Mental Health Problems In Women Research Articles

A Study on the Psychological Profile and Coping With the Disease in Patients With Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

IntroductionLymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease that affects women almost exclusively. We aimed to determine the psychological profile in patients with LAM, and their potential association with sociodemographic and clinical features, and to know their role in coping with the disease. Material and methodsCross-sectional and descriptive study in collaboration with the Spanish Association of LAM (AELAM). The variables measured were: socio-demographic, psychological (anxiety, depression, demoralization, spirituality, resilience, social support), clinical (treatment) and health-related quality of life. ResultsWe studied 87 LAM patients, with a mean (SD) age of 47.7 (7.7) years, and time since diagnose was 10.1 (5.4) years. 75.9% of patients were receiving sirolimus or everolimus, and oxygen therapy was required in 34.5% of patients. Anxiety was found in 46% of patients, depression in 55%, while only 2% presented demoralization and 14% deficit in spirituality. Social support and resilience were adequate. The “non-severe” group (without oxygen therapy) presented worse results in anxiety. A structural equation model to explore association between variables, showed very adequate fit indices: χ2(14)=29.743 (p=.074); CFI=.983; TLI=.967; SRMR=.058; RMSEA=.075[.000–.128]. The model identifies resilience, spirituality and social support as “protective factors” from anxiety, depression, and demoralization. ConclusionsThis study performed on a large series of women with LAM describes their psychological profile, in addition to showing how they cope with the disease. We have found that other psychological constructs, such as perceived social support and resilience, are protective factors. Early psychological evaluation and intervention is necessary to reduce comorbidities and prevent mental health problems in women with LAM.

Compassion focused therapy for women in the perinatal period: a summary of the current literature.

Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is emerging as an effective psychological intervention to treat those experiencing mental health difficulties. CFT was adapted for women who are mothers during the perinatal period (from conception to 2 year postpartum). Although CFT is being delivered in NHS perinatal mental health services in the United Kingdom (UK), its current evidence-base for the treatment of women's mental health problems is unclear. As part of this Mini Review, we aimed to identify the current findings relating to CFT for women in the perinatal period (with or without a mental health condition) in order to identify any associated future research and clinical implications. A systematic search of two databases was undertaken. Included studies were required to meet the following criteria: (1) offered an intervention using CFT or perinatal CFT (P-CFT), (2) participants were women in the perinatal period, and (3) studies used a pre- and post-intervention study design. No language restrictions were used. A narrative synthesis was then conducted. Five studies, dating from 2018 to 2023, met the inclusion criteria. A total of 1,258 participants were included across those studies. Significant improvements in compassion-based outcomes (i.e., self-compassion, self-criticism/self-reassurance) were observed. However, these findings were primarily derived from non-clinical samples (n = 4) and could only be seen as preliminary. Although these results are encouraging for mothers presenting with sub-clinical mental health symptoms, further research is clearly warranted to determine whether CFT/P-CFT may benefit mothers, including those presenting with more significant perinatal mental health difficulties.

Türkiye'nin Bir İlinde Gebelikte Eşler Arası Şiddetin Yaygınlığı, Şiddetteki Değişiklikler ve Anne Ruh Sağlığına Etkileri

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and the effect of violence on maternal mental health. 
 Materials and Methods: The hospitals in Adana province center was selected by simple randomization method. Frequency tables, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used as statistical analysis.
 Results: Prevalence of IPV was found as 24.1% before pregnancy and 17.5% during pregnancy. The rate of emotional, physical and sexual IPV exposure during pregnancy was found as 16,7%, 2,8% and 3,3%, respectively. It was found that regarding 69% of those exposed to violence in any period of their life, the rate of overall violence either decreased or completely ceased during pregnancy. Women, who experienced IPV during pregnancy were 4.60 times more likely to have depression in pregnancy. 
 Conclusion: It has been determined that the rate of IPV exposure decreases with pregnancy however, IPV during pregnancy causes mental health problems in women.

Impact of Disaster on mental health of women: A case study on 2022 flash flood in Bangladesh

Disasters can pose several threats to our psychological health and create short-term and long-term psychological discomfort, resulting in a considerable burden on the mental health of impacted individuals and communities. We have explored women's mental health problems due to the floods. A total of 393 women who resided in Ajmiriganj and Dharmapasha Upazila of Bangladesh during the 2022 flash flood were surveyed. We have applied the DASS-21 tool to assess the mental health status of these women. In addition, we have examined the variables associated with mental health issues. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were done. About 67%, 65%, and 37% of women experienced severe or extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In addition, 89%, 88%, and 58% of women reported severe or extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress from experiencing family violence during a flood. Depression was associated with age, education, housing type, social satisfaction, a place's safety rating, flood-related injury or disease, family loss, family violence, and property damage from the 2022 flash flood. Except for education and the present place's flood safety rating, all depression-associated variables were also associated with anxiety. Stress was linked to all anxiety-associated variables. Older women, women living in inadequate infrastructure, least satisfied, unsafe rated of their places against flood, injured or diseased during the flood, lost family members, suffered family violence and property destruction due to flood reported mental health problems. Disaster risk mitigation and psychological intervention can mitigate mental health effects. This study can inform disaster management policies and public health worldwide.

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression and anxiety of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionWomen’s mental health has a significant impact on the health of society. Due to the prevalence of mental health problems in women with PCOS, this study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression and anxiety (primary outcomes) and quality of life (secondary outcomes) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was performed on 84 patients with PCOS referred to Al-Zahra Hospital in Tabriz-Iran, 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 42) and control (n = 42) groups. Counseling with cognitive behavioral therapy was provided in 8 sessions of 60–90 min weekly in groups with 5 to 7 people in each group for the intervention group. Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety, Beck Depression, and Quality of Life Questionnaire for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOSQ) were used to collect data. Independent t-test and ANCOVA were used to compare the outcomes between the two groups.ResultsAfter the intervention, based on ANCOVA test with adjusting the baseline values, mean scores of depression (mean difference (MD): -18.6; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -19.4 to -17.8: P < 0.001), trait anxiety (MD: -15.0; 95% CI: -16.0 to -13.9; P < 0.001), and state anxiety (MD: -15.3; 95% CI: -16.2 to -14.3; P < 0.001), were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. The mean score of quality of life (MD: 19.25; 95% CI: 17.66 to 20.84; P < 0.001) was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group.ConclusionThis study showed that CBT was effective in reducing depression and anxiety and improving the quality of life. Therefore it is recommended that health care providers use this approach to improve the mental health and quality of life of women with PCOS.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20110826007418N7. Date of registration: 25/10/2021. URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/57348; Date of first registration: 25/10/2021.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction on depression, anxiety, and stress of women with the early loss of pregnancy in southeast Iran: a randomized control trial

BackgroundThe loss of the fetus may cause mental health problems in women. The present study aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on anxiety, depression, and stress in women with early pregnancy loss.Methods This study was performed on 106 women with early pregnancy loss in Shiraz, Iran. The intervention group underwent eight counselling sessions. Pre-test and post-test were performed in both groups with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) 21 questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23.Results There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores in the intervention group vs. the control group in terms of anxiety (7.9 ± 1.07 vs. 13.79 ± 5.36, respectively), stress (9.26 ± 1.25 vs.18.13 ± 7.66, respectively), and depression (7.83 ± 1.05 vs.16.26 ± 11.06, respectively) (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsMBSR can be suggested to promote women's mental health.

Body image distortion among Brazilian and Portuguese women with children: A comparative study between the ELSA-Brasil and Generation XXI cohorts

Solid evidence indicates that body image distortion is associated with various physical and mental health problems in women (e.g. Lee and Lee, 2016; Mölbert et al., 2017; Raj and Ploriya, 2020; Sagar, 2005; Shin et al., 2015). Furthermore, body image has been shown to vary according to life context and stage, particularly after a woman has had children. This scenario justifies the comparison between different countries and cultures. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of body image distortion/accuracy in Brazilian and Portuguese women with children. The study assessed women selected from two epidemiological cohorts: ELSA-Brasil in Brazil (n = 1468) and Generation XXI in Portugal (n = 3380). The data analyzed were based on multidimensional questionnaires from which sociodemographic and family characteristics as well as data associated with lifestyle and health were obtained. The results show that most women in both cohorts had an accurate perception of their own body size. In cases of distorted self-perception, the likelihood of the Brazilian women perceiving themselves as being heavier was greater if they had had cancer, whereas the Portuguese women were less likely to perceive themselves as heavier when they had less schooling. Perceiving themselves as thinner than they actually are, was associated with poorer self-perception of their own state of health in the Brazilian women and with poorer schooling in both the Brazilian and Portuguese women. The present findings contribute towards improving understanding of the influence of body image distortion on the health and wellbeing of Brazilian and Portuguese women, possibly leading to the implementation of health-promoting policies in both countries.

Mental health problems of women working in the unorganized sector

Mental health problems of women working in the unorganized sector

Intimate partner violence and physical health problems in women

Numerous findings in scientific literature consistently show the association of intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic abuse with the risk for and incidence of a series of different physical health conditions and problems. Studies have shown the association of IPV and overall health and wellbeing especially in women. The purpose of the paper is therefore to present an overview of the research in the field of IPV and women’s mental and physical health. Both quantitative and qualitative research studies published from 2012 to 2018 were included in the review. The results show that IPV is associated with several mental health problems in women, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as with women’s worse physical health, chronic pain, substance abuse, gynaecological, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems and behavioural syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors. The article reviews current studies and confirms that the experience of IPV in women has long-term consequences for their physical and mental health.

Association between hair loss severity and risk for later mental health problems in women irradiated for tinea capitis in childhood

IntroductionHair loss resulting from childhood irradiation for tinea capitis has been linked to mental health effects in women. However, the association of hair loss severity with mental health in this population is unknown.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine the association between hair loss severity and mental health outcomes in women irradiated for tinea capitis in childhood and to identify contributing factors to these outcomes.MethodsMedical records, held at the archives of Israel National Center for Compensation of Scalp Ringworm Victims, were retrospectively reviewed for 2509 women who received compensation for full or partial alopecia resulting from irradiation in childhood for tinea capitis. Mental health outcomes were determined by the number of mental health conditions reported.ResultsAmong women with high hair loss levels, risk was increased for a range of mental health problems, including depression symptoms, emotional distress, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Hair loss severity emerged as a significant predictor of mental health, adding to the effects of other predictors such as family, and social and physical health problems. Effects of hair loss severity on mental health outcomes were mediated by women’s negative social experiences.ConclusionsHair loss severity is a significant risk factor for mental health problems in women irradiated for tinea capitis in childhood. Further research is needed to assess mental health risks among women with severe hair loss associated with additional diseases.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Abnormal Dynamics of Resting-Sate Functional Activity and Couplings in Postpartum Depression With and Without Anxiety

Postpartum depression (PPD) and PPD comorbid with anxiety (PPD-A) are very prevalent and become severe mental health problems in women after childbirth. PPD with and without anxiety shares many similar pathopsychological features leading to ongoing debates about their diagnostic and neurobiological uniqueness. The present work aims to delineate common and disorder-specific neural underpinnings and potential treatment targets for PPD and PPD-A by characterizing functional dynamics with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. PPD-A showed specifically increased dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) in subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) and specifically increased dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) between sgACC and superior temporal sulcus (STS). PPD exhibited specifically increased static FC (sFC) between sgACC and ventral anterior insula. Moreover, the common changes of disrupted sFC between sgACC and middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were found in both PPD and PPD-A patients. Interestingly, the dynamic changes of dFC between sgACC and superior temporal gyrus could differentiate PPD, PPD-A and healthy postnatal women. Taken together, our study presents the initial evidence on specifically abnormal functional dynamics of limbic, emotion regulation, and social cognition systems in the patients with PDD and PPD-A, which provides new insight into the brain dynamic dysfunction of PPD and PPD-A and may facilitate understanding neurophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment for PPD and PPD-A. Funding: This study was supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. 82027808); Shenzhen Key Basic Research Schemes (JCYJ20200109144801736, 2019SHIBS0003); the Sichuan Science and Technology Program (Grant No. 2021YJ0186, 2019YJ0080; 21YYJC2988); the National Key Technology RD Scientific research project of Sichuan health planning committee (Grant No.20PJ078); 1.3.5 Project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Grant No. 2018HXFH035); and Project of Chengdu Science and Technology Bureau (Grant No. 2019-YF05-00341- SN); and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Grant No. Z2018A06). Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: This study was approved by the local ethics committee of West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University and was in accordance with the latest revision of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Maternal Mental Health: A Baseline Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Current Practice among Auxiliary Nurse Midwives

Perinatal mental health has been gaining importance in public health programmes in India and efforts are being made to integrate maternal mental health with ongoing maternal health programmes. As part of developing a training module for auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), we assessed their baseline knowledge, attitude, and practice related to maternal mental health. Data was collected from ANMs (N=183) from Karnataka state using self-reported questionnaires and case vignettes. Our À ndings revealed that more than half (51.5%) of the ANMs had inadequate knowledge of maternal mental health. However, the majority of the subjects endorsed positive attitudes towards women with maternal mental disorders (65%) and were able to see their role in identiÀ cation and management (74%). The majority of the ANMs (61.5%) showed better practice in identifying and referring women with maternal mental health issues. SigniÀ cant positive correlations were observed between ANMs’ knowledge, attitude, and practice related to maternal mental health. The À ndings suggest that ANMs require further education to update their knowledge and skills to identify mental health problems in women, and refer them for early intervention.

Prevalence of mental health problems in women in polygamous versus monogamous marriages: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

While some studies suggest different mental health outcomes among women in polygamous versus monogamous marriages, no published systematic review or meta-analysis has analyzed the relevant research literature. This article aims to review the evidence of marriage types (i.e., polygamous and monogamous marriages) and differences in the prevalence of mental health issues. Eleven electronic databases, along with further identified references lists, were searched. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. They included 3166 participants, and 986 women were in a polygamous marriage. All studies were rated for quality and were tested for publication bias. Meta-analyses were conducted on the five symptoms to assess for the effect of marriage type. The studies indicate a significant association of marriage type with psychological symptoms. The meta-analysis indicates that women in polygamous marriage had worsened mental health as compared with women in monogamous marriages. The weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were somatization 0.53, 0.44-0.63; obsession-compulsion 0.35, 0.14-0.56; interpersonal sensitivity 0.42, 0.12-0.73; depression 0.41, 0.15-0.67; anxiety 0.41, 0.15-0.68; hostility = 0.47, 0.28-0.66; phobic anxiety 0.39, 0.17-0.61; paranoid ideation 0.35, 0.24-0.47; psychoticism 0.41, 0.23, 0.59; and Global Severity Index (GSI) 0.43, 0.25-0.60. A higher self-esteem and life satisfaction among women in polygamous marriages and statistically superior family functioning among women in monogamous marriages were also found. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the marital satisfaction of women in polygamous versus monogamous marriages. Results are consistent with the existing research on the prevalence of mental health issues among women in polygamous marriages. Nonetheless, these women were found to have elevated self-esteem and life satisfaction than women in monogamous marriages. Directions for future research are indicated.

Relationship between Islamic Lifestyle and Mental Health in Pregnant Women : A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Mental health problems in women during pregnancy are widely associated with the negative consequences of pregnancy. Various factors can affect the mental health improvement in pregnancy. The effects of lifestyle and especially the Islamic lifestyle on mental health are unknown. Therefore, the researcher determined to examine the correlation between the Islamic lifestyle and women’s mental health in pregnancy.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study on 300 pregnant women referred to the clinics affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences was carried out as descriptive cross-sectional. The research tools included the Islamic lifestyle questionnaire and DASS-21.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that there is a significant negative relationship between mental health and the Islamic lifestyle. (r = -0.310). The regression test results show that the mean score of the mental health problems decreases 0.09 per unit by increasing an Islamic lifestyle score.&#x0D; Conclusion: Since the results show that there is a significant negative relationship between Islamic lifestyle and the women’s mental health, interventional studies are suggested to increase awareness and change lifestyle in order to improve the mental health.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(3) 2020 p.394-400

Psychosocial work stressors, high family responsibilities, and psychological distress among women: A 5-year prospective study.

Psychological distress is a strong and independent predictor of major depression. Assuming multiple roles (such as being both a mother and an employee) under stressful conditions may lead to psychological distress. This study evaluated, for the first time, the longitudinal effect of the simultaneous exposure to psychosocial work stressors and high family responsibilities on women's psychological distress. Women were assessed at baseline (N = 1307) and at 3- and 5-year follow-ups. Psychosocial work stressors of the demand-control and effort-reward imbalance models were measured with validated questionnaires. Family responsibilities were also self-reported and referred to the number of children and their age(s) as well as housework and childcare. Psychological distress was measured with the validated Psychiatric Symptoms Index questionnaire. Prevalence ratios (PR) of psychological distress were modeled with log-binomial regressions. Having high family responsibilities did not increase women's prevalence of psychological distress. However, being exposed to either job strain or effort-reward imbalance led to a higher prevalence of psychological distress at the 3- and 5-year follow-ups (PR of 1.25-1.62). Being simultaneous exposed to these psychosocial work stressors and high family responsibilities also increased the prevalence of psychological distress (PR of 1.44-1.87), but no interactions were observed between stressors and responsibilities. In this 5-year prospective study, simultaneous exposure to psychosocial work stressors and high family responsibilities increased the prevalence of psychological distress among women. Work stressors were, however, driving most of the effect, which reinforces their importance as modifiable risk factors of women's mental health problems.

Relationship between perceived stigma and depressive symptomatology in women who legally interrupt pregnancy in Mexico City

Introduction. Although the international literature suggests that women who interrupt a pregnancy in safe conditions do not develop mental health problems, it continues to be a highly stigmatized issue by broad social sectors. It is therefore not surprising that abortion stigma is one of the main factors associated with the presence of mental health problems in women who abort voluntarily. This study explores the association between perceived abortion stigma and depressive symptomatology. Method. In a non-probabilistic convenience sample, 114 users of a Legal Interruption of Pregnancy Clinic in Mexico City were interviewed with a structured instrument. Results. Respondents obtained low scores of internalized stigma and reported feeling confident that they had made the right decision to terminate their pregnancies, and at peace with themselves. The highest scores for abortion stigma were reported in the group with high depressive symptomatology, with no statistically significant differences being observed due to the sociodemographic characteristics explored. The participants in this study were more concerned about what others might think about their decision to terminate a pregnancy and about how their abortion might affect their relationship with them. Discussion and conclusion. These concerns highlight the need to reduce the negative social stigma surrounding abortion and to provide interventions in the same direction among women who interrupt a pregnancy legally in order to reduce the risk of mental health problems such as depression.

The Effect of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training on Mental Health of Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

In this study, we examined the efficacy of heart rate variability (HRV)-biofeedback on stress and stress-related mental health problems in women. Furthermore, we examined whether the efficacy differed between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Fifty women (20 pregnant, 30 non-pregnant; mean age 31.6, SD = 5.9) were randomized into an intervention (n = 29) or a waitlist condition (n = 21). All participants completed questionnaires on stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep, and psychological well-being on three occasions with 6-week intervals. Women in the intervention condition received HRV-biofeedback training between assessment 1 and 2, and women in the waitlist condition received the intervention between assessment 2 and 3. The intervention consisted of a 5-week HRV-biofeedback training program with weekly 60–90 min. sessions and daily exercises at home. Results indicated a statistically significant beneficial effect of HRV-biofeedback on psychological well-being for all women, and an additional statistically significant beneficial effect on anxiety complaints for pregnant women. No significant effect was found for the other stress-related complaints. These findings support the use of HRV-biofeedback as a stress-reducing technique among women reporting stress and related complaints in clinical practice to improve their well-being. Furthermore, it supports the use of this technique for reducing anxiety during pregnancy.

Care of Women with Obesity in Pregnancy

Care of Women with Obesity in Pregnancy

Nuevos retos en los cuidados: detección de la ansiedad en la gestante de riesgo

Pregnancy is considered a period of well-being and happiness in a woman's life. However, these expectations are occasionally disrupted by maternal and/or foetal problems, and situations of vulnerability develop. The evidence suggests that pregnancy-related anxiety is strongly associated with adverse maternal and child outcomes such as pospartum depression, premature birth, low birth weight, and health and mental development problems in childhood. On the other hand, it is evident that obstetric and perinatal complications increase the risk of pospartum anxiety and depression while anxiety levels increase as the gestational risk increases. Current recommendations about the care and treatment of mental health problems in women during pregnancy and up to one year after delivery are aimed at recognition, evaluation, care and treatment, ensuring continuity of care. The aim of this study was to recognise anxiety in pregnant women at risk, from the definition of model cases, in order to enhance critical thinking in both health professionals and pregnant women and thus improve the care of these patients.

Parenting contributors to early emerging problem behaviour in children of mothers in methadone maintenance treatment

AbstractThis study explored whether variations in parenting provided by mothers with substance‐abuse disorders are related to behaviour problems in their young children and whether specific parenting practices are associated with specific types of behaviour problems. Mother‐reported and observational assessments were used to examine contributions of parenting behaviour and home environment to internalizing and externalizing behaviour problems in 150 preschool children of mothers receiving methadone‐maintenance treatment for heroin addiction. In multivariate analyses, mother‐reported child externalizing behaviour was related to greater maternal harshness and to mother history of illicit drug use during pregnancy but not other features of substance use and treatment history. Observer‐coded child internalizing behaviour was related to less maternal sensitivity and less provision of learning activities in the home. Additionally, mother report of her own psychopathology symptoms was related to mother‐reported, but not observer‐coded, child internalizing and externalizing problems. Findings suggest that women in substance abuse treatment should receive parenting interventions and that interventions should focus on increasing maternal sensitivity, reducing harshness, and providing children with cognitively stimulating environments. Findings also suggest that the need for attention to ongoing mental health problems of women in substance abuse treatment—both for their own well‐being and the well‐being of their children.Highlights This study explored whether variations in parenting provided by mothers with substance‐abuse disorders are related to behavior problems in their young children. Maternal harshness was related to child externalizing behavior, low sensitivity, and low provision of learning opportunities to child internalizing problems. Findings suggest that women in substance abuse treatment should be provided access to parenting interventions.