Can Vitamin D Reduce Inflammation? The Influence of Supplementation on Selected Immunological Markers.

There is increasing evidence that vitamin D (VitD) supplementation may reduce inflammation in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of VitD on selected markers of inflammation in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Participants were divided depending on the supplemented dose of VitD into a high-dose (2000 IU/d; HD) group and a low-dose (15,960 IU/month; LD) group (n = 23 and n = 29, respectively). The concentration of 25(OH)D and the levels of CXCL16, PTX3, ALCAM, IL-1RA, and OPG were measured initially and after six months of VitD supplementation in blood serum. A significant increase in the concentrations of CXCL16, PTX3, and OPG was observed during the study (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, a higher increase in PTX3 and OPG in the LD group was observed (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between the 25(OH)D serum concentration and PTX3 (R = 0.28, p < 0.05) and OPG (R = 0.28, p < 0.05) only at the beginning of the study. In patients with RRMS, such doses of VitD might be too low to induce obvious beneficial effects on the pro-inflammatory and inflammatory balance.

Risk Factors for Psychiatric Disorders in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis-A Single-Center Study in the Polish Population.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of mental disorders in a group of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during outpatient treatment. Additionally, an attempt was made to assess the influence of parameters related to patients and their clinical status on the prevalence of mental disorders. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between 2017 and 2018 in a group of 103 patients with MS who underwent treatment at the Outpatient Clinic of Neurology at the Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Zabrze, Poland. Sociodemographic data were collected, and the course of the underlying disease and comorbidities underwent assessment. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and psychiatric examination were used to assess the occurrence of mental disorders. Results: In this study, female subjects accounted for 67.96% of patients (mean age: 43 years). Of all patients, 67% of subjects were clinically diagnosed with mental disorders during their lifetime. The results of the MINI Questionnaire showed that 33% of MS patients had a history of a major depressive episode, while 8.7% of patients met the criteria for a depressive episode. The same number of patients were treated for recurrent depressive disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder was diagnosed in 10.7% of patients, agoraphobia in 8.7% and panic disorder in 7.8%. Most patients (94.2%) had a low risk of suicide, according to the MINI Questionnaire. This study did not show a significant influence of age, sex, duration of MS symptoms or severity of symptoms as expressed by the Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) on the prevalence of mental disorders (p = 0.05). However, a significantly higher median EDSS score was found in patients with a history of mental disorders (p = 0.03). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was found between having a family and a psychiatric diagnosis (p = 0.01). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the level of education and the suicide risk as assessed by the MINI Questionnaire (p = 0.03). Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of mental disorders in patients with MS, of which depressive episodes and anxiety disorders were the most commonly reported. There may exist a relationship between the degree of disability of MS patients and a higher prevalence of mental disorders. Patients with MS who do not have a family may be more susceptible to mental disorders. In turn, patients with a lower level of education may show a higher risk of suicide. This suggests the need for psychological and psychiatric support for patients with MS, with particular consideration given to those who are alone, those with more severe disability and patients with a lower level of education.

17α-ethinylestradiol and 4-tert-octylphenol concurrently disrupt the immune response of common carp.

The aquatic environment is massively polluted with endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) including synthetic estrogens (e.g. 17α-ethinylestradiol, EE2) and alkylphenols (e.g. 4-tert-octylphenol, 4t-OP). A major mechanism of action for estrogenic EDCs is their interaction with estrogen receptors and consequently their modulation of the action of enzymes involved in steroid conversion e.g. aromatase CYP19. We now studied the effects of EE2 and 4t-OP on the anti-bacterial immune response of common carp. We investigated effects on the number/composition of inflammatory leukocytes and on the gene expression of mediators that regulate inflammation and EDC binding. In vitro we found that high concentrations of both EE2 and 4t-OP down-regulated IFN-γ2 and IFN-γ-dependent immune responses in LPS-stimulated monocytes/macrophages. Similarly, during bacterial infection in fish, in vivo treated with EE2 and 4t-OP, decreased gene expression of il-12p35 and of ifn-γ2 was found in the focus of inflammation. Moreover, during A. salmonicida-induced infection in EE2-treated carp, but not in fish fed with 4t-OP-treated food, we found an enhanced inflammatory reaction manifested by high number of inflammatory peritoneal leukocytes, including phagocytes and higher expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (inos, il-1ß, cxcl8_l2). Furthermore, in the liver, EE2 down-regulated the expression of acute phase proteins: CRPs and C3. Importantly, both in vitro and in vivo, EDCs altered the expression of estrogen receptors: nuclear (erα and erß) and membrane (gpr30). EDCs also induced up-regulation of the cyp19b gene. Our findings reveal that contamination of the aquatic milieu with estrogenic EDCs, may considerably violate the subtle and particular allostatic interactions between the immune response and endogenous estrogens and this may have negative consequences for fish health.

MODERN ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT METHODS FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVE: 75% of men with coronary artery disease confirmed by coronarography have erectile dysfunction in history, while 75% of patients with a vascular etiology of ED have significant stenoses in penile arterial vascularization. Patients with coronary artery disease have shown a relationship between the range of the lesions in the coronary vessels and erectile dysfunction intensity. This paper aims at attempting to systematize the knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks of nonsurgical endovascular treatment methods for erectile dysfunction with confirmed vascular causes. It analyzes seven studies which assess the results of erectile dysfunction treatment with percutaneous angioplasty. It also mentions the limitations of the cited works and formulates relevant conclusions. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The analysis shows that endovascular procedures in erection-related arteries are safe in a specially selected group of men. It is necessary to conduct further studies to define an appropriate group of patients who have a chance of benefiting optimally from the endovascular treatment of erectile dysfunction in a long-term follow-up.

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS IN THE COURSE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system of a chronic nature, most often with periods of exacerbation and remission, mainly affecting people between 20-40 years of age, with a slight prevalence of women. The aim of the study was to collect and analyze materials published in the literature regarding the prevalence and co-occurrence of mental disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis. Current reports show that as many as 75% of patients with this chronic disease experience various mental disorders, and the incidence of mental diseases - including mood disorders and anxiety disorders - is statistically higher than in the general population. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Depending on the literature, depressive symptoms appear in 6.94% -70.1% of patients with MS. Diagnosis of anxiety disorders affects 11.1% of patients, while bipolar disorder affects up to 16.2%. Co-occurrence of MS with schizophrenia is estimated at 1.28%. The incidence of other psychoses is 2-4% in patients with MS. Only in the case of schizophrenia, men with MS are more likely to develop it, while other psychiatric disorders are more common among women. Co-occurrence of mental disorders in the course of multiple sclerosis adversely affects the treatment process and the functioning of patients and their families.

Emotional distress and quality of life in allergic diseases.

Emotional disorders accompany many somatic diseases, especially ones with severe or chronic course, and such are allergic diseases. Long-term course of the disease, the need for chronic treatment and repeated exacerbations as well as symptoms of depression or anxiety have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, constituting a serious burden both from the point of view of the individual and the society. The data evaluating emotional disturbances and their impact on the quality of life in three atopic diseases: bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis and seasonal rhinitis were analysed. Mood disorders as well as mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol abuse are the most common psychiatric disorders observed in patients with bronchial asthma. There are data indicating a relationship between the occurrence of allergic rhinitis and mood disorders, anxiety disorders and suicidal tendencies. Atopic dermatitis is associated with an increased risk of depressive and anxiety disorders and sleep disorders, and in children with more prevalence of behavioral disorders. Most studies highlighted the relationship between emotional disorders and quality of life in the above-mentioned patient groups. In addition to physical ailments, patients suffering from allergic diseases also report emotional problems that can adversely affect the course of the disease, the treatment process, and reduce quality of life. Therefore, these patients require a holistic approach with a more accurate assessment of emotional disorders.

Sexual problems in the patients with psychiatric disorders

Sexual disorders are very common problems in the psychiatric patients. Many factors induce sexual dysfunction, e.g. the effects of antidepressants and antipsychotics. The article reviews literature on sexual disorders in psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders. Bipolar disorder significantly affects the quality of life and increases the risk of sexual dysfunction. In the manic phase there is an increase in libido, which is associated with the risky sexual behavior. Depressive disorders are associated with reduced libido and dissatisfaction with sexual activity. Panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are correlated with less frequent sexual contact. Decreased sexual desire and sexual aversion are strongly associated with anxiety disorders. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia is high among both those treated and untreated. Women suffering from schizophrenia have anorgasmia, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, vaginism, and dyspareunia. Men suffering from schizophrenia as the main complaints give lowering the drive of difficulty in maintaining an erection, delaying orgasm. In patients with eating disorders, libido decreases as well as sexual activity and the level of sexual satisfaction decreases. Satisfaction with sexual life is an important factor affecting the quality of life. Patients rarely deal with problems in sexual life, so questions about this area of life should not be overlooked during a medical interview.

[The sense of coherence in women undergoing coronary arteriography]. / Poczucie koherencji w grupie kobiet poddanych koronarografii.

AIM: The examination referred to two groups of female patients: with and without significant coronary stenoses in coronarography. There were two stages of the examination: before and 6-9 months after coronarography. The factor dividing patients into two groups: without significant atheromatosis and with coronary atheromatosis, was the result of invasive diagnostics of coronary heart disease. METHODS: The sense of coherence scale (SOC-29) and sociodemographic questionnaires were used to evaluate the condition of the two groups. RESULTS: In group of patients with irrelevant coronary stenoses statistically lower values of sense of comprehension were noticed in the first and the second examination and also sta- tistically lower values of sense of manage were observed, comparing to the group of patients with significant stenoses. The initial value of general coherence was comparable in both groups and did not significantly change in 6-9 months after coronarography. The characteristic parameters: lack of social support, intensity of depressiveness and anxiety before getting information about necessity of coronarography and worse education were connected with lower sense of coherence. CONCLUSIONS: The baseline strength of the total sense of coherence was not different between groups. Patients with no significant stenosis of coronary arteries demonstrate a lower sense of comprehensibility before and after the coronary arteriography and lower sense of manageability after the procedure compared to the group of patients with significant atherosclerotic lesions. No social support, tendency for depression and anxiety and lower level of education were associated with lower sense of coherence in both groups.

[Dual diagnosis in psychoactive substance abusing or dependent persons]. / Podwójna diagnoza u osób uzaleznionych lub szkodliwie uzywajacych substancji psychoaktywnych.

BACKGROUND: There has been noticed a systematic growth of using psychoactive substance (SP) in last years. The co-occurrence of mental and physical disorders related to substance abuse of treated patients is more often a serious problem to medical services. Dual diagnosis (DD) is a clinical term referring to co-morbidity or the co-occurrence in the same individual of a psychoactive substance use disorder and another psychiatric disorder. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of dual diagnosis in patients with diagnosis of substance use disorder hospitalized in years 1994-2005, to assess the kind of co-morbid mental disorders and the course of treatment in three groups: patients with DD, with diagnosis of mental disorder without substance use and with diagnosis related to substance use. METHODS: The retrospective study of 4 349 case records of patients hospitalized in the department of psychiatry in years 1994-2005. Out of this number two groups of patients were separated: persons abusing or dependent on SP (n = 825) and patients with dual diagnosis (n = 362). The control group (n = 200) was created among patients with mental disorders and without SP abuse. Socio-demographic factors, number and the length of hospitalizations, aggressive behaviours, suicide attempts, discharges from hospital on demand were analyzed. In the DD group there was an attempt to evaluate the relation between substance use disorders and co-occuring mental disorders performed. RESULTS: The frequency of DD among all patients hospitalized in the studied period of time was 8.3%, whereas among patients abusing SP was 30.5%. This study demonstrates that patients with the DD are statistically longer hospitalized, discharged from hospitals at their own request and more often need treatment in hospitals, statistically more often try to commit suicide and perform aggressive behavior. Mental disorders were substantially often secondary to substance related disorders in the DD group. There was proved that patients mainly abused alcohol and the most frequent mental disorder were mood (affective) disorders.

Mega Cisterna Magna (MCM) in a man with frotteurism symptoms - a case report. / Mega Cisterna Magna (MCM) u mezczyzny z objawami ocieractwa ­ opis przypadku.

Mega cistera magna (MCM) is a brain development abnormality that occurs in 1% of radiographic images. It occurs when the transverse dimension of the cerebellospinal reservoir is greater than 10 mm. It is the most important reservoir in the cranial cavity. From the front it is limited by the extended medulla, from the rear by the dura mater, and from the top by the cerebellum. Isolated anomalies in the structure of this brain region often do not cause any clinical symptoms. However, more and more attention is paid in research on the participation of the cerebellum in the regulation of cognitive and affective processes. These processes, in turn, may also be related to the regulation of sexual life. The aim of the study is to present the psychosexual functioning of a man diagnosed with MCM, who is suspected of having committed five sexual offenses. The existence of such a structure of the CNS in conjunction with the analysis of the interview, data from the case files and the results of sexological, psychological and psychiatric examinations, made it possible to evaluate the limitation of the respondent's ability to direct his conduct during the alleged acts, while maintaining the ability to recognize their significance.

Assessment of knowledge and beliefs concerning mental disorders among medical students - preliminary report. / Ocena postaw wobec osób z zaburzeniami psychicznymi wsród studentów medycyny - doniesienie wstepne.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess attitudes towards people with mental disorders. METHODS: The survey was carried out in a group of 93 students of the fifth year of medical studies (medical faculty) including 59 women and 34 men, aged 24.34 ± 1.28 years. RESULTS: In the conducted research, personal contact with a psychiatrist due to problems with their own mental health was declared by 23% of respondents. The choice of psychiatry as a field of specialization was declared by 19% of students. In the analysis of the questionnaire on beliefs, as many as 83% of respondents considered that mental illness is a cause for shame. Analyzing the attitude of the respondents to treatment, it was shown that as many as 80% of people believed that compulsory hospitalization is a right procedure. It should be emphasized that only 31% of the surveyed students believed that people with mental disorders should decide to have offspring, and 36% of people thought that mentally disturbed people would not be good as parents. As many as 30% of respondents believed that people with mental disorders more often commit crimes than healthy people, and 42% of students showed a lack of determination in this aspect. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the research suggest the necessity of expanding knowledge and shaping appropriate attitudes towards people with mental disorders among future doctors.

The Comparison of the Selected Parameters of Brain Injury and Interleukins in the CSF in Patients Diagnosed De Novo with RRMS Compared to the Control Group.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Due to the different phenotypes of the disease and non-specific symptoms of MS, there is a great need for a validated panel of biomarkers to facilitate the diagnosis, predict disease progression, and evaluate treatment outcomes. METHODS: We determined the levels of the parameters of brain injury (NF-H, GPAF, S100B, and UCHL1) and the selected cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 101 patients diagnosed de novo with RRMS and 75 healthy controls. All determinations were made using the Bio-Plex method. RESULTS: We found higher levels of NF-H and GFAP in the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) group compared to the controls. The concentrations of both molecules were significantly increased in patients with Gd+ lesions on brain MRI. The level of S100B did not differ significantly between the groups. UCHL1 concentrations were higher in the control group. We found some correlations between the selected cytokines, the levels of the parameters of brain injury, and the time from the first symptoms to the diagnosis of MS. CONCLUSIONS: The role of the above molecules in MS is promising. However, further research is warranted to define their precise functions.

[The association of quality of life with mental status and sociodemographic data in schizophrenic patients]. / Ocena wplywu wybranych czynników psychicznych i socjodemograficznych na jakosc zycia pacjentów ze schizofrenia.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the mental status and sociodemographic data as well as their influence on the quality of life in schizophrenic patients. METHODS: SF-36, Soc-29, CDS, PANSS, AIS and sociodemographic questionnaire were given to a cohort of 64 subjects who participated in this study (28 female, 36 male), with age range of 21-58 (Mean 33.4 +/- 10.8). Questionnaires were administered to all patients in partly-remission or remission time. RESULTS: Patients showed significant positive correlation of summary scales of PCS and MCS with SOC and AIS and negative correlation with depression symptoms estimated by CDS. There were no significant differences in MCS and sociodemographic factors. The values of the PCS were negatively associated with the number of hospitalisations, disease duration time and negative syndromes estimated by PANSS-N. CONCLUSIONS: Sense of coherence, acceptance of illness and depressive syndromes influence quality of life.

Psychotic Disorders in the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Uncomplicated Amantadine Treatment?-Case Report.

The mental health impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection is currently the subject of intense research. Mental disorders in the course of coronavirus infection are non-specific. They most often have a sudden onset and short-term course and resolve spontaneously or after the administration of low doses of antipsychotic drugs. At the same time, attempts have been made to develop recommendations for COVID-19 therapy. Single reports suggest the effectiveness of amantadine in the treatment. The mechanism of action of the drug in this case is not known; it is expected that amantadine, by reducing the expression of the cathepsin L gene, may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 replication. In addition, this drug stimulates dopaminergic transmission, which may result in numerous side effects, often of a neuropsychological nature, the most common of which are visual hallucinations. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to unequivocally diagnose the cause of mental disorders among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who took amatatide for off-label treatment. A clear assessment of whether the psychological symptoms in this group of patients are the primary or secondary clinical manifestation of the infection or a complication of amantadine treatment is difficult. In this context, we attempted to describe a case of a patient with psychotic symptoms who was confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and treated with amantadine.

Paralyzed by Fear?-A Case Report in the Context of Narrative Review on Catatonia.

In ICD-11, catatonia is a complex syndrome that includes psychomotor disorders (negativity, catalepsy, wax flexibility, mutism, automatism, mannerisms, or echolalia) and volitional processes affect modulation and action planning, which leads to hypofunctional, hyperfunctional, or parafunctional motor action. This is a very important clue that this state can be associated with both mental and somatic diseases. In order to create a narrative review, authors analyzed the diagnostic criteria of ICD-10 and ICD-11 and searched the PubMed medical base for articles on the diagnosis and different approaches to the treatment of catatonia. The treatment of catatonia is not standardized. It is based on the use of benzodiazepines, GABAa receptor antagonists, NMDA receptor antagonists, D2 receptor antagonist, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The authors also would like to present the case of a patient in whom the diagnosis of catatonia was not so clear according to the diagnostic criteria, emphasizing the importance of the key diagnosis for the patient's recovery. The authors would also like to point out that the topic of catatonia should be of interest not only to psychiatrists, but also to doctors of other specialties, who may encounter cases of catatonia complicating somatic states in hospital wards.

Uncompleted extended suicide - discussion on the boundaries of psychosis based on a case study. / Niedokonane samobójstwo rozszerzone ­ rozwazania na temat granic psychozy na podstawie opisu przypadku.

The article describes the case of a 40-year-old woman who attempted suicide and killed two of her own children and was examined by three teams of forensic psychiatrists and psychologists for the purpose of judiciary. This women was somatically healthy, did not use psychiatric or psychological help. The authors were the third team of experts and, after conducting double psychiatric and psychological examinations and analysis of documents from the case files, which include the course of forensic-psychiatric observation, recognized the symptoms of dependant personality disorders and acute stress reaction, which resulted in a complete loss of the ability to recognize the meaning of the act and to manage proceeding. The paper discusses the diagnostic process as well as the analysis of psychotic disorders in relation to specific clinical diagnoses in accordance with the current classification of mental illnesses and disorders. Attention was paid to the problem of differentiating individual disorders and the way of defining psychotic disorders. The existence of difficulties in drawing the line between psychotic and non-psychotic disorders in the context of forensic psychiatric evaluation is emphasized.

Evaluation of the relationship between some mental state parameters and the quality of life in patients with allergic diseases. / Ocena zwiazku wybranych parametrów stanu psychicznego z jakoscia zycia pacjentów z chorobami alergicznymi.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of thestudy was to assess the relationship between symptoms of depression, the level of sense of coherence (SOC) and the quality of life in patients with allergic diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 50 bronchial asthma patients, 72 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, and 48 patients with atopic dermatitis. The control group consisted of 50 healthy volunteers. The mental status and quality of life were assessed by questionnaires: Short Form-36 Health Status Survey (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Sense of Coherence-29 (SOC-29). RESULTS: Mean depression severity values were higher in allergic rhinitis patients and atopic dermatitis patients than in the control group. Patients in the latter group also showed higher rates of depression than those with bronchial asthma. In all study groups, statistically significantly lower values of sense of coherence were demonstrated compared to healthy subjects. There were no differences in the values of sense of coherence, in comparisons between the study groups. In all patient groups, lower values in physical functioning (PCS) of the quality of life scale were observed compared to the control group. The severity of symptoms of depression in all groups showed negative correlations with quality of life parameters and a sense of coherence. In addition, the SOC value correlated negatively with the parameters of mental functioning (MCS) of the quality of life scale. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Patients with atopic dermatitis showed the greatest severity of depressive symptoms. (2) Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis showed abetter quality of life than patients with chronic bronchial asthma and patients with atopic dermatitis. (3) Low level of sense of coherence in patients suffering from allergic diseases and the occurrence of symptoms of depression can worsen the quality of life.

Sexual disorders in the men treated in a psychiatric ward. / Zaburzenia seksualne u mezczyzn leczonych w oddziale psychiatrycznym.

OBJECTIVES: An attempt to assess the impact of dual diagnosis - mental illness and addiction on the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions, and evaluation of problems with sexual functioning in men treated in a psychiatric ward. METHODS: 140 psychiatrically hospitalized men (mean age 40.4 ± 12.7 years) with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction and double diagnosis (schizophrenia and addiction) took part in the study. The Sexological Questionnaire, developed by Professor Andrzej Kokoszka, and the International Index of Erectile Function IIEF-5 were used in the study. RESULTS: The occurrence of sexual dysfunctions in the study group was reported in 83.6% of patients. The most common was reduction in sexual needs (53.6%) and orgasm delay (40%). Depending on the research tool used, erectile dysfunction appeared in 38.6% of respondents (according to Kokoszka's Questionnaire) and 61.4% of patients (IIEF-5). Severe erectile dysfunction was more common in the group of patients without a partner (12.4% vs. 0; p = 0.000) compared to people in relationships and in the group with anxiety disorders (p = 0.028) compared to groups with other mental disorders. In the group of people with dual diagnosis (DD), sexual dysfunctions were observed more frequently in comparison to patients with schizophrenia (p = 0.034). Treatment lasting over 5 years was more often associated with sexual dysfunctions (p = 0.007). In the DD group, lack of orgasm and excessive sexual needs were more frequent in comparison to people with one diagnosis (p = 0.0145; p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunctions are more common in patients with DD in comparison to patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Lack of a partner and the duration of psychiatric treatment over 5 years is associated with more frequent occurrence of sexual dysfunctions.

Comparative assessment of the relationship between emotional factors and quality of life in a group of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes - preliminary report. / Porównawcza ocena zwiazku czynników emocjonalnych z jakoscia zycia w grupie pacjentów z cukrzyca typu 1 i typu 2 ­ doniesienie wstepne.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between selected parameters of the mental state and the quality of life of patients with diabetes. METHODS: The study included 51 patients with type 1 diabetes and 52 patients with type 2 diabetes. The following scales were used in the study: quality of life SF-36, Acceptance of llness Scale (AIS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). RESULTS: Patients with type 2 diabetes achieved lower values than patients with type 1 diabetes only in the domain of physical functioning of the SF-36 scale (p = 0.001). Assessing the relationship between the studied parameters, it was shown that the duration of the disease was associated with a worse overall health rating (p = 0.036) among patients with type 1 diabetes. However, among patients with type 2 diabetes the duration of the disease correlated negatively with physical functioning (p = 0.002), physical functioning in social roles (p = 0.001) and physical pain (p = 0.047) as well as life satisfaction (p = 0.012) and positively with the results of glycated haemoglobin (p = 0.04). Among patients with type 1 diabetes, the level of depression negatively correlated with the level of acceptance of the disease (p = 0.0009) and life satisfaction (p = 0.006), while the level of anxiety only with the level of acceptance of the disease (p = 0.0004), and a greater severity of anxiety was associated with worse metabolic control (p = 0.02). In the group of patients with type 2 diabetes, the level of anxiety negatively correlated with the level of acceptance of the disease (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the numerous limitations of chronic disease, more attention should be paid to the quality of life and mental state of patients diagnosed with diabetes, and assessment of the above parameters should be included in the therapeutic process.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression and Sense of Coherence in Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting.

BACKGROUND: The sense of coherence is lower in patients with somatic diseases and psychiatric disorders. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intensity of depression and anxiety symptoms and their relationship with the sense of coherence and to try to determine the relationship between the strength of sense of coherence and symptoms of depression and anxiety with the presence of symptoms of carotid atherosclerosis in a group of patients undergoing carotid artery stenting. METHODS: 35 patients, including 13 with symptomatic atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, completed self-report tests: Hospital Scale of Depression and Anxiety (HADS) and the SOC-29 Life Orientation Questionnaire (SOC-29), 22 of whom also rated their subjective feelings of anxiety and depression on a scale included in the author's questionnaire. RESULTS: Both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients did not differ significantly in the severity of depression, but they differed in anxiety levels as assessed by the HADS scale. There were no differences in the overall strength of sense of coherence and its individual components. Nearly 12% of those undergoing carotid artery stenting have pronounced anxiety symptoms, and just over 14% have pronounced depression symptoms. A higher overall sense of coherence and its components are associated with lower severity of depression symptoms. Lower severity of anxiety correlates negatively with a higher sense of understanding, meaningfulness, and holistic Sense of Coherence (SOC). Manageability appeared higher in men. CONCLUSIONS: SOC is an important health-promoting factor that is preferably related to mental health parameters of patients with carotid atherosclerosis.