Mood Symptoms Research Articles

Cognitive phenotypes: Unraveling the heterogeneity in cognitive dysfunction among patients with primary brain tumors receiving radiotherapy.

Patients with primary brain tumors demonstrate heterogeneous patterns of cognitive dysfunction, which we explore using latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify cognitive phenotypes and their trajectories in patients receiving radiotherapy (RT). Ninety-six patients completed neuropsychological testing before and post-RT (3, 6, 12-months) on a prospective longitudinal trial, including measures of processing speed, executive function, language, and verbal and visual memory. Models with 2-4 classes were examined. Demographic and clinical data were examined across phenotypes and post-RT cognitive change was evaluated. The optimal model identified three unique cognitive phenotypes including a group of patients with generalized impairments (11.5%), a group with isolated verbal memory impairments (21.9%), and a group with minimal impairments (66.7%). The Verbal Memory phenotype had fewer years of education (p=.007) and a greater proportion of males (p<.001); the Generalized group had a greater proportion of patients with IDH-wild type gliomas and showed greater symptoms of anxiety and poorer quality of life (p-values<.05); and the Minimal Impairment phenotype had higher rates of IDH-Mutant gliomas. Approximately 50% of patients declined on at least one cognitive domain with memory the most vulnerable. Patients that declined reported greater symptoms of depression (p=.007) and poorer quality of life (p=.025). We identified three distinct cognitive phenotypes in patients with primary brain tumors receiving RT, each associated with unique demographic and clinical (e.g., IDH mutational status) profiles, with mood symptoms associated with late cognitive decline. This patient-centered approach enhances our understanding of clinical profiles associated with cognitive dysfunction and treatment-related neurotoxicity.

The Impact of Pregnancy Readiness on Lupus Activity, Maternal Mental Health, and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Among individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who became pregnant, we explored the impact of medical readiness for pregnancy and personal readiness for pregnancy on the following aspects of maternal health: (1) provider-reported disease activity, (2) patient-perceived disease activity, (3) mood symptoms, (4) pregnancy-related health behaviors, and (5) pregnancy outcomes. All study participants were enrolled in a prospective registry, met Systemic Lupus Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria for SLE, and had at least one pregnancy. Patient-reported outcomes were collected at the first rheumatology visit during pregnancy. "Medically ready" for pregnancy was defined as (1) <1 g of proteinuria, (2) no rheumatic teratogens at conception, and (3) continuing pregnancy-compatible SLE medications after conception. "Personally ready" was defined as planned pregnancy based on a London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy score ≥10. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the association of pregnancy readiness with each outcome of interest. Among the 111 individuals enrolled, lack of medical readiness for pregnancy was associated with significantly higher rates of active disease and worse pregnancy outcomes; however, these patients did not perceive themselves as having higher disease activity. Lack of personal readiness for pregnancy was associated with significantly higher patient-perceived disease activity. Although medical readiness did not impact depressive symptoms substantially, lack of personal readiness for pregnancy was associated with much higher maternal depressive symptoms. To improve pregnancy outcomes among individuals with SLE, greater focus is needed on improving medical optimization before conception. For maternal mental health and quality of life, greater focus is needed on decreasing the incidence of unplanned pregnancy.

Daily Associations Between Presenteeism and Health-Related Factors Among Office Workers: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Approach.

The study examined daily associations between presenteeism and health-related factors among office workers using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Diurnal mood and physical symptoms were repeatedly recorded over 2 weeks with EMA. Daily work performance (WP) was also recorded. Recalled WP and baseline health conditions were assessed via questionnaires. Daily sleep was assessed using actigraphy. Reliability between recalled and daily WP was compared. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to analyze the effects of sleep, mood, and physical symptoms on daily WP. Weak yet significant agreement was found between recalled and daily WP, with EMA capturing occasional declines in performance overlooked by recalled assessments. HLM indicated that longer sleep, reduced depressive mood, and decreased shoulder stiffness were significantly associated with increased daily WP. These factors are associated with daily fluctuations in presenteeism, suggesting potential targets of intervention.

Comparison of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of end-stage patients with gastrointestinal cancers receiving conventional therapies with recipients of supportive-palliative care package.

This study aimed to compare the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer after receiving palliative and supportive care. Conducted at Firoozgar Hospital in Tehran, Iran, this observational study included 500 end-stage gastrointestinal cancer patients. The study divided these patients into two groups: 250 utilized palliative medicine services, while the remaining 250 did not. The study compared the conditions of patients in both groups. Among those receiving palliative care, only 21% underwent chemotherapy, significantly lower than the 55% in the non-palliative care group (P < 0.001). Hospital mortality rates were considerably reduced in the palliative care group, with 115 patients (46%) compared to 200 patients (80%) in the non-palliative group (P < 0.001). The average hospital stay for patients receiving palliative care was 25.11 ± 5.12 days, significantly shorter than the 96.42 ± 14.15 days in the non-palliative group (P < 0.001). The EuroQol 5-Dimensions 3-Levels (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire scores showed that patients in the palliative care group experienced significantly better outcomes in pain and mood symptoms, but no significant difference was observed in physical function compared to the non-palliative group. Palliative medicine is recommended for gastrointestinal cancer patients as it can significantly reduce unnecessary hospital referrals and length of hospitalization.

Lack of Efficacy of JNJ-18038683 on Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Stable Bipolar Disorder.

The serotonin type 7 (5-HT7) receptor is one of 14 5-HT receptors. It has received attention for its possible role in mood disorders and cognition. The 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, JNJ-18038683, has been reported to be effective in rodent models of depression and REM sleep. Also, 5-HT7 receptor blockade has been postulated to be a key component of cognitive enhancement in a number of drugs. Bipolar disorder (BD) usually endures cognitive impairment (CI); however, no treatment for CI in BD has been approved. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of JNJ-18038683 to improve the CI of BD compared to a placebo. We conducted a placebo-controlled, 8-week trial of JNJ-18038683 in BD patients. Each patient's data were analyzed and reassessed blindly with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, depression and hypomania ratings, and overall social and work function measures. Of 60 patients, 38 (63%) were female, 43 (72%) had BD type 1, and most patients were Caucasian and married. The overall time effect for the combined group shows statistically significant improvement from baseline to week 8 for most of the neurocognitive battery measures. This indicates a significant improvement in psychopathology and cognition during the study time in both JNJ-18038683 and placebo groups, but no difference between groups. This study showed no efficacy for the improvement of CIBD or mood symptoms with JNJ-18038683 compared to the placebo.

Mental Health Across the Menstrual Cycle in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Insights and Implications.

We reviewed a wide body of emerging research highlighting the possibility for premenstrual exacerbations of mood symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Neuroendocrine dysregulation, sensitivity to ovarian hormone fluctuations as well as higher levels and types of adverse childhood experiences and demographic factors are emerging factors explaining high rates of psychiatric disorders in PCOS. Ovulatory dysfunction, common in PCOS, significantly interferes with one's identity and quality of life. Results on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for mood symptoms are mixed, though improvements in the physical sequalae of PCOS could also improve mood symptoms. However, significant improvements on the methodological quality are needed, particularly the evaluation of mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Evidence is preliminary on whether there are premenstrual exacerbations of psychiatric symptoms in PCOS. Prospective, longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to comprehensively understand the psychiatric profile in PCOS.

Unignorable influence of chest pain on mood symptoms and prognostic values in coronary artery disease: a cross-sectional study

Unignorable influence of chest pain on mood symptoms and prognostic values in coronary artery disease: a cross-sectional study

A Multi-Center, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study to Investigate the Early Effectiveness of Esketamine Nasal Spray in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression Using a Mobile Self-Monitoring Application.

This study assesses the early effectiveness of esketamine nasal spray (ESK) in adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) 1 day after the first administration, as monitored through self-assessment via the mobile application, Esketamine Continuing Assessment for Relapse Prevention (EsCARe). In this multi-center, open-label, single-arm study, adults aged 18-65 years diagnosed with TRD after failing at least two antidepressant therapies were enrolled from five tertiary hospitals in South Korea. During the induction period, participants self-administered ESK twice weekly and used the EsCARe app daily to record mood, sleep, and somatic symptoms. Key clinical assessments, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), were measured at baseline and at weeks 2 and 4. The reliability and validity of EsCARe was assessed. The treatment results indicated significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, with notable reductions in the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7 by week 2, and the HAMD by week 4. The EsCARe app reliably and validly monitored depressive symptoms and demonstrated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms 1 day after the first administration of ESK. Using ESK, complemented by mobile self-monitoring, effectively reduces the symptoms of TRD early in the treatment course. Integrating mobile health technology into the therapeutic regimen highlights a significant advancement in managing TRD, offering patients and clinicians immediate feedback on treatment efficacy.

Unveiling covert psychopathy: a case report utilizing the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised scale in the forensic psychiatric setting

This case report explores the diagnostic complexities and treatment challenges associated with psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in a forensic psychiatric setting. Utilizing the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) scale, we assessed a 29-year-old male previously detained for two attempted murders and investigated for insulting a public official. Despite a history of mood and psychotic symptoms, previous evaluations failed to identify underlying psychopathic traits. Our assessment revealed a PCL-R score of 33/40, indicating a clear picture of psychopathy. The subject exhibited aggressive and violent behaviors from childhood, including cruelty to animals and reckless actions. Diagnoses over time included attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, reflecting significant diagnostic heterogeneity. The case underscores the importance of comprehensive psychopathy assessments in forensic contexts, particularly when previous diagnoses and treatments have been inconsistent. Our findings highlight the potential of the PCL-R scale as a valuable tool for identifying covert psychopathic traits, which are often underestimated. This study calls for further research into the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for psychopathy and ASPD, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions in correctional institutions to mitigate the risk of recidivism.

Comparing the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on mood-related symptoms and EEG activity in young healthy adults: A non-randomized pilot study

Background and aimsExercise offers several benefits in combating mood-related symptoms in humans. Participation in various types of physical activity improves brain and mental health. However, the different effects and mechanisms depending on the type of exercise on an individual's mood and brain remain unclear. This pilot trial aimed to reveal the feasibility of the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on mood-related symptoms and explain the different patterns of brain waves. MethodsThis 15-week single-arm pre-test/post-test trial including 3 measurement periods was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Overall, 18 healthy participants aged 19–29 years were recruited. After 6 weeks of respective aerobic and resistance exercise, anxiety/depression-related questionnaire scores and electroencephalography (EEG) changes were measured (single blinded outcome assessment). Specifically, changes in frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), absolute band power of beta waves, and theta waves were measured in the prefrontal and frontal regions, which play a critical role in regulating mood and cognition. ResultsResistance exercise resulted in a significant reduction in Beck Depression Inventory-II scores (p = 0.002, effect size = 0.76) while significant improvement was shown in Beck Anxiety Inventory scores (p = 0.01, effect size = 0.77) after aerobic exercise. In regarding EEG analysis, ten participants completed the assessment. After resistance exercise, there was a significant elevation in frontal beta waves (p = 0.01, effect size = 0.81). Aerobic exercise did not result in significant EEG changes. There were no adverse events related to study participation. ConclusionOur findings suggest that resistance and aerobic exercises may be feasible for the alleviation of mood-related symptoms and EEG activities. As our pilot trial has a small sample size and did not include a control group, future research that accurately reflects the effects of different types of exercises on mood symptoms and changes of EEG activities is required.

Effect of a Group-Based Personal Assistive RObot (PARO) Robot Intervention on Cognitive Function, Autonomic Nervous System Function, and Mental Well-being in Older Adults with Mild Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesPersonal Assistive RObot (PARO) interventions have been used to treat agitation and mood symptoms of dementia effectively. However, the effects of a PARO intervention on physiological and cognitive function are unclear. To examine the effects of a group-based PARO intervention for older adults with mild dementia. DesignUsing a group-based PARO intervention randomized controlled trial with 2-arm parallel groups. Setting and ParticipantsOlder adults with mild dementia aged 65 years or older from 4 dementia day care centers were recruited. MethodsPhysiological parameters were assessed using the finger tapping test (FTT) and heart rate variability (HRV). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form (GDS-SF), University of California Los Angeles loneliness scale–version 3 (UCLA-3), and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) were assessed before the intervention, end of the intervention, and 1-month after the intervention. ResultsUsing a repeated-measures generalized linear model, significant time × group interactions were found in the MMSE [F(2, 115) = 19.54, P < .001], FTT [F(2, 115) = 4.87, P = .01], HRV high-frequency [F(2, 115) = 3.57, P = .03], and high-frequency/low-frequency ratio [F(2, 115) = 0.96, P = .01], UCLA-3 [F(2, 115) = 54.7, P < .001], GDS-SF [F(2, 115) = 3.36, P = .04], and WEMWBS [F(2, 115) = 5.93, P < .001]. Furthermore, psychological parameters improved significantly and continuously even 1 month after the PARO intervention was finished. Physiological parameters significantly improved at week 6, but the effects had diminished by week 10. Conclusions and ImplicationsA PARO intervention may effectively improve the physiological and psychological responses of people with mild dementia.

Relationships between depression, anxiety, and motivation in the real-world: Effects of physical activity and screentime.

Mood and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and comorbid worldwide, with variability in symptom severity that fluctuates over time. Digital phenotyping, a growing field that aims to characterize clinical, cognitive and behavioral features via personal digital devices, enables continuous quantification of symptom severity in the real world, and in real-time. In this study, N=114 individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder (MA) or healthy controls (HC) were enrolled and completed 30-days of ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of symptom severity. Novel real-world measures of anxiety, distress and depression were developed based on the established Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ). The full MASQ was also completed in the laboratory (in-lab). Additional EMA measures related to extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and passive activity data were also collected over the same 30-days. Mixed-effects models adjusting for time and individual tested the association between real-world symptom severity EMA and the corresponding full MASQ sub-scores. A graph theory neural network model (DEPNA) was applied to all data to estimate symptom interactions. There was overall good adherence over 30-days (MA=69.5%, HC=71.2% completion), with no group difference (t(58)=0.874, p=0.386). Real-world measures of anxiety/distress/depression were associated with their corresponding MASQ measure within the MA group (t's > 2.33, p's < 0.024). Physical activity (steps) was negatively associated with real-world distress and depression (IRRs > 0.93, p's ≤ 0.05). Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were negatively associated with real-world distress/depression (IRR's > 0.82, p's < 0.001). DEPNA revealed that both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation significantly influenced other symptom severity measures to a greater extent in the MA group compared to the HC group (extrinsic/intrinsic motivation: t(46) = 2.62, p < 0.02, q FDR < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.76; t(46) = 2.69, p < 0.01, q FDR < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.78 respectively), and that intrinsic motivation significantly influenced steps (t(46) = 3.24, p < 0.003, q FDR < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.94). Novel real-world measures of anxiety, distress and depression significantly related to their corresponding established in-lab measures of these symptom domains in individuals with mood and anxiety disorders. Novel, exploratory measures of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation also significantly related to real-world mood and anxiety symptoms and had the greatest influencing degree on patients' overall symptom profile. This suggests that measures of cognitive constructs related to drive and activity may be useful in characterizing phenotypes in the real-world.

Prevalence and Risk by Age and Sex of Sleep Dysregulation and Depressive Episodes in Bipolar and Depressive Disorders in a Community Survey in Sardinia, Italy.

Background/Objectives: Sleep disturbances often accompany mood disorders and persistent insomnia after mood symptoms have resolved may be a marker of poor outcome. The association between sleep symptoms and mood disorders seems to change with age and sex. This study aims to assess the frequency of depressive episodes and sleep disorders in the general population through an agile screening questionnaire and to evaluate the association of depressive episodes and sleep symptoms by sex and age categories. Methods: 774 women and 728 men from Sardinia aged > 16 years old were enrolled. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was administered through a computer-assisted telephonic interview. Results: The frequency of depressive episodes was double in women (10.6% vs. 4.4%; p < 0.0001), with the highest values in women > 75 yo (17.4%). The frequency of sleep dysregulation was double in women (18.7% vs. 9.6%; p < 0.0001), with the highest values in women > 75 yo (35.9%) and the lowest in the group of men > 75 yo. The group of young males showed the lowest frequency of depressive episodes (1.4%) and a frequency of sleep dysregulation (9.1%) similar to that of the other groups of age and sex. Sleep dysregulation without depressive episodes presented a higher distribution in the elderly, both in males (20.7%) and in females (18.5%). No significative differences were found across sex and age groups in the distribution of depressive episodes without sleep dysregulation. Conclusions: The use of an agile screener such as PHQ9 in the general population and/or in populations at risk can be a valuable tool in finding those individuals in whom sleep dysregulation may represent an early warning signal, one that may be thoroughly evaluated to identify and treat possible sleep disorders early.

Features of depressive disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis

Depressive disorders are the most common manifestations of multiple sclerosis. The severity of depressive symptoms depends on many factors: fear of a disabling disease, dependence on loved ones, the frequency of exacerbations. Early diagnosis of affective conditions helps to prescribe therapy in a timely manner, thereby improving the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the features and manifestations of depressive disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis. Patients and methods: The study involved patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who were diagnosed with depressive disorders — the study group, and patients with depressive disorders — the comparison group. At the time of examination, the age of the patients in the study group (113 participants) ranged from 15 to 60 years, with the mean age of 39.7±10.91 years. The duration of the disease was 9.84±0.73 years, while the disability rate by the EDSS was 2.89±0.16 points. The comparison group was represented by patients with disorders of the depressive spectrum (70 patients). The mean age of the patients was 32.81±13.57 years. The age of onset of the disease in patients with depressive disorders was within 22.09±2.09 years, and the duration of the disease with depression was 4.6±3.86 years. Results and discussion: In the study group patients with depressive disorders, the initial manifestations are not pronounced and are within the limits of the average degree of depression. The analysis revealed the dynamics of symptoms depending on the level of depression: with mild depression p&lt;0.001, «loss of appetite» appears more often, with moderate depression p&lt;0.001, the symptoms of «dissatisfaction», «feelings of guilt», and «preoccupation with bodily sensations» appeared, and with severe depression p&lt;0.001, «ideas of self-blame», increased «tearfulness», and changes in «body image» became significant. Meanwhile, in the patients in the comparison group, symptoms of low mood and dissatisfaction, which were often accompanied by feelings of guilt and ideas of self-blame, came to the fore. Conclusion: The symptoms of depressive manifestations in patients with multiple sclerosis differ from those in patients with depressive disorders. When selecting the basic therapy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis with disease modifying drugs, it is necessary to take into account the emotional background of patients, since interferons affect the emotional sphere of multiple sclerosis patients and can cause or intensify depressive experiences.

Impact of Psychoeducation Applied to The Spouses of Bipolar Patients on Their Emotional Expression, Stigmatization, and Loneliness Levels

Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious burden for patients and family members due to recurrent mood episodes, hospitalizations, and loss of productivity. The goal of this study is to examine how psychoeducation affected the caregivers of bipolar patients' levels of emotional expression, stigmatization, loneliness, and mood symptoms. Method: This research is a quasi-experimental intervention study applied as a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The study included 20 patients with bipolar diagnosis and 20 caregiver spouses who were followed up in our outpatient clinic. Participants were divided into 2 groups as study and control group. The spouses in the control group were interviewed only to evaluate their situation. The study group received a 6-session (15 hours) psychoeducation intervention. We administered the Emotion Expression Scale (EES), Self-Stigma Scale-Family (SSI-F), UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS), and DASS-21 Scale to the spouses of bipolar patients in the study and control groups before and after the psychoeducation program. Results: The mean age of the spouses in the study group was 43.4±7.04 years, the mean age of the spouses in the control group was 39±8.29 years and all of them were female. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the SSI-F, EES, and DASS-21 scales of the spouses in the study and control groups before the training (p&gt;0.05). After the psychoeducation program was applied to the spouses in the intervention group, a significant decrease was observed in the SSI-F, EES, and DASS-21 scale scores (p

Psychological Characteristics of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as a Cause of Their Stigmatization and Victimization in Society

The psychological characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are a significant barrier to their adaptation to society and the realization of their personal potential. There is a shortage of literature reviews on this topic, taking into account research over the past few years on. The basis for the literature review material was 51 foreign sources (of which 100% of the sources were in the last four years from 2020 to 2024, with 21 (41%) sources in 2024). Methods of comparative analysis and synthesis were used in writing the literature review. Modern literature indicates the presence of a complex of psychological characteristics in children with ADHD, which are based on disorders in the cognitive, emotional-volitional and behavioral spheres. In the cognitive sphere of children with ADHD, there are impairments in spatial abilities, decreased working memory, attention deficit and low speed of information processing, which are the cause of specific learning disabilities in more than half of children with ADHD. The most common emotional disturbances in children with ADHD are abnormal symptoms of anxiety, stress, low mood, motivation, and depression. Common behavioral symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, irritability, suicidal behavior, and deliberate attempts at non-suicidal self-harm. All of these cognitive, emotional and behavioral characteristics of children with ADHD can act as predictors of external stigma, most often expressed by school bullying (victimization), as well as internal stigmatization (low self-esteem). Horse riding, music therapy, group psychodrama, training in magic tricks, etc. are cited as the main modern non-pharmacological means of correcting the symptoms of ADHD.

Cognitive function, mood and sleep changes in response to a Tai Chi/Qigong intervention among older breast cancer survivors: an exploratory analysis

IntroductionCognitive decline is a significant, persistent issue among breast cancer survivors (BCSs) affecting more than 50% and greatly impacting health and wellbeing, particularly among those who are aging. Scalable, lifestyle interventions to mitigate cognitive decline in this population are needed. This study aimed to explore the effects of Tai Chi Easy (TCE) on perceived cognition function among older BCSs.MethodsThe current work was part of a larger NCI-funded trial (R01CA182901, primary results reported elsewhere). Female BCSs, aged 45–75 years, were randomized to one of three conditions: two active interventions, Tai Chi Easy (TCE) or sham Qigong (SQG), or an education control group (EDC). In this exploratory analysis of older female participants (aged 60–75y), perceived cognitive function and performance and related factors (including anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptom severity) were examined. We anticipated TCE and SQG would show greater improvements in perceived cognitive function and performance compared to EDC.ResultsA total of 75 female BCS were included in the analysis (TCE = 23; SQG = 22; EDC = 30). Linear mixed model results showed BCS randomized to TCE and SQG reported improvements in perceived cognitive impairment and cognition-related effects on quality of life relative to EDC (with small to medium effect sizes; Cohen's d = 0.46 and 0.76), whereas no results were found for cognitive performance measures. Relative to EDC, TCE did not exact changes in depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptom severity; however, SQG showed decreases in depression and insomnia symptom severity (with corresponding small to medium effect sizes, Cohen's d = −0.36 and −0.56).DiscussionFindings from the current exploratory study suggest that low-exertion, gentle exercise, with or without breath and meditative focus, may improve perceived cognitive function, and, that without breath and meditative focus, may improve depressed mood and insomnia symptoms among older BCS. These promising findings may have immediate and long-term implications on accessible treatment options recommended by geriatricians and oncologists treating older BCS at an elevated risk for cognitive impairment.Clinical trial registrationThe parent study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02690116.

Early mother-infant interactions within the context of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms

BackgroundChildbirth may lead to perinatal mental health issues, such as childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (CB-PTSS), depression, and anxiety. Despite well explored mother-infant interactions in the context of maternal depression and anxiety, only limited studies investigated mother-infant interactions in the context of CB-PTSS, which is the aim of the present study. MethodsOne-hundred mother-infant dyads in the French speaking part of Switzerland were classified into three groups: birth-related symptoms (BRS, i.e., symptoms of re-experiencing and avoidance) (n = 20), general symptoms (GS, i.e., symptoms of negative cognition and mood and hyperarousal) (n = 46), and non-symptomatic (NS) (n = 34) based on maternal report on PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). At six months postpartum, mother-infant interactions were video-recorded and their quality was assessed using the Global Rating Scale. Data was analyzed using ordinal logistic and negative binomial regressions. ResultsIn the adjusted model, mothers in BRS group engaged in more frequent coercions compared to the NS group (B = −1.46, p = 0.01, 95%CI = −2.63, −0.36) and showed lower reciprocity in their interactions with their infants compared to the GS group (B = 1.21, p = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.05, 2.37). LimitationsThe use of a cross-sectional design limited the exploration of how consistent these findings are regarding mother-infant interactions between groups over time. ConclusionsMothers with higher BRS may need support to improve interactions with their infants. Future studies should consider longitudinal design to observe mother-infant interaction changes between CB-PTSS groups over time.

Psychological resilience is protective against cognitive deterioration in motor neuron diseases

Objectives Recent studies suggest that psychological resilience (PR) is associated with more well-preserved cognition in healthy subjects (HS), but an investigation of such phenomenon in patients with motor neuron diseases (MNDs) is still lacking. The aim of our study was therefore to evaluate PR and its relationship with baseline cognitive/behavioral and mood symptoms, as well as longitudinal cognitive functioning, in MNDs. Methods 94 MND patients and 87 demographically matched HS were enrolled. PR was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Patients were further evaluated both at baseline and every 6 months for cognitive/behavioral disturbances using the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS), and for mood symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). CD-RISC scores were compared between patients and HS using the Mann–Whitney U test, and regression models were applied to evaluate the role of CD-RISC scores in predicting baseline cognitive/behavioral and mood measures, as well as longitudinal cognitive performances, in MND patients. Results MND cases showed significantly greater PR compared to HS (p from <0.001 to 0.02). In MNDs, higher PR levels were significant predictors of both greater cognitive performance (p from 0.01 to 0.05) and milder mood symptoms (p from <0.001 to 0.04) at baseline, as well as less severe memory decline (p from 0.001 to 0.04) longitudinally. Conclusions PR is an important protective factor against the onset and evolution of cognitive/mood disturbances in MNDs, suggesting the usefulness of resilience enhancement psychological interventions to prevent or delay cognitive and mood disorders in these neurodegenerative conditions.

The effects of shared, depression-specific, and anxiety-specific internalizing symptoms on negative and neutral episodic memories following post-learning sleep.

Emotional memory bias is a common characteristic of internalizing symptomatology and is enhanced during sleep. The current study employs bifactor S-1 modeling to disentangle depression-specific anhedonia, anxiety-specific anxious arousal, and the common internalizing factor, general distress, and test whether these internalizing symptoms interact with sleep to influence memory for emotional and neutral information. Healthy adults (N = 281) encoded scenes featuring either negative objects (e.g., a vicious looking snake) or neutral objects (e.g., a chipmunk) placed on neutral backgrounds (e.g., an outdoor scene). After a 12-hour period of daytime wakefulness (n = 140) or nocturnal sleep (n = 141), participants judged whether objects and backgrounds were the same, similar, or new compared with what they viewed during encoding. Participants also completed the mini version of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire. Higher anxious arousal predicted worse memory across all stimuli features, but only after a day spent being awake-not following a night of sleep. No significant effects were found for general distress and anhedonia in either the sleep or wake condition. In this study, internalizing symptoms were not associated with enhanced emotional memory. Instead, memory performance specifically in individuals with higher anxious arousal was impaired overall, regardless of emotional valence, but this was only the case when the retention interval spanned wakefulness (i.e., not when it spanned sleep). This suggests that sleep may confer a protective effect on general memory impairments associated with anxiety.