State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale Research Articles

The effect of home ultrasound on maternal anxiety in patients with previous recurrent pregnancy loss: A randomized control trial

BackgroundPatients with previous recurrent pregnancy loss are subject to increased maternal anxiety and reduced antenatal attachment during the subsequent pregnancy. Maternal anxiety is associated with worse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Home ultrasound is a feasible tool with the potential to alleviate maternal anxiety by ensuring fetal well-being. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the impact of complementing standard prenatal care with twice-weekly telemedicine visits incorporating home ultrasound on maternal anxiety and antenatal attachment in individuals with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. Study designIn this randomized controlled trial, patients with a history of 2 or more prior abortions were randomized early in their subsequent pregnancy in a 1:1 ratio into either the control group, which received standard high-risk prenatal care, or the study group, which received additional twice-weekly home-ultrasound sessions. The home-ultrasound scans assessed fetal pulse, movements, and amniotic fluid volume, aiming to provide maternal reassurance. Patients performed the scans themselves using the Pulsenmore device, with real-time guidance from a physician. Maternal anxiety was assessed using the validated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAI-S) and the Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ), while maternal attachment was measured with the validated Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS-2) at 3 time points during pregnancy. The primary outcome was the STAI-S score at the final prenatal visit. A sample size of 50 patients was calculated to detect a 20% difference in the primary outcome. ResultsOf the 57 patients recruited, 50 completed the follow-up, 25 in each group. There were no significant differences in demographics between the groups. The primary outcome (STAI score at the last visit) was significantly lower in the device group compared to the control group (P=.037). In addition, the study group exhibited a greater reduction in STAI scores between the first and last visits (P=.045), and a significantly higher MAAS score at the end of the follow-up period (P=.046). ConclusionIntegrating routine home-ultrasound telemedicine visits into prenatal care can significantly reduce maternal anxiety during pregnancy and contribute to greater maternal attachment in individuals with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. These results emphasize the potential benefits of home ultrasound as a tool to alleviate anxiety, provide a sense of control, and foster a deeper maternal connection among pregnant individuals who have experienced previous pregnancy loss.

Resilience in Adult Coeliac Patients on a Gluten-Free Diet: A Cross-Sectional Multicentre Italian Study.

Data on resilience, the ability to recover from adversity, in coeliac disease (CeD) are lacking. To assess the degree of resilience in patients with CeD on a gluten-free diet (GFD), and its association with clinical features, sociodemographic factors, psychological morbidity, and quality of life (QOL). A cross-sectional multicentre Italian study was conducted on adult CeD patients between May 2022 and April 2023. Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Coeliac Disease-specific Quality of Life Scale (CD-QOL), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale (STAI-Y), and the Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI) were used to evaluate resilience, QOL, anxiety, and depression, respectively. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with the degree of resilience. A total of 305 patients (221 F, mean age at CeD diagnosis 36 ± 16 years) on a long-term GFD (median 8 years, IQR 3-17) were enrolled. A total of 298/305 patients (98%) had a high level of resilience (CD-RISC ≥ 35). At univariate analysis, resilience was statistically associated with male gender (p = 0.03), age at enrolment (p = 0.02), marital status (p = 0.03), QOL (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, trait anxiety (STAI-Y2, p < 0.001) and depression (BDI, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of lower levels of resilience. Higher trait anxiety predicts lower levels of resilience. Targeted interventions in this subgroup of patients may be helpful for their management and follow-up.

Trait-based Anxiety Symptoms are Associated with Higher Incidence of Nightmare Frequency in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort

ABSTRACT Objectives Nightmares affect up to 12% of the population and are often comorbid with psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression. Limited research has examined their influence on nightmare frequency. This study investigates the relationship between depression and trait-anxiety symptoms on incident nightmare frequency at follow-up. Method Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted on 758 Wisconsin Sleep Cohort participants. Trait anxiety and depression symptom severity were measured using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Zung Depression Scale. Ordinal regression determined nightmare frequency cutoffs based on anxiety and depression severity. Cross-sectional associations were assessed with Spearman and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Longitudinal associations were analyzed using adjusted binomial regression of binary nightmare frequency (low: <4/month, high: >5/month) against clinical cutoffs of trait anxiety and depression. Results Adjusted models indicated a small correlation between baseline nightmare frequency and trait anxiety (β = 0.01, p = .010) and depression symptoms (β = 0.01, p = .005). High baseline trait-anxiety symptoms were associated with frequent nightmares at follow-up (OR = 3.75, CI95% [1.306,10.793], p < .014), but depression symptoms were not (OR = 1.35, CI95%[0.399, 4.587], p = .627). Conclusions Our findings suggest that high trait-anxiety symptoms are associated with increased incident nightmare frequency, when adjusted for depression. However, high depression symptoms were not associated with an increase in nightmare frequency when adjusted for trait-anxiety.

Music to relieve pain and anxiety in cardiac catheterization: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectiveto evaluate the effectiveness of using music to relieve pain, anxiety, and change in vital signs in adult and older adult patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.Methodsthis is a systematic review with meta-analysis carried out in October 2022, using 12 data sources, without time or language restrictions. The study followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The “Risk-of-bias tool” was used to assess the risk of bias, the “R CORE Team program: A language and environment for statistical computing” was used to perform the meta-analysis, and the “Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation” was used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies. Resultsa total of nine studies were included, totaling 1456 participants. The most used tools for measuring anxiety were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Numerical Rating Scale. This was also used to measure pain, in addition to the Visual Analogue Scale. The use of instrumental, classical and relaxing music prevailed, applied using headphones during the painful procedure, at a frequency of 60 to 100bpm and sound intensity of 60–70 dB. There was statistical significance in the use of music in reducing pain, anxiety and systolic blood pressure. Conclusionmusic interventions are effective in relieving pain, reducing systolic pressure and anxiety, but indifferent in terms of heart rate, respiratory rate and diastolic pressure. They provide humanization of care, can reduce hospital costs and length of hospital stay.

Clinical Evaluation of Effectiveness and Safety of Combined Use of Dietary Supplements Amberen® and SmartB® in Women with Climacteric Syndrome in Perimenopause.

Perimenopause is a time of transition in a woman's life that links her reproductive years to the cessation of ovulation, or menopause. For many women, this time is characterized by a variety of physiological and lifestyle changes, including increasing irregularity in menstrual bleeding, frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms, etc. Therapies evaluated specifically for the perimenopausal women are very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Amberen® (a succinate-based non-hormonal supplement) combined with a SmartB® (vitaminB) complex in women with typical (without complications) mild to moderate climacteric syndrome during perimenopause. Women up to 50years of age, in perimenopause, with vasomotor and psychosomatic symptoms of the climacteric syndrome were enrolled for the study. The trial was randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, comparative, and prospective. A total of 106 participants were enrolled in the trial and, per protocol, 105 completed the trial. We observed statistically significant improvements in most of the Greene Climacteric Scale symptoms, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Well-being, Activity, and Mood (WAM) scores. The intervention was well tolerated with few adverse effects reported to be mild and transient. The use of this dietary supplement is safe and eliminates or improves vasomotor and psychosomatic symptoms of climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women: it improves sleep and cognitive abilities, lowers depression and anxiety, improves mood and well-being, and positively affects quality of life. NCT03897738.

The reliability and validity of a developed anxiety scale specific to primary focal hyperhidrosis symptoms

BackgroundPatients with primary focal hyperhidrosis (hyperhidrosis) are known to have higher levels of anxiety induced by sweating than those who do not. However, in hyperhidrosis, no scale has been developed to measure anxiety specific to hyperhidrosis symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an anxiety scale specific to hyperhidrosis symptoms (ASSHS) and to verify its reliability and validity.MethodsBased on previous studies on hyperhidrosis and a preliminary survey conducted with 26 university students who met the diagnostic criteria for hyperhidrosis, 40 items that adequately reflected anxiety specific to hyperhidrosis symptoms were obtained. A survey was done to examine the internal consistency and validity of the our developed ASSHS. In total, 1,207 participants (680 male and 527 female; mean age ± standard deviation 18.7 ± 0.9 years) were included. A second survey (re-survey) was conducted three weeks later to verify the reliability. It included 201 participants (85 male and 116 female; mean age ± standard deviation 18.6 ± 0.7 years). The survey items included (1) the diagnostic criteria for hyperhidrosis, (2) our anxiety scale developed for primary focal hyperhidrosis symptoms (ASSHS), (3) Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), (4) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), (5) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), (6) Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and (7) presence of anxiety induced by sweating.ResultsThe results of the factor analysis revealed 10 items with one factor, “anxiety specific to hyperhidrosis symptoms.” The alpha coefficient of the ASSHS was α = 0.94. The correlation coefficient between the scores at re-test was r = 0.75. A moderate positive correlation was found between the ASSHS, HDSS (r = 0.53), and anxiety induced by sweating (r = 0.47) (all p < 0.001). Additionally, participants with hyperhidrosis symptoms had significantly higher ASSHS scores than did those without hyperhidrosis symptoms (p < 0.001). Those with mild/moderate hyperhidrosis and those with severe hyperhidrosis had significantly higher the ASSHS scores than did those without hyperhidrosis (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis scale has sufficient reliability and validity as an instrument to measure anxiety specific to hyperhidrosis symptoms.

Internalizing and Supplicating with the Beautiful Names of Allah A Treatment Intervention for Anxiety in University Students

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to analyze the effect of internalizing and supplicating through Names of Allah on anxiety levels in university students. Inclusion of faith/religion as an intervention is a scientific way of reducing worrisome thoughts. Methods: A pre and post design was administered to measure the anxiety levels before and after participant’s carry out the procedure with the help of the STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) scale and open-ended questions. Results were analyzed with SPSS using dependent or paired t-test. Results: The study demonstrated that the participants showed statistically significant improvement of their emotional states (anxiety) following the intervention compared to before the intervention took place (p0.001). Hence, indicating that internalizing and supplicating with the names of Allah reduced anxiety in university students as hypothesized. Qualitative results also revealed positive results. Future directions and recommendations are presented in the paper with a focus on furthering the research in this new area. Keywords: Supplication, Names of Allah, Anxiety Levels, Religion, Islamic Psychology

The Effect of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pain in Patients Undergoing Oculoplastic Surgery.

To determine the effect of aromatherapy on postoperative anxiety and pain in patients undergoing oculoplastic surgery. A randomized controlled study of 60 patients who underwent monitored anesthesia care sedation for oculoplastic procedures from August 2018 to November 2020. Patients were randomized to an aromatherapy (n = 32) or placebo (n = 28) condition. Anxiety was measured with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and visual analog scale for anxiety. Pain was measured with a visual analog scale for pain. Compared with control patients, aromatherapy patients had significantly lower postoperative State-Trait Anxiety Inventory state anxiety (24.1 vs. 29.1; p = 0.05) and visual analog scale pain scores (1.9 vs. 3.2; p = 0.05). Aromatherapy patients also had shorter stays in the postanesthesia care unit than control patients (57.7 vs. 79.4 minutes; p = 0.03). Patients who received aromatherapy reported lower postoperative anxiety and pain. Aromatherapy may be a useful adjuvant analgesic and/or anxiolytic for patients undergoing oculoplastic procedures with monitored anesthesia care sedation.

Evaluation of Anxiety Levels and Related Factors in Parents of Preterm Infants Hospitalized in NICU

Background: The hospitalization of preterm infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is generally an unexpected event that can be stressful experience for families and especially for parents. Objective: To assess the anxiety levels in parents with preterm infants hospitalized in NICU and determine its association with clinical and sociodemographic variables. Method: This prospective, follow up–cohort study was conducted at the NICU of a tertiary maternity hospital in Athens, Greece during 18/12/2019 to 31/12/2022. A total of 120 parents, whose infants had birth weight (BW)&lt;1750 grams (g) and gestational age (GA)&lt;34 weeks (w) were involved. The data collected by a demographic form and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAI). Results: Our data showed that the STAI score for state anxiety to mothers was significantly higher in the 1st assessment (Mean±SD:52.2±11.9) than 2nd (Mean±SD:47.8±12) and 3rd (Mean±SD:49±10.3). The STAI score for trait anxiety was similar, in particular it was significantly higher in the 1st assessment (Mean±SD:46.6±14.6) compared to 2nd (Mean±SD:41.9±14) and 3rd (Mean±SD:42.8±13). Also, the STAI score for state anxiety to fathers was significantly higher during the 1st assessment (Mean±SD:47.1±12.2) compared to the other two assessments (Mean±SD:42.8±9.8 &amp; Mean±SD:41.7±9.1 respectively), while trait anxiety didn’t show significant variability. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that the premature birth and infant’s hospitalization might have a negative effect on parents’ emotional state. Identifying which mothers and fathers are at risk immediately after birth and during NICU stay could help to direct specific interventions that can prevent them of stressful feelings.

Prenatal insomnia disorder may predict concurrent and postpartum psychopathology: A longitudinal study.

While insomnia symptoms may be a risk factor for mental disturbances, few studies evaluated "Insomnia Disorder" and its relationship with perinatal psychopathology. Pregnant women were recruited during their last routine assessment before being hospitalized for delivery during the 3rd trimester at the Gynaecological Unit of the University Hospital of Ferrara and Udine, Italy, from January 2022 to January 2023. Our assessment included baseline evaluation (T0), and evaluations at 1 month (T1) and 3 months (T2) in the postpartum period, with specific questionnaires for insomnia disorder, such as Sleep Condition Indicator, mood and anxiety symptoms and psychosocial functioning, such as Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Mood Disorder Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Work and Social Adjustment Scale. At T0, 181 pregnant women were included. Insomnia disorder affected 22.3% at T0, 23.5% at T1 and 16.2% at T2. Women with insomnia disorder at baseline were significantly more affected by concurrent anxiety and depressive symptoms, had higher bipolar diathesis and poorer psychosocial functioning in the perinatal period. Prenatal insomnia disorder predicted anxiety (T0: odds ratio 4.44, p << 0.001; T1: odds ratio 4.009, p = 0.042) and depressive symptoms (T0: odds ratio 2.66, p = 0.015; T1: odds ratio 11.20, p = 0.001; T2: odds ratio 12.50 p = 0.049) in both the prenatal and postnatal period. It also predicted poor psychosocial function during the prenatal (odds ratio 3.55, p = 0.003) and postpartum periods (T1: odds ratio 2.33, p = 0.004). Insomnia disorder is emerging as an important prenatal factor that may contribute to concurrent and postpartum psychopathology.

Mixed-Methods Assessment of Maternal Anxiety During the First 8 Weeks After Birth

ObjectiveTo describe and compare the experiences of postpartum anxiety among women with generalized anxiety and postpartum-specific anxiety. DesignProspective, longitudinal, mixed methods. SettingAcademic tertiary center in the mid-Atlantic United States. Study activities were remote. ParticipantsWomen at 1 to 8 weeks after birth (N = 34). MethodsWe used mobile surveys to measure daily anxiety ratings and responses to open-ended, theory-driven questions about anxiety. We used the cutoff scores on the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory and Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale administered 8 weeks after birth to determine the presence of generalized and postpartum-specific anxiety. Participants’ responses were analyzed with qualitative description and sorted by anxiety questionnaire scores at 8 weeks after birth. We compared qualitative findings between participants with generalized anxiety and postpartum-specific anxiety. ResultsParticipants with generalized anxiety had high levels of overwhelm and felt ill-equipped to handle daily stressors, whereas those with postpartum-specific anxiety felt adept at coping. Participants with generalized anxiety lacked emotional and physical support, and those with postpartum-specific anxiety reported more physical but variable emotional support. Sources of daily anxiety in participants with postpartum-specific anxiety were infant-centric (e.g., infant health, end of maternity leave, breastfeeding), whereas anxiety sources for participants with generalized anxiety were varied (e.g., self-health, partner concerns). Participants with generalized anxiety versus postpartum-specific anxiety were more likely to be multiparous and have comorbid depression symptoms. ConclusionSymptoms, levels of perceived support, and sources of anxiety differed between participants with generalized versus postpartum-specific anxiety. Our findings can inform postpartum anxiety screening strategies and support interventions.

Factors affecting the fear of recurrence in Breast cancer patients

The fear of cancer recurrence is defined as a mental state of anxiety or concern that cancer may return or spread. It is assumed to be the commonest unpleasant psychological disorder among cancer survivors. Breast cancer is assumed to be one of the commonest cancers in women. Also, the treatment modalities for breast cancer are strongly developed and there is an increase in the cure rate in recent years. However, surviving cancer patients are still feared of recurrence of the neoplasm. The fear of cancer recurrence affected negatively the patients' health and lowered their quality of life. Therefore, we sought to establish effective preventive strategies to improve the psychological health of patients. We searched the literature and reviewed the most recent available data from 2017 to 2023 to clarify the different factors affecting the fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients.We identified different factors that increase the fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients including; anxiety, chemotherapy, avoidance, intrusive thoughts, distress and exhaustion. Also, we identified other factors that decrease the fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer patients including; younger age patients, having a good quality of time, good social support and good self-efficacy. Regarding preventive measures; our meta-analysis showed that breast cancer patients who underwent Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction had significant improvements on the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (P&lt;0.0001), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale (P=0.0002) and perceived stress scale (P=0.0004). Also, we noticed that breast cancer patients who underwent blended cognitive behavior therapy or Smartphone problem-solving therapy had lower fear of cancer recurrence than those who received usual care. Finally, we advocate more research articles applying different modalities to overcome FCR in patients with breast cancer. Also, we recommend the use of different psychological treatments for patients with breast cancer to decrease their fear of cancer recurrence and improve their health.

Home-Use and Portable Biofeedback Lowers Anxiety and Pain in Chronic Pain Subjects

In this study, we investigated the use of novel, home-use and portable biofeedback devices in a remote program for managing chronic pain. In three separate 4-week pilot studies, participants engaged in twice-daily, 10-minute biofeedback sessions, with self-assessed reductions in anxiety and pain levels using the 6-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively, in Studies 2 and 3. Among these 113 (Study 2) and 237 (Study 3) biofeedback sessions, 81 (∼72%) and 130 (∼55%) showed reductions in pain, while 93 (∼82%) and 184 (∼78%) experienced reductions in anxiety. A positive relationship was found between anxiety and pain reduction, indicating that larger reductions in anxiety correspond to larger reductions in pain. In Study 1, only anxiety reductions were measured: across 143 biofeedback sessions, 127 experienced reductions in anxiety (∼89%). Participants in all studies demonstrated reductions in baseline to final results in pain, anxiety, and showed increases in satisfaction and recovery. Our results provide strong evidence that portable biofeedback devices can enhance pain management programs by helping to alleviate anxiety and pain in individuals living with chronic conditions. This study can provide a basis for the integration of biofeedback devices into the expanding research of lifestyle and integrative medicine.

The use of virtual reality during extra-amniotic balloon insertion for pain and anxiety relief—a randomized controlled trial

Background: Induction of labor with extra-amniotic balloon (EAB) catheter is a procedure commonly associated with maternal discomfort, pain, and anxiety. Objective(s): We aimed to investigate the distractive effect of virtual reality (VR) technology on pain and anxiety- in pregnant patients who undergo Induction of labor with EAB.Study design: In this randomized controlled trial, pregnant patients intended for Induction of labor with EAB at term, for various obstetric indications, were recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups. Patients in the VR group were exposed to a VR technology clip (using SootheVR All-In-One VR care system for pain and anxiety) during the entire EAB insertion while patients in the control group received the institutional standard care for EAB insertion. Pain scores expressed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and maternal hemodynamic parameters, were obtained before, during, and after EAB insertion. Anxiety was evaluated by the validated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAI-S) before and after the procedure. Maternal satisfaction from the VR technology was also recorded. The primary outcome was the change in VAS score before and during EAB insertion. Among the secondary outcomes was the change in Anxiety levels before and after EAB insertion. The study was powered to detect a 25% decrease in the primary outcome.Results: A total of 132 pregnant patients were recruited (66 in each group). There were no differences between groups in terms of age, BMI, gestational age at enrollment, indication for Induction of labor, and pre-procedural VAS score and anxiety levels. The change in VAS score (maximal VAS score during the procedure subtract the initial VAS score before the procedure, i.e the primary outcome) was significantly lower in the VR group compared to the control group (2.78±3.0 vs 4.09±2.99, p=0.01). In addition, the VR group benefited a higher rate of anxiety relief expressed by the difference between pre-procedure and post-procedure STAI score, (-6.46 ± 9.6 vs -2.01 ± 9.11, P=0.007). Patients in the VR group reported an overall very high (94%) satisfaction score.Conclusions: In this randomized controlled trial, we demonstrated that the use of VR technology in patients undergoing Induction of labor with EAB was associated with lower VAS scores during the procedure and significant anxiety reduction compared to patients who received standard care. There was also a very high satisfaction rate from the use of VR technology.

Comparison between oral midazolam and inhaled nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture for sedation during ambulatory lower third molar surgery

In dental surgery, patient anxiety is a common concern, potentially impacting pain tolerance. This study compared oral midazolam and nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) inhalation as anxiety control methods. We conducted a split-mouth study for lower third molar extractions, assessing anxiety and satisfaction using Corah's scale, modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). We also monitored blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, oxygen saturation, and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes non-invasively. Results showed no statistically significant differences in questionnaire-based parameters. However, fewer N2O/O2 group patients were "very anxious" on the modified STAI scale, favoring N2O for future surgeries. Regarding non-invasive blood pressure, midazolam group had higher levels, and N2O group exhibited elevated saturation, but these lacked clinical significance. In conclusion, both anxiolytic medications effectively induced adequate sedation. Questionnaire and multiparameter monitor data revealed minor variations between groups, indicating the suitability of either approach for dental surgery anxiety management.

Physiological and psychological stress response of blood donors during the blood donation process.

Blood donation can be a potentially stressful event, leading to the activation of an acute stress response. Knowing and identifying potential stressors could help in optimizing the donation experience. The present study aimed to measure the physiological and psychological stress changes before, during and after blood donation. Physiological and psychological stress response was assessed in 70 blood donors. To evaluate physiological stress response, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure (BP), beat-to-beat BP and lead II electrocardiogram were recorded. Baroreflex sensitivity was calculated using the available software. Psychological stress response was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale. A significant increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure was observed in the pre-donation period (p < 0.001). Among the time-domain parameters, SDSD (standard deviation of differences between adjacent respiratory rate intervals) and RMSSD (root mean square of the successive differences) were significantly lower during the post-donation period (p < 0.005, p < 0.007, respectively). Among the frequency-domain parameters, LF nu (relative power of the low-frequency band in normalized units), HF nu (relative power of the high-frequency band in normalized units) and LF% (relative power of the low-frequency band in percentage) were significantly lower before donation compared to during donation (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.012, respectively). LF nu, LF% and LF/HF ratio were also significantly lower during donation compared to after donation (p < 0.05, p < 0.016 and p < 0.042, respectively). Baroreflex sensitivity was also statistically higher during the pre-donation period. State score was significantly higher among the blood donors during the pre-donation period. Physiological and psychological stress is experienced by blood donors during the pre-donation period. A pre-donation informative conversation should be carried out with each blood donor and potential stressors should be identified in each.

Investigation of Cognitive Distortions in Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.

The aim of this study was to determine the main cognitive distortions observed in panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) and to investigate the impact of cognitive distortions on diagnoses, depression levels, disorder type and severity of anxiety. This study consisted of 150 clinical (50 PD, 50 GAD, 50 SAD) and 91 healthy control participants. A sociodemographic data form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS), the Cognitive Distortions Scale (CDS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales were administered to all participants. It was found that cognitive distortions were higher in individuals with PD, GAD and SAD. The PD, SAD and GAD groups were similar for "catastrophizing", "mindreading", "all or nothing thinking", "overgeneralization", "should statements" and "emotional reasoning". "Personalization", "labeling" and "minimizing or disqualifying the positive" were observed at a higher severity in the SAD group compared to the PD group, and "mental filter" was observed at a higher severity in the GAD group compared to the PD group. Our findings emphasize the need to address cognitive distortions in PD, GAD and SAD treatment. The evaluation of cognitive distortions specific to anxiety disorders is significant in guiding therapy goals and pioneering new research.

Fear of childbirth and its relationship with anxiety and depression among Iranian fathers: a descriptive study

ABSTRACT Introduction In addition to mothers, fathers may find the perinatal period difficult and complicated and experience a wide variety of emotions, such as fear, anxiety and depression. These emotional changes can adversely affect a father’s relationships with his infant and wife. This descriptive study aims to investigate the fear of childbirth in fathers during pregnancy and explore its relationship with anxiety and depression. Methods A total of 302 husbands of pregnant women participated in this descriptive study through the cluster random sampling method. The data collection tools were the sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics questionnaire, Paternal Fear of Childbirth Scale, Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results The mean (±SD) of paternal fear of childbirth score was 48.39 (±14.10) within the possible 17–85 range. According to Pearson correlation test results, fear of childbirth had significant direct correlations with depression (P < 0.001; r = 0.47), state anxiety (P < 0.001; r = 0.60) and trait anxiety (P < 0.001; r = 0.51). The adjusted general linear model results indicated that an increase in fear of childbirth score significantly increased depression (β = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.22; P < 0.001), state anxiety (β = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.53; P < 0.001) and trait anxiety (β = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.42; P < 0.001) scores obtained from participants. Conclusion It is recommended to develop comprehensive programmes to screen fathers for fear of childbirth and any other psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety, to implement appropriate preventive and therapeutic interventions.

The French version of the surgical fear questionnaire is a valid and reproducible score to assess the fear of surgery

BackroundThe Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ) is a reliable tool to measure fear of surgery. It is the only self-reporting questionnaire that is suitable for all adult surgeries. It has been translated into numerous languages from the original Dutch version, but there is no French version to date. The aim of this study was to draft and validate a French version of the SFQ. MethodsA prospective study including 83 subjects who were scheduled for hallux valgus surgery was performed. The validity of the SFQ was based on its correlation to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), using Spearman's correlation coefficient. The internal consistency of the SFQ was determined by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, while the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate reliability. ResultsThe average total French SFQ score was 36.7. There was a strong correlation between the French SFQ score and the two subscales of the STAI scale, STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2, with a Spearman correlation of 0.65 (0.49–0,77) and 0.62 (0.45–0.76), respectively. The internal consistency was high, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.93 (0.91–0.95), indicating limited redundancy. The reliability was good, with an ICC of 0.77 (0.60–0.87). LimitationsThe main limitations of this study were the population which was mainly women, the redundancy of the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the lack of a standardized moment in time to fill in the questionnaire. ConclusionThe French version of SFQ is a valid, reproducible tool to assess the fear of surgery in adult patients.

Preprocedural Anxiety in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: The PANIC Study

BackgroundPreprocedural anxiety may have detrimental effects both cognitively and physiologically. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the association between state (situational) and trait (persistent in everyday life) anxiety and differences between the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) and acquired heart disease populations. MethodsThe State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and financial stress scale were administered to adults with acquired and CHD at 4 tertiary referral centers in the United States prior to cardiac catheterization. Student’s t-test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were used to assess differences in anxiety between groups and identify the optimal model of predictors of anxiety. ResultsOf the 291 patients enrolled, those with CHD (n = 91) were younger (age 41.3 ± 16.3 years vs 64.7 ± 11.3 years, P < 0.001), underwent more cardiac surgeries (P < 0.001), and had higher levels of trait anxiety (t[171] = 2.62, P = 0.001, d = 0.33). There was no difference in state anxiety between groups (t[158.65] = 1.37, P = 0.17, d = 0.18). State anxiety was singularly associated with trait anxiety. Trait anxiety was negatively associated with age and positively associated with state anxiety and financial stress. Patients with CHD of great complexity were more trait (F[2,88] = 4.21, P = 0.02) and state anxious (F[2,87] = 4.59, P = 0.01), though with relatively small effect size. ConclusionsTrait anxiety levels are higher in the ACHD population and directly associated with state anxiety. Specialists caring for ACHD patients should not only recognize the frequency of trait anxiety but also high-risk subgroups that may benefit from psychological or social interventions to reduce preprocedural anxiety.