State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Research Articles

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

This study aims to shed light on the rather neglected area of research of psychological distress in women facing genetic counselling in Turkey, where few institutions providing such counselling exist. 105 breast cancer patients presenting for genetic testing completed a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire as well as validated structured questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T) and the Health Motivation Sub-dimension of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. 69.5% of the participants had lost a family member from cancer; 80% said the term "cancer" elicited negative thoughts (e.g., death, fear, and incurable disease). 62.9% and 37.1% attributed cancer to stress or sorrow, and genetic susceptibility, respectively. There was a negative association between health motivation and BDI scores (r:-0.433, p < 0.001). Married individuals had higher BDI and STAI-S scores (p = 0.001, p = 0.01 respectively), as well as lower STAI-T scores (p = 0.006). BDI, STAI-S and STAI-T scores were higher in those refusing genetic testing (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.003 respectively) and those with metastases (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.03 respectively). Furthermore, individuals with low health motivation were more likely to exhibit high BDI scores (p < 0.001) and low STAI-T scores (p = 0.02). Common perceptions and beliefs about cancer and genetic testing during genetic counselling were found to have a negative impact on distress in high-risk women with breast cancer. The negative relationship between psychological distress and health motivation may reduce patients' compliance with genetic counselling recommendations. A comprehensive psychological evaluation should be considered as an important part of genetic counselling.

Impact of Virtual Reality Distraction on Pain and Anxiety for Bedside Abdominal VAC Dressing Change (VIRPA) – A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract Background Virtual reality (VR) distraction techniques are promising adjuncts to reduce pain and anxiety. Aims This study assessed the impact of VR distraction during bedside change of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) dressings. Methods In this non-blinded randomized superiority trial, patients scheduled for bedside change of a subcutaneous VAC dressing were allocated to receive distraction through VR masks in addition to a standardized pain protocol (intervention) or pain protocol alone (control). Primary endpoints were pain scores assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS:0-10), secondary outcomes were anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y:20-80), VAS:0-10), hemodynamic parameters and satisfaction (VAS:0-10). Results Nineteen and twenty-one patients were randomized to receive intervention and control, respectively. Baseline characteristics were well balanced including age (61±11 vs. 62±17), sex (female: 9 vs. 13), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores (≥3: 18 vs. 18, all non-significant). Pre- and postoperative pain levels were 2.2±2.2 vs. 2.0±2.1 (p=0.38) for the intervention group compared with 2.6±2.1 vs. 2.2±1.6 (p=0.26), with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.38). Similar findings for blood pressure and heart rates. Anxiety was reduced in both groups post VAC change in the intervention and control group: STAI 40±12 pre-VAC vs. 30±8 post VAC and 45±14 pre-VAC vs. 32±9 post VAC (both p&amp;lt;0.01), ΔVAS -2 (interquartile range IQR 0, -3) vs. -2 (IQR 0, -5), both p&amp;lt;0.01. Postinterventional satisfaction was 8.3±1.9 (intervention) vs. 7.5±2.4 (p=0.11). Conclusion In this study, pain and anxiety were well managed with a standardized pain protocol with or without adjunct VR distraction. Further studies will focus on patients with insufficient control of pain and anxiety with a standard protocol.

Understanding Anxiety in Cervical Dystonia: An Imaging Study.

Anxiety may precede motor symptoms in cervical dystonia (CD) and is associated with an earlier onset of dystonia. Our understanding of anxiety in CD is inadequate. To investigate brain networks associated with anxiety in CD. Twenty-six subjects with idiopathic CD underwent MRI Brain without contrast. Correlational tractography was derived using Diffusion MRI connectometry. Quantitative Anisotropy (QA) was used in deterministic diffusion fiber tracking. Correlational tractography was then used to correlate QA with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) state (STAI-S) and trait (STAI-T) subscales. Connectometry analysis showed direct correlation between state anxiety and QA in tracts from amygdala to thalamus/ pulvinar bilaterally, and trait anxiety and QA in tracts from amygdala to motor cortex, sensorimotor cortex and parietal association area bilaterally (FDR ≤0.05). Our efforts to map anxiety to brain networks in CD highlight the role of the amygdala in the pathophysiology of anxiety in CD.

The effect of aromatherapy during urodynamic testing on patients anxiety and cortisol levels: A randomized controlled trial.

During urodynamic testing (UT), patients may experience emotions such as embarrassment, discomfort, irritability, and tension, which can cause anxiety. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative treatment that may be employed in clinical settings to alleviate patients' anxiety before invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on patients' anxiety and cortisol levels during UT. The sample of this single-center, prospective, two-armed, randomized controlled clinical study consisted of 98 patients undergoing UT. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 49) and the control group (n = 49). The anxiety level was assessed using the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), and measured with physiological responses to anxiety, such as changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and cortisol levels, pre and post-UT. Aromatherapy was applied to the intervention group starting 5 min before UT and continuing throughout the testing. The control group received routine treatment and care. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ2, dependent samples t-tests, and independent samples t-tests. In the study, post-UT anxiety in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001), while SpO2 was higher (p = 0.021). In the study group, post-UT anxiety (p < 0.001), HR (p = 0.000), and cortisol levels (p = 0.005) decreased compared to pre-UT, whereas in the control group, anxiety (p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.000) decreased, and SBP (p = 0.010) and RR (p = 0.004) increased. Aromatherapy during UT positively influenced both the psychological and physiological responses to anxiety.

Trait-anxiety and glial-related neuroinflammation of the amygdala and its associated regions in Alzheimer's disease: A significant correlation

BackgroundPositron emission tomography, which assesses the binding of translocator protein radiotracers, 11C-DPA-713, may be a sensitive method for determining glial-mediated neuroinflammation levels. This study investigated the relationship between regional 11C-DPA713 binding potential (BPND) and anxiety in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum. MethodsNineteen patients with AD continuum determined to be amyloid-/p-tau 181-positive via cerebrospinal fluid analysis were included in this cross-sectional study (mild cognitive impairment [MCI, n = 5] and AD [n = 14]). Anxiety was evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A whole-brain voxel-based analysis was performed to examine the relationship between 11C-DPA-713-BPND values at each voxel and the STAI score. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of STAI scores using independent variables, including 11C-DPA-713-BPND values within significant clusters. 11C-DPA-713-BPND values were compared between patients with AD continuum with low-to-moderate and high STAI scores. ResultsVoxel-based analysis revealed a positive correlation between trait anxiety severity and 11C-DPA713-BPND values in the centromedial amygdala and the left inferior occipital area [P < 0.001 (uncorrected) at the voxel-level]. 11C-DPA713-BPND values in these regions were a strong predictor of the STAI trait anxiety score. Specifically, patients with AD continuum and high trait anxiety had increased 11C-DPA713-BPND values in these regions. ConclusionsThe amygdala–occipital lobe circuit influences the control of emotional generation, and disruption of this network by AD pathology-induced inflammation may contribute to the expression of anxiety. Our findings suggest that suppression of inflammation can help effectively treat anxiety by attenuating damage to the amygdala and its associated areas.

Psychophysiological Impact of Touching Landscape Grass among Older Adults.

Few studies have investigated plants' healing effects, particularly through touch-based therapy, on older adults. As hypertension rates continue to climb worldwide, touch-based therapy for hypertension prevention has become a significant priority in public health initiatives. This study investigated the impact of tactile interaction with real grass (a landscape activity) versus artificial grass on older adults' physical and cognitive abilities. Employing a within-subject design, we assessed the physiological and emotional effects of touching real grass versus artificial glass for 10min. Study participants included 50 Chinese individuals, with an average age of 85.64 ± 3.72years. Measurements included blood pressure, electroencephalogram, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and standard deviation (SD). Analyzing the SD data revealed that participants experienced a heightened sense of relaxation and calmness after touching real grass, compared to artificial grass. Furthermore, the participants' brainwave patterns-measured in mean power units-exhibited an upward trend while interacting with real grass, whereas they exhibited a downward trend during the interaction with artificial grass. Moreover, the mean systolic blood pressure significantly decreased following interaction with real grass. These findings suggest that engaging with real grass through touch potentially alleviates mental stress, in contrast to the effects of artificial grass.

Music from noise-canceling headphones is beneficial against anxiety in male bladder cancer patients undergoing follow-up cystoscopy: A prospective randomized trial.

Bladder cancer, with a greater incidence in males than in females, requires frequent cystoscopies. We aim to evaluate the effect of music played through noise-canceling headphones on male bladder cancer patients during follow-up cystoscopy. A total of 160 male bladder cancer patients undergoing follow-up flexible cystoscopy were randomly divided into the noise-canceling headphones without music group and the noise-canceling headphones with music group (groups 1 and 2, respectively; n = 80 per group). The patients' clinical characteristics were examined and objective and subjective measurements were compared before and after cystoscopy. The primary outcomes that were evaluated included the visual analog scale (VAS, 0-10) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI, 20-80). Other outcomes, including vital signs and scores for assessing satisfaction and the willingness to repeat the procedure, were also examined. The characteristics of the patients in groups 1 and 2, and their pre-cystoscopy status, did not differ significantly. Although post-cystoscopy vital signs for the objective parameters and VAS pain scores were similar between the groups, subjective parameters were not. When compared with group 1, post-cystoscopy STAI-state scores were significantly lower in group 2, whereas patients' satisfaction scores and the willingness to repeat the procedure were significantly higher in group 2 (p = 0.002, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). Additionally, in group 2, STAI-state scores changed significantly after the procedure when compared with before the procedure (p = 0.002). In male bladder cancer patients, music from noise-canceling headphones might have reduced anxiety and improved satisfaction and the willingness to repeat cystoscopy.

Evaluation of the effects of pregabalin and dexamethasone coadministration on preemptive multimodal analgesia and anxiety in third molar surgeries: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of pregabalin and dexamethasone coadministration in preemptive analgesia and anxiety control in lower third molar surgery. A triple-blind, split-mouth clinical trial conducted with patients divided into two groups: control group, receiving placebo and dexamethasone, and test group, receiving pregabalin and dexamethasone preoperatively. The evaluated variables were pain, measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), anxiety assessed through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires, hemodynamic parameters [Blood Pressure (BP), Heart Rate (HR), Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)], and sedation assessed by the Ramsay scale. A total of 31 patients were included. The test group exhibited a significant reduction in pain at 2,4,6,8,12,16,24, and 48h after surgery and in the consumption of rescue analgesics. Anxiety, evaluated by STAI and VAS, showed a significant decrease in the test group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in BP at most of the assessed time points (p < 0.05) and a significant reduction in HR at two different time intervals (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009), indicating a positive effect in the test group. There was no significant difference in SpO2 between the groups. Sedation assessment revealed a significant difference at all time points favoring the test group (p < 0.05). There were no significant postoperative adverse effects. Pregabalin coadministered with dexamethasone demonstrated significant efficacy in controlling postoperative pain and anxiety, as well as a sedative effect. The coadministration of pregabalin with dexamethasone may presents potential advantages in both pain modulation and psychological well-being of individuals undergoing third molar surgeries. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC), No. RBR-378h6t6.

Neuropsychological and psychometric parameters in the patients with duodenal ulcer depending on Helicobacter pylori presence

Neuropsychological and psychometric parameters in the patients with duodenal ulcer depending on Helicobacter pylori presence

On Patient Experience and Anxiety During Treatment With Magnetic Resonance–Guided Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To assess patient experience and anxiety during MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) on a 1.5 Tesla (T) MR-Linac when offered calming video content. Methods and Materials: A single center study was conducted within the Multi-OutcoMe EvaluatioN of radiation Therapy Using the MR-Linac (MOMENTUM) cohort. Patients were offered to watch calming video content on a video monitor during treatment. Questionnaires were used to assess patient experience (MRL-PE) and anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) at first treatment fraction (M1) and at third, fourth or fifth treatment fraction (M2). Paired T-tests were used to test for significant differences, and effect sizes (ES) to determine the importance of the difference. Results: Between November 2021 and November 2022, 66 patients were included. The majority was male (n=59, 89%). MRgRT was most frequently delivered to prostate cancer (n=45, 68%) followed by a lesion in the pancreas (n=8, 12%). At M1 and M2, 24/59 patients (41%) preferred to watch calming video content. One patient was not able to look at the video-monitor comfortably at first fraction. Patient experience was generally favorable or neutral; tingling sensations were reported by 17% of patients. Anxiety levels were high (16%), moderate (18%) or low to none (67%) prior to M1. STAI-scores were 33 (SD 9) prior to M1 and 29 (SD 7) after M1 (ES 0.7, p<0.001). STAI-scores were 32 (SD 9) prior to M2 and 31 (SD 8) (ES 0.4, p=0.009). Conclusions: Patients were able to comfortably view the video monitor during MRgRT. Consequently, this set up could be used for future applications, such as biofeedback. A sizeable minority of patients preferred to watch calming video's, which distracted them during treatment. Although the patient's experience was overall excellent, anxiety was reported. Anxiety levels were highest prior to treatment, which decreased after treatment.

Evaluation of salivary stress markers and inflammatory cytokine levels in peri-implantitis patients

Background and objectivePsychological stress has been identified in some observational studies as a potential factor that may modify and affect periodontal diseases, but there are no similar data for peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)α inflammatory cytokines and the psychological stress-related markers, glucocorticoid receptor-α (GRα), and salivary α-amylase (sAA) gene expression levels in saliva samples obtained from healthy implants and peri-implantitis patients.Materials and methodsThe study included a total of 50 systemically healthy subjects. Peri-implant clinical parameters were recorded and psychological stress level was evaluated with the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) and state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) questionnaire forms. Following the evaluations, the patients were divided into 4 groups according their stress and clinical status (Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb). IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IFNα, GRα, sAA gene expression levels in the saliva samples were quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).ResultsIn the group of peri-implantitis who had a high score in stress level assessment scales, significantly higher IL-1β, IL-6, sAA expression levels were observed (p < 0.001). The IL-10 gene expression levels were lower in the groups with a high score in the stress level assessment scales (p < 0.001). GRα gene was expressed at lower levels in the group of peri-implantitis who had a high score in stress level assessment scales but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.065).ConclusionThe study findings suggest that psychological stress may increase the inflammation associated with peri-implantitis by affecting cytokine expression levels.Clinical relevanceTo prevent peri-implantitis or reduce its prevalence, it could be beneficial to evaluate stress levels and identify individuals experiencing stress.

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.

Neurodegenerative disease pathways are perturbed in patients with cancer who self-report cognitive changes and anxiety: A pathway impact analysis.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and anxiety co-occur in patients with cancer. Little is known about mechanisms for the co-occurrence of these two symptoms. The purposes of this secondary analysis were to evaluate for perturbed pathways associated with the co-occurrence of self-reported CRCI and anxiety in patients with low versus high levels of these two symptoms and to identify potential mechanisms for the co-occurrence of CRCI and anxiety using biological processes common across any perturbed neurodegenerative disease pathways. Patients completed the Attentional Function Index and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Based on findings from a previous latent profile analysis, patients were grouped into none versus both high levels of these symptoms. Gene expression was quantified, and pathway impact analyses were performed. Signaling pathways for evaluation were defined with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. A total of 451 patients had data available for analysis. Approximately 85.0% of patients were in the none class and 15.0% were in the both high class. Pathway impact analyses identified five perturbed pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, Parkinson disease, prion disease, and pathways of neurodegeneration-multiple diseases). Apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress were common biological processes across these pathways. This study is the first to describe perturbations in neurodegenerative disease pathways associated with CRCI and anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy. These findings provide new insights into potential targets for the development of mechanistically based interventions.

The effect on perioperative anxiety and emergence delirium of the child or parent's preference for parental accompaniment during anesthesia induction in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy surgery.

Pediatric emergence delirium (ED) occurs in the early postoperative period and is defined as a complex psychiatric disorder. Non-pharmacological methods of treatment, such as perioperative parental presence, have been the focus of many studies, but the impact on preventing ED of which parent accompanies the child during anesthesia induction has not been identified as yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the selection made by children undergoing adenotonsillectomy of which parent will accompany them during anesthesia induction has the effect of reducing postoperative delirium scores and incidence compared to selections made by the parents. The study included 80 children of both genders, aged 5-12 years, who underwent day-case surgery in the otorhinolaryngology clinic. The patients were separated randomly into two groups of 40. In Group 1, the children were asked to choose which of their parents would accompany them during general anesthesia induction, and in Group 2, the parents were asked to decide who would be the accompanying parent. Evaluation of postoperative delirium was made using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. The anxiety level of the children was evaluated with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) both in the preoperative waiting area and during the anesthesia induction. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to evaluate the anxiety level of the parents. The mean PAED scores were similar in both groups (mean difference [95% CI]: -0.1 [-2.8 to 0.7]). The incidence of emergence delirium was also similar in both groups (risk ratio 0.9 [0.4 to 1.8]). The mean mYPAS scores during the induction of anesthesia of Group 1 was lower than that of Group 2 (mean difference [95% CI]: -8.4 [-15.2 to -1.6]). The mean mYPAS scores evaluated in the preoperative waiting area were found to be similar in the two groups (mean difference [95% CI]: -1.9 [-7.5 to 3.5]). The mean STAI anxiety scores of the parents were similar in both groups, with higher scores obtained by mothers compared to fathers, at all measurement times. The incidence or severity of ED did not decrease significantly even though lower anxiety scores were obtained during anesthesia induction in children who were allowed to make the decision of accompanying parent. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that postoperative delirium is a more complicated process that can be affected by many other variables rather than just the parent-child general interaction.

The midterm psychological effect of cast removal procedures in children.

This study aimed to compare the course of anxiety change in children who used headphones during cast removal with controls in midterm follow-up. Sixty-six patients who underwent forearm fracture treatment with closed reduction and long arm casting between June 2021 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of headphones (n=27; 21 males, 6 females; mean age: 8.0±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) or not (n=39; 27 males, 12 females; mean age: 8.9±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) during cast removal with an oscillating saw. Primary outcome measures included preprocedure, postprocedure, and six-month anxiety assessments with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. There was an acute increase in the mean state anxiety scores after the procedure, which returned to below baseline at the six-month follow-up in the headphone (31.4±8.3, 33.3±8.7, and 25.1±4.1, respectively) and control groups (34.9±11.1, 37.4±9.5, and 27.3±5.3, respectively). The mean trait anxiety scores before the procedure, after the procedure, and at six months remained similar in the headphone (33.6±3.0, 34.6±3.2, and 32.4±2.8; p>0.05) and control groups (34.1±2.7, 33.7±3.0, and 33.7±3.0, p>0.05). This study suggests that the acute anxiety during cast removal did not create anxiety sequelae in the sixth month regardless of headphone use.

Evaluation of parental anxiety following three methods of pre-anesthesia counseling: Video, brochure and verbal communication.

The purpose of this study is to provide comprehensive and efficient pre-anesthesia counseling (PAC) utilizing audiovisual aids and to examine their effect on parental anxiety. For this prospective, controlled study, 174 parents were recruited and randomized into three groups of 58 (Group A: video, Group B: brochure, and Group C: verbal). During pre-anesthesia counseling, the parent was provided with a detailed explanation of preoperative preparation, fasting instructions, transport to the operating room, induction, the emergence of anesthesia, and nursing in the post-anesthesia care unit based on their assigned group. We evaluated parental anxiety using Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the pre-anesthesia counseling. The results of our study show a statistically significant difference in the final mean STAI scores among the three groups (Group A: 34.69 ± 5.31, Group B: 36.34 ± 8.59, and Group C: 43.59 ± 3.39; p < .001). When compared to the brochure and verbal groups, the parents in the video group have the greatest difference in mean baseline and final Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores (12.207 ± 5.291, p .001). The results of our study suggest that pre-anesthesia counseling by video or a brochure before the day of surgery is associated with a higher reduction in parental anxiety when compared to verbal communication.

Development and validation of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale for Japanese elite athletes

Abstract: Introduction: Japanese elite athletes were affected by the spread of COVID-19 infection. Four years after the pandemic, COVID-19 is still spreading and subsiding, and it is expected that some athletes are still concerned about COVID-19. Therefore, we developed the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale for Elite Athletes (CAS-EA) to measure COVID-19 anxiety among Japanese elite athletes and to examine its reliability and validity. Method: This is an observational cross-sectional study. In study 1, a 35-item anxiety questionnaire about COVID-19 was administered to 100 elite athletes on 8/18-9/1/2020. In study 2, 296 elite athletes were asked to respond to the CAS-EA, the Japanese version of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Japanese version of the Fear of Coronavirus Virus Scale (FCV-19S) from 8/31-11/8/2022. Results: In study 1, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to create CAS-EA, which consisted of 19 items with four factors: Restrictions, Sport, Practice and Athlete value. The reliability of the scales was examined, confirming a certain internal consistency. In addition, study 2 showed significant positive correlations with CAS-EA and related scales. In the COVID-19 disaster, psychological stress was more strongly associated with A-trait than physical stress, a result that could be explained by Spielberger’s Trait-state anxiety theory. Furthermore, CAS-EA scores were significantly higher for female than for male, which was consistent with the results of previous studies. Conclusion: An attempt was made to create a scale to measure anxiety about COVID-19 in Japanese elite athletes, and a 4-factor, 19-item CAS-EA was created. The reliability and validity of the scale were tested and confirmed successfully.

The Relationship between Body Mass Index, Body Dissatisfaction and Mood Symptoms in Pregnant Women.

Background: High body mass and adiposity during pregnancy can contribute to psychological distress, and body dissatisfaction may be a potential underlying mechanism of this association. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the mediational role of body dissatisfaction in the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and depressive and anxious symptoms, respectively. Methods: Given the cross-sectional design of this study, two alternative models were investigated, positing that BMI was related to depressive (Model 1a) and anxious symptoms (Model 2a), which, in turn, predicted body dissatisfaction. Seventy-two pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy completed the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, as well as a demographic form assessing their BMI. Results: As hypothesized, body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between BMI and psychopathological symptoms. Moreover, the alternative models of reverse mediation were also significant, suggesting that psychopathological symptoms mediated the relationship between BMI and body dissatisfaction. Findings from both the hypothesized and alternative models suggested that, on the one hand, higher distress symptoms associated with body dissatisfaction would result from high BMI and, on the other hand, that body dissatisfaction may result from the effect of BMI on distress symptoms. Conclusions: The present study suggests that body image theory and practice should be implemented by the inclusion of evidence-based clinical interventions for promoting psychological well-being during the antenatal period.

Suicide risk in patients with a current depressive episode during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on suicidality in these patients during the pandemic period remain scarce. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and variables associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional cohort study with consecutive sampling was conducted from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. All patients completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) (including the suicidality module), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and underwent a semi-structured interview to collect relevant demographic and clinical data. Effect sizes for all independent variables and covariates were calculated using partial eta-squared (ηp2). Of the 6757 patients with non-psychotic mental disorders assessed, 1605 (23.7%) had MDD confirmed by the M.I.N.I., of whom 17.8% were at serious risk for suicide according to the M.I.N.I. suicidality module. Factors independently associated with serious suicide risk in Russian inpatients with MDD during the pandemic were younger age (ηp2 = 0.021), greater severity of depression (0.038), higher state anxiety (0.003), and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) (0.066). The same variables, except for state anxiety, were independently associated with suicide risk in the subgroup of MDD patients previously infected with SARS-CoV2. In the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of patients with MDD at serious risk of suicide was similar to pre-pandemic data. No associations were found between suicidality in patients with MDD and COVID-related factors. Younger age, greater severity of depression, and especially NSSI were the most significant risk factors for suicide in patients with MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of obsessive beliefs and anxiety on sexual function in HPV-positive men.

Our study aimed to investigate the effects of anxiety and obsessive beliefs on sexual function in men with human papillomavirus (HPV) and healthy men. Ninety HPV-positive men (mean age=32.26 ± 6.63 years) from the Urology Outpatient Clinic and 75 healthy men (mean age=33.51 ± 5.67 years) who worked in the hospital were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15), Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 (OBQ), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in 2023. The mean IIEF-15 scores of the patients with HPV and healthy individuals were 24.59 ± 6.14 vs. 23.16 ± 6.23 for the IIEF-erectile function; 8.30 ± 2.34 vs. 7.79 ± 1.77 for the IIEF-orgasmic function; 7.40 ± 1.73 vs. 7.23 ± 1.53 for the IIEF-sexual desire; 11.30 ± 3.38 vs. 11 ± 3.10 for the IIEF-intercourse satisfaction; and 7.62 ± 2.18 vs. 7.53 ± 2.02 for the IIEF-overall satisfaction (p > 0.05 for all). However, the mean OBQ and STAI scores of patients with HPV and healthy individuals were 46.66 ± 16.06 vs. 36.44 ± 19.25 for the OBQ-inflated responsibility/overestimation of threat (OBQ-RT); 45.91 ± 17.31 vs. 36.53 ± 19.08 for the OBQ-perfectionism/intolerance of uncertainty (OBQ-PU); 28.04 ± 12.31 vs. 23.80 ± 11.74 for the OBQ-importance of thought/control thoughts (OBQ-IC); 37.58 ± 12.06 vs. 33.59 ± 11.09 for the STAI-state anxiety (p < 0.05 for all); and 32.83 ± 8.34 vs. 33.44 ± 11.05 for the STAI-trait anxiety (p = 0.689). Our results showed that the STAI-state anxiety (β = -0.37; β = -0.32; and β = -0.43, respectively) and OBQ-IC (β = -0.57; β = -0.43; and β = -0.48, respectively) scores were the main predictors of the IIEF-erectile function, IIEF-orgasmic function, and IIEF-overall satisfaction scores in the HPV-positive group. The OBQ-RT (β = 0.46), OBQ-PU (β = -0.51) and STAI-state anxiety (β = -0.56) scores were unique predictors of the IIEF-sexual desire score, and the OBQ-RT (β = 0.41), OBQ-PU (β = -0.42), and OBQ-IC (β = -0.43) scores were the main predictors of the IIEF-intercourse satisfaction score in the HPV-positive group. However, regression models for the IIEF-15 subscales for the control group were not significant (p ˃ 0.05). Understanding the role of obsessive beliefs and anxiety in sexual dysfunction among HPV-positive men might be important for developing psychotherapeutic interventions.