Visual Analogue Mood Scale Research Articles

The effect of guided group reflection on the ability and convenience of breaking bad news in pre-hospital emergency staff

BackgroundBad news refers to any information that create negative changes in a person’s understanding or expectations of in present and future. Breaking Bad News (BBN) is a stressful task that may have disturbing effects on the professional performance and general health of the medical staff. Pre-hospital emergency staff often needs to deliver bad news to the patient or his family. This study was conducted to determine the effect of guided group reflection training on the ability and comfort of BBN in pre-hospital emergency staff.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 95 staff of the pre-hospital emergency, in the test and the control groups. For the test group, a 4-hour training workshop on BBN was held, and then a group was formed in virtual space to discuss and exchange opinions about the scenarios of BBN and reflecting on it. Data collection tools were SPIKES Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Mood Scale. The data were analyzed with SPSS V.18.ResultsThe mean score of the ability to BBN after the intervention was 44.01 ± 6.21 in the test group and 31.40 ± 4.51 in the control group, and a significant difference was found using the independent t-test (P = 0.0001). Besides, the mean scores of the convenience of BBN in post-test was 5.52 ± 1.64 in the test group and 3.50 ± 1.28 in the control group using the independent t-test with a significant difference (P = 0.0001).ConclusionAccording to the findings, training in guided group reflection improved the ability to BBN and its convenience in pre-hospital emergency staff. Therefore, it is suggested the use of this method in training for health care providers. Relating to BBN.

Lack of Acute Agomelatine Effect in a Model of Social Anxiety in Healthy Volunteers: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Agomelatine is an antidepressant drug that acts as an agonist of melatoninergic MT1/2 receptors and an antagonist of serotonergic 5-HT2C receptors. Studies suggest that agomelatine has anxiolytic properties in social anxiety, but there are no studies that assessed the effects of this compound in human experimental anxiety induced by a public speaking test. The objective of our investigation was to assess the effects of agomelatine on human experimental anxiety using the Simulation Public Speaking Test (SPST). Agomelatine (25 mg, n = 14), citalopram (20 mg, n = 14), venlafaxine (75 mg, n = 14), or placebo (n = 14) were administered in single doses to healthy volunteers in a double-blind study. Subjective anxiety was assessed with the Visual Analogue Mood Scale. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and blood levels of prolactin and cortisol were also recorded, as well as plasma levels of the 3 drugs. The SPST induced significant subjective, physiological, and hormonal effects in all groups. The SPST also increased the anxiety and decreased mental sedation Visual Analogue Mood Scale factors during the anticipatory and performance phases of the test. Citalopram increased anxiety during the test in females, whereas agomelatine and venlafaxine were not different from placebo. Confirming previous results, a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor, citalopram, caused an anxiogenic effect in the SPST only in females. Acute administration of a low dose of agomelatine failed to modify the behavioral and physiological changes caused by this test. Future studies using higher doses and repeated administration should investigate if agomelatine behavioral and physiological effects could be detected in human experimental anxiety models.

Transcranial focused ultrasound to the posterior cingulate cortex modulates default mode network and subjective experience: an fMRI pilot study.

Transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) is an emerging neuromodulation tool for temporarily altering brain activity and probing network functioning. The effects of TFUS on the default mode network (DMN) are unknown. The study examined the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound (TFUS) on the functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), specifically by targeting the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Additionally, we investigated the subjective effects of TFUS on mood, mindfulness, and self-related processing. The study employed a randomized, single-blind design involving 30 healthy subjects. Participants were randomly assigned to either the active TFUS group or the sham TFUS group. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were conducted before and after the TFUS application. To measure subjective effects, the Toronto Mindfulness Scale, the Visual Analog Mood Scale, and the Amsterdam Resting State Questionnaire were administered at baseline and 30 min after sonication. The Self Scale and an unstructured interview were also administered 30 min after sonication. The active TFUS group exhibited significant reductions in functional connectivity along the midline of the DMN, while the sham TFUS group showed no changes. The active TFUS group demonstrated increased state mindfulness, reduced Global Vigor, and temporary alterations in the sense of ego, sense of time, and recollection of memories. The sham TFUS group showed an increase in state mindfulness, too, with no other subjective effects. TFUS targeted at the PCC can alter DMN connectivity and cause changes in subjective experience. These findings support the potential of TFUS to serve both as a research tool and as a potential therapeutic intervention.

Therapeutic Singing and Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Single Session Intervention.

Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience speech and voice-related symptoms that diminish communication and quality of life. Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises are targeted interventions that, when combined with the positive psychosocial benefits of therapeutic group singing (TGS), may affect outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of SOVT exercises, specifically straw phonation combined with TGS, to improve voice quality and mood for individuals with PD. We used a true experimental pretest-posttest between-subjects design (i.e., randomized controlled trial) facilitated by a board-certified music therapist. All participants (N = 27) were randomly assigned to one of three groups (a) straw phonation combined with TGS (SP + TGS, n = 10), (b) TGS (n = 10), and (c) speaking-only control group (n = 7). Participants completed voice recordings for acoustic measures and the Visual Analogue Mood Scale for mood analysis before and after a 30-min intervention. The results demonstrated significant improvement in voice quality evidenced by decreasing Acoustic Voice Quality Index scores following a single session for both SP + TGS and TGS intervention groups when compared to the control. Happiness scores improved in the experimental groups when compared to control. Although not statistically significant, participants in the experimental groups (SP + TGS, TGS) demonstrated better mean mood scores on happiness, anxiety, and angry when compared to control, indicating a positive psychological response to the singing interventions. Overall, this study indicated the effectiveness of SP + TGS and TGS as promising therapeutic interventions for voice quality and mood in individuals with PD.

The Effectiveness of Reminiscence Therapy in Improving Cognitive Functions And Psychological Wellbeing in Older Adults With Early Dementia ‐ The Randomized Control Trial

AbstractBackgroundReminiscence therapy (RT) is a trending type of non‐pharmacological intervention in dementia care. RT is using life histories recalling and re‐experiencing the life events in older people in order to improve their psychological well‐being through the volitional or non‐volitional process of recollecting memories from their past.MethodParticipants' selection inclusion criteria are: (a) aged 65 or above, (b) early stage of dementia that was screened by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with scoring of 17‐19, and (c) can read written instruction and consent. Participants were randomly assigned by block randomization with randomized block procedure. The participants attended eight group sessions, with each session lasting for 60 minutes. Sessions were administered two times a week over a 4‐week period. Participants' depressive symptoms were evaluated by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Subjective well‐being (the cognitive components) was measured by Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), mood change as measured by Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS). All these evaluation were conducted baseline, mid‐way evaluation and post‐evaluation by a registered Occupational Therapist.ResultForty older people (29 male and 11 female) were eligible for the study. There was significant difference on depressive symptoms (p = .02, t = ‐2.38), mood change (p = .03, t = ‐3.38), but marginally significant in subjective well‐being (p = .05, t = ‐1.03) between intervention and control group. Further analyses were conducted whether depressive symptoms and mood change effect individuals' subjective well‐being. A two‐way ANOVA revealed that there was not a statistically significant interaction between the effects of depressive symptoms and mood change (F(3, 16) = 1.242, p = .311). Simple main effects analysis showed that depressive symptoms did not have a statistically significant effect on subjective well‐being (p = .975). Simple main effects analysis showed that mood change did have a statistically significant effect on subjective well‐being (p < .000).ConclusionThe findings of this study affirmed the benefit of RT to older people with early stage of dementia through improving depressive symptoms, mood and marginally on their subjective well‐being. The research data available support the inclusion of a structured RT as a part of the routine care given to older people. There are some limitations of our study.

Emotion regulation effects of Ayahuasca in experienced subjects during implicit aversive stimulation: An fMRI study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAyahuasca is a beverage used in Amazonian traditional medicine and it has been part of the human experience for millennia as well as other different psychoactive plants. Although Ayahuasca has been proposed as potentially therapeutic as an anxiolytic and antidepressant, whilst no studies have been carried out so far investigating their direct effect on brain emotional processing. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to measure the emotional acute effect of Ayahuasca on brain response to implicit aversive stimulation using a face recognition task in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Materials and methodsNineteen male experienced Ayahuasca users participated in this study in two fMRI sessions before and after 50 min of the Ayahuasca ingestion. Subjects were presented with pictures of neutral (A) and aversive (B) (fearful or disgusted) faces from the Pictures of Facial Affect Series. Subjects were instructed to identify the gender of the faces (gender discrimination task) while the emotional content was implicit. Subjective mood states were also evaluated before Ayahuasca intake and after the second fMRI session, using a visual analogue mood scale (VAMS). ResultsDuring the aversive stimuli, the activity in the bilateral amygdala was attenuated by Ayahuasca (qFDR<0.05). Furthermore, in an exploratory analysis of the effects after intake, Ayahuasca enhances the activation in the insular cortex bilaterally, as well as in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (qFDR<0.05). In the psychometric VAMS scale, subjects reported attenuation of both anxiety and mental sedation (p < 0.01) during acute effects. ConclusionsTogether, all reported results including neuroimaging, behavioral data and psychometric self-report suggest that Ayahuasca can promote an emotion regulation mechanism in response to aversive stimuli with corresponding improved cognition including reduced anxiety and mental sedation.

0201 Prebiotic Diet Impact on Cognitive Performance, Sleepiness, and Mood During Combined Sleep Restriction and Circadian Misalignment

Abstract Introduction The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in health and affects mood and behavior. The composition and function of the gut microbiome can be modified by prebiotics, which are defined as substrates selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. This study examined the effects of a prebiotic diet combination of polydextrose (PDX) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on cognitive performance and sleepiness during combined sleep restriction and circadian misalignment. Methods Eleven healthy adults (aged 24.6 ± 4.5, 6 females, 5 males) completed a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study lasting a total of 39 days. Participants consumed 14 days of prebiotic (7.5g/day each of PDX [Danisco] and GOS [FrieslandCampina]) or maltodextrin placebo diets at home(sachets dissolved in water with breakfast) while maintaining ~8h sleep per night at habitual times for two separate weeks before undergoing ~4 days of in laboratory testing under combined sleep restriction (3h sleep opportunity per day) and circadian misalignment (wakefulness at night) conditions. Prebiotic or placebo diet continued in-laboratory. Cognitive function testing occurred every 3h during scheduled wakefulness and included the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), Stroop Color and Word Test (STROOP) visual analog mood scales (VAS), positive and negative affect scales (PANAS), and the Karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS). Participants had a 3-day washout, then repeated the same procedure with the second condition. Results Sleepiness on the KSS was reduced, and positive mood on the PANAS and calm mood were increased under prebiotic versus placebo (all p &amp;lt; 0.05). Median reaction time on the PVT was faster, whereas median reaction times for congruent stimuli on the STROOP task were slower under the prebiotic diet versus placebo (all p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion A prebiotic diet had beneficial effects on many performance, sleepiness and mood outcomes during combined sleep restriction and circadian misalignment. These findings have important implications for shift workers, emergency responders, and military personnel working under the demanding conditions of sleep restriction and circadian misalignment. Support (if any) Office of Naval Research MURI N00014-15-1-2809, NIH CTSA Grant UL1 TR002535 and Undergraduate Research Opportunities Grant, University of Colorado Boulder.

Sex differences in perceptions of sleep inertia following nighttime awakenings.

The influence of biological sex on sleep inertia symptoms is currently unknown. We investigated the role of sex differences in the subjective experience and objective cognitive manifestation of sleep inertia following nighttime awakenings. Thirty-two healthy adults (16 female, 25.91 ± 5.63 years) completed a 1-week at-home study with one experimental night during which sleep was measured by polysomnography and participants were awakened during their habitual sleep time. Participants completed a psychomotor vigilance task, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), visual analog mood scales, and a descending subtraction task (DST) prior to sleep (baseline) and at 2, 12, 22, and 32 min after awakening. A series of mixed-effects models with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc tests were used to examine the main effects of test bout and sex, and their interaction, with a random effect of participant, and order of wake-up and sleep history as covariates. All outcomes except for percent correct on the DST showed a significant main effect of test bout, with worse performance after waking compared to baseline (all ps < .003). Significant effects of sex (p = .002) and sex × test bout (p = .01; R2M = 0.49, R2C = 0.69) were observed for KSS, with females reporting a greater increase in sleepiness from baseline to after waking compared to males. These results suggest that while females reported feeling sleepier than males following nighttime awakenings, their cognitive performance was comparable. Future research is needed to determine whether perceptions of sleepiness influence decision-making during the transition from sleep to wakefulness.

The effects of a 6-week controlled, hypocaloric ketogenic diet, with and without exogenous ketone salts, on cognitive performance and mood states in overweight and obese adults

BackgroundKetogenic diets are a commonly used weight loss method, but little is known how variations in sodium content and ketones influence cognition and mood during the early keto-adaptation period.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of an exogenous ketone salt (KS) as part of a hypocaloric KD on mood and cognitive outcomes in overweight and obese adults. A secondary objective was to evaluate changes in biochemical markers associated with inflammatory and cognitive responses.Materials and methodsAdults who were overweight or obese participated in a 6-week controlled-feeding intervention comparing hypocaloric diets (∼75% of energy expenditure). KD groups received twice daily ketone salt (KD + KS; n = 12) or a flavor-matched placebo, free of minerals (KD + PL; n = 13). A separate group of age and BMI matched adults were later assigned to an isoenergetic low-fat diet (LFD; n = 12) as comparison to KD. Mood was assessed by shortened Profile of Mood States and Visual Analog Mood Scale surveys. Cognitive function was determined by the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics mental test battery.ResultsBoth KD groups achieved nutritional ketosis. Fasting serum glucose decreased in both KD groups, whereas glucose was unaffected in the LFD. Insulin decreased at week 2 and remained lower in all groups. At week 2, depression scores in the KD + PL group were higher compared to KD + KS. Performance in the math processing and go/no-go cognitive tests were lower for KD + PL and LFD participants, respectively, compared to KD + KS. Serum leptin levels decreased for all groups throughout the study but were higher for KD + KS group at week 6. Serum TNF-α steadily increased for LFD participants, reaching significance at week 6.ConclusionDuring a short-term hypocaloric diet, no indication of a consistent decline in mood or cognitive function were seen in participants following either KD, despite KD + PL being relatively low in sodium. WK2 scores of “anger” and “depression” were higher in the LFD and KD + PL groups, suggesting that KS may attenuate negative mood parameters during the early intervention stages.

How state anxiety influences retrospective time perception: the moderated mediation of perceived control and memory bias

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore how individuals retrospectively perceive time when they are anxious. In Experiment 1, state anxiety (high and low) was induced by a standardised induction procedure, and retrospective time perception was measured using a visual analogue mood scale. In Experiment 2, memory bias and perceived control were tested as the underlying mechanisms of the effect of state anxiety on retrospective time perception. The results suggest that (1) individuals with high state anxiety retrospectively perceive the duration to be longer than individuals with low state anxiety; (2) memory bias mediates the effect of state anxiety on retrospective time perception; and (3) perceived control moderates the mediating effect of memory bias on the relationship between state anxiety and retrospective time perception. Our findings provide a comprehensive model for the mechanisms underlying time inaccuracy in individuals with anxiety and illustrate the important role of perceived control in the process.

Safety Evaluation of Employing Temporal Interference Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Human Studies.

Temporal interference transcranial alternating current stimulation (TI-tACS) is a new technique of noninvasive brain stimulation. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of TI-tACS in stimulating brain areas in a selective manner. However, its safety in modulating human brain neurons is still untested. In this study, 38 healthy adults were recruited to undergo a series of neurological and neuropsychological measurements regarding safety concerns before and after active (2 mA, 20/70 Hz, 30 min) or sham (0 mA, 0 Hz, 30 min) TI-tACS. The neurological and neuropsychological measurements included electroencephalography (EEG), serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), an abbreviated version of the California Computerized Assessment Package (A-CalCAP), a revised version of the Visual Analog Mood Scale (VAMS-R), a self-assessment scale (SAS), and a questionnaire about adverse effects (AEs). We found no significant difference between the measurements of the active and sham TI-tACS groups. Meanwhile, no serious or intolerable adverse effects were reported or observed in the active stimulation group of 19 participants. These results support that TI-tACS is safe and tolerable in terms of neurological and neuropsychological functions and adverse effects for use in human brain stimulation studies under typical transcranial electric stimulation (TES) conditions (2 mA, 20/70 Hz, 30 min).

Effects of intranasal oxytocin on the self-perception and anxiety of singers during a simulated public singing performance: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Professional musicians experience intense social exposure and high levels of preoccupation with their performance and potential negative reactions from the audience, which favor anxiety. Considering that oxytocin (OXT) has a potential therapeutic effect on anxiety, cognitive processes, and decreased psychosocial stress, this study’s objective was to assess the effects of a single dose of 24 UI of intranasal OXT among professional singers, during a public singing simulation test, on self-rated performance and mood. This crossover, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial addressed 54 male singers with different levels of musical performance anxiety (42% high). The participants took part in different phases of a simulated public singing performance and completed instruments rating their performances (Self Statements During Public Performance- State version) and mood (Visual Analogue Mood Scale). Data were analyzed using ANOVA 2 × 2 for crossover trials. The results show that the use of OXT during the performance and immediate post-stress favored more positive (effect size: d > 1.04) and less negative assessments of musical performance (effect size: d > 1.86) than when placebo was used. No treatment effects were found in any VAMS subscales, indicating no direct anxiolytic effects. The conclusion is that OXT can minimizes social stress, especially during performances. This finding is exploratory and, if confirmed in future studies, may have relevance for musicians, especially those who constantly experience and recognize the impact of negative and catastrophic thoughts on performance and professional activities.Clinical Trial Registration[https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5r5sc5], identifier [RBR-5r5sc5].

Sleep Patterns of Graduate Healthcare Students: Mental Health, Academic, and Practice Implications

This longitudinal, correlational study examined allied healthcare students’ sleep patterns, stress, and anxiety. Seventy-one students completed The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analog Mood scale (VAS), and Subjective Unit of Distress scale (SUDS). The Global PSQI index was 7.4. Distress was the principal predictor of sleep quality, F (69) = 12.71, p = .001. Personal stressors had the greatest impact on sleep quality (χ2 = 41.72, p = .001). Nontraditional students reported higher distress and daytime dysfunction. Sleep hygiene training is recommended to improve students’ agency and QOL. Study design limits generalization.

The Feasibility and Acceptability of Neurologic Music Therapy in Subacute Neurorehabilitation and Effects on Patient Mood.

Music interventions support functional outcomes, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of depression in neurorehabilitation. Neurologic music therapy (NMT) has been reported as feasible and helpful in stroke rehabilitation but is not commonly part of multidisciplinary services in acute or subacute settings. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of delivering NMT one-day-per-week in a subacute neurorehabilitation centre over 15 months. Data were collected on the number of referrals, who referred, sessions offered, attended, and declined, and reasons why. Staff, patients, and their relatives completed questionnaires rating the interventions. Patients completed the Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS) pre and post a single session. Forty-nine patients received 318 NMT sessions (83% of sessions offered). NMT was rated as helpful or very helpful as part of the multidisciplinary team (n = 36). The highest ratings were for concentration, arm and hand rehabilitation, and motivation and mood. VAMS scores (n = 24) showed a reduction in ‘confused’ (−8.6, p = 0.035, effect size 0.49) and an increase in ‘happy’ (6.5, p = 0.021, effect size = 0.12) post NMT. The data suggest that a one-day-per-week NMT post in subacute neurorehabilitation was feasible, acceptable, and helpful, supporting patient engagement in rehabilitation exercises, mood, and motivation.

The Internal Process of Time Deviation in Anxious State

A large number of studies have shown that emotions have an impact on subjective time perception, yet little is known about how individuals perceive time retrospectively when they are in an anxious state. Three experiments were conducted to investigate the moderated mediating effect of engagement and memory bias on the relationship between state anxiety and retrospective time perception. In Experiment 1, state anxiety (high and low) was manipulated by a standardized induction procedure, and retrospective time perception was tested by the visual analogue mood scale. In Experiment 2, memory bias was tested by the visual analogue mood scale and analyzed as a mediator between state anxiety and retrospective time perception. In Experiment 3, the sound of a neutral heartbeat was introduced as the measurement object of memory bias, engagement and retrospective time perception to test the moderated mediating role of engagement and memory bias in the relationship between state anxiety and retrospective time perception. The results suggested that (1) high state anxious individuals subjectively experienced a retrospective duration as proceeding more slowly than low state anxious individuals, (2) memory bias mediated the influence of state anxiety on retrospective time perception, and (3) engagement moderated the mediation effect of memory bias. Our findings contribute to understanding the roles that engagement and memory bias play in retrospective time perceptions in an anxious state.

Identifying emotional contributors to participation post-stroke

ABSTRACT Background Participation in daily activities is the ultimate goal of stroke rehabilitation. Emotional factors have been considered as contributors to participation, but associations between emotional factors and participation post-stroke have not been fully explored. Objective To investigate the extent to which emotional factors contribute to participation post-stroke. Methods 73 participants were included. Three participation outcomes were used as dependent variables in three models: (1) Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) Participation/Role Function, (2) Activity Card Sort (ACS), and (3) Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL). Main independent variables were six emotional factors: SIS Emotion Function (General emotion), Visual Analog Mood Scale energetic and happy subscales, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Depression), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Anxiety Scale, and Apathy Evaluation Scale. Covariates of stroke severity and social support were included. Results Model 1 showed stroke severity (β = −0.300) and depression (β = −0.268) were significant contributors to SIS Participation/Role Function (R2 = 0.368, p < .05). Model 2 indicated that happiness (β = 0.284) and apathy (β = −0.330) significantly contributed to ACS total activity retention (R2 = 0.247, p < .05). Model 3 revealed that anxiety (β = −0.348), apathy (β = −0.303), stroke severity (β = −0.184), and social support (β = 0.185) were significant contributors to RNL total score (R2 = 0.583, p < .05). Conclusions Results suggested that emotional measures of apathy, depression, anxiety, and happiness, but not general emotion, were important contributors to participation post-stroke. These findings suggest that rehabilitation professionals should address individual emotional contributors to facilitate participation post-stroke.

Emotional Predictors of Post-Stroke Participation

Research Objectives To investigate emotional predictors of post-stroke participation Design A prospective cross-sectional study. We performed an independent t-test and Pearson's correlation to identify variables for regression models. Then, we built multiple linear regression models using stepwise selection to determine predictors of post-stroke participation. Setting Community. Participants 71 community-dwelling stroke survivors. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Dependent variables, which are participation measures, were the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS)-Participation/Role Function for model 1, Activity Card Sort (ACS) total percent retained for model 2, and Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL) total score for model 3. Emotional independent variables included SIS Emotion, Visual Analog Mood Scale (VAMS) energetic, and happy subscales, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-Trait, and Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES). Results Based on independent t-tests and Pearson's correlations, all six emotional variables were retained in regression models and education, and total NIHSS score for model 1, education for model 2, and total NIHSS score for model 3 (p < 0.05). Regression models showed anxiety (β=-0.227), stroke severity (β=-0.292), and depression (β=-0.301) were significant predictors for the SIS Participation/Role Function (p < 0.05), while happiness (β=0.312) and apathy (β=-0.312) were significant predictors for ACS total percent retained (p < 0.05). Moreover, anxiety (β=-0.231), apathy (β=-0.296), and stroke severity (β=-0.670) predicted RNL total score (p < 0.05). The three models accounted for 23.3∼52.7 percent of the variance in participation. Conclusions Although all three outcome measures were designed to assess participation, they consisted of different activities such as work, social activities etc. and had slightly different methods for ascertaining participation. Our results suggest that different emotional predictors may influence participation, though emotion is an important predictor regardless of participation outcome measure. Author(s) Disclosures None disclosed. To investigate emotional predictors of post-stroke participation A prospective cross-sectional study. We performed an independent t-test and Pearson's correlation to identify variables for regression models. Then, we built multiple linear regression models using stepwise selection to determine predictors of post-stroke participation. Community. 71 community-dwelling stroke survivors. Not applicable. Dependent variables, which are participation measures, were the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS)-Participation/Role Function for model 1, Activity Card Sort (ACS) total percent retained for model 2, and Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL) total score for model 3. Emotional independent variables included SIS Emotion, Visual Analog Mood Scale (VAMS) energetic, and happy subscales, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-Trait, and Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES). Based on independent t-tests and Pearson's correlations, all six emotional variables were retained in regression models and education, and total NIHSS score for model 1, education for model 2, and total NIHSS score for model 3 (p < 0.05). Regression models showed anxiety (β=-0.227), stroke severity (β=-0.292), and depression (β=-0.301) were significant predictors for the SIS Participation/Role Function (p < 0.05), while happiness (β=0.312) and apathy (β=-0.312) were significant predictors for ACS total percent retained (p < 0.05). Moreover, anxiety (β=-0.231), apathy (β=-0.296), and stroke severity (β=-0.670) predicted RNL total score (p < 0.05). The three models accounted for 23.3∼52.7 percent of the variance in participation. Although all three outcome measures were designed to assess participation, they consisted of different activities such as work, social activities etc. and had slightly different methods for ascertaining participation. Our results suggest that different emotional predictors may influence participation, though emotion is an important predictor regardless of participation outcome measure.

Assessing mood and cognitive functioning in acute stroke: clinical usability of a Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS)

BackgroundPatients suffering from stroke in the acute/post-acute phases often present with depressive mood — which negatively impacts on patients’ prognosis. However, psychometric evaluation of mood in acute stroke patients may be challenging due to cognitive deficits. Tools investigating emotional states via a vertical analogue line may overcome language/visuo-spatial disorders. This study thus aimed at (a) investigating the clinical usability of a Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS) in acute stroke patients and (b) investigating the interplay between mood and cognition in this population.MethodsForty-one acute stroke patients were compared to 41 age-, education- and sex-matched healthy participants (HPs) on the VAMS and on cognitive measures (mental performance in acute stroke, MEPS). A control line bisection (LB) task was administered to control for potential visuo-spatial deficits in patients.ResultsPatients reported higher depression levels than HPs (lower VAMS scores); this between-group difference stayed significant when covarying for LB scores. MEPS scores discriminated patients from HPs; among cognitive measures, only the Clock drawing test (CDT) was positively associated with VAMS scores. Lesion side did not affect patients’ mood state; however, disease duration was inversely related to VAMS scores.DiscussionThe VAMS proved to be a suitable tool for assessing mood in acute stroke patients, as being independent from post-stroke cognitive sequelae. The CDT might represent an adequate measure of depression-induced, post-stroke cognitive efficiency decrease. Mood disorders might occur and thus should be adequately addressed also in post-acute phases — likely due to longer hospitalization times and regression of anosognosic features.

Ayahuasca Improves Self-perception of Speech Performance in Subjects With Social Anxiety Disorder

Ayahuasca is a classic hallucinogen with anxiolytic and antidepressive properties. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that it improves performance (eg, singing, speech). This controlled trial assessed the effects of ayahuasca on speech performance and anxiety in individuals with social anxiety disorder. Seventeen volunteers with social anxiety disorder participated in a pilot, proof-of-concept, randomized, parallel-group trial. Self-perception of performance during a public-speaking test was assessed with the Self-statements During Public Speaking Scale primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included anxiety/subjective effects (Visual Analog Mood Scale; Bodily Symptoms Scale), recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE), tolerability measures (cardiovascular measures, self-reports), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasma levels. Effects on anxiety and REFE were assessed again 7, 14, and 21 days postdrug. Compared with placebo, ayahuasca significantly improved self-perception of speech performance (Self-statements During Public Speaking Scale) and increased somatic symptoms (Bodily Symptoms Scale). There was also a significant time × group interaction in the cognitive deterioration Visual Analog Mood Scale factor and a significant effect of time in the REFE task, especially in reaction time. Other measures were not significantly modified. Ayahuasca was well tolerated, producing mainly nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and vomiting. Ayahuasca improved self-perception of speech performance in socially anxious individuals. These effects occurred independent of task-related anxiety and REFE, suggesting that ayahuasca could specifically improve the cognitive aspect of speech performance. Further studies should try to unveil the mechanisms involved in the effects of ayahuasca and to better understand its effects on anxiety.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nighttime room entries and sleep disruptions for pediatric patients

Objectives/backgroundSleep is critical to recovery, but inpatient sleep is often disrupted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing efforts to minimize spread may have improved hospitalized children's sleep by decreasing unnecessary overnight disruptions. This study aimed to describe the impact of these efforts on pediatric inpatient sleep using objective and subjective metrics. MethodsSleep disruptions for pediatric inpatients admitted prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared. Hand hygiene sensors tracking room entries were utilized to measure objective overnight disruptions for 69 nights pre-pandemic and 154 pandemic nights. Caregiver surveys of overnight disruptions, sleep quantity, and caregiver mood were adopted from validated tools: the Karolinska Sleep Log, Potential Hospital Sleep Disruptions and Noises Questionnaire, and Visual Analog Mood Scale. ResultsNighttime room entries initially decreased 36% (95% CI: 30%, 42%, p < 0.001), then returned towards baseline, mirroring the COVID-19 hospital census. However, surveyed caregivers (n_pre = 293, n_post = 154) reported more disrupted sleep (p < 0.001) due to tests (21% vs. 38%), anxiety (23% vs. 41%), and pain (23% vs. 48%). Caregivers also reported children slept 61 fewer minutes (95% CI: −12 min, −110 min, p < 0.001). Caregivers self-reported feeling more sad, weary, and worse overall (p < 0.001 for all). ConclusionsDespite a decrease in objective room entries during the pandemic, caregivers reported their children were disrupted more and slept less. Caregivers also self-reported worse mood. This highlights the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on subjective experiences of hospitalized children and their caregivers. Future work targeting stress and anxiety could improve pediatric inpatient sleep.