Interoception moderates the association between alexithymia and anxiety symptoms / La interocepción modera la asociación entre la alexitimia y los síntomas de ansiedad

In 2019, 301 million people were living with an anxiety disorder. Recently, alexithymia and interoception has been considered to play a key role to understand anxiety symptoms. Both constructs are related to each other and together interfere with emotional regulation; however, its relationship has been much debated. A recent two-stage model proposed interoception as a moderator in the relation between alexithymia and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, the aim of the present research was to study how this model could explain the anxiety symptoms. Two hundred forty-one healthy participants completed the General Health Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness. Results verified that interoception moderates the association between alexithymia and anxiety symptoms, showing that, for alexithymia to be positively associated with the magnitude of these symptoms, at least a medium level of interoception is necessary. (AU)

En 2019, se estimaba que 301 millones de personas vivían con un trastorno de ansiedad. Recientemente, se ha considerado que tanto la alexitimia como la interocepción desempeñan un papel clave en la comprensión de los síntomas de ansiedad. Ambos constructos están relacionados entre sí y juntos interfieren en la regulación emocional; sin embargo, su relación ha sido objeto de mucho debate. Recientemente, un nuevo modelo de dos etapas propuso la interocepción como moderador en la relación entre la alexitimia y los síntomas de ansiedad. El objetivo de la presente investigación es estudiar cómo este modelo podría explicar los síntomas de ansiedad. 241 participantes sanos completaron el Cuestionario de Salud General, la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto y la Evaluación Multidimensional de la Conciencia Interoceptiva. Los resultados verificaron que la interocepción modera la asociación entre la alexitimia y los síntomas de ansiedad, mostrando que, para que la alexitimia esté positivamente relacionada con la magnitud de estos síntomas, es necesario al menos un nivel medio de interocepción. (AU)

Consumo de frutas, verduras y salud mental en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud, Lima-Perú / Consumption of fruits, vegetables and mental health in health sciences students, Lima-Peru

Introducción: Los antioxidantes vegetales tienen la capacidad de limpiar el exceso de radicales libres, inhibir la oxidación de los lípidos y reducir la formación de hidroperóxido, lo que podría proteger al organismo del estrés oxidativo.Objetivo: Identificar el consumo de frutas, verduras y su relación con la salud mental en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud.Métodos: Estudio transversal, correlacional, realizado en 510 estudiantes de universidades públicas y privadas de ciencias de la salud. Los datos fueron obtenidos a partir de dos cuestionarios uno de frecuencia de consumo de 23 frutas y 17 verduras y otro fue para medir el nivel de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Se realizó la prueba estadística Chi-cuadrado.Resultados: El 60,4% y el 6,9% presentó un nivel alto y leve de depresión, ansiedad y estrés respectivamente, por otro lado, el sexo femenino presenta mayor depresión, ansiedad y estrés que los varones (p=0,005). Existe asociación entre la salud mental con el consumo de frutas, como la cocona (p=0,029), los arándanos (p=0,005), sandía (p=0,016) y el plátano (p=0,009), así mismo no se encontró relación con el consumo de verduras (p>0,05).Conclusión: Existe un bajo consumo de frutas y verduras en los estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud, sin embargo, las frutas que disminuyen el nivel de depresión, ansiedad y estrés fueron el arándano, cocona, sandía y plátano. Es necesario mejorar e implementar estrategias de difusión para el consumo de frutas y verduras lo cual conlleva a mejorar la salud mental y física.(AU)

Introduction: Plant antioxidants have the ability to scav-enge excess free radicals, inhibit lipid oxidation and reducehydroperoxide formation, which could protect the body fromoxidative stress.Objective: To identify the consumption of fruits, vegeta-bles and their relationship with mental health in health sci-ence students.Methods: Cross-sectional, correlational study, carried out on510 students from public and private universities of health sci-ences. The age of the students was 18 to 35 years old, 73.7%were women and 26.3% men. The questionnaire on the fre-quency of consumption of fruits and vegetables was validated by expert judgment that includes 23 fruits and 17 vegetablesand to measure the level of mental health the questionnaireconsists of 21 items that consider depression, anxiety and stresswhich was validated by Colchado et al. The association of thevariables was analyzed through the Chi-square statistical test.Results: 60.4% and 6.9% presented a high and mild levelof depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Females pres-ent greater depression, anxiety and stress than males(p=0.005). There is an association between mental healthand the consumption of cocona (p=0.029), blueberries(p=0.005), watermelon (p=0.016) and banana (p=0.009). Noassociation was found with vegetable consumption (p>0.05).Conclusion: There is a low consumption of fruits and veg-etables in Health Sciences students, however, those who ob-tained a mild level of depression consumed more fruits suchas blueberry, coconut, watermelon and banana. It is neces-sary to implement dissemination strategies for the daily con-sumption of fruits and vegetables which leads to improve ormaintain physical and mental health.(AU)

Navigating the intersection of psychiatry and ophthalmology: A comprehensive review of depression and anxiety management in glaucoma patients.

Glaucoma, a prevalent and debilitating eye disease, has long been associated with vision impairment and blindness. However, recent research has shed light on the often-underestimated psychological dimensions of this condition. Anxiety and depression, two pervasive psychiatric comorbidities, have been increasingly recognized among glaucoma patients. This comprehensive review aims to explore the intricate relationship between psychiatry and ophthalmology, in the context of managing depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients. By meticulously examining peer-reviewed literature, we synthesize current knowledge on the prevalence, risk factors, and underlying mechanisms of anxiety and depression in glaucoma. The evidence reveals that glaucoma patients face an elevated risk of experiencing these mood disorders. Factors such as progressive vision loss, complex medication regimens, and the fear of further visual deterioration contribute to their vulnerability. Moreover, we delve into the bidirectional relationship between glaucoma and mood disorders, shedding light on the complex interplay between ocular and emotional health. Our review investigates the implications of anxiety and depression on glaucoma management, including their potential impact on treatment adherence, disease progression, and overall quality of life. We also explore the neurobiological pathways linking glaucoma and mood disorders, providing a foundation for future research and potential therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, recognizing the psychological burden carried by glaucoma patients is essential for holistic and patient-centered care. This review underscores the pressing need for integrated approaches that bring together ophthalmological and psychiatric expertise to optimize the well-being of individuals facing the challenges of glaucoma. By addressing anxiety and depression in glaucoma care, healthcare providers can enhance the overall quality of life for these patients, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and a brighter future for those affected by this condition. This review offers valuable insight for healthcare practitioners and researchers, providing a concise overview of key topics and research in the field of managing depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients.

The Effects of Massage Therapy in Decreasing Pain and Anxiety in Post-Surgical Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Massage therapy is an effective non-pharmacological intervention in treating pain and anxiety of patients with cancer. Prior studies have reviewed the benefits of massage therapy in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and other patient-specific cancer treatments. What has yet to be examined is the effects of massage therapy on the pain and anxiety of patients with breast cancer after surgery. Objective: : The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effect of massage therapy on post-surgical pain and anxiety in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Systematic searches were performed using databases PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline (EBSCO), with no date constraint through September 30, 2023, to identify randomized control trials, randomized pilot, and quasi-experimental studies. The database searches retrieved 1205 titles, and after screening, 7 studies were chosen for full analysis using Cohen's d, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and effect size. The heterogeneity of the studies was calculated in the meta-analysis using Cochran's Q equation. Results: Massage therapy techniques reported were massage therapy, classic massage, reflexology, myofascial release, and myofascial therapy, and were performed at day 0 up to 16 weeks post-surgery. Massage therapy decreased pain and anxiety for patients in the massage group. Analyses showed a positive effect size using massage therapy as an intervention for pain and anxiety in women with breast cancer post-surgery. Overall effect size for pain was 1.057 with a P-value of <.0001, and overall effect size for anxiety was .673 with a P-value of <.0001. Conclusion: The current evidence in this study reflects that massage therapy is effective as a non-pharmacological tool in decreasing post-surgical pain and anxiety in women with breast cancer.

A study on the impact of systematic desensitization training on competitive anxiety among Latin dance athletes.

Objective: In the domain of competitive events, Latin dance athletes have always suffered competitive anxiety, which is a prevalent and prevailing psychological facet, in pre-, intra-, and post-competitive engagements. Usually, the implementation of systematic desensitization training is an efficacious approach to reduce competitive anxiety levels in routine sports to fortify psychological resilience of athletes (like swimming, volleyball, and basketball). This study focuses on the effect of systematic desensitization training on competition anxiety in the training of Latin dancers to establish good mental ability and promote the competitive ability of athletes. Methodology: The "Sports Competition Anxiety Test Questionnaire" was used to evaluate and classify the competitive anxiety levels of 150 Latin dance athletes. Then, the top 48 participants were selected (24 in the intervention cohort and 24 in the non-intervention cohort) as the study participants after stratifying anxiety score levels from the highest to the lowest. The intervention group was treated with an 8-week psychological intervention by employing systematic desensitization training techniques (encompassing imagery desensitization and in vivo desensitization). The anxiety levels of the subjects were quantified by employing the "Sport Competition Trait Anxiety Inventory" (CCTAI-C) and the "Competitive State Anxiety Inventory" (CSAI-2) to scrutinize the efficacy of systematic desensitization training in regulating competitive anxiety levels among Latin dance athletes. Results: After applying systematic desensitization training, the intervention group displayed a notable reduction in sport cognitive trait anxiety. Specifically, there was a decrease of 29.37% in social evaluation anxiety, 20.31% in competition preparation anxiety, 16.98% in performance anxiety, 25.16% in failure anxiety, 34.47% in opponent's ability anxiety, and 25.16% in injury anxiety. Moreover, for competitive state anxiety, cognitive state anxiety and somatic state anxiety decreased by 39.19 and 21.43%. The state self-confidence increased by 14.42%. Conclusion: The result indicated that systematic desensitization training not only mitigates anxiety but also positively intervenes in sports-related anxiety. Moreover, systematic desensitization training can significantly diminish competitive anxiety among Latin dance athletes to bolster confidence during competitions. Integrating desensitization training into the regular regimen of Latin dance practice has the potential to fortify dancers' psychological resilience against anxiety.

Research status and trends of physical activity on depression or anxiety: a bibliometric analysis.

Background: Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental disorders. As modern society continues to face mounting pressures, the incidence of anxiety and depression is on the rise. In recent years, there has been an increasing breadth of research exploring the relationship between anxiety, depression, and physical activity (PA). However, the current research progress and future development trends are unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the research hotspots and development trends in this field, and to provide guidance for future studies and to provide some reference for clinicians. Methods: We searched the relevant literature of Web of Science Core Collection from the establishment of the database to August 15, 2023. CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Bibliometrix Packages based on the R language were used to analyze the number of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, references, and keywords. Results: A total of 1,591 studies were included in the analysis, and the research in the field of PA on anxiety or depression has consistently expanded. The USA (304 publications), Harvard University (93 publications), and the journal of affective disorders (97 publications) were the countries, institutions, and journals that published the highest number of articles, respectively. According to the keywords, students and pregnant women, adult neurogenesis, and Tai Chi were the groups of concern, physiological and pathological mechanisms, and the type of PA of interest, respectively. Conclusion: The study of PA on anxiety or depression is experiencing ongoing expansion. Clinicians can consider advising patients to take mind-body exercise to improve mood. In addition, future researchers can explore the mind-body exercise and its impact on anxiety or depression, PA and anxiety or depression in specific populations, and adult neurogenesis of various exercise in anxiety or depression.

Motor behavior induced by bergamot essential oil in experimental tasks is differentially modulated by pretreatment with metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 or 5 antagonists.

Bergamot essential oil shows anxiolytic-relaxant effects devoid of sedative action and motor impairment typical of benzodiazepines. Considering the potential for clinical of these effects, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms of the phytocomplex. Modulation of glutamate group I and II metabotropic receptors is involved in stress and anxiety disorders, in cognition and emotions and increases locomotor activity and wakefulness. Interestingly, early data indicate that bergamot essential oil modulates glutamatergic transmission in specific manifestations of the central nervous system. The aim of this work is to investigate if selective antagonists of metabotropic glutamate 2/3 and 5 receptors affect behavioral parameters modulated by the phytocomplex. Male Wistar rats were used to measure behavioral parameters to correlate anxiety and motor activity using elevated plus maze (EPM), open field (OF), and rotarod tasks. Bergamot essential oil increases in EPM the time spent in open/closed arms and reduces total number of entries. The essential oil also increases immobility in EPM and OF and not affect motor coordination in rotarod. Pretreatment with the metabotropic glutamate antagonists does not affect the time spent in open/close arms, however, differently affects motor behavior measured after administration of phytocomplex. Particularly, glutamate 2/3 antagonist reverts immobility and glutamate 5 antagonist potentiates this parameter induced by the phytocomplex. Our data show that modulation of both metabotropic glutamate receptors is likely involved in some of behavioral effects of bergamot essential oil.

The effect of Tai Chi/Qigong on depression and anxiety symptoms in adults with Cancer: A systematic review and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: We expand on prior systematic reviews of Tai chi/Qigong (TCQ) practice on depression or anxiety symptoms in adults with cancer to estimate the mean effect of TCQ on depression and anxiety in randomized controlled trials. Additionally, we perform moderator analysis to examine whether effects vary based on patient features, TCQ stimuli properties, or characteristics of research design. METHODS: Guided by PRISMA guidelines, we located articles published before August 31, 2023 using a combination of electronic database search and a complementary manual search through reference lists of articles and published reviews. Two separate multilevel meta-analyses with random-effects model were employed to estimate the overall effect of TCQ on depression and anxiety respectively. Further, multilevel meta-regression analysis was utilized to examine moderating effects based on moderators derived from patient features, TCQ stimuli properties, or characteristics associated with research design. Meta-analyses were performed in R4.0.0 and certainty of evidence with GRADEpro software. RESULTS: The TCQ intervention yielded a standardized mean effect size of 0.29 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.40) for anxiety, indicating homogeneity among the included studies. Conversely, for depression, the standardized mean effect size was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.55), signifying heterogeneity: reductions were larger when the trial primary outcome, predominantly function-related outcomes, changed significantly between the TCQ and control group. CONCLUSIONS: TCQ practice exhibits small-to-moderate efficacy in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms among cancer patients and survivors. Moreover, patients with depressive symptoms for whom TCQ intervention coupled with improvements in function-related outcomes manifested greater antidepressant effect.

Gender Disparities in Psychological Disturbances and Quality of Life Among Adolescent and Adult Patients with Thalassemia: A Review.

Thalassemia is a chronic disease caused by impaired globin chain synthesis, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis, and chronic anemia. The treatment of patients with thalassemia, including blood transfusion combined with chelation therapy has progressed and improved their survival and prognosis. However, thalassemia-related psychological problems and impaired health-related quality of life (QoL) challenges still exist. Gender is one of the factors that has been suggested, to contribute to the disparities in psychological outcomes. This review article examined the evidence for gender differences in psychological disturbances and QoL in adolescent and adult patients with thalassemia. A non-systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for English full-text available from 2013 to 2023. We identified 23 studies with a sample size ≥ 100 that examined gender disparities in anxiety, depression, and QoL in adolescent and adult patients with thalassemia (mean prevalence of female = 53.1%; mean age = 28 years). Our review shows that there are gender disparities in psychological distress and QoL in adolescent and adult patients with thalassemia. Statistically significant gender differences were demonstrated in 62% of the psychological and QoL outcomes from 16 studies. Female patients had a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and poorer QoL in some studies. However, further studies with sufficient power and design are necessary to confirm the existence of gender disparities in psychological disturbances and QoL outcomes.

[Pelotherapy and pelotherapy combined with intravenous laser blood irradiation at the sanatorium-resort stage of treatment of patients with psoriasis vulgaris]. / Peloidoterapiya i peloidoterapiya v sochetanii s vnutrivennym lazernym osvechivaniem krovi na sanatorno-kurortnom etape lecheniya bol'nykh vul'garnym psoriazom.

Search of new rational ways to increase the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation measures for patients with psoriasis vulgaris continues to be one of the urgent problems in modern clinical dermatology. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a comparative analysis of the impact of different variants of sanatorium-resort treatment (SRT) - pelotherapy and pelotherapy in combination with intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI) - on the level of IL-17 and TNF-a, dermatological status, psychoemotional state and quality of life (QL) assessment of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A naturalistic comparative study included 120 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, who were undergoing SRT: 57 patients in the pelotherapy group and 63 in the group of pelotherapy in combination with ILBI. The SRT effectiveness was assessed using the PASI index, the HARS and HDRS scales and the DLQI questionnaire. The dynamics of IL-17 and TNF-a plasma levels in blood plasma was studied. The study duration was 6 months 14 days. RESULTS: After 14 days of SRT, a decrease in IL-17 and TNF-a levels in blood plasma was statistically significant both in the pelotherapy group and in the group of pelotherapy in combination with ILBI, no statistically significant differences between the groups were found. Furthermore, the comprehensive use of pelotherapy in combination with ILBI has contributed to a more pronounced statistically significant decrease in the PASI index, the HARS and HDRS scales' total scores and an increase in the level of QL. The number of patients with clinical remission was statistically higher in the group of pelotherapy combined with ILBI compared to the pelotherapy group (87.3% versus 42.1%) six months after SRT. CONCLUSION: The advantage of comprehensive application of pelotherapy and ILBI in comparison with pelotherapy in patients with psoriasis vulgaris in SRT has been shown. The comprehensive application of pelotherapy and ILBI reduces the level of inflammatory biomarkers, improves dermatological and psychoemotional status, improves QL and is well tolerated by patients.

The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review.

Ayahuasca is an original Amazonian brew made from the vines and leaves of Psychotroa viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Both P. viridis and B. caapi give this brew its unique psychedelic properties which have been revered over centuries. In recent years, ayahuasca has gained attention as a potential therapeutic tool for mental health disorders, including substance abuse and depression. The uniqueness of ayahuasca's therapeutic potential is that it is an amalgamation of its biochemical makeup and the ritual guided by a shaman, along with the interpretation of the participant of their experience. The boom of "ayahuasca tourism" has brought forth testimonies of feeling "cured" of depression, and substance abuse and an improvement in overall well-being. This systematic literature review focuses on summarizing the recently available research on the effectiveness of ayahuasca as a treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also focuses on understanding the effects it has on personality traits that play a significant role in the manifestation of the above-listed mental health conditions effects. Additionally, the review investigates the importance and role the ritual itself plays, often described as the "mystical experience". This systematic literature review aims to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the use of ayahuasca for numerous mental health conditions by analyzing medical research papers published no earlier than September 2017 to no later than May 2023 from Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 43 articles met the criteria and were used for detailed analysis. This review will synthesize the findings of the studies, examining the potential therapeutic effects of ayahuasca on multiple mental health disorders, the significance of the "mystical experience," and the mechanisms of action underlying its effects. Through the review, ayahuasca proves to be a worthwhile therapeutic tool that if used in the right setting influences mind, body, and spirit. It is important to note that most studies used in this article relied on surveys and self-reporting proving to be a limitation as no clear standard has been achieved to test the efficacy of ayahuasca. The respect for the culture and origin needs to be retained as Western medicine dwells deeper into ayahuasca's benefits.

Acupressure: a possible therapeutic strategy for anxiety related to COVID-19: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: From the end of 2019 to December 2023, the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. The scope and ultimate repercussions of the pandemic on global health and well-being remained uncertain, ushering in a wave of fear, anxiety, and worry. This resulted in many individuals succumbing to fear and despair. Acupoint massage emerged as a safe and effective alternative therapy for anxiety relief. However, its efficacy was yet to be extensively backed by evidence-based medicine. This study aimed to enhance the clinical effectiveness of acupoint massage and extend its benefits to a wider population. It undertakes a systematic review of the existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of acupoint massage on anxiety treatment, discussing its potential benefits and implications. This research aims to furnish robust evidence supporting anxiety treatment strategies for patients afflicted with COVID-19 disease and spark new approaches to anxiety management. Objectives: This study evaluates the evidence derived from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quantifies the impact of acupressure on anxiety manifestations within the general population, and proposes viable supplementary intervention strategies for managing COVID-19 related anxiety. Materials and methods: This review included RCTs published between February 2014 and July 2023, that compared the effects of acupressure with sham control in alleviating anxiety symptomatology as the outcome measure. The studies were sourced from the multiple databases, including CINAHL, EBM Reviews, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was performed on the eligible studies, and an overall effect size was computed specifically for the anxiety outcome. The Cochrane Collaboration Bias Risk Assessment Tool (RevMan V5.4) was employed to assess bias risk, data integration, meta-analysis, and subgroup analysis. The mean difference, standard mean deviation, and binary data were used to represent continuous outcomes. Results: Of 1,110 studies of potential relevance, 39 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The majority of the studies reported a positive effect of acupressure in assuaging anticipatory anxiety about treatment. Eighteen studies were evaluated using the STAI scale. The acupressure procedures were thoroughly documented, and studies exhibited a low risk of bias. The cumulative results of the 18 trials showcased a more substantial reduction in anxiety in the acupressure group compared to controls (SMD = -5.39, 95% CI -5.61 to -5.17, p < 0.01). A subsequent subgroup analysis, based on different interventions in the control group, demonstrated improvement in anxiety levels with sham acupressure in improving changes in anxiety levels (SMD -1.61, 95% CI: -2.34 to -0.87, p < 0.0001), and blank controls (SMD -0.92, 95% CI: -2.37 to 0.53, p = 0.22). Conclusion: In the clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of anxiety, acupressure demonstrated effectiveness in providing instant relief from anxiety related to multiple diseases with a medium effect size. Considering the increasing incidence of anxiety caused by long COVID, the widespread application of acupressure appears feasible. However, the results were inconsistent regarding improvements on physiological indicators, calling for more stringent reporting procedures, including allocation concealment, to solidify the findings.

The Investigation of Death Anxiety and Spiritual Well-Being Levels of Family Members of Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the death anxiety (DA) and spiritual well-being (SWB) levels of first-degree family members of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: The data of this descriptive correlational type of study were collected through a faceto-face interview and survey with 308 family members who came to visit family members treated in the ICU of a public hospital in the western province of Turkey. Results were analyzed with SPSS software version 22. Results: The average Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) score of the family members is 7.99 (3.15), which is above the middle value (min/max; 0-15), and the average Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) score is 121.83 (12.91), which is relatively high (min/max; 29-145). A positive, weak, and significant correlation existed between DAS and SWBS mean scores (r=0.20; P<0.05). Conclusion: As a result, the DA levels of family members increase with the thought of losing their patients in the ICU. During this period, family members of patients need spirituality more than ever to cope with increasing DA. In this study, a positive and significant correlation was found between the DA levels and SWB levels of the family members. According to this result, as family members' DA increases, their spiritual needs also increase.

Analysis of acupoint massage combined with touch on relieving anxiety and pain in patients with oral implant surgery.

BACKGROUND: Oral implant surgery is an effective procedure for artificial implants in missing tooth areas under local anesthesia. Because patients under local anesthesia are conscious during this procedure, compared with general anesthesia-related operations, they are more likely to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety and tension. These emotional reactions result in shivering and chills in the limbs, leading to poor doctor-patient cooperation and even avoidance of treatment. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that acupoint massage regulates blood and Qi, dredge menstruation, and relieve pain, which is beneficial for patients' emotional adjustment; however, there are few related clinical studies. AIM: To observe the changes in anxiety and pain in patients with oral implant after acupoint massage combined with touch therapy. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing oral implantation in our hospital between May 2020 and May 2023 were randomly divided into control and study groups, according to a random number table, with 50 patients in each group. The control group received routine intervention, and the study group received acupoint massage combined with touch on the basis of the control group. Anxiety [assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS)], pain severity, blood pressure, heart rate, and satisfaction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Before intervention, the difference in MDAS score between the two groups was not significant (P > 0.05), while after the intervention, the MDAS scores decreased in both groups compared with those before the intervention (P < 0.05); the MDAS score of the study group was lower than that of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The degree of pain in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressures or heart rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). The systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate in the intervention group, during and after the intervention, were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The total degree of satisfaction in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint massage combined with touch better relieves anxiety and pain in patients undergoing dental implant surgery, improving the perioperative comfort of these patients and ensuring safety and a smooth operation.

A Single-Session Process-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Combined with Multimodal Rehabilitation Treatment for Chronic Pain Associated with Emotional Disorders.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Defined by chronic pain, rheumatic diseases are often co-occurring with anxiety and depression. Among the available psychological interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapies have an already-proven efficiency in these cases. However, the need to adjust their structure became ubiquitous during the post-pandemic period. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a single-session, process-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for patients with rheumatic conditions within an in-patient setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 participants (mean age 58.9 years) completed the single-session intervention. Assessments were conducted prior to the intervention, post-intervention and after one month. RESULTS: Pearson's correlations, paired samples T tests and a covariance analysis based on the Linear Mixed Model were performed for exploring the relations between baseline variables and evaluating the impact of the SSI intervention. Immediately after the intervention, a significant reduction in cognitive fusion (p = 0.001, d = 1.78), experiential avoidance (p = 0.001, d = 1.4) and dysfunctional behavioral processes was observed. At the one-month evaluation, participants reported decreased pain (p = 0.001, d = 1.11), anxiety (p = 0.004, d = 0.55) and depression (p = 0.001, d = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: The single-session, process-based approach represents a promising intervention in healthcare contexts, as an integrative part of a multimodal rehabilitation treatment in patients with rheumatic conditions.

Coping with test anxiety using imagery rescripting: A two-session randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Up to 55 % of students experience test anxiety (TA), which is characterized by intense physiological and psychological symptoms before or during exams, such as anxiety, fear of failure, sweating, or increased heart rate. Furthermore, TA increases graduation times and can result in discontinuance of the graduate program all together. Previous research demonstrated the beneficial effects of combining cognitive behavioral therapy with imagery rescripting, however, treatment programs are comparably long. Hence, they do not account for the students´ time-sensitive schedules. Therefore, the present study investigates a two-session short-intervention using imagery rescripting to treat TA. METHODS: 44 students and pupils were randomly assigned to either the two-session imagery rescripting intervention (22 participants) or the waitlist-control condition (22 participants). One week before the intervention clinical interviews were conducted and self-report questionnaires on TA, self-efficacy, symptoms of depression, and intrusive prospective images were completed (T1). The same questionnaires were completed one week (T2) and six months after the intervention (T3). RESULTS: Test anxiety significantly decreased from T1 to T2, as well as from T1 to T3 within the intervention group. Furthermore, there were medium to large within and between group effects for situational test anxiety, self-efficacy, symptoms of depression, as well as prospective intrusive images, showing significant improvements for the intervention group at six months follow-up. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited to the comparably small sample size, as well as the sole usage of self-report measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The presented short-intervention provides a feasible treatment technique, which can be easily applied within school and university counseling centers.

Basic processes and clinical applications of mental imagery in worry: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesise existing research on the phenomenology of mental imagery among high worriers compared to healthy individuals, and to characterise the nature and effectiveness of existing imagery-related interventions in treatment of worry. METHODS: PsycInfo, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Medline, Medline Epub, and PubMed were searched for studies examining the relationship between worry/GAD and mental imagery, or interventions using imagery in treatment of worry/GAD. We assessed study quality and used qualitative narrative synthesis to comprehensively map study results. RESULTS: The search yielded 2589 abstracts that were assessed for eligibility independently by two authors. From this, 183 full texts were screened and 50 qualitatively synthesised. Twenty-seven reported an association between worry/GAD and an aspect of mental imagery. Here, overactive negative and worry imagery, and diminished positive future imagining, were associated with worry/GAD. Twenty-three studies reported an intervention. This literature suggested mixed findings regarding efficacy, including for imaginal exposure as an independent technique for GAD. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support dysfunctional negative imagining and diminished positive prospective imagery in GAD. General imagining abilities remain intact, which is promising for efforts to utilise imagery in treatment. Further research is warranted to develop innovative clinical applications of imagery in treatment of GAD.

Longitudinal Examination of the Relationship Between Virtual Companionship and Social Anxiety: Emotional Expression as a Mediator and Mindfulness as a Moderator.

Purpose: As the interweaving of human interaction and Artificial Intelligence (AI) intensifies, understanding the psychological impact, especially regarding social anxiety, of engaging with AI-driven virtual companionship becomes crucial. While a substantial body of research on social anxiety has concentrated on interactions between individuals, both online and offline, there is a noticeable deficit in explorations concerning how human-computer interactions influence social anxiety. This study offers a comprehensive, longitudinal examination of this underinvestigated relationship, intricately dissecting the roles of emotional expression and mindfulness within the context of AI-based interactions. Methods: We use social support theory and emotion regulation theory as our theoretical foundation. Data were collected from 618 undergraduate students in Eastern China over two intervals (May 15, 2023 and September 15, 2023). We utilized SPSS 26.0 to conduct descriptive statistics, while AMOS 25.0 facilitated multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the cross-lagged panel modeling. Results: Our findings indicate that as the frequency of virtual companionship use increases, there's a decline in online social anxiety but a rise in offline social anxiety. Emotional expression emerges as a significant mediator, with heightened emotional expression leading to reduced social anxiety in both contexts. Mindfulness serves as a potent moderator, suggesting its protective role against the potential pitfalls of frequent virtual interactions. Conclusion: This research not only deepens our theoretical understanding of the dynamics between virtual interactions and social anxiety but also serves as a cornerstone for future endeavors aimed at optimizing AI and devising therapeutic interventions tailored for the digital generation.

N-acetyl Cysteine Supplementation to Alleviate Skin Picking Disorder: A Case Report.

There are body-focused repetitive behaviors, such as skin picking, trichotillomania, or nail biting, for which therapeutic interventions are available and can be tried, but unfortunately, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for them. These disorders can cause functional impairment, disrupt activities of daily living, and be burdensome for both the patients and their loved ones. This case report will discuss an over-the-counter vitamin supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), that can be used safely but is often overlooked.