Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Research Articles

Social Media, Anxiety and COVID-19 Lockdown Measurement Compliance

The aim of the present research was to analyze the effect of anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic in the use of social media and compliance with lockdown measures during the confinement. A total of 1723 participants (32.1% males and 77.9% females; 32.6 ± 9.2 years) were interviewed by a Spanish version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. From the results obtained, the sample was divided into two 50th percentile groups, a high anxiety group (HAG) and a low anxiety group (LAG). We found how the LAG had lower use of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter during confinement. Also, this group presented a higher rate of leaving home during the confinement and higher values in people with whom they had lived with during confinement than high anxiety group. Regardless of the lack of results in the remaining variables, the present study nuances the high levels of anxiety experienced during COVID-19 confinement. The multifactorial analysis of factors related to the perception of anxiety during COVID-19 confinement may be a useful tool to measure multiple social behaviors when examining mental health factors. Thus, explaining and preventing the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present knowledge could be used to determine key intervention factors for reducing the perception of fear and anxiety.

The Effect of Benson Relaxation Technique on Anxiety and Quality of Life in Patients with Thalassemia Major: A Clinical Trial.

Thalassemia major is the most common chronic blood disease in the world, especially in Asia and Iran, and it gives rise to anxiety and reduces quality of life [QOL] in patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Benson relaxation technique on anxiety and QOL in patients with thalassemia major. This semi-experimental clinical trial study was conducted on 140 patients with thalassemia major in two intervention groups [n = 70] and control group [n = 70] in Ali Asghar Hospital, Zahedan.The data were collected using a demographic information form, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI], and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF [WHOQOL-BREF] and self-report checklist. The control group received routine care, whereas the intervention group, we first completed the questionnaires; then, Benson relaxation technique was taught to each patient in three one-hour sessions in the presence of a family member for three consecutive days. Finally, they were asked to practice this technique twice a day for 12weeks. The questionnaires were completed again one and three months after the intervention. Data analysis showed no significant difference between the mean scores of anxiety and QOL and its dimensions in the two groups at baseline [P > 0.001]. One and three months after the relaxation technique, however, the intervention group experienced a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of anxiety and QOL and its dimensions [P < 0.001]. The results confirmed that Benson Relaxation Technique reduces anxiety and improves the QOL of patients with thalassemia major. Clinical Trials Registration: IRCT20200926048842N2.

Fundamentals of Microsurgery: A Novel Simulation Curriculum Based on Validated Laparoscopic Education Approaches.

Microsurgical techniques have a steep learning curve. We adapted validated surgical approaches to develop a novel, competency-based microsurgical simulation curriculum called Fundamentals of Microsurgery (FMS). The purpose of this study is to present our experience with FMS and quantify the effect of the curriculum on resident performance in the operating room. Trainees underwent the FMS curriculum requiring task progression: (1) rubber band transfer, (2) coupler tine grasping, (3) glove laceration repair, (4) synthetic vessel anastomosis, and (5) vessel anastomosis in a deep cavity. Resident anastomoses were also evaluated in the operative room with the Stanford Microsurgery and Resident Training (SMaRT) tool to evaluate technical performance. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and Short-Form Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6) quantified learner anxiety and workload. A total of 62 anastomoses were performed by residents in the operating room during patient care. Higher FMS task completion showed an increased mean SMaRT score (p = 0.05), and a lower mean STAI-6 score (performance anxiety) (p = 0.03). Regression analysis demonstrated residents with higher SMaRT score had lower NASA-TLX score (mental workload) (p < 0.01) and STAI-6 scores (p < 0.01). A novel microsurgical simulation program FMS was implemented. We found progression of trainees through the program translated to better technique (higher SMaRT scores) in the operating room and lower performance anxiety on STAI-6 surveys. This suggests that the FMS curriculum improves proficiency in basic microsurgical skills, reduces trainee mental workload, anxiety, and improves intraoperative clinical proficiency.

Effect of virtual reality and music therapy on anxiety and perioperative pain in surgical extraction of impacted third molars

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) and music therapy on anxiety and perioperative pain in patients undergoing extraction of impacted third molars. MethodsA total of 275 patients who had to undergo surgery for third-molar extraction participated in a randomized controlled trial and were divided into 3 parallel groups: music therapy intervention (n = 91), VR intervention (n = 93), and control (n = 91). The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the visual analog scale of pain intensity were used as measurements in this study. ResultsPatients in the music therapy and VR groups showed a greater reduction in anxiety level scores after third-molar extraction surgery (reduction in total anxiety in music group: 15.12; 95% CI, 13.16 to 17.08; Rosenthal r, 1.61; P < .001; reduction in total anxiety in VR group: 9.80; 95% CI, 7.66 to 11.95; Rosenthal r, 0.97; P < .001; reduction in total anxiety in control group: 6.63; 95% CI, 4.40 to 8.85; Rosenthal r, 0.62; P < .001). The intensity of pain after the intervention was lower in patients in the music therapy group than patients in the control group (P = .04). After the intervention, the music therapy and VR groups presented a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (P < .05), diastolic blood pressure (P < .05), and heart rate (P < .05) compared with the control group. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the use of music therapy and VR during third-molar extraction surgery reduces anxiety and improves the patient’s physiological parameters. Practical ImplicationsImplementation of these interventions (noninvasive, nonpharmacologic, economic) in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry could improve procedures performed under local anesthesia, improving the clinical experience of patients. This clinical trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. The registration number is ACTRN12622000384752.

Clinical predictors and management for radial artery spasm: an Australian cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe transradial approach for coronary artery catheterisation has increased in popularity compared to the transfemoral approach for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. However, radial artery spasm continues to be a major complication of the procedure. Current management strategies vary concerning radial artery spasm and there is limited evidence of practice in the Australian context.AimTo identify the predictors of radial artery spasm and the medications used for its prevention and management.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a three-month period in two tertiary hospitals in NSW, Australia. A self-administered pre-procedural survey was completed by patients undergoing coronary artery catheterisation. This survey collected socio-demographic data and assessed anxiety using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Procedural data, including length of procedure, equipment used, occurrence of radial artery spasm, and medications given, were collected post-procedure by the interventionalist.ResultsOf the 169 participants, over half were male (59.8%) and aged 66 years or older (56.8%). Radial artery spasm was reported in 24 (14.2%) participants. Rates of spasm were significantly higher among females (66.6%, p = 0.004), those aged under 65 years (62.5%, p = 0.001) and those who reported a medical history of anxiety (33.3%, p = 0.0004). There were no significant differences in State and Trait anxiety scores among those who had RAS and those who did not. Logistic regression identified younger age as the only statistically significant predictor of RAS (OR 0.536; 95% CI 0.171–1.684; p = 0.005).To prevent radial artery spasm most patients received midazolam (n = 158; 93.5%), nitrates (n = 133; 78.7%) and/or fentanyl (n = 124; 73.4%) prophylactically. Nitrates were the most frequently administered medication to treat radial artery spasm (78.7%).ConclusionThis study highlights that there is a need to develop a clearer understanding of the predictors of RAS, as identifying patients at risk can ensure prophylactic measures are implemented. This study identified nitrates as the preferred vasodilator as a preventative measure along with the use of sedation.

The effect of counseling with stress management approach on postpartum anxiety and distress and breastfeeding self-efficacy during COVID-19 pandemic: a ramdomized controlled trial

BackgroundSuccessful breastfeeding is related to the psychosocial conditions of the mother. Covid19 pandemic resulted in psychological consequences in women during postpartum period. Maternal anxiety and distress reduce the chances of exclusive breastfeeding. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling with stress management approach on postpartum anxiety and distress and breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) during COVID-19 pandemic.MethodThis randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 breastfeeding mothers referred to health care centers in Tabriz, Iran in 2021. Participants were assigned into the intervention and control groups in a ratio of 1: 1 using block randomization in a block size of 4 and 6. The intervention group participated in six individual 60–90 min sessions. Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), postpartum distress (PMD), and BSE questionnaires were completed before and 4-week after the intervention by the control and intervention groups. Independent t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare the outcomes between two groups.ResultsAccording to the ANCOVA results by controlling the baseline values and after the intervention, the mean score of anxiety in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group [Adjusted Mean Difference (AMD): -13.82, 95%, confidence interval (CI): -12.35 to -15.29, (p < 0.001)]. Further, the mean score of postpartum distress after intervention was lower in the intervention group compared with that in the control group [AMD:5.31 95% CI: -3.00 to -7.37 (p < 0.001)]. After the intervention, the mean score of BSE in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group [AMD: 25.57, 95% CI: 22.85 to 28.29 (p < 0.001)].ConclusionStress management counseling can improve postpartum anxiety and distress and BSE and increase breastfeeding. However, more studies are needed for a definitive conclusion.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20171007036615N6. Date of registration: 15/09/2021.

Effects of Fitness Dance and Funny Running on Anxiety of Female Ph.D. Candidates

Anxiety has been widely prevalent among female Ph.D. candidates. There is a positive correlation between exercise and mental health promotion. Nevertheless, little is known about the use of fitness dance and funny running to intervene in the anxiety of female Ph.D. candidates. In this paper, the effects of fitness dance and funny running on the anxiety of female Ph.D. candidates were evaluated by a repeated measurement experimental design. We randomly divided the participants into two groups, one group received a fitness dance exercise, and the other received a funny running exercise. The Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to investigate the female Ph.D. candidates’ anxiety. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the effects of a fitness dance group and a funny running group on participants’ anxiety, and to compare the differences between the two groups. Results showed that a 12-week fitness dance and funny running can alleviate participants’ anxiety from severe to moderate. Specifically, fitness dance increased the positive emotional experience of participants’ state anxiety (p = 0.018) and trait anxiety (p = 0.019) at 8-week, and decreased the negative emotional experience of state anxiety (p = 0.012), trait anxiety (p = 0.008), state anxiety level (p = 0.001) and trait anxiety level (p = 0.034) at 12-week. Funny running increased the positive emotional experience of participants’ state anxiety (p = 0.014), and trait anxiety (p = 0.002), and reduced the negative emotional experience of state anxiety (p = 0.043), state anxiety level (p = 0.047) and trait anxiety level (p = 0.022) at 12-week. This study suggests that fitness dance and funny running are healthy behaviors, which can help Chinese female Ph.D. candidates to dissociate from anxiety and stress situations and develop a healthy lifestyle. It is worth noting that the effects of fitness dance on Chinese female Ph.D. candidates’ anxiety are better than that of funny running. Based on the good effects of fitness dance in alleviating the anxiety of Chinese female Ph.D. candidates, future researches can design fitness dance intervention programs combining exercise therapy and psychotherapy according to the anxiety characteristics of female Ph.D. candidates, such as mindfulness fitness dance programs.

Assessment of preoperative and postoperative anxiety in adults during extraction of impacted third permanent molars

Background: Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is ubiquitous among the adult population. The anxiety component of DFA is more strongly expressed in adults, and includes a physiological and psychological component, and is more often analyzed in research. Oral-surgical interventions represent a significant source of stress for the appearance of anxiety in subjects. The research aim was to analyze the presence of anxiety with the use of the revised Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DASR) and the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in adult patients during the treatment of extraction of impacted third permanent molars by oral surgery. Material and Methods: The study included adult patients of both sexes, who were previously scheduled for oral-surgical removal of third permanent molars. Anxiety levels were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively as follows: 1st measurement (day of examination)-DASR, and STAI (X1 and X2); 2nd measurement (immediately before the intervention)-STAI (X1 and X2); 3rd measurement (day after the intervention)-STAI (X1 and X2). Results: Preoperatively, the presence of high levels of general anxiety, situational anxiety, and dental anxiety was determined. The levels were decreased before the planned surgery and were significantly reduced in the postoperative period. The STAI scale could be used to assess the presence of situational anxiety in the dental office on an equal footing with other known measuring instruments (e.g. DASR). Conclusions: Adequate therapy should be considered to prevent preoperative anxiety, which would increase the satisfaction of patients and therapists while reducing complications related to this type of intervention.

Effect of Acupressure on Anxiety in Older Women Candidate For Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Objectives: Most patients experience anxiety during the Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). One of the on-pharmacological ways to control anxiety in patients with ESWL is acupressure. This study aims to determine the effect of acupressure on anxiety in older women candidates for ESWL Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 66 eligible older women candidates for ESWL referred to Ordibehesht Surgical Center in Isfahan, Iran in 2021. They were selected by a continuous sampling method and assigned to the intervention and control groups by the block randomization method. The intervention group received acupressure for 20 minutes, while in the control group, the acupoints were only touched (without applying pressure). Data collection tools were the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Visual Anxiety Scale, completed 60 minutes before and immediately after the intervention. T-test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. Results: The two groups were similar in terms of demographic variables. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in anxiety (P&gt; 0.05). After the intervention, the mean severity of anxiety was 3.70±0.77 in the experimental group and 7.36±0.55 in the control group. The mean post-test quality of anxiety was 35.48±5.97 in the intervention group and 61.39±2.42 in the control group. These differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Acupressure is a safe and non-pharmacological intervention that can reduce the anxiety of older women candidates for ESWL.

Особенности психологического статуса матерей недоношенных и доношенных детей

Aim: To evaluate the psychological peculiarities of mothers of preterm and term birth infants, and their attitude to breastfeeding before and after childbirth. Design: Observational study. Materials and methods. The subjects of the research were a pregnant woman at 12-week gestation randomly selected from 5 maternity hospitals in Yerevan. 268 pregnant women were eligible for inclusion in this observational study and created a total group. After birth, mothers were divided into groups of full-term (n = 239) and premature (n = 29) babies. We analysed baseline demographics, health information of the mother, history of pregnancy and delivery, as well as health information of babies. We assessed the presence of depressive symptoms with a Beck Depression Inventory and situational and individual anxiety levels with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results. Assessment of the psychological status demonstrated a high level of state anxiety: 26.7 ± 1.4 and 45.8 ± 1.5 points in mothers of full-term and premature babies, respectively; in mothers of premature babies, the value was significantly higher (р &lt; 0.05). Personal anxiety was relatively inert, there were no significant differences between the groups (p &gt; 0.05). Depressive symptoms were also more pronounced in preterm mothers (moderate depression) than in term birth mothers (mild mood disturbance): 22.5 ± 0.8 points vs. 11.4 ± 0.9 points (p &lt; 0.01). The majority of women (68.3%) who had preterm delivery had a high level of state anxiety (р &lt; 0.01 vs. mothers of full-term babies). Women who were ready to breastfeed longer after the baby is born had more marked signs of depression. In mothers full-term and premature babies, the attitude to breastfeeding before delivery demonstrated direct correlation with the level of depression on Beck depression inventory (r = 0.75, p = 0.02 and r = 0.68, p &lt; 0.01, respectively). The degree of state anxiety in mothers of premature babies correlated with hospitalisation duration (r = 0.9, p = 0.008). Conclusions. Mothers of preterm infants need psychological care based on high level of situational anxiety and depressive symptoms. Breastfeeding is a good biological tool for improved interaction of the mother with her baby; it boosts psychological comfort and reduces anxiety and depression. Keywords: preterm birth, anxiety, depression, mother-infant interaction.

Assessment of Behavioural Preparedness on Recovery Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgeries

Introduction: Behavioural preparedness is the process of preparing patients for the psychological and emotional challenges that may be encountered during and after surgery. This can include providing education about the surgical procedure and postoperative recovery, as well as training in coping strategies and techniques to manage anxiety, fear, and other negative emotions. Prior sensitisation is a form of behavioural preparedness that involves providing patients with information about the potential outcomes of their surgery in advance, in order to help them better understand and prepare for potential challenges. It has been suggested that providing this type of education and training may reduce patient anxiety, increase co-operation with medical staff, and improve recovery, potentially leading to shorter hospital stays and reduced medication needs. Aim: To assess the effects of behavioural preparedness and prior sensitisation on psychological aspects, recovery outcomes, and user satisfaction in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Materials and Methods: The study will be undertaken on patients in the Inpatient Department (IPD) of Department of Surgery in a rural tertiary care hospital in central India, during a period spanning two months. All adult patients (aged 18-60) undergoing elective abdominal surgical procedures under anaesthesia in the IPD of surgery will be eligible. The patients will be randomly selected and interviewed preoperatively, dividing them into two groups those receiving the intervention and those receiving standard care with no intervention. The investigator will provide an oral presentation to the intervention group regarding their recovery outcomes and expectations. Subjects will be evaluated with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scale for pain, RAND Short Form health Survey (SF36) questionnaire for physical mobility, RAND Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire III (PSQ-18) instrument for user satisfaction, length of hospital stay and analgesic switchover time on a survey form and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) forms Y1 and Y2 for comparison of preoperative and postoperative negative affects. Effects of the intervention on recovery outcomes will be compared via the Chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U test for comparison of qualitative data between the two groups and the Student’s Unpaired t-test for comparison of quantitative data between the groups. Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test and the Student’s paired t-test will be used for analysing qualitative and quantitative input between preoperative and postoperative states. Conclusion: The study seeks to determine if a significant difference occurs from providing patients withprior knowledge about their outcomes and establishing the benefits of psychological preparedness as a cost-effective method in improving outcomes and postoperative recovery

Maternal Metabolites Indicative of Mental Health Status during Pregnancy.

Approximately 25% of individuals report poor mental health during their pregnancy or postpartum period, which may impact fetal neurodevelopment, birth outcomes, and maternal behaviors. In the present study, maternal serum samples were collected from pregnancies at 28-32 weeks gestation from the All Our Families (Alberta, Canada) cohort and assessed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Individuals with poor mental health at 34-36 weeks gestation were age-matched with mentally healthy pregnant controls. Metabolites were examined against validated self-reported mental health questionnaires for associations with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale) and anxiety symptoms (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). 1H-NMR metabolites were identified for depression (alanine, leucine, valine, methionine, phenylalanine, glucose, lactate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, and pyruvate) and anxiety (3-hydroxybutyrate). For ICP-MS, antimony and zinc were significant for depression and anxiety, respectively. Upon false discovery rate (FDR) correction at 10%, five 1H-NMR metabolites (alanine, leucine, lactate, glucose, and phenylalanine) for depression remained significantly increased. Although results warrant further validation, the identified metabolites may serve as a predictive tool for assessing mental health during pregnancy as earlier identification has the potential to aid intervention and management of poor mental health symptomology, thus avoiding harmful consequences to both mother and offspring.

The acceptability of cervical electrical impedance spectroscopy within a multi-modal preterm birth screening package: a mixed methods study

BackgroundReducing the rate of preterm birth is a cornerstone of global efforts to address child mortality, however existing screening tests offer imperfect prediction. Cervical electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a novel technique to quantify the ripening changes which precede labour. Mid-trimester EIS measurements have been shown to accurately predict preterm birth in asymptomatic women. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the acceptability of cervical EIS to low and high-risk women as part of a package of screening tests performed during a larger prospective trial.MethodsIn this parallel convergent mixed methods study, 40 women completed questionnaires before and after screening tests (EIS, cervical length measurement and fetal fibronectin quantification). Quantitative outcomes were anxiety levels before and after screening (Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI-6), pain (Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire) and ratings of EIS device appearance and test acceptability (visual analogue scales). Twenty-one women (11 high-risk, 10 low-risk) also attended a semi-structured qualitative interview. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, then thematic analysis was performed. A convergence coding matrix was constructed to enable triangulation of quantitative and qualitative results.ResultsHigh risk women demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety following screening (mean STAI-6 score 34.5 vs. 29.0, p = 0.002). A similar trend was observed among low-risk participants. Ratings of pain, EIS device appearance and procedural acceptability did not differ between groups. Mean pain ratings were low (visual analogue scale 0.97 and 1.01), comparing favourably to published evaluations of conventional screening tests. Qualitative analysis provided insight into both the physical consequences and emotional experiences of screening. Additional determinants of the screening experience included device design, pre-existing perspectives on intimate examination, attitudes to knowledge in pregnancy and interaction with clinical staff. Finally, a range of practical considerations regarding wider use of EIS were identified, with valuable complementary detail regarding acceptability for use in antenatal care.ConclusionsCervical EIS is well tolerated and acceptable to both low and high-risk women when performed as part of a multi-modal screening package. These results provide useful insights to inform the design of future study and screening protocols.

ANXIETY, COGNITIVE FUNCTION, CHANGE, AND IMPAIRMENT AMONG DIVERSE OLDER HISPANICS/LATINOS

Abstract Introduction Anxiety and depression often co-occur and may be risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. We examined associations between symptoms of anxiety and cognitive change and impairment in middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos. Method: 6,162 participants aged ≥50 (mean age=63.4, SD=±8.2 years) were enrolled in the Study of Latinos-Investigations of Neurocognitive Aging study (SOL-INCA), an ancillary to the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Exposures included the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 10-item (STAI-10) and the Center for Epidemiology Scale for Depression 10-item (CESD-10) at HCHS/SOL Visit 1 (2008–2011). Outcomes include cognitive tests at Visit 1 and 2 about 7 years later in SOL-INCA and mild cognitive impairment diagnosis (MCI; NIA-AA diagnostic criteria). Separate models were created to examine associations between cognition and anxiety adjusting for demographic variables, antianxiety medication, and depressive symptoms. Results After adjusting for demographic variables and medication use, STAI-10 scores were associated with Visit 2 cognitive function (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and MCI (p &amp;lt; 0.01), but not with changes in cognitive function over time. After adjusting for depressive symptoms, most effects of anxiety were attenuated, with exception of B-SEVLT-Recall (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Discussion: Anxiety symptoms were associated with lower memory function 7 years later among diverse older Hispanics/Latinos. Anxiety was associated with 7-year cognitive change and MCI, but those associations were explained by depressive symptoms and other covariables. Future research should examine cognition in relation to anxiety and depression since the two commonly co-occur.

Epidemiological Study to Assess the Prevalence of Lung Cancer in patients with smoking-associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases: PREVALUNG study protocol

IntroductionEligibility criteria definition for a lung cancer screening (LCS) is an unmet need. We hypothesised that patients with a history of atheromatous cardiovascular disease (ACVD) associated with tobacco consumption are...

Effectiveness of Hypnosis for the Prevention of Anxiety During Coronary Angiography (HYPCOR study): a prospective randomized study

BackgroundCoronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. This intervention is nevertheless a source of anxiety for the patient both by its discomfort and by the consequences linked to the discovery of potential diseases.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography.MethodsOne hundred sixty-nine patients with planned coronary angiography and no history of coronary angiography were randomized to a hypnosis or control group. Patients in the hypnosis group underwent a hypnosis session with self-hypnosis posthypnotic suggestions, while those in the control group had a conversational interview with the hypnotherapist. The primary endpoint was pre-exam anxiety level assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y A).ResultsPerforming a hypnosis session did not result in a significant decrease in anxiety before the intervention. Age, high trait anxiety, high state anxiety the day before, and belief that hypnosis works in general were associated with increased anxiety before the procedure. No adverse events were reported after hypnosis. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for the occurrence of complications of the intervention.ConclusionIn this study, performing a hypnosis session before coronary angiography did not reduce the state of anxiety measured just before the intervention. In all cases, the hypnotic experience appears to be positive for the patient, encouraging further research efforts.Trial registrationThe research protocol has been registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT02818101; 29/06/2016) and with the ANSM (IDRCB 2016-A00205-46; 02/02/2016).

Validation of the translated version of the EVAN-G scale in a Chinese-speaking population

BackgroundThis study aimed to translate the French version of a perioperative satisfaction questionnaire (EVAN-G) scale, a validated questionnaire for assessing perioperative patient satisfaction, into a Chinese version and validate it in Chinese-speaking patients.MethodsWe developed the Chinese version of the EVAN-G (EVAN-GC) scale based on the original French version of the EVAN-G. The EVAN-GC scale, the Short version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (S-STAI), and the McGill pain questionnaire (MGPQ) were administered on the WeChat mini program. We invited patients to complete these questionnaires within 4 to 24 h after surgery. The psychometric validation of the EVAN-GC scale included validity, reliability, and acceptability.ResultsAmong 220 patients, 217 (98.6%) completed the EVAN-GC scale after surgery. The item-internal consistency revealed good construct validity. Compared with the total scores of the S-STAI and MGPQ, the EVAN-GC scale showed excellent convergent validity (ρ = − 0.32, P < 0.001; ρ = − 0.29, P < 0.001). The EVAN-GC scale could differentiate between groups, which showed good discriminate validity. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.85) of the translated scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency reliability, and a 36-patient subsample retest evidenced good test-retest reliability (ρ = 0.82, P < 0.001). In addition, the median [interquartile range] time of completing the EVAN-GC scale was 3.7 [2.9–4.9] min.ConclusionsThe EVAN-GC scale has good psychometric properties similar to those of the original French version. The EVAN-GC scale is a valid and reliable measurement to assess patient satisfaction in Chinese-speaking patients.Trial registrationThe Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100049555.

Scary in the eye of the beholder: Attentional bias and attentional retraining for social anxiety

Consistent with cognitive models of social anxiety, socially anxious individuals show cognitive biases that magnify their perceived level of threat in the environment. ObjectivesThe first objective was to determine whether attentional bias for socially threatening stimuli occurs after concomitant depression has been controlled. The second objective was to test the effectiveness of the Attention Control Training Program for Social Anxiety (ACTP-SA) for reducing social anxiety attentional bias and improving therapeutic indices in people with social anxiety. MethodIn the first study, socially anxious (N = 30) and non-anxious individuals (N = 30) completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Conner's Social Phobia Inventory, a social-anxiety Stroop test, and a clinical interview. In the second study, individuals with social anxiety (N = 30) were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received 4 sessions of ACTP-SA, or to a sham-intervention control condition. At the post-test and a 3-month follow-up, both groups completed the same measures as in Study 1. ResultsIn Study 1, socially anxious individuals showed higher attentional bias for threatening stimuli than the controls, after depression had been controlled for. In Study 2, participants in the experimental group, compared with the controls, showed greater reductions in attentional bias, social anxiety, and trait anxiety at post-test and follow-up. ConclusionsThe results underscore the importance of information processing biases in social anxiety and the benefits of attentional bias training as a complementary intervention for modifying symptoms of social anxiety.

ALTERATIONS IN FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY: BEING WATCHED AS AN INDICATOR OF STATE ANXIETY

Anxiety increases self-focused attention and rumination. Individuals with anxiety are sensitive to being watched by others, as being watched provokes self-referential processing and induces thoughts regarding others perceptions of oneself. However, whether the neural sensitivity to being watched depends on the level of anxiety remains unclear.We investigated the relationship between anxiety and the neural sensitivity to being watched by others.The anxiety of 25 healthy participants (mean age standard deviation, 23.08 1.71 years; 12 men and 13 women) was evaluated using the Spielberger StateTrait Anxiety Inventory. Resting state electroencephalography data was collected under the alone condition and the condition of being watched by another person. By subtracting the phase lag value between the two conditions, we determined the alterations in participants functional networks when they were being watched. We then found the correlation between the Spielberger StateTrait Anxiety Inventory scores and reactivity of functional connectivity when being watched.The score of state anxiety was significantly correlated with increased phase lag values in the left precuneus, bilateral caudal anterior cingulate cortex, and right rostral middle frontal cortex in the beta band (p&lt; 0.05). We found no significant correlation between the trait anxiety scores and altered phase lag values.Functional connectivity may be involved in the default mode network relevant to self-referential processing and the dorsal attentional network. Our results suggest that self-focused mental processing and sensitivity to being watched by others could be common in people with anxiety, thus expanding the current understanding of the cognitive mechanisms behind anxiety.

Risk factors and preventive strategies for post-traumatic stress disorder in neonatal intensive care unit.

Preterm birth and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) could induce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an important factor to focus on, as it is associated with parental mental health difficulties and with changes in caregiving quality such as increased intrusiveness, reduced sensitivity, and increased attachment insecurity for the child. We aimed to study the main risk factors, in the early life of newborns, and preventive measures for PTSD in parents of neonates hospitalized in the NICU. We included parents of preterm newborns, consecutively admitted to the NICU of the University La Sapienza of Rome. The presence of PTSD following preterm birth and NICU admission was assessed using the Clinician-administered PTSD scale (CAPS) at enrollment and at 28-30 days following NICU admission or the moment of discharge. We also evaluated the Family Environment Scale which measures the social environment of all types of families; the Parental Stressor Scale which measures parental anxiety and stress; the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory consisting of two parts measuring the State (response to present situation) and Trait (pre-disposition to be anxious) anxieties separately, and the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition assessing depressive symptoms. We found, in a multivariate analysis, that the gestational age of newborns admitted to NICU significantly (β = 2.678; p = 0.040) influences the occurrence of PTSD. We found that the cases showed significantly (β = 2.443; p = 0.020) more pathological Parental Stressor Scale sights and sounds scores compared to controls. The early Kangaroo-Care (KC) significantly (β = -2.619; p = 0.015) reduces the occurrence of PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of preterm newborns is a pathological condition that should be properly managed, in the very first days after birth. The NICU environment represents a main risk factor for PTSD, whereas KC has been demonstrated to have a protective role in the occurrence of PTSD.