Associations of neurodevelopmental risk factors with psychosis proneness: Findings from a non-clinical sample of young adults.

Psychotic disorders often develop as the continuum of subclinical symptoms that include hallucination-like and delusion-like experiences, and are commonly referred to as psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). To date, a number of neurodevelopmental risk factors of psychosis have been detected, yet their mutual interplay remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the additive association of childhood trauma history, reading disabilities and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with psychosis proneness. A total of 3000 young adults (58.3% females, aged 18-35 years) with a negative history of psychiatric treatment were recruited to the cross-sectional study through computer-assisted web interview. Self-reports were administered to measure childhood trauma history, ADHD symptoms and reading disabilities. Linear regression analyses revealed significant main associations of childhood trauma history and reading disabilities with higher levels of PLEs. There were no significant main associations of ADHD with the level of PLEs. However, the associations of all possible interactions between neurodevelopmental risk factors with the level of PLEs were significant. Our findings suggest that childhood trauma history and reading disabilities may additively increase a risk of psychosis. The present findings bring new implications for early intervention strategies in psychosis and posit the rationale of recording the accumulation of neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities in clinical practice.

The Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms in Differentiating Deficit Schizophrenia: The Comparison of Sensitivity and Specificity with Other Tools.

INTRODUCTION: Psychometric properties of the Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) in subjects with the deficit subtype of schizophrenia (SCZ-D) have not been investigated so far. This study had the following aims: (1) to assess psychometric properties of SNS in subjects with SCZ-D and (2) to explore the usefulness of SNS, in comparison with other clinical characteristics, in screening for SCZ-D. METHODS: Participants were 82 stable outpatients with schizophrenia, including 40 individuals with SCZ-D and 42 individuals with the non-deficit subtype (SCZ-ND). RESULTS: Internal consistency was acceptable-to-good in both groups. Factor analysis revealed two dimensions (apathy and emotional). There were significant positive correlations of the SNS total score with the subscore of negative symptoms from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and significant negative correlations with scores of the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) in both groups, indicating good convergent validity. The following measures were found to be appropriate screening tools for differentiating SCZ-D and SCZ-ND (p < 0.001): the SNS total score (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.849, cut-off ≥16, sensitivity: 80.0%, specificity: 78.6%), the PANSS subscore of negative symptoms (AUC: 0.868, cut-off ≥11, sensitivity: 90.0%, specificity: 78.6%), and the SOFAS (AUC: 0.779, cut-off ≤59, sensitivity: 69.2%, specificity: 82.5%). Also, adding the SOFAS (cut-off ≤59) to the SNS (cut-off: ≥16) further improved sensitivity and specificity (AUC: 0.898, p < 0.001, sensitivity = 87.5%, specificity = 82.2%). Cognitive performance and age of psychosis onset were not found to be suitable measures for differentiating SCZ-D and SCZ-ND. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that the SNS has good psychometric properties in subjects with SCZ-D and those with SCZ-ND. Moreover, the SNS, the PANSS, and the SOFAS might be used as screening tools for SCZ-D.

Psychological distress predicts quality of life in the first months of cancer diagnosis in cancer caregivers.

In cancer caregivers, anxiety and depression may negatively impact quality of life. Information regarding correlations and the predictive capacity of anxiety and depression with regard to the domains of quality of life of caregivers 6 months after a patient's cancer diagnosis is sparse. Sixty-seven caregivers of cancer patients were recruited and completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) 30-45 days (T1) and 180-200 days (T2) after diagnosis. Depression and anxiety (T1) correlated with quality of life in terms of general health, vitality, social functioning, as well as role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health (T2). Depression scores at T1 predicted general health, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems and mental health. Although these results are interesting, it must be noted that the sample size was somewhat limited and that the patients' cancer types may have influenced the results obtained. Psychological distress, particularly depression, correlated with and acted as a predictor for changes in the different domains of quality of life, highlighting the relevance of the evaluation of psychological distress in cancer caregivers shortly after cancer diagnosis. These results underscore the importance of differentiating between the different domains in the evaluation of impairments of quality of life in cancer caregivers.

Gut microbiota alterations in stable outpatients with schizophrenia: findings from a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenesis of schizophrenia is multidimensional and intensively studied. The gut-brain axis disturbances might play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia. METHODS: We compared the gut microbiota of 53 individuals with schizophrenia and 58 healthy controls, using the 16S rRNA sequencing method. Individuals with schizophrenia were assessed using the following scales: the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. RESULTS: No significant between-group differences in α-diversity measures were observed. Increased abundance of Lactobacillales (order level), Bacilli (class level) and Actinobacteriota (phylum level) were found in individuals with schizophrenia regardless of potential confounding factors, and using two independent analytical approaches (the distance-based redundancy analysis and the generalised linear model analysis). Additionally, significant correlations between various bacterial taxa (the Bacteroidia class, the Actinobacteriota phylum, the Bacteroidota phylum, the Coriobacteriales order and the Coriobacteria class) and clinical manifestation (the severity of negative symptoms, performance of language abilities, social and occupational functioning) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that gut microbiota alterations are present in European patients with schizophrenia. The abundance of certain bacterial taxa might be associated with the severity of negative symptoms, cognitive performance and general functioning. Nonetheless, additional studies are needed before the translation of our results into clinical practice.

Social support as predictor of anxiety and depression in cancer caregivers six months after cancer diagnosis: A longitudinal study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To establish the predictive utility of specific social support domains for emotional well-being in cancer caregivers, six months after their partner's cancer diagnosis. BACKGROUND: In cancer caregivers, social support has been consistently related to anxiety and depression. There is little information, however, about the predictive utility of specific social support domains for psychological well-being in the first six months after a partner's cancer diagnosis. DESIGN: Longitudinal research study. METHODS: Sixty-seven caregivers of recently diagnosed cancer patients were recruited from the Reina Sofia University Hospital in Cordoba (Spain). Participants completed a set of questionnaires including the Berlin Social Support Scale (BSSS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Data were collected at two time points: T1 (30-45 days after diagnosis) and T2 (180-200 days after). TRIPOD checklist was used. RESULTS: Most of the caregivers were female (65%) and the partner of the patient (58%), with an average age of 51.63 years (SD = 13.25). Statistical differences were observed between the two assessment points for the social support domains of perceived emotional support, satisfaction with support and protective buffering. Logistic regression analysis showed that less physical and sports activity, more support seeking and less informational support received at T1 predicted anxiety at T2, while less perceived available support predicted depression. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate information and support from other members of the community and the promotion of physical and sports routines for cancer caregivers may help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in the first months after a partner's cancer diagnosis. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Clinicians must pay attention to the social support needs and physical activity of caregivers in the first days after diagnosis, in order to prevent anxiety and depression.

Exploring the relationship between the body self and the sense of coherence in women after surgical treatment for breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the relationship between the body self (BS) and the sense of coherence (SOC) in women after breast surgery due to cancer in comparison with a control group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a group of 78 women using the body-self questionnaire (BS-Q), and the life orientation questionnaire (SOC-29). Statistics based on the IBM SPSS v.25. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) has shown significant differences based on groups in experiencing intimacy, manifesting femininity, body acceptance, and manageability. In particular, manifesting femininity and body acceptance showed a big effect size (0.30 < partial ɳ2  < 0.32). Correlation analysis between the BS-Q and SOC-29 subscales and Fisher's r to z transformation determines that the differences between groups were significant in favour of healthy women in two sets of variables: experiencing intimacy/meaningfulness and attitude to food and weight/manageability. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors are at greater risk of developing decreased body acceptance and problems in intimacy, and have less correlation than the healthy control group between manageability and meaningfulness with an appropriate attitude to food and intimate relationship with their partner, respectively. A higher manifestation of femininity in the treated group can be considered a positive but socioculturally conditioned coping strategy.

Case control study of ANKK1 Taq 1A polymorphism in patients with alcohol dependence classified according to Lesch's typology.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between the Taq 1A polymorphism of the ANKK1 gene in homogeneous subgroups of patients with alcohol dependence syndrome divided according to Lesch's typology. MATERIAL/METHODS: DNA was provided from alcohol-dependent (AD) patients (n = 373) and healthy control subjects (n = 168), all of Polish descent. The history of alcoholism was obtained using the Polish version of the SSAGA (Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism). Samples were genotyped using the PCR method. RESULTS: We found no association between alcohol dependence and ANKK1 Taq 1A polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: Lesch's typology is a clinical consequence of the disease, and its phenotypic description is too complex for simple genetic analysis.

Treatment efficacy for pain complaints in women with endometriosis of the lesser pelvis after laparoscopic electroablation vs. CO2 laser ablation.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting mainly women of the reproductive age. Its most common manifestations include impaired fecundity, pelvic pain, and dyschezia. Laparoscopic removal of endometriotic foci remains to be the gold standard for the treatment of endometriosis. More effective techniques of endoscopic approach-among others, laser application-are continually being developed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic treatment with the use of CO2 laser ablation vs. electroablation with regard to pain complaints in the affected patients. The study included 48 women (aged 22-42) with varying degrees of endometriosis of the lesser pelvis. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to evaluate pain intensity before the surgery in all patients, followed by either laser ablation or electroablation of the endometriotic foci. The results of the laparoscopic treatment were monitored after 3 and 6 months postoperatively. p value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Patients from both groups reported less intensive pain before/during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) 6 months postoperatively, with more distinct tendency in the electroablation group (p = 0.004) as compared to the laser ablation group (p = 0.025). Despite the initial improvement reported at the 3-month checkup (p = 0.008), 6 months postoperatively, a statistically significant increase in pain intensity was noted in both groups (p = 0.016 and p = 0.032 for CO2 laser ablation and electroablation, respectively). Both surgical methods seem to be effective only in the treatment of endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea, whereas the intensity of other pain complaints (dyspareunia, dysuria, dyschezia, pelvic pain syndrome (PPS)) has remained on the same level.

[Prevalence of HPV DNA among male sexual partners of women diagnosed with CIN and early invasive cervical cancer]. / Wystepowanie HPV DNA u partnerów seksualnych kobiet ze sródnablonkowa neoplazja szyjki macicy--CIN i wczesnoinwazyjnym rakiem szyjki macicy.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Chronic HPV infection is indispensable for development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. First data stating that HPV transmission among heterosexual partners is very common appeared in last years. The aim of this study was to estimate the HPV infection prevalence among male sexual partners of women diagnosed with subclinical HPV infection, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early invasive cervical cancer. The study was conducted among 289 women aged 25-60 diagnosed with CIN and cervical cancer stage IA; control group consisted of 44 women aged 28-56 HPV testing using the material from retroglandular sulcus was conducted among male sexual partners of women from the study group. Testing was performed with HC2 method. In the study group, HPV infection was stated in 218 (75.43%) women and in 6 (13.63%) in control group. HPV DNA was present in 148 (51.21%) men--sexual partners of women from the study group and only 1 (2.27%) from control group. Additionally, HPV types of high and low oncogenic potential were analyzed with regard to histological diagnosis (SPI, CIN, early invasive cervical cancer). As the analysis shows, HPV infection of male sexual partners of women diagnosed with SPI and CIN is relatively high (9.09-93.33%).

[The analysis of the polymorphic variations of the dopamine gen transporter (DAT1) and the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome with inclusion of the phenotypic feature of sweet liking preference]. / Analiza polimorficznych wariantów genu transportera dopaminy DAT1 i transportera serotoniny 5-HTTLPR u pacjentów z zespolem zaleznosci alkoholowej z uwzglednieniem fenotypowej cechy preferencji smaku slodkiego.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between sweet-liking phenotype and the variation of the gene sequence of the dopaminergic and serotonergic system. METHODS: The study recruited 100 probands. The participants were interviewed for addiction (SSAGA-Semi Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism) and assessed with the questionnaires: MMSE, Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Anxiety, Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale. The taste was analyzed with tests to assess sensitivity to sweet taste and also smell tests were performed. Patients preferring the highest glucose volumes were called sweet likers. Statistical analyses were performed (SPSS- Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). RESULTS: Links between sweet liking phenotype and polymorphic variant of DAT1 gene were determined. The presence of DAT1 9/10 genotype increased three fold time sweet liking phenotype (p = 0.015, odds ratio-3.00), the presence of DAT1 10/10 decreased two fold time the chance being sweet liker (p = 0.051, odds ratio-0.43). Genotype 10/10 was significantly more common among sweet dislikers 10/10 (68.18% vs 47.92%) i 9/9 (6.82% vs 2.08%). CONCLUSIONS; A genetically significant association between the presence of 9/10 DAT1 VNTR genotype and a sweet-liking phenotype in probands was determined.

The effect of selected polymorphisms of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 and the ANKK-1 on the preference of concentrations of sucrose solutions in men with alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the influence of DRD2 gene polymorphisms in exon 8 G/A (rs 6276) in the promoter region -141 C Ins/Del (rs1799732) and the influence of ANKK-1 gene Taq-1A polymorphism (rs 1800497) on the preference of increasing sucrose concentrations in men with alcohol dependence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 63 male patients with alcohol dependence were genotyped for the above polymorphisms. Their preference for increasing sucrose concentrations was tested and their taste intensity perception of sucrose solutions was assessed. The patients were tested with the 'Sniffin' Sticks' olfactory test. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant association between some alleles of ANKK 1 gene Taq 1A polymorphisms and sucrose preference in the subjects. The A1 Taq 1A allele determined hedonistic response to the two highest concentrations of sucrose. No association was found regarding the other two polymorphisms (in the promoter region and in the exon 8 of the DRD2 gene). CONCLUSIONS: Study results suggest Taq-1A polymorphism plays a role in the preference to high concentrations of sucrose and its potential association with alcohol dependence pathogenesis.

The profession of psycho-oncologist in Poland as an example of inadequate legal regulation in the area of health care. / Zawód psychoonkologa w Polsce jako przyklad niewlasciwej regulacji prawnej w obszarze ochrony zdrowia.

The profession of psycho-oncologist in Poland is not sufficiently regulated by law. The issue is further complicated by the fact that this profession has not been classified by the legislature in the group of medical professions, but only in the group of allied health professions. Currently, according to the Regulation of the Minister of Health on guaranteed services in the field of hospital treatment, a psycho-oncologist is a person with higher medical education, i.e. a graduate of a medical university, for example a doctor or a nurse, who has fulfilled the additional condition of completing postgraduate studies in psycho-oncology. It is thus clear that the legal definition of the profession of a psycho-oncologist remaining in force is inconsistent with the regulation of this profession in force since 2018, resulting from the announcement of the same minister in the Polish Qualifications Framework (PQF - Polska Rama Kwalifikacji, abbrev. PRK). This is because the PQF limits the group of persons who may obtain a qualification in the area of psycho-oncological diagnosis and treatment to psychologists and psychiatrists only, thus limiting the group of persons authorised to practise the profession of a psycho-oncologist. An additional legal problem results from significant differences in the nature of the professions of a medical doctor and psychologist, due to the fact that the Act on the Profession of a Psychologist does not apply in practice, despite remaining in force formally. Thus, a psychologist who practises the profession of a psycho-oncologist, might additionally be a subject to the lack of legal regulation of their "foundation profession", for example due to the fact that it is impossible for a psychologist to obtain a licence to practise their profession, as there is no body to grant them such a licence. Finally, it should not be overlooked that, in addition to the two contradictory regulations of the profession of a psycho-oncologist mentioned above (Regulation of the Minister of Health and the PQF), there also exists a third path to obtain the so-called psycho-oncologist certificate, awarded by the Polish Psycho-oncology Society (Polskie Towarzystwo Psychoonkologiczne - PTPO). At present, persons certified via this path, who include, apart from psychologists and doctors, also representatives of other professions, such as nurses or clergy employed in hospices, will in the majority of cases not be able to formally practise the profession, because the legislature has not provided for the recognition of certificates issued by the PTPO as equivalent to obtaining a psycho-oncological qualification in the context of the above-mentioned regulations.

Assessment of Navigated Pedicle Screws From Intraoperative Imaging: A Prospective Study of Accuracy and Agreement.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative (IO) image guidance surgery using 3-dimensional fluoroscopic navigation methods, such as the O-arm system, has improved the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in instrumented spine surgery. IO and postoperative (PO) validation of the implant's correct position from radiological images is a decisive step to ensure patient safety and avoidance of complications related to implant misplacement. In this prospective single-center study, the authors investigated the accuracy and agreement of assessment of pedicle screws from IO O-arm images in comparison to PO computed tomography images. This study aimed to determine whether final evaluation of pedicle screws can safely be conducted from IO images that supersedes the PO computed tomography control. METHODS: A prospective single-center study was carried out at the Spine Unit in the Department of Orthopedics at Umeå University Hospital between 2019 and 2021. All patients enrolled in the study underwent instrumented thoracolumbar spine surgery using navigation. Imaging data were obtained from IO and PO examinations. Four reviewers-2 attending senior spine surgeons, 1 final year resident in orthopedics, and 1 attending neuroradiologist-classified pedicle screws using the Gertzbein and Robbins classification system. Agreement and accuracy of the reviewers were studied to evaluate the assessment of pedicle screws from IO and PO images. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (422 screws) were included in the study. There was high accuracy among surgeons both on IO and PO images (0.96-0.97, 95% CI [0.94-0.99] and 0.97, 95% CI [0.94-0.99], respectively), and the overall agreement between all raters was 92% to 98% (95% CI [0.90, 1.00]). The discrepancy in assessment between optimal (Group 1) and suboptimal (Group 2) screws between IO and PO images was as low as 1% to 1.7%, which indicates that very few suboptimal screws are missed in the assessment of IO images. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of navigated pedicle screws using IO images is safe and reliable and may replace the need for further assessment using PO imaging.

Gut microbiota alterations in schizophrenia might be related to stress exposure: Findings from the machine learning analysis.

Specific mechanisms underlying gut microbiota alterations in schizophrenia remain unknown. We aimed to compare gut microbiota between patients with schizophrenia and controls, taking into consideration exposure stress across lifespan, dietary habits, metabolic parameters and clinical manifestation. A total of 142 participants, including 89 patients with schizophrenia and 52 controls, were recruited. Gut microbiota were analyzed using the 16 S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, biochemical parameters related to glucose homeostasis, lipid profile and inflammation were assessed. Increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus as well as decreased abundance of Faecalibacterium and Paraprevotella were found in patients with schizophrenia. The machine learning analysis demonstrated that between-group differences in gut microbiota were associated with psychosocial stress (a history of childhood trauma, greater cumulative exposure to stress across lifespan and higher level of perceived stress), poor nutrition (lower consumption of vegetables and fish products), lipid profile alterations (lower levels of high-density lipoproteins) and cognitive impairment (worse performance of attention). Our findings indicate that gut microbiota alterations in patients with schizophrenia, including increased abundance of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus) and decreased abundance of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (Faecalibacterium and Paraprevotella) might be associated with exposure to stress, poor dietary habits, lipid profile alterations and cognitive impairment.

Anxiety, depression and quality of life: a longitudinal study involving cancer patient-caregiver dyads.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to analyse the relationships between anxiety, depression and quality of life in cancer patient-caregiver dyads during the first 6 months after the diagnosis using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM). PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: Sixty-seven cancer patient-caregiver dyads completed the following questionnaires in a prospective longitudinal design, with two assessment points at a 6month interval, T1 (45-60) and T2 (180-200 days after diagnosis): the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Descriptive statistics, t-test and bivariate correlations were applied. The APIM was used to analyse the influence of anxiety and depression (T1) on own (actor effect) and partner (partner effect) quality of life in T2. RESULTS: The results did not reveal any differences between T1 and T2 in anxiety and depression in caregivers and patients. Assessing the differences between T1 and T2 with respect to quality of life, the caregiver results showed an improvement in physical functioning and bodily pain, but lower social functioning and mental health scores. For patients, significantly lower scores were observed in general health and vitality scores. Dyadic analysis showed an actor effect of anxiety and depression on most of the quality of life domains and a partner effect in caregiver depression (T1) and general health in patients (T2). CONCLUSIONS: The early assessment of anxiety and depression may help to prevent declines in quality of life in the first few months following a diagnosis of cancer in patient-caregiver dyads.

Effectiveness of the Unified Barlow Protocol (UP) and neuropsychological treatment in cancer survivors for cognitive impairments: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors frequently develop cognitive impairment, which negatively affects their quality of life and emotional well-being. This study compares the effectiveness of a well-established treatment (neuropsychological treatment) with the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) to reduce these cognitive deficits and evaluate the effect of both treatments on anxiety-depressive symptoms and the quality of life of cancer survivors. METHODS: A three-arm, randomized superiority clinical trial with a pre-post and repeated follow-up measures intergroup design using a 1:1:1 allocation ratio will be performed. One hundred and twenty-three cancer survivors with mild to moderate cognitive impairment will be randomly assigned to one of the study interventions: a cognitive rehabilitation intervention group, an intervention group with UP intervention, or a control group on the waiting list. The primary outcome is to observe a significant improvement in cognitive function in both intervention groups and a significant decrease in emotional impairments in comparison with the waitlist group. Improvements in anxiety, depression, and quality of life are also expected as secondary outcomes. These results will be maintained at 6 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: The aim of this trial is to test the efficacy of the UP intervention in reducing cognitive deficits in breast cancer survivors. The results of this trial may be useful in reducing the presence of cognitive problems in cancer survivors and improving their emotional state and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05289258. Registered 12 March 2022, v01.

Efficacy of a Combined Acceptance and Commitment Intervention to Improve Psychological Flexibility and Associated Symptoms in Cancer Patients: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Psychological flexibility is a key concept of acceptation and commitment therapy (ACT). This factor has been linked with psychological wellbeing and associated factors, such as quality of life, in cancer patients. These and other positive results of acceptation and commitment therapy in cancer patients found in previous research could be enhanced by using mhealth tools. A three-arm randomized superiority clinical trial, with a pre-post-follow-up repeated measures intergroup design with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio is proposed. A hundred and twenty cancer patients will be randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: (1) face-to-face ACT + mobile application (app), (2) face-to-face ACT, and (3) Waitlist control group. The primary expected outcome is to observe significant improvements in psychological flexibility acceptance and action questionnaire- II (AAQ-II) in the face-to-face ACT + app group, after comparing baseline and post-treatment scores, and the scores will remain stable in the two assessment points, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Secondary expected outcomes are significant increasing scores in quality of life (EORTC QLQ C-30) and post-traumatic-growth (PTGI-SF), and significant decreasing scores in anxiety and depression (HADS), insomnia (ISI) and fatigue (BFI) at the same assessment points. Also, it is expected that the scores of this group will be higher than the scores of the face-to-face ACT group and the waitlist control group. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a combined intervention (face-to face ACT + app) for psychological flexibility and associated symptoms in cancer patients. The results of this protocol may help to consider the use of acceptation and commitment therapy and mhealth applications in cancer settings as a valid therapeutic choice. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT05126823].

[Anxiety and body image among women growing up in families with addiction problem]. / Lek a obraz wlasnego ciala u kobiet dorastajqcych w rodzinie z problemem uzaleznienia.

AIM: The aim of the study was to analyse the correlation between body image and anxiety symptoms as well as psychological discomfort experienced by women growing up in alcoholic families. METHOD: The group of 61 women (27 years old on average) was surveyed with Body Self Questionnaire and MMPI-2 personality test questionnaires and the results were measured on Scale 7 (Pt). All the participants also attended psychotherapy sessions focused on disorders resulting from growing up in families with alcohol problems. RESULTS: The analysis showed negative correlation (p < 0.05) between the results of Scale 7 (Pt) and one's body acceptance (r = -0.44), attitude to eating (r = -0.3), femininity disclosure (r = -0.28)and the experience of intimate relations (r = -0.27). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that disordered body image is related to the symptoms described by Scale 7 (Pt): tendency to react with fear, worriment, stronger discomfort in social situations, fear of rejection, difficulties in interpersonal relations, poor self-confidence as well as perfectionism and tensed behaviour. A crucial factor that could improve the effectiveness of therapies for women from alcoholic families appears to be an attempt to combine the experience of oneself in physical and emotional spheres, as well as functioning cognitive schemes.

The influence of family social support on quality of life of informal caregivers of cancer patients.

AIM: Caregivers of cancer patients are at high risk of experiencing impairments in terms of anxiety, depression and quality of life. This study examines the mediation capacity that perceived emotional support can have after diagnosis and six months later between depression and anxiety after diagnosis and quality of life in informal caregivers of cancer patients. DESIGN: A sample of 67 informal caregivers of cancer patients was used. This study is longitudinal, ex post facto prospective, with convenience sampling. METHODS: Participants completed the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Berlin Social Support Scale (BSSS) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data were collected between March 2017 and November 2018. RESULTS: Spearman's correlation analysis showed that anxiety, depression and perceived emotional support were related to quality of life. The mediation analysis showed that the relationship between depression after diagnosis and quality of life six months later was mediated by perceived emotional support.