Greater within- and between-day instability is associated with worse anxiety and depression symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, and their prevalence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as social schedules were disrupted. This study explores the associations between anxiety and depression and within- and between-day instability of affective, somatic, and cognitive symptoms during the early pandemic stages. METHODS: Participants (n = 153, ages 18-77, 72 % female) reported daily levels of affective (anxiety/sadness), somatic (appetite/sleepiness), and cognitive (concentration/energy) symptoms for 14-44 days at five timepoints: 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h after awakening. At the end of the study, participants completed validated scales for anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9). Symptom instability was assessed using the Absolute Real Variability (ARV) index. Regression models examined within-day instability (WD-I) and between-day instability (BD-I) with GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores as outcomes. RESULTS: Greater instability (both WD-I and BD-I) of affective symptoms correlated with elevated GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. For somatic and cognitive symptoms, greater BD-I was associated with higher scores. LIMITATIONS: The study used retrospective daily data, which could benefit from real-time assessments for improved accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides empirical evidence of a connection between greater anxiety and depression severity and increased instability in daily mood and physiological symptoms. The findings underscore the importance of consistent symptom monitoring to understand overall mental health trajectories. Additionally, it highlights the role of daily routines in stabilizing the circadian system, potentially regulating physiological and psychological processes and reducing symptom instability.

Effects of three prophylactic interventions on French middle-schoolers' mental health: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Adolescence is a strategic developmental stage in terms of preventing later difficulties and ensuring good mental health. Prophylactic interventions, which are conducted before the onset, prolongation, or worsening of difficulties, and aim to prevent or reduce symptoms or to promote wellbeing, therefore appear particularly appropriate for adolescents. However, existing prophylactic interventions conducted with adolescents have several weaknesses, including sparse theoretical frameworks, ambivalent evidence of their efficacy, and implementation and dissemination difficulties. In addition, no data are currently available on the effectiveness of such interventions in France. To fill this gap, a four-arm randomized controlled trial will be performed to assess the effectiveness of three prophylactic interventions targeting reactive, proactive and interpersonal adaptation in fourth-grade middle-school students, together with participants' experience and perception of the interventions. Based on existing knowledge about adolescents, their learning mechanisms, and field constraints, these three interventions have been designed to promote their learning and receptiveness to interventions. Compared with baseline (i.e., before the intervention), we expect to observe a significant decrease in the level of distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms, functional impairment, and psychosocial difficulties) and a significant increase in the level of wellbeing after the intervention, across the three intervention groups, but not in the control group. In addition, we expect to observe post-intervention improvements in the processes targeted by the reactive adaptation intervention (operationalized as coping strategy use and flexibility), those targeted by the proactive adaptation intervention (operationalized as the tendency to engage in committed actions and general self-efficacy), and those targeted by the interpersonal adaptation intervention (operationalized as assertiveness in interactions), but only in the corresponding groups, with no change in any of these processes in the control group. The results of this research will not only enrich our knowledge of the processes involved in adolescents' distress and wellbeing, but also provide clues as to the best targets for intervention. Moreover, the material for these interventions will be freely available in French on request to the corresponding author, providing access to innovative and fully assessed interventions aimed at promoting adolescents' mental health in France.This clinical trial is currently being registered under no. 2023-A01973-42 on https://ansm.sante.fr/ . This is the first version of the protocol.

Mental Health of Mothers with Malnourished Children in Nepal: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal mental health may influence the nutritional status of their children. It was intended to assess the mental health status of the mothers of children admitted to a nutrition rehabilitation center. We specifically explored the relationship between maternal mental health and malnutrition of the child; to observe any change of maternal depressive/anxiety symptoms and weight gain in the child following admission. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, malnutrition of children was assessed based on weight for height z scores using the WHO Anthro-Survey-Analyser. We evaluated anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and depression by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Demographic and clinical variables were collected. RESULTS: The degree of malnutrition of the children at admission and discharge was: mild (3.6% v 31.7%), moderate (37.7% v 26.3%), severe (58.7% v 8.4%), and no malnutrition (0.0% v 33.5%) (p<0.001). At admission, 12% of mothers had anxiety, depression, or both, which decreased to 3.0% at the time of discharge. There was no difference in malnutrition scores among children of mothers with or without anxiety/depression at admission or discharge, except that children of depressed mothers continued to have significantly greater levels of malnutrition at discharge compared with the mothers without depression. Maternal anxiety or depression was not associated with the severity of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: A proportion of mothers of children with malnutrition had clinical anxiety and depression; and maternal mental health concerns, especially depression may influence the nutrition of children. It is imperative to explore maternal mental health routinely for malnourished children.

Post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety during the 2021 Myanmar conflict: a nationwide population-based survey.

Background: The UN warns that Myanmar faces the 'triple crises' of mass conflict, uncontrolled COVID-19, and economic collapse. Therefore, we aimed to assess the population mental health burden, healthcare needs, and the associated risk factors in Myanmar. Methods: We established a nationwide random sample and recruited 1038 adults via random digit dialling from July 3-Aug 9, 2021, during the ongoing conflict since Feb 1, 2021, and surge in SARS-CoV-2 infections. Probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was assessed using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. Probable depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2. We calculated population attributable fractions for probable mental disorders using multivariable logistic regression models. Based on the mental health burden and healthcare-seeking patterns, we projected the need for mental health services. Findings: During the 'triple crises', a third of adults in Myanmar (34.9%, 95% CI 32.0-37.7) reported a probable mental disorder. Prevalence of probable PTSD, depression, and anxiety were 8.1% (6.6-9.7), 14.3% (12.0-16.6), and 22.2% (19.7-24.7), respectively. We estimated that up to 79.9% (43.8-97.9) of probable PTSD was attributable to political stress. This corresponds to 2.1 million (1.1-3.2 million) fewer adults with probable PTSD if political stress was removed from the population. The mental health burden could translate into roughly 5.9 million adults seeking mental health services. Interpretation: The mental health burden in Myanmar is substantial, and population mental health might only be restored when the three crises have ended. An accelerated peace process is critical to protecting Myanmar's population mental health. Funding: This research was supported the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project No. HKU 17606122) and the Michele Tansella Award.

Effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders within routine clinical care in rural Sweden.

Few studies have evaluated the implementation of ICBT in regular child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). This study aimed to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of ICBT for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) within a rural CAMHS. The study also explored outcome predictors and long-term outcomes. Eighty-three participants were consecutively recruited from a non-specialized CAMHS in Region Jämtland Härjedalen in northern Sweden. Therapist-guided ICBT was offered during 12 weeks to children aged 8-17 with an anxiety disorder or OCD. Acceptability and feasibility measures included treatment adherence, treatment satisfaction, and adverse events. The primary outcome measure was the Clinical Global Impression-Severity. Secondary measures of effectiveness included clinician-, self-, and parent-ratings of symptom severity and functional impairment. Assessments were completed at baseline, post-treatment, and three-month follow-up (primary endpoint). A two-year follow up was conducted using medical records. Potential predictors included both patient characteristics and treatment variables. Results indicated that ICBT was both acceptable and feasible according to study measures. Statistically significant improvements were found from baseline to the three-month follow-up on clinician rated severity (B [SE] = -0.92 [0.09]; p < .001), as well as on all secondary measures. Forty-three percent of participants no longer fulfilled criteria for their principal disorder at the three-month follow-up. No serious adverse events were reported. Clinical improvement was highest among children with higher functioning at baseline (B [SE] = -0.05 [0.02]; p < .05). Forty-six percent of participants had been in contact with CAMHS during the two-year follow-up period, mainly for reasons other than their initial diagnosis. Findings suggest that ICBT could be an acceptable and feasible treatment option for young people with anxiety disorders and OCD in rural non-specialized CAMHS settings. Further studies are needed to confirm treatment effectiveness in this setting. Trial registration: NCT02926365.

Risk factors for severe dysmenorrhea in Arab women: A focus on war displacement and mental health outcomes.

Background: Dysmenorrhea is wide spread gynecological disorder among that affect the quality of life of women world wide. The current study aims to examine whether war displacement, mental health symptoms, and other clinical factors are associated with dysmenorrhea severity. Methods: This is a cross-sectional case-control study recruiting two groups: displaced Syrian women and un-displaced local Jordanian women. Demographics and clinical details were recorded. The severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed using WaLIDD scale, the PHQ-9 scale was emplyed to assess depressive symptoms, anxiety was assessed using the GAD-7 scale, and insomnia was assessed using the ISI-A scale. Predictors of severe dysmenorrhea in females using multivariate binary logistic regression. Results: Out of 808 of the total participants, 396 (49%) were Syrian displaced war refugees, 424 (42.5%) reported using paracetamol, 232 (23.2%) were using NSAIDs, and 257 (25.9%) using herbal remedies. Severe dysmenorrhea was associated with war displacement (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.49-3.08, p < 0.001), not using NSAIDs (OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.91-3.95, p < 0.001), not using herbal remedies (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.13-3.60, p = 0.01), depression (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.40-3.29, p < 0.001), and insomnia (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.14-2.42, p = 0.009). Conclusions: War displacement, type of analgesic, depression, and insomnia are risk factors for severe dysmenorrhea.

Longitudinal Problematic Social Media Use in Students and Its Association with Negative Mental Health Outcomes.

Purpose: Social media has become increasingly part of our everyday lives and is influential in shaping the habits, sociability, and mental health of individuals, particularly among students. This study aimed to examine the relationship between changes over time in problematic social media use and mental health outcomes in students. We also investigated whether resilience and loneliness moderated the relationship between social media use and mental health. Patients and Methods: A total of 103 participants completed a baseline virtual study visit, and 78 participants completed a follow-up visit, 4-weeks later. Participants completed a comprehensive set of questionnaires measuring symptoms of depression and anxiety, perceived stress, loneliness, and resilience. Results: Our results showed that problematic social media use at baseline was significantly negatively correlated with resilience and positively correlated with all other mental health outcomes. Furthermore, increases in problematic social media use were significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms and loneliness between visits. Resilience significantly moderated the relationship between increased problematic social media use and heightened perceived stress. Poor mental health at baseline did not predict increased problematic social media use over time. Contrarily to problematic use, frequency of social media use was not significantly correlated with any mental health measures at baseline. Conclusion: This study offers a longitudinal perspective, providing valuable insights into the potential protective role of resilience against the detrimental mental health effects seen with increases in problematic social media use.

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.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on senior dental students in Korea: Examining stress, burnout, and depression.

Background/purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and enduring impact on various aspects of society, including medical education and the training of dental students. The field of dentistry, given its nature, is particularly susceptible to the challenges posed by a pandemic. Prolonged exposure to the pandemic is believed to have increased stress and burnout among medical and dental students. This study aimed to investigate and analyze the relationship between COVID-19 and stress, burnout, and depression in Korean dental students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 162 third and fourth-grade students from the School of Dentistry at Seoul National University. The survey comprised four main sections: general information, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Results: The results indicated significant differences in age, study time, career satisfaction, and counseling needs between third and fourth-grade students. The fourth-grade students exhibited higher scores in the IES-R survey, PHQ-9 total score, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization subscale items of the MBI. Furthermore, the group with abnormal responses to COVID-19 demonstrated lower levels of career satisfaction. Conclusion: Fourth-grade dental students experienced higher levels of depression, vulnerability to the effects of COVID-19, and burnout. These findings highlight the need for addressing the mental health challenges faced by dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potential salivary and serum biomarkers for burning mouth syndrome and their relationship with anxiety/depression.

Background/purpose: The pathophysiology of burning mouth syndrome (BMS), although considered a multifactorial etiology including psychological factors, is still not well understood. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the potential usage of salivary and serum biomarkers, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in diagnosing BMS and their correlations with anxiety/depression. Materials and methods: 45 BMS patients and 14 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The patients were divided into BMS with anxiety/depression group and BMS without anxiety/depression group according to the scores of the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). Additionally, concentrations of BDNF, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in saliva and those in serum among the patients and healthy volunteers were assessed by multiplex assay using Luminex 200TM system and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results: Among all the serum biomarkers, only BDNF showed a statistically significant decrease in the patients than the healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). Regarding saliva biomarkers, BDNF, IL-1ß, and IL-8 all exhibited a statistically significant increase in all the BMS patients versus the healthy volunteers (P < 0.05) but only BDNF was significantly different between patients with anxiety/depression and healthy individuals when considering anxiety/depression. Among BMS patients with anxiety/depression, saliva TNF-α had positive associations with other biomarkers including BDNF, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The increased concentration of saliva BDNF holds strong potential for diagnosing BMS and the elevated level of saliva TNF-α is crucial in identifying BMS patients with anxiety/depression.

Impact of Multimodal Rehabilitation Protocol in a 20-Year-Old Patient With Cherubism Undergone Facial Surgery: A Rare Case Report.

Cherubism, a rare autosomal dominant disorder, presents with symmetrical, painless jaw extension due to fibrous tissue ossification, often referred to as hereditary fibrous dysplasia of the jaw. It typically manifests with progressive mandibular and maxillary swelling from childhood to adolescence, with exacerbation over time. A 20-year-old male presented with facial and jaw swelling, causing restricted jaw movements. Computed tomography confirmed the cherubism diagnosis. Subsequently, the patient underwent oral surgery for bone shaving and shaping. Post-surgery, a five-week physiotherapy regimen was initiated, emphasizing joint mobility preservation through active range-of-motion exercises and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for facial expression and dyspnea alleviation. Following physiotherapy, significant improvements were observed, including enhanced respiratory function, increased cervical muscle strength, improved respiratory clearance, and reduced anxiety and depression levels. This case highlights the importance of physiotherapy in cherubism rehabilitation, a novel approach deserving further exploration.

Association of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms and Treatment Adherence Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a serious public health concern. It is associated with many psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. These co-morbidities are associated with improper adherence to treatment, self-care, poor glycemic control, more complications, and worse outcomes. METHODS: This study aimed to measure the level of medication adherence among type 2 diabetics in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, and to find its association with their psychological status (specifically, depression and anxiety). A cross-sectional descriptive design was used among adults with type 2 diabetes at the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The estimated sample size was 480 patients. The General Medication Adherence Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) were used as tools to achieve the study objectives. RESULTS: A total of 449 diabetic patients completed the survey (93.5% response rate). Patients with poor, low, and partial adherence account for 337 (75%) of patients and only 112 (25%) have good and high medication adherence. Employment and duration of illness were highly significant with a positive relationship to treatment adherence (p = 0.010 and 0.000, respectively). On the other hand, age and disease duration had a significant relationship with psychological disorders (p = 0.029 and 0.002, respectively). Of the patients, 64 (14.3%) had high scores on the PHQ-4, with depressive symptoms in 46 (10.24%) and anxiety symptoms in 75 (16.7%). Correlation analysis reveals that there is a highly significant negative correlation between psychological disorders and adherence to medications (r = -0.288, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: A negative correlation between psychological disorders and adherence to medications was found. The findings indicate the importance of psychological support for diabetic patients for better treatment adherence.

Effectiveness of Telemedicine Interventions in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Yoga Therapy and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Over Three Months.

Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an integral part of non-pharmacological therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Yoga therapy (YT) has been shown to be beneficial in COPD, but the lack of large well-designed trials and standardized modules restricts its acceptability. This randomized control trial compares these two modalities in COPD patients via supervised tele-intervention. Objectives The primary objective of the study is to compare a 45-minute, five-days-per-week series of tele-YT (T-YT) with tele-PR (T-PR) for three months in terms of exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD)) in COPD patients. Methods COPD patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to T-YT or T-PR groups in a parallel-arm single-blinded controlled trial. The primary outcome is 6MWD recorded at baseline and after three months and secondary outcomes were symptom scores, Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), health-related quality of life (HrQoL), and depression and anxiety scores. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the three-month study period with a sample size of 75 in each group. Results A total of 150 consecutive patients with COPD were randomly assigned to either the T-YT (n = 75) or T-PR (n = 75) group. Their mean ± SD ages was 62.5 ± 7.0 years. The T-YT group had 55.5% males and 34.47% females, whereas the T-PR group had 44.5% males and 61.53% females. The trial was completed by 123 patients; 88% in the T-YT group and 76% in the T-PR group. Pre-intervention, the median (range) of 6MWD in T-YT and T-PR groups was 240 (120-600) m and 240 (120-660) m, respectively. There was statistically significant improvement in both groups respectively (p<0.001) post intervention from baseline but no significant intergroup difference (p = 0.486). A similar trend was seen in secondary outcomes with significant intragroup improvements and non-significant inter-group differences except FEV1%, which showed neither intragroup nor intergroup significant improvement. Conclusion Using a validated module, a three-month T-YT improves exercise capacity, symptom scores, HrQoL, and depression and anxiety scores similar to T-PR. T-YT is an acceptable alternative to T-PR in the management of COPD.

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.

Self-Reported Physical Activity and Mental Health Among Asylum Seekers in a Refugee Camp.

BACKGROUND: Global forced displacement has been rising steeply since 2015 as a result of wars and human rights abuses. Forcibly displaced people are often exposed to physical and mental strain, which can cause traumatic experiences and poor mental health. Physical activity has been linked with better mental health, although such evidence is scarce among those populations. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships of self-reported physical activity and fitness with mental health indices among people residing in a refugee camp in Greece as asylum seekers. METHODS: Participants were 151 individuals (76 women, 75 men; mean age 28.90 y) displaced from their homes for an average of 32.03 months. Among them, 67% were from Afghanistan and countries from southwest Asia, and 33% from sub-Saharan African countries. Participants completed self-report measures assessing physical activity, fitness, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and well-being. RESULTS: High prevalence of mental health disorder symptoms and poor well-being were identified, with women and Asians showing poorer mental health. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety were related to perceived fitness, but not to self-reported physical activity. Regression analysis showed that perceived fitness (ß: 0.34; 95% CI, 0.43 to 1.52) and low-intensity physical activity (ß: 0.24; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.009) significantly positively predicted well-being, showing small to medium effect. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide useful insights regarding the link between physical activity and well-being; nevertheless, further research examining objectively measured physical activity is warranted to complement these data and further explore the associations between physical activity and mental health.

Psychiatric adverse events associated with the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the Republic of Korea: a systematic review.

This systematic review evaluated psychiatric adverse events (AEs) following vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We included studies that reported or investigated psychiatric AEs in individuals who had received an approved COVID-19 vaccine in the Republic of Korea. Systematic electronic searches of Ovid-Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and KoreaMed databases were conducted on March 22, 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies 2.0. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023449422). Of the 301 articles initially selected, 7 were included in the final analysis. All studies reported on sleep disturbances, and 2 highlighted anxiety-related AEs. Sleep disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy were the most prevalent AEs, while depression was not reported. Our review suggests that these AEs may have been influenced by biological mechanisms as well as the broader psychosocial context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this study had limitations, such as a primary focus on the BNT162b2 vaccine and an observational study design, it offered a systematic, multi-vaccine analysis that fills a critical gap in the existing literature. This review underscores the need for continued surveillance of psychiatric AEs and guides future research to investigate underlying mechanisms, identify risk factors, and inform clinical management.

Youth adversity and trajectories of depression/anxiety symptoms in adolescence in the context of intersectionality in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Youth adversity is associated with persistence of depression and anxiety symptoms. This association may be greater for disadvantaged societal groups (such as females) compared with advantaged groups (e.g. males). Given that persistent symptoms are observed across a range of disadvantaged, minoritized, and neurodivergent groups (e.g. low compared with high socio-economic status [SES]), the intersection of individual characteristics may be an important moderator of inequality. METHODS: Data from HeadStart Cornwall (N = 4441) was used to assess the effect of youth adversity on combined symptoms of depression and anxiety (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire emotional problems subscale) measured at three time-points in 11-14-year-olds. Latent trajectories and regressions were estimated for eight intersectionality profiles (based on gender, SES, and hyperactivity/inattention), and moderating effects of the individual characteristics and their intersections were estimated. RESULTS: Youth adversity was associated with higher average depression/anxiety symptoms at baseline (11-12-years) across all intersectionality profiles. The magnitude of effects differed across profiles, with suggestive evidence for a moderating effect of youth adversity on change over time in depression/anxiety symptoms attributable to the intersection between (i) gender and SES; and (ii) gender, SES, and hyperactivity/inattention. CONCLUSIONS: The detrimental effects of youth adversity pervade across intersectionality profiles. The extent to which these effects are moderated by intersectionality is discussed in terms of operational factors. The current results provide a platform for further research, which is needed to determine the importance of intersectionality as a moderator of youth adversity on the development of depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescence.

Anxiety in Alzheimer's disease rats is independent of memory and impacted by genotype, age, sex, and exercise.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairments; however, heightened anxiety often accompanies and, in some cases, exacerbates cognitive its. The present study aims to understand the influence of multiple variables on anxiety-like behavior in TgF344-AD rats and determine whether anxiety impacts memory performance. METHODS: An elevated plus maze was used to assess anxiety-like behavior in the established colony (n = 107). Influences of age, sex, genotype, and exercise on anxiety were evaluated via multiple linear regression. Correlation analysis evaluated the relationship between anxiety and memory performance. RESULTS: Age (P < 0.05) and AD genotype (P < 0.001) were associated with increasing anxiety, while exercise (P < 0.05) was associated with decreasing anxiety. Female AD animals displayed more anxiety-like behavior versus wild-type female (P < 0.001) and AD male (P < 0.05) littermates. DISCUSSION: Concluding that while factors such as age, sex, AD genotype, and training status can impact anxiety levels in the TgF344-AD model, anxiety level did not impact memory performance. HIGHLIGHTS: Increased anxiety-like behavior in TgF344-AD rats does not correlate with declines in memory performance. Predictors of higher anxiety-like behaviors in the TgF344-AD rat include age, Alzheimer's disease (AD) genotype, and sex with female AD animals experiencing greater anxiety compared to female wild-type or male AD. Exercise training leads to decreased anxiety-like behaviors in the TgF344-AD rat.

Anticipatory anxiety of seizures in epilepsy: A common, complex, and underrecognized phenomenon?

The diagnosis of epilepsy is associated with loss of predictability, which invariably results in the fear of when and if future seizures will occur. For a subset of patients with epilepsy (PWE), there may be a pathological persistent fear of seizure occurrence, resulting in limitations to daily activities through avoidant behaviors. Paradoxically, the research of anticipatory anxiety of seizures (AAS; also referred to as seizure phobia) has been practically nonexistent and, not surprisingly, this condition remains underrecognized by clinicians. The available data are derived from three small case series of patients followed in tertiary epilepsy centers. In this study, we review the available data on the reported clinical manifestations of AAS in PWE, and of the potential role of variables associated with it, such as personal and family psychosocial and psychiatric history and epilepsy-related variables. In addition, we review the need for the creation of screening tools to identify patients at risk of AAS and discuss potential treatment strategies, which could be considered as part of the comprehensive management for PWE.

Effects of Religious Versus Non-religious Self-compassion Interventions on Anxiety and Quality of Life of Iranian Infertile Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Anxiety is one of the common psychological problems among infertile women, which affects their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of self-compassion intervention based on a religious and non-religious perspective regarding the anxiety and quality of life of infertile women. A randomized clinical trial design with experimental and control groups was used. A total of 78 infertile women who lived in Yazd province, Iran, were referred to Yazd reproductive sciences institute, were selected by available sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and one control groups. The participants of the first experimental group received eight sessions of self-compassion-focused intervention based on religious instructions. The second experimental group received eight sessions of non-religious self-compassion intervention, while the control group was put on the waiting list. Data were collected using Quality of Life in Infertile Couples Questionnaire (QOLICQ) and Beck anxiety inventory (BDI) in the pretest, posttest and 2-month follow-up phases and then analyzed using repeated measures as well as one-way analysis of variance. The results showed as compared to control group at the posttest and follow-up phases, the quality of life (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001) of infertile women increased and decreased, respectively, across both experimental groups. Comparison of experimental groups showed that although the difference between the two groups in the subscales of social relationships and sexual satisfaction was not significant, the gain scores of quality of life and anxiety were significantly greater in the first experimental group. These findings indicate that given the religious background of infertile women, religious self-compassion intervention can be relatively more effective in improving the quality of life and anxiety of infertile women than non-religious intervention.