Significant Decrease In Anxiety Scores Research Articles

Pilot Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Oral Imepitoin Treatment for Control of (Thunder)Storm-Associated Noise Phobia/Noise Aversion in Dogs Using an Individualized-Dose Titration Approach.

Imepitoin is a low-affinity partial agonist for benzodiazepine binding sites of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors with anxiolytic effects. It has been shown to reduce anxiety during noise-related events in dogs when given at 30 mg/kg PO BID, although this dose was associated with ataxia and increased appetite in some cases. The objective of this study was to assess its safety and efficacy for storm anxiety when started at 10 mg/kg PO BID and titrated to effect up to 30 mg/kg PO BID during storm season. Significant decreases in anxiety scores were seen in weekly surveys and storm logs (SLs) at 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg PO BID. Serious adverse events (AEs) were not reported in any subject. Ataxia was the most commonly reported non-serious AE (14/33), followed by increased hunger (13/33). The frequency of AEs was higher in the 20 mg/kg PO BID group than in the 10 mg/kg group PO BID. No clinically significant changes were seen in lab work pre- and post-study. In conclusion, Imepitoin given during storm season at doses ranging from 10 to 30 mg/kg PO BID reduced clinical signs of fear and anxiety during storms for the dogs in this study. These findings support the use of an individually titrated dose.

Relationship between anxiety and depression with smoking cessation treatments: a follow-up study

ABSTRACT Background Smoking is known to be closely associated with stress levels and anxiety. In this study, the effects of smoking cessation treatments were investigated on anxiety/depression. Methods Socio-demographic characteristics, The Fagerström/Test/Nicotine/Dependence and the Hospital Anxiety/Depression-Scale, were applied for the first time. The first group received “varenicline+counseling,” second group “bupropion+counseling,” and third group “counseling only.” The Hospital Anxiety/Depression-Scale was recorded in quit smokers. Anxiety and depression scores were compared between groups and between smokers and ex-smokers in the first and sixth months. Results Firstly, The Hospital Anxiety/Depression-scale revealed that anxiety was noted in 46.8%, depression in 11.2%, and anxiety and/or depression in 48.9%. A significant decrease in both anxiety and depression scores was observed in quit smokers at 6 months (47.9%, 37.4% respectively) (p < .001). In the sixth month, there was a significant decrease in anxiety scores in the varenicline and bupropion groups. In addition, a significant decrease in the depression score of was observed in the varenicline group. In the bupropion group, the smoking cessation rate was higher in those with high anxiety and/or depression scores (66.7%). Conclusions Varenicline decreased anxiety/or depression scores in both smokers and quit smokers, whereas quit smoking rate increased in those with anxiety/depression in the bupropion.

The effect of virtual reality spiritual emotional freedom technique (Vr-seft) therapy on anxiety and cortisol in drug patients in Makassar class I state detention center

Drug abuse is a global problem that is increasing every year. Various previous studies have described the magnitude of psychological disorders and the impact of drug use as quite serious. Nonpharmacological measures such as spiritual direction are stated to reduce anxiety and depression in drug treatment patients significantly. Virtual Reality Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique (VR-SEFT) is designed based on SEFT theory applied to interactive visualization of virtual environments. This study aims to determine the effect of VR-SEFT therapy on anxiety and cortisol hormone levels in drug patients at Makassar Class I State Prison. This research employs a quasi-experimental methodology utilizing a control group design with both pre-test and post-test assessments. The analysis was carried out on 66 respondents who were divided into 2 groups, 33 intervention group respondents and 33 control groups in Makassar Class I State Detention Center selected using consecutive sampling. The intervention group given VR-SEFT was carried out for eight weeks with 24 meetings. Each intervention was 15-20 minutes, while the control group was assigned standard rehabilitation care. HRS-A measured fatigue in both groups, and the ELISA method measured cortisol hormone levels. The median values of anxiety and cortisol in both groups before SEFT therapy showed a tending score, but after treatment, it was known that the intervention group given VR-SEFT therapy experienced a significant decrease in anxiety scores (mean rank = 32.73) and cortisol (mean rank = 32.73) (p &lt; 0.05) compared to anxiety scores (mean rank = 48.11) and cortisol (mean rank = 34.27) in the control group. There is an effect of VR-SEFT on anxiety and cortisol hormone levels in drug patients at Makassar Class I State Detention Center.

Effect of binaural beat music and noise cancelling headphones on intraoperative anxiety in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia - A randomised controlled study.

This study aimed to determine the effects of music and active noise cancellation on intraoperative anxiety in patients undergoing lower limb surgeries under spinal anaesthesia. After obtaining ethical approval, this randomised controlled study was conducted in adult patients (18-50 years of age) of either gender. Patients were randomly allocated to binaural beat music (Group A), noise cancellation (Group B) or no headphones (Group C) group (n = 36 in each group). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-6 (STAI-6) score and Visual Analogue Score for Satisfaction (VAS-S) were noted preoperatively and at the end of surgery. In addition, Ramsay sedation scores and Likert communication difficulty scores were noted at 30 min intraoperatively. Haemodynamic parameters were noted preoperatively and at different intervals intraoperatively till the end of the surgery. There was a significant decrease in anxiety scores in Group A, Group B and Group C with postoperative STAI-6 scores (mean ± standard deviation) of 7.8 ± 1.7, 11.7 ± 4.2 and 14.7 ± 5.3, respectively. The difference was significant in Groups A and B compared to Group C (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction scores in Groups A and B were better than in Group C (7.3 ± 1.7 and 6.2 ± 1.6 vs. 5.2 ± 1.3, respectively). Sedation scores and communication difficulty was significantly better in Groups A and B compared to Group C. Systolic blood pressure was significantly better intra- and postoperatively. There were no significant differences in other haemodynamic parameters on most occasions. Music and noise-cancellation headphones can reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction and sedation scores in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia.

Naturalistic examination of the anxiolytic effects of medical cannabis and associated gender and age differences in a Canadian cohort

BackgroundThe aim of the current study was to examine patterns of medical cannabis use in those using it to treat anxiety and to investigate if the anxiolytic effects of cannabis were impacted by gender and/or age.MethodsPatient-reported data (n = 184 participants, 61% female, 34.7 ± 8.0 years) was collected through the Strainprint® app. Tracked sessions were included if the method of administration was inhalation, treatment was for anxiety and the product used was dried flower. The final analyzed dataset encompassed three of the most commonly utilized dried flower products in anxiety sessions. Independent sample t-tests were used. The core analysis examined within subject changes overtime (pre-medication to post-medication) and interactions between time with two candidate moderators [gender (male, female) and age (18–29, 30–39, and 40 + years old)] by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). For significant main effects of interactions, post hoc tests were conducted using a Bonferroni correction. A secondary analysis examined differences in proportion of emotives endorsed as a function of gender or age using chi-square test of independence.ResultsCannabis consumption resulted in a significant decrease in anxiety scores among both males and females (average efficacy of 50%) and efficacy was similar across the three cultivars. However, gender differences in efficacy were identified in two of the cultivars. All age groups experienced significant reductions in their anxiety post cannabis consumption; however, the 40 + year old group had significantly less efficacy than the other groups. The overall optimal dosing for the entire cohort was 9–11 inhalations for males and 5–7 inhalations for females, with some variation in dosing across the different cultivars, genders and age groups.ConclusionsWe found all three cultivars had significant anxiolytic effects and were well-tolerated. Some limitations of the study are the moderate sample size, self-reported diagnosis of anxiety, unknown comorbidities and experience with cannabis, whether other drugs or cannabis products were used, and restriction to solely inhaled administration. We suggest that the gender and age differences in optimal dosing could support both healthcare practitioners and patients initiate medical cannabis treatment for anxiety.

"Through the fire and flames, we carry on:" Art Therapy Small N Feasibility Study With Adult Burn Patients in an Acute Care Setting.

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of facilitating four sessions of art therapy intervention with a primary focus on implementation and acceptability. The exploratory aim was on assessing the effect of art therapy on self-reported outcomes on anxiety and mood among five individuals (aged 18+ years) hospitalized for burn injuries and to understand their perceptions of engagement with art therapy. A convergent mixed-methods small N design was adopted wherein both quantitative and qualitative data are gathered and then integrated, and an individual served as his/her own control when assessed before and after art therapy. Anxiety was assessed using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety short-form of the emotional distress bank, and mood was assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). There was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety scores and negative mood scale. Positive mood scale scores tended to improve after art therapy though were not statistically significant. Thematic analysis of qualitative data indicates that art therapy improves 1) symptom management, 2) facilitates emotional expression and 3) insight, 4) brings out symbolic and metaphorical representations, and 5) allows tactile and sensory exploration of art media. This study demonstrated that art therapy can be successfully implemented with acute burn patients and can have promising psychosocial benefits. Further research in needed to determine the effectiveness of art therapy with more burn patients, in ways that is meaningful to the patients.

The Effect of Video-Based Preanaesthetic Preparation Versus Conventional Approach on Parental Anxiety in Paediatric Dental Procedures: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundParental anxiety has been identified as a risk factor affecting the behaviour of children before operative intervention. A preanaesthetic visit is a standard component of preoperative preparation, which may reduce parental anxiety. The use of audiovisual aids to demonstrate the conduct of anaesthesia may help improve parental education and reduce anxiety.Patient and methodsWe analysed data from a prospective randomised trial conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Parents of children posted for day care dental procedures were enrolled in the study. Children could be of either gender, aged 2-6 years, and categorised as American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) 1 or 2. Parents’ anxiety regarding the surgical and anaesthesia procedure was assessed using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). The first APAIS scoring was recorded on arrival in the preoperative holding area. Thereafter, the participants were randomly allocated into two groups; one group was shown a short video on a smartphone of a dental operating theatre (OT), dental chair and anaesthesia equipment (SPG group), while the other group was verbally explained the dental procedure (conventional management or CM group). The second APAIS scoring was done in the postoperative recovery area one hour after the procedure. Demographic characteristics, socio-economic conditions and history were recorded. Anxiety scores were compared between the two groups, and any change was analysed.ResultsSeventy parents were included in the study, with 36 randomised to the SPG group and 34 to the CM group. Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic characteristics. There was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety scores in the SPG group, from a mean of 25.47 at the preoperative assessment to 14.92 at the postoperative timepoint (p<0.001). In the CM group, the mean APAIS score decreased from 25.26 to 24.56 (p=0.059).ConclusionThere was a significant reduction in anxiety scores in the postoperative period among parents who were shown an operating room video in the preoperative period.

The effect of laughter therapy on nursing students' anxiety, satisfaction with life, and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: Randomized controlled study

BackgroundChanges in routine due to the pandemic have increased nursing students' anxiety about clinical learning. The inadequacy experienced before graduation caused them to experience high levels of anxiety characterized by feelings of insecurity and unhappiness and negatively affected their life satisfaction. Methodological studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of laughter therapy, which is effective in reducing anxiety and stress, on the online platform. The current study protocol was designed to evaluate the effect of online laughter therapy on anxiety, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. MethodsForty students were selected for the intervention group and forty students for the control group by assigning 1:1 with a real random number selector among 140 senior nursing students who made up the universe. The intervention group received ten sessions of online laughter therapy two days a week for five weeks. Participants in the control group did not receive any intervention during the study. Data were obtained at the beginning of the study and after five weeks with the 'State-Trait Anxiety Inventory', 'Satisfaction with Life Scale' and 'Psychological Well-Being Scale'. ResultsAfter laughter therapy, the intervention result showed a significant increase in life satisfaction and psychological well-being scores (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in anxiety scores (p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. ConclusionThe study reveals that online laughter therapy significantly positively affects nursing students' anxiety, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being.

The Use of a Dental Storybook as a Dental Anxiety Reduction Medium among Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a specially designed dental storybook in reducing dental anxiety among children. Eighty-eight children (6–8 years old) were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (received the storybook) and the control group (did not receive the storybook). Three dental visits (screening, examination and cleaning, and treatment) were provided for each child. Anxiety was assessed following each visit using the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and the Venham clinical anxiety scale (VCAS). The behavior was assessed using the Frankl’s Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS). The intervention group showed significantly lower anxiety and more cooperative behavior during treatment than the control group (p < 0.0001). The intervention group showed a significant decrease in anxiety scores and more cooperative behavior across time according to the CFSS-DS (p = 0.001) and Frankl behavior scale OR = 3.22, 95% CI 1.18–8.76. Multivariate models found that using the storybook was a significant independent factor in reducing anxiety and improving behavior after controlling for sex, previous visits, family income, and mother’s education. In conclusion, the dental storybook can decrease children’s dental anxiety and improve their behavior during dental treatment.

Effect of reflexology on anxiety level among patients undergoing coronary angiography

Background Angiography is a highly effective invasive method for diagnosing coronary artery diseases but can lead to certain psychological problems such as anxiety. Aim To investigate the effect of foot reflexology therapy on anxiety level among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Research hypothesis H: patients undergoing coronary angiography who will receive the foot reflexology therapy will reveal lesser mean anxiety scores than before the intervention. Design A quasi-experimental research design was used. Setting This study was conducted at two selected critical care units affiliated to Cairo University Hospitals. Sample A purposive sample of 40 adult patients undergoing coronary angiography was recruited throughout 8 months. Tools Two tools were utilized to collect data: first, demographic characteristics and medical data, and second, state-trait anxiety inventory. Results There were significant statistical differences in mean anxiety scores in the reflexology study group before intervention, immediately, and 30 min after intervention (f=13.32/P=0.00). So, there was a significant decrease in anxiety scores immediately after intervention. Moreover, significant differences were detected among the studied patients’ anxiety mean scores according to their age 30 min after intervention (0.00); the age categories between 40 and 49 years showed less anxiety at this point of time. Finally, no significant statistical correlations whatsoever were found between selected demographic variables and mean anxiety scores at all time series of intervention. Conclusion It can be concluded that, foot reflexology was an effective method to decrease anxiety among patients undergoing coronary angiography.

PENGARUH SENAM HAMIL BIRTH BALL DENGAN MUATAN EDUKASI PERSIAPAN PERSALINAN TERHADAP KECEMASAN IBU HAMIL

During pregnancy, there is an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone which causes physical and psychological changes. A common psychological change during pregnancy is anxiety. Pregnant women who experience anxiety during pregnancy will increase the risk not only to the mother but also to the baby. One of the efforts to overcome the anxiety of pregnant women is to do pregnancy exercises use birth ball and education of childbirth preparation. This study aims to analize the effect of pregnancy exercise use birth ball and education of child birth preparation on pregnant women anxiety. This research method use quasi experimental with non randomized pretest-posttest control group design. Subject is divided into two groups, intervention and control with total sample 34 respondens. Anxiety of pregnant women assessment using Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (ZSRAS). Statistical test using Mann Whitney test with p value p=0,000 showed differences between intervention group and control group p&lt;0,05, there is a significant decrease in anxiety scores in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion of this study is pregnancy exercises use birth ball and education of childbirth preparation reduces anxiety in pregnant women.

Supportive Group Therapy untuk Menurunkan Kecemasan Ibu Hamil di Wilayah Puskesmas Srandakan

Pregnancy is time when a person experiences many changes, both physically and psychologically, making them more vulnerable to stress. This case happens because pregnant women experience hormonal changes that affect psychological and physical conditions during the pregnancy process. This study aims to determine the effect of group therapy using supportive techniques coupled with the provision of information needed to reduce anxiety in pregnant women. The data collection methods used in this study were observation, interviews, Focused Group Discussion (FGD), as well as pre-test and post-test using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The research design using quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test without control, the sample in the study consisted of 7 pregnant women who had mild to severe anxiety levels. The results of data analysis using non-parametric test with the Wilcoxon test showed a value of z = 2.731 and a value of p = 0.018 (p &lt;0.05). The results showed a significant decrease in anxiety scores before and after following the group therapy process. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there is an effect of supportive group therapy on pregnant women at the Srandakan Public Health Center.

Effect of continuous positive airway pressure on symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PurposeThe objective was to assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We hypothesized a decrease in symptoms at follow-up, but that improvement relied on CPAP adherence.MethodsThe sample comprised 468 patients (mean age 55.5 years (SD = 12.0), 72% men) with OSA who received CPAP at a Norwegian hospital. OSA was diagnosed according to standard respiratory polygraphy. Mean baseline respiratory event index (REI) was 28.4 (SD = 20.6). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed prior to CPAP treatment and at follow-up after a median of 20 weeks, range 6–52 weeks, with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patients were classified as CPAP adherent (≥ 4 h per night) or non-adherent (< 4 h per night).ResultsThere was a significant decrease in anxiety scores from baseline (mean = 5.16, SD = 3.94) to follow-up (mean = 4.76, SD = 3.81), p < 0.001. Similarly, depression scores decreased from baseline (mean = 4.31, SD = 3.66) to follow-up (mean = 3.89, SD = 3.69), p < 0.001. Cohen’s d (0.19 and 0.18, respectively) indicated small effect sizes. The reduction in anxiety scores did not depend on CPAP adherence (no interaction effect F(1, 466) = 0.422, p = 0.516), whereas the reduction in depression scores were seen only in the CPAP adherent group (interaction effect F(1, 466) = 7.738, p = 0.006).ConclusionsWe found a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression from baseline to follow-up of CPAP treatment. The improvement in symptoms of depression was depending on CPAP adherence. This underlines the importance of adherence for optimal effect of CPAP treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Virtual Reality Combination in a Case of Social Phobia

In this study, examined the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in a social phobia case. Furthermore, this study aims to increase the awareness of Virtual Reality as a psychotherapy tool for mental health professionals in Turkey and also aims to analyze the effectiveness of the treatment. It participated in the study a 32-year-old male with clinical signs of social phobia. The treatment was conducted by a clinical psychologist who has Virtual Reality training. During the treatment, the therapist used two assessment sessions followed by four sessions of standard CBT protocols after which the therapist used Virtual Reality Exposure therapy protocol for social phobia. At the end of the Virtual Reality sessions based on CBT, the patient’s anxiety score decreased and the coping capacity increased in social phobic situations in real-life conditions. The change in the treatment process was also evaluated with the Beck Anxiety Scale and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and a significant decrease in anxiety scores was observed. The results show that the use of VR for exposure in the CBT can reduce social phobia and must be further evaluation of the effectiveness of VR.

The effects of training with simulation on knowledge, skill and anxiety levels of the nursing students in terms of cardiac auscultation: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundThe use of simulation methods in nursing education is important in terms of decreasing anxiety of students in a safe and realistic environment due to the improvement of knowledge and skills of students in terms of cardiac auscultation and their attitudes to prepare for clinical applications. ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulator and traditional teaching method on nursing students' knowledge and skill development in terms of cardiac auscultation and their anxiety levels. DesignRandomized controlled study. SettingThe study was conducted in the simulation laboratory of the Nursing Department in the Health College and in the inpatient clinics of the Medicine Faculty Hospital. Participants72 first-year nursing students (simulation group = 36, control group = 36). MethodsThe students were randomly distributed to the simulation and control groups. The students in the simulation group received a cardiac auscultation training by using a high-fidelity simulator while the students in the control group received training with the traditional teaching method. After the training sessions, all students practiced their skills in the laboratory and on real patients in clinical setting under the supervision of the researcher. The data were collected by using the Demographic Information Form, Knowledge Assessment Form for Cardiac Auscultation, Skill Evaluation Form for Cardiac Auscultation and State Anxiety Inventory (SAI). ResultsHigh-fidelity simulators and traditional teaching method were found to be effective in increasing the students' knowledge and skill levels in terms of cardiac auscultation. However, it was found that the high-fidelity simulator method was more effective than the traditional teaching method to increase the students' knowledge (p = 0.001) and skill (p < 0.001) levels; this increase was significant. In addition, it was found that the students in the high-fidelity simulator group showed a significant decrease in anxiety scores compared to the students who were trained with traditional education method (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe results showed that the use of high-fidelity simulator in nursing education was more effective than traditional method in terms of improving the students' knowledge, skill levels for cardiac auscultation and reducing their anxiety.

Sex Differences on Quality of Life and Mental Health Outcomes When Using a Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Skill Building Intervention with Adolescent Syrian Refugees: A Secondary Analysis.

Little is known about how sex as a biological variable may contribute to differences in quality of life (QOL) and mental health outcomes following a brief intervention among adolescent Syrian refugees. This paper explores the results of a secondary data analysis to investigate differences by sex on self-reported QOL and mental health outcomes among Syrian refugees who participated in a 7-session cognitive behavioral skills building intervention. A one group pretest-posttest design was used to deliver the intervention to 31 adolescent refugees (13-17years; 15 male, and 16 female). At baseline, there were no significant differences between males and females on mean scores of depression, anxiety, or QOL. Post-intervention, self-reported scores for QOL and mental health were significantly different between sexes. Males demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety scores compared to females. Among males only, significant decreases in depression and anxiety scores were observed with significant improvement in total QOL.

The effects of relaxation training on depression and anxiety in people living with long-term neurological conditions

Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of a relaxation training program on self-reported depression and anxiety in participants living with long-term neurological conditions, including acquired brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.Materials and methods: A five-session relaxation training program, plus a follow-up session was offered to people living with a long-term neurological condition as part of routine clinical practice, and was delivered in their own homes. A self-report measure (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) was administered at the pre- and post-intervention time points and at follow-up, around 5 weeks after the final session. Participants also completed an individual assessment of change questionnaire at follow-up, reporting on subjective views of observed changes.Results: Statistically significant improvements were found on measures of both anxiety and depression following completion of the relaxation program. Scores at follow-up (mean = 5 weeks) revealed the improvement was maintained for anxiety, and there was further significant improvement for depression. Reliable change analyses from pre- to post-intervention demonstrated a clinically significant decrease in anxiety scores for 47% of participants and in depression scores for 30% of participants. No clinically significant increase in depression and anxiety was identified from pre- to post-intervention, and this was generally maintained at follow-up.Conclusion: Relaxation training is proposed as a clinically effective treatment for anxiety and depression in people living with long-term neurological conditions, which could in turn lead to better functional outcomes of neurorehabilitation. The program investigated here has additional benefits of being delivered in people’s own homes, which overcomes barriers to attending hospital, and is consistent with trends towards home as opposed to hospital care. This program may also be less costly to administer as it can be delivered as part of a stepped-care program by therapy assistants under supervision from qualified staff, and encourages self-management over the longer term. Design limitations may reduce the generalisability of these findings, but are clinically encouraging and should stimulate further research.Implications for RehabilitationRelaxation training…• could be offered as an effective first-line intervention, as an alternative to medication to treat anxiety and depression to people living with Long-Term Neurological Conditionsis a self-management strategy which can be taught in people’s own homes, if getting out of the house is difficultcan be delivered as a stepped-care intervention via therapy assistants, helping to reduce costs and demands on rehabilitation servicesmay help to improve the functional outcomes of wider rehabilitation interventions by addressing psychological issues which can be a barrier

Longitudinal Impact of Hurricane Sandy Exposure on Mental Health Symptoms.

Hurricane Sandy hit the eastern coast of the United States in October 2012, causing billions of dollars in damage and acute physical and mental health problems. The long-term mental health consequences of the storm and their predictors have not been studied. New York City and Long Island residents completed questionnaires regarding their initial Hurricane Sandy exposure and mental health symptoms at baseline and 1 year later (N = 130). There were statistically significant decreases in anxiety scores (mean difference = −0.33, p < 0.01) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores (mean difference = −1.98, p = 0.001) between baseline and follow-up. Experiencing a combination of personal and property damage was positively associated with long-term PTSD symptoms (ORadj 1.2, 95% CI [1.1–1.4]) but not with anxiety or depression. Having anxiety, depression, or PTSD at baseline was a significant predictor of persistent anxiety (ORadj 2.8 95% CI [1.1–6.8], depression (ORadj 7.4 95% CI [2.3–24.1) and PTSD (ORadj 4.1 95% CI [1.1–14.6]) at follow-up. Exposure to Hurricane Sandy has an impact on PTSD symptoms that persists over time. Given the likelihood of more frequent and intense hurricanes due to climate change, future hurricane recovery efforts must consider the long-term effects of hurricane exposure on mental health, especially on PTSD, when providing appropriate assistance and treatment.

Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) combines elements of exposure and cognitive therapies with acupressure for the treatment of psychological distress. Randomized controlled trials retrieved by literature search were assessed for quality using the criteria developed by the American Psychological Association's Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Treatments. As of December 2015, 14 studies (n = 658) met inclusion criteria. Results were analyzed using an inverse variance weighted meta-analysis. The pre-post effect size for the EFT treatment group was 1.23 (95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.64; p < 0.001), whereas the effect size for combined controls was 0.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.67; p = 0.001). Emotional freedom technique treatment demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety scores, even when accounting for the effect size of control treatment. However, there were too few data available comparing EFT to standard-of-care treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and further research is needed to establish the relative efficacy of EFT to established protocols.

Effects of communication skills educational intervention of Mothers of

Abstract ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Background : Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders in children. In regard with the importance effect of appropriate communication among parents specially mothers and children, on mental health of children, this study investigated the effects of communication skills training for mothers on anxiety levels of school students in Tehran. Methods and Material: In a quasi-experimental study, 114 students in first grade class, in an area in Tehran and their mothers were included. Before the intervention , children's anxiety was assessed by using the School Anxiety Scale –Teacher report (SAS-TR (SAS-TR), and mothers' communication skills was measured by Queendom communication skills questionnaire. The mothers of the children in intervention group were provided a communication skills education program. Mothers of the children in control group were also provided with communication skills education after completion of the study. Two month after the educational intervention mothers' communicational skills and their children's anxiety in two groups were assessed by two questionnaires and compared with pre intervention stage. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software. Findings: Wilcoxon statistical test showed a significant decrease in anxiety scores of children of mothers of intervention group (p<0.05), while no significant difference was found between pre and post educational intervention anxiety scores in control group. Mean scores of mothers' communicational skills was (114.± 8/9) before Intervention which significantly increased after educational program (p<0.05). Conclusion: Anxiety of students is in primary school has a high incidence, diagnosis and early treatment could prevent future complications. According to this study findings , communication skills training for mothers is an effective way to reduce the anxiety students. Keywords: Anxiety, student, teacher, School anxiety scale - teacher report (SAS-TR), communication skills training