The interplay between sexual abuse and inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in drug-naïve panic disorder patients.

Although accumulating evidence suggests an interplay between child abuse and inflammatory processes and the pathophysiology of mental disorders, few studies have investigated the cellular mechanisms related to this matter. Furthermore, no studies to date have evaluated cytokine, oxidative stress, and DNA damage levels in drug-naïve panic disorder (PD) patients and their possible association with childhood trauma. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of the proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1B, the oxidative stress marker TBARS, and  8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG; representing DNA damage) in drug-naïve PD patients compared to controls. Furthermore, this investigation aimed to determine whether early-life trauma could predict peripheral levels of the previously mentioned markers in unmedicated PD patients. This work showed that drug-naïve PD patients presented elevated levels of TBARS and IL-1B but not 8-OHdG compared to healthy controls. In addition, sexual abuse during childhood was associated with increased levels of IL-1B in PD patients. Our findings suggest that the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome complex might be activated in drug-naïve PD patients. This study is the first to associated sexual abuse with increased levels of IL-1B in drug-naïve PD patients and to demonstrate that this population presents high concentrations of oxidative stress and inflammation markers but not DNA damage markers when compared to healthy controls. Independent replication of these findings would support further clinical trials of inflammasome inhibitory drugs in PD patients, which could lead to effective novel treatments for people with PD and contribute to elucidating pathophysiological differences depending on trauma exposure in the immune disturbances accompanying PD.

Does the Dysregulation of Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS) be Considered an Essential Component of Panic Disorders?

This editorial explores the role of hyperactivity and social rhythm dysregulation in bipolar disorder (BD) and related syndromes. Social Rhythm Dysregulation Syndrome (DYMERS) is proposed as a common vulnerability across various disorders, including panic disorder (PD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. A study conducted on a sample of elderly individuals participating in an active aging study investigated whether individuals with PD exhibit higher biological rhythm dysregulation compared to those without PD. The sample, consisting of 119 individuals, revealed that those with a lifetime PD diagnosis scored significantly higher on the dysregulation of biological rhythms scale compared to those without panic disorder. A higher prevalence of depressive episodes was found in individuals with PD at the time of the interview. Notably, a small sample of elderly individuals with panic disorder, voluntarily selected for a physical exercise trial, showed a significantly higher level of dysregulation of social rhythms compared to those without panic disorder. This study opens a debate on the accuracy of paper and pencil screening tests for bipolar disorders, especially regarding false positives in individuals with panic disorder. Our hypothesis is that DYMERS could be a shared vulnerability substrate for various disorders, serving as a basis for bipolar onset in the presence of a hyperactivity profile, even with genetic features. The data collected from older adults suggest that social rhythm dysregulation is a typical feature of PD, regardless of the coexistence of a depressive episode. While the study has limitations due to a small sample size, the findings warrant careful analysis and suggest the need for larger-scale replication studies. If confirmed, the dysregulation of rhythms and its association with depressive disorders highlight a significant area of vulnerability for serious psychopathological disorders, emphasizing the importance of extending research to younger populations.

Mood Disorder Questionnaire Positivity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Other Chronic Diseases including Screen Bipolar Disorders or Rhythm and Energy Dysregulation Syndromes (DYMERS).

Introduction: This study explores the issue of paper-and-pencil screening tests for bipolar disorder, often leading to false positives. It discusses hypotheses that connect MDQ positivity with sleep disorders, a decline in health-related quality of life, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mood disorders. The study proposes that MDQ identifies a "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome" (DYMERS), indicating a stress-related condition. It aims to investigate the association between MDQ positivity and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in comparison to other chronic disorders. Methods: This case-control study, conducted from April 2019 to February 2020, investigated MDQ positivity in patients with SLE. Ethical approvals were obtained, and statistical analysis was used for data assessment. Results: This is a case-controlled study where MDQ positivity was significantly higher in systemic lupus erythematosus cases than controls. The analysis compared gender, age, and the presence of depressive episodes between MDQ-positive and MDQ-negative cases, revealing some differences but no significant variations. Interestingly, no association with high prednisone or biologics use was observed. The frequency of MDQ positivity in systemic lupus erythematosus was compared to other chronic pathologies, revealing varying associations with each condition. Conclusion: This study reveals a high rate of (MDQ) positivity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), associated with the risk of bipolar disorder in SLE. Notable discrepancies in MDQ positivity risk factors between SLE and bipolar disorder are observed. The study emphasizes the ability of MDQ to identify a distinct syndrome characterized by rhythm dysregulation, posing a risk for bipolar disorder and other disorders.

Reliability and Factor Structure of the Well-Being and Respect for Human Rights Questionnaire in Measuring Caregivers' Perception.

Background: This study has investigated perceptions of respect for users' rights among informal caregivers in mental healthcare settings, aligning with the guidelines outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the World Health Organization QualityRights initiative. The study has employed the questionnaire on Well-being at Work and Respect for Human Rights (WWRR) among informal caregivers and tested whether the questionnaire's factor structure among informal caregivers aligns with that of users and health workers. We have hypothesized that informal caregivers prioritize users' needs and rights over the care context's climate. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The "Well-being at Work and Respect for Human Rights" questionnaire was distributed to 100 caregivers in 4 territorial mental health facilities in Sardinia, Italy. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was utilized to assess the participants' responses. Results: Participants reported high satisfaction with their relatives' treatment, perceiving a high level of respect for human rights among users and healthcare professionals. However, they highlighted insufficient resources for services, particularly the need for additional staff. CFA revealed that a scale with the first five items demonstrated good reliability, convergent validity, and discrimination. Mean scores indicated high satisfaction and perception of respect for human rights across the sample, with no significant differences by age or gender. Conclusion: Satisfaction with users' rights is closely correlated with other factors comprising the notion of organizational well-being within a healthcare service.

The Role of Vaginal Penetration Skills and Vaginal Penetration Behavior in Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder.

Vaginal penetration skills and behavior are considered different aspects of vaginal penetration. Nevertheless, these terms are used interchangeably in most genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) intervention studies, possibly impacting the assessment and selection of intervention outcomes. This is the first theoretical essay on the relevance of nonsexual vaginal penetration skills in understanding and treating GPPPD symptoms, mainly for patients with vaginismus complaints. We aim to provide avenues for further empirical research and new perspectives for assessing, preventing, and treating GPPPD symptoms. We highlight the conceptual boundaries, overlaps, and commonalities between vaginal penetration skills and vaginal penetration behavior and the implications for measuring and selecting GPPPD treatment outcomes. We then briefly explain vaginal penetration skills as a self-learning process and review the impact of fear, anxiety, and cognitive factors on GPPPD symptoms. We also outline the role of the nonsexual genital self-exploration skills in later penetration behavior and offer implications for a new GPPPD patient-centered treatment approach.

Why is it Important to Assess and Treat Alexithymia in the Cardiologic Field? An Overview of the Literature.

Background: Alexithymia has been found to be associated with several somatic illnesses, such as cardiovascular, indicating that it might be a risk factor for early death in the long-term course of post-myocardial infarction. From the cardiology perspective, the aim was to collect current evidence about the relationship between alexithymia and somatic illness. Methods: The literature was synthesized and summarized in a narrative format. The literature search was carried out in PubMed. Pertinent studies published in the last 50 years written in English were included and organized by three main topics ("The relation between alexithymia and somatic illness from the cardiology perspective"; "How do assess alexithymia?"; "Treating alexithymia") to be discussed. Results: High alexithymia is a dimensional trait that affects around 10% of the general population and up to 55% of people with essential hypertension. Also, the link between alexithymia and cardiovascular activity has been pointed out. There are several validated tools to assess alexithymia, as well as treatment options. Conclusion: Knowledge about the main features of alexithymia, as well as its assessment and treatment, can promote a multifactorial approach to the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of cardiac diseases.

Digital Dependence in Organizations: Impacts on the Physical and Mental Health of Employees.

Digital Dependence is a person's persistent inability to regulate digital devices on which they have become highly dependent. Internet dependence has been described since the mid-1990s, and studies on this topic have intensified since 2010. This type of individual dependence has received considerable published literature, but it is new in the collective setting of organizations, offering the hypothesis that it can also be collective, given the impacts it can provide. Research has evolved geographically from three countries to 17 since the beginning of the last decade, with 7 new scales for digital dependence. There were 13 new revalidations of the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), with an increase from 1,000 to 13,000 volunteers. Geographical evolution and an increase in the number of scales and volunteers and their different profiles were described. New approaches reinforce evolution and its impacts on human behavior. This study provides historical insight into Digital Dependence and opens new prospects for research on the differences between nations and people, sexes, professionals, and the need for further research in organizations.

Is a Genetic Variant associated with Bipolar Disorder Frequent in People without Bipolar Disorder but with Characteristics of Hyperactivity and Novelty Seeking?

Objective: The objective is to verify whether a genetic condition associated with bipolar disorder (BD) is frequent in old adults adapted to their environment, without BD, but with aptitudes for hyperactivity and novelty seeking (H/NS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the study sample included healthy elderly people (40 participants, aged 60 or older) living in an urban area and recruited from a previous study on physical exercise and active aging, who were compared with 21 old adults with BD from the same area. The genetic methodology consisted of blood sampling, DNA extraction, real-time PCR jointly with FRET probes, and the SANGER sequencing method. The genetic variant RS1006737 of CACNA1C, found to be associated with bipolar disorder diagnosis, was investigated. Results: The frequency of the RS1006737 genetic variant in the study group (H/NS) is not higher than in the BD group and is statistically significantly higher than in all the control groups found in the literature. However, the familiarity for BD is higher in old adults with BD than in the H/NS sample without BD. The risk of BD in the family (also considering those without BD but with family members with BD) is not associated with the presence of the genetic variant examined. Conclusion: The study suggests that the gene examined is associated with characteristics of hyperactivity rather than just BD. Nevertheless, choosing to participate in an exercise program is an excessively general way to identify H/NS. The next step would be to identify the old adults with well-defined H/NS features with an adequate tool.

The Effects of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) in Monotherapy and with Add-on Treatments on Health-related Quality of Life of People with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Systematic Review of Randomized-Controlled Trials.

Background: The era of establishing tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) changed the outcome and the course of this life-threatening malignancy. People suffering from CML have now a better prognosis and a longer life expectancy due to the development of TKIs, even if it requires long-term, often lifelong, treatments that are nonetheless associated with improved Health-related Quality of life (HRQoL). However, data on the effects of TKIs on HRQoL are not always systematic; sometimes the data have been obtained by studies different from RCTs, or without a clear definition of what HRQoL is. The main purpose of this systematic review is to summarize all randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) including HRQoL as main or secondary outcome in patients with CML treated with TKIs or with TKIs plus an add-on treatment. Methods: A systematic review has been conducted by searching the relevant papers in PubMed/Medline and Web of Science with the following keywords: "quality of life" OR "health-related quality of life" OR "QoL" OR "HRQoL" OR "H-QoL" AND "chronic myeloid leukemia". Interval was set from January 2000 to December 2020. Results: 40 papers were identified through the search. Out of them, 7 RCTs were included. All the studies used standardized measures to assess HRQoL, even not always specific for CML. 5 RCTs randomized subjects to 2 or 3 arms to evaluate the effects of TKIs of the first, second and third generation in monotherapy. 2 RCTs randomized subjects to TKI therapy plus an add-on treatment versus TKI therapy as usual. The results of all these trials were examined and discussed. Conclusion: All the included RCTs pointed out significant findings regarding the positive effects of TKIs on HRQoL of people with CML, both when they were used in monotherapy or, notably, with an add-on treatment to enhance TKIs effects.

Clinical Utility of Semistructured Interview and Scales to Assess Withdrawal Syndromes With Dose Reduction or Discontinuation of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Withdrawal syndromes can occur after dose reduction or discontinuation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Few measurement instruments are available to assess them: Diagnostic Clinical Interview for Drug Withdrawal 1-New Symptoms of SSRI and SNRI (DID-W1) and Discontinuation Emergent Signs and Symptoms (DESS) checklist. We assessed their interrater reliability, verified the percent agreement between the two, and tested DESS sensitivity and specificity on the basis of the diagnoses formulated via the DID-W1. METHODS: One-hundred thirty-four subjects who referred for withdrawal at 3 outpatient facilities were enrolled and assessed via the DESS and the DID-W1. Percent agreement and Cohen κ were calculated to measure DID-W1 and DESS interrater reliability, as well as the agreement between DID-W1 and DESS items. Sensitivity and specificity of DESS were derived from the identification of true-positive, false-negative, true-negative, and false-positive on the DID-W1. RESULTS: Both tools showed excellent interrater reliability (DID-W1 Cohen κ = 0.958; DESS Cohen κ = 0.81-1). The degree of agreement between DID-W1 and DESS items was poor or fair (Cohen κ < 0.40) for some items and moderate (Cohen κ = 0.41-0.60) for others. Sensitivity and specificity of DESS were 0.937 (true-positive = 60, false-negative = 4) and 0.285 (true-negative = 20, false-positive = 50), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DID-W1 was a reliable method to identify and diagnose withdrawal syndromes. The DESS checklist showed to be a useful tool for detecting withdrawal SSRI/SNRI symptoms when the aim is to achieve high sensitivity to identify true positives.

Use of Digital Technologies in Home Office Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Social distancing as a preventive measure to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many people working from home, using online digital resources. Staying at home has led to the adaptation of many work activities to allow continuity of people´s jobs. It can also affect home routines and ways of working, thereby leading to changes in behavior, as the main interest of this study. Objective: The study aimed to assess the impact on human behavior of working conditions in home office format due to social distancing. Methods: Data collection was done online, using a specific computational tool (Google Forms) for this type of research, using the Home Office Work Scale (HOWS) validated and published in Mental Health and Addiction Research in 2021, with a total sample of 1,056 valid questionnaires. After the data collection, a database was created for statistical analysis of the results. Results: More women than men volunteered to answer the questionnaire, although the results were similar between women and men. Home office work has impacts on human behavior and results in changes in routines and adaptations in people´s personal and professional lives. Conclusion: Proportionally, more women participated, and there was low participation by young and elderly people. In general, people accepted home office work and the possibility of continuing to work in this format. Changes to routines and restrictive adaptations were necessary. The limitations reported for applying the scale did not compromise the results.

Suicidal Ideation in Bipolar Disorder: The Relation with Clinical and Sociodemographic Variables.

INTRODUCTION: Bipolar disorder (BD) has the highest risk of suicide among all mental disorders. Thus, identifying factors related to suicidal ideation is essential for a better assessment of the risk of suicide in BD. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between suicidal ideation and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics in BD patients. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study that included eighty individuals with BD. Information regarding sociodemographic data and history of attempted suicide were collected, and the Hamilton Depression Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale/positive symptom subscale, Clinical Global Impressions Scale for use in bipolar illness, Insight Scale for Affective Disorders, and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale were administered. The presence and severity of suicidal ideation were assessed using the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation. RESULTS: All regression models significantly predicted suicidal ideation. In the model that had the lowest AIC score and the highest cross-validity, the severity of depressive and of manic symptoms (standardized ß = 0.49, p < 0.001; standardized ß = 0.42, p = 0.007), the insight level (standardized ß = - 0.38, p = 0.012) and previous suicide attempt (standardized ß = 0.20, p = 0.036) acted as predictors of suicidal ideation, while degree of impulsivity (ß standardized = 0.13, p = 0.229) and educational level (standardized ß = - 0.16, p = 0.108) did not give a significant contribution. CONCLUSION: According to our results, more severe depression and mania symptoms, higher level of insight and a history of suicide attempt indicate the occurrence of suicidal ideation in BD.

Health-Related Fitness as a Predictor of Anxiety Levels Among School Adolescents: An observational cross-sectional study.

Background: There is an inverse association between cardiorespiratory fitness and general anxiety levels in adolescents. Obesity also is associated with a higher risk of anxiety in this population. However, little is known about the association between other health-related fitness elements with anxiety symptoms in this population. The authors explored the relationship between health-related fitness and anxiety symptoms in a large sample of Brazilian youth. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study with a sample comprised of 257 school adolescents, who were 136 girls (52.9%) and 121 boys (47.1%). The health-related fitness elements were evaluated by FitnessGram® test and anxiety levels by Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children - 39. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine the association between health-related fitness elements and anxiety symptoms in both sexes. Results: In male adolescents, only the cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (F(1, 119) = 6.472; P = 0.012; R2 = 0.052; adjusted R2 = 0.044). In turn, the anxiety symptoms showed an inverse small relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness (r = - 0.227; P < 0.01). However, in female adolescents, no association was found between health-related fitness elements and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: The level of cardiorespiratory fitness may represent a marker of anxiety in male adolescents.

IL-10 (-819C/T), TNFA (-30G/A) and ENOS (-786T/C) Polymorphisms Modulating the Outcome Related to Mental Disorders in Crack Addicted Users.

Background: Cocaine/crack use affects immune system molecules and development of mental disorders has been identified. Objective: To investigate the relationship of polymorphisms in the TNFA (-308G/A), IL-10 (-819C/T) and ENOS (-786T/C) genes with mental disorders in cocaine and crack users. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, which included 107 cocaine and crack users and 115 controls who never used healthy cocaine and crack. The SNPs in the TNFA (-308G/A), IL-10 (-819C/T) and ENOS (-786T/C) genes were genotyped by real time PCR. Results: As for the individuals included in this study, the average age of 31.4 years (± 8.59). We identified that the G/A genotype to TNFA (-308) (OR = 0.24; p = 0.03) and the A allele (OR = 0.30; p = 0.03) were associated with reduced risk for dysthymic disorder. The T allele of the IL-10 (-819) polymorphism was associated with decreased risk of developing panic disorder (OR = 0.44; p = 0.01), while the C allele was correlated with an increased risk for alcohol dependence (OR = 1.97; p = 0.04), alcohol abuse (OR = 1.81; p = 0.04) and psychotic syndrome (OR = 2.23; p = 0.01). C/C genotype was correlated with increased chances of developing current psychotic syndrome (OR = 4.23; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that genetic polymorphisms promote susceptibility or promote protection for clinical phenotypes of psychiatric comorbidities in cocaine and crack users and be considered as good prognostic markers.

Cognitive Remediation Virtual Reality Tool a Recovery-Oriented Project for People with Bipolar Disorder: Protocol of a Feasibility Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Cognitive deficits are considered a fundamental component of bipolar disorder due to the fact that they negatively impact personal/social functioning. Cognitive remediation interventions are effective in the treatment of various psychosocial disorders, including bipolar disorder. The use of Virtual reality as a rehabilitation tool has produced scientific evidence in recent years, especially in cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This study aims at evaluating the feasibility of a Cognitive Remediation Virtual Reality Program (CEREBRUM) for people with bipolar disorder in psychiatric rehabilitation. Material and Methods: Feasibility randomized controlled cross-over clinical study; we randomized 50 people from the Consultation and Psychosomatic Psychiatry Center of the University Hospital of Cagliari (San Giovanni di Dio Civil Hospital) with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. We propose a cognitive remediation program in virtual reality (CEREBRUM), 3 months with 2 weekly sessions, for the experimental group and a usual care program for the control group (psychiatric visit and/or psychotherapy). Results: The results of the trial will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and will be disseminated at international meetings and congress. Discussion: This RCT aims, with regards to its feasibility and design, to provide information about a confirmatory trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation program in psychiatric rehabilitation for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in people with bipolar disorder. Conclusion: The results that we analyzed at the end of the RCT will have an impact on psychiatric rehabilitation research with a focus on improving the application of technologies for mental health.Trial registration: ClinicalTrialsgov NCT05070065, registered on September 2021.

Quality of information of websites dedicated to obesity: a systematic search to promote high level of information for Internet users and professionals.

BACKGROUND: The Internet is increasingly used as a source of information. This study investigates with a multidimensional methodology the quality of information of websites dedicated to obesity treatment and weight-loss interventions. We compared websites in English, a language that it is used for the international scientific divulgation, and in Italian, a popular local language. METHODS: Level of Evidence: Level I, systematic review search on four largely used search engines. Duplicated and unrelated websites were excluded. We checked: popularity with PageRank; technological quality with Nibbler; readability with the Flesch Reading Ease test or the Gulpease readability index; quality of information with the DISCERN scale, the JAMA benchmark criteria, and the adherence to the Health on the Net Code. RESULTS: 63 Italian websites and 41 English websites were evaluated. English websites invested more in the technological quality especially for the marketing, experience of the user, and mobile accessibility. Both the Italian and English websites were of poor quality and readability. CONCLUSIONS: These results can inform guidelines for the improvement of health information and help Internet users to achieve a higher level of information. Users must find benefits of treatment, support to the shared decision-making, the sources used, the medical editor's supervision, and the risk of postponing the treatment.

Benzodiazepines: it's time to return to the evidence.

SUMMARY: We propose that discussions of benzodiazepines in the current psychiatric literature have become negatively biased and have strayed from the scientific evidence base. We advocate returning to the evidence in discussing benzodiazepines and adhering to clear definitions and conceptual rigour in commentary about them.

Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Tinnitus: Promising Results of a Blinded, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: Tinnitus is the perception of sound in ears or head without corresponding external stimulus. Despite the great amount of literature concerning tinnitus treatment, there are still no evidence-based established treatments for curing or for effectively reducing tinnitus intensity. Sham-controlled studies revealed beneficial effects using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Still, results show moderate, temporary improvement and high individual variability. Subcallosal area (ventral and dorsomedial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices) has been implicated in tinnitus pathophysiology. Our objective is to evaluate the use of bilateral, high frequency, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) rTMS in treatment of chronic subjective tinnitus. DESIGN: Randomized placebo-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial. Twenty sessions of bilateral, 10 Hz rTMS at 120% of resting motor threshold of extensor hallucis longus were applied over the DMPFC. Fourteen patients underwent sham rTMS and 15 were submitted to active stimulation. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), visual analog scale, and tinnitus loudness matching were obtained at baseline and on follow-up visits. The impact of intervention on outcome measures was evaluated using mixed-effects restricted maximum likelihood regression model for longitudinal data. RESULTS: A difference of 11.53 points in the THI score was found, favoring the intervention group (p = 0.05). The difference for tinnitus loudness matching was of 4.46 dB also favoring the intervention group (p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Tinnitus treatment with high frequency, bilateral, DMPFC rTMS was effective in reducing tinnitus severity measured by THI and matched tinnitus loudness when compared to sham stimulation.

Could Dispositional Optimism Impair Panic Disorder and Depression Outcomes?

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to investigate potential correlates of dispositional optimism and quality of life in patients with depression and panic disorder. The study used a cross-sectional design. The analyzed sample consisted of 77 participants with panic disorder and 75 participants with depression attending two outpatient clinics at the Psychiatry Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Both groups presented similar impairments in optimism and quality of life. In the panic disorder group, optimism scores were significantly correlated with a decrease in anxiety and depression scores (r = 0.26 and r = 0.37, respectively); in the depression group, increases in optimism scores were significantly correlated with decreases in anxiety and depression scores (r = 0.23 and r = 0.3, respectively). The present study showed that high anxiety and depression are correlated with poor optimism and quality of life scores in panic disorder and depression groups. Thus, psychological treatments that can address these topics, besides acute symptoms, are crucial to the absolute recovery of patients.

An Overview of the International Literature on Health-Related Quality of Life, Mental Health and Psychosocial Issues in People with Cancer.

Background: Cancer is one of the most important leading causes of death worldwide. Early detection, screening and diagnosis have been demonstrated to significantly improve patients' survival rates and increase awareness of the benefit of prompt therapies and healthy lifestyles. In this context, Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and several psychosocial difficulties are of relevance as prognostic factors for the trajectory of the diseases of people living with cancer. Methods: This Special Issue aims to present a set of systematic reviews and research studies focusing on several psychosocial aspects in people suffering from hematologic and solid cancer. Results: Three systematic reviews regard HRQoL, the quality of patient-physician communication, depression and other stress-related difficulties, respectively. One review pointed out the difficulties in diagnosing depression in the elderly with solid cancer; another one regards the risk of cancer in severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and severe depressive disorders. One additional review regards HRQoL in people with cancer in the present era of COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, some research studies pointed out the usefulness of a validated instrument to assess satisfaction with care in the oncology field, as well as of the self-reinforcing feedback loop to improve fatigue, insomnia and depression in people with cancer. Other two research studies evaluate, respectively, the attributable burden in worsening HRQoL in people suffering both from cancer and depression and the Type D personality as a risk factor for stress-related difficulties in women with breast cancer. Conclusion: This Special Issue is a contribution to enhance future research mainly about such interventions useful to assess and improve HRQoL and overall well-being in people with cancer.