Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale Research Articles

Impact of veteran-led peer mentorship on posttraumatic stress disorder.

Peer mentorship shows promise as a strategy to support veteran mental health. A community-academic partnership involving a veteran-led nonprofit organization and institutions of higher education evaluated a collaboratively developed peer mentor intervention. We assessed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), postdeployment experiences, social functioning, and psychological strengths at baseline, midpoint, and 12-week discharge using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory-2, Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale, and Values in Action Survey. Brief weekly check-in surveys reinforced mentor contact and assessed retention. The sample included 307 veterans who were served by 17 veteran peer mentors. Mixed-effects linear models found a modest effect for PTSD symptom change, with a mean PCL-5 score reduction of 4.04 points, 95% CI [-6.44, -1.64], d = 0.44. More symptomatic veterans showed a larger effect, with average reductions of 9.03 points, 95% CI [-12.11, -5.95], d = 0.77. There were no significant findings for other outcome variables. Compared to younger veterans, those aged 32-57 years were less likely to drop out by 6 weeks, aORs = 0.32-0.26. Week-by-week hazard of drop-out was lower with mentors ≥ 35 years old, aHR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.37, 1.05]. Unadjusted survival differed by mentor military branch, p =.028, but the small mentor sample reduced interpretability. Like many community research efforts, this study lacked a control group, limiting the inferences that can be drawn. Continued study of veteran peer mentorship is important as this modality is often viewed as more tolerable than therapy.

Psychosocial Evaluation of Adults with Primary Immunodeficiency

PurposePrimary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by immune dysregulation and increased susceptibility to infections, with various cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social effects on patients. This study aimed to evaluate loneliness, social adaptation, anxiety, and depression and to identify associated factors in adults with immunodeficiency.MethodsA cross-sectional study in Turkey (Feb-Aug 2022) obtained sociodemographic data from patient records. The Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS), UCLA-Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered in individual patient interviews. HADS-Anxiety (HADS-A) and HADS-Depression (HADS-D) scores were assessed using cut-offs of 10 and 7, respectively; SASS cut-offs for social imbalance and normalcy were < 25 and > 35, respectively.ResultsA total of 104 patients (60 women, 44 men) with a median age of 34 years (range: 18–89) were included in the study. Mean scores were SASS: 34.46 ± 8.11, UCLA-LS: 44.89 ± 12.66, HADS-A: 9.87 ± 4.77, and HADS-D: 9.12 ± 4.80. SASS score was negatively correlated with HADS-A, HADS-D, and UCLA-LS scores. There were positive correlations between UCLA-LS and HADS-A (r = -0.355, p < 0.01) and HADS-D (r = -0.614, p < 0.01) and between HADS-A and HADS-D (r = -0.454, p < 0.01). Low-income level was associated with higher HADS-A, HADS-D, and UCLA-LS scores and lower SASS score (p = 0.012, p = 0.041, p = 0.008, and p = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionAdults with PID are at risk for depression and experience high levels of loneliness. Social maladjustment and loneliness contribute to anxiety and depression, and loneliness is correlated with impaired social functioning. These findings emphasize the importance of biopsychosocial evaluation of individuals diagnosed with PID.

Evaluation of Social Adaptability of People with Blindness in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the social adaptability of people with blindness in Harare Metropolitan province, Zimbabwe. People with blindness have a wide range of self-concepts just like sighted people. However, their experiences may impact their in unique ways. Some people with blindness may have a strong sense of identity and pride in their blindness while others may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or social isolation. Despite these they are required to develop high levels of social adaptability so that they may be able to navigate through their daily lives. The main objective of this study was to evaluate social adaptability of people with blindness in Harare Metropolitan province, Zimbabwe. The study used a mixed approach specifically a convergent parallel mixed method design to provide a roadmap for the research and it was grounded on Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura. The study targeted people with visual impairment in Harare Metropolitan province in Zimbabwe. The researcher will use random and Yamane formula get the sample size of 384 participants. Quantitative data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS). An interview guide was employed in the collection of qualitative data. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The researcher integrated the quantitative and qualitative data. The findings of the study indicated that, the social adaptability of people with blindness had variations. The relationship between self-concept and social adaptability of people with was also varied. Some strategies to be used to enhance self- concept of people with blindness in Harare Metropolitan province, have been proposed. The study has also drawn conclusions and proposed some recommendations like Promoting Supportive Environments and Mentorship Programs, encouraging personal growth and skill development, be enhanced and this can be achieved through embracing the importance of accessibility and resources. to adopt individualized Support and Recognition of Diversity.

The relationships between personality characteristics and social function in older adults

Social function is an important concept in the mental and social health of older adults, and personality is a factor that drives many activities and communications. But their relationship is not explained. This study aims to determine the relationships between personality characteristics and social function in older adults. This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. We entered 550 eligible community-dwelling older adults through multi-stage cluster sampling in the study. The data were collected through the Big Five Inventory-44 (BFI-44) and Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS). Data were analyzed using SPSS software v.16 via t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression. There was a significant positive correlation between all personality characteristics and social function (p &lt; .01). Age (β = -0.12), extraversion (β = 0.20), neuroticism (β = -0.11), openness to experience (β = 0.35), and conscientiousness (β = 0.16) are able to explain the variance of quality of activities, but agreeableness was ineffective. Also, quality of relationships variance is explained by age (β = -0.08), extraversion (β = 0.21), neuroticism (β = -0.12), openness to experience (β = 0.28), agreeableness (β = 0.11) and conscientiousness (β = 0.14). The changes in social function are predictable by BFI. Neuroticism has a negative effect on both the quality of relationships and the quality of activities, but agreeableness does not affect the quality of activities.

Effect of the personality traits of healthy Japanese workers on depressive symptoms and social adaptation, and on the achievement rate of exercise therapy to prevent major depression.

This study determined the effects of personality traits on depressive symptoms and social adaptation in healthy workers, and the effects of depressive symptoms or social adaptation before and after exercise therapy, and personality traits before exercise therapy on the achievement rates of exercise therapy aimed at preventing major depression. Two hundred fifty healthy Japanese workers were given an eight-week walking program as exercise therapy. After excluding 35 participants who had dropped or provided incomplete information, 215 were included in the analysis. The Japanese version of the NEO five-factor inventory was used to assess participants' personality traits before the exercise therapy. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS-J) and social adaptation was evaluated using the Japanese version of the social adaptation self-evaluation scale (SASS-J) before and after the exercise therapy. The SDS-J scores correlated with neuroticism and negatively correlated with extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness before the exercise therapy. The SDS-J was also negatively correlated with openness in women, but not in men, while the SASS-J was associated with extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, and negatively correlated with neuroticism. There was no significant change in levels of depression before and after exercise therapy; however, social adaptation increased significantly in men. No association was found between SDS-J and SASS-J scores before the exercise therapy and the achievement rate. The achievement rates of exercise therapy were negatively correlated with SDS-J or SASS-J after exercise therapy in women. The SDS-J after exercise therapy was correlated with neuroticism in men and negatively correlated with extraversion in women. The SASS-J after exercise therapy was negatively correlated with neuroticism and correlated with extraversion and openness in men. In contrast, the SASS-J after exercise therapy correlated with openness and agreeableness in women. Conscientiousness was correlated with the achievement rate of exercise therapy in men, but not with the various personality traits in women. Depressive symptoms and social adaptation were differently associated with personality traits and achievement rates before and after exercise therapy. Conscientiousness before exercise therapy predicted a higher achievement rate for exercise therapy in men.

Postoperative social adaptation in correlation with the number of supporters for patients with oral cancer

The development and treatment of oral cancer are highly invasive, either functionally or psychologically, having a significant effect on patients' daily lives. As such, social support is important, but few studies have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate social support for patients with oral cancer and patients' level of social adaptation. Patients with oral cancer who had undergone resection and reconstruction surgery in our department from February 2017 to June 2021 were included. The Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) was used to evaluate the number of supporters (SSQN) and the satisfaction of patients (SSQS) with social support. The Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS) was used to evaluate the social adaptation of the patients, and their relationships were examined. In total, 30 patients completed the questionnaire. We found a positive correlation between the SSQN and the SASS (rs ​= ​0.485–0.617 and p ​< ​0.01, respectively) but a limited correlation between the SSQS and the SASS. Continued support for patients with oral cancer from family, friends, and trusted medical staff is important for patients to maintain psychosocially healthy lives long-term postoperatively.

Social adaptation following radical resection and free flap reconstruction for oral cancer

ObjectiveUnderstanding the extent of social reintegration is crucial in providing social support to patients. The incidence and treatment of oral cancer can result in functional and aesthetic impairments that significantly affect the daily lives of patients. Therefore, we aimed to determine the social adaptation status of patients after oral cancer surgery. MethodsPatients who had undergone resection and reconstructive surgery with free flaps for oral cancer between February 2017 and October 2020 and agreed to participate in this study were included. The social adaptation status of patients was assessed using the Japanese version of the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS-J; higher scores denote better social adaptation) preoperatively and at 3- and 6-months postoperatively. ResultsThirty-four patients completed the SASS-J questionnaire. The median preoperative and 3- and 6-month postoperative SASS-J scores were 34 (26.5–39.25), 33.5 (25–38), and 33.5 (30–40), respectively, and did not differ significantly between these three categories. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) of 6-month postoperative SASS-J scores revealed significant differences for both the primary site of cancer (F = 6.6024, p = 0.0007) and marital status (F = 11.6866, p = 0.0019). Furthermore, multiple comparisons for the primary site of cancer indicated that the SASS-J scores of patients with tongue cancer were significantly lower than those of patients with mandibular cancer (p = 0.0178). ConclusionsThese results indicate that the postoperative social adaptation status among patients who underwent oral cancer resection with reconstruction is worse in patients with tongue cancer and in those who are unmarried.

LBODP091 The Reasons For Loss To Follow-up Of Patients With Gender Dysphoria

Abstract Aim To assess the effect of social function, motivation, support, and traumatic childhood experiences on follow-up behavior of patients with gender dysphoria (GD). Method: All the patients with GD who came to our clinic for endocrinological visit between September 2020 and July 2021 were asked to participate in this cross-sectional study. People with GD that provided consent were included in trans group. We also assigned age-matched cis-gender healthy controls. Data regarding gender transition process were collected retrospectively from medical charts. All the participants were administered Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The results were compared between groups. Results The study included 50 male-to-female with GD (MtF), 50 female-to-male with GD (FtM), 48 cis-females, 28 cis-males. The ratio of regular follow-up was higher in FtMs (n=48, 77.1%) than MtFs (n=39, 56.4%) (p&amp;lt;0. 05). Among lost to follow-up patients with GD, MtFs (n=17, %64.7) had a higher suicide rate than FtMs (n=11, %9.1) (p&amp;lt;0. 05). MtFs had lower CTQ and emotional abuse scores and higher sexual abuse scores than FtMs (p&amp;lt;0. 05). Conclusion Childhood traumas, emotional and sexual abuse may serve the reason for the loss to follow-up of MtFs. Presentation: No date and time listed

Evaluation and comparison of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and social adaptation in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients

Objectives: The number of end-stage renal failure patients undergoing dialysis is increasing in our country and all over the world. Many patients continue with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis lifelong though kidney transplantation is the gold standard renal replacement therapy. The purpose of this study is to compare depression, anxiety, self-esteem and social adaptation in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. &#x0D; Methods: The research consists of 30 hemodialysis and 30 peritoneal dialysis patients who are undergoing dialysis treatment in Uludag University Medical Faculty Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Unit. Demographic Data Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Scale, Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale, and State and Trait Anxiety Scale were administered to patients. &#x0D; Conclusion: The self-esteem score of peritoneal dialysis group is significantly high from the hemodialysis group. Peritoneal dialysis group average point was 21.0, hemodialysis group average point was 17.5 on Coopersmith Self-Esteem Scale. There was no significant difference in depression, anxiety and social adaptation scale scores.

Effects of a rework program in a university hospital and predictors of work restoration and maintenance in the participants.

During sickness absence, it appears necessary for psychiatric patients suffering from depression or bipolar disorder to undergo a psychiatric rehabilitation called the rework program that aids in work restoration and maintenance. However, few studies have investigated the effects of such a program and predictors of work restoration and maintenance in the participants. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of a rework program as well as to examine whether cognitive function and mental state at the end of the rework program predict the probability of work restoration and maintenance and whether the frequency of rework program participation predicts successful work restoration and maintenance. The rework program included both patients absent from work and unemployed patients. Patients completed assessments including Trail Making Test Type B (TMT-B), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale just before graduating from the rework program. Simultaneously, their depressive state was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating scale. The patients were divided into the job group, comprising 94 patients who were able to restore their work or get a new job, and the non-job group, comprising 34 patients who were not able to do so. We found that the program was more effective in patients absent from work than in unemployed patients, TMT-B could predict work restoration and maintenance, and the frequency of rework program participation could predict work restoration but not work maintenance. Based on the findings, we propose “Yamashita’s criterion” where a TMT-B completion time of 70 s is the cut-off point for work restoration. The present findings may provide useful evidence that could aid in the further development of rework program(s).

Validity and reliability of the Japanese versions of cognitive and behavioral scales for irritable bowel syndrome

BackgroundThe Cognitive Scale for Functional Bowel Disorders (CS-FBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Behavioral Responses Questionnaire (IBS-BRQ) are a useful measures to assess cognitive-behavioral aspects in individuals with IBS. This study aimed to confirm the reliability and validity of the Japanese versions of the CS-FBD (CS-FBD-J) and IBS-BRQ (IBS-BRQ-J).MethodsParticipants comprised 192 students and 22 outpatients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There were 76 students who met the diagnostic criteria for IBS and two students who received treatment for IBS. Participants completed questionnaires containing the CS-FBD-J, IBS Severity Index (IBS-SI), Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI), 24-item Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS-24), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS).ResultsOur exploratory factor analysis revealed that the CS-FBD-J had a unidimensional factor structure and that the factor loadings for two of the 25 items were less than 0.4. The IBS-BRQ-J had a two-factor structure, and the factor loadings for eight of the 26 items were less than 0.4. The confirmatory factor analysis for the 18-item version of IBS-BRQ-J showed that the model fit indices were not sufficient. The CS-FBD-J and IBS-BRQ-J had significant, moderate correlations with the IBS-SI and VSI in the IBS and control groups. Correlation between the DAS-24 and the CS-FBD-J was not significant. The CS-FBD-J and IBS-BRQ-J were significantly correlated to the HADS and SASS (IBS-BRQ-J) only in the IBS group. The scores of CS-FBD-J and IBS-BRQ-J showed significant group differences between the IBS patient group, non-patient IBS group, and control group. The internal consistencies of the CS-FBD-J and IBS-BRQ-J were high. The item-total correlation analysis for the CS-FBD-J and IBS-BRQ-J showed that the correlations between each item and the total score were significant.ConclusionThis study confirmed the reliability and validity of the 23-item version of the CS-FBS-J and the 18-item version of the IBS-BRQ-J with the deletion of items with low factor loadings. Regarding the IBS-BRQ-J, two factor structures were confirmed (factor 1: behavior obsessed with abdominal symptoms, factor 2: avoidance of abdominal symptoms and associated difficulties) although the model fit of the structure needs further study.

The impact of affective disorders on self-assessment of the quality of life in patients with chronic coronary artery disease

Aim. To determine the differences in self-assessment of social functioning by patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD), depending on the presence of comorbid affective disorders (ADs).Materials and methods. Using the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS), which makes it possible to assess the degree of social functioning and satisfaction with various aspects of social life, we studied the features of the social functioning of heart hospital patients with chronic CAD with (n = 248) and without AD (n = 291). In 290 patients (average age 56.6 ± 6.7 years) with chronic CAD, chronic ADs (45%) were revealed; depressive episodes (DEs) were diagnosed for the first time in 24% of patients, and 24.5% of patients had recurrent DEs. Bipolar disorder was found in 6.5% of cases. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were investigated using the Mann – Whitney U test and Student’s t-test. To assess the frequencies, the Pearson’s chi-squared test was used.Results. The mean total SASS score in the patients with chronic CAD with AD corresponded to difficult social adaptation (33.7 [29.5; 39]), while the patients without AD had good social adaptation score of 40.8 ± 6.3 (p &lt; 0.05). In the group without AD, patients with normal social adaptation prevailed (n = 215; 73.8%), while patients with AD more often had difficulties with social adaptation (n = 148; 59.7%). In the CAD patients, depending on the presence of AD, the frequency of disturbances in various spheres of social adaptation differed: employment, interest in and pleasure from activities, disposition of income, pleasure from and interest in seeking information, social support (p = 0.001).Conclusion. Higher frequency of pronounced impairment in social functioning in patients with chronic CAD with AD determines the need for taking this fact into consideration when planning rehabilitation measures in this group of patients.

Improvement in social anxiety following a return-to-work intervention for patients with depression.

Purpose:To retrospectively examine depression and social anxiety improvement in patients on sick leave due to depression who participated in a return-to-work intervention (RTW-I) program.Methods:Patients visited a psychiatric outpatient clinic simulating workplaces to learn recurrence prevention skills through RTW-Is, including group cognitive behavioral therapy, from April 1, 2013, to September 30, 2017. The Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II), Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS), and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) scores of 112 patients were analyzed before and after the intervention program. Missing postprogram data were substituted using the last observation carried forward scores. Next, 45 patients who responded to the work continuity survey 1 year after RTW-I were categorized into Group A (patients who continued working: 37) and Group B (those who did not continue: 8).Results:The mean BDI-II scores significantly decreased from preintervention 19.4 to postintervention 7.9 (t = 13.303, P < .001). The mean SASS scores significantly increased from preintervention 31.9 to postintervention 36.0 (t = −5.953, P < .001). The mean LSAS scores significantly decreased from preintervention 54.7 to postintervention 37.0 (t = 8.682, P < .001), and all scores demonstrated an improvement. Patients who continued working showed improved depressive and social anxiety symptoms. The BDI-II and SASS scores showed no significant differences between the groups, but the postintervention LSAS scores were significantly different (P = .041). LSAS score changes: Group A = −26.2; Group B = −9.8; estimated difference: −17.920, 95% CI: −32.181 to −3.659, P = .015.Conclusions:The RTW-I program improved depressive and social anxiety symptoms. Patients with improved scores continued working for 1 year after the intervention.Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered with the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN-CTR) (ID: UMIN000037662) on August 10, 2019.

Driving performance of euthymic outpatients with bipolar disorder undergoing real-world pharmacotherapy.

Medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) could affect patients' cognitive function. Patients with BD present with neurocognitive impairment even in a remission state. Little research is available on the daily functioning, especially driving performance, of stable outpatients with BD under pharmacological treatment. In total, 58 euthymic outpatients with BD undergoing real-world pharmacotherapy and 80 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Three driving tasks using a driving simulator-road-tracking, car-following, and harsh-braking-and three cognitive tasks-Continuous Performance Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Trail-Making Test-were evaluated. Symptom assessment scales-Young Mania Rating Scale, Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale, and Stanford Sleepiness Scale-were also completed. Car-following and road-tracking performance were significantly impaired in patients with BD compared with HCs after adjusting for demographic variables, but these performances generally overlapped. Broad neurocognitive functions were significantly lower in the patients with BD compared to HCs, but car-following performance was significantly negatively correlated with sustained attention only. Although most patients received multiple medications rather than monotherapy, no relationship between prescriptions and driving performance was found. Euthymic patients with BD under steady-state pharmacotherapy had impaired driving performance compared with HCs, but the overlapping distributions of driving performance suggested that driving performance is not always deteriorated in patients with BD. Therefore, attentional function may be a useful clinical feature for judging driving aptitude in patients with BD.

Relationship Between Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation and Suicide Risk in Patients with Schizophrenia

Background: the lack of data on the relationship between the level of social adaptation as a complex of macro- and microsocial factors with suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia determines the relevance of this study. Aim: to investigate the relationship between social adaptation self-evaluation and suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia. Patients and methods: we examined 68 patients with schizophrenia. Suicide risk was evaluated using the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the level of social adaptation was assessed using the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale. An assessment of clinical and psychopathological symptoms was performed using the PANSS. Results: the level of hopelessness was higher in the group with a low level of social adaptation self-evaluation than in the group with a high level of social adaptation self-evaluation. However, the groups were comparable for a number of objective indicators of social adaptation (such as education level, marital status, social status). Conclusions: it can be assumed that hopelessness and suicide risk more depend not on the level of social adaptation, but on the subjective experience of the level of adaptation as low or high.

The relationship between levels of solution-focused thinking and internalized stigma and social functionality in mental disorders.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the level of solution-focused thinking on internalized stigma and social functionality in mental illnesses. This descriptive study was conducted with 497 patients with various mental disorders. A negative and strong correlation was found between the Solution-Focused Inventory and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale scores of the participants (r = -0.682, p = 0.001). A positive and weak correlation was found between the participants' Solution-Focused Inventory and Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale scores (r = 0.396, p = 0.001). It was determined that, as the solution-focused thinking levels of individuals with mental disorders increase, their level of internalized stigma decreases, and their social functionality increases.

Ventrolateral prefrontal hemodynamic responses in autism spectrum disorder with and without depression.

In clinical settings, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with comorbid depression is often difficult to diagnose, and should be considered in treatment. However, to our knowledge, no functional imaging study has examined the difference between ASD adolescents with and without comorbid depression. We aimed to compare the characteristics and prefrontal brain function of ASD with and without depression in order to identify a biological marker that can be used to detect the difference. Twenty-eight drug-naïve adolescents with ASD (14 ASD with and 14 ASD without depression) and 14 age- and gender-matched adolescents with typical development were evaluated using several variables. These included intelligence quotient, autism quotient, depression severity using the Beck Depression Inventory 2nd edition (BDI-II), and level of social functioning using the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS). In addition, frontotemporal hemodynamic responses during a verbal fluency task (VFT) were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The ASD group, including both of the ASD with and ASD without depression groups, showed smaller hemodynamic responses than the typical development group in portions of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and anterior part of the temporal cortex (aTC) during the VFT. Moreover, the smaller hemodynamic responses in the right VLPFC during the VFT in the ASD group were associated with the worse BDI-II and SASS scores. Furthermore, the ASD with depression group showed smaller hemodynamic responses in the right VLPFC during the VFT than the ASD without depression group in a direct comparison. Adolescents with ASD showed reduced activation in broad frontotemporal regions during a cognitive task compared with those with typical development. More specifically, the right VLPFC activation reflected the level of self-estimated depression and social functioning in the ASD subjects, and could be used to discriminate between ASD adolescents with and without depression.

The Correlation Of Residual Subjective Cognitive And Depressive Symptoms with Social Functioning in Remitted Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Aim: In Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) residual symptoms cause disability in the remission phase even if they are mild. This study investigated the correlation of residual depressive and residual subjective cognitive symptoms with social functioning in remitted MDD patients. Methods: In the study, 51 patients who had been diagnosed with MDD before, were followed regularly and had been in remission for at least 6 months, were included. The socio-demographic data form, Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Deficits Questionnaire-Depression, and Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale were applied to all participants. In the statistical analysis; descriptive analyses, Pearson’s Correlation Analysis and linear regression analysis were used. Results: Residual depressive symptom severity showed a positive correlation with social functioning level, while residual subjective cognitive symptom severity had a negative correlation with social functioning level. In the linear regression analysis it was determined that residual depressive and subjective cognitive symptom scores were a predictor of social functioning. Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that residual depressive and subjective cognitive symptoms encountered in MDD remission phase might affect social functioning negatively. Rapid and practical subjective cognitive tests can be used in identifying cognitive symptoms in MDD remission phase.

Relationship Between Place Attachment and Social Functioning in the Elderly

Objectives: The world’s aging population is increasing. Considering the importance of aging in place and its impact on lifestyle, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between place attachment and social functioning in the elderly. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study. Participants were 400 older people in Tehran, Iran (234 males and 166 females with a Mean±SD age of 66.31±6 6.78 years) who were selected through quota sampling. The data were collected by the Place Attachment Scale (PAS) and Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS). Data were analyzed in SPSS v. 22 software. Results: The PAS dimensions of place identity (β = 0.23, P&lt; 0.001), place dependence (β = 0.17, P= 0.001) and social relations in the neighborhood (β = 0.19, P= 0.001) could explain SASS dimension of social activities quality, while place dependence (β = 0.31, P&lt; 0.001) and social relations in the neighborhood (β = 0.22, P&lt; 0.001) could explain the SASS dimension of social relations quality. Conclusion: Place attachment is related to the social functioning of the elderly.

Not so healthy, not so comfortable: Health anxiety in people living with HIV and its relationship to quality of life and psychosocial functioning

Background: People living with Human Immundeficiency Virus (PLWH) are often inclined to attribute their bodily sensations to HIV (Human Immundeficiency Virus) without considering those as malign or benign. Thus, it’s thought that health anxiety may be high in these individuals. We aim to determine the levels of health anxiety in PLWH and its relation with quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Methods: PLWH, Type-I diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and healthy individuals were included. CD4+T lymphocytes counts and HbA1C values were obtained. Sociodemographic data form, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI), Social Adaptation Self Evaluation Scale (SASS), SF-36 QoL Form, Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety Scale (BDI, BAI) were applied to subjects. Comparisons and regression analyzes were made. Results: Total of 228 subjects were included in study. Health anxiety levels in HIV group were higher than control groups. SASS scores were not different than in Type-I DM group’s scores, whereas the BDI, BAI, and GHQ scores were worse in the HIV group than in the other groups. There was a significant difference in the QoL between healthy controls and HIV group. CD4+ T lymphocyte count had the highest explanotory power for the psychometric scores. Conclusions: PLWH have higher health anxiety than controls. Psychosocial functioning and QoL are impaired in people with high health anxiety levels. CD4+ T lymphocyte count is strongest explanatory factor on almost every subscale. The disease itself seems to disrupt the quality of life and psychosocial harmony beyond the psychological picture it creates.