Symptoms Of Sadness Research Articles

The mediation effect of the inferior-parietal cortex and globus pallidus on the relationship between family conflict and major depressive disorder

ObjectiveFamily conflict is an important risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD) and is associated with structural alterations in the brain. However, it is unclear whether structural alterations associated with family conflict would contribute to depression. This study aims to investigate the neuroimaging characteristics that connect family conflict with depression. MethodsThis study included 54 healthy controls and 53 antidepressant-free patients with MDD. Both groups completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the simplified Chinese version of the Family Environment Scale, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging data was collected to measure cortical thickness and regional gray matter volumes. ResultsFamily conflict has a significant effect on depression diagnosis. Higher levels of family conflict were positively associated with symptoms of sadness, guilty feelings, and punishment feelings in patients, as well as with cortical thickness in the right inferior-parietal cluster and the volumes of the left globus pallidus in all participants. In the patient group, cortical thickness in the right inferior-parietal cluster and volume of the left globus pallidus were negatively related to symptoms of sadness and guilty feelings, respectively. The structural alteration in the right inferior-parietal cluster mediated the relationship of family conflict and sadness, whereas changes in the globus pallidus mediated the associations between family conflict and both depression and guilty feelings in patients. ConclusionFindings revealed the relationships between family conflict and depression, including both depression diagnosis and specific symptoms. Cortical thickness in the right inferior-parietal cortex and the volume of the left globus pallidus played mediating roles in these relationships, indicating the important contributions of these brain regions to the effect of family conflict on depression.

Construct and Criterion Validation of Social Phobia Inventory Indonesian Version

Social anxiety disorder or SAD is a condition of abnormal anxiety experienced by individuals when they are facing a social situation. People with SAD usually tend to avoid social situations because they are afraid or anxious of getting a negative evaluation from other people. The negative impact for people with SAD is important for the need for measuring instruments that can detect the symptoms. The lack of SAD measurement tools in Indonesia is the reason why this validation study (SPIN) is important. The Social Phobia Inventory or SPIN is a self-report measurement tool for SAD symptoms and has good both in reliability and validity in several countries. This study aims to prove the validity and reliability of SPIN in Indonesia with 118 participants. The participants include people with SAD and healthy people. The result of this study that they are a convergent validity between SPIN and Social Cognition Questionnaire (SCQ), discriminant validity between SPIN and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) that evaluate eating disorder and alcohol abuse symptoms, and also SPIN have 66% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity using Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). This study can be used by professionals to assist in determining an objective diagnosis in individuals with symptoms of SAD using SPIN since SPIN is one of the gold standard to measure social anxiety symptoms.

The effect of music played to new birth mothers on postpartum blues: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostpartum blues/postpartum maternal blues is a psychological disorder experienced by mothers with symptoms of postpartum sadness, easy crying, easy anxiety, sensitivity, indecisiveness. The study aimed to examine the effect of music played on newly delivered mothers on postpartum blues. MethodsA prospective, two-arm, randomized controlled study was conducted on n = 82 (41 = control, 41 = music group) mothers who gave birth at term in Trakya University Health Research and Application Center Maternity Service between May and December 2023. The research data were collected through the Personal Information Form, Stein Blues Scale (SBS), and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). The scales used in the study were evaluated four times: postoperative 0–3 h, 12th, 24th, and 36th hours. ResultsThe postoperative 0–3 h SBS test median of the new mothers in the music group was 19.00, and the 36th hours test median was 2.00, while the postoperative 0–3 h SBS test median of the control group was 21.00, and the 36th hour test median was 13.00. The postoperative 0–3 h EPDS test median of the new mothers in the music group was 22.00, and the 36th hours test median was 0.00, while the postoperative 0–3 h EPDS test median of the control group was 26.00, and the 36th hours test median was 10.00. A significant difference was found in the 12th, 24th, and 36th hours (p < .001). A statistically significant high positive correlation was found between EPDS and SBS in the 12th, 24th, and 36th hours (p < .001). ConclusionsIn the study, it was found that music played to newly delivered mothers reduced postpartum blues and depression levels. RegistrationThe submission date for a clinical trial protocol is prior to completing participant recruitment and for a systematic review, prior to completing full paper screening. NCT06252155

Group schema therapy versus group cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder and comorbid avoidant personality disorder: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients with social anxiety (SAD) and comorbid avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) are severely impaired. Group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) is considered an effective treatment for SAD. More knowledge on treatment of SAD with comorbid AVPD is needed. Schema therapy, developed for personality and chronic mental disorders, may be a promising treatment. MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial in an outpatient population (n = 154) with both SAD and AVPD. Group Schema Therapy (GST) and GCBT were compared on SAD symptoms (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale) and manifestations of AVPD (Avoidant Personality Disorder Severity Index). ResultsIntention-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences between treatments at 3 months post-treatment and one-year follow-up. Both modalities led to significant and substantial improvements. No significant between-differences were found in depressive symptoms (Inventory of Depressive Symptoms) and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF). Per-protocol analysis showed similar outcomes and no significant differences in recovery from SAD and AVPD. Significantly more patients completed GST. ConclusionGST and GCBT are valuable treatments for SAD with comorbid AVPD. The higher treatment retention in ST indicates ST is more acceptable than GCBT. Future studies should focus on enhancing treatment effects and improving retention to GCBT.

Examination of Behavioural Patterns of Psychological Distress and Evaluation of Related Factors: A latent class regression.

This study aimed to identify the behavioural pattern of psychological distress (PD) in the population of 18 to 65 years old people in Mashhad, Iran, using latent class regression and evaluate the related factors. PD is a unique emotional state with suffering in response to a stressor or specific need that leads to temporary or permanent impacts. Due to its negative effects on several features of life like the quality of life, health, performance and productivity of individuals, PD and its consequences are considered a public health priority. A cross-sectional study was performed on 425,286 individuals aged 18 to 65, who were referred to health centres in Mashhad, northeastern Iran in the first half of 2018. The information required for this study, including a checklist of demographic information and the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-6), was obtained from the Sina System. Latent class regression identified three latent patterns of PD in answering the questions of the K-6 questionnaire, including severe PD (14%), low PD distress (40%) and no PD (46%). Statistical variables of this study due to the results are considered as the following: women, illiterate people, unemployed and divorced people, individuals aged between 50 and 59 years and people with low weight were more likely to be in the severe PD class than in the no PD class. Although a small percentage of people were classified as severely disturbed, the findings showed a high rate of symptoms of distress and sadness even in the no PD class.

A Comparison of Quality of life in Patients of Mandibular Condyles Fractures Treated with Open Versus Close Reduction

Aim: The notion of quality of life pertains to the subjective assessment made by people on their overall well-being, taking into account their cultural and value orientations, as well as their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. The notion of quality of life (QoL) within the medical field is often denoted as Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) or subjective health status. The primary objective of research on quality of life (QoL) is to evaluate the influence of sickness, disease, and their corresponding therapies on the holistic welfare of individuals. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to compare quality of life in patients of mandibular condylar fractures treated with open versus close reduction. Method: A total of 84 individuals diagnosed with subcondylar fractures of the mandible were subjected to evaluation. All fractures seen in the study exhibited displacement, either in the form of angulation ranging from 10° to 35° or a shortening of the ascending ramus by more than 2 mm. A comprehensive assessment, including both clinical and radiographic examination, was conducted at the 6-month mark after the occurrence of the trauma. The clinical characteristics assessed in this study included oral pain, difficulty in chewing, discomfort, cosmetic deformity, impact on daily routine, and symptoms of sadness. Results: The findings of the study indicate a statistically significant difference between the two groups, with a p-value of less than 0.05. The findings suggest that open reduction had superior outcomes compared to closed reduction in terms of alleviating oral pain, enhancing chewing ability, reducing discomfort, addressing cosmetic deformities, minimising disruptions to daily activities, and mitigating depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The study has determined that open therapy yields a better improvement in quality of life compared to closed treatments, and these differences are statistically significant. Keyword: Mandibular condylar fracture, open reduction, closed reduction, Quality of life

Effect of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative rehabilitation in elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty

ObjectiveThe majority of individuals with femoral neck fractures opt for total hip replacement to enhance their quality of life. However, this group frequently exhibits perioperative symptoms of pain, anxiety, and sadness, which extends recovery time to some extent. Esketamine, the right-handed monomer of ketamine, is more popular these days due to its sedative, analgesic, and antidepressant properties. There are currently few domestic and international research on the use of esketamine in elderly individuals who have undergone surgery for a femoral neck fracture. In order to further cut the length of the hospital stay and hasten postoperative recovery, this study investigates whether esketamine postoperative analgesia can lessen postoperative pain, anxiety, and depression in older patients having hip replacement.Methods150 patients, ASA physical status I–II, aged ≥ 60 years, no limitation in gender, BMI 18–25 kg/cm2, who underwent selective total hip arthroplasty, according to random number table method, esketamine group (group A) and sufentanil group (group B) were randomized, 75 patients in each group. The two groups received general anesthesia method. At the end of the operation, PCIA was connected for analgesia. In group A, esketamine 2.5 mg/kg was mixed with normal saline to 100 ml. In group B, sufentanil 2.5 ug/kg was mixed with normal saline to 100 ml. Record the VAS scores after operation. Record the first ambulation time, ambulation distance and Patient-controlled Analgesia compression times after operation. The incidence of postoperative adverse reactions such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, multilingual were recorded. ELISA was used to detect IL-6 and CRP in the morning, 24 h and 72 h after operation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) score and Harris score at 3 days, 1 week and 1 month after operation were followed up.ResultsThere was no significant difference in VAS score and PCA compression times (P > 0.05), but the incidence of nausea, vomiting and dizziness in group B was higher than that in group A (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, the levels of IL-6 and CRP in group A at 24 h and 72 h after operation were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Postoperative ambulation time and ambulation distance in group A were better than those in group B (P < 0.05). The HAD score of group A was lower than that of group B at 3 days and 1 week after operation (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups at 1 month after operation (P > 0.05). The Harris score of group A was higher than that of group B at 3 days, 1 week and 1 month after operation (P < 0.05).ConclusionsEsketamine can reduce short-term postoperative anxiety and depression, relieve postoperative pain and stress response, shorten bed rest time after total hip replacement, and accelerate postoperative recovery.

Psychological Distress and Anxiety among Nursing Professionals with Fear of Infection of COVID-19 Omicron Variant: A Cross Sectional E-survey Study

Background Contagious diseases are recognized as the most serious risks to population health. Even with the breakthroughs in medicine, there are still substantial causes of mortality and illness. During the early aftermath of the virus outbreak, the mental health of healthcare workers was severely impacted. Stress and anxiety appeared in the early stages of the pandemic, while symptoms of sadness, psychophysiological, and post-traumatic stress appeared later and remained for a long period, resulting in substantial repercussions. Aim To observe the psychological distress and anxiety among nursing professionals with fear of infection from COVID-19 omicron variant. Methods In this online cross-sectional survey study a self-made questionnaire was distributed to 246 nurses across the country using a snowball sampling method. Among 246 participants 210 were males and 36 were females between 18 and 38 years of age. Results The results of the study support the notion that the nursing professionals face psychological distress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 omicron variant. Conclusions The study was conducted on nursing professionals who were working in the COVID-19 ward and suffering from more psychological distress and anxiety.

Mother and father depression symptoms and child emotional difficulties: a network model.

Mother and father depression symptoms often co-occur, and together can have a substantial impact on child emotional well-being. Little is understood about symptom-level mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of depression symptoms within families. The objective was to use network analysis to examine depression symptoms in mothers and fathers after having a baby, and emotional symptoms in children in early adolescence. We examined data from 4492 mother-father-child trios taken from a prospective, population-based cohort in the UK. Symptoms were examined using two unregularised partial correlation network models. The initial model was used to examine the pattern of associations, i.e. the overall network structure, for mother and father depression symptoms, and then to identify bridge symptoms that reinforce depression symptoms between parents during offspring infancy. The second model examined associations between the parent symptom network, including bridge symptoms, with later child emotional difficulties. The study included 4492 mother-father-child trios; 2204 (49.1%) children were female. Bridge symptoms reinforcing mother and father depression symptoms were feeling guilty and self-harm ideation. For mothers, the bridge symptom of feeling guilty, and symptoms of anhedonia, panic and sadness were highly connected with child emotional difficulties. For fathers, the symptom of feeling overwhelmed associated with child emotional difficulties. Guilt and anhedonia in fathers appeared to indirectly associate with child emotional difficulties through the same symptom in mothers. Our findings suggest that specific symptom cascades are central for co-occurring depression in parents and increased vulnerability in children, providing potential therapeutic targets.

Understanding Mental Health Status of Syrian Refugee and Jordanian Women: Novel Insights from a Comparative Study

(1) Background: War and displacement are well-known predictors of negative mental health outcomes among affected populations. This is especially relevant for refugees of war, particularly women, who often repress their mental health needs due to family responsibilities, social stigma, and/or cultural pressures. In this study, we compared the mental health status of urban Syrian refugee women (n = 139) with local Jordanian women (n = 160). (2) Methods: Psychometrically validated Afghan Symptom Checklist (ASC), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) examined psychological distress, perceived stress, and mental health, respectively. (3) Results: According to independent t-tests, Syrian refugee women scored higher than Jordanian women on the ASC [mean score (SD): 60.79 (16.67) vs. 53.71 (17.80), p < 0.001], PSS [mean score (SD): 31.59 (8.45) vs. 26.94 (7.37), p < 0.001], and SRQ [mean score (SD): 11.82 (4.30) vs. 10.21 (4.72), p = 0.002]. Interestingly, both Syrian refugee and Jordanian women scored higher than the clinical cutoff in the SRQ. Regression analyses indicated that more educated women were less likely to score high on the SRQ (β = -0.143, p = 0.019), particularly in the anxiety and somatic symptoms subscale (β = -0.133, p = 0.021), and were less likely to exhibit symptoms of ruminative sadness (β = -0.138, p = 0.027). Employed women were more likely to exhibit high coping ability than unemployed women (β = 0.144, p = 0.012). (4) Conclusions: Syrian refugee women scored higher than Jordanian women in all used mental health scales. Access to mental health services and enhancing educational opportunities would help mitigate perceived stress and may enhance stress-coping abilities.

Awareness and Acceptance in Anxiety‐Provoking Social Situations and Social Anxiety: Development and Initial Validation of the Social Anxiety‐Awareness and Acceptance Scale

AbstractSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is marked by intense anxiety in social situations and negative cognitions. We developed the Social Anxiety‐Awareness and Acceptance Scale (SA‐AAS) to measure awareness and acceptance in anxiety‐provoking social situations and examined the relationship between awareness, acceptance, and SAD symptoms. Patients (N = 412) with SAD completed the SA‐AAS and a set of questionnaires that evaluated trait mindfulness, self‐focused attention, cost/probability bias, avoidance behavior, and social anxiety. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that the SA‐AAS has two factors: “awareness” and “acceptance.” Correlation analyses revealed that each factor had a significantly weak‐to‐moderate correlation with the total score for trait mindfulness and the observing, non‐reactivity, and describing factors. Partial correlation analyses demonstrated no significant correlations between awareness and cost/probability bias, avoidance behavior, and social anxiety. In contrast, there were significant negative correlations between acceptance and self‐focused attention, cost/probability bias, avoidance behavior, and social anxiety. A one‐way analysis of variance indicated that the low awareness and acceptance cluster, and the high awareness and low acceptance cluster had higher SAD symptom scores concerning cost/probability bias and social anxiety than the moderate and high awareness and acceptance clusters. The SA‐AAS has high reliability and validity, and acceptance of mindfulness was negatively related to SAD symptoms.

A Preliminary Examination of Treatment Barriers, Preferences, and Histories of Women with Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

AbstractSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common mental health condition that is characterised by a persistent fear of social or performance situations. Despite effective treatments being available, many individuals with SAD do not seek treatment or delay treatment seeking for many years. The aim of the present study was to examine treatment barriers, treatment histories, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivery preferences in a sample of women with clinically relevant SAD symptoms. Ninety-nine women (Mage = 34.90, SD = 11.28) completed the online questionnaires and were included in the study. Participants were recruited from advertisements on community noticeboards and posts on social media. The results demonstrated that less than 5% of those who received psychological treatment in the past were likely to have received best-practice CBT. The most commonly cited barriers to accessing treatment for women with SAD related to direct costs (63%) and indirect costs (e.g., transport/childcare) (28%). The most preferred treatment delivery method overall was individual face-to-face treatment (70%). The study demonstrates a need to provide a variety of treatment options in order to enhance access to empirically supported treatment for women with SAD.

From fears of evaluation to social anxiety: The longitudinal relationships and neural basis in healthy young adults

BackgroundSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common mental health problem, and its core cognitive manifestation is the persistent fear of being evaluated, including both negatively (FNE) and positively (FPE). This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationships of FNE, FPE and SAD and explore their neural basis. MethodsThree samples were retrieved in this study. First, the data of 649 college students who completed a survey and fMRI scan were used to explore the neural basis of FNE, FPE, and SAD symptoms. Next, the data of 450 participants who completed the same survey twice were used to examine the longitudinal relationships of the variables. Finally, the overlapping of the two samples (N = 288) who completed two surveys and the fMRI scan were used to establish a brain-behavior model. ResultsBoth FNE and FPE predicted SAD, and SAD also predicted FPE. The neural signals of subregions in prefrontal cortex were correlated with the scores of FNE, FPE and SAD. Abnormal prefrontal signals influenced SAD symptoms via fears of evaluation. ConclusionsOur findings explain the behavioral and neural underpinnings of social anxiety from a fear of evaluation angle. This contributes to a better theorical understanding of SAD and clinical practice.

A critical review of literature to reveal Covid-19 effect on mental health

Over 26,13,73683 cases and 52,12,961 verified fatalities have been documented because of the Corona pandemic so far. As a result of such extensive epidemics, mental health issues are more likely to occur. Keeping this in mind, the medical databases were used to locate relevant research on the Corona epidemic and mental health. Classification and summarization of previously published articles were carried out in accordance with the articles' overarching topics. In the early stages of the Corona pandemic, symptoms of anxiety, sadness, and self-reported stress (ranging from 16–28 percent) are frequent and may be linked to disrupted sleep. Several factors, both personal and institutional, influence this risk. In designing services for these groups, consideration must be given to both the requirements of the individuals affected and the appropriate preventative recommendations. Only a handful of the impacted nations have been documented in the literature, which may not accurately reflect the experiences of people in other areas of the world. As a result of the Corona epidemic, many people have developed subsyndromal mental health issues. For disadvantaged communities in other nations, there is a need for more representative studies. However, the current study explores the four main studies undertaken in China, which were chosen out of a total of 28 articles and after careful selection were delineated for study, the methodology gives the selection criterion in detail.

Pre-pandemic Physical Function and Social Network in Relation to COVID-19-Associated Depressive Burden in Older Adults in Sweden.

Background and ObjectivesThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as the measures intended to limit its spread, have likely affected older adults’ depressive burden. Good physical functioning and a rich social network may benefit older adults’ mental health. We examined whether pre-pandemic physical functioning and social network were associated with depressive burden during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Stockholm, Sweden.Research Design and MethodsA telephone assessment of depressive burden using the symptoms of sadness, anxiety, worrying, reduced sleep, and reduced appetite was conducted in May–September 2020 in 930 older adults from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K), an ongoing population-based study. Objective measures of gait speed, muscle strength, and balance; and self-reports of social connections and support were collected in 2016–2019. Logistic models were adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, and pandemic-related factors (loneliness, change in physical and social engagement, and experience of death due to COVID-19).ResultsOnly good muscle strength (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–0.85; ref: poor strength, ≥17 s) and rich social support (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45–0.99; ref: poor support) exhibited an independent association with depressive burden, even after accounting for pandemic-related factors. A combination of good muscle strength and rich social support were associated with the greatest reduction in depressive burden (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18–0.66; ref: poor social support and poor muscle strength).Discussion and ImplicationsPrepandemic social support and muscle strength could supply older adults with resilience against the depressive burden associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors Influencing the Incidence of Postpartum Blues During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cimahi City

Postpartum blues is a psychological disorder that can be experienced by postpartum mothers with symptoms of anxiety, sadness, crying easily, feeling sensitive and/or unstable, feeling incapable of caring for the baby and/or that she has made mistakes, disturbed sleep, and/or lack of appetite. Since December 2019, the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has spread all over the world. The substantial associated morbidity and socioeconomic impacts have necessitated drastic measures on all continents, including national lockdowns, border closures and social distancing. These have impacted various fields and mental health problems in communities, including the mental health of postpartum mothers. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that have influenced the incidence of postpartum blues during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cimahi City. This study used non-experimental descriptive research methods. The sample included 35 respondents and data were collected by using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire. The variables analyzed in this study were the characteristics of postpartum mothers such as age, education, occupation, parity, and the incidence of postpartum blues. The results showed that there were 15 mothers who experienced postpartum blues, including 53.33% of those over the age of 20. Postpartum blues occurred in 10 primiparous mothers (66.7%), 9 mothers with a junior high school education (60%), and 10 mothers who did not work (66.67%). Maternal age, education, occupational and parity had a significant influence on the incidence of postpartum blues in postpartum mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended that midwives increase knowledge about the importance of husband’s support in meeting the psychological needs of mothers to prevent the occurrence of postpartum blues.&#x0D; Keywords: postpartum blues, age, parity, occupation, education level

Prediction and classification of anxiety-related psychological scale and VR sickness based on autonomic physiological responses during VR treatment in patients with social anxiety disorder

IntroductionSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) can accompany emotional symptoms as well as physical reactions. The assessment and real-time measurement of SAD is difficult in real-world.ObjectivesThis study aims to predict the severity of specific anxiety states and virtual reality (VR) sickness in SAD patients by a machine learning model based on only quantitative measuring of autonomic physiologic signals during VR therapy sessions.Methods In total, 32 individuals with SAD symptoms were enrolled in VR participatory sessions. We assessed patients’ specific anxiety symptoms through Internalized Shame Scale (ISS) and Post-Event Rumination Scale (PERS), and VR sickness through Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). Specific anxiety symptoms and VR sickness were divided into severe and non-severe states based on the total score of each scale by K-means clustering. Logistic regression, Random Forest, Naïve Bayes classifier, and Support Vector Machine were used based on the physiological signal data to predict the severity group in subdomains of ISS, PERS, and SSQ.ResultsPrediction performance (F1 score) for the severity of the ISS mistake anxiety subdomain was higher than other scales with 0.8421. For VR sickness, prediction performance for the severity of the physical subdomain was higher than the non-physical subdomain with 0.7692.ConclusionsThe study findings present that mistake anxiety and physical sickness could be predicted more accurately by only autonomic physiological signals, suggesting these features are probably associated with autonomic responses. Based on the present study results, we could provide the evidence for predicting the severity of specific anxiety or VR adverse effects only based on in-situ physiological signals.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

0661 Lightbox Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder in College Students

Abstract Introduction Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mental health issue that can be defined as depressive mood disturbances that align with a seasonal pattern. Research shows that college students are at a higher risk of having SAD leading to poor academic performance and other severe mental disorders. Light therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD. However, few detailed investigations have been conducted on the impacts of light therapy for SAD symptoms and adherence barrier for the therapy. The purpose of this project was to review a light therapy program for college students. Specifically, we aimed to assess the changes in depressive symptoms before and after using a light box and assessed feedback. Methods 207 college students (mean age of 22.5 years (SD=5.3); female (80.7%)) participated in the light therapy program. Participants were given user instructions and asked to utilize the lightbox daily. Participants completed the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) at baseline and when they returned the lightbox along with their feedback of this therapy. Students also completed the open-ended questions. We used paired sample t-test to assess changes in the total PHQ-9 score. Results Participants spent 45 days, on average, using the device. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in PHQ-9 score from pre- to post-therapy [M(post-pre) = -2.78; p &amp;lt; .0001]. Most students said the therapy was effective (96.5%) and helped ease SAD symptoms and improve their mood. Some students planned to purchase a light box after the therapy. The major adherence barriers were finding enough time to use it and excessive brightness issue. Conclusion The findings suggest that light therapy has positive outcomes in easing college students’ SAD symptoms. Future randomized control trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. However, to the time and brightness issues need to be assessed when designing the therapy instructions for college students. Support (If Any) This work was supported by the Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant (AARG-19-618403), University of Iowa Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (NIH/NCATS, UL1 TR002537), and the University of Iowa Center for Advancing Multimorbidity Science (NIH/ NINR P20 NR018081).

Online Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder in Adolescence: A Clinical Case Study Using the CT@TeenSAD

SAD is an intense fear or anxiety associated with past, current, or future social situations. The Clark and Wells (1995) cognitive model for SAD has been proved to be clinically effective in adults, and its developmentally sensitive adaptations for adolescents have recently shown promising results. Given this evidence and considering that adolescence is typically the age of onset for the first SAD symptoms and a critical developmental period for the delivery of evidence-based interventions, we adapted CT for adolescents for online intervention (CT@TeenSAD) encompassing 10 weekly, 90 min sessions, extended by two booster sessions. This work presents the first case study of that intervention as applied to Merida (M.; pseudonym; 17-year-old, girl). The estimated Reliable Change Index shows M.’s progress for most of her symptoms, from pre-to post-treatment (RCI-1 range: −.53 to −8.03), and the maintenance of benefits at 3 months follow-up (RCI-2 range: .00 to −2.25). A relapse in the adoption of safety behaviors was seen between post-treatment and follow-up, which might be explained by the life-changing challenges experienced by M. between session 10 and follow-up, concerning her transition from high school to college. M.’s case study offers a first glance on the promising results of CT@TeenSAD related to its efficacy and feasibility. Likewise, it offers the opportunity to critically appraise the limitations of the intervention as well as practical challenges and suggestions thought to be useful for therapists willing to implement CT@TeenSAD in the future.

Early Adolescents' Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Changes in Their Well-Being.

BackgroundEarly adolescence is a time of psychological and social change that can coincide with declines in mental health and well-being. This study investigated the psychological and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of students who responded to a survey in Grades 7 and 8 (ages 12–14) in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The objectives of this study were (i) to provide an overview on early adolescents' experiences and social-emotional well-being during the pandemic; and (ii) to examine whether changes in social experiences as well as feeling safe from getting COVID-19 at school were associated with changes in well-being outcomes over the course of a year.MethodsA sample of n = 1,755 students from a large public school district self-reported on their life satisfaction, optimism, and symptoms of sadness across two time points: First, in their Grade 7 year (pre-pandemic; January to March, 2020) and then 1 year later in their Grade 8 year (during the pandemic; January to March, 2021). In Grade 8, students also reported on pandemic-specific experiences, including changes in mental health, social relationships, and activities, as well as coping strategies and positive changes since the pandemic. Data were collected online using the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI), a population-based self-report tool that assesses children's social-emotional development and well-being in the context of their home, school, and neighborhood. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between pandemic-related changes in relationships and perceived safety from getting COVID-19 at school with changes in well-being outcomes.ResultsStudents reported a range of experiences, with a large proportion reporting moderate concerns and impacts of the pandemic, including worries about their mental health and missing school activities. Students reported significantly lower optimism, lower life satisfaction, and higher sadness compared to the previous year. Within the sample, improvements in relationships with parents and other adults at home was associated with higher well-being during the pandemic.ImplicationsResults from this study can inform decision making of policy-makers, educators, and practitioners working with youth, by providing information on students' experiences during the pandemic and identifying factors that may be protective for students' mental health during and beyond the pandemic.