Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Research Articles

Cognitive analysis of specific threat beliefs and safety-seeking behaviours in generalised anxiety disorder: revisiting the cognitive theory of anxiety disorders.

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) has been an uneasy member of the anxiety disorders group since its inclusion in the third edition of the DSM. Multiple theories and treatment protocols for GAD and its defining symptom, excessive worry, have comparable efficacy in treating GAD symptoms. Crucially, these theories of GAD and excessive worry fail to explain when and why worry is excessive and when it is adaptive. In this paper we propose a cognitive behavioural account of the difference between excessive and adaptive states of worry and explore the theme of threat and the function of safety-seeking behaviours as seen in GAD. Specifically, we incorporate the concept of inflated responsibility in a cognitive behavioural analysis of threat appraisal and safety-seeking behaviours in excessive worry and GAD. It is proposed that when worry is used as a strategy intended to increase safety from perceived social or physical threat then it should be conceptualised as a safety-seeking behaviour. However, when worry is used as a strategy to solve a problem which the person realistically can resolve or to deal explicitly with the feeling of anxiety then it functions as an adaptive coping behaviour. We also propose that the theme of threat in GAD centres on an inflated sense of responsibility for external everyday situations, and the function of safety-seeking behaviours is to attain certainty that responsibility has been fulfilled. The clinical implications of this cognitive behavioural analysis of excessive worry are discussed, as well as future research directions.

IMPACT OF THE HBM PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC MODEL ON ANXIETY DISORDER: A CASE STUDY


 
 
 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worrying and/or fear in everyday contexts, for at least 6 months (APA, 2014). The study participant is female, 41 years old and she has severe anxiety symptoms. We used as a method a psychodiagnosis with a clinical interview, following the assessment protocol of the Human Behavior Map Model (HBM), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Beck Depression Inventory - Second Edition (BDI-II). The theoretical framework adopted was the HBM Psychotherapeutic Model, in which the intervention was anchored on the human behavior map. This map describes the conscious and unconscious processes of the human mind. HBM has two techniques to release emotional states: athenese and morfese (Certal et al., 2016). This intervention led to the improvement of the studied variables in the participant, particularly the reduction of the GAD symptoms.
 
 

The role of inflated responsibility beliefs in predicting symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder and depression

ABSTRACT Objective: Inflated responsibility beliefs encompass responsibility attitudes, the general tendency to accept responsibility, and responsibility interpretations, the appraisals of specific intrusive thoughts as indicating personal responsibility for harm. While inflated responsibility beliefs are central to obsessive-compulsive disorder, it is unclear whether they are also related to other disorder symptomology. Consequently, the current study investigated whether inflated responsibility beliefs predicted unique variance in symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety disorder in a non-clinical sample, after controlling for negative affect. Method: Participants were undergraduate psychology students and community members (N = 182, 43 males, 136 females, 3 non-binary), aged 18-70 years (M = 27.71, SD = 11.86) recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed, whereby participants completed an online questionnaire. Data were analysed using two separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses, one with generalised anxiety disorder symptoms as the criterion and one with depression symptoms as the criterion. Results: After controlling for negative affect and age, an increase in responsibility attitudes uniquely predicted a significant small increase in generalised anxiety disorder symptoms, sr 2 = .03, 95% CI [.02, .08], p < .001, but not depression symptoms. Responsibility interpretations did not predict significant unique variance in depression or generalised anxiety disorder symptoms. Conclusions: Results suggest responsibility attitudes relate to symptoms of some disorders (i.e., generalised anxiety disorder), but not all psychopathology (i.e., depression). Responsibility attitudes should potentially be considered in aetiological models of generalised anxiety disorder. Results suggest responsibility interpretations are not transdiagnostic, although measurement difficulties render this unclear. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Inflated responsibility beliefs were first discussed in relation to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and have since been established as central to OCD symptomology. However, it remains unclear whether inflated responsibility beliefs are specific to OCD or represent a general cognitive bias, due to inconsistent study methodology and findings. While reasonably strong evidence exists to suggest that inflated responsibility beliefs may be associated with symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder, these studies have used problematic measures. Limited research has examined the association between inflated responsibility beliefs and depression symptoms, and available research has produced conflicting findings. What this topic adds: The current study is the first to examine responsibility beliefs in relation to symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety disorder using the Responsibility Attitudes Scale/Responsibility Interpretations Questionnaire. Increased responsibility attitudes predicted increased generalised anxiety disorder symptoms but did not predict variance in depression symptoms in the current non-clinical sample. Responsibility interpretations did not predict variance in generalised anxiety disorder symptoms or depression symptoms in the current sample. Findings suggest responsibility attitudes may be somewhat transdiagnostic, evident in some disorders (e.g., generalised anxiety disorder) but not all disorders (e.g., depression). Findings are broadly consistent with the idea that responsibility interpretations might be specific to OCD (although this was not assessed directly in the current study).

Positive emotion regulation strategies as mediators in depression and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms: A Transdiagnostic framework investigation

Positive emotion regulation (ER) strategies may contribute to the development and maintenance of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression; nonetheless, the underlying and transdiagnostic mechanisms are still unknown. To examine: 1) the mediating role of positive ER strategies in the relationship between ER deficits and experiential avoidance in GAD and depression symptoms; 2) differences in positive ER strategies among participants with elevated symptoms of GAD, depression, depression comorbid with GAD, and a nonclinical sample. 532 Tehran University students completed questionnaires assessing experiential avoidance, deficits in ER, positive ER strategies (dampening, positive rumination), and GAD and depression symptoms. Differences were assessed in four groups: GAD, depression, depression comorbid with GAD, and nonclinical. Data were analysed with path analysis and MANCOVA. Dampening and positive rumination mediated the relationship between deficits in ER and experiential avoidance in participants with depression and GAD symptoms. As for the between groups comparisons, the comorbid group obtained the highest scores on dampening and the nonclinical group the lowest. By contrast, nonclinical participants had the highest scores on positive rumination, whereas the comorbid group had the lowest. Positive ER strategies might be transdiagnostic variables. Dampening was more associated with psychopathology than positive rumination, suggesting that this strategy could be more clearly considered a transdiagnostic factor. Future studies with clinical samples must support this suggestion.

Risk and Protective Factors of Generalized Anxiety Disorder of Elite Collegiate Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and its risk and protective factors in elite collegiate athletes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the 2019 in-season. A sample of elite collegiate athletes (n = 285) from China completed a self-report form assessing GAD and potential predictors including age, gender, sport type, sport achievement, sport injury, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fear of failure, mental toughness, and satisfaction in sport. The overall prevalence of GAD symptoms was 22%. The results of zero-order correlation showed that age, gender, sport type, and sport achievement were not significantly related to GAD. However, athletes with a history of sport injury, a high risk of ADHD, and a high level of fear of failure had a significant and positive association with GAD (r = 0.14–0.54). Meanwhile, high levels of mental toughness and satisfaction in sport were significantly and negatively related to GAD (r = −0.22 to −0.24). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that sport injury, ADHD, and fear of failure were significant risk factors of GAD (β = 0.10–0.40). These findings suggest the necessity to understand the GAD symptoms in elite collegiate athletes. Further research is needed to better understand and support the mental health of this target group.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia for patients with co-morbid generalized anxiety disorder: an open trial on clinical outcomes and putative mechanisms.

Very little is known concerning the efficacy of psychosocial treatments for patients with insomnia disorder co-morbid with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The aim was to examine the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) for patients with insomnia disorder co-morbid with GAD. Given the limited, previous research on therapies for patients with insomnia disorder co-morbid with GAD, an open trial design was used. Twenty-four patients with insomnia disorder and GAD were administered CBT-I across 10 weeks. Across the study period to 6 months follow-up, the participants completed measures indexing insomnia, anxiety, worry, depression, functional impairment, quality of life, treatment perception (credibility, expectancy and satisfaction), adverse events and putative mechanisms. Moderate to large effect sizes for CBT-I were observed for insomnia symptoms. In terms of insomnia severity, approximately 61% of the patients responded to CBT-I and 26-48% remitted. Moderate to large effect sizes were also demonstrated for GAD symptoms, depression, functional impairment and quality of life. Roughly one-third of the participants reported an adverse event during CBT-I. Five of the seven putative mechanisms were significantly reversed in the expected direction, i.e. all four cognitive process measures and time in bed. This open trial indicates that CBT-I is an efficacious intervention for patients with insomnia disorder co-morbid with GAD. The results highlight the need for further research using a randomized controlled trial design with analyses of mechanisms of change.

Approach to psychotherapy in generalized anxiety disorder in the primary health care

Although medications have shown great efficacies in managing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), recent evidence shows that patients tend to psychotherapy as their first-line of management due to the frequency of side effects resulting from the prolonged use of these medications. Psychotherapy is defined as the using certain and defined psychological modalities for the management of an emotional or mental illness on the condition that the aim and deadline of the therapy have been pre-determined. In this review, we present a brief about the psychological management of patients with GAD. We have identified three psychological modalities for the management of GAD as previous studies have compared them to the usual care by pharmacological modalities or a placebo. These include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), interpersonal, and supportive therapies. We found that management of GAD using CBT, interpersonal or supportive therapies is significantly efficacious in reducing GAD symptoms and increase the possibilities of recovery in addition to reducing the recovery or relapse rates. By doing this, we expect that the managed patient’s quality of life would be improved. We also recommend that the management approach should be case-sensitive for each patient depending on the patient’s status, the severity of the disease, and the responsiveness of the patient.

Assessing Mental Health of Women Living in Karachi During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: Women are more susceptible to mental health disorders and have been reported to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety during previous large-scale disease outbreaks. Stressful events like the COVID-19 pandemic can add extra burdens to women's already multifaceted lives. Keeping the gender implications of COVID-19 in mind can assist health care workers to offer more effective management. In our study, we aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of women in Karachi, Pakistan and investigate the possible risk factors.Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to women on social media platforms in the month of June 2020. The questionnaire had two self-assessment scales, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale which measures the symptoms of depression and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale which measures anxiety.Results: Three hundred and ninety three individuals completed the questionnaire with the mean age calculated to be 27.6 ± 11.7 years. Age, education, marital status, number of children, financial issues, employment status, smoking, comorbidities and mental illnesses were significantly associated with participants' mean anxiety and depression scores. The depression scores were generally higher compared to anxiety scores in each category. As the age increased, their scores decreased, with women aged 18–30 having a significantly higher mean depression and anxiety scores compared to women who were above 50. Severe anxiety was identified in 21.9% women and severe depression was noted in 17.8% women. A frightening number of 148 (37.7%) was found of women who had self-destructive thoughts at one time or another. Out of these women, surprisingly 97 (65.5%) individuals were not previously diagnosed with any mental illnesses.Discussion: This study supports the existing literature regarding the disturbed psychological state of women close to the peak of the covid-19 pandemic. We noted increased percentage of depressive women as compared to studies conducted before the covid-19 era. This raises concern especially with our thought provoking finding of self-harm or suicidal thoughts among women. Most of our female population is also seen to be anxious. This study highlights the importance for help and support groups of mental health to effectively reach women during this period of social isolation.

Inhibitory Control in Individuals with Clinical Levels of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms.

Previous research has shown that individuals suffering from depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) seem to have inhibitory control deficits compared with healthy controls. However, few studies have been conducted in Spanish-speaking countries. Thus, this study aims to analyze the performance on the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) between groups of Colombian participants with clinical levels of depression and GAD symptoms and a nonclinical control group. According to previous research, we expected to find significant differences in inhibitory control among groups. An ex post facto design was implemented. The SCWT was administered to a total sample of 105 individuals (64.8% women, M=22.94 years, SD=4.62), including 27 depressed and 15 anxious participants according to their scores on the Personal Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Bayesian t-tests showed that depressed participants showed the same processing speed but lower scores on inhibitory control than healthy controls, BF=13.70, δ=0.50, 95% CI [0.08, 0.94]. Conversely, anxious participants showed deficits in processing speed, SCWT-Word: BF=16.19, δ=0.68, 95% CI [0.15, 1.24]; SCWT-Color: BF=5.98, δ=0.50, 95% CI [-0.01, 1.04], but not in inhibitory control compared with the nonanxious counterparts. This study provides preliminary evidence concerning the inhibitory control deficits in Colombian depressed individuals and processing speed deficits in those experiencing clinical levels of GAD symptoms.

Generalized Anxiety and Major Depressive Symptoms of General Public in South Korea during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

The extent of viral spread and strategies in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic have been different in each country. There are overall increased mental health concerns in many countries but it is unclear what the general public individuals who do not have heighten vulnerability to stressors for existing mental diseases or significant physical illnesses were experiencing during the pandemic. We evaluated the stressors and mental health of general public in South Korea that has a relatively low confirmed cases and deaths. Responses on the on-line survey questions were used to assess the mental and physical symptoms in association with individuals’ reported stressors. Individuals with the symptoms of the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were reported in 58.9%, and major depression (MD) in 23.2%, mostly in minimal to mild degrees, cut-off scores of 5 and 10, respectively by the validated screening tools, GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Both GAD and MD symptoms were in 21.5% of the respondents. The total number of stress had significant association with the scores of GAD-7, PHQ-9, physical symptoms, sleep difficulties and resilience (p < 0.01). GAD scores were also associated with sleep difficulties (p < 0.01) and raising young children (p < 0.05). MD scores were associated with sleep difficulties, job-dissatisfaction, and educational level (p < 0.05). The limitations of the study include small sample size, usage of smartphone or email, potential under-reporting by stigma in the socio-cultural context and evolving nature of pandemic. We conclude that keeping careful watch for mental symptoms, stressors, sleep difficulties and other physical symptoms are important even for the individuals without previous mental illnesses during the pandemic era.

Mental health issues and sleep quality of Indian employees and higher education students during COVID-19 lockdown

India implemented a prolonged lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. Our study aimed to assess the mental health difficulties and influence of lockdown stressors among Indian higher education students' and employees of the government, private sector during the COVID-19 lockdown. We collected the basic demographic, sleep generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), perceived stress scale (PSS) and sleep quality data from 676 participants using a web-based cross-sectional survey. Among the participants, the overall prevalence of GAD and PSS were 22.9%, 15.7% (low), 79.4% (medium), 4.7 (high), respectively. Younger participants reported higher GAD and PSS symptoms. Lockdown stressors have a significant correlation with GAD and PSS. In addition, the increased mobile phone usage significantly affects sleep latency, and sleep quality (p < 0.001) is a subject of concern. As part of global preparedness measures, continuous monitoring of sleep and the psychological impacts of outbreaks should become standard practice.

Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Frontline Health Care Workers During the Pandemic Surge in New York City

Background This study sought to assess the magnitude of and factors associated with mental health outcomes among frontline health care workers (FHCWs) providing care during the Spring 2020 COVID-19 pandemic surge in New York City. Methods A cross-sectional, survey-based study over 4 weeks during the Spring 2020 pandemic surge was used to assess symptoms of COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in 2,579 FHCWs at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Participants were additionally asked about their occupational and personal exposures to COVID-19. Multivariable logistic regression and relative importance analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with these outcomes. Results A total of 3,360 of 6,026 individuals completed the survey (55.8% participation), with 2,579 (76.8%) analyzed based on endorsing frontline responsibilities and providing information related to the three outcomes. 1,005 (39.0%) met criteria for symptoms of COVID-19-related PTSD, MDD, or GAD. 599 (23.3%) screened positively for PTSD symptoms, 683 (26.6%) for MDD symptoms, and 642 (25.0%) for GAD symptoms. Multivariable analyses revealed that past-year burnout was associated with the highest risk of developing symptoms for COVID-19-related PTSD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.10), MDD (OR = 2.83), and GAD (OR = 2.68). Higher perceived support from hospital leadership was associated with a lowest risk of all outcomes [PTSD (OR = 0.75), MDD (OR = 0.72), and GAD (OR = 0.76). Conclusion In this large sample of FHCWs providing care during the 2020 NYC pandemic surge, 39% experienced symptoms of COVID-19-related PTSD, MDD, and/or GAD and pre-pandemic burnout as well as leadership support were identified as the most highly associated factors. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing burnout and augmenting support from hospital leadership may be appropriate targets to mitigate the risk for developing further psychopathology in this population and others working in the midst of crisis.

Depression, anxiety symptoms, Insomnia, and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic period among individuals living with disabilities in Ethiopia, 2020.

BackgroundPeople with disabilities face multiple barriers that prevent them from accessing care and essential information related to the COVID-19 pandemic that poses additional stress and psychopathology. Therefore, the investigation of psychopathologies during the COVID-19 outbreak and emergency response is critical.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was implemented from July 15/2020 to July 30/2020. The PHQ-9, GAD-7 scale, insomnia severity index-7, and brief resilient coping scale were administered to participants. The collected data was then entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS-20 for analysis. Descriptive statistical procedures were employed to describe the various psychopathologies. A binary logistic regression method was used to identify the related factors for the psychopathologies. Furthermore, an odds ratio with its 95%CI was driven to show association strength, and a P-value <0.05 was declared as statistically significant.ResultsA significant proportion of individuals living with disability had psychopathologies; 46.2% for depression symptoms, 48.1% for generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, and 71% for insomnia symptoms. Nearly 45.7% of participants were low resilient copers to their psychopathology. Depression was significantly higher in divorced/widowed/separated (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.28–8.92, P-value = 0.006), non-educated (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.12, 5.90, P-value = 0.001), and unemployed (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.32, 5.11, P-value = 0.005) as well as a daily laborer (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.20, 4.89, P-value = 0.014) subjects. Generalized anxiety disorder was also significantly higher in young age (<40 years) (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.98, P-value = 0.02), single (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.24, 5.3, P-value = 0.011), widowed/divorced/separated (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.78, P-value = 0.032), preparatory school completed (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.59, 5.46, P-value = 0.001), daily laborer (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.23, P-value = 0.003), and unemployed (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.78, P-value = 0.005) participants. Moreover, insomnia was significantly higher in single (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.09, P-value = 0.027), divorced/widowed/separated(AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1.08, 11.29, P-value = 0.032), unemployed (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.22, 7.03, P-value = 0.001), blind (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.42, 6.35, P-value = 0.001), and deaf (AOR = 10.2, 95% CI: 4.52, 35.33, P-value = 0.002) participants.ConclusionDepression, anxiety, and insomnia were highly prevalent among individuals with a disability during the COVID-19 period. Multiple sociodemographic and disability-related factors were associated with this high psychopathology. Attention has to be given by the government and other stakeholders to intervene in psychopathology and its associated factors.

Cognitive-Affective control training reduces worry and GAD symptoms: investigating training and transfer effect

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), have been considered as an index of cognitive control deficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate whether enhancing cognitive control over emotional stimuli can decrease worry intrusions and severity of GAD symptoms. Based on the results of structured clinical interview for the DSM-5 (SCID), 45 students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM) were who had GAD, chosen to participate in this study. Then they were assigned equally and randomly to three conditions of intervention, control and active cotrol groups; then they completed PSWQ, GAD-7, emotional stroop task and Go/No Go task as pre-test. The intervention group received 16 sessions of cognitive-affective control training using emotional stroop with trial-based feedback, also the active control group received the same amount of training sessions of emotional stroop with no feedback, and finally the control group was on a waiting list. After post-test assessments, results of ANCOVA showed that training sessions was effective on stroop performance, reduction in worry intrusions and GAD symptoms, while training in cognitive inhibition did not transfer to behavioral inhibition. Findings revealed that not only cognitive control plays a major role in worry and GAD symptoms, but also cognitive control training might be a promising path to decrease the severity of anxiety disorders. Training with emotional stimuli can enhance performance and using trial-based feedback can pave the way to get better clinical results

Moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder symptoms are associated with physical inactivity in people with HIV/AIDS: a study from Uganda.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the prevalence of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and its association with physical activity in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Uganda. Two hundred and ninety-five PLHIV (median [interquartile range] age = 37.0 years [16.0]; 200 women) completed the GAD-7, Physical Activity Vital Sign, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. An adjusted odds ratio for physical inactivity in people with moderate to severe GAD symptoms was calculated using binary logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of moderate to severe GAD symptoms was 9.1%. Those with moderate to severe GAD symptoms had a 16.8 times higher odds (95% CI = 5.0-55.9) for not complying with the physical activity recommendations. The current study shows that moderate to severe GAD symptoms are strongly associated with physical inactivity in PLHIV living in a country such as Uganda.

The Relative Deprivation Trap: How Feeling Deprived Relates to Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Introduction: How income inequality associates with poorer mental health remains unclear. Personal relative deprivation (PRD) involves appraising oneself as unfairly disadvantaged relative to similar others and has been associated with poorer mental health and negative cognitive appraisals. As generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with negative cognitive appraisals, PRD may relate to the experience of GAD and its cognitive predictors, intolerance of uncertainty (IU), positive beliefs about worry (PBW), negative beliefs about worry (NBW), and experiential avoidance (EA). Method: In two observational studies (Study 1, N = 588; Study 2, N = 301) participants completed measures of PRD, cognitive predictors and symptoms of GAD, subjective socioeconomic status (SES), self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Results: A relationship between PRD and GAD was found across studies, which was simultaneously mediated by IU and NBW. These results remained when controlling for subjective SES but were weakened when controlling for self-concept factors. Discussion: This research supports the possibility that the experience of deprivation may “trap” people in thinking patterns that contribute to anxious symptomology.

Uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de ansiedade no ambiente acadêmico

Introdução: O Transtorno de Ansiedade Generalizada (TAG) se caracteriza pelos sentimentos vagos desagradáveis e de preocupações excessivas, um mal-estar psíquico, relacionado ao medo, a apreensão e a incerteza, provocando uma tensão e/ou um desconforto antecipado do desconhecido. Algumas plantas medicinais são utilizadas para o tratamento do TAG, como por exemplo, à Matricaria recutita, Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata e Piper methysticum. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi delinear a prevalência de sintomatologia de TAG, avaliar as variáveis demográficas, o conhecimento e uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de TAG no contexto acadêmico. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo transversal, realizado em cursos da área da saúde da Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM) em São Paulo-SP, Brasil. Para esta pesquisa, foram considerados elegíveis os candidatos matriculados em cursos da Escola da Saúde e Bem estar, devidamente matriculados entre o primeiro e sexto ano, com idade igual ou maior que 18 anos. Resultados: Apenas 13,3% dos participantes não se consideram ansiosos, contudo, foi constatado que, mesmo o participante levando em consideração não ser ansioso, se queixou de alguns sintomas físicos, psicológicos ou ambos relacionados a quadros de ansiedade. A pesquisa identificou que 31,6% dos participantes relataram que já fizeram uso de medicamentos alopáticos e 31,1% relataram o uso de plantas medicinais para tratamento de TAG. Conclusão: Mesmo no ambiente acadêmico nota-se que 38,9% dos universitários não possuem conhecimento sobre as terapias alternativas

Effect of the COVID-19-induced lockdown on nutrition, health and lifestyle patterns among adults in Zimbabwe

BackgroundThe COVID-19 is a global public health emergency resulting in lockdowns, associated diet and lifestyle changes and constrained public health delivery.ObjectiveTo investigate the impacts of the COVID-19-induced lockdown in Zimbabwe...

Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict Change in Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in a Digital Intervention: Evidence from a Transdiagnostic Randomized Controlled Trial

While digital psychiatric interventions reduce treatment barriers, not all persons benefit from this type of treatment. Research is needed to preemptively identify who is likely to benefit from these digital treatments in order to redirect those people to a higher level of care. The current manuscript used an ensemble of machine learning methods to predict changes in major depressive and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms from pre to 9-month follow-up in a randomized controlled trial of a transdiagnostic digital intervention based on participants’ (N=632) pre-treatment data. The results suggested that baseline characteristics could accurately predict changes in depressive symptoms in both treatment groups (r=0.482, 95% CI[0.394, 0.561]; r=0.477, 95% CI[0.385, 0.560]) and anxiety symptoms in both treatment groups (r=0.569, 95% CI[0.491, 0.638]; r=0.548, 95% CI[0.464, 0.622]). These results suggest that machine learning models are capable of preemptively predicting a person's responsiveness to digital treatments, which would enable personalized decision-making about which persons should be directed towards standalone digital interventions or towards blended stepped-care.

The effectiveness of Internet-delivered treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent, chronic disorder associated with impaired quality of life, societal burden, and poor treatment rates. Internet‐delivered interventions may improve the accessibility of treatments and are increasingly being used. This study aimed to update a previous meta‐analysis to determine the effectiveness of available Internet‐delivered interventions in treating symptoms of GAD.MethodSystematic literature searches were conducted (through April 2020) using Embase, PubMed, PsychINFO, and Cochrane to find randomized controlled trials of Internet‐delivered interventions for GAD. Risk of bias was evaluated, and Hedge's g was calculated at posttreatment and follow‐up.ResultsTwenty studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. Random‐effect models detected large effect sizes for primary outcomes of anxiety (g = 0.79) and worry (g = 0.75), favoring treatment. Effect sizes for depression, functional impairment, and quality of life were moderate to large. Maintenance of effects at follow‐up seems likely.ConclusionsResults support the effectiveness of Internet‐delivered treatments for GAD. Considerable heterogeneity between studies appeared moderated by variability in the interventions themselves, highlighting the importance of further investigation into the characteristics that may optimize treatment outcomes. Overall, Internet‐delivery appears to be a viable mode of treatment for GAD with potential to relieve existing gaps in the provision of treatment.