Anxiety Research Articles

An Exploration of Unique Mental Health Challenges and Resilience Factors within the LGBTQ+ Community: A Systematic Review

Mental health challenges in the LGBTQ+ community pressing issues as it impact the overall health status. Despite the concerns raised on the discrimination, bias and stereotypes, new challenges arise, implicating challenges to the health sector. The present review of evidence focuses on the resilience factors and the unique mental health challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) were used to identify, select, appraise and synthesize evidence in the present review, whereas the Sample, phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation and Research type (SPIDER) protocol guided the selection of eligible studies to be reviewed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence about the unique mental health challenges and resilience factors within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQ+) community. Initial article search was limited to English publications and performed on electronic databases, including Google Scholar, ProQuest, PubMed, and Web of Science. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to examine the risk of bias in the individual studies. Risk of bias assessment was performed on the domains, including due to the randomization process, bias due to deviations from intended interventions, bias due to missing outcome data, bias in the measurement of the outcomes, bias in the selection of the reported result, and the overall risk of bias, reflecting the overall risk of bias of the included studies. A qualitative synthesis of results was considered in the present systematic review. The evidence was contrasted and compared against the existing knowledge and theoretical orientation. The present review found that poor dissemination of interventions and implementations are unique mental health challenges among the LGBTQ+ community. The poor implementation and dissemination of interventions substantiate psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and deteriorates quality of life. The web or internet-based implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy emerged as effective resilience factor in the management of mental conditions among members of the LGBTQ+ community. Keywords: LGBTQ+, mental health, treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, resilience factors, anxiety, depression, and interventions

Peran Guru dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa pada Pelajaran IPAS Kelas IV di SDN 1 Beluk

This study aims to describe: (1) The role of teachers in enhancing students' critical thinking skills in the IPAS (Integrated Science) subject at SD Negeri 1 Beluk, and (2) The factors influencing the role of teachers in improving students' critical thinking skills in the IPAS subject at SD Negeri 1 Beluk. This qualitative research employs a descriptive analysis method and was conducted over three months, from March to May 2024. Primary data sources include fourth-grade teachers and students at SD Negeri 1 Beluk, collected through observations and interviews. Data credibility was tested using triangulation. The data analysis technique follows the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, consisting of data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study indicate that: (1) Teachers play roles as educators, demonstrators, classroom managers, facilitators, mentors, motivators, and evaluators in enhancing students' critical thinking skills in the IPAS subject. The effective use of lesson plans (RPP) and evaluation instruments by teachers is observed to significantly improve students' critical thinking skills. (2) The factors influencing students' critical thinking skills include psychological factors, physiological factors, learning independence, and anxiety.

القلق في ضوء القرآن الكريم وعلم النفس الحديث

The study aimed to explore anxiety as a psychological phenomenon, including its types, causes, and treatment methods in light of the Holy Quran and modern psychology. The research employed a descriptive-analytical approach by collecting relevant Quranic verses and comparing these concepts with those found in psychology books, as well as examining the insights of Muslim scholars and modern psychology regarding anxiety, its types, causes, and treatment. The study found that anxiety is a modern psychological concept that affects individuals due to fear, stress, or excessive thinking about certain life issues, often of unknown origin, and is a source of psychological pressure. It also revealed that the verses in the Quran addressing doubt and suspicion refer to anxiety in its modern sense. Additionally, the study showed that Quranic stories illustrate the levels and types of anxiety experienced by the prophets in different situations, including psychological anxiety, social anxiety, and objective anxiety related to their prophetic missions. Furthermore, the Quranic verses focused on the anxiety of specific groups, such as hypocrites and disbelievers, particularly concerning their doubt and suspicion in receiving the divine message and opposing the prophets. The study recommends incorporating psychological studies rooted in Islamic heritage into university curricula and encourages researchers to conduct in-depth studies on such topics. It also advocates for integrating psychological studies from the Quran and Sunnah with modern psychology.

Effect of Summer Holiday Programs on Children's Mental Health and Well-Being: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Poor youth mental health is an area of global concern. Summer holiday programs may provide environments that support mental health when the structures and supports of school are not available. The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of summer holiday programs in improving the mental health, social-emotional well-being, and cognitive (non-academic) outcomes of children and adolescents. Studies of summer holiday programs for school-aged children (5-18 years) were included if they measured any mental, socio-emotional or cognitive (non-academic) outcome. Studies were excluded if they were published prior to 2000, targeted clinical populations or lasted less than five days. Six databases were searched (April 2023). Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro tool. Study outcomes were grouped according to three main constructs: mental health (psychological well-being, anxiety, depression, distress, and self-perception including self-esteem, self-worth, self-concept, confidence, and competence); social-emotional well-being (behavior and social skills, e.g., communication, bullying, conflict resolution, empathy, and social skills); and cognitive function (memory, selective attention, and executive function). A fourth "other" group captured substance use, personality traits, character skills, and values. Effect sizes were calculated as the standardized mean difference between pre- and post-intervention scores. The synthesis involved a random-effects meta-analysis (presented in forest plots), where possible, with the remaining outcomes narratively synthesized. Twenty-six studies (n = 6812 participants) were included. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that summer programs showed a statistically non-significant trend toward reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression (k = 2 studies, SMD = -0.17, 95% CI -2.94, 2.60), psychological distress (k = 2 studies, SMD -0.46, 95% CI -1.71, 0.79), and no effect on self-esteem (k = 6 studies, SMD = 0.02, 95% CI -0.02, 0.06) or self-worth (k = 3 studies, SMD = 0.05, 95% CI 0.00, 0.11). Narrative syntheses indicated a pattern toward improvements in general mental health, self-perception, social-emotional outcomes, and cognition. Studies were generally small, with a high risk of bias. Summer holiday programs for children and adolescents show trends toward improving mental, social, emotional, and cognitive outcomes. Programs targeting disadvantaged children showed stronger patterns of improvement related to mental health and self-perception than programs targeting the general population. While effect sizes are small to negligible, they consistently indicate improvements. Summer programs present a promising avenue to promote mental health in children; however, further rigorously designed, clearly reported control-group studies are required to more fully understand their effects.

The psychological impact of mobile phone loss and compromised personal information on depression and information access anxiety

Purpose This paper argues that the psychological impact of mobile phone loss and compromised personal information necessitates a comprehensive approach to mental health and data security. It advocates for the development of robust coping strategies, including digital detox practices and enhanced security measures, to mitigate the adverse effects. Design/methodology/approach This position paper explores the psychological implications of mobile phone loss, particularly focusing on depression and information access anxiety resulting from compromised personal information. The paper synthesizes existing literature and theoretical frameworks to examine the multifaceted impact of mobile phone loss on mental health and proposes strategies to mitigate these effects. This paper uses a qualitative approach, analyzing data from various studies that have investigated mobile phone addiction, data breaches and the psychological effects of mobile phone loss. The analysis focuses on identifying common themes and patterns related to emotional distress, anxiety and coping mechanisms. The psychological impact is contextualized within the broader framework of digital dependency and mental health. Findings The phenomenon of information access anxiety, especially in the context of mobile phone loss, represents a major concern in the digital age. Information access anxiety describes the psychological distress and anxiety experienced by individuals when they are unable to access indispensable information or digital communication tools, typically due to the loss or theft of a mobile device. Research limitations/implications This study acknowledges several limitations that should be considered when interpreting its findings. First, the analysis is based predominantly on secondary data sources and literature reviews, which may not fully capture the nuanced experiences of individuals suffering from the psychological impacts of mobile phone loss. Future research could benefit from primary data collection, such as surveys or interviews, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these phenomena. Originality/value This position paper contributes to the burgeoning discourse surrounding the psychological ramifications of mobile phone loss, with a particular emphasis on the manifestation of depression and information access anxiety stemming from compromised personal information.

The impact of frailty syndrome on the occurrence of anxiety disorders and depression in patients with arterial hypertension

Abstract In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of older people, which translates into more frequent diagnosis of frailty among geriatric patients. Anxiety and depressive disorders in geriatric patients very often lead to deterioration of their health and exacerbation of chronic diseases, which results in deterioration of their functioning. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of frailty syndrome on the occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorders among patients with diagnosed hypertension. Material and methods The study included 70 patients with diagnosed hypertension (39 women - 56% and 31 men - 44%, aged between 60 and 92 years). The mean age of those included in the study was 70.3 ± 7.3 years. Results Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 75.7% of patients participating in the study (77.4% of men and 74.3% of women). Depressive disorders occurred in 28.5% of respondents, including 25.8% of men and 30.8% of women. Anxiety disorders occurred in 24.3% of people, interestingly, men predominated in this group - 32.2%, while there were 17.9% of women with anxiety disorders. It has been shown that in women there is a relationship between the occurrence of frailty and depression in the general frailty syndrome and the physical and psychological domains. However, there is no statistically significant relationship between TFI in the social domain and the occurrence of depression. In this group of respondents, there was a statistically significant correlation between TFI and anxiety only in the psychological domain. There was no correlation between general frailty, physical and social domains and the occurrence of the drug. There is no statistically significant correlation between frailty syndrome and its domains and the occurrence of depressive disorders. A statistically significant relationship appears only between the physical and psychological domains and anxiety. Conclusions In women, weakness in the physical and psychological domain influences the development of depression, while in the case of anxiety it affects only the psychological domain. In men, frailty does not influence the occurrence of depressive disorders. Among men, there is a statistically significant correlation between physical and psychological frailty and anxiety.

36-40% of Routine Care Patients With Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis Screen Positive for Anxiety, Depression, and/or Fibromyalgia on a Single MDHAQ.

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are associated with similar patient disease burdens and a high prevalence of comorbid anxiety (ANX), depression (DEP), and fibromyalgia (FM). Nonetheless, these comorbidities are infrequently assessed in routine care, in part because multiple questionnaires are not feasibly completed by patients. We analyzed the prevalence of ANX, DEP, and FM in patients with OA versus patients with RA seen in routine care using indices within a single Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) and associations with \ Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) and its component function, pain, and patient global scores. A retrospective analysis of MDHAQ data in unselected patients with OA or RA receiving routine care at one setting included four indices within an MDHAQ: MDHAQ ANX screen, MDHAQ DEP screen, Fibromyalgia Assessment Screening Tool, and RAPID3. The prevalence of each comorbidity and associations with RAPID3 and components were analyzed in unadjusted and age-adjusted (Mantel-Haenszel) odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. Overall, 40.4% of 361 patients with OA and 36.3% of 488 patients with RA screened positive for ANX, DEP, and/or FM (8.1% and 7% for all three, respectively). RAPID3 and each component were elevated significantly in patients with any positive screen result for ANX, DEP, and/or FM in both diagnoses (ORs of 2.6-35.8). FM, DEP, and/or ANX rates were 40.4% in patients with OA and 36.3% in patients with RA, associated with significantly poorer patient status measures. Each of these three common comorbidities of patient distress may be feasibly screened for on a single MDHAQ in routine care.

Psychological manifestations in patients with tuberculosis: prevalence and contributing factors

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health concern impacting millions of people each year. Beyond its outward symptoms TB can have a significant negative influence on psychological health and cause psychological anguish in those who are afflicted. The purpose of this review is to recapitulate the frequency and contributing variables of psychological discomfort in TB patients. Previous studies show varying prevalence rates of psychological distress which frequently manifests as stress, worry, and depression. Numerous factors such as sociodemographic characteristics the severity of the disease the treatment plan, stigma, and social support. these factors can alter gene expression patterns, epigenetic modifications, and immune responses linked to higher psychological distress. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can influence gene metabolism in TB patients through various mechanisms. These factors impacting TB susceptibility, disease progression, and treatment outcomes. To effectively address the mental health needs of TB patients, it is imperative to comprehend the prevalence and factors of psychological distress in tb population. Promote the holistic well-being of TB patients, it is imperative that mental health treatments be integrated into TB care in conjunction with initiatives to lessen stigma and enhance social support.

"Identity theft" in BRCA1/2: impact of positive genetic test results and risk-reducing interventions.

Individuals harboring breast cancer gene 1/2 (BRCA1/2) pathogenic variants are at increased lifetime risk for developing cancer. Learning one's BRCA1/2 carrier status is a watershed moment that can result in psychological distress, anxiety, and depression, as well as feelings of vulnerability and stigma. However, emotional and coping responses to learning one's BRCA1/2 carrier status and after risk-reducing interventions (i.e., preventative bilateral mastectomy) are variable, and existing literature reveals mixed and sometimes contradictory results. Drawing on the concept of narrative identity from the field of psychology, we sought to examine if "identity theft" (the sudden overtaking of one's narrative agency by an external force) may help explain the heterogeneity of emotional and coping responses following the revelation of BRCA carrier status and the subsequent medical intervention one may receive. This Perspective explores BRCA related identity theft using two case studies. Narrative analysis of qualitative interviews uncover the ways that patients experience the disintegration (theft) of their identity as well as their efforts to build and reintegrate a new BRCA carrier identity. This initial qualitative exploration provides preliminary support for the relevance of narrative identity and identity theft to hereditary cancer. We posit that applying the lens of identity theft may hold promise as a unifying concept, integrating across the variable emotional and coping responses among BRCA carriers. Employing a lens of identity theft may help inform the development of tailored narrative interventions as part of precision healthcare to support active coping and psychosocial wellbeing.

Anxiety levels and influencing factors among the relatives of patients presenting to the emergency department

Background and objective: In recent years, the majority of incidents of increasing violence against healthcare workers, especially emergency department (ED) staff, have been perpetrated by family members of patients. Anxiety is one of the predictors of this violence in ED. The aims of this study were to measure anxiety levels among the relatives of ED patients at the time of presentation and to identify the factors that affect them. Materials and methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 687 relatives of patients were included. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory- State (STAI-S) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory- Trait (STAI-T) scales were administered to assess state and trait anxiety levels. The data for the study were recorded using the SPSS 16.0 statistics program. Results: STAI-S averages were found to be statistically significantly higher than their STAI-T averages in parents (p = 0.036). A statistically significant difference was found between the state and trait anxieties of the group whose patients had a history of previous hospitalization (p = 0.013), previous surgeries (p = 0.009), presented with trauma (p=0.007), and received intervention in ED (p = 0.003). The state anxiety of the patient relatives who brought their patients to the ED by their own means was found to be statistically significantly higher than the trait anxiety (p=0.028). Conclusion: Our study showed that patient relatives whose patients presented to the ED due to trauma or had a history of surgery/hospitalization, or arrived at the hospital under their own means, experienced elevated anxiety levels. More multi-center studies are needed. July 2024; Vol. 18(2):008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.18.020 *Correspondence: Seçkin Bahar Sezgin, Emergency Department,Gaziantep City Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. Email: seckinbahar34@gmail.com

Severity of depressive and anxious symptoms and its association with birth outcomes among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective case-control study

Aim Comparing the anxiety and depression severity and their impact on subsequent birth outcomes in pregnant women before and during Omicron wave in Shanghai in 2022. Methods The depression-anxiety symptoms networks were compared between the pregnant women during the outbreak period (outbreak group; n = 783) and a matched control group of pregnant women before the outbreak (pre-outbreak group; n = 783). The impact of baseline mental state on follow-up pregnancy and neonatal outcomes was also explored by logistic regression. Findings Levels of depression and anxiety between the two groups were not significant different. Network analysis showed that central symptom "trouble relaxing" and bridge symptom "depressed mood" shared by both groups. Different symptom associations in different periods of the pandemic. Total scores and sub-symptom scores of prenatal depressive and anxious severities increased the odds ratios of maternal and neonatal syndromes. The influence of mental state on gestational and neonatal outcomes differed across different pandemic periods. Conclusion The Omicron wave did not have a significant negative impact on the depressive and anxious mood in pregnant women. Targeting central and bridge symptoms intervention may be effective in reducing their adverse effects on co-occurring of anxious and depressive mood and birth outcomes.

Longitudinal Relationship Between Psychological Capital and Anxiety in College Students: The Mediating Effect of Emotion Reregulation Strategy and Moderating Effect of Parent-Child Relationship.

Based on Conservation of resources theory, process model of emotion regulation and attachment theory, the present study examined how psychological capital affects anxiety through the mediation of emotion regulation strategies and explored the moderating role of parent-child relationship. Using a longitudinal study method, 962 college students were surveyed twice at one-year intervals. (1) College students' emotion regulation strategies (including cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) partially mediated psychological capital and anxiety mood; (2) parent-child relationship moderated the pathways of psychological capital and expressive suppression on anxiety, respectively. College students with higher levels of parent-child relationship had stronger predictive effects of psychological capital and weaker predictive effects of expressive suppression on anxiety mood. The research findings clarify the combined effects of emotion regulation and parent-child relationships on anxiety among college students, providing valuable reference for the design and implementation of interventions to promote individual psychological well-being.

Analyzing the Relationship Between Chronic Periodontitis and Psychological Stress in Elderly Patients: A Study Protocol.

Although stress is the body's physiological response to challenging life events, chronic exposure to a stressor may not cause stress. In such cases, stress negatively impacts some physiological functions, which can lead to psychosomatic diseases. According to research, inadequate coping mechanisms and long-term stress are factors that moderate the risk and progression of periodontitis. As a result, theories explaining how stress affects the periodontium have been put forth. The clinical examination comprised measurements of the probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level, number of teeth present, and plaque index. The current study uses a questionnaire to examine how psychosocial stress affects periodontium. A written consent form will be obtained after each patient has received an extensive description of the study's objectives. The instrument for diagnosis and natural illumination will be used during the patient's examination. PPD and clinical attachment loss will be compared with a questionnaire. Patients who are under stress should receive additional periodontal care to prevent periodontal disease from emerging or, if the issue already exists, from progressing to a more critical stage. Stress here deserves special attention because it is a natural part of people's life experiences with various intensities.Prejudice suggests that psychological stress and anxiety have a role in the advancement of periodontitis, which is consistent with the findings.

Moral distress as a persistent risk factor for impaired mental health among healthcare workforce

BackgroundMoral distress among healthcare workers (HCWs) has dramatically increased during Covid-19 emergency however most evidence relies on cross-sectional data collected during Covid-19 early stages. AimsThis longitudinal cohort study aims to provide a better insight into the occurrence and associations of moral distress, focusing on both its short and long-term impact on HCWs’ mental health. MethodsA total of 990 healthcare workers completed a mental health evaluation between July 2020-July 2021 (Time 1) reporting frequencies of moral distress and psychological distress (GHQ-12), post-traumatic (IES-R) and anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms; after one year (July 2021-July 2022; Time 2), 310 participants repeated the psychological evaluation. We investigated differences considering socio-demographic and occupational characteristics. Two logistic regression models examined the potential role of moral distress as a risk factor for scorings above scales’ cut-offs at Time 1 and at Time 2. ResultsFrequent episodes of moral distress were mostly reported by nurses (24 %), physicians (22 %), younger workers (<40y; 23 %) and workers engaged in Covid-19 area; HCWs from Emergency/Intensive Care Departments reported the highest occurrence of moral distress (29 %). Results showed increases in all psychological symptoms as episodes of moral distress became more frequent. Moral distress experienced at Time 1 resulted as a persistent risk for mental health impairment in the following year, with stable ORs for post-traumatic symptoms (Time1 OR=7.8, 95 %CI=(5.3,11.6) and Time2 OR=6.6, 95 %CI=(2.9,15.7). ConclusionsOur findings support long-term consequences of moral distress; preventive strategies may be addressed with priority to younger HCWs and nurses/physicians from Emergency and Intensive Care Departments.

발달장애 학생의 공격행동에 대한 특수교사의 대처 경험과 지원 요구에 대한 인식

This study aimed to identify the coping experiences and psychological experiences of special education teachers regarding the aggressive behavior of students with developmental disabilities, as well as the support needs required to mediate such behaviors. A survey was conducted with 310 special education teachers from special schools. The survey results were as follows. First, there was a statistically significant difference between the support needs and the special education teachers’ responses to each type of aggressive behavior they experienced. Applying the Locus for Focus model to identify aggressive behaviors that require top priority support, nine types of self-harm and physical aggression were selected as requiring the highest priority support. The burden of managing aggressive behavior was found to be the greatest, followed by psychological exhaustion, anxiety, and tension. Lastly, an analysis of the support needs for mediating aggressive behavior in students with developmental disabilities revealed that teachers emphasized the necessity of establishing a cooperative support system. Based on these findings, there were demands for administrative support, psychological counseling, and emotional support; furthermore, the importance of individualized interventions for challenging behaviors of students with developmental disabilities and the necessity of applying an ecological-based wraparound model were also shown to be a necessity. Related follow-up research was also suggested.

Changes in performance and psychological variables in official games of young elite soccer players playing away and home matches

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the home-game and away-game conditions on the psychological (cognition, mood, and anxiety state) and technical and physical performance of a team of young elite soccer athletes. Nine athletes who performed home and away games were used as the sample for this pilot study. When compared to a home game, in the away game situation, there is a higher pre-match strain and anxiety (all P &lt; .01) and a decrease in saves, passes completed, maximum heart rate (HRmax), and acceleration per min-1 (all P &lt; .05). The cognition was similar in both games (P = .22). Also, we identify a positive correlation of delta cognition (cognition pre- minus post-game) with HRmax, accelerations per min-1, completed passes, and pre-match anxiety and strain. In conclusion, young elite athletes have lower physical/technical performance and significant psychological disturbance when playing away, and short-term memory is related to physical and technical performance. Keywords: psychometrics; adolescent; high performance sport.

항공사 객실승무원의 직장 내 괴롭힘, 소진, 외상 후 울분장애(PTED) 간의 영향 관계

Cabin crews work in high-stress and high-pressure environments, yet the issue of workplace harassment they face has not been adequately addressed. Workplace harassment causes psychological distress and anxiety, which not only undermine cabin crews' job satisfaction and productivity but also compromise the safety and well-being of both cabin crews and passengers. However, the majority of existing studies on workplace harassment have primarily adopted an organizational perspective, thereby neglecting the individual experiences of cabin crews. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the structural relationships between workplace harassment and its effects on burnout and post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) among cabin crews in both full-service and low-cost carriers in Korea. Survey data were collected from 399 respondents. The results indicate that workplace harassment significantly exacerbates the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization dimensions of burnout, although it does not significantly reduce personal accomplishment. Moreover, both workplace harassment and burnout substantially contribute to PTED, with an average PTED score among participants being 1.746, which indicates a significant level of long-term embitterment. These findings provide foundational data needed in developing intervention programs to enhance the mental health and quality of life of cabin crews and in creating healthier work environments at the corporate level, considering organizational dynamics and service performance.

Using network analysis to model associations between psychological symptoms, sexual function, and sexual distress in women

BackgroundPsychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and somatization, are among the most important predictors for women's sexual function (i.e., arousal, desire, lubrication, pain, and satisfaction) and sexual distress. These associations have largely been studied at the construct level, with little research examining which specific symptoms might be most important for maintaining links between psychological difficulties and domains of sexual function. The present research sought to establish and characterize networks of women's psychological symptoms, sexual function, and sexual distress, and identify potential bridge symptoms that connect them. MethodsIn a cross–sectional study, 725 women reported on their sexual function, sexual distress, and depressive, anxiety, and somatization symptoms. A series of network analyses was used to identify central symptoms and connections between psychological symptoms, sexual function domains, and sexual distress. ResultsAcross the modeled networks, sexual distress and pain during sex were consistent bridges between other sexual function domains and psychological symptoms. DiscussionOverall, our models revealed sexual distress as an important potential mediator between sexual function problems and psychological symptoms that might contribute to the development and maintenance of comorbid sexual function and psychological problems.

Mental health and quality of life of individuals with epilepsy during the war in Ukraine.

To investigate the repercussions of the war in Ukraine on people with epilepsy (PWE), focusing on access to health care, seizure control, quality of life (QoL), psychological distress, anxiety, and depression; and to identify the key factors influencing these measures. Consecutive PWE, ≥18 years of age, presenting to one of seven health centers across Ukraine were invited to complete a self-administered survey in 2023. The survey gathered information on clinical and demographic aspects, geographic displacement, and access to care and medications. It also contained five valid questionnaires exploring psychological distress (Kessler-10), QoL with the EuroQOL-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L), depression with the Neurological Disorders in Epilepsy scale(NDDIE), anxiety with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scalae-Anxiety (HADS-A), and epilepsy severity with the Global Assessment of the Severity of Epilepsy scale (GASE). Multivariate linear regression models assessed the relationship between measures of mental health and QoL and their potential predictors. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute of Neurology, Psychiatry and Narcology of NAMS of Ukraine, Ukraine. Among 305 participants (mean age 38 years), 40% were female and 44% had to change residence because of the war. Seizures worsened during the war in 52% of those with active epilepsy and 42% of those with well-controlled epilepsy. Difficulties accessing health care and anti-seizure medications occurred in 25% and 34% of PWE, respectively, and was worse among those who were displaced. According to the mental health instruments, 46% suffered psychological distress, 62% experienced anxiety, 50% were depressed, and 59% rated their epilepsy as somewhat severe or worse. Statistically significant predictors of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression included female gender, more severe epilepsy, increased seizures during the war, and requiring mental health support. The war significantly disrupted access to health care and availability of medication in PWE, who suffer from significant anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. We identify high-risk factors that can guide resource allocation for prevention and treatment.

Endosomal actin branching, fission and receptor recycling require FCHSD2 recruitment by MICAL-L1.

Endosome fission is required for the release of carrier vesicles and the recycling of receptors to the plasma membrane. Early events in endosome budding and fission rely on actin branching to constrict the endosomal membrane, ultimately leading to nucleotide hydrolysis and enzymatic fission. However, our current understanding of this process is limited, particularly regarding the coordination between the early and late steps of endosomal fission. Here we have identified a novel interaction between the endosomal scaffolding protein, MICAL-L1, and the human homolog of the Drosophila Nervous Wreck (Nwk) protein, FCH and double SH3 domains protein 2 (FCHSD2). We demonstrate that MICAL-L1 recruits FCHSD2 to the endosomal membrane, where it is required for ARP2/3-mediated generation of branched actin, endosome fission and receptor recycling to the plasma membrane. Since MICAL-L1 first recruits FCHSD2 to the endosomal membrane, and is subsequently responsible for recruitment of the ATPase and fission protein EHD1 to endosomes, our findings support a model in which MICAL-L1 orchestrates endosomal fission by connecting between the early actin-driven and subsequent nucleotide hydrolysis steps of the process.