STAI-T Scores Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of salivary melatonin levels in patients with bruxism: a case-control study.

Aim: To examine whether there is any difference in the levels of salivary melatonin between bruxism and nonbruxism groups and to compare the stress and anxiety levels between the two groups.Materials & methods: Patients meeting the probable bruxism criteria according to the International Consensus on the Assessment of Bruxism Criteria were included in the bruxism group. The salivary melatonin concentrations of both groups were measured using an ELISA kit. To determine the relationship between stress and bruxism, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) test was used.Results: The bruxism group had a significantly lower night-time salivary melatonin level than the control group (p<0.05). No significant difference was determined between the bruxism group and the control group in respect of the STAI-T scores (p>0.05).Conclusion: The study findings revealed a strong relationship between a low melatonin level and bruxism.

Self-image, self-esteem, anxiety, and functional capacity in patients undergoing open-structure rhinoplasty

BackgroundRhinoplasty may improve negative psychological aspects, such as mild to moderate body dysmorphic disorder; however, the repercussions on the self-image and quality of life of patients after the procedure are unknown. ObjectiveTo evaluate self-image, self-esteem, anxiety, and functional capacity of patients undergoing open-structure rhinoplasty. MethodsA primary, analytical, clinical, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted, which included 30 female patients, aged between 18 and 50 years with elongated nose and nasal hump, who underwent open and structured rhinoplasty. All procedures were performed by a team from the Rhinology DCP/Unifesp. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale - EPM, BDSS, BDD-YBOCS, SF-36, SRQ-20, and STAI (T/E) questionnaires were administered before the surgery and at 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery. ResultsThe results showed statistically significant differences in the Rosenberg scale - EPM (p = 0.017), BDSS (p < 0.001), BDD (p = 0.006), SF-36 (p = 0.041), SRQ-20 (p = 0.012), and STAI-T (p = 0.001) scores in general analyses. Additionally, the statistically significant changes persisted in various stratified postoperative periods. In the qualitative analysis, there was only statistical significance for the classification of the BDSS score, where the “Absent” (absence of body dysmorphism) index increased from 70.0% in the preoperative state to 96.7% in 18 months postoperatively. The “Present” (presence of body dysmorphism) index fell from 30.0% to 3.3% in the same period (p = 0.001). ConclusionOpen-structure rhinoplasty improved the patients’ self-image, self-esteem, anxiety, and mental health.

Factors associated with psychological distress during genetic counseling in high-risk women with breast cancer in Turkey

PurposeThis study aims to shed light on the rather neglected area of research of psychological distress in women facing genetic counselling in Turkey, where few institutions providing such counselling exist.Methods105 breast cancer patients presenting for genetic testing completed a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire as well as validated structured questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T) and the Health Motivation Sub-dimension of Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale.Results69.5% of the participants had lost a family member from cancer; 80% said the term “cancer” elicited negative thoughts (e.g., death, fear, and incurable disease). 62.9% and 37.1% attributed cancer to stress or sorrow, and genetic susceptibility, respectively. There was a negative association between health motivation and BDI scores (r:-0.433, p < 0.001). Married individuals had higher BDI and STAI-S scores (p = 0.001, p = 0.01 respectively), as well as lower STAI-T scores (p = 0.006). BDI, STAI-S and STAI-T scores were higher in those refusing genetic testing (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.003 respectively) and those with metastases (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.03 respectively). Furthermore, individuals with low health motivation were more likely to exhibit high BDI scores (p < 0.001) and low STAI-T scores (p = 0.02).ConclusionCommon perceptions and beliefs about cancer and genetic testing during genetic counselling were found to have a negative impact on distress in high-risk women with breast cancer. The negative relationship between psychological distress and health motivation may reduce patients' compliance with genetic counselling recommendations. A comprehensive psychological evaluation should be considered as an important part of genetic counselling.

A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (ES1) and heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in participants with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

ABSTRACT To determine the efficacy of the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (ES1) and postbiotic heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 (HT-ES1) in improving symptom severity in adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 200 participants split into three groups was carried out. Two capsules of either ES1, HT-ES1 or placebo were administered orally, once daily, for 84 days (12 weeks). The primary outcome was change in total IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) score from baseline, compared to placebo. Secondary outcome measures were stool consistency, quality of life, abdominal pain severity and anxiety scores. Safety parameters and adverse events were also monitored. The change in IBS-SSS scores from baseline compared to placebo, reached significance in the ES1 and HT-ES1 group, on Days 28, 56 and 84. The decrease in mean IBS-SSS score from baseline to Day 84 was: ES1 (−173.70 [±75.60]) vs placebo (−60.44 [±65.5]) (p < .0001) and HT-ES1 (−177.60 [±79.32]) vs placebo (−60.44 [±65.5]) (p < .0001). Secondary outcomes included changes in IBS-QoL, APS-NRS, stool consistency and STAI-S and STAI-T scores, with changes from baseline to Day 84 being significant in ES1 and HT-ES1 groups, compared to the placebo group. Both ES1 and HT-ES1 were effective in reducing IBS-D symptom severity, as evaluated by measures such as IBS-SSS, IBS-QoL, APS-NRS, stool consistency, and STAI, in comparison to the placebo. These results are both statistically significant and clinically meaningful, representing, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first positive results observed for either a probiotic or postbiotic from the same strain, in this particular population.

The biological modifications of milk are linked to mental health of mothers of infants affected by bronchiolitis

IntroductionBreast milk is a dynamic type of nourishment that changes based on the needs of the child. An increasing amount of data suggests that mental health may be an important factor in such modulation. In addition, breast milk contains extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are currently considered an important dynamic system of communication between cells, even of different individuals.ObjectivesPurpose of this article is to investigate whether changes in breast milk in terms of EVs concentrations are related to maternal mental health.MethodsThis is a case-control study for which we enrolled mothers of infants with bronchiolitis (N=33) and mothers of healthy infants (N=13). Breast milk samples were taken and EVs concentrations were quantified. Maternal mental health was assessed by administration of five different psychometric scales: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S, STAI-T), Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF), The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 items (CD-RISC). Subsequently, scale scores were related to evs concentrations by negative binomial regressions adjusted for case-control.ResultsAs maternal resilience increases, the EVs of neutrophilic origin (p=0.0447) and those of endothelial origin (p=0.0078) decrease¹. In contrast, an increased EPDS score is associated with higher levels of B-lymphocyte EVs (p=0.0376). Scores on the STAI-S scale impact many more populations of EVs²: we observed an increased Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) of neutrophil-derived EVs (p&lt;0.0001), T-lymphocyte- derived EVs (p=0.0214), NK-cell-derived EVs (p=0.0202), T-reg CD4+ CD25+ (p=0.0141) and endothelial marked EVs (p=0.0180). An increase in STAI-T scale scores also was associated with a significant increase in CD177+ neutrophil-derived EVs (p=0.0028) and endothelial-derived EVs (p=0.0111)³.Image:Image 2:Image 3:ConclusionsEVs concentrations in breast milk are associated with maternal mental health. Specifically, stress and related severity of anxiety is able to increase the concentrations of EVs derived from inflammatory cells, which suggests an increase in their number and activity. Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Coloring complex shapes decreases patient anxiety in three care environments: a pilot study with color analysis.

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of coloring activity of circular symmetrical shape with complex patterns, so-called mandala, on anxiety associated with chronic illness in three different ambulatory medical situations (general consultation, psychiatric day hospital, and hemodialysis session). Thirty patients were included in three groups and came from three different ambulatory medical situations: a hemodialysis group (n = 10), a psychiatric day hospital group (n = 10), and a nephrology consultation group (n = 10). We asked the patients to fill STAI-S and STAI-T questionnaires before to color complex circular shape with complex patterns, then to fill the STAI-S questionnaire again and a questionnaire on the experience of the activity. The results show that the STAI-S score was significantly lower after coloring for the hemodialysis (p = 0.02) and psychiatric groups (p = 0.005) but not for the general consultation group (p = 0.26). STAI-T scores did not differ between groups. The distribution of colors in the mandala was different in the three groups of patients. A positive subjective experience of the activity was found in all groups. These results show the effectiveness of a coloring activity of a circular shape with complex patterns on anxiety associated with chronic illness in care environment. The different distribution of the colors of the mandala in the three groups raises the question of the influence of the context on the mood of the patients and the deeper meaning of the choice of colors and their placement in the mandala. Our study reinforces the multiple applications of art activities in different medical disciplines and encourages their development within healthcare settings.

The effect of informative video before the procedure on anxiety levels in patients who will have ureteral stent removal under local anesthesia

ObjectiveOur objective was to assess the impact of video-animated information on the anxiety levels of patients undergoing ureteral stent removal under local anesthesia. MethodThe study was designed as a randomized prospective trial. The one group received only verbal and written information before the surgery, while the other group received video-animated information in addition to the written and verbal instructions. The patients’ anxiety levels were assessed using the STAI-S and STAI-T questionnaires, while their pain scores were evaluated using VAS scores. Tolerability and satisfaction scores were also evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale. ResultsThe video-group (Group 1) consisted of 74 patients, while the non-video group (Group 2) consisted of 82 patients. The mean pre-information STAI-T score was 34.4 ± 3.7 in Group 1 and 35.2 ± 3 in the Group 2 (p = 0.113). In the video group, pre-information STAI-S scores was 34.8 ± 3.3 and post-information STAI-S scores was 33.8 ± 3 (p < 0.001). In the non-video group, pre-information STAI-S score was 35.6 ± 2.6 and post-information STAI-S score was 35.5 ± 2.7 (p = 0.260). The mean VAS score of Group 1 is 5.7 ± 1.2 and Group 2 is 5.7 ± 1.4 (p = 0.608). The mean tolerability scores of Group 1 and Group 2 were 3.7 ± 0.9 and 2.7 ± 1, respectively. The mean satisfaction scores of Group 1 and Group 2 were 4.1 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 1, respectively. Both tolerability score and satisfaction score improved statistically significantly after video information (p < 0.001). ConclusionProviding video-animated information in addition to written and verbal information before removing the ureteral stent reduces patients’ preoperative anxiety. Furthermore, patient tolerance and satisfaction are higher when informative videos are included.

El efecto del vídeo informativo preoperatorio sobre los niveles de ansiedad en pacientes que serán intervenidos para extracción del stent ureteral bajo anestesia local

ObjectiveOur objective was to assess the impact of video-animated information on the anxiety levels of patients undergoing ureteral stent removal under local anesthesia. MethodThe study was designed as a randomized prospective trial. The one group received only verbal and written information before the surgery, while the other group received video-animated information in addition to the written and verbal instructions. The patients’ anxiety levels were assessed using the STAI-S and STAI-T questionnaires, while their pain scores were evaluated using VAS scores. Tolerability and satisfaction scores were also evaluated on a 5-point likert scale. ResultsThe video-group (Group 1) consisted of 74 patients, while the non-video group (Group 2) consisted of 82 patients. The mean pre-information STAI-T score was 34.4±3.7 in Group 1 and 35.2±3 in the Group 2 (p=0.113). In the video group, pre-information STAI-S scores was 34.8±3.3 and post-information STAI-S scores was 33.8±3 (p<0.001). In the non-video group, pre-information STAI-S score was 35.6±2.6 and post-information STAI-S score was 35.5±2.7 (p=0.260). The mean VAS score of Group 1 is 5.7±1.2 and Group 2 is 5.7±1.4 (p=0.608). The mean tolerability scores of Group 1 and Group 2 were 3.7±0.9 and 2.7±1, respectively. The mean satisfaction scores of Group 1 and Group 2 were 4.1±0.9 and 2.6±1, respectively. Both tolerability score and satisfaction score improved statistically significantly after video information (p<0.001). ConclusionProviding video-animated information in addition to written and verbal information before removing the ureteral stent reduces patients’ preoperative anxiety. Furthermore, patient tolerance and satisfaction are higher when informative videos are included.

Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in reducing depressive symptomatology in type 1 diabetes: results of a randomized controlled trial.

Depression in people with diabetes is associated with poorer health outcomes. Although web programs integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy with diabetes education have shown good results, no similar approach has been implemented in Spain. This aim of this study was to administer an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy program (CBT) for the treatment of mild-moderate depressive symptomatology in individuals with type 1 diabetes (WEB_TDDI1 study) and evaluate the efficacy of this program. A pre-post randomized controlled study was conducted. The sample comprised 65 people with type 1 diabetes and mild-moderate depressive symptoms: 35 treatment group (TG) and 30 control group (CG). The following effects of the nine-session program were analyzed: depression (Beck Depression Inventory Fast Screen, BDI-FS), metabolic variables (glycosilated hemoglobin, HbA1c), and other psychological variables including anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI), fear of hypoglycemia (Fear of Hypoglycemia Questionnaire, FH-15), distress (Diabetes Distress Questionnaire (DDS), quality of life (Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire, DQOL),and treatment adherence (Diabetes Self-Care Inventory-Revised questionnaire, SCI-R). At the end of the treatment program, only 28 people were evaluated (TG=8; CG=20). However, a significant reduction was found in both groups in BDI-FS and STAI-T scores, which was significantly greater in the TG. Significant improvements were also found in the TG in DQOL, FH-15, DDS and SCI-R scores. The percentage change in these variables was also statistically significant in the TG versus the CG. However, no significant results were found in HbA1c. The Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy program for the treatment of mild-moderate depressive symptomatology in people with type 1 diabetes (WEB_TDDI1 study) is effective in reducing depressive symptomatology in the sample that completed the study. Positive results are also produced in other variables associated with depression in this population such as diabetes-related distress, trait anxiety, fear of hypoglycemia, quality of life, and adherence to diabetes treatment. Although new studies would be necessary to support the results of this platform, the results obtained are positive and support the use of this platform as an appropriate treatment for this population. ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier NCT03473704.

Modification of the association between nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and anxiety by personality trait during early pregnancy: A longitudinal study of Japanese pregnant women.

This study aimed to elucidate whether personality traits modify the relationship between nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) and anxiety, stratified by three pregnancy periods: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, and 13-20 weeks. This longitudinal study was conducted from August 2018 to February 2019 at a perinatal outpatient unit in a general hospital. We included 153 pregnant women aged ≥20 years and under 20 weeks of gestation at their first prenatal visit. They completed the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to measure anxiety in terms of both trait (STAI-T) and state anxiety (STAI-S), and retook them at follow-up checkups for a maximum of three times. Using longitudinal data until 20 weeks' gestation, changes in NVP and trait anxiety were significantly associated with changes in state anxiety independently, with trait anxiety being more strongly involved than the change in NVP. This tendency was pronounced in the high-trait anxiety group with STAI-T scores of ≥45. Cross-sectional analyses by gestational week showed similar results in the low-trait anxiety group (STAI-T < 45). In the high-trait anxiety group, only trait anxiety was significantly associated with state anxiety up to 12 weeks gestation. However, only NVP was significantly associated with state anxiety after 13 weeks. Pregnant women who tend to be anxious temperamentally may have other factors that cause anxiety besides nausea immediately after the discovery of pregnancy. Understanding personality traits may help reduce anxiety in pregnant women.

Impact of the trait anxiety during pregnancy on birth weight: an observational cohort study

To explore the effects of antenatal anxiety on fetal growth an observational cohort study was performed, including a cohort of 204 women with singleton pregnancies during the strict lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Psychosocial factors, maternal demographics, obstetric outcomes, social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, MOS-SSS), and symptoms of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAIs and STAIt) and depression (Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, EPDS) were studied as potential predictors of low birth weight. Main outcome measures were birth weight, head circumference and length. Results showed a negative correlation between STAIt score (trait anxiety) and birth weight percentile (r = −0.228, p = .047). In the univariate linear regression analysis, a lower maternal weight and BMI before pregnancy, parity, increased STAIt score and preterm birth below 37 weeks of gestation (p = .008, p = .015, p = .028, p = .047 and p = .022, respectively) were identified as predictive risk factors for low birth weight, whereas in the multivariate lineal regression analysis only a lower maternal weight before pregnancy and an increased STAIt score were independent predictors for low birth weight (p = .020, p = .049, respectively). To conclude, anxiety during pregnancy impacts birth weight, and specifically the trait anxiety, is a predictor for low birth weight.

Fetal echocardiography: Is an anxiety and stress factor for mother and fetus?

Purpose: There are conflicting data about the effects of fetal echocardiography (fECHO) on the psychiatric symptoms of the mother and cardiac evaluation of the fetus. &#x0D; Methods: This study included 119 pregnant women who evaluated using fECHO as the study group and 65 healthy pregnant women who evaluated using ultrasonography for routine screening as the control group. All participants filled out State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before assessment. &#x0D; Results: Mitral flow velocity, Tricuspid flow velocity, Aorta flow velocity (AFV), Pulmonary artery flow velocity, Fetal heart rate (FHR) was evaluated by fECHO. STAI-S, STAI-T and PSS scores of women who evaluated by using fECHO were higher than the control group. In fECHO group, AFV values of pregnant women with high STAI-S scores were higher than those with low STAI-S scores. FHR was higher in pregnant women with low STAI-T scores compared to pregnant women with high STAI-T scores. Correlation analyses showed that STAI-S scores and AFV values and number of pregnancies were positively correlated. FHR was found to be negatively correlated with STAI-S, STAI-T and PSS scores. &#x0D; Conclusion: fECHO can cause anxiety and stress in pregnant women and may have negative effects on fetal cardiac evaluation.

Relationships Between Parental Anxiety and Child Quality of Life in Advanced Childhood Cancer.

Background: Family factors, such as household income and parental psychosocial distress, have been associated with quality of life in children with cancer. However, relationships between parent anxiety and child health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have not been evaluated in children with advanced cancer. Objective: To examine relationships between parent anxiety and both parent-reported and child self-reported HRQoL for children with advanced cancer. Method: Children (aged 5-17 years) with relapsed or refractory cancer and their parents participated in this single-institution cross-sectional study. Parents completed measures of their own baseline anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait [STAI-T] form) and their ill child's HRQoL (PedsQL Generic and PedsQL Cancer, parent report). Children completed age-specific PedsQL Generic and PedsQL Cancer, child report. Spearman's rho coefficients assessed correlations between total parent STAI-T score and both parent-reported and child-reported HRQoL scales. Results: Twenty children (Mage = 9.5 years, 50% female) and their 20 parents (90% mothers) participated. The strongest and statistically significant (p < .05) correlations were inverse associations between parental trait anxiety and parent-reported child psychosocial HRQoL (rs = -.54), emotional functioning (rs = -.49), school functioning (rs = -.45), and child pain and hurt (rs = -.45). Correlations of parental anxiety with all dimensions of child-reported HRQoL were generally smaller (rs < .40), positive, and not statistically significant (p > .05). Discussion: Given the inverse correlations between parental anxiety and child psychosocial HRQoL, assessment of parent mental health needs and access to interventions should be provided routinely for parents of children with advanced cancer.

Parasomnias in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is often associated with reduced sleep quality and an increase in sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and insomnia. There are few studies investigating the prevalence of parasomnias in pregnancy, although they may be expected to be a significant problem, as disturbed sleep in this time period in addition to these sleep disorders may trigger parasomnia episodes. We conducted a survey using an online questionnaire focusing on a comparison of the prevalence of parasomnias in three time periods: 3 months before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and 3 months after delivery. We also inquired about psychiatric and neurological comorbidities, current anxiety and depression symptoms, and pregnancy complications. A total of 325 women (mean age 30.3 ± 5.3 years) participated in the online survey. The overall number of reported parasomnias increased during pregnancy compared to the 3 months before pregnancy (p < 0.001) and decreased after childbirth (p < 0.001). Specifically, we found a significant increase in sleepwalking (p = 0.02) and night terrors (p < 0.001), as well as in vivid dreams (p < 0.001) and nightmares (p < 0.001) during pregnancy. A similar significant increase during pregnancy was reported for head explosion (p < 0.011). In contrast, the number of episodes of sleep paralysis increased after delivery (p = 0.008). At the individual level, an increase in the severity/frequency of individual parasomnia episodes was also observed during pregnancy. Participants whose vivid dreams/nightmares persisted after delivery had higher BDI-II and STAI-T scores. Our data also suggest a significant impact of migraines and other chronic pain, as well as complications during pregnancy, on the presence of parasomnia episodes in our cohort. We have shown that the prevalence of parasomnias increases during pregnancy and needs to be targeted, especially by non-pharmacological approaches. At the same time, it is necessary to inquire about psychiatric and neurological comorbidities and keep in mind that more sleep disorders may be experienced by mothers who have medical complications during pregnancy.

Evaluation of state and trait anxiety levels in patients waiting for endoscopic procedure during the COVID-19 period

Objective: Association between the COVID-19 pandemic and mental well-being has been researched in several studies. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory is one of the most widely test used for measurement of anxiety. In this study, we aimed to determine the anxiety levels of patients waiting for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure during the COVİD 19 pandemic&#x0D; Material and Methods: Patients above 18 years of both genders who were waiting for the gastroenterological endoscopic procedure included in the study. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory applied to the patient waiting in line for the procedure&#x0D; Results: A total of 150 patients were included in the study. During the pandemic, a greater proportion of women (36.9%) feared endoscopy than men (19.7%) (chi-square =0.016). The number of patients (94, 62.7%) reporting they feared visiting the hospital during pandemic (p&lt;0.001, chi-square) had a significantly higher fear of undergoing endoscopy during the pandemic (87.5%, n=49). The median STAI-S score (39 [IQR 30.25 - 47]) was significantly lower in patients who had previously undergone endoscopy than in patients who had not (p=0.028). ). The mean STAI-T score of women (46.11+-7.62) was 5.08 (95% CI 2.67 - 7.48) higher than that of men (41.03+-7.09) (p&lt;0.001, Student's t test).&#x0D; Conclusion: Mortality and morbidity experienced during the COVİD-19 period had devastating effects on the mental health of patients, but some groups were more affected by this situation. Therefore, identifying vulnerable groups, paying special attention to these groups, and providing more intense information will reduce potential concerns.

Evaluation of the relationship between anxiety levels and dental appearance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between personal traits, dental anxiety level and dental appearance of the individuals. The study included 431 individuals who completed State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Form (STAI-T) and Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (CDAS) questionnaires during their first appointment at the orthodontic clinic. The Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) index scoring was performed using intraoral frontal photographs by an orthodontist. According to the STAI-T scores, three anxiety groups were formed: mild, moderate, and severe. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for intergroup comparisons. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between STAI-T, CDAS, and ICON scores. It was found that 38.28% of the participants had mild, 34.1% had severe, and 27.62% had moderate anxiety levels. CDAS score was significantly lower in the mild anxiety group (p ≤ 0.0001) compared to the groups showing moderate and severe anxiety. There was no significant difference between the moderate and severe anxiety groups. ICON score was significantly higher in the severe anxiety group (p ≤ 0.0001) than the other groups. It was also significantly higher in the moderate anxiety group (p ≤ 0.0001) than in the mild anxiety group. There was a significant positive correlation between STAI-T and both CDAS and ICON scores. There was no significant correlation between CDAS and ICON scores. Dental appearance had a significant effect on the general anxiety of individuals. Improving the dental appearance with orthodontic treatments can have positive effects on reducing anxiety. The low level of dental anxiety in individuals with a high need for treatment will facilitate the work of the orthodontist in the procedures to be applied.

Evaluation Anxiety Levels of Adult Patients and Parents of Adolescent Patients With Anaphylaxis

Background: Anaphylaxis is a sudden onset condition that may progress with severe systemic symptoms and may be accompanied by life-threatening respiratory failure and cardiovascular shock. Exposure to a traumatic event may cause patients and their parents to fear reliving the same event, so they try to avoid risk factors. It was aimed to determine the anxiety and stress levels in adult patients and in parents of adolescent patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis and to compare them with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-type study was conducted. Control group (group 1), adult pa-tients diagnosed with anaphylaxis (group 2), and parents (a mother or father) of adolescent diagnosed with anaphylaxis (group 3) were included in the study. The anxiety levels of participants were evaluated by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).Results: A total of 163 participants were included in the study. Seventy-one participants were in the con-trol group, forty-four were in group 2, thirty-eight were in group 3. STAI-T and STAI-S scores of groups 2 and 3 were significantly higher than controls. No difference was found between groups 2 and 3 for STAI-T scores (p=0.8) and STAI-S scores (p=0.74). Conclusions: Adult patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis and parents of adolescents are more anxious than the normal healthy population. Anxiety and anaphylactic conditions are often comorbid. Psychosocial assessment should be the first step in adult patients with anaphylaxis and their parents. Physicians should prevent the harm that anxiety may cause. For this purpose, education programs, screening programs, support trainings with patient participation should be organized.

Maternal Anxiety and Its Associated Factors During the First and Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Serbia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID 19-pandemic affects people differently, while pregnant women are among the most sensitive populations. The data about maternal mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak are in some ways consistent but also country-specific. The study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women's anxiety and identify its associated factors. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 358 pregnant women during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Serbia. An anonymous survey included basic demographic questions, pregnancy-related background questions, the question of self-reported COVID-19-related fear, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The study revealed no pregnant women with low anxiety levels measured by STAI-T and STAI-S, while the STAI-S and STAI-T scores indicated high anxiety in 32.4% and 42.7% of pregnant women, respectively. The obtained results pointed out the nonlinear dependence of state anxiety on observed associated factors and their complex interactions, including the data collecting period. Our findings reveal that COVID-19 affects pregnant women's mental health and makes it necessary for psychological monitoring and support for pregnant women, which may be reflected in their mental health but also the development of their offspring.

The association between trait anxiety and the fear of being laughed at in college: A preliminary study with a Brazilian sample.

To evaluate how gelotophobia correlates with trait anxiety in a sample of Brazilian college students. We evaluated the association of GELOPH &lt; 15 &gt; scores with both self-reported experiences of bullying victimization and trait anxiety measures assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The study consisted of a sample of 65 adult volunteers (M = 21.48, SD = 2.54 years, 38 females), recruited through social media or flyer distribution, and submitted to online versions of the gelotophobia assessment instrument (GELOPH &lt; 15 &gt;) and the STAI. Most participants (N = 56, 86.15%) had an STAI-T score indicative of high trait anxiety. The average GELOPH &lt; 15 &gt; score of the sample was 2.69 (0.65) and 39 of the subjects (60%) were considered gelotophobes. There was a strong positive correlation between the GELOPH &lt; 15 &gt; and STAI-T scores but no correlation between bullying and either the STAI-T and GELOPH &lt; 15 &gt; scores. However, the great majority of subjects with gelotophobia reported been previously bullied. In our sample, all gelotophobes had trait anxiety, but only a fraction of anxious subjects had gelotophobia. These preliminary findings expand on previous reports underscoring the high prevalence of mental health problems afflicting higher education students in Brazil.

Vitamin D Alleviates Anxiety and Depression in Elderly People with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Older people are prone to frailness, present poor adherence to pharmacotherapy, and often have adverse drug effects. Therefore, it is important to develop effective and safe interventions to mitigate the burden of anxiety and depression disorders in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the anxiety and depression status of elderly people with prediabetes. Participants were randomly assigned a weekly dose of vitamin D3 of 25,000 IU (n = 45, mean age 73.10 ± 7.16 years) or nothing (n = 45, mean age 74.03 ± 7.64 years), in addition to suggested lifestyle measures. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory subscales (STAI-T and STAI-S) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate anxiety and depression levels, respectively, at baseline, 6, and 12 months. A total of 92.68% of the participants in the vitamin D group and 97.14% of the controls exhibited vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) at baseline. Mean STAI-T scores were lower in supplemented individuals than in the control group at 6 (38.02 ± 9.03 vs. 43.91 ± 7.18, p = 0.003) and 12 months (32.35 ± 7.77 vs. 44.97 ± 7.78, p < 0.001). The same pattern was evident for STAI-S scores at 6 (37.11 ± 7.88 vs. 43.20 ± 9.33, p = 0.003) and 12 months (32.59 ± 6.45 vs. 44.60 ± 9.53, p < 0.001). Supplemented participants demonstrated lower mean PHQ-9 scores compared to controls at 6 (15.69 ± 6.15 vs. 19.77 ± 8.96, p = 0.021) and 12 months (13.52 ± 5.01 vs. 20.20 ± 8.67, p < 0.001). Participants with deficiency and insufficiency at baseline experienced equal benefits of supplementation in terms of anxiety and depression scores. In conclusion, in a high-risk population, a weekly vitamin D supplementation scheme was effective in alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms. More studies are needed to elucidate the relevant mechanisms.