychological issues and describe them as not severe enough to seek help. A general program for preventing mental disorders or helping physicians to deal with stress does not exist in Germany. Some attempts have been made to rectify this, however not all programmes are in effect yet. In conclusion, burnout and depression are major problems among physicians in Germany that require further attention and support. While some efforts have been made to address these issues, more needs to be done to provide comprehensive support for the mental health of physicians. There is a major lack of information about the well-being of trainees in terms of mental health in Germany and no systemic approach or help program for physicians struggling with their mental health.