Effect of health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on early pelvic floor function and psychology: A retrospective study.

To investigate the effects of health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on maternal postpartum pelvic floor function and psychology. The clinical data of 80 patients with postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) from May 2020 to May 2022 were selected as retrospective study subjects, and 40 cases were divided into the comparison group and the observation group according to the different intervention methods. Among them, the comparison group implemented biofeedback electrical stimulation and guidance, and the observation group implemented Greene health education and Kegel pelvic floor rehabilitation training intervention based on the comparison group. The differences in pelvic floor muscle strength, sexual quality of life, anxiety, and depression in the 2 groups with postpartum PFD were compared. Comparison of pelvic floor muscle strength: before the intervention (P > .05) and after the intervention, the anterior resting mean electromyography (EMG), slow muscle mean EMG, fast muscle maximum EMG, and mixed muscle mean EMG values of patients in the observation group were higher than those in the comparison group, and the posterior resting mean EMG values were lower than those in the comparison group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and anxiety and depression subscale scores between the 2 groups of patients before intervention (P > .05). After the intervention, the HADS scores and anxiety and depression subscale scores were lower than those before the intervention in both groups, and the differences were statistically significant in the intervention group than in the comparison group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between The Chinese Female Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire scores of both groups before the intervention (P > .05). Sexual desire, vaginal lubrication, sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, orgasm, and painful intercourse improved in both groups after the intervention, and the scores in the intervention group were higher than those in the comparison group (P < .05). Health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation can effectively improve the quality of patients' sexual life, improve the pelvic floor muscle strength of patients with postpartum PFD, enhance patients' confidence, reduce patients' anxiety and depression, and effectively improve patients' psychological status.

The effectiveness of live music in reducing anxiety and depression among patients undergoing haemodialysis. A randomised controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent disorders among individuals undergoing chronic haemodialysis. For patients with kidney disease, the haemodialysis process often exacerbates these conditions. This study aims to investigate the effects of listening to live classical music on anxiety and depression scales during haemodialysis sessions. METHODS: A randomised clinical trial was conducted with a group of patients who listened to live classical music during haemodialysis sessions, while the control group received treatment as usual. Anxiety and depression levels were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of listening to live music. The study comprised 90 patients. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety and depression among the intervention group, who listened to music, compared to the control group, who did not receive this intervention. Specifically, the intervention group, presented a decrease in score on the anxiety scale of -5.35 (p < 0.001) points on average and a decrease in score on the depression scale of -5.88 (p < 0.001) points on average, while in the control group the levels worsened with the progression of time. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that listening to live classical music during haemodialysis sessions reduces anxiety and depression levels in HD patients. This conclusion adds value to listening to live music in the hospital context, specifically in this case, in haemodialysis rooms.

[Anxiety and fear at the end of life]. / Angst und Furcht am Lebensende.

INTRODUCTION: Fears and anxieties are a common cause of suffering for patients at the end of life. These are often either fears about dying - for example, fear of unbearable pain or fear of suffocation - or fear of death itself. If unrecognized and untreated, fears and anxieties can contribute to a considerable reduction in the quality of life in the last phase of life. Careful diagnosis of anxiety and fear is therefore crucial. Multimodal treatment, which includes psychotherapy and other non-pharmacological and - if necessary - pharmacological treatments, can provide significant relief.

Skill Enactment Among University Students Using a Brief Video-Based Mental Health Intervention: Mixed Methods Study Within a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are common among university students, yet many students do not seek professional help. Digital mental health interventions can increase students' access to support and have been shown to be effective in preventing and treating mental health problems. However, little is known about the extent to which students implement therapeutic skills from these programs in everyday life (ie, skill enactment) or about the impact of skill enactment on outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effects of a low-intensity video-based intervention, Uni Virtual Clinic Lite (UVC-Lite), in improving skill enactment relative to an attention-control program (primary aim) and examine whether skill enactment influences symptoms of depression and anxiety (secondary aim). The study also qualitatively explored participants' experiences of, and motivations for, engaging with the therapeutic techniques. METHODS: We analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of UVC-Lite for symptoms of depression and anxiety among university students with mild to moderate levels of psychological distress. Participants were recruited from universities across Australia and randomly assigned to 6 weeks of self-guided use of UVC-Lite (243/487, 49.9%) or an attention-control program (244/487, 50.1%). Quantitative data on skill enactment, depression, and anxiety were collected through baseline, postintervention, and 3- and 6-month follow-up surveys. Qualitative data were obtained from 29 intervention-group participants through open-ended questions during postintervention surveys (n=17, 59%) and semistructured interviews (n=12, 41%) after the intervention period concluded. RESULTS: Mixed model repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated that the intervention did not significantly improve skill enactment (F3,215.36=0.50; P=.68). Skill enactment was also not found to influence change in symptoms of depression (F3,241.10=1.69; P=.17) or anxiety (F3,233.71=1.11; P=.35). However, higher levels of skill enactment were associated with lower symptom levels among both intervention and control group participants across time points (depression: F1,541.87=134.61; P<.001; anxiety: F1,535.11=73.08; P<.001). Inductive content analysis confirmed low levels of skill enactment among intervention group participants. Participants were motivated to use techniques and skills that were perceived to be personally relevant, easily integrated into daily life, and that were novel or had worked for them in the past. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention did not improve skill enactment or mental health among students with mild to moderate psychological distress. Low adherence impacted our ability to draw robust conclusions regarding the intervention's impact on outcomes. Factors influencing skill enactment differed across individuals, suggesting that it may be necessary to tailor therapeutic skills and engagement strategies to the individual user. Theoretically informed research involving collaboration with end users is needed to understand the processes underlying skill enactment in digital mental health interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000375853; https://tinyurl.com/7b9ar54r.

Self-Administered Interventions Based on Natural Language Processing Models for Reducing Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of natural language processing (NLP) technologies has significantly enhanced the potential of self-administered interventions for treating anxiety and depression by improving human-computer interactions. Although these advances, particularly in complex models such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), are highly promising, robust evidence validating the effectiveness of the interventions remains sparse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether self-administered interventions based on NLP models can reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, IEEE Xplore, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to November 3, 2023. We included studies with participants of any age diagnosed with depression or anxiety through professional consultation or validated psychometric instruments. Interventions had to be self-administered and based on NLP models, with passive or active comparators. Outcomes measured included depressive and anxiety symptom scores. We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies but excluded narrative, systematic, and scoping reviews. Data extraction was performed independently by pairs of authors using a predefined form. Meta-analysis was conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and random effects models to account for heterogeneity. RESULTS: In all, 21 articles were selected for review, of which 76% (16/21) were included in the meta-analysis for each outcome. Most of the studies (16/21, 76%) were recent (2020-2023), with interventions being mostly AI-based NLP models (11/21, 52%); most (19/21, 90%) delivered some form of therapy (primarily cognitive behavioral therapy: 16/19, 84%). The overall meta-analysis showed that self-administered interventions based on NLP models were significantly more effective in reducing both depressive (SMD 0.819, 95% CI 0.389-1.250; P<.001) and anxiety (SMD 0.272, 95% CI 0.116-0.428; P=.001) symptoms compared to various control conditions. Subgroup analysis indicated that AI-based NLP models were effective in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD 0.821, 95% CI 0.207-1.436; P<.001) compared to pooled control conditions. Rule-based NLP models showed effectiveness in reducing both depressive (SMD 0.854, 95% CI 0.172-1.537; P=.01) and anxiety (SMD 0.347, 95% CI 0.116-0.578; P=.003) symptoms. The meta-regression showed no significant association between participants' mean age and treatment outcomes (all P>.05). Although the findings were positive, the overall certainty of evidence was very low, mainly due to a high risk of bias, heterogeneity, and potential publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the effectiveness of self-administered NLP-based interventions in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms, highlighting their potential to increase accessibility to, and reduce costs in, mental health care. Although the results were encouraging, the certainty of evidence was low, underscoring the need for further high-quality randomized controlled trials and studies examining implementation and usability. These interventions could become valuable components of public health strategies to address mental health issues. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42023472120; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023472120.

Evaluating the Effects of a Self-Help Mobile Phone App on Worry and Rumination Experienced by Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Delivery of preventative interventions via mobile phone apps offers an effective and accessible way to address the global priority of improving the mental health of adolescents and young adults. A proven risk factor for anxiety and depression is elevated worry and rumination, also known as repetitive negative thinking (RNT). OBJECTIVE: This was a prevention mechanism trial that aimed to investigate whether an RNT-targeting self-help mobile phone app (MyMoodCoach) reduces worry and rumination in young adults residing in the United Kingdom. A secondary objective was to test whether the app reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and improves well-being. METHODS: A web-based, single-blind, 2-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 236 people aged between 16 and 24 years, who self-reported high levels of worry or rumination. Eligible participants were randomized to an active intervention group (usual practice, plus up to 6 weeks of using the RNT-targeting mobile app, n=119) or a waitlist control group (usual practice with no access to the app until after 6 weeks, n=117). The primary outcome was changes in worry and rumination 6 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcomes included changes in well-being and symptoms of anxiety and depression after 6 weeks and changes in all measures after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Participants randomly allocated to use the RNT-targeting self-help app showed significantly lower levels of rumination (mean difference -2.92, 95% CI -5.57 to -0.28; P=.03; ηp2=0.02) and worry (mean difference -3.97, 95% CI -6.21 to -1.73; P<.001; ηp2=0.06) at 6-week follow-up, relative to the waitlist control. Similar differences were observed for well-being (P<.001), anxiety (P=.03), and depression (P=.04). The waitlist control group also showed improvement when given access to the app after 6 weeks. Improvements observed in the intervention group after 6 weeks of using the app were maintained at the 12-week follow-up point. CONCLUSIONS: The MyMoodCoach app had a significant positive effect on worry and rumination, well-being, anxiety, and depression in young adults, relative to waitlist controls, providing proof-of-principle that an unguided self-help app can effectively reduce RNT. This app, therefore, has potential for the prevention of anxiety and depression although longer-term effects on incidence need to be directly evaluated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04950257; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04950257. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s12888-021-03536-0.

Music Therapy and Music Intervention for NSCLC Patients Undergoing PET with Fear of Cancer Recurrence.

Background: Cancer and psychiatric symptoms are associated. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the most common psychological problem for cancer survivors. Pharmacological interventions can help, but also have major drawbacks. Music therapy and music interventions have been shown to be a safe and practical complementary treatment. Objective: This randomized, controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of music therapy and music intervention in attenuating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients' anxiety related to FCR. Methods: NSCLC patients with FCR were randomly allocated to a music therapy and intervention group (G1) and Control group (G2). Patients' anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores and heart rates. Primary outcome measure were PET scans. Secondary measures were salivary cortisol, salivary α-amylase levels and heart rate. Findings: Patients in G1 showed higher glucose metabolism of 18F-FDG in the superior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate, superior temporal gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus, compared to those in G2 (all P < .001). Heart rates and salivary α-amylase area under the curve (AUC) and relative variation (VAR) in G1 were significantly lower than those in G2 (all P < .05). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores and cortisol AUC in G1 were significantly lower than those in G2 (all P < .05). Conclusions: Music therapy and interventions can reduce anxiety and endocrinological responses and change glucose metabolism of 18F-FDG in fear-related brain regions.Trial registration: Registered retrospectively, ISRCTN Registry, www.isrctn.com, ISRCTN23276302Clinical Implications: Cancer treatment centers and physical examination centers should consider providing music therapy and intervention to the appropriate patients as a routine component of a comprehensive clinical care during medical examinations.

Application of virtual reality for supportive care in cancer patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has been widely used to support cancer patients with physical, emotional, and functional needs. This systematic review aimed to investigate the application of VR in the supportive care of cancer patients. METHOD: This systematic review was conducted in 2024. In this study, various databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, Ovid, IEEE Xplore, and ProQuest were searched, and quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies which were in English and published up to 20th May 2024 were included. The keywords consisted of "virtual reality," "supportive care," and "cancer". Studies were assessed in terms of quality and risk of bias using standard tools, and results were analyzed and reported narratively. RESULTS: A total of 33 articles were reviewed. VR interventions, primarily using fully immersive head-mounted displays, were associated with significant reductions in anxiety, pain, and fatigue. VR also improved mood, relaxation, and overall quality of life, and some studies noted enhanced vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure. This technology could be used along with other medical interventions. Both patients and healthcare providers reported high level of satisfaction with VR, and appreciated its ease of use and therapeutic benefits. However, some technical barriers, like inadequate visual performance and realism, were reported. CONCLUSION: VR demonstrates substantial potential benefits as a supportive care tool for cancer patients, effectively addressing their psychological, physiological, psychosocial needs. Despite technical challenges, high level of user satisfaction and benefits underscore the need for further research to optimize VR interventions in cancer care.

Uptake of a self-guided digital treatment for depression and anxiety: A qualitative study exploring patient perspectives and decision-making.

BACKGROUND: Despite the demonstrated efficacy and potential scalability of self-guided digital treatments for common mental health conditions, there is substantial variability in their uptake and engagement. This study explored the decision-making processes, influences and support needs of people taking up a self-guided digital treatment for anxiety and/or depression. METHODS: Australian-based adults (n = 20) were purposively sampled from a trial of self-guided digital mental health treatment. One-to-one, semistructured interviews were conducted, based on the Ottawa Decision-Support Framework. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using framework methods. Baseline sociodemographic, clinical and decision-making characteristics were also collected. RESULTS: Analyses yielded four themes. Theme 1 captured participants' openness to try self-guided digital treatment, despite limited deliberation on potential downsides or alternative options. Theme 2 highlighted that immediacy and ease of access were major drivers of uptake, which participants contrasted with gaps in access and continuity of care in face-to-face services, especially rurally. Theme 3 centred on participants as the main agents in their decision-making, with family and health professional attitudes also reportedly influencing decision-making. Theme 4 revealed participants' primary motivations for deciding to take up treatment (e.g., the potential to increase insight and coping skills), while also acknowledging that pre-existing characteristics (e.g., health and digital literacy, insight) determined participants' personal suitability for self-guided digital treatment. CONCLUSION: Findings help to elucidate the decision-making influences and processes amongst people who started a self-guided treatment for depression and anxiety. Additional information and decision support resources appear warranted, which may also improve the accessibility of self-guided treatments. PUBLIC OR PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: Patients were interviewed about their views and experiences of decision-making about accessing and taking up treatment. As such, patient contribution to the research was as study participants.

Evaluating the efficacy of cognitive restructuring and exposure therapies on secondary school chemistry students' test anxiety: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: This study explored how cognitive restructuring (CR) and cognitive exposure therapy (CET) impacted test anxiety in chemistry students from Nsukka, Enugu State. Three research questions and hypotheses guided the investigation. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest, posttest, and 2 experimental groups was employed. The study involved 154 SSII chemistry students from 4 purposefully chosen schools within Nsukka. The Chemistry Test Anxiety Scale, Cognitive Restructuring Chemistry Treatment Package, and Cognitive Exposure Chemistry Treatment Package served as the data collection instruments. The Chemistry Text Anxiety Scale's internal consistency, measured by Cronbach alpha, was found to be 0.86, indicating good reliability. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) addressed the research questions, while Analysis of Covariance tested the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: Results showed that the students who were exposed to CR therapy had pretest mean test anxiety score of M̄ = 78.31, standard deviation (SD) = 8.63 and posttest mean test anxiety of mean [M] = 27.06, SD = 5.71, while those exposed to cognitive exposure had a pretest mean test anxiety score of M = 77.39, SD = 8.68 and a posttest mean test anxiety score of M = 32.62, SD = 11.04. The reduction in text anxiety scores of -51.25 and -44.77 for the students exposed to CR and cognitive exposure respectively. The students exposed to CR therapy had lesser posttest mean test anxiety score than those exposed to CET. The results revealed that students receiving CR therapy displayed lower posttest anxiety scores compared to those receiving CET. Additionally, no significant interaction between treatment and gender on test anxiety was found. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that CR therapy is better than CET in the management of test anxiety among chemistry students. Based on these findings, it was recommended that cognitive behavioral therapists should be invited periodically to educate students on the negative effects of irrational thoughts on academic performance.

Study protocol: perinatal mood treatment study.

Perinatal depression (PND) affects up to 20% of women and is associated with significant impairment and disability in affected women. In addition, perinatal depression is associated with broader public health and multigenerational consequences. Innovative approaches are needed to reduce the burden of perinatal depression through identification, tracking, and treatment of depressive symptoms during the perinatal period. This study is a randomized clinical trial comparing the relative efficacy of a multi-tiered system of care, Screening and Treatment of Anxiety and Depression (STAND) to perinatal care delivered by a reproductive psychiatrist in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. A sample of 167 individuals was randomized between week 28 of pregnancy and 6 months postpartum. A secondary aim compares the original online therapy intervention used in the first half of the study to a newer online therapy program used in the second half of the study for individuals assigned to the STAND treatment. The study measures, intervention groups, and analysis methods are described, as well as expected implications. The findings from this study may improve the methods for tracking symptom changes over time, monitoring treatment response, and providing personalized care for individuals with PND. As such, this study may improve the lives of patients with PND and their families and lower the related health care costs to society.Trial registration NCT: 9/24/2021NCT direct link: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05056454?term=NCT05056454&rank=1&a=1 .

Usefulness of mindfulness for the management of anxiety, stress, and quality of life in infertile women. A clinical exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Infertility increases stress and affects life quality. Mindfulness reduces stress and improves life quality, but its role in infertility remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of mindfulness on stress and quality of life of women with infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exploratory clinical study was conducted in women under infertility treatment, together with an 8-week mindfulness intervention (MND) or only infertility treatment (CTRL). Anxiety and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at the end of intervention with IDARE and FertiQoL questionnaires respectively, as well as salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol concentrations. Non-parametric statistics was used for analysis using an alpha value of 0.10. RESULTS: 14 MND and 15 CTRL completed follow-up. At baseline, CTRL patients exhibited better quality of life than MND; anxiety scores correlated negatively with quality of life. At the end of intervention, cortisol concentrations (p = 0.097), and the increments of amylase (p = 0.039), were higher in CTRL than in MND. Increases in quality of life were associated with basal anxiety score (p = 0.002), improvements in tolerability (p < 0.001), and mindfulness intervention (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that mindfulness reduces stress and improves quality of life in women under infertility treatment.

ANTECEDENTES: La infertilidad incrementa el estrés y afecta la calidad de vida. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de mindfulness (atención plena) sobre la ansiedad, estrés y calidad de vida de mujeres infértiles. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio exploratorio en pacientes tratadas por infertilidad más una intervención de ocho semanas con mindfulness (grupo MND) o solo tratamiento de la infertilidad (grupo de control). Al inicio y después de ocho semanas se evaluaron la ansiedad (Inventario de Ansiedad Rasgo-Estado), la calidad de vida (FertiQoL), y las concentraciones salivales de α-amilasa y cortisol. Se utilizó estadística no paramétrica, con α = 0.10. RESULTADOS: 14 mujeres del grupo MND y 15 del grupo de control completaron el seguimiento. Al inicio, las pacientes del grupo de control mostraron mejor calidad de vida; las puntuaciones de ansiedad correlacionaron negativamente con la calidad de vida. Al final, el incremento de cortisol (p = 0.097) y amilasa (p = 0.039) fueron mayores en el grupo de control. Los incrementos en la calidad de vida se asociaron a ansiedad basal (p = 0.002), incremento en la subescala tolerabilidad (p < 0.001) y mindfulness (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados sugieren que mindfulness disminuye el estrés y mejora la calidad de vida de pacientes bajo tratamiento de la infertilidad.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY MAY ALLEVIATE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN ADVANCED CANCER PATIENTS.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Tian L. Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depressive symptoms in advanced cancer patients: A meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2024 Jan 20;87:20-32. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.01.006. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38280276. SOURCE OF FUNDING: This research was funded by the National College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program (Grant No. 202310343044), and the Zhejiang University Student Science and Technology Innovation Activity Plan (Grant No. 2023R413038). CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have no actual or potential conflicts of interest. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

Mindfulness Effects on Anxiety: Disentangling the Role of Decentering and Treatment Expectations.

Mindfulness interventions have been found to lower anxiety. However, the current literature has not adequately considered the role of its individual components and of placebo effects. In an online experiment using a balanced placebo design, we aimed to disentangle effects of decentering, a key component of mindfulness, and expectations, a key component of placebo effects, on anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred twenty-eight adults were randomly assigned to one of four groups: placebo/mindful decentering, placebo/sham decentering, sham/mindful decentering, and sham/sham decentering. Instructions were provided using standardized audio instructions. Current anxiety was assessed pre- and postintervention with the Short State version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Mindful decentering was found to reduce anxiety postintervention, as compared to sham decentering, regardless of induced expectations regarding its effectiveness. Participants in the mindful decentering group also mentioned more decentering-related words than those in the sham decentering group. These findings indicate that a short, standardized, and online mindful decentering intervention can effectively decrease pandemic-related anxiety independently of one's expectations. These findings provide insights into the efficacy of the individual elements of mindfulness, highlighting decentering as an effective active component for anxiety relief. Moreover, these findings suggest that, in a nonclinical sample, individuals can apply mindful decentering with minimal training.

[Sexual therapy combined with physical methods for the treatment of primary intravaginal anejaculation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of sexual therapy combined with physical methods in the treatment of primary intravaginal anejaculation (PIAE) and its possible action mechanism. METHODS: Ninety PIAE patients with anxiety symptoms were equally randomized into three groups and treated by sexual therapy combined with vacuum negative pressure hydro pneumatic / pneumatic bubble massage (group A), sexual therapy (group B) or (vacuum negative pressure hydro pneumatic / pneumatic bubble massage (group C). After 15 cycles of treatment, the therapeutic effects were compared among the three groups of patients. RESULTS: The effectiveness rates in groups A, B and C were 86.67%, 46.67% and 30.00%, respectively, with statistically significant differences in the total effectiveness rate, the effective rate of the treatment of anxiety symptoms of the patients and their partners, and the effectiveness rate of the treatment of idiosyncratic masturbation (P<0.05). Pairwise comparison showed that the total effectiveness rate was dramatically higher in group A than in groups B and C (P<0.01), with no statistically significant difference between the latter two groups (P>0.05), that the effectiveness rate of the treatment of anxiety symptoms of the patients and sexual partners was remarkably higher in groups A and B than in C (P<0.01), with no statistically significant difference between the former two groups (P>0.05), and that the effectiveness rate of the treatment of idiosyncratic masturbation was significantly higher in group A than in B and C (P< 0.01), with no statistically significant difference between the latter two (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: PIAE is often accompanied by negative psychological state of the patients and their partners and idiosyncratic masturbation, which responds well to sexual therapy combined with vacuum negative pressure hydro pneumatic / pneumatic bubble massage.

Patient perspectives on the Tailored intervention for Anxiety and Depression Management in COPD (TANDEM): a qualitative evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with anxiety/depression which can affect self-management and quality of life. The TANDEM trial evaluated a cognitive behavioural approach intervention targeting COPD-related symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, comprising up to eight one-to-one sessions delivered by respiratory healthcare professionals prior to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). The intervention showed no improvement in anxiety/depression or uptake/completion of PR. We present patient perspectives of the intervention to help understand these results. METHOD: Semi-structured individual interviews, using a semi-structured topic guide informed by Sekhon's Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, were conducted with 19 patients between September 2019 and April 2020. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: The following could have limited the impact of the intervention: (1) The lives of patients were complex and commonly affected by competing comorbidities or other external stressors which they managed through previously adopted long-standing coping strategies. (2) Some patients were reluctant to talk about their mood despite the Facilitators' training and person centred-skills which aimed to enable patients to talk freely about mood. (3) The intervention handouts and 'home-practice' were perceived as helpful for some, but not suitable for all. (4) Many patients perceived improvements in their physical and mental health, but this was not sustained due to a mix of personal and external factors, and some did not perceive any benefits. (5) PR non-attendance/non-completion was a result of personal and PR service-related reasons. (6) Discussing COPD and mental health with the Facilitator was a novel experience. Many patients felt that TANDEM could be of benefit if it was offered earlier on/at different time points in the COPD illness journey. CONCLUSION: We found the delivery of TANDEM prior to PR was not helpful for patients with advanced COPD often experiencing other comorbidities, and/or difficult personal/external events. These patients already utilised long-standing coping strategies to manage their COPD. Holistic interventions, that address the impact of COPD in relation to wider aspects of a patients' life, may be more beneficial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry 59,537,391. Registration date 20 March 2017.

Soothing venipuncture: Bubble blowing and ball squeezing in reducing anxiety, fear, and pain in children.

PROBLEM: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of bubble-blowing and ball-squeezing interventions on children's levels of anxiety, fear, and pain during venipuncture procedures. METHODS: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Out of 108 children aged 5-10 years, 72 were allocated to the two experimental groups, while 36 were assigned to the control group. The levels of anxiety, fear, and pain experienced by the children were assessed using the "Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale," "Child Anxiety Scale-State," and "Child Fear Scale," respectively. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, while intragroup comparisons were conducted using Wilks' Lambda analysis. FINDINGS: It was observed that 50% of the children in the control group, 47.2% in the bubble-blowing group, and 47.2% in the ball-queezing group did not receive information about the painful procedure. Anxiety, fear, and pain scores of all groups were statistically similar in the initial measurement without any intervention. Children in the bubble-blowing and ball-squeezing groups experienced lower anxiety, fear, and pain during and at the end of the painful procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The study discovered that interventions involving bubble blowing and ball squeezing significantly decreased children's levels of anxiety, fear, and pain both during and after intravenous procedures. Information on procedures, alongside interactive techniques like bubble blowing and ball squeezing, helps pediatric nurses calm children, easing anxiety, fear, and pain. Implementing these strategies enhances treatment experiences and confidence in healthcare.

Provocative Findings From a Transdiagnostic Counseling Intervention to Improve Psychiatric Comorbidity and HIV Care Engagement Among People With HIV: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol/substance use disorders are prevalent among people with HIV (PWH), commonly co-occur, and predict worse HIV care outcomes. Transdiagnostic counseling approaches simultaneously address multiple co-occurring mental health disorders. METHODS: We conducted a pilot individually randomized trial of the Common Elements Treatment Approach adapted for people with HIV (CETA-PWH), a transdiagnostic counseling intervention, compared with usual care at a large academic medical center in the southern United States. Participants were adults with HIV; at risk for HIV care disengagement; and with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and/or alcohol/substance use. Mental health and HIV care engagement were assessed at 4 and 9 months. RESULTS: Among participants (n = 60), follow-up was high at 4 (92%) and 9 (85%) months. Intervention engagement was challenging: 93% attended ≥1 session, 43% attended ≥6 sessions in 3 months ("moderate dose"), and 30% completed treatment. Although not powered for effectiveness, mental health outcomes and HIV appointment attendance improved in CETA-PWH relative to usual care in intent-to-treat analyses; those receiving a moderate dose and completers showed progressively greater improvement. Viral load showed small differences between arms. The dose-response pattern was not explained by differences between those who did and did not complete treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot trial provides preliminary evidence for the potential of CETA-PWH to simultaneously address co-occurring mental health comorbidities and support HIV appointment attendance among PWH. Additional strategies may be an important part of ensuring that clients can engage in the full course of treatment and realize its full benefits.

The utility of behavioral activation therapy in addressing emotional problems of two depressed students with borderline intellectual disability: A case study.

PURPOSE: Intellectual disability is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies indicated that depression and anxiety are the most prevalent emotional problems among the people with intellectual disability. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of behavioral activation therapy in addressing emotional problems of two depressed students with borderline intellectual disability. METHOD: This study is a single-subject design with multiple baseline and one month follow-up. Two students with borderline intelligence underwent behavioral activation therapy for 12 sessions. Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Oxford Happiness Inventory and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used. Data were analyzed using visual inspection of graphed data, changes in trends, improvement percentage and effect size. FINDINGS: The findings of this study support the utility of behavioral activation therapy in addressing the emotional problems of two depressed students with borderline intellectual disability. CONCLUSION: Behavioral activation therapy has had favorable outcomes in reducing depression and anxiety in depressed students with borderline intellectual disabilities.

Effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy in a patient with anxiety and burning mouth syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To propose an alternative treatment for burning mouth syndrome (BMS). BACKGROUND: BMS is a serious condition that negatively affects the physical and emotional health of the elderly. Pharmacological interventions are not always appropriate in this population and may have significant side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the case of an 86-year-old woman who has been suffering from BMS for 30 years and has been experiencing impaired quality of life, particularly sleep disturbances. Because standard pharmaceutical medications failed to alleviate the patient's pain, we proposed EMDR as an alternative therapeutic approach. Baseline measures included depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, daytime and nighttime pain and sleep quality. To anticipate anxious thoughts associated with pain, seven 45-min EMDR sessions were conducted. RESULTS: Therapy resulted in reduced anxiety symptoms (-30%), improved pain control (-10% daytime, -60% nighttime) and improved sleep quality (+50%). This positive effect lasted for 4 months, and no serious negative effects were observed. CONCLUSION: EMDR therapy may help older adults with BMS improve their pain and psychological management.