State And Trait Anxiety Research Articles

Effectiveness of Relaxation Techniqueon Level of Anxiety before UpperGastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGE)

Introduction - Most of us have experienced anxiety at one point in life, whether it is waiting in a queuefor Viva or before the performance, everyone has experienced butterflies in the stomach. Two types ofanxiety broadly categorize anxiety into Trait and state anxiety forms. The general tendency of a personto be anxious is known as Trait Anxiety, whereas State Anxiety refers to the anxiety experienced atone moment due to a stressful situation. The present study was aimed to determine the effectivenessof relaxation techniques on the level of anxiety of clients undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopyprocedures.Materials and Methods: The present study consisted of patients divided into a control group andan experimental group. All of the participants filled State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Theexperimental group was given a relaxation technique and then both groups were asked to completeSTAI. The collected data were analyzed through frequency, percentage, Chi-square, Yatescorrectionand fisher exact test.Results: Before the intervention was carried out, there was no significant difference between the twogroups in terms of the rate of state and trait anxiety (p<0.05). After the intervention, the rate of stateand trait anxiety decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the experimental group. Conclusion: In patientssubjected to endoscopy, psychological preparation was effective in reducing their anxiety and thus thiscan be considered as an efficient method in decreasing anxiety

Transdiagnostic group cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety in bipolar disorder\u2014a pilot feasibility and acceptability study

ObjectiveAnxiety is prominent for many people living with bipolar disorder, yet the benefit of psychological interventions in treating this co-morbidity has been minimally explored and few studies have been conducted in a group format. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy group anxiety programme (CBTA-BD) for people living with bipolar disorder.MethodsParticipants were recruited to take part in a 9-week group therapy programme designed to treat anxiety in bipolar disorder using cognitive behaviour therapy. They were assessed by structured interview (SCID-5 RV) to confirm the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and assessed for anxiety disorders. Self-report questionnaires—DASS (depression, anxiety, stress), ASRM (mania), STAI (state and trait anxiety) and Brief QOL.BD (quality of life) pre- and post-treatment were administered.ResultsFourteen participants enrolled in the programme, with 10 participants (5 male; 5 female) completing the follow-up assessments. Two groups (one during working hours, the other outside working hours) were conducted. The programme appeared acceptable and feasible with a mean of 6.9 (77%) sessions attended, though five (50%) participants completed less than 3 weeks homework.ConclusionThe transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy group anxiety programme (CBTA-BD) proved feasible and acceptable for participants; however, homework compliance was poor. A larger randomised pilot study is needed to assess the benefits of the intervention on symptom measures and address homework adherence, possibly through providing support between sessions or tailoring it more specifically to participant needs.

Is alexithymia related to cannabis use disorder? Results from a case-control study in outpatient adolescent cannabis abusers

ObjectiveIn recent decades, alexithymia has been considered a risk factor for multiple somatic and psychiatric conditions. Yet, whereas alexithymia has been extensively studied in adults with a substance misuse, only one study has reported data on cannabis abusers from the general population. Hence, our main objective was to explore alexithymia in a clinical sample of treatment-seeking young outpatients with a DSM-IV cannabis dependence or abuse diagnosis compared to controls. Methods120 young patients (95 males - mean age 17.9years (SD=2.8; 14 to 25)) with a cannabis dependence or abuse (DSM-IV-TR criteria evaluated with the MINI), seeking treatment in an addiction unit, and 110 healthy control subjects (77 males - mean age 18.2years (SD=3.4; 14 to 25)) participated in the study. They completed a battery of self-reports measuring alexithymia (TAS-20; BVAQ-B), depression (BDI-13) and state and trait anxiety (STAI). Results35.3% of cannabis users were alexithymic, and logistic regression analysis showed that the alexithymic components of difficulties identifying and describing feelings combined with trait anxiety predicted group membership. ConclusionThis first study on young cannabis abusers and dependent subjects further emphasizes the importance of considering the affective style, and particularly the anxious temperament and alexithymia features, as factors associated with substance misuse during late adolescence.

Reduced anxiety in forensic inpatients after a long-term intervention with Atlantic salmon.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Atlantic salmon consumption on underlying biological mechanisms associated with anxiety such as heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) as well as a measure of self-reported anxiety. Moreover, these biological and self-reported outcome measures were investigated in relation to specific nutrients; vitamin D status, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Ninety-five male forensic inpatients were randomly assigned into a Fish (Atlantic salmon three times per week from September to February) or a Control group (alternative meal, e.g., chicken, pork, or beef three times per week during the same period). HRV measured as the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), HR, state- and trait-anxiety (STAI), were assessed before (pre-test) and at the end of the 23 weeks dietary intervention period (post-test). The Fish group showed significant improvements in both rMSSD and HR. The Fish group also showed significant decreases in state-anxiety. Finally, there was a positive relationship between rMSSD and vitamin D status. The findings suggest that Atlantic salmon consumption may have an impact on mental health related variables such as underlying mechanisms playing a key role in emotion-regulation and state-anxiety.

Comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adult psychiatric outpatients with depressive or anxiety disorders

Background. There are very few studies reporting on the prevalence and the contribution of not previously diagnosed ADHD in the clinical picture of other psychiatric disorders. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adult psychiatric outpatients with depressive or anxiety disorders. Methods. During a 6-month period, 114 outpatients with depressive or anxiety disorders were evaluated for ADHD diagnosis. Assessment included interviews with both patient and relatives/friends and the use of a daily diary. Moreover, the patients completed the self-report scales Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger's Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Symptom Checklist-90-R Rating Scale (SCL-90-R). Results. A total of 22 out of 114 patients (19.3%) received an ADHD diagnosis for the first time in their life. Comorbid ADHD compared to non ADHD patients scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) for depression (BDI), state and trait anxiety (STAI) and in the following SCL-90-R factors: Positive Symptoms Distressing Index, Positive Symptoms Index, Somatization, Obsessive Compulsive, Depression, Anxiety, and Hostility. Conclusions. ADHD might go unrecognized among psychiatric outpatients. Patients with depressive or anxiety disorder reporting more severe symptomatology should be carefully screened for possible comorbid adult ADHD.

Mindfulness para la reducción del malestar emocional en pacientes oncológicos. Estudio comparativo con una intervención psicoeducativa estándar

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention versus a psychoeducational standard intervention in oncological patients. Method: MBSR intervention was applied following a 2’5 h-session schedule, across 10 weekly sessions. Patients (n= 20) had to practice mindfulness daily at home during 45 minutes. In the psychoeducational group (n=17) a schedule of 8 weeekly sessions of 2’5 h each was applied. Following a pre-post design, the following questionnaires were applied to both groups of patients: STAI (to assess both state and trait anxiety), BDI (Depression) and EORTC-QLQ-C-30 (quality of life). Results: In the MBSR group, scores in anxiety and depression decreased at post-treatment assessment whereas quality of life scores increased. These differences reached statistical significance. In the psychoeducational group only state anxiety scores decreased at post-treatment, with the difference reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: MBSR produces higher improvements in emotional states and quality of life than those obtained following a psychoeducational standard procedure. However, it cannot be stated that MBSR must be always the intervention to be applied in all cases, since it is not clear that all patients could follow the guidelines, tasks and exercices required by this technique.

Benzodiazepine use in the elderly: an indicator for inappropriately treated geriatric depression?

To measure the prevalence of benzodiazepine (BZD) use and to explore associated demographic and clinical variables of BZD use within a cohort of 75-year- old inhabitants of an urban district of Vienna. This is a prospective, interdisciplinary cohort study on aging. Our investigation is based on the first consecutive 500 subjects that completed the study protocol. Demographic and clinical characteristics, benzodiazepine and antidepressant use were documented using a standardized questionnaire. Affective status was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Spielberger State-and Trait Anxiety Inventory subscales (STAI). Prevalence of BZD use was 13.8%. Compared to non-users, BZD users had significantly higher mean scores at the HAMD (p = 0.001), the GDS (p = 0.026), and the Spielberger State-and Trait Anxiety Inventory subscales (p = 0.003; p = 0.001). Depression was found in 12.0% (HAMD) and 17.8% when using a self-rating instrument (GDS). Less than one-third of depressed subjects were receiving antidepressants. Statistically equal numbers were using benzodiazepines. Inappropriate prescription of BZD is frequent in old age, probably indicating untreated depression in many cases. The implications of maltreated geriatric depression and the risks associated with benzodiazepine use highlight the medical and socioeconomic consequences of inappropriate BZD prescription.

Significant improvements of psychosocial parameters by an educational intervention program for patients with early breast cancer

9591 Background: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a specific psychosocial educational group intervention (Learning to live with Cancer program; G. Grahn, Eur J Cancer Care 1996) on psychosocial parameters in early breast cancer patients. Methods: Fifty-one postmenopausal patients with operated primary breast cancer stage I - III, within two years of diagnosis, were entered into this open randomized trial. Patients were randomized to either receive an eight-weeks-psychosocial intervention upfront or after a waiting period of six months. A group with immediate psychosocial intervention, a control waiting group during its waiting period and healthy volunteers were compared using standardized questionnaires: EORTC QLQ-C30 (global health status), BDI (depression), STAI (state and trait anxiety), SOC (sense of coherence) as well as a semi-structured interview. All participants were evaluated at three different time points: baseline (t1), after an eight-weeks-period (t2), follow-up after further eight weeks (t3). To test the efficiency of the intervention program, repeated measures MANOVAs were computed for each group. Results: For the intervention group (n=29), significant improvements were found for the global health status (t1: 5,2±1,3; t3: 5,8±0,9; p=.010), state anxiety (t1: 30,2±8,2; t3: 25,9±9,4; p=.011), trait anxiety (t1: 33,9±7,9; t3: 26,6±11,1; p=.000) and sense of coherence (t1: 67,8±9,15; t3: 70,3±9,5; p=.038). In line with these results the depression scores improved after the intervention but not significantly. Patients in the control waiting group (n=22) showed no significant changes over the three time points except for the global health status which declined from t1 to t2 (t1: 5,3±0,1; t2: 4,6±1,3; p=.006). For the healthy volunteers (n=26) the parameters remained constant over the time with only two exceptions (state and trait anxiety). Conclusions: The efficacy of the Learning to live with Cancer intervention program to significantly improve psychosocial parameters in patients with early breast cancer warrants inclusion of this program in the daily clinical practice. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pregnancy after early pregnancy loss: A prospective study of anxiety, depressive symptomatology and coping

Miscarriages can have lasting psychological effects on those concerned. In a prospective longitudinal study, 342 women were questioned about the way in which they coped after an early miscarriage (up to the 16th week of gestation), a few weeks after the pregnancy loss. There are data available from the first trimester of a subsequent pregnancy for 108 of these women. Standardized symptom scales were used to explore the pregnancy-specific anxiety, state and trait anxiety (STAI) and depressive symptoms in pregnant women and these were compared with the symptoms of 69 pregnant women with no history of miscarriages. Women with a history of miscarriages suffer more from pregnancy-specific anxieties in the first trimester of a new pregnancy than pregnant women with no history of miscarriages. Patterns of “depressive coping” and “anxious grieving” after the losses are predictive of more marked anxiety and depression symptoms in the first trimester of a subsequent pregnancy. These results suggest that women who have had an early miscarriage are particularly at risk of disturbances in their psychological adaptation in a new pregnancy. It is possible to determine risk factors which can be used to recognize those women who are particularly at risk directly after the miscarriage.

P.6.e.010 Who are incoming cocaine consuming patients in a drug addiction centre in Milan in 2006?

In recent decades, alexithymia has been considered a risk factor for multiple somatic and psychiatric conditions. Yet, whereas alexithymia has been extensively studied in adults with a substance misuse, only one study has reported data on cannabis abusers from the general population. Hence, our main objective was to explore alexithymia in a clinical sample of treatment-seeking young outpatients with a DSM-IV cannabis dependence or abuse diagnosis compared to controls.120 young patients (95 males - mean age 17.9 years (SD = 2.8; 14 to 25)) with a cannabis dependence or abuse (DSM-IV-TR criteria evaluated with the MINI), seeking treatment in an addiction unit, and 110 healthy control subjects (77 males - mean age 18.2 years (SD = 3.4; 14 to 25)) participated in the study. They completed a battery of self-reports measuring alexithymia (TAS-20; BVAQ-B), depression (BDI-13) and state and trait anxiety (STAI).35.3% of cannabis users were alexithymic, and logistic regression analysis showed that the alexithymic components of difficulties identifying and describing feelings combined with trait anxiety predicted group membership.This first study on young cannabis abusers and dependent subjects further emphasizes the importance of considering the affective style, and particularly the anxious temperament and alexithymia features, as factors associated with substance misuse during late adolescence.

The Effects Of Media Exposure On Anxiety, Depression, And Global Mood States

Previous experimental research has documented that exposure to idealized female models adversely affects women's mood and body image (Stice, 2001). The ultra-thin icon has figured prominently in this research but is not the only image promoted in popular women's magazines. The lean muscular body or hyper-fit physique is also widely represented and research to date has not examined the relationship between media exposure with the fit female icon as opposed to the ultra-thin model. PURPOSE This investigation had several purposes. The primary purpose was to quantify the effects of fitness media exposure on psychological affect. A secondary purpose was to tease out expectancy effects utilization of the Solomon 4 group design. A finalpurpose was to extend this research and measure psychological affect of men while viewing ultra-fit images of males in popular media. METHODS Male and Female volunteers were counterbalanced and randomly assigned to either a fitness or control (no idealized images of males or females present) magazine condition. All participants viewed magazines for 30-minutes. The dependant variables of state and trait anxiety (STAI), tension, depression, anger vigor, fatigue, confusion, and global mood (POMS) were measured with a Solomon 4-group design. Data was analyzed with a series of dependent t-tests and a repeated measure ANOVA on post-test scores comparing with pre-testing conditions. This allowed for speculation regarding pre-test sensitization and expectancy. RESULTS Results indicate that pre-test sensitization was not a significant factor when testing the psychological factors in this investigation. Additionally, the outcomes associated with viewing ultra-fit images in popular media are variable. Significant effects were realized with anxiety, depression and total mood in both genders. CONCLUSION It is concluded that viewing idealized images in the media is not a benign experience and should be further examined.

252-MALE RA PATIENTS WITH ALEXITHYMIA REPORT MORE SELF-EFFICACY AND BETTER PHYSICAL HEALTH

In recent decades, alexithymia has been considered a risk factor for multiple somatic and psychiatric conditions. Yet, whereas alexithymia has been extensively studied in adults with a substance misuse, only one study has reported data on cannabis abusers from the general population. Hence, our main objective was to explore alexithymia in a clinical sample of treatment-seeking young outpatients with a DSM-IV cannabis dependence or abuse diagnosis compared to controls.120 young patients (95 males - mean age 17.9 years (SD = 2.8; 14 to 25)) with a cannabis dependence or abuse (DSM-IV-TR criteria evaluated with the MINI), seeking treatment in an addiction unit, and 110 healthy control subjects (77 males - mean age 18.2 years (SD = 3.4; 14 to 25)) participated in the study. They completed a battery of self-reports measuring alexithymia (TAS-20; BVAQ-B), depression (BDI-13) and state and trait anxiety (STAI).35.3% of cannabis users were alexithymic, and logistic regression analysis showed that the alexithymic components of difficulties identifying and describing feelings combined with trait anxiety predicted group membership.This first study on young cannabis abusers and dependent subjects further emphasizes the importance of considering the affective style, and particularly the anxious temperament and alexithymia features, as factors associated with substance misuse during late adolescence.

The effects of alcohol withdrawal on mental state, interrogative suggestibility and compliance: an experimental study

This study investigated the effects of alcohol withdrawal on suggestibility and mental state. There were three groups of participants. Group 1 was 127 inpatients admitted to a detoxification centre for alcohol abuse. They were assigned to one of seven batches according to their day of hospital admission. Group 2 was 20 of the inpatients (follow-up patients) reassessed between 7 and 12 months after discharge from the hospital. Group 3 was 27 persons who were attending groups run by Alcoholics Anonymous, who had not been tested before and had not consumed alcohol for at least 4 months. All participants completed measurements of mental state (MMSE), state and trait anxiety (STAI), suggestibility, memory, confabulation (GSS), and compliance (GCS). For Group 1, a significant difference across days emerged only on the MMSE. Cognitive functioning improved steadily over time. Patients withdrawing from alcohol (Group 1) were significantly more suggestible than the two 'control' groups (Groups 2 and 3), were overall more cognitively impaired, and had higher state and trait anxiety scores. The findings suggest that some persons experiencing alcohol withdrawal are significantly disadvantaged when coping with questioning in terms of their cognitive abilities and their ability to cope with leading questions and interrogative pressure.

Three randomized experiments on the longitudinal effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on cognition

Three studies on 362 high school students at three different schools in Taiwan tested the hypothesis that regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique for 15–20 min twice a day for 6 to 12 months would improve cognitive ability. The same seven variables were used in all studies: Test for Creative Thinking-Drawing Production (TCT-DP); Constructive Thinking Inventory (CTI); Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT); State and Trait Anxiety (STAI); Inspection Time (IT); and Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT). Univariate testing showed that TM practice produced significant effects on all variables compared to no-treatment controls ( Ps ranged from .035 to <.0001). Napping for equivalent periods of time as TM practice had no effect. Contemplation meditation improved inspection time and embedded figures, but not the other variables. The TM technique was superior to contemplation meditation on five variables. The effect sizes for TM practice were in the order of the variables listed above.

Alexithymia and anxiety: compounded relationships? A psychometric study

This study is a careful examination of the relationships between different components of the alexithymia construct and state versus trait anxiety. In order to study the relations between anxiety and alexithymia in a subclinical population, we administered to 125 female college students a test battery including measures of alexithymia (TAS26), state and trait anxiety (STAI) and depression (QD2A). Results indicated positive correlations between depression, anxiety (state and trait) and alexithymia scores. Partial correlations revealed a tight link between trait anxiety and alexithymia. Furthermore, in agreement with the view that alexithymia is a multidimensional construct, the various alexithymia dimensions were found to be diversely correlated with anxiety. On the basis of partial correlation analyses, a descriptive model of the relationships between depression, state anxiety, trait anxiety and alexithymia was postulated. This model was confirmed by pathways analyses.

438 Attentional processing in anhedonia: An effort-dependent trait?

This study is a careful examination of the relationships between different components of the alexithymia construct and state versus trait anxiety. In order to study the relations between anxiety and alexithymia in a subclinical population, we administered to 125 female college students a test battery including measures of alexithymia (TAS26), state and trait anxiety (STAI) and depression (QD2A). Results indicated positive correlations between depression, anxiety (state and trait) and alexithymia scores. Partial correlations revealed a tight link between trait anxiety and alexithymia. Furthermore, in agreement with the view that alexithymia is a multidimensional construct, the various alexithymia dimensions were found to be diversely correlated with anxiety. On the basis of partial correlation analyses, a descriptive model of the relationships between depression, state anxiety, trait anxiety and alexithymia was postulated. This model was confirmed by pathways analyses.

The CF carrier status is not associated with a diminished self-concept or increased anxiety: results of psychometric testing after at least 1 year.

To evaluate whether the CF carrier status has any lasting effect on anxiety and on self-concept at least 1 year after the disclosure of the test result, an in-depth interview and additional psychological tests were administered in a group of adults who participated in a previous study which suggested a slight stigmatizing effect of the CF carrier status. Besides carrier status, the role of a second factor-degree of relationship-was investigated. Analysis of Variance (MANOVA or ANOVA) revealed no effect on state and trait anxiety (STAI) and almost no effect on the six subscales of the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale. The absence of a lasting negative effect of the CF carrier status on anxiety and self-concept is a very important finding. Nevertheless, an intriguing significant interaction effect was found: the group of sibs carrying the CF gene felt less integrated in the family than the group of non-carrier sibs. This effect of carrier status was not found in the more distant relatives. It is important to pay sufficient attention to this problem during genetic counseling when brothers or sisters of a CF patient receive a test result.

PSYCHOLOGIC CONSEQUENCES OF EXERCISE DEPRIVATION IN HABITUAL EXERCISERS173

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the influence of three days of exercise deprivation on selected psychological variables. Ten volunteers (4♀ and 6♂) who regularly exercised 6-7 days/week for at least 45-min at a time participated in a five-day study. The mean activity level over the last year for these individuals was estimated to be 4595 METS(SD=1250). Participants completed their regular workout on the first day of the study, were asked to refrain from physical activity for the next three days, and then resumed their regular exercise on the fifth day of the study. Participants reported to the lab on Monday following their regular workout and completed a series of questionnaires. They also completed the same questionnaires at the same time of day on the next four days. The dependent variables consisted of state and trait anxiety (STAI), and tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, confusion, and overall mood (POMS). Data were analyzed by means of repeated measures ANOVA. There were significant increases (p<.05) across days in total mood disturbance, state anxiety, tension, depression, and confusion as well as decreased vigor. The pattern of increasing mood disturbance with exercise deprivation was followed by improved mood when exercise was resumed at the end of the week. It is concluded that a brief period of exercise deprivation results in mood disturbance within 24-48 hrs in habitual exercisers and these affective alterations are reversed with the resumption of regular exercise.