Psychological Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Gelsemium low doses protect against serum deprivation-induced stress on mitochondria in neuronal cells

Gelsemium dynamized dilutions (GDD) are known as a remedy for a wide range of behavioral and psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety at ultra-low doses, yet the underlying mechanisms of the mode of action of G. sempervirens itself are not well understood. The present study was designed to examine the neuroprotective effects of Gelsemium preparations in counteracting stress-related mitochondrial dysfunctions in neuronal cells. We started by studying how serum deprivation affects the mitochondrial functions of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Next, we looked into the potential of various Gelsemium dilutions to improve cell survival and ATP levels. After identifying the most effective dilutions, 3C and 5C, we tested their ability to protect SH-SY5Y cells from stress-induced mitochondrial deficits. We measured total and mitochondrial superoxide anion radicals using fluorescent dyes dihydroethidium (DHE) and the red mitochondrial superoxide indicator (MitoSOX). Additionally, we assessed total nitric oxide levels with 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA), examined the redox state using pRA305cells stably transfected with a plasmid encoding a redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein, and analyzed mitochondrial network morphology using an automated high-content analysis device, Cytation3. Furthermore, we investigated bioenergetics by measuring ATP production with a bioluminescence assay (ViaLighTM HT) and evaluated mitochondrial respiration (OCR) and glycolysis (ECAR) using the Seahorse Bioscience XF24 Analyzer. Finally, we determined cell survival using an MTT reduction assay. Our research indicates that Gelsemium dilutions (3C and 5C) exhibited neuroprotective effects by: - Normalizing total and mitochondrial superoxide anion radicals and total nitric oxide levels. - Regulating the mitochondrial redox environment and mitochondrial networks morphology. - Increasing ATP generation as well as OCR and ECAR levels, thereby reducing the viability loss induced by serum withdrawal stress. These findings highlight that dynamized Gelsemium preparations may have neuroprotective effects against stress-induced cellular changes in the brain by regulating mitochondrial functions, essential for the survival, plasticity, and function of neurons in depression.

Social Media Use

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between social media use and digital stress (availability stress, approval anxiety, fear of missing out, connection overload and online vigilance), and whether social media use and digital stress predict anxiety and depression symptoms. In addition, we aimed to examine the moderating role of digital stress in the relationship between social media use and anxiety and depression symptoms. The study was conducted with 267 university students (M = 21.06, SD = 2.01; 81.3% female). To achieve the objectives of the study, a new measure of social media use was developed, and the Multidimensional Digital Stress Scale was applied. The results showed that the association between social media use and anxiety and depression symptoms is weak. Higher digital stress is associated with more anxiety and depression symptoms. Availability stress, approval anxiety, and connection overload were significant positive predictors of anxiety, and connection overload was significant positive predictor of depression. Availability stress and connection overload were significant moderators of association between Instagram use and anxiety symptoms while availability stress was significant moderator of association between Instagram use and depression symptoms. Results showed that among individuals with higher availability stress, less time on Instagram was associated with more severe psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety. Similarly, among individuals with lower connection overload, more time on Instagram was associated with lower levels of anxiety symptoms.

Vulvodynia prevalence and associated psychosexual problems in middle-aged diabetics at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

Background & Objective: Vulvodynia is a significant clinical disorder in women but it remains a neglected health problem in many societies. The present study was aimed to identify the frequency of vulvodynia in the diabetic and non-diabetic population and its association with common psychosexual problems in the population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: This study is cross sectional descriptive investigation and conducted in tertiary care hospital (Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar) in 2018-2019. A total of 75 cases categorized into diabetic and non-diabetic groups were collected under the supervision of qualified gynecologists. Groups were compared on the basis of demographics, symptom frequency, psychological and clinical data, using a pre-designed proforma. Results: The incidence of vulvodynia in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (n = 50) and in the non-diabetic population (n = 25) was 66.6% and 33.3%, respectively. The vulvodynia severity score based on Friedrich`s criteria in diabetes was 80% and in non-diabetes it was 40%. The cotton bud swab test severity index was 80% in diabetes and 40% in non-diabetes. The erythema rating scale score in diabetes was 81% and in non-diabetes it was 39%. Finally, psychological and psychosexual problem frequency in diabetes was 100% and in non-diabetes was 88%. Conclusions: Women with diabetes had a fourfold risk of vulvodynia up to middle age as compared to non-diabetics in Peshawar, Pakistan. Diabetics with vulvodynia possessed a nine-fold risk of experiencing psychological symptoms of depression (OR = 9.33; 95% Cl 1.0-88.6) and an even higher risk of somatic depression symptoms.

Interoception, somatic symptoms, and somatization tendency in Chinese individuals with subsyndromal depression: A follow-up study.

Interoception refers to the sensation and perception of internal bodily sensations, and may be related to depressive symptoms. Schemata concerning the body vary across different cultures and may influence interoception and symptom presentations of depression. This study explored the relationship between interoception, depressive symptoms, and schema of somatic focus in Chinese people with subsyndromal depression. Thirty-nine individuals with subsyndromal depression (SD) and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Participants completed the self-report questionnaires for assessing interoceptive sensibility, somatic and psychological symptoms of depression, and somatization tendency. They also completed the heartbeat perception behavioral task for estimating interoceptive accuracy. The results showed that both the SD and the HC groups showed similar interoceptive accuracy, although the SD group showed heightened interoceptive sensibility. The discrepancy between interoceptive sensibility and interoceptive accuracy is termed the interoceptive trait prediction error (ITPE). The ITPE was positive in SD participants but was negative in HCs. In the entire sample, interoceptive sensibility and the ITPE were correlated with somatic symptoms rather than with psychological symptoms of depression. Interoceptive sensibility partially mediated the relationship between somatization tendency and somatic symptoms, after controlling for psychological symptoms of depression. These results remained stable after 3 months. The shortcomings of the present study were a lack of clinical interview to ascertain diagnosis and a short follow-up duration. In conclusion, our study suggests that altered interoception occurs in subsyndromal depression. Interoception is related to somatic symptoms of depression. The schema of body was related to depressive symptoms, partially through interoception, in Chinese people with subsyndromal depression.

Emotion Dysregulation Linked to Depression Symptoms in a Sub-Saharan Sample of Adolescent University Students

Emotions are fundamental to human development and survival across the lifespan. Adolescence is a volatile and critical developmental period characterized by frequent high-intensity positive and negative emotions. Emotion dysregulation and depression symptoms are common occurrences in adolescence. This study explored the association between emotion regulation difficulties and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The study was anchored on the extended process model of emotion regulation. The study employed a descriptive-analytical design and sampled 352 adolescents, ages 18-19, from the United States International University-Africa, Kenya. SPSS® v28 was used to analyze data and apply descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found no gender or ethnic differences in emotion regulation. However, there was a significant association between emotion regulation difficulties and depression, χ2 (3) = 12.133, p = 0.007, V = 0.186, and a positive and significant linear relationship between the variables, r (352) = 0.229, p < 0.001, r2 = 0.052. Notably, the higher the emotion regulation difficulties, the higher the depression levels. The study concluded that emotionally dysregulated adolescent university students are particularly vulnerable to developing psychological symptoms of depression.

The Relationship between Physical Activity and Mental Depression in Older Adults during the Prevention and Control of COVID-19: A Mixed Model with Mediating and Moderating Effects

Several studies have found a strong relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults. Despite this, the social isolation, limited physical activity, and decreased social interactions caused by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic control measures of "home isolation and reduction unnecessary travel" had a significant mental impact on older adults. the goal of this study was to look into the complex effects of physical activity participation on mental health in older adults during COVID-19 prevention and control and the relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults through the mediating effect of self-efficacy and the moderating effect of social support. The Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Center for Streaming Depression Scale (CES-D), the Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to assess 974 older adults in five urban areas of Chengdu, China. The SPSS was used to analyze the collected data using mathematical statistics, linear regression analysis, and the AMOS to construct the research model. The study's findings revealed that self-efficacy mediated the relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults (β = -0.101, 95%CI (-0.149, -0.058)), and social support moderated the relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults (t = -9.144, p < 0.01). Physical activity reduces psychological depressive symptoms in older adults and modulates psychological depression in older adults via the mediation efficacy of self-efficacy and the moderating effect of social support.

Tinnitus and Its Relation to Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Tinnitus is a common symptom reported in otolaryngologic practice. Although the pathophysiology of tinnitus has not been fully understood, clinical studies suggest that psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization are increased in tinnitus patients. However, patients seeking medical treatment for tinnitus may be especially vulnerable. Population-based studies reporting on the association between tinnitus and psychological distress are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of tinnitus with depression, anxiety, or somatization in a large population-based cohort. The Gutenberg Health Study is a population-based cohort study. Participants were asked about the occurrence of tinnitus (yes/no) and how much they were bothered by it. In addition, they completed the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and SSS-8 questionnaires to assess depressive symptoms, anxiety, and somatic symptom disorders. A total of 8539 participants were included in the study cohort. Tinnitus prevalence was 28.0% (2387). The prevalence of depression/anxiety/somatic symptom disorders was significantly higher among participants with tinnitus than among participants without tinnitus (7.9%/5.4%/40.4% participants with tinnitus vs. 4.6%/3.3%/26.9% participants without tinnitus, p-value < 0.0001). Logistic regression results showed that participants with tinnitus were more likely to suffer from depression (OR = 2.033, 95% CI [1.584; 2.601], p-value < 0.0001), anxiety (OR = 1.841, 95% CI [1.228; 2.728], p-value = 0.0027), or somatic symptom disorders (OR = 2.057, 95% CI [1.799; 2.352], p-value < 0.0001). Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom disorders were increased in participants with tinnitus. This must be taken into account when treating these patients.

Design and evaluation of a mobile-based intervention for Maya adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a direct impact on mental health. International organisations have emphasised the vulnerability of indigenous people. Digital Mental Health approaches deliver online therapy as an evidence-based, effective, and accessible treatment option for common mental health problems. However, the evidence regarding these approaches is limited in indigenous populations. The objective of this study is to describe the design, development, and evaluation of the efficacy of a self-applied online intervention regarding the psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fear of COVID-19 in a sample of the Maya population. Method: A prospective longitudinal quantitative study was designed, where a single group was measured before and after receiving the online intervention. This study took place from April to September 2021 and consisted of six sessions delivered via WhatsApp in Spanish and Mayan. Results: The initial assessment was implemented with 82 participants who were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire, Scale for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale; 18 participants remained in the intervention for the post-assessment. Statistical differences were observed in PRE and POST measures of depression and anxiety, but not in fear of COVID-19. Conclusions: This study produced positive results for the first online mental health intervention implemented in the Latin American indigenous population. Future studies might consider developing similar interventions for other indigenous communities in Latin America.

Structural and functional markers of language signify the symptomatic effect of depression: A systematic literature review

Abstract Human behaviour is encoded and decoded through language. The latter acts as a marker in conceptualising the symptomatic effect of depression and stress. Based on this premise, this study reviewed the results and findings of both qualitative and quantitative research literature on the discourse of depressive patients and which was published between 2010 to 2020. A total of 80 research articles were examined and evaluated for interpretation using the Framework of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Out of these, 25 articles were finalised for analysis and synthesis. The findings on linguistic indicators correlating to depression were interpreted based on (i) prevalent linguistic markers, (ii) the research design, (iii) the significance of the context, and (iv) the limitations of findings across studies that foil establishing the generalizability of linguistic markers. Although function and content words (first-person singular pronouns, negative emotional words) as markers are strongly associated with cognitive symptoms (self-focused attention) of depression, results across studies vary. It is observed that depressive individuals also used the third-person singular (he, she) and plural pronouns (they) while accusing others of referring to negative affect. These findings contribute to the literature on mental health by establishing a correlation between linguistic features and psychological symptoms of depression.

Effect of implementing a birth plan on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe birth plan is an approach for pregnant women to offering their expectations of labor and birth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of birth plan on maternal and neonatal outcomes.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled clinical trial performed on 106 pregnant women, 32–36 weeks of pregnancy, referring to Taleghani educational hospital in Tabriz city-Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to the two groups of birth plan and control using a randomized block method. Participants in the birth plan group received the interventions based on the mother's requested birth plan. The birth plan included items of the mother's preferences in labor, mobility, eating and drinking, monitoring, pain relief, drug options, labor augmentation, pushing, amniotomy, episiotomy, infant care, and caesarean section. The control group received routine hospital care. The primary outcomes were childbirth experience and duration of the active phase of labor and the secondary outcomes were support and control in labor, fear of labor, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postpartum depression, duration of the second and third phases of labor, frequency of vaginal delivery, frequency of admission of newborn in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), the mean first and fifth minute Apgar scores. The socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics questionnaire, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ-versions A), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were completed at the beginning of the study (at the gestational age of 32–36 weeks). The questionnaire of delivery information, neonatal information, and Delivery Fear Scale (DFS) was completed during and after the delivery. Also, a partogram was completed for all participants by the researcher. The participants in both groups followed up until 4–6 weeks post-delivery, whereby the instruments of Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2.0 (CEQ2.0), Support and Control In Birth (SCIB) scale, EPDS, and PTSD Symptom Scale 1 (PSS-I) were completed by the researcher through an interview. The independent t-test, the chi-square test, and ANCOVA was used to analyze.ResultsThe mean (SD) of CEQ score was singificnalty higher in in the birth plan group (3.2 ± 0.2) compared to the control (2.1 ± 0.2) (MD = 1.0; 95% CI: 1.1 to 0.9; P˂0.001). Also, the mean (SD) SCIB score in the birth plan group was significantly higher than that of those in the control group (P˂0.001). The mean scores of DFS (P = 0.015), EPDS (P˂0.001), and PTSD (P˂0.001) as well as the frequency of emergency caesarean section (P = 0.007) in the birth plan group were significantly lower than those in the control group.ConclusionThis was the first study to assess the implementation of a birth plan in Iran. Based on the findings, a birth plan improves childbirth experiences; increases perceived support and control in labor; reduces fear of delivery; suppresses psychological symptoms of depression and PTSD, and increases the frequency of vaginal delivery.Trial registration.Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N58. Date of registration: 07/07/2020; URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/47007; Date of first registration: 19/07/2020.

The effect of COVID-19 home quarantine on the psychological state of pharmacy students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPsychological morbidity has been documented in medical and pharmaceutical undergraduate students in different countries around the world. In this study, we examined the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) home quarantine on the depressive psychological aspects of last-grade pharmacy students.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted by the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Egypt. Two hundred and sixty-eight last-grade pharmacy students were included in this study, and they completed a self-administered, pre-designed, anonymous questionnaire. The main outcome measures were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HRS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which were measured to screen for the symptoms of psychological depression and determine the degree of depression severity between the beginning and the end of the COVID-19 home quarantine period. Data entry and analysis were done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 26. Descriptive statistics were employed for analyses of the data, and categorical variables were described by frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to examine relations between demographic data and psychological scales. The study protocol was approved by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University Ethical Committee.ResultsA total of 268 students participated in this study (102 males and 166 females). The mean ± SD score of baseline HRS and HRS at the end of the study was 6.3 ± 4.45, 7.95 ± 5.36, respectively, with the presence of a statistically significant difference between the two scores (p < 0.001). The mean ± SD score of baseline PHQ-9 and PHQ-9 at the end of the study was 4.35 ± 3.45, 5.37 ± 4.14, respectively, with the presence of a statistically significant difference between the two scores (p < 0.001). The results showed that the COVID-19 home quarantine period led to a depressive psychological effect on the students in this study.ConclusionsStudents’ psychological depression causes morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Psychological depressive problems were significantly associated with the COVID-19 home quarantine period, which calls for early intervention to solve it. Student counselling services must be more accessible and affordable to overcome this problem.

Fear of Death during COVID-19 Does Not Explain Post-Infection Depression Symptoms beyond Reported Symptoms during the Infection in COVID-19 Survivors.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented global burden to the general population and, in particular, to individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. In the context of the discussion about "post COVID-19", the aim of the study was to advance research on mental health and long-term consequences after COVID-19. In total, 214 COVID-19 survivors (female: 54.2%; hospitalized: 36.7%) participated in the repeated cross-sectional assessment. In addition to demographic data, mental and somatic symptoms, fear of death at the time of infection, and depressive (PHQ-8) and generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD-7) were assessed. Results showed an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms and symptoms of generalized anxiety compared to observations in the general population prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological symptoms of depression and reported levels of fear of death during the SARS-CoV-2 infection showed a negative association with the time interval since COVID-19 diagnosis. Furthermore, although fear of death during the acute COVID-19 was related to depression and generalized anxiety, this association was predominantly explained by the presence of mental and somatic symptoms. In conclusion, initial fear of death does not impact mental health beyond the overall symptom burden. Furthermore, depressive symptoms appear to vanish across time since infection.

Assessment and coping strategies&amp;nbsp;for stress and depression among the terminally ill patients: Focus on cancer

The concept of psychological depressive symptoms affecting the terminally ill patient still stood as an unsolved mystery in many clinical practices. The psychological traumatic and depressive stressors are the factors responsible for destroying the quality of life and affected the terminally ill individual in the most degrading ways. Alongside the physical pain symptoms, the terminal ill experience is always accompanied by several unwanted mental disharmonies and emotional sufferings like toxins, mood disorder, trauma, and low self-esteem. The higher level of stress and depression determines the growth of tumors and cancer metastasis rate in any terminal diagnosis. This makes the assessment of the psychological non-pain symptoms essential alongside the physical pain symptoms. Failing to acknowledge the patient's traumatic experience and depressive stressors will make the treatment unproductive and increase suicidal activities.

A comparative study of the psychological impacts of tasks related and unrelated to COVID-19 on nurses: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThis study assessed the psychological impact of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) on university hospital nurses. It provides an assessment of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, distress, and burnout of nurses dealing directly and indirectly with COVID–19.MethodsIn a web-based, cross-sectional study, 111 nurses from Daegu Catholic University Hospital in Korea were enrolled from August 4 to August 9, 2020. Patient Health Questionnaire–9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7, Impact of Event Scale–Revised, and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used to assess the psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and burnout among the study participants.ResultsOf 111 nurses, 35 (31.5%), nine (8.1%), 26 (23.4%), and 49 (44.1%) experienced depression, anxiety, distress, and burnout, respectively. Nurses who performed COVID–19–related tasks were more likely to have moderate depression (related vs. unrelated, 52.0% vs. 25.6%; p=0.037). There were no differences in anxiety, distress, and burnout between nurses with and without COVID–19–related tasks. More than 50% of the participants showed receptive and positive attitudes toward caring for COVID–19 patients.ConclusionNurses who performed COVID–19–related tasks had a higher risk of depression. There were no significant differences in anxiety, distress, and burnout between the two groups. Since nurses who perform COVID–19–related tasks are more prone to psychological distress, continued psychiatric interventions are required for infectious disease outbreaks with a high mortality rate for healthcare workers who are emotionally vulnerable.

Making meaning of community violence among adolescents: Associations between exposure, pro-violence attitudes and psychological symptoms.

This study examined one type of adolescent meaning making (i.e., the development of beliefs about violence) and its association with reported mental health symptoms in a sample of youth exposed to community violence.Eighty-seven adolescents (age 11-18; 64.4% female) from a metropolitan city in the Northeast were recruited through Craigslist and recreation center postings and data collection occurred from 2009 to 2013. Participants completed self-reported measures of community violence exposure, attitudes towardviolence, and psychological symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]. Bivariate correlations, hierarchical linear regressions, and mediation analyses examined the associations between exposure, beliefs about violence, and mental health symptoms.Self-reported pro-violence attitudes were positively correlated with depression symptoms (r = 0.32, p < 0.01) and PTSD (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). Pro-violence attitudes significantly mediated the relationship between community violence exposure and depression symptoms (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.003-0.061) and PTSD symptoms (95% CI = 0.046-0.260).Preliminary findings suggest that meaning making through the development of pro-violence attitudes may not protect against symptoms of PTSD and depression among youth. Findings can inform the integration of meaning making processes into community mental health interventions for youth.

A two-generation study: The transmission of attachment and young adults’ depression, anxiety, and social media addiction

Social media use is on the rise among young adults (YA) and evidence suggests a positive association between social media addiction (SMA) and the psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety globally. However, the contribution of attachment and its transgenerational influence on YAs’ SMA and psychological symptoms have not been widely explored. Thus, we examined how parental reports of attachment (anxiety and avoidance) can directly and through YAs’ attachment predict YAs’ SMA, depression and anxiety symptoms. A sample of 375 YAs (MAge = 21.22) and their parents completed the Emotions in Close Relationships-Revised Questionnaire (Fraley et al., 2000), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (Deragotis, 1992). The SMA Scale (Sahin, 2018) was responded to by only YAs. We tested the pattern of associations in a path model. Parental attachment anxiety predicted YAs’ attachment anxiety and only paternal attachment avoidance predicted YAs’ attachment avoidance. YAs’ attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted their depression and anxiety. However, YAs’ attachment anxiety uniquely predicted their SMA. Both parents’ attachment anxiety indirectly predicted the link between YAs’ attachment anxiety and depression, but only paternal attachment avoidance indirectly predicted the association between YAs’ attachment avoidance and depression. Furthermore, paternal attachment avoidance indirectly predicted the association between YAs’ attachment avoidance and anxiety symptoms. Maternal attachment anxiety indirectly predicted SMA via YAs’ attachment anxiety. While parental anxiety and paternal avoidance may impact YAs’ symptoms, YAs’ and maternal attachment anxiety can shape SMA. The findings about the differential role of attachment in YAs’ psychological symptoms and SMA can facilitate further research and interventions.

Parental adjustment following their child's completion of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment.

Few studies haveexamined parent and family adaptation in the early period following the end of childhood cancer treatment. We examined parent adjustment at the end of their child's treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Parents of childhood cancer survivors (CCS), who were 3months post-ALL treatment, and parents of typically developing children completed measures of psychological and family functioning. Parents of CCS also completed distress and posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) questionnaires related to their child's cancer experience. One hundred twenty-nine parents were recruited: 77 parents of CCS and 52 comparison parents. Overall mean psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and family functioning were within normal limits for both groups. Parents of CCS endorsed higher scores for stress, depression, and family problems; however, mean scores for emotional distress were low for both groups, in particular the comparison group. Parents of CCS endorsed low rates of PTSS. Fifty-one percent of parents of CCS scored above the distress thermometer (DT-P) clinical cutoff (>4), with items elevated across all six DT-P domains. However, most parents did not indicate a wish to speak to a health professional about their symptoms. Specialist psychosocial intervention may be indicated for only a subset of parents at the end of treatment. As per psychosocial standards of care, effective screening at this timepoint is warranted. Further examination of appropriate timing of psychosocial information and support services that are tailored to parents' circumstances is needed. eHealth approaches may be appropriate.

فاعلية برنامج قائم على اليقظة العامة في خفض کل من الاکتئاب النفسي والقلق الاجتماعي لدى عينة من المراهقين ذوي اضطراب فرط الحرکة ونقص الانتباه.

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على مدي فاعلية اليقظة العامة (العقلية، وللذات) في خفض کل من الاکتئاب النفسي، والقلق الاجتماعي لدى عينة من المراهقين ذوي اضطراب فرط النشاط ونقص الانتباه. واشتملت الدراسة على عينة قوامها (30) مشارکا من المراهقين المصابين بفرط النشاط ونقص الانتباه ،تراوحت أعمارهم من (14: 18)عاما، وکان متوسط أعمارهم (16.65)، وبانحراف معياري (1.56)، وتم تقسيمهم إلى مجموعتين متجانستين (مجموعة تجريبية ،ومجموعة ضابطة)،وطبقت على العينة مقياس اليقظة العقلية ،ومقياس اليقظة للذات ،وقائمة بيک الثانية للاکتئاب ،ومقياس القلق الاجتماعي ،وقد تم تطبيق برنامج التدريب على اليقظة العامة (اليقظة العقلية، واليقظة للذات) على المجموعة التجريبية على مدار شهرين ،بواقع ثلاث جلسات اسبوعيا . وقد أشارت النتائج إلى تحسن دال إحصائيا في مهارات اليقظة العقلية واليقظة للذات، وانخفاضا واضحا في أعراض الاکتئاب النفسي، وخفض القلق الاجتماعي بعد تطبيق البرنامج وبعد فترة المتابعة. The current study aimed at identifying Effectiveness of A program based on General Mindfulness in reducing both Psychological Depression and Social Anxiety in a Sample of Adolescents with ADHD. The study included a sample of (30) participants from adolescents with hyperactivity and attention deficit, whose ages ranged from (14: 18) and their average age was (16.65) and with a standard deviation (+1.56), and they were divided into two homogeneous groups (an experimental group and a control group ), And applied to the sample the mental Mindfulness scale, the self- Mindfulness scale, the second Beck list for depression, and the social anxiety scale. The training program on general Mindfulness (mental Mindfulness and self-awareness) was applied to the experimental group over a period of two months, with three sessions per week. The results indicated a statistically significant improvement in mental Mindfulness and self-Mindfulness skills, a clear decrease in symptoms of psychological depression, and a reduction in social anxiety after implementing the program and after the follow-up period.

Maladaptive Daydreaming in an Adult Italian Population During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, individuals with or without mental disorders may resort to dysfunctional psychological strategies that could trigger or heighten their emotional distress. The current study aims to explore the links between maladaptive daydreaming (MD, i.e., a compulsive fantasy activity associated with distress and psychological impairment), psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and negative stress, and COVID-19-related variables, such as changes in face-to-face and online relationships, during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. A total of 6,277 Italian adults completed an online survey, including socio-demographic variables, COVID-19 related information, the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 Items (DASS-21). Based on an empirically derived cut-off score, 1,082 participants (17.2%) were identified as probable maladaptive daydreamers (MDers). A binary logistic regression revealed that compared to controls, probable MDers reported that during the COVID-19 lockdown they experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, decreased online social relationships, and, surprisingly, stable or increased face-to-face social relationships. Given the peculiar characteristics of the pandemic context, these findings suggest that the exposure to the risk of contagion had probably exacerbated the tendency of probable MDers to lock themselves inside their mental fantasy worlds, which in turn may have contributed to further estrangement from online social relationships and support, thus worsening their emotional distress.

The Interaction Between Peer Social Support and Stressors Predicts Somatic and Psychological Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents

The major goal of this study was to investigate the diathesis-stress model in predicting depressive symptoms in Chinese high school students. A total of 613 students from a community-based sample of two high schools completed self-report measures of social support, depressive symptoms, and daily stressors. Over a period of 12 months, the students reported on social support from parents and peers, somatic and psychological depressive symptoms, and the occurrence of daily stressors on five occasions, 3 months apart. The results revealed neither a main effect of parental or peer support nor a significant daily stressor × parent support interaction effect. Nevertheless, a statistically significant daily stressors × peer support effect was revealed in the prediction of both somatic symptoms and psychological symptoms. These findings suggested that low levels of peer support (but not parent support) among Chinese high school students act as a diathesis with respect to the development of both somatic symptoms and psychological symptoms of depression in the face of high frequencies of daily stressors.