Presence Of Anxiety-depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Body Image disturbance in patients with cancer

IntroductionCancer and its treatments have been shown to have a negative psychological effect on many cancer patients. One of these effects is often described as body image disturbance.ObjectivesTo assess body image in cancer patients and its association with clinical variables.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, conducted over 1 month, involving 100 cancer patients followed in the oncology department at the Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax (Tunisia). All participants completed a 10-item Body Image Scale (BIS) questionnaire to assess body image dissatisfaction.Results These results showed that half of the patients were female, and 70% of them were married. Their mean age was 51.96 years with extremes ranging from 41 to 60 years. Their level of education did not exceed primary school in 61% of cases, and 68% of them were unemployed. A total of 58% of patients received chemotherapy and 44%, 25%, and 11% of persons were affected by breast, digestive and cavum cancer, respectively. Impaired body image was noted in 81% of cases with an average BIS score of 15.39. An altered body image was statistically correlated with female sex (p = 0.005), absence of professional activity (p = 0.032), and the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms (p = 0.008).ConclusionsIn this study most of the cancer patients had body image disturbances. Therefore, it is to the health team and nurses that take the concept of body image more serious and make use of some interventions to minimize the possible side effects.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

The influence of cognitive schemas on the mixed anxiety-depressive symptoms of breast cancer patients

BackgroundThe surgical treatment of breast cancer involves various psychological consequences, which differ according to individual characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the role that cognitive schemas had in triggering anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with breast cancer that underwent oncological and plastic surgery treatment.Methods64 female patients, diagnosed with breast cancer from an Oncology and Plastic Surgery Hospital, were selected to participate in this study between March–June 2018. They were divided into two groups: I. 28 patients who underwent mastectomy surgery; II. 36 patients, who required mastectomy and, subsequently, also chose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. For the purposes of evaluating a possible change in mental health status, we employed two assessment scales: the Young Cognitive Schema Questionnaire - Short Form 3 (YSQ-S3) and the Romanian version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21R).ResultsParticipants who underwent mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery employed cognitive schemas that did not generate symptoms of depression or anxiety. In contrast, the cognitive schemas found in women who refused reconstructive breast surgery were significantly correlated with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms. The cognitive schema domain of ‘disconnection and rejection’ correlated uncertainly with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms for the group with breast reconstruction (Spearman’s ρ = 0.091, p = 0.644), while for the other group the correlation was moderate-strong (Spearman’s ρ = 0.647, p < 0.01). Negative emotional schemas were significantly correlated with the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms (Spearman’s ρ = 0.598, p < 0.01) in the group of participants without reconstructive surgery.ConclusionA correct identification of dysfunctional cognitive schemas and coping mechanisms at the commencement of the combined treatment in breast cancer patients could serve as an indicator for the evolution of their mental health, therefore assisting professionals in establishing the most suitable psychological, psychotherapeutic and psychiatric intervention plan.

Post-partum depression risk factors in pregnant women

IntroductionPostpartum depression has a prevalence of 15% and has consequences for mother and baby (delayed physical, social and cognitive development). It's essential to prevent the illness with an early identification of Risk Factors (RF).MethodsFive hundred and seventy-two women in 3rd trimester of pregnancy were evaluated and selected those with ≥ 1 RF (n = 290). We re-evaluated in the postpartum with Edinburgh Depression Scale and selected those with subsyndromal depressive symptoms (≥ 7.5) (n = 57). Clinical, demographic and functional data were collected.ResultsA total of 50.7% had RF. A percentage of 48.6 had family history of mental illness (MI), 34.1%had personal history of (MI) and 34.1% had some pregnancy associated illness. Twenty percent had needed some assisted reproductive technique, 14.1% had little family support and 15.2% had little couple support, 3.8% showed anxiety-depressive disorders during pregnancy, 19.7% had depressive symptoms after delivery. The mean age was 33.67. No significant differences between patients with and without RF (T-1858, P 0.064). Among women with RF, 59.6% were married, 35.1% single and 3.0% had other situation. 89.5% live with their own family, 8.8% with their family of origin, 1.8% alone. 50.8% had university studies.ConclusionsAssessing RF during pregnancy can help these women, since we see that the 19.7% will have serious risk of developing postpartum depression. The RF to take more into account are not those related to social-academic development, neither the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms during pregnancy, but the family or personal history of (MI) and the presence of a pregnancy associated illness. Early detection and treatment may prevent the development of this disease improving the quality of life of mother and babies’ development.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The prevention of depression in pregnancy and the post-partum: when to intervene?

The aim of this paper is to describe the presence of anxious-depressive symptoms and risk factors and discuss the method of intervention used with women in pregnancy and post-partum. The mood of the woman was assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), personality traits with the Vulnerable Personality Style Questionnaire (VPSQ) and social support through the Social Provisions Scale (PPS). 50 women have completed the evaluation. In line with the international literature, the presence of anxiety-depressive symptoms is accompanied by the presence of multiple risk factors, in particular the familiar seems to be a predisposing factor.