State Anxiety Research Articles

Prospects for applying the chronic social conflict model in medical and biological research

Long-term studies (1987–2023) have shown that the model of chronic social conflict with the original name «sensory contact model» can be used to model various pathological conditions that develop in mice under the influence of chronic social stress, which makes it possible to study neurophysiological and neuromolecular mechanisms at different stages of disease development, in particular, increased anxiety, depression-like and psychosis-like states in mice of the C57BL/6 strain under repeated agonistic interactions. In pharmacological experiments in mice with different pathological symptoms, it becomes possible to study: the therapeutic and protective effects of drugs at different stages of disease development, the effectiveness of treatment, and methods for prevention of relapses of the disease. The model makes it possible to develop approaches to pharmacogenomic therapy, as well as search for peripheral markers of pathological conditions.

Examining the Use of Virtual Reality to Support Mindfulness Skills Practice in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Mixed Methods Study.

Virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as a technology to support mindfulness practice through promoting increased engagement and presence. The proposed benefits of this technology have been largely unexamined with clinical populations. Further research is required to understand its clinical potential and utility in improving and managing mental health symptoms. This study aims to investigate the proximal impacts of a single, brief, VR-supported mindfulness practice for individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder and to understand user experiences, which may affect the acceptability and efficacy of VR mindfulness for this population. This mixed methods study recruited 28 participants with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder. Participants completed a mindfulness practice wearing a VR headset that was presenting an omnidirectional video of a forest scene, which was overlaid with a guided audio voiceover. Before and after the practice, measures were completed assessing state mindfulness (Toronto Mindfulness Scale), affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1; n=27). Semistructured interviews were then held inquiring about the user experience and were analyzed using thematic analysis (n=24). After completing the VR-supported mindfulness practice, both measures of state mindfulness on the Toronto Mindfulness Scale, mean curiosity and decentering, increased significantly (Cohen d=1.3 and 1.51, respectively; P<.001). Negative affect on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Cohen d=0.62; P=.003) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1 state anxiety (Cohen d=0.84; P<.001) significantly reduced. There was no significant change in positive affect (Cohen d=0.29; P=.08). Qualitative analysis of interviews identified 14 themes across 5 primary theme categories. The results suggested that being mindful during the use of the app was experienced as relatively effortless because of the visual and immersive elements. It was also experienced as convenient and safe, including when compared with prior traditional experiences of mindfulness. Participants also identified the uses for VR-supported mindfulness in managing emotions and symptoms of mental illness. The results provide preliminary evidence that VR-supported mindfulness can improve emotional states and manage mental health symptoms for those with mood or anxiety disorders. It offers some potential clinical applications for those with mood or anxiety disorders for exploration within future research.

Prevalence and risk factors of cognitive frailty in patients with cardiovascular disease: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of the cognitive frailty is increasing in China. Screening for this condition is crucial for its early detection, prevention, and treatment. This study was designed to explore the incidence of cognitive frailty among hospitalized elderly patients suffering from cardiovascular disease. It also aimed to analyze the factors influencing its occurrence, thereby providing substantial evidence for the development of early prevention and intervention strategies. From March 2022 to October 2023, under cardiovascular care program, the cardiovascular patients (n = 1190) were subjected to standardized questionnaires to collect demographical characteristics. Also, nutritional and psychosocial assessments tests were performed for the enrolled patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with cognitive frailty. A total of 1190 (755 males and 435 females) were included. The mean age was 73.36 ± 7.37 years. The prevalence of cognitive frailty in the study population was 33.9% (404/1190). The prevalence of cognitive frailty was 40.7% in men, 22.3% in women. In terms of specific cardiovascular diseases, the prevalence of cognitive frailty was 28.5% in coronary heart disease, 20.5% in arrhythmia, 36.8% in valvular disease, 53% in heart failure, and 13.7% in hypertension. The multivariable analysis showed that age (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.10-1.15, P < .001), anxiety (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.03-1.11, P = .001), female sex (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.10-1.16, P < .001), education level (college and above, OR = 0.27, OR = 0.12-0.64, P = .003), polypharmacy (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.62-3.23, P < .001), comorbidity (OR = 1.93 95% CI: 1.37-2.71, P < .010), region (rural, OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.36-2.30, P < .001), sarcopenia (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16-2.19, P = .004), and nutritional status (risk of malnutrition, OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.17-2.35, P = .004; malnutrition exists, OR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.85-5.83, P < .001) were independently associated with cognitive frailty. The prevalence of cognitive frailty was 33.9% in hospitalized elderly cardiovascular patients in Guangzhou. heart failure, hypertension, age, anxiety, female sex, education level, polypharmacy, comorbidity, region, sarcopenia, and nutritional status were independent risk factors for cognitive frailty.

The effect of anxiety levels in women with hypertensive disorders on the pregnancy course and outcome

Aim. To analyze the influence of anxiety levels in women with hypertensive disorders on the pregnancy course and outcome in order to identify the relationship between the psycho-emotional state of pregnant women and the probability of developing complications or adverse consequences. Materials and methods. 120 pregnant women were examined and divided into three groups: group 1 – pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension (CAH), n = 40; group 2 – pregnant women who developed gestational hypertension, n = 40; group 3 – pregnant women without hypertensive disorders, n = 40. The women underwent specialized psychometric testing to assess anxiety/stress levels. The analysis was carried out using the Spielberger–Hanin Scale, the Psychological Stress Scale (PSM-25) and the Impact of Traumatic Event Rating Scale (IES-R). Statistical processing of the results and graphic design were performed using a Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet and the comprehensive data analysis program Statistica 10 for Windows. Results. An elevated level of state and trait anxiety according to the Spielberger–Hanin scale prevailed in pregnant women with CAH, which was an additional stress factor and required continuous monitoring even before the pregnancy onset. Evaluating the IES-R scale results, high levels of the intrusion subscale in all studied groups could be caused directly by pregnancy as a stressful factor. According to the avoidance subscale, we have seen similar results, so, pregnancy contributed to overstraining psychological defense mechanisms. However, the predominance in the group of women with gestational hypertension have suggested that high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy was one of the contributory factors in the activation of mechanisms for avoiding anxiety. The results of the hyperarousal subscale have demonstrated that the presence of hypertensive disorders (before or during pregnancy) caused the autonomic nervous system activation with the body hyperreactivity. The absence of a high level of stress according to the PSM-25 in all studied groups has demonstrated that women did not experience mental discomfort, which required the use of a wide range of methods to reduce it. Cesarean section was the prevailing delivery mode, the highest percentage was among women with CAH. This group also had the highest number of premature births and the maximum proportion of complications in newborns, indicating the influence of CAH as a negative factor in pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions. The results of this study have demonstrated that an increased level of anxiety in pregnant women could negatively affect their health, as well as the fetal development. In addition, concomitant hypertensive disorders in pregnancy could significantly complicate the pregnancy course, increasing the risk for premature birth and complications in newborns. Therefore, in today’s realities, it is extremely necessary to assess the psycho-emotional state of women in advance, involve specialist physicians, develop and implement a set of psycho-prophylactic measures to increase the neuropsychological stability of pregnant women and reduce the number of negative perinatal outcomes.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training and Its Impact on Health Care Students' Knowledge and Anxiety Levels

Purpose: This study examines the impact of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training on the knowledge and anxiety levels of healthcare students in the Home Patient Care Program. Cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention, underscores the critical importance of proper CPR application. Methodology: The research utilized an experimental design with pre-test and post-test evaluations, involving 77 first-year students from Kastamonu University's Tosya Vocational School of Health Services. Participants were divided into experimental (n=34) and control (n=43) groups. The experimental group received five weeks of CPR and stress-anxiety management training based on the European Resuscitation Council's 2015 guidelines. Data were collected using a CPR knowledge questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Findings: Results revealed significant improvements in the CPR knowledge scores of the experimental group, increasing from 3.47 (±1.73) to 10.09 (±1.68) (p &lt; 0.001). Concurrently, their state anxiety levels decreased from 45.09 (±10.54) to 38.50 (±9.08) (p &lt; 0.001), and trait anxiety scores showed a moderate reduction. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings highlight the necessity of integrating CPR training with stress and anxiety management programs in healthcare education. Such training enhances students' ability to perform CPR effectively and reduces psychological barriers, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Further research with broader samples is recommended to validate these results.

Theta power reduction and theta–gamma coupling desynchronization are associated with working memory interference and anxiety symptoms in panic disorder: a retrospective study

BackgroundTheta-gamma coupling (TGC) describes the modulation of gamma oscillations by the theta phasic activity, which is crucial for processes such as the ordering of information during working memory (WM) performance. The mental arithmetic (MA), which involves performing calculations with numbers, is a crucial tool for evaluating and understanding the sensory processing and management abilities of WM. Evaluating TGC may provide greater insight into the neural mechanisms mediating WM deficits in panic disorder (PD).MethodsMedical and electroencephalography (EEG) records of psychiatric outpatient clinic between 1 March 2020 and 30 September 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 34 PD patients and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent EEG to assess the overall functional interaction of the brain using multi-channel EEG analysis, focusing on specific brain regions including the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. EEG recordings were conducted during two sessions: a 5-min eyes-closed resting-state (RS) and a subsequent 5-min eyes-closed MA. The TGC and the spectral power of the theta and gamma frequency bands, which are well known to be associated with WM, were analysed.ResultsCompared to those in HCs, TGC and theta power were significantly attenuated in PD patients. When analysing both HCs and PD patients together, RS TGC and relative theta power were negatively correlated with state anxiety and perceived stress scores, respectively. In contrast, TGC and relative theta power during the MA condition were positively correlated with the MA performance. Specifically, in PD patients, RS theta power across all electrodes was significantly negatively correlated with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score. Linear regression analysis revealed that theta power in the T5 channel remained negatively correlated with pathological anxiety as measured by the HAMA score, even after controlling for other confounding factors.ConclusionsThis study highlights significant alterations in TGC and theta power in PD patients. PD patients exhibit reduced TGC and theta power compared to HCs, indicating deficits in the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety and/or WM in PD. These insights contribute to a better understanding of the neural basis of WM deficits in PD and suggest potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Dietetic Students' Perceived Anxiety towards Simulation Activities: A Mixed-methods Pilot Study.

Purpose: To assess dietetic students' anxiety levels before and after a series of simulations and to document students' perceived sources of anxiety while completing simulation-based learning activities.Methods: A mixed-method convergent pilot study was conducted. Students enrolled in a Nutrition Assessment course that included a series of four simulations were invited to participate. Students completed an online pre-post simulation survey and engaged in individual interviews and a focus group discussion. The questionnaires included demographic questions and the French State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Nonparametric tests and thematic analysis were used to examine data.Results: Fourteen students participated in the study's quantitative component and seven in the qualitative component. There was a significant decrease in trait (44.5 ± 13.8 vs 32.0 ± 14.0, P = 0.01) and state (47.0 ± 11.2 vs 33.0 ± 18.0, P = 0.05) anxiety from pre- to post-simulations. Individual factors influencing students' anxiety levels were stress and self-confidence. External factors influencing students' anxiety levels were unknown situations, observers, patient profiles, observers' feedback, preparation level, and academic setting.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ensuring the educator is not present during simulations, advance preparation, and reassurance that simulations are a learning and not an evaluation activity may be effective pedagogical strategies for dietetic educators to reduce learners' anxiety and facilitate competency development.

Application of comprehensive nursing combined with ISBAR handover approach in the nursing of patients with placental abruption.

The research for this paper was conducted to unveil the effect of comprehensive nursing combined with the Identification-Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (ISBAR) handover approach in the nursing of patients with placental abruption. The 40 cases of placental abruption patients admitted to the Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University from May 2021 to May 2022 were subjected to conventional basic nursing combined with traditional handover tool intervention, which was recorded as the control group; the 40 cases of placental abruption patients admitted to the Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University from June 2022 to June 2023 were subjected to comprehensive nursing combined with ISBAR handover tool intervention, which was recorded as the observation group. Maternal and infant outcomes, the quality of nurse handover, and the psychological burden [State Anxiety Inventory (S-AI), Trait Anxiety Inventory (T-AI), Distress Thermometer (DT), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES)] were observed in the two groups, and the satisfaction with nursing was also assessed by using a self-administered satisfaction scale in the two groups. The rate of normal delivery of patients in the observation group was higher and the rate of cesarean section and the total incidence of complications were lower than that of the control group. The 1- and 5-min Apgar scores of the newborns in the observation group were higher and the total complication rate was lower than that in the control group. Nurses in the observation group had higher scores for nurses' shift handover quality. S-AI, T-AI, and DT scores were lower in both groups after the intervention and were lowest in the observation group; GSES scores were higher and were highest in the observation group. Satisfaction with nursing was higher in the observation group than in the control group. Comprehensive nursing combined with the ISBAR handover approach applied to the clinical care of patients with placenta abruption can effectively improve the outcomes of mothers and infants, enhance the quality of nurses' shift handovers, reduce the psychological burden of patients and increase nursing satisfaction.

Exploring meaning in life as a potential target for early intervention – results from a randomized trauma analogue study

ABSTRACT Background: Previous studies in individuals exposed to stressors, including traumatic ones, have shown inverse relations between life meaning and distress. Furthermore, meaning-related treatments can benefit (traumatic) stressor-exposed individuals. However, the evidence regarding the effect of life meaning interventions on PTSD symptoms is limited. Moreover, early post-stressor interventions preventing distress are needed. This study investigated the effects of a short, online life meaning intervention after an analogue traumatic stressor on intrusions and anxiety following the intervention, intrusions over a week, and explored distress and life meaning differences after a week. Method: Following an analogue traumatic stressor (i.e. an aversive film), N = 237 participants were randomized to a life meaning intervention, an active or inactive control condition. Participants completed questionnaires in the laboratory, in an online seven-day diary, and at one-week follow-up. Results: The intervention resulted in significantly lower post-intervention state anxiety and higher life meaning, but not significantly less severe wait-period intrusions than the control conditions. Intrusions in the subsequent week as well as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and life meaning after a week did not significantly differ between the conditions. Conclusion: This intervention showed promising temporary effects on anxiety and life meaning after a trauma analogue, but no significant longer-term effects and no effects on PTSD symptoms including intrusions. Meaning-related interventions for PTSD target stressor-related meaning-making rather than life meaning. Thus, future studies may benefit from implementing more intense interventions to extend effects on general distress, as well as stressor-addressing meaning interventions to elicit stressor-related meaning-making.

The Restorative Effects of Nature Exposure on The Self-Regulation Resources in Mentally Fatigued Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Interventions involving exposure to nature can increase self-regulatory resources. However, this improvement has never been examined in mentally fatigued soccer players who have insufficient resources to self-regulate and maintain specific performances. The present study aims to investigate how exposure to nature influences the self-regulation capability of university soccer players who are mentally fatigued. The participants aged 18-24 years (M = 20.73 ± 2.00), with an average training duration of 5.14 ± 1.31 years, were randomly divided into six different groups (three experimental groups and three control groups). Each experimental group was compared with its corresponding control group using three different intervention durations: 4.17 min, 8.33 min, and 12.50 min. A forty-five-minute Stroop task was used to induce mental fatigue, followed by the intervention. The indicators of self-regulation, both physiological (heart rate variability, or HRV) and psychological (competitive state anxiety), were recorded. Experimental Group 3 (12.50 min intervention) only showed significant improvement in HRV (p = 0.008, d = 0.93), competitive state anxiety (cognitive and somatic anxiety p = 0.019, d = 0.86; state confidence p = 0.041, d = 0.797) compared to control group 3. Nature exposure significantly improves self-regulation in mentally fatigued soccer players. Specifically, the 12.50 min intervention showed the greatest improvements in both HRV and competitive state anxiety, suggesting that a longer duration of nature exposure enhances mental restoration more effectively.

Effects of a video-feedback intervention on parenting behavior and state anxiety in mothers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Neurodevelopmental disability (ND) poses a significant challenge to infants' socio-emotional and cognitive development, as well as to caregiving dynamics, such as parental sensitivity and mother-infant interaction. Prior research highlights the crucial role of early parenting support interventions in enhancing parental behaviors, serving as a protective developmental factor for children at risk for or diagnosed with ND. This single-cohort, multicentric study aims to evaluate the efficacy of early video-feedback intervention (VFI) in improving maternal parenting behaviors. Thirty-four mothers with their children diagnosed with ND participated in the study. Different dimensions of parenting behavior (i.e., affection, responsiveness, encouragement, teaching) were assessed during 10-minute mother-infant interactions, both before (T0) and after (T1) completing six weekly VFI sessions. Additionally, mothers completed standardized questionnaires assessing parenting stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The results indicated significant improvements in maternal responsiveness, encouragement, and teaching following the intervention. Furthermore, mothers reported a state anxiety reduction at T1. Additionally, higher scores in affection and responsiveness were correlated with reduced maternal stress. These findings support the utility of VFI as a valuable tool for enhancing positive parenting skills in the context of ND, and provide insights into the dyadic processes through which parenting behaviors may promote socio-emotional and cognitive development in children with ND.

Examination of perception of threat from emotion as mechanisms underlying the relationship between obsessive compulsive symptom dimensions and anxiety symptoms

BackgroundThe present study examined the mediating role of perceived threats from anxiety in the relationships among trait anxiety, state anxiety, and the obsessive–compulsive symptom dimension in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).MethodsPatients with OCD (N = 170) completed scales assessing trait and state anxiety, OCD dimensions symptom severity, and perceived threat from anxiety with mediation analyses.ResultsPerceived threat from anxiety appears to be a significant mediator between trait anxiety and harm and unacceptable thoughts symptom dimensions; perceived threat from anxiety had minimal power as a mediator in the relationship between trait anxiety and in the contamination or symmetry dimensions. However, there were no significant relationships between state anxiety and harm and mistakes, unacceptable thoughts or symmetry dimensions except for the contamination dimension.ConclusionsThe findings from our study indicate the significance of perceived threats of anxiety as a mediator function between trait anxiety and OCD symptom dimensions, which may be a maintenance factor. Enhancing the recognition of the role of cognitive mechanisms in the association between trait anxiety rather than state anxiety and different obsessive–compulsive symptom dimensions could contribute to the development of dimension-specific interventions.

Are There Differences In Approaches to Maintaining Well-Being Through Physical Activity Among Young Polish and Algerians Coaches?

Places where you live have a significant impact on well-being—both physically and mentally. The main purposeof the study was to compare three groups of current / potential physical coaches: men from Poland and Algeriaand women from Poland in terms of elements of well-being during the pandemic. The online survey on the Sur-vivo platform was used in the study. The following questionnaires were used to assess psychological constructs,self-efficacy and level of physical activity: Mood State Profile (POMS), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anx-iety states (STAI), self-efficacy (GSES), a physical activity questionnaire. Study showed that Algerians felt more anxi-ety than Poles, and it is race that differentiates them from one other, not gender. The results also underline a betteroverall mood among Algerians than Poles. Algerians had higher vigour and statistically significantly lower scoresin anger, fatigue, depression, confusion. In this study, women from the same culture did not differ in mood levelsfrom men. The findings from the study can be used to support the development of effective screening strategiesand interventions to build psychological resilience among university coaches.

Research Status, Harm and Alleviation Path of Exam Anxiety Among Vocational School Students

Research Status, Harm and Alleviation Path of Exam Anxiety Among Vocational School Students

Feasibility and Acceptability of Internet-Based Emotion-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Women with Suspected Fetal Anomalies: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: There is a notable lack of empirical validation regarding the use of internet-based emotion-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (IECBT) for counseling pregnant women. Objectives: This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of IECBT in counseling women with suspected fetal anomalies. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 130 pregnant women diagnosed with anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to either IECBT with spousal participation (65 participants) or IECBT alone (65 participants). All participants completed three pregnancy-specific stress questionnaires—the NuPDQ, Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, and Edinburgh Depression Scale—both before and immediately after the intervention. Results: Within-group analyses indicated that both counseling methods, with and without spousal involvement, led to significant reductions in pregnancy-specific stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms by the end of the intervention (P &lt; 0.001). Between-group comparisons revealed that IECBT with spousal participation significantly reduced pregnancy-specific stress (effect size = 0.055, P = 0.007) and depressive symptoms (effect size = 0.480, P &lt; 0.001) compared to IECBT without spousal involvement. However, neither intervention produced a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms (effect size = 0.001, P = 0.787). Conclusions: Both IECBT approaches (with and without spousal participation) are feasible, reliable, and effective methods for alleviating depression and stress symptoms in pregnant women with suspected fetal anomalies.

Effect of northwestern photoperiod and exogenous melatonin on the psychoemotional state of the Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Background. Among the environmental factors that influence the increase in the frequency of occurrence of psychoemotional states, great importance is attributed to the light conditions. However, the mechanisms of behaviour regulation in the mammals in non-standard light conditions and the role of melatonin in this process have not been fully studied.The aim of the study. To assess the effects of specific northern light conditions and melatonin on the behavior of Mesocricetus auratus.Methods. The animals were divided into 4 groups: LD (control), NL (northern light conditions), and LD + mel and NL + mel (melatonin, 100 μg/animal). The study of behavioral reactions, the level of emotional and phobic anxiety state of animals was carried out in the “Open field” and “Dark chamber with holes” installations.Results. Keeping M. auratus in NL had a negative effect on their behavior – a decrease in motor activity (horizontal and vertical) and the “hole-exploratory behavior”, an increase in the number of freezing and grooming reactions and the time of the first peeking out of the upper hole were revealed. It was shown that melatonin contributed to an increase in exploratory activity and a decrease in the number of anxiety acts in NL + mel group compared to NL group; the opposite effect of the hormone on these parameters was observed in LD + mel group.Conclusion. The obtained results indicate the important role of photoperiod and melatonin in regulating the behavior of seasonally breeding species.

Caregivers' physiological responses during toddler vaccinations: associations with psychological and behavioral responses.

This study investigated biological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of caregivers' responses to toddlers' pain-related distress by measuring caregivers' high-frequency heart rate variability (HRV) responses during toddler vaccination pain and examining associations with caregivers' behavioral responses and psychological stress. Participants included caregiver-toddler dyads (N = 194) from a longitudinal cohort-sequential study who were observed during toddlers' 12-, 18-, or 24-month routine vaccinations. Changes in caregiver HRV were analyzed using growth curve modeling. Conditional growth curve models examined associations between caregiver HRV and caregivers' concurrent behavior and psychological stress. The unconditional growth curve model indicated a slight linear decrease in caregiver HRV (i.e., vagal withdrawal) across the 3 min post-needle (unstandardized B = -0.06, p = .049). In conditional growth curve models, higher levels of parenting stress were associated with less vagal withdrawal during the post-needle period (standardized B = 0.47, unstandardized B = 0.02, p = .003). Caregivers' behavioral responses (i.e., use of soothing and distress-promoting behaviors), state anxiety, and general anxiety symptomology were not significantly associated with HRV responses. Caregiver parasympathetic nervous system activity levels changed minimally from baseline to post-needle and decreased slightly across the post-needle period. Caregivers' self-reported parenting stress was associated with their parasympathetic responses to the procedure. Findings support an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying caregivers' responses to children's pain-related distress in a naturalistic setting.

Gong’s acupuncture treatment for mid pregnancy insomnia and anxiety: A case report

Rationale: Gong’s brain acupuncture (GBA) is a acupuncture technique that restores the balance of the central nervous system by stimulating specific acupoints on the skull to transmit stimulation to the nerves. Insomnia during pregnancy is an increasingly concerning issue, and GBA provides new solutions. Patient’s concerns: The patient, a 26-year old woman at 26 + 1 weeks of pregnancy, presented with unexplained insomnia for 3 weeks. Her symptoms included difficulty initiating sleep, light sleep, and intermittent wakefulness throughout the night. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed with primary insomnia, scoring 16 on the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, which indicates poor sleep quality. Her self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score was 49 points, suggesting that she had not yet reached a state of mild anxiety. Interventions: The patient received 15 sessions of GBA treatment. Outcomes: One month after treatment completion, the patient’s Pittsburgh sleep quality index score improved to 3 points, indicating good sleep quality. Her self-rating anxiety scale score decreased to 39 points. Lessons: This case report demonstrated the successful treatment of mid pregnancy insomnia with GBA, providing preliminary evidence for further research on the therapeutic potential of GBA. However, further research is still needed to enhance persuasiveness.

Bilateral tDCS over the DLPFC enhances baroreceptor reflex sensitivity and inhibits blood pressure-related hypoalgesia

ObjectiveThis study investigated the impact of transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) on pain perception, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and blood pressure (BP)-related hypoalgesia. MethodFifty-eight healthy participants were randomized to receive 1) bi-hemispheric tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at 2 mA for 20 min, or 2) non-stimulation (Sham). Pain measures (threshold, tolerance, intensity and unpleasantness), emotional state (anxiety and mood), continuous BP, and electrocardiogram (ECG) data were recorded before, during, and after stimulation. ResultstDCS stimulation was followed by increases in BRS, pain intensity and unpleasantness. Anxiety decreased in the Sham group, but not in the tDCS group. Positive correlations between BP and pain threshold and tolerance before stimulation were observed. These remained during stimulation in the Sham group, but not in the tDCS group. Moreover, negative associations between BRS and BP only persisted in the Sham group. DiscussionThe results suggest that bilateral tDCS over the DLPFC enhances BRS and modulates pain perception and BP-related mechanisms. tDCS increases pain perception by inhibiting BP-related hypoalgesia and preventing habituation of anxiety. SignificanceLow BRS is a powerful prognostic factor of cardiovascular disease, such that its increase via tDCS may be a new therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular health promotion.

Regional homogeneity patterns reveal the genetic and neurobiological basis of State-Trait Anxiety

ObjectiveState anxiety and trait anxiety are differentially mapped in brain function. However, the genetic and neurobiological basis of anxiety-related functional changes remain largely unknown.MethodsParticipants aged 18–30 from the community underwent resting-state fMRI and were assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Using a general linear regression model, we analyzed the effects of state and trait anxiety, as well as their sum and difference (delta), on regional homogeneity (ReHo) in cortical areas. ReHo patterns denote the spatial distribution of ReHo associated with anxiety scores. We further explored the spatial correlations between ReHo patterns and neuromaps, including gene expression, neurotransmitter receptor density, myelination, and functional connectivity gradients, to elucidate the genetic and molecular substrates of these ReHo patterns.ResultsOur findings demonstrated robust spatial correlations between whole-brain ReHo patterns for state and trait anxiety, with trait anxiety and the delta value exhibiting stronger network correlations, notably in the dorsal attention, salience, visual, and sensorimotor networks. Genes highly correlated with ReHo patterns exhibited unique spatiotemporal expression patterns, involvement in oxidative stress, metabolism, and response to stimuli, and were expressed in specific cell types. Furthermore, ReHo patterns significantly correlated with neuromaps of neurotransmitter receptor density, myelination, and functional connectivity gradients.ConclusionsThe ReHo patterns associated with anxiety may be driven by genetic and neurobiological traits. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of anxiety from a genetic and molecular perspective.